👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

🎡 New Queeny Park Playground
🏙️ Chesterfield Downtown Plan Debate
🛏️ Mattress Biz Aids Shelter

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

🎡 New Playground at Queeny Park

A major upgrade is coming to Queeny Park. The new Teddy and Friends Unlimited Play Playground, a $2.4 million project, will replace the park's 1974 playground. Set to open in spring, it will include accessible features like saucer swings and climbing towers, ensuring all children can enjoy playtime regardless of their physical abilities.

🏙️ Chesterfield Downtown Plan Debated

Earlier in October Chesterfield city officials held a public hearing to discuss its proposed Downtown Special Business District. The plan aims to fund maintenance of new public amenities, but existing businesses have expressed concerns about increased costs. With demolition scheduled for October, the city is working to address these issues before proceeding.

🕵️ Local Cemetery Finds Lost Graves with Radar

A St. Louis County cemetery is using ground-penetrating radar to locate over 800 unmarked graves. Many of these belong to infants and children from families who couldn't afford tombstones. This project aims to help descendants find their relatives and preserve local history. The cemetery is considering building a memorial for these individuals.

🛡️ State Hosts Annual Earthquake Drill

Missouri tested its earthquake readiness yesterday with a statewide drill. Our region, near the New Madrid fault line, faces a 20-40% chance of a major quake in the next 50 years.

Business

🛏️ Beds & Barks: Mattress Biz Aids Shelter

October just got a whole lot cozier for pets in need. Mattress Dogzzz in Valley Park is partnering with Open Door Animal Sanctuary for a month of giving. They're accepting donations of pet supplies, hosting a Trunk or Treat with adoptions on October 26th, and even sponsoring a dog costume contest. It's a perfect blend of community spirit and animal welfare.

🏃 Halloween Race Returning to Eureka

The Great GO! St. Louis Halloween Race is coming to Eureka this weekend, offering events for all fitness levels. Races include a half marathon, 10K, 5K, and 1-mile fun run. New this year is the Great PUPkin Run, a 1-mile event for dogs and their owners. Participants will receive a hoodie, finisher medal, and post-race treat bag.

📈 Maritz Projects Return to Pre-Pandemic Levels

Fenton-based Maritz is on track to reach $1.4 billion in revenue this fiscal year, surpassing its pre-pandemic figure of $1.3 billion. The marketing services company saw a dramatic 75% drop in revenue during Covid-19 but has since rebuilt its workforce to over 2,700 employees. The recovery showcases the firm's adaptability in challenging times.

💸 Dirt Cheap Stores File for Bankruptcy

Discount retailer Dirt Cheap has filed for bankruptcy, affecting over 60 stores across eight southeastern states. The company plans to hold closing sales by the end of the year. This development adds Dirt Cheap to the growing list of retailers facing financial struggles in 2024.

City Highlights

Chesterfield

🏦 Chesterfield's Debt-Free Dream by 2027

Chesterfield is taking bold steps towards financial freedom. The Finance Committee has recommended transferring $1.8 million from fund reserves to the debt pre-payment fund. This strategic move aims to eliminate all current debt by 2027, significantly earlier than the original 2031 target. The city's proactive approach sets a strong example for fiscal responsibility.

🚗 New Road Features on Clarkson Road

Chesterfield residents are noticing changes on Clarkson Road as part of MoDOT's safety initiative. The department is installing curb bump-out islands to encourage slower driving. While some locals have expressed concerns, officials explain that these additions aim to reduce accidents and their severity. The project is part of a larger $52 million effort addressing over 5,000 serious crashes in the St. Louis area.

Ellisville

🍂 Fall Family Fun at Bluebird Park

Fall festivities are on the horizon in Ellisville. The city’s annual Hot Dog It's Chili event is set for October 25th at Bluebird Park. From 5:30 to 8:00pm, families can participate in various activities, including children's entertainment, vendor shopping, and enjoying live music. Hayride shuttles will be available to transport attendees around the event.

Manchester

🎵 Bluegrass Concert at Schroeder Park

An afternoon of live music is coming to Schroeder Park tomorrow. Local band Padre and the Pulse will entertain park visitors with their Americana/Bluegrass sound. The concert will take place at Pavilion No. 3 from 1-3pm, featuring covers of beloved artists. It's a family-friendly event open to all.

Wildwood

🌙 7K Event on Zombie Road Soon

Wildwood's Shivering Shadows 7K is fast approaching. The run is scheduled for October 25th at 7pm. The race, which follows a course on Zombie Road, begins and ends at LaSalle Springs Middle School. Both runners and walkers are welcome to participate. The event includes awards for top finishers, participant swag, and refreshments after the race.

Upcoming Events

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

📆 Next 7 Days

THANKS!

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