👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

🛍️ Last Friday’s Black Friday Rush
⚖️ Prosecutor Battle
🍽️ Manchester Grill in the Spotlight

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

🛍️ Chesterfield Outlets Draw Holiday Crowds

Thousands of shoppers visited Chesterfield's Premium Outlets for Black Friday deals last week, with some traveling from as far as Jefferson City. The mall opened at 6am to accommodate the rush, with management reporting lines doubling in size between 4:30am and opening time.

🏛️ Legal Battle Over Prosecutor Position

A new lawsuit filed last Wednesday in St. Louis County Circuit Court is challenging who will choose the next St. Louis County prosecutor. Governor Mike Parson and Attorney General Andrew Bailey are suing County Executive Sam Page, asking Judge Nicolette Klapp to block Page from naming Wesley Bell's replacement. The suit argues that prosecutor appointments fall under state authority.

📚 Library Launches Winter Reading Event

A new reading initiative is starting at St. Louis County libraries. The Winter Reading Challenge runs now through January 31st, welcoming readers of every age group. Participants who complete their reading goals will be entered into an electronic prize raffle.

💰 Spire Proposes New Rate Increase

Area residents may see changes in their natural gas bills next year. Spire Missouri has submitted a proposal to state regulators requesting a delivery rate increase of about $17 per month. The proposed increase comes shortly after the company announced a 16% reduction in natural gas costs for customers.

Business

🍽️ Manchester Highlights Lazy River Grill

Manchester is recognizing local businesses through a new week-long initiative. Lazy River Grill was selected as the first featured business in the Seven Days of Manchester Businesses program. The restaurant joins other local establishments being highlighted for their contributions to the community's economic strength.

🏘️ New Housing Projects Coming to Ellisville

Two local builders are planning new subdivisions in Ellisville. McBride Homes and Flower & Fendler have submitted separate proposals to develop neighboring properties along Old State Road. The combined projects would add 71 new homes to the area, with McBride's Regal Pines offering 49 homes and Flower & Fendler's Napoli Estates adding 22 homes priced from $475,000 to $650,000.

🌭 Steve's Hot Dogs Opening in Chesterfield This Weekend

The District in Chesterfield is welcoming its newest tenant this weekend. Steve's Hot Dogs will open at 17081 N. Outer 40 on December 8th, becoming part of The Hub STL's growing collection of local food and drink establishments. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on December 7th, followed by a soft opening.

🏋️ YMCA Extends December Membership Deal

The Chesterfield YMCA has extended its December membership promotion. Running through December 5th this week, the offer includes no joining fee and a 20% discount on membership dues for December and January.

Ballwin

🏓 Ballwin Serves Up Winter Pickleball Fun

The fastest-growing sport in America is making a big splash in Ballwin this winter. The Parks and Recreation Department is rolling out comprehensive pickleball clinics for players of all skill levels, with multiple sessions scheduled throughout December, January, and February. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to improve your game, certified instructors will be there to guide you. Learn more / register here.

Chesterfield

🚲 Chesterfield Street Survey Ends Soon

Chesterfield's Parks and Recreation Department is gathering community feedback about street and pathway improvements. Residents have until December 15th to complete the Bikeable Walkable Chesterfield survey. The city will use responses to guide decisions about future walking paths and cycling routes throughout the community. Take the survey here.

🏗️ Valley Getting $4.8M Sewer Upgrade

The Chesterfield City Council has approved a major utility project. The $4.8 million sanitary sewer installation along North Outer 40 Road will be funded through state grants and Gateway Studios contributions. The project addresses the area's lack of basic utilities while supporting future development, including Gateway's new production facility.

Creve Coeur

💧 Conway Lake Repairs Could Hit $1M

The Creve Coeur City Council recently addressed significant maintenance issues at Conway Park's lake. Engineering assessments revealed extensive sediment buildup in the 40-year-old lake, which has only been dredged once. The council is considering two options: a $1 million lake renovation or converting it to a pocket wetland for $350,000-$500,000.

Manchester

🧤 Scout's Winter Drive Going Strong

The community winter gear drive organized by a local Eagle Scout candidate continues gathering donations. Parkway South student David Schisler's project is accepting new and gently used hats and gloves at Manchester City buildings until December 22. Residents can also support the cause through the project's Amazon wishlist here.

⛄ Manchester Snowman Contest Open Now

Manchester Parks and Recreation Department is accepting entries for their annual snowman building contest. The competition, running through February 28th, is open to both residents and local businesses. Participants can submit photos of their snowmen for a chance to win prizes. Entries must include contact information and build date.

Wildwood

🚧 Major Road Work Begins Today

A major infrastructure project will begin today in Wildwood's Town Center area. Construction crews will start work on Manchester Road near Pierside Lane, focusing on new sidewalks, traffic signals, and pavement improvements. The city will maintain one lane of traffic in each direction throughout the project.

🏠 New Homes Plan Postponed

A proposed addition to the Villages at Brightleaf development will undergo further review. Fischer & Frichtel Custom Homes is working to modify plans for their new housing section, which could bring up to 34 new homes to the growing community west of Taylor Road.

THANKS!

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