👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

👮 Police Academy Docu-Series
🥫 Library Food Drive
🚧 Mall Demolition Begins

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

👮 New Series Shows Academy Training

The St. Louis County Police Department has created a new documentary series following police recruits through their academy training. The series documents Recruit Class 209's complete journey from their first day through graduation. New episodes are released every Monday on the department's YouTube channel here.

🥫 Food Drive Returns to Local Libraries

St. Louis County Library branches will begin accept food donations between December 9th and January 31st. The annual drive supports Operation Food Search's efforts to address hunger in our community. Needed items include canned meats, fish, fruit, beans, soup, diced tomatoes, tomato paste and spaghetti sauce.

🏃 Quick Action Foils ATM Heist in T&C

Town and Country officers successfully stopped an ATM break-in attempt Wednesday evening. The incident began with reports of suspicious activity at a local ATM. After a brief pursuit northbound on Mason Road, police used tire deflation devices to safely stop the vehicle near Clayton Road, leading to the suspect's arrest.

🗺️ Adventure Race Returns Saturday

The Castlewood 8-Hour Adventure Race returns to West County this Saturday for its 20th year. Teams must navigate through local parks and waterways by paddling, biking, and hiking while searching for checkpoints. Race organizers keep the exact location secret until Friday evening, adding an extra challenge for the 300 registered participants.

Business

🚧 Chesterfield Mall Coming Down

Demolition crews began the main phase of tearing down Chesterfield Mall this week, marking a significant change for the area. The Staenberg Group is transforming the former shopping center into a $2 billion downtown development project featuring apartments, restaurants, retail spaces, and recreational areas. The demolition continues through spring, with the first residential buildings expected in 2028.

🎯 New Play Zone Coming to Ellisville

Chuck E. Cheese is expanding beyond arcade games and pizza in Ellisville. The new Adventure Zone addition, coming in 2025, will feature trampoline areas and obstacle courses designed for younger children. The expansion focuses on providing safe, dedicated spaces where kids can stay active without competing with older children.

🛍️ Santa & Shopping Unite at The Hub

The Hub STL is transforming into a winter wonderland this Saturday evening, combining holiday shopping with a chance to give back. Local vendors will showcase their wares while Santa makes a special appearance for photos with those who bring Toys for Tots donations. The festive market will runs from 5-8pm.

💉 Mercy, Anthem Reach Agreement

A major healthcare agreement was reached Wednesday between Mercy and Anthem Blue Cross. The new contract ensures that West County residents can continue receiving care at all Mercy facilities in 2025. The deal covers employer-based plans, Medicare Advantage, and marketplace insurance plans.

School District Highlights

🌟 300+ Join Girls on the Run Program

Eleven Rockwood elementary schools saw strong participation in Girls on the Run this school year. The program combined physical activity with important life skills training for 309 students in grades 3-5. Volunteer coaches led sessions on managing emotions, making decisions, and resolving conflicts, with each season concluding in a celebratory 5K run.

Creve Coeur

📰 December City Newsletter Available Now

Creve Coeur's December newsletter is now available on the city website here.

Ellisville

🎅 Family Night at Bluebird Park

Bluebird Park is hosting a holiday activity for young children tonight. The outdoor event includes a candy cane hunt with flashlights, refreshments, and time with Santa. Registration costs $6 per child and must be completed in advance here.

🎄 Snow Globe Hunt Dazzles at Bluebird Park

Bluebird Park in Ellisville has installed sixteen decorative snow globes throughout its grounds for the holiday season. Most of the seasonal decorations can be viewed during a drive through the park, with two requiring a short walk to find. Several globes feature artwork on both sides.

Town & Country

🎄 T&C's Winter Wonderland to Take Over Town Square

The annual Winterfest returns to Town & Country this Saturday with activities for all ages. Families can take free photos with Santa, shop at the holiday market, and visit Santa's Workshop for children's crafts. Special guests include Frosty and the Grinch. Local school choirs will perform throughout the afternoon. All activities are free. All details about the festival are available on the city’s website here.

Wildwood

🎅 Holiday Fest Coming to Town Center

The city of Wildwood is hosting its annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Town Center on December 7. From 3 to 5:30pm, families can enjoy visits with Santa, shop from local vendors, and listen to the Kingsbury Place Singers. English Sweep will provide s'mores, and the event supports Toys for Tots with toy donations.

Valley Park

🎅 Santa Visiting Leonard Park Dec 8

Valley Park's annual Santa and Reindeer event is moving to a new location this year. Families can visit Leonard Park at on Sunday (December 8th) between 1 and 4pm.

THANKS!

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