👋 Good Morning, West County!

General News

📚 SLCL: Books are Magical Bookmobile Design Wins

The St. Louis County Library's Books are Magical design won its bookmobile design contest with over 5,500 votes cast during National Library Week. Voting occurred via Instagram and paper ballots at all 20 SLCL branches.

🐘 Baby Elephant Now on Display at STL Zoo

A new addition has arrived at the STL Zoo. Five-month-old Asian elephant Jet made his public debut Tuesday this week in the zoo’s River's Edge habitat area. This milestone is particularly significant as Jet is the first elephant calf born through artificial insemination at the zoo, currently weighing 578 pounds and showing a curious personality according to his care team.

🏅 VP Multi-Sport Athlete on 5 On Your Side

A Valley Park student athlete appeared on KSDK News this week. 5 On Your Side reporter Corey Miller interviewed the local multi-sport athlete.

⚽ Creve Coeur Fields Begin Comeback Journey

Workers at Creve Coeur Park Soccer Complex have begun repairs after March’s tornado destruction. Work crews are methodically removing damaged artificial turf, revealing the specialized layers that make up modern playing surfaces. Local soccer clubs have relocated practices and games while repairs continue, with the repaired fields expected to reopen by mid-June at an estimated cost of $8 million.

🌫️ St. Louis Area Air Quality Receives F Grade

St. Louis ranked 21st nationally for ozone pollution in the American Lung Association's recent report, earning an "F" grade while particle pollution received a "B." Health experts are concerned as conditions worsen nationwide. During KSDK’s reporting, local doctor Farzana Hoque warned of symptoms including chest tightness and coughing, plus increased lung cancer risk with long-term exposure, even among non-smokers.

Business

📚 75th Annual Book Fair Starts Thursday

Next Thursday marks the start of the Greater St. Louis Book Fair at Queeny Park, running May 1-4. This 75th annual event will feature thousands of books, collectibles, and media items with sections for Mother's and Father's Day gifts. The fair has supported local literacy programs since 1950. Thursday's preview costs $15, while Friday and Saturday admission will be free.

💰 Ameren Bills to Jump This Summer

Electricity soon will cost more. The Missouri Public Service Commission has approved Ameren Missouri's rate increase, effective June 2025. Residents will see bills rise by nearly $14 per month. The utility will use the extra $355 million annually for upgrading power lines, installing smart technology substations, and reinforcing utility poles across its service territory of 1.3 million customers.

😴 New Mattress Store Opens in Chesterfield

Snooze Mattress Company has opened its doors in Chesterfield, bringing their specialized Dream Mapping Technology to West County.

Ballwin

🎀 Ballwin Honors New Park Addition Today

Ballwin Parks and Recreation is hosting a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony today for the already-open Vlasis Park Playground from 10am to noon. The event coincides with the seasonal activation of the splash pad, adding to the festivities. Attendees will be able to enjoy complimentary treats and face painting activities too.

💊 Drop Off Old Medications Today

The Ballwin Police Department is collecting expired and unused prescription medications today. Residents can bring unwanted pills and patches to the police department between 10am and 2pm. This free and anonymous service helps keep medications out of the wrong hands and protects our water supply.

Des Peres

🏛️ New Gazebo Coming to Des Peres Park

Construction has begun on a new gazebo in Des Peres Park. The project shows visible progress with the foundation already in place. According to city of Des Peres, the structure will be completed by late May.

Ellisville

💉 Rx Dropoff Back at Ellisville Police HQ

The Ellisville Police Department this week announced the restoration of their unwanted medication collection program after a pause during the recent Government Center construction. The new disposal bin is now in place in the police department lobby, ready to accept medications that should be properly discarded.

🏞️ Mockingbird Park Renovations Complete

The city of Ellisville has finished renovating Mockingbird Park. Improvements include new parking facilities and a convenient turnaround area. The refreshed park is now open to the public.

Eureka

🚒 Trucks Roll Into Eureka Today

The Eureka Police Department and Parks & Recreation are hosting Big Truck and Safety Day today at the Eureka High School parking lot from 10am to 1pm.

Manchester

🙏 Double the Proclamations in Manchester

Two special causes received official recognition at Monday's Manchester Board meeting. During the proceedings, Mayor Clement presented proclamations acknowledging Autism Acceptance Month and honoring Manchester resident Nancy Venezia for the upcoming National Day of Prayer on May 1.

Town & Country

🏓 T&C Approves Park Renovation Plan

Preservation Park is getting an upgrade. Town & Country's Board of Aldermen approved a $17,200 design agreement with SWT Design for new pickleball courts and a bike playground. The $465,000 project, funded 80% by St. Louis County, will replace the park’s aging playground by spring 2026.

Wildwood

🏙️ Wildwood Eyes $3.5M Tax Break for Main St.

Developers are seeking $3.5 million in property and sales tax exemptions for a mixed-use project at Wildwood's Main Street and Taylor Road. The proposal would convert 6.1 acres from agricultural land into residential units and commercial space, projected to increase the property value from $345,123 to nearly $40 million.

Upcoming Events

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