👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

🛣️ Turkey Season Holiday Traffic Safety
🌟 Lego Hospital Joy
🍪 Ballwin Cookie Shop Opening

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

🛣️ Extra Patrols for Turkey Travelers

Missouri's highway safety efforts are ramping up for the Thanksgiving travel period. State Highway Patrol announced increased enforcement from November 27 through December 1, responding to last year's concerning statistics of nine deaths and over 1,300 crashes. Officers will focus on seatbelt compliance and preventing distracted driving.

🌟 Creve Coeur Resident Makes Lego Gifts

One of our Creve Coeur neighbors is making a difference at local hospitals. Jen Seitz discovered Legos during a visit to her daughter in Florida last March. While undergoing treatment for intestinal cancer, she began creating Lego "friendship flowers" for other patients at the hospital. Her thoughtful project has led to creating over a thousand flowers and a position building store displays for Lego.

🎥 Library Adds GoPro Gear to Go

The St. Louis County Library has expanded its lending services to include GoPro Hero 12 Black camera kits. Library cardholders can now check out these durable cameras along with mounting accessories, memory cards, and protective carrying cases for capturing outdoor activities.

🛣️ MoDOT Announces Major I-64 Updates

A significant interstate improvement project is in the works for I-64. MoDOT recently presented plans for an $87 million renovation between Kingshighway and Jefferson, focusing on bridge replacements and ramp improvements. The changes will affect West County residents who regularly travel downtown for work or entertainment.

🚧 I-270 Bridge Work to Disrupt Ladue Rd Traffic

Bridge demolition work is coming to the I-270 crossing at Ladue Road. Beginning today (November 22nd) at 8pm, crews will close Ladue beneath the interstate until Monday morning at 5am. The closure allows workers to remove outer bridge sections, making way for future widening projects.

Business

🍪 New Cookie Shop Opens Saturday

The newest addition to West County's dessert options arrives this weekend. Crave Cookies will celebrate its grand opening in Ballwin on Saturday at 10:30am. The shop plans to distribute 1,500 complimentary chocolate chip cookies during the event.

🎄 All Aboard Eureka's Holiday Shopping Train

Local businesses in Eureka are coming together for a special holiday shopping event. The Old Towne Holiday Express will take place this tomorrow (Saturday) from 2pm to 8:30pm along Central Avenue. Seven participating businesses, including Sarah's On Central and The Rose & Hook, will offer exclusive coupons to shoppers who visit each location.

🍗 Food Bank Fundraiser Ends Saturday

St. Louis Area Food Bank's partnership with local Chick-fil-A restaurants concludes this weekend. The fundraiser runs through tomorrow (Saturday) at all locations, including West County restaurants. Portions of nugget tray purchases support the food bank's community programs during regular business hours.

🎯 Million-Dollar Bet on Local Dreamers

The St. Louis area is about to welcome 20 new innovative businesses to its entrepreneurial ecosystem. Arch Grants announced $75,000-$100,000 awards to each company in their 13th annual cohort, including creative ventures like stadium-ready adult ice cream and self-sufficient planters. The nonprofit's only requirement is that recipients must call St. Louis home for a year.

School District Highlights

🏫 Rockwood Hosts Budget Planning Meet

Rockwood held its second strategic planning meeting at Eureka High School on November 12th. Thirty community members reviewed the district's budgeting process and discussed how facility projects are selected. Future meetings will cover staff quality in January and school safety in February at different high school locations.

City Highlights

Creve Coeur

🚔 Police to Host Active Shooter Safety Class

The Creve Coeur Police Department is offering a free civilian response class on Thursday, December 5th. During the 90-minute lecture, officers will present active shooter statistics, current trends, and teach the "Run, Hide, Fight" methodology. Interested residents can register through the Crime Prevention Office at 314-442-2075.

💧 5,000 Feet of New Sewers Coming Soon

Underground changes are coming to Creve Coeur as MSD Project Clear takes on an ambitious sewer replacement project. The initiative will swap out 5,000 feet of aging wastewater sewers to combat basement flooding and overflow issues. Residents can learn more about the construction timeline and impact during a virtual meeting next week on November 26th at 6pm. Learn more on the city’s website here.

Ellisville

🎅 Santa's Special Mailbox Arrives in Ellisville

A special mailbox for Santa's letters is coming to the Ellisville Park Administration Building. The Parks department will collect letters from November 29th through December 19th, ensuring each reaches the North Pole. Children who include their full name and return address will receive a personal response from Santa.

Eureka

🥫 Feed the Masses: Final Days to Give

Time is running short in a friendly competition that could help feed local families in need. Eureka Parks and Recreation is gathering non-perishable food donations at The Timbers and holiday events through December's end, vying against over 20 regional departments in the Feed the Masses initiative.

Manchester

🧤 Local Scout Warming Hearts and Hands

A Parkway South student is turning his Eagle Scout aspirations into warmth for local children. David Schisler's hat and glove drive aims to collect winter gear for Carman Trails Elementary students in need. Manchester residents can drop off new or gently used items at City Hall, the Justice Center, or Parks Building through December 22nd.

🎄 Manchester's Battle of the Bulbs Underway

Looking to crown the Clark Griswold of Manchester this holiday season? The city's Parks and Recreation Department is hosting their annual outdoor decorating contest, open to both homes and businesses. Residents can enter themselves or nominate neighbors for consideration. Judges will tour displays on December 17th at 5pm, with winners receiving special prizes.

Wildwood

📢 City Unveils Frozen Feet Run

Wildwood officials have announced details for its 2025 Frozen Feet 10-Mile Trail Run. The January 25 event will begin at 8am at LaSalle Springs Middle School. The city is offering early registration incentives, including a $5 discount and guaranteed swag sizes, for runners who sign up before December 31st.

Valley Park

🎓 Valley Park Schools Share Monthly Update

The November edition of Valley Park School District's newsletter is now available for families to review.

THANKS!

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

Did I miss something? Let me know at [email protected]

Interested in advertising your business in the West County Pulse? Let’s talk