👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

• 🏆 Teen Racquetball Star

• 🥐 A Ballwin Kolache Finalist

• 🏋️ A Creve Coeur Fitness Hub Opens a New Location

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

🏆 Local Teen Smashes into World Racquetball

Wildwood's Grant Williams is making waves in the racquetball world. The 14-year-old Vianney freshman recently secured a spot on Junior Team USA, earning All-American status. Despite training remotely with his coach in Phoenix, Williams' dedication has paid off, landing him a chance to compete in the Junior World Championships in Guatemala this December.

🥐 Ballwin Baker Rises in Kolache Contest

A Ballwin man has earned a place in the finals of the Kolache Factory's national competition. His innovative take on the traditional Czech pastry impressed judges, allowing him to advance past over a thousand other contestants. This event has brought attention to the culinary interests and talents present in our area.

🏘️ Updates on St. Louis County Tax Freeze

St. Louis County is finally set to launch an improved Senior Property Tax Freeze Program. The county has posted an update on the program’s progress on their website here. The new property tax freeze law expands eligibility to homeowners aged 62 and older, regardless of home value. County officials are working to set up the program, which will apply to all tax levies. The county intends to make more information will be provided as the application phase approaches.

🛩️ Post-Dispatch Spotlights Senior Aviator

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch recently featured Jerry Hawkins, an 80-year-old pilot from Ballwin, in a profile piece. The article highlights Hawkins' 54-year flying career, including his experience with various aircraft types. It also mentions his recent induction into the United Flying Octogenarians, a club for pilots still active in their eighties.

Business

🏋️ New Fitness Hub Muscles into Creve Coeur

Creve Coeur's fitness scene just got a major upgrade! NutriFormance, a comprehensive wellness center, celebrated its grand opening yesterday. This one-stop-shop for health enthusiasts offers personal training, nutrition coaching, physical therapy, and more. The facility aims to cater to all fitness levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes.

🐾 Lucky Dog Brews Up Tail-Wagging Change

Wildwood's Lucky Dog Central is getting a caffeine boost! The former pet supply shop on Manchester Road is transforming into a coffee haven with a twist. Owners Diana Mekler and Adam Shomstein are creating a unique space where both humans and their furry friends can enjoy outdoor seating and fenced play areas. A September soft opening promises a new leash on life for this local favorite.

🏠 Lucky Local Wins $645K Dream Home

The St. Jude Dream Home raffle concluded with a bang this week. Cynthia Wolff, the grand prize winner, is now the proud owner of a $645,000 Wentzville home, all from a $100 ticket. Other winners took home prizes including cars and hot tubs. The event successfully raised $1.65 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

🍳 Brunch & Beats: 92.3 WIL's Eureka Tour Stop

A special event is coming to Sarah's On Central in Eureka this weekend. On Sunday, from 11am to 1pm, 92.3 WIL's Marty Brooks will host a brunch gathering. Visitors can enjoy a meal and enter to win a Caribbean vacation. The prize package includes accommodation at Beaches Turks & Caicos and a concert featuring Parmalee and Frank Ray.

School District Highlights

Parkway

🔍 Parkway's Hunt for New School Chief Begins

The search for Parkway’s new leader is underway following Dr. Keith Marty's retirement announcement. The Board of Education is set to interview search firms on August 20th, with a firm selection vote scheduled for August 28th. By early September, the chosen firm will outline the search process, including opportunities for staff and public involvement.

Rockwood

🍎 Fresh Faces and Tech at Rockwood Schools

Tech-savvy changes are coming to Rockwood schools this fall. Classlink, a new identity management system, will simplify access to online resources for students and staff. The district is also welcoming 19 new administrators and 150 fresh faces in teaching positions. Plus, Rockwood's theme for the year, "We Partner; We Plan; We Promise," is setting the stage for collaborative growth. Get a full rundown on changes coming this school year here.

City Highlights

Ballwin

🚧 Streets Close as Ballwin Bash Kicks Off

Several intersections in Ballwin are now closed due to Ballwin Days. The closures include Holloway Road & Park Drive and Kehrs Mill Road & Park Drive. Residents should be aware of these changes when planning their routes. The event runs through Sunday evening.

👮 Ballwin Welcomes New Police Chief

Ballwin's police department has a new leader. John Bergfeld, a 26-year veteran of the force, was sworn in as chief on July 23. Starting as a patrol officer in 1997, Bergfeld has held various roles within the department. He now aims to refocus on community policing after the isolation of the COVID years.

Chesterfield

🔴 Red-Hot Kickball Action Coming Soon

Ready to relive your playground glory days? Chesterfield's Fall Coed Adult Kickball League is back! Starting September 4, adults 18+ can join the 6-week season at Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex. Games run Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30pm. Team fees vary for residents and non-residents. Don't miss out - registration closes soon on August 26!

Creve Coeur

👮 Cop's 1st Year: Creve Coeur Celebrates

Officer Johnathan Lodge is celebrating his first year with the Creve Coeur Police Department. The seasoned law enforcement professional joined the force a year ago, bringing valuable experience to the team. His colleagues praise his contributions, noting that he's become an integral part of the department's efforts to keep the community safe.

Manchester

♻️ Bags to Benches: Manchester's Green Goal

Manchester's throwing down the gauntlet with Part 2 of their plastic bag recycling challenge. The city's aiming to collect a whopping 1,000 pounds of plastic bags by New Year's Day. If successful, they'll score a nifty bench made from recycled plastic. Residents can pitch in by dropping off bags at City Hall, Justice Center, or Parks Building.

Town & Country

🇺🇸 T&C Honors Heroes with Stone Tribute

Town & Country is crafting a lasting tribute to our nation's heroes. The Military and First Responder Task Force is spearheading a $300,000 project to honor those who serve. With $100,000 already raised, they've launched a GoFundMe campaign to reach their goal. The monument will feature an American flag atop a symbolic stone structure.

🐷 Schnucks Recalls Pork in Town & Country

Schnucks has issued a recall for 10 bone-in pork products sold at their Town and Country location this week on August 11th. The recall, prompted by equipment failure, affects various cuts including chops, roasts, and steaks. Customers can return affected items to the Woods Mill Road store for a full refund or exchange.

Twin Oaks

🍩 Cops Scale Dunkin' for Special Cause

The 6th annual Cop on a Rooftop event is coming to Twin Oaks today. Officer John Wehner will be stationed atop the Dunkin' Donuts at 1410 Big Bend Road from 6am to noon. This fundraiser supports Special Olympics Missouri and is part of a larger initiative across nine locations in the state, which has raised over $81,000 in five years.

Wildwood

🎒 Wildwood's Wild Back-to-School Bash TODAY

Get ready to paint Town Center with school colors! Wildwood's back-to-school bash is set to rock today. Students can show off their spirit wear and compete for the title of most spirited school. It's one last chance to let loose before hitting the books.

Valley Park

👮 Valley Park's Finest: August Lowdown

The St. Louis County Police Valley Park Detail has released their August 2024 Newsletter.

Upcoming Events

Visit our full community calendar here for a comprehensive list of events.

📆 Next 7 Days

THANKS!

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