👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

🎯 2050 Plan Input
🌟 Local Voice Success
💪 Chesterfield YMCA Expansion Complete

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

🏘️ County Seeking Input on 2050 Plan

St. Louis County officials are organizing three open house events this week, the first of which is tonight, to gather community input for the 2050 Comprehensive Plan. Residents can provide feedback on housing affordability, transportation, and sustainability initiatives. The events include free meals, children's activities, and chances to win Winter Wonderland tickets.

🎤 Eureka Alum Advances on 'The Voice'

Former Eureka High School student Lauren-Michael Sellers earned recognition from all four judges during her audition on NBC's The Voice. The special education teacher, now based in Nashville, chose Reba McEntire as her coach and successfully advanced through the battle rounds. This week she has participated in the show’s knockout stage.

🐾 County Shelter Plans Major Changes

The St. Louis County animal shelter in Olivette will temporarily stop accepting volunteers when county management resumes control from the Animal Protective Association in February. The facility, which houses approximately 230 animals, currently relies on 389 volunteers who have contributed 2,500 service hours this year. Officials say the pause will allow time to implement new procedures.

🏛️ County Legal System Faces Budget Gap

Financial problems at the St. Louis County Prosecutor's office have reached a critical point. The office can't cover salaries through year-end without emergency funding from the County Council. Basic operations are already affected, with the office unable to purchase supplies or pay for essential law enforcement database access.

Business

🏋️ Chesterfield Y Adds Three New Studios

The Chesterfield YMCA has completed construction on three new fitness spaces, expanding options for local members. The project features a dedicated cycling studio, group exercise room, and mind-body studio, along with a new hallway connecting the East and West buildings. The facilities open November 11, coinciding with their membership promotion.

🌊 Brookdale Farms Bounces Back After Flood

Mother Nature threw quite a party at Brookdale Farms last week, but the local venue isn't letting the flood dampen their spirits. The Meramec and Big Rivers spilled over their banks, submerging 250 acres of the 300-acre property. While buildings sustained damage and debris scattered across the grounds, all people and animals remained safe.

📊 Local Business News Roundup

The West Newsmagazine has published its latest Business Briefs covering businesses in the area. The comprehensive roundup features news about Narwhal's Crafted's expansion, Simple Financials LLC's recent acquisition, and the Progress 64 West awards ceremony scheduled for November 27.

School District Highlights

🇺🇸 Parkway Honors Local Veterans

Parkway welcomed veterans from the local community for a series of Veterans Day events this week. The district organized assemblies, classroom visits, and student parades across multiple schools. Veterans shared their experiences with students while participating in organized activities designed to honor their service.

🇺🇸 Rockwood Salutes Service Members

Special assemblies and community gatherings also marked Veterans Day across Rockwood schools. The district-wide celebration brought veterans and service members into classrooms and auditoriums for recognition events.

City Highlights

Ballwin

👮 Ballwin PD Welcomes Fresh Face to Force

After spending a year maintaining Ballwin's beautiful parks, Shayne Manetzke is trading in his work boots for a police badge. The new officer completed his academy training while working for Parks & Recreation, demonstrating impressive dedication to both roles. He was officially sworn in as Ballwin's newest police officer on Thursday.

Ellisville

🦌 Candy Cane Chase Lights Up Bluebird Park

Mark your calendars for a twinkling adventure at Bluebird Park next month on Friday, December 6th. From 5-6pm, young treasure hunters will light up the evening searching for hidden candy canes. The hour-long event will feature hot cocoa, cookies, and a special appearance by Santa himself. Pre-registration is required at here.

Manchester

🎖️ Veterans Gather for Special Post 208 Meal

American Legion Post 208 in Manchester hosted a special breakfast this morning to honor local veterans. The event featured appearances by Miss Missouri and Miss Teen Missouri, while Fox 2, KMOV-TV, and The Vic Porcelli Show covered the celebrations. Manchester Parks staff and Parkway South students helped coordinate the successful gathering.

Town & Country

🎖️ T&C Veterans Memorial Breaks Ground

Construction began on Veterans Day for a new memorial in Town & Country. The Military and First Responders Tribute groundbreaking ceremony took place at Town Square, marking the start of this community project. Local police and officials gathered to honor veterans' service during the event.

Wildwood

🎅 Santa's Mailbox Arrives at City Hall

Wildwood City Hall is continuing its annual holiday tradition this year. From Thanksgiving through December 18, a special red mailbox will be available in the building's front vestibule for children to send letters to Santa. Parents should ensure their child's name and address are included to receive a response from the North Pole.

Valley Park

🚒 VP Parents Meet Fire Heroes Tomorrow

Valley Park's youngest residents have a special date with local heroes tonight. The Valley Park School District's Parents as Teachers and Early Childhood Program is hosting a family night at the Valley Park Firehouse. The event kicks off at 6pm, offering families a chance to explore the station and meet firefighters.

THANKS!

Thanks for reading this edition of the ⚡️ West County Pulse newsletter. If you found something useful, please share it with a friend!

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