👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

🚧 MoDOT Construction Plans
🗣️ Ballwin Town Halls
🛞 Dobbs Expansion

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

General News

🚧 MoDOT Announces 2025 Construction Plans

MoDOT has announced their 2025 construction projects totaling $1.7 billion for the St. Louis region. Projects affecting the St. Louis area include work on I-64 at the Missouri River with lane closures beginning this spring, I-64 Outer Road bridge replacement at Dardenne Creek, and significant I-70 improvements between Warrenton and Wentzville.

🗣️ Two Town Halls Scheduled at Ballwin GC

Two town hall meetings have been announced for Ballwin Golf Club this spring. Councilmember Mark Harder will host Prosecuting Attorney Melissa Price Smith on March 19th. A second meeting on April 2 will focus on real estate assessments and taxes with County Assessor Jake Zimmerman. Both events will take place at 333 Holloway Road.

🔌 Missouri Bill May Change How Utilities Charge You

Missouri legislators are considering a bill that would change utility billing practices. The legislation would repeal a 1976 voter-approved ban on charging customers for power plants during construction. Supporters claim it's necessary for future energy needs, while opponents argue it will transfer costs to consumers without guarantees the plants will be completed.

🗳️ Voter Registration Ends Tomorrow (March 12th)

The voter registration window for April's municipal election closes soon. Tomorrow, March 12th, is the last day to register for the April 8th General Municipal Election. Those who haven't registered at their current address can visit sos.mo.gov/elections for more information.

Business

🛞 Dobbs Makes Major Tire Company Purchase

Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers has acquired Cleveland's Conrad's Tire Express. This addition brings 39 northeast Ohio locations to Dobbs' business, expanding their total to 97 stores in four states. The High Ridge-based company announced that Conrad's existing management team will continue under the new ownership as they expand beyond Missouri, Illinois, and Texas.

🔥 Bristol Restaurant Fire in Creve Coeur

Fire crews responded to a fire at Bristol Seafood Grill on Olive Boulevard in Creve Coeur last Friday. Flames were visible from the roof of the restaurant. The incident led to several road closures while crews worked to contain the situation.

🏠 Home Raffle Supports Make-A-Wish Kids

The 2025 Wish Home Raffle is now accepting entries to support Make-A-Wish foundations across Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas. A $100 ticket gives you a chance to win a $500,000 home or $300,000 cash.

School District Highlights

🏫 Parkway's Prop S Projects Update

Parkway has released a status report on their $265 million Prop S bond projects. The district has completed roof replacements at four schools and updated playgrounds at Barretts, Hanna Woods, and McKelvey. High school pool renovations are in progress with completion scheduled between 2025 and 2027, while additional playground replacements will continue at all elementary schools through 2028.

📱 Parkway Considering Phone Restrictions

After studying the impact of personal devices on learning, Parkway is proposing new cell phone guidelines. Research conducted by their subcommittee found phones negatively affect learning and social interaction. The district is recommending classroom restrictions for high schools and full-day restrictions for lower grades beginning in the 2025-26 school year.

Ballwin

🧑‍⚖️ Judge Rules on Ballwin Chief's Case

A significant development has occurred in a local legal case. Last week St. Louis County Judge Richard Stewart ruled that Ballwin improperly terminated former Police Chief Doug Schaeffler by not allowing him to properly defend himself during his 2023 termination hearing. Schaeffler's lawsuit claims the firing was retaliation for requesting an investigation of city officials.

Creve Coeur

🗑️ Creve Coeur Extends Waste Contract

The Creve Coeur City Council has unanimously approved a five-year extension with Republic Services. The contract will increase from the current annual cost of $865,000 to approximately $1.1 million. Beginning July 1st, yard waste collection will change from a bags and tags system to a subscription model. City officials reported that current resident satisfaction with waste services is at 96%.

💡 New Lights Coming to Millennium Park

Millennium Park visitors will benefit from improved lighting later this year. The Creve Coeur City Council unanimously approved a parking lot lighting project at their February 24 meeting. The $22,185 project includes six lights mounted on aluminum poles, with installation expected in May. Meyer Electric won the contract after city staff researched options from eight manufacturers.

Eureka

🔥 Eureka FPD Introduces Prop F Tax Plan

Eureka Fire Protection District has proposed Prop F for the April 8 ballot. The tax measure would add up to 34 cents per $100 assessed valuation, costing the average homeowner with a $450,000 home approximately $290 annually. According to EFPD, the additional revenue is needed to retain firefighters, recruit personnel, invest in equipment, and improve infrastructure as the district faces increased service demands.

Manchester

🚧 Manchester Streets Getting a Makeover

Manchester's 2025 Street Improvement Project begins March 17th, focusing on Enchanted Parkway, Country Stone Drive, and part of Mautenne Drive. The 6-8 week project will cause some traffic delays for local residents.

🥏 Tuesday Disc Golf League at Schroeder Park

Schroeder Park's disc golf league remains active every Tuesday at 5:30pm. Manchester Parks and Recreation wants to remind community members that this free activity continues year-round. The casual format allows participants of all abilities to simply show up and play, maintaining an inclusive recreational opportunity for local residents.

Wildwood

🔑 New Occupancy Rules for Wildwood Rentals

Wildwood's new occupancy permit requirement took effect March 1st for rental properties. The inspection process will verify that rental units comply with safety and maintenance standards. Applications can be submitted through St. Louis County, with certificates issued by the City of Wildwood upon approval.

Upcoming Events

THANKS!

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