👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

🥫 A Food Bank Battle
🚔 Police Grants
🍺 Wildwood Brewery Update

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

🥫 West County Cities Battle to Fill Food Banks

STL's biggest food drive is back for its fifth year, with Ellisville and Wildwood leading the way with early announcements. More cities are expected to join the November competition, which pits local Parks and Recreation departments against each other to collect the most donations.

🚔 County OKs Police Safety Grants

St. Louis County Police Department is receiving $2.4 million in grant funding to enhance public safety operations. The funding package, set to be signed by County Executive Sam Page, will support various initiatives including child protection, drug enforcement, and efforts to curb dangerous driving.

🗳️ Council Attorney Vote Set for November

The St. Louis County Council is seeking to establish its own legal department. If voters approve Proposition C next week, the council would gain authority to hire attorneys independent from the county executive's office. The move mirrors the current structure at the St. Louis Board of Aldermen.

📍 STL Mag Maps Out 10 Nearby Trips

St. Louis Magazine is making weekend planning easier with their latest roundup of nearby escapes. Their new guide features ten spots perfect for a quick getaway, including eagle watching in Grafton and exploring Hermann's cozy wine country.

Business

🍺 Council OKs Tweaks to Brewery Blueprint

The Wildwood City Council has approved key modifications for the Good News Brewing development. At the October 14 public hearing, council members reviewed and accepted reduced setback distances at the former West County Feed Store site. While code typically requires 50-foot setbacks, the council approved distances of 12-26 feet for parking and structures.

📋 West County Business Updates

The West Newsmagazine has compiled a list of business developments across our area. Their report covers significant changes at local organizations, including educational expansions, retail developments, and leadership recognition in Chesterfield, Wildwood, and Manchester.

💪 BackStoppers Bootcamp Set for Nov 2

Alloy Personal Training Wildwood has organized a charity fitness event to benefit local first responders. The November 2 bootcamp welcomes participants of all fitness levels to an outdoor workout next to the Main Street movie theater. The 45-minute session starts at 9am with a $20 donation to BackStoppers.

🌙 Fast Food is Frightfully Fun at Wendy's

Wendy's restaurants across the area are introducing a new Halloween-themed meal package for adults through November 3rd. The "Boo! Bags" include a Dave's Single burger, fries, Frosty, and a glow-in-the-dark collectible figure. Each purchase includes a coupon book with free Jr. Frostys and benefits adoption programs.

School District Highlights

🧼 Rockwood Families Need Supply Help

Rockwood Gives Back has identified critical shortages at their local donation center. The organization's volunteers report that cleaning supplies and household essentials are among their most-needed items. Tax-deductible donations can be dropped off at the Early Childhood Center in Eureka during business hours.

City Highlights

Ballwin

🚓 Cops and Kids Angle for Fun at Park This Weekend

A morning of fishing fun is planned for this Saturday (November 2nd) at New Ballwin Park. The Cops and Bobbers event will pair Ballwin Police Officers with young anglers for a two-hour fishing competition. Children 12 and under should bring their own fishing equipment, though limited supplies will be available. The event includes lunch.

Chesterfield

🏃 Annual Turkey Trot Returning Next Month

The Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex will continue its holiday tradition this November. The 25th annual Turkey Trot 5K and Fun Run returns on Thanksgiving morning, offering both adult and kid-friendly races. Early bird registration is available for $25 through October 31st, with the main event starting at 8:30am. Learn more / register here.

Eureka

💰 Allenton Bridge Needs $10M More

The planned replacement of Eureka's Allenton Bridge has encountered significant funding challenges. The project, which secured necessary approvals from MODOT and railroad companies this summer, received a single bid of $16.5 million, with additional costs bringing the total to $19 million - far exceeding the city's $9 million budget.

Manchester

🌿 Schroeder Park Hosting Community Clean-Up Event

Schroeder Park is hosting a fall clean-up event focused on removing harmful plants. On Saturday (November 2nd), the Honeysuckle Hack will welcome volunteers of all ages from 8:30am 10:30am. The parks department will supply tools, protective gear, and breakfast treats.

Town & Country

💰 T&C Approves New Property Tax

Town & Country residents will see a new property tax on their bills this year for the first time in over two decades. The Board of Aldermen approved a 23-cent levy per $100 of assessed value to address ongoing budget shortfalls. The tax will generate $2.37 million for the city's $20 million budget.

Upcoming Events

Visit our full community calendar here for a comprehensive list of events.

📆 Next 7 Days

THANKS!

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