- West County Pulse
- Posts
- ⚡️ Monarch Fire Plans, Cicadas, & A New Museum
⚡️ Monarch Fire Plans, Cicadas, & A New Museum
Jared Michel
April 29, 2024
👋 Good Morning, West County!
In today’s ⚡️ West County Pulse newsletter:
🚑 Monarch Fire Seeks Input
🌡️ Cicada Watch Update
🎰 A New Pinball Museum
Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!
— Jared Michel
THE DIGEST
🚑 Monarch Fire Seeks Input on Ambulance Expansion
The Monarch Fire Protection District, serving around 80,000 residents in West STL County, is exploring options to add ambulances and upgrade firefighters' protective gear. With population growth expected to increase call volume by 25%, the district's current four ambulances may not suffice, and response times sometimes exceed 10 minutes. The district is considering proposing a levy increase to voters, with options ranging from 15 to 19 cents, and is seeking public input through a series of meetings.
🌡️ Cicada Watch: Soil Temps Continue to Climb
In the latest update from the Butterfly House on Saturday, soil temperatures continue to rise, now reaching 57.7°F after a 4-degree increase in just 24 hours. More cicada nymphs have been found under logs and close to the surface, indicating their readiness to emerge. While the exact timing remains unknown, the anticipated mass emergence draws closer as the forecast predicts warmer days ahead.
📚 STL Libraries Reveal Top Borrowed Books of 2023
Local libraries across St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Jefferson County have revealed their most-borrowed books of 2023. The lists showcase a mix of trending titles from recent years and beloved classics. Colleen Hoover and Elin Hilderbrand were among the most popular authors, while Prince Harry's "Spare" topped the non-fiction category in multiple libraries. Many of the frequently checked-out books also appeared on the New York Times Best Sellers list.
LOCAL BUSINESS
🎰 New Pinball Museum Opens
The Lazarus Pinball Museum recently opened its doors in Fenton, offering a nostalgic and fun experience for all ages. The museum features 40 pinball machines, six slot machines, and a few arcade games. The museum also offers various pricing options for unlimited play, ranging from 90 minutes to all-day access. Read more here.
SCHOOL DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS
Parkway
🎓 Eleven Parkway Students Selected for MSA
Eleven gifted students from Parkway's high schools have been chosen to participate in the prestigious Missouri Scholars Academy this summer. The three-week residential program at the University of Missouri recognizes top junior students based on academic achievements and potential.
📚 Parkway Announces New School Leadership
Parkway has announced new leadership appointments for the upcoming school year. Jamie Cohee, who has served as assistant principal at Ross Elementary since 2020, has been selected as the school's new principal. Dr. Joey Kneer, currently assistant principal at Henry Elementary, will take on the role of interim principal at Bellerive Elementary. Lastly, Brian Smith, a seasoned educator with nearly two decades of experience, has been appointed interim principal at Pierremont Elementary.
CITY HIGHLIGHTS
Ballwin
🏌️♂️ Glow-in-the-Dark Golf Returning to Ballwin
Reminder: Ballwin Golf Course is hosting its popular glow-in-the-dark golf event this Friday. Grab your friends and family for a unique 6-hole night golfing experience, complete with LED golf balls, music, and a well-lit patio. Learn more / register here.
Chesterfield
🏊♂️ Intro to Scuba at Chesterfield Aquatic Center
This summer Chesterfield's Aquatic Center is offering a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of breathing underwater through their Discover Scuba Diving program. Participants will learn the basics of using scuba equipment in shallow water, including a mask, snorkel, fins, a buoyancy compensating jacket, and a scuba regulator. Learn more / register here.
Eureka
🌿 Timbers Upgrade: Demo Phase in Full Swing
Mayor Sean Flower announced that the demo phase of The Timbers’s renovation has begun, with the bathrooms and upstairs cardio room being upgraded:
  |   |
🚒 Eureka's Big Truck & Safety Day a Huge Success
Eureka Parks and Recreation's Big Truck & Safety Day, held at Eureka HS, was a resounding success with a large community turnout this past Saturday.
Manchester
🌟 Civic Saturday: Belonging Takes Center Stage
Manchester's upcoming Civic Saturday on May 4th at 10am will focus on the theme of belonging. The event, held at the Manchester Parks Building, will feature music, readings, and engaging conversations led by community leaders and residents. Attendees will explore ways to create neighborhoods where everyone feels welcomed and valued, with the goal of inspiring collective action towards building a more inclusive community.
🎫 Volunteers Needed for Scottish Games
The St. Louis Scottish Games are returning to Schroeder Park in Manchester on Saturday, May 11. Organizers are looking for volunteers to help set up before the event and clean up afterwards. They also need assistance with scanning admission tickets and managing beer sales during the games.
Twin Oaks
🌳 TO Celebrates Arbor Day with Tree Planting
The city of Twin Oaks hosted an Arbor Day Celebration on April 23, planting two trees with the help of Davey Tree Expert Company and 4th graders from Valley Park Elementary. Alderman April Milne read the Arbor Day Proclamation, and Mark Gruber from the Missouri Department of Conservation spoke about the importance of trees and conservation. Learn more here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Tomorrow: Manchester Blood Drive @ the Manchester Justice Center from 10am to 3pm. Learn more here.
Thursday - Sunday: 2024 Greater St. Louis Book Fair @ Queeny Park. Learn more / buy tickets here.
Friday:
Saturday: Vantage Credit Union’s Shred Day 2024 @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheater from 9am to 12pm. Learn more here.
Next Week
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
