👋 Good Morning, West County!

General News

🐱 Cat-Filled Mansion Owner Faces Charges

The Wildwood home where 180 cats were discovered last September is back in the news. Elizabeth Fischer, daughter of the elderly couple who owned the mansion, has been arrested on federal charges of access device fraud and identity theft. Prosecutors allege she used her deceased mother's accounts for personal purchases and took control of her father's finances after he was placed under court-appointed guardianship.

🏥 MO Supreme Court Upholds Prop A

The Missouri Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that Proposition A is valid. The court rejected claims from the Missouri Chamber of Commerce that the measure violated the state’s single-subject rule by addressing both minimum wage and paid sick leave. Starting May 1, Missouri employees will earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, as voters approved in November.

🚓 County Police Join Anti-Crime Task Force

The St. Louis County Police has become part of the Gateway Regional Criminal Interdiction Task Force under Governor Kehoe's Safer Missouri plan. The initiative follows a model that reduced auto thefts by 44% in St. Charles County. More than 10 departments are now working together with specialized units to address crime throughout our communities.

🚨 County Police Want Your Alarm Input

The St. Louis County Police Department is seeking feedback. Throughout May, the department is collecting public comments on General Order 030 - Alarm System Code, which governs how officers respond to security alarms at homes and businesses. Residents can complete an online survey here.

Business

💙 YMCA Honors Child Champion With Playground

Last Saturday the Gateway Region YMCA dedicated a new inclusive playground at their Adaptive Sports Complex in Chesterfield. Named after Laurie McTearnen, the playground honors her 41-year career developing childcare and inclusion programs. McTearnen's work implementing adaptive support services has significantly impacted families throughout our community.

🧀 Creve Coeur Gets Cheesy New Grazing Spot

Graze Craze is opening a new location in Creve Coeur this Friday at 2pm. The shop will specialize in charcuterie and grazing boards.

🧸 Schnucks Hosts Diaper Drive This Week

Area Schnucks stores are collecting diapers for the St. Louis Crisis Nursery from through May 6th. Shoppers can contribute diapers or make cash donations at any location. The Crisis Nursery particularly needs sizes 4-6, which children wear for longer periods, with the organization using approximately 500,000 diapers each year to support local families.

School District Highlights

📵 Parkway Restricts Student Phone Use

The Parkway School Board has approved a district-wide cell phone policy after a year-long study. Starting next school year, phones will be banned for elementary and middle school students, while high school students will face restrictions during instructional time. Previously, policies varied between schools. According to surveys, 63% of parents and teachers supported stricter rules.

Ballwin

👋 Ballwin Bids Adieu to Mayor Pogue

This week Mayor Tim Pogue completed his final Board of Aldermen meeting in Ballwin. The longtime public official served as an alderman from 2004 to 2009 before becoming mayor for 16 years from 2009 to 2025. The Board formally acknowledged his extensive service to the community during Monday night's meeting.

Creve Coeur

🏛️ Creve Coeur Swears In Council Members

Creve Coeur held its official swearing-in ceremony during Monday's City Council meeting. Four council members took their oaths: Nicole Greer (Ward 2), David Hoffman (Ward 3), Mark Manlin (Ward 1), and Mara Berry (Ward 4). The city also recognized Tim Carney and Joe Martinich, who completed their four-year terms of service on the council.

Des Peres

 🙏 Des Peres Officers Honor Fallen Heroes

Des Peres Department of Public Safety members attended the 33rd Annual Memorial Prayer Breakfast hosted by the St. Louis Area Police Chiefs Association. The event honored officers who have died in the line of duty, including Des Peres Officer John L. Oberkramer, who passed on December 24, 1978. Chief Eric Hall, Mayor Mark Becker, and City Administrator Scott Schaefer joined Oberkramer's family at the ceremony.

Manchester

🏗️ Park Renovation Faces New Setback

Manchester's $2 million Schroeder Park playground renovation is facing another delay. A recent geotechnical report showed the hillside is too unstable for the planned water retention basin, forcing officials to find alternative solutions. This pushes the reopening back two more months, adding to several previous delays that have affected the project since its 2020 conception.

💦 Pool Season Passes on Sale Now

The Manchester Aquatic Center has announced their Early Bird Pool Pass sale running through May 23rd. Residents can purchase individual passes starting at $72 for children/seniors and $99 for adults, while family packages begin at $162. Non-residents can also purchase passes at higher rates. These discounted passes are available at the Parks Building.

Town & Country

🎖️ T&C Officials at Memorial Prayer Event

This week Town and Country Police attended a solemn ceremony alongside city leadership. The 33rd Annual Police Officer Memorial Prayer Breakfast brought together law enforcement to honor those lost in the line of duty.

Upcoming Events

THANKS!

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