👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

🕷️ Invasive Tick Alert
🏫 Teacher Contract Battle
🌭 Steve's Dogs Win State Recognition

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

🕷️ New Tick Species Found in County

An invasive tick species has been identified in St. Louis County for the first time. Washington University researchers discovered the longhorned tick, which is known to cause serious health issues in domestic animals and livestock. The county's "Tick Watch STL" program is now expanding its monitoring efforts across the region.

🏫 Rockwood Teachers Rally for Raises

Teachers in Rockwood gathered outside multiple schools this week, including Crestview Middle and Kehrs Mill Elementary. The demonstrations focus on contract negotiations, where teachers are requesting a 16% raise over three years while the district offers 12%.

🎾 Manchester Madness Returns March 22-23

Manchester Parks and Recreation is presenting its annual Manchester Madness pickleball tournament on March 22-23 at Missouri Pickleball Club. The two-day event will run from noon to 5pm each day and offer multiple divisions for competitive play. Learn more / register here.

🔬 New STEM Programs Seek Your Input

The St. Louis County Library and Danforth Plant Science Center are developing new science and technology programs for adults in our community. Community members can provide input through a survey to help create accessible activities. Participants have a chance to win one of five $200 Visa gift cards.

Business

🌭 MSN Honors Chesterfield’s Hot Dog Spot

MSN's annual hot dog ranking has recognized a local favorite. Steve's Hot Dogs, including their Chesterfield location, has been selected as the top hot dog destination in Missouri. The business, which began as a single hot dog stand, now operates three successful locations across the St. Louis region.

🏥 St. Luke's Marks 159 Years of Care

This week St. Luke's Hospital marked 159 years of healthcare service in the St. Louis region. The system has grown from its original 25-room facility to become a major healthcare provider, now operating a 493-bed hospital in Chesterfield and a 143-bed facility in Des Peres, along with 30 locations throughout the area.

🥊 Local Boxing Event Packs $1M Charity Punch

The annual Budweiser Guns 'N Hoses boxing event has maintained its strong support for local first responder families. The November event raised $1 million for BackStoppers, marking the fourth consecutive year reaching this milestone. The organization currently assists 95 families and 70 dependent children of fallen first responders.

🏪 Daiso Coming to Chesterfield

Japanese retailer Daiso has selected Chesterfield for its newest location. The discount store, which offers a range of affordable household items and Japanese snacks, will open its doors this summer, marking its second store in the St. Louis area following their Wentzville location.

School District Highlights

🌟 Parkway Names Top Teacher for 2025

A first-grade teacher received unexpected recognition for her dedication to students this week. Mrs. Randolph earned both Elementary and District Teacher of the Year honors at Parkway, highlighting her commitment to making every student feel valued.

🏫 Rockwood Names 2025 ROSE Recipients

Fifteen individuals across the Rockwood received recognition for their exceptional service and leadership last Thursday. The ROSE Award patrol visited schools and offices throughout the day, surprising recipients with roses and balloons. Selected from 230 nominations, these honorees will be celebrated at a special ceremony in Chesterfield this April.

Ballwin

🔍 Water Company Inspecting Home Pipes

Missouri American Water is beginning an important infrastructure assessment in Ballwin. Contractors will visit homes to inspect service lines for lead materials, particularly in buildings constructed before 1965. The company aims to replace all lead pipes by 2030, though current water testing shows it meets safety regulations.

👮 Ballwin PD Names New Communications Lead

The Ballwin Police Department has appointed Shannon Schaper to serve as their new Public Information Officer. Schaper, who became an officer in 2018, brings diverse experience to the role, including work as a school resource officer, crime scene processor, and Taser instructor.

Chesterfield

🚗 Multiple Road Projects Starting Soon

The Chesterfield Police Department has issued an important notice about multiple construction projects affecting local traffic through 2025. Northbound Chesterfield Parkway West is closed from Clarkson to Wildhorse Creek Road until April 2025. Additional work includes improvements at S. Woods Mill and Conway intersection, plus upcoming Boone Bridge rehabilitation.

Creve Coeur

📰 March City Newsletter Now Online

Creve Coeur's March 2025 newsletter is now available digitally here.

Valley Park

🌟 Career Training Shapes VP Future

Valley Park High School's career preparation programs are expanding opportunities for students. The school offers four specialized organizations: HOSA for healthcare, FCCLA for family and consumer sciences, FBLA for business leadership, and TSA for technology studies. Multiple teams have qualified for state and national competitions this spring.

Upcoming Events

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