👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

🏢 County HQ to Move
📚 SLCL Wins a Big Library Prize
⛷️ A Successful Ski Season at Hidden Valley

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

🏢 County Building Must Move By 2028

St. Louis County leaders are facing decisions about their government headquarters. The Lawrence K. Roos Building must meet fire safety requirements by 2028, but there isn't enough time for renovations. Officials are considering temporary spaces while they develop long-term solutions for the aging facility.

📚 County Library Receives Major Award

The St. Louis County Library has received national recognition for its community service work. The system was awarded the Jerry Kline Community Impact Prize, which includes $250,000 in funding. Library Journal selected the SLCL system for its successful collaboration with local government and dedication to serving residents.

👮 Learn the Ropes at Local Police Academy

Eight West County police departments are continuing their tradition of community education with the upcoming Citizens Police Academy. Beginning March 5th in Creve Coeur, the program gives residents an inside look at law enforcement operations. The course includes police ride-alongs, role-play scenarios, and training in constitutional law. Interested in participating? Learn more here.

💼 County Revenue Chief: Tax Delays Until Feb 8

The St. Louis County Revenue Department is currently working through a significant backlog of property tax payments. A combination of 40% staff vacancy and winter weather mail disruptions has slowed processing times considerably. Officials anticipate completing all payment processing by mid-February, and confirm no penalties for timely postmarked payments.

Business

⛷️ Hidden Valley's Snow Show Goes On

Hidden Valley Ski Resort has maintained continuous operations since before Christmas, marking their longest season in two years. The Eureka facility currently maintains a 36-inch snow base across their slopes, with additional reserves stored for warmer periods. Management expects to continue operations through February.

🎀 Ballwin Welcomes Crave Cookies

Local officials gathered last week to welcome Crave Cookies to Ballwin. The bakery celebrated its opening with a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony.

❤️ St. Luke's Promotes Heart Health Month

St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield is marking Heart Month with an educational initiative this February. The Heart & Vascular Institute team is encouraging West County residents to focus on cardiovascular health through nutrition improvements, physical activity, and regular medical check-ups.

🐟 County Parks to Host Kids Fish Camp

St. Louis County Parks is offering their annual Fish Camp program for local youth this summer. The program teaches children fishing fundamentals and provides opportunities to catch native species. Registration opened yesterday at 8am, and the parks department will provide equipment for participants who need it. Learn more / register here.

School District Highlights

🌹 230 Stars Shine in Rockwood ROSE Race

Rockwood received nearly 230 nominations for its annual ROSE Award, recognizing excellence in service and leadership. The selection committee will evaluate all nominations before choosing 15 recipients. Winners will be surprised at their schools and honored at a special ceremony in Chesterfield this April.

📚 Rockwood Schools Mark 100 Days

Rockwood elementary students marked their 100th day of the 2024-2025 school year on Friday, January 31st. Students at multiple schools participated in educational activities centered on the number 100, including math exercises and art projects.

Chesterfield

🎾 Council Approves New Sports Facility

The Chesterfield City Council has approved plans for a new sports complex south of Wings Corporate Drive. The development will bring cricket fields, pickleball courts, and sand volleyball courts to the area. India Sports Association LLC will transform the 19.5-acre site, which includes renovating an existing house into a clubhouse.

Creve Coeur

☕ Mayor Invites Residents for Morning Chat

Mayor Robert Hoffman invites Creve Coeur residents to join him for coffee this Thursday, February 6th. The informal meeting will begin at 7:30am at the Government Center on New Ballas Road. Residents can bring questions and comments about community matters, with coffee and donuts provided.

Eureka

🚒 New Chief Brings Fresh Fire to Eureka

The Eureka Fire Protection District is seeing its first leadership change in three decades with new chief Scott Barthelmass. The department faces growing demands, responding to a record 3,330 calls last year. Barthelmass plans to address rising costs and staffing needs while maintaining the district's strong community presence.

🎓 1927 Snapshot: A School on the Hill

The Eureka Historical Society recently shared a compelling 1927 photograph of the city's second high school building. Located at 500 North Central Avenue, the 1909 structure served the community from its hilltop perch for decades. When student population growth demanded more space in 1936, a new building was added in front, with the two structures sharing a connecting hallway.

Manchester

🏅 MPD Supports Special Olympics Basketball

Special Olympics athletes recently competed in an area basketball tournament with support from local law enforcement. The Manchester Police Department's Lt. Nicole Priest presented medals at the Wentzville Middle School event.

Wildwood

🛑 New J-Turns Coming to Route 100

After months of planning, Wildwood's Route 100 is getting a significant safety upgrade. The city's engineering consultant GBA has finalized design plans for new J-turns along the highway. Tree clearing begins in March, with major construction kicking off April 7th. The project aims to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents along this busy corridor.

💧 Watershed Study Makes a Splash

A new USGS study of Caulks Creek Watershed has identified key solutions for local erosion control. The research, completed in late 2024, confirms that upgrading existing detention basins and adding new storage facilities could effectively address ongoing erosion challenges in the area.

☕ Meet Your Mayor This Thursday

Wildwood residents have an opportunity to speak directly with Mayor Garritano this Thursday. The February 6th Coffee with the Mayor session begins at 7:30am in the Community Room, offering a casual setting for discussing community matters and sharing ideas about Wildwood's future.

Upcoming Events

THANKS!

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