👋 Good Morning, West County! I hope you're enjoying early days of spring and get out to explore what's happening around our community.

General News

🏫 $50M Police Training Center Gets Approval

A major investment in law enforcement training is headed to our area. The state of Missouri has awarded $50 million to build the Gateway Regional Law Enforcement Training Center near I-64 and Highway 141. The collaborative project between St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson, and Franklin counties will replace the outdated 35-year-old facility currently located in Wellston.

🏈 County Considers Rams Money for Nonprofits

St. Louis County is considering two bills that would direct $11.3 million to local nonprofits. The larger bill would use $8.1 million from Rams settlement funds, with most beneficiaries focused on child care services. Child Care Aware of Missouri could receive $5.59 million, while another bill would allocate $3.2 million to address food insecurity through Rustic Roots Sanctuary.

🦇 Webster Groves Bat Tests Positive for Rabies

St. Louis County health officials have reported a bat from Webster Groves tested positive for rabies on April 3. The Department of Public Health recommends confining any discovered bat to one room and calling Animal Control for proper collection and testing.

🐻 Black Bears Active Again In Missouri

The Missouri Department of Conservation this week reported black bears are ending their winter rest. The state's population of more than 1,000 bears is now on the move seeking food sources.

🐢 Zoo's Beloved Tortoise Dies at 100+

The Saint Louis Zoo announced the death of Othello, their Aldabra giant tortoise estimated to be well over 100 years old. The centenarian reptile was humanely euthanized Tuesday due to declining health from gastrointestinal issues. During his 20 years at the zoo, Othello was known for his friendly nature and love of carrots.

Business

🚚 Same-Day Delivery Comes to Dierbergs

Dierbergs has introduced Instacart delivery service across all St. Louis area locations. The partnership includes "Carrot Tags" technology to improve order accuracy and item location. West County shoppers can use the Instacart app or website to place orders for same-day delivery and receive $15 off $50+ purchases during the promotional period.

🏥 New Clinic Opens in Eureka

St. Luke's officially launched their Eureka walk-in clinic with a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week. Community members gathered to celebrate the new healthcare facility. The clinic will provide no-appointment care for minor illnesses and routine checkups to Eureka residents.

🏡 Tour Ballwin's Historic Log Home

The Ballwin Historical Commission is hosting tours of its historic Log Home tomorrow (Sunday, April 13th). Visitors can stop by between 1-3pm to see this preserved local landmark.

Ballwin

🚧 Ries Road Work Begins April 14

Construction on Ries Road in begins next week (4/14). The federally funded project will address deteriorated pavement and upgrade street lighting. This is a resurfacing project, not a full reconstruction. Work is expected to be completed by December 31st.

Des Peres

🛠️ Des Peres Road Crews Dig Up Silver Honor

Des Peres road maintenance teams have earned Spire's prestigious Silver Shovel Award for the second consecutive year. This recognition celebrates municipalities that consistently use the Missouri One Call System and maintain perfect records with zero "at-fault" damages to gas facilities throughout the year.

Eureka

🔥 Eureka Fire Funding Hangs by 5 Votes

Just five votes separate victory from defeat for Eureka firefighters. Proposition F, which would boost funding for firefighter pay, training, and employment in the Eureka Fire Protection District, fell short with 1,191 "no" votes to 1,186 "yes" votes on Tuesday. St. Louis County officials will now conduct a recount to determine the measure's ultimate fate.

Town & Country

🛡️ T&C Earns Elite Blue Shield Status

Town & Country has received the Missouri Blue Shield designation. This recognition from the Missouri Department of Public Safety acknowledges the city's commitment to enhancing public safety and supporting law enforcement. The program itself was created by Governor Kehoe in January 2025 through an Executive Order to recognize communities that make significant efforts to reduce crime and build strong partnerships.

Wildwood

🛑 New Speed Crackdown Hits Wildwood Roads

Wildwood is taking action against lead-footed drivers this April and May. The city’s new Safe Speeds, Safe Streets Initiative will deploy additional police officers along major roads like Routes 100 and 109, targeting both speeding and excessive vehicle noise.

🚗 Route 109/BA Roundabout Update

Wildwood's Route 109/BA Roundabout Project awaits final MoDOT clearance before bidding begins. Missouri American Water and Ameren have completed utility relocations, while Spire is finalizing theirs with AT&T and Charter due to complete theirs in coming months.

🏗️ Oval Takes Shape at Village Green

Construction at Wildwood's Village Green is progressing nicely and is currently focused on the outer ring of the oval. Workers are installing pavers and setting forms for flatwork near Main Street.

Valley Park

🚧 Valley Park's Riverwalk Trail Shuts Down

Valley Park’s Riverwalk Trail is now closed from the West End at the Levee Access to the East End at the boat ramp parking area due to flooding damage. The closure is effective immediately. A map of the affected area is available on the Valley Park website here.

🌊 Valley Park Levee Featured in Corps Video

This week the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers shared a video discussing Valley Park's critical levee system.

Upcoming Events

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