👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️ West County Pulse newsletter:

• 🎉 Millennium Park Reopens

• 🎁 Father's Day Deals

• 🌶️ Teen Launches Spice Biz

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

THE DIGEST

🎉 Millennium Park Reopens After $2.5M Renovation

Millennium Park in Creve Coeur has reopened after an 8-month, $2.5 million renovation project. The park now features a new bandstand for concerts, an inclusive playground for children of all abilities, and a splash pad that is 2.5 times larger than the previous one, complete with a 🦎 gecko named Ralph. The upgrades were made possible through a storm water and parks funding sales tax, and residents are grateful for the new amenities in their community.

🎁 Father's Day Deals: Treat Dad Without Breaking the Bank

Fox 2 News has compiled a list of Father's Day deals from various restaurants to help you celebrate dad while saving money. Wendy's is offering a buy-one-get-one deal on Baconator sandwiches, and The Palm has a King and Queen Cut Prime Rib meal starting at $79. Shake Shack is giving away free afternoon shakes with a $10 purchase, while Olive Garden is offering a $6 take-home entree. Check out these and more deals from Fox 2's list to treat dad without overspending.

🏘️ Senior Property Tax Freeze Hits Another Snag

The St. Louis County senior property tax freeze program, originally passed last October, has encountered another delay. Councilman Dennis Hancock expressed disappointment, stating that the program's implementation has been pushed back to early August. The county council had approved only $300,000 of the requested $1.7 million to start the program, leading to the setback.

🐻 Bear Sightings Reported in St. Louis Metro Area

Summer vacation season has begun, and black bears are on the move in Missouri! The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reports that the state's bear population is growing by 8% each year, with recent sightings in the St. Louis metro area. MDC warns Missourians not to feed bears, as it can lead to property damage and bold behavior. They also offer tips for staying safe while hiking and camping in bear country. Read more here.

BUSINESS

🌶️ Local Teen Launches Spice Biz State Street

Andrew Rubin, a rising senior at Parkway Central, has launched his own spice blend company called State Street Spices. Despite facing health challenges, Andrew combined his love of travel, cooking, and entrepreneurship to create authentic spice blends inspired by famous foods from different cities. With the help of mentors and the Spark! Incubator Program, Andrew has grown his business and will be selling his products at the West County Mall this summer.

🏥 BJC & Saint Luke's Merge to Form Midwest Powerhouse

St. Louis-based BJC HealthCare and Kansas City's Saint Luke's Health System have merged to create a larger, more efficient healthcare system serving Missouri and surrounding states. The combined organization, which will operate under the BJC name, aims to leverage its increased scale to reduce costs, expand services, and become an attractive destination for patients and employees. Integration efforts are underway and will continue for the next few years.

🚚 Schnucks Truck Drivers May Strike Next Week

Schnucks customers may face product shortages next week as the company's truck drivers, represented by Teamsters Local 610, threaten to strike over failed contract negotiations. The union has rejected two of Schnucks' final offers, citing inadequate pay increases amidst rising inflation. Negotiations are set to resume on Monday, but if an agreement is not reached, the earliest drivers could strike is Wednesday.

CITY HIGHLIGHTS

Ballwin

📋 City to Release Full Report on Ex-Chief's Actions

The City of Ballwin has addressed allegations against former Police Chief Doug Schaeffler, who was fired in October 2023 following an investigation into misconduct. Schaeffler allegedly misused the REJIS system for non-law enforcement purposes, violated policies, and engaged in harassment and discrimination. The City denies claims made in a class action lawsuit by former Alderman Kevin Roach and awaits a decision from prosecutors on whether charges will be filed against the ex-Chief. According to Fox 2’s reporting, you can find out if your name’s been run by calling Ballwin directly or emailing an inquiry to [email protected].

Chesterfield

🚒 Monarch Fire Teaches Chesterfield Kids Safety

This week the Chesterfield Police Department partnered with the Monarch Fire Protection District to teach children about fire safety during a Safety Town lesson. The kids got to explore a ladder truck, learn about the tools firefighters use, and even shoot water from a hose. They also experienced a simulated fire inside a safety trailer and learned what to do in case of a real emergency.

🌳 Hog Hollow Rd. Closed for Tree Trimming

A portion of Hog Hollow Rd. from Olive Blvd. to the train tracks near Waterworks Rd. will be closed today from 7am to 3pm. The Public Works Department will be clearing overhanging trees in the Right of Way during this time.

Creve Coeur

🚓 Cool Off with Cops at Millennium Park Today!

The Creve Coeur Police Department is hosting a special event today at the newly opened Millennium Park. From 11am to 12pm, officers will be handing out popsicles to the community, providing a cool treat on a hot day. This is a great opportunity for residents to meet and interact with local law enforcement in a fun, relaxed setting.

📝 Creve Coeur Plans Resident Survey for 2024

Creve Coeur is preparing for its triennial resident survey, which aims to gather feedback on city services and identify issues that need attention. The City Council discussed the survey in detail during their June 10 meeting, with City Administrator Mark Perkins mentioning rising service costs and the need for a new government center as potential topics. Council members emphasized the importance of educating the public about the current building's limitations and presenting the economics of the situation before asking for support on a bond issue for the new center.

Eureka

🎉 Tonight: Trixie Delight Rocks Concert on Central

Tonight's the night! Concert on Central featuring the talented Trixie Delight will take over Central Ave tonight. From 6:00pm to 10:00pm, immerse yourself in live music, kids' activities (until 8:00pm), and delectable food and beverages from local businesses along Central Avenue. Remember, outside food and drink are not permitted. With parking on Central Avenue closed, you’ll need to utilize the West Frisco Parking Lot, Central Avenue Spur, and other public lots around town. Grab your friends, neighbors, and chairs for an unforgettable evening of community fun!

🏃‍♀️ Eureka's Upgraded Cardio Room Opens Monday!

Eureka Parks and Recreation is excited to announce the grand reopening of their newly renovated Cardio Room this coming Monday. The space boasts new flooring, fans, TVs, and state-of-the-art cardio equipment. As the downstairs fitness area begins its 6-week makeover, residents are encouraged to check out the upgraded Cardio Room and enjoy the Timbers pool.

Manchester

🇺🇸 Manchester to Unveil New Flagpole Today for Flag Day

The City of Manchester is inviting residents to a special Flag Day celebration today at noon. The event will dedicate the city's brand-new flagpoles at the entrance to Manchester City Hall. Join the community in honoring the stars and stripes together during this lunchtime ceremony today.

📸 FOCUS Photography Exhibit Kicks Off Today!

The FOCUS Photography Exhibition at Manchester's Schroeder Park opens today. The outdoor display, which runs through July 8, features creative works by talented local artists. Visitors can explore the park and appreciate the photographs in a picturesque natural setting.

Town & Country

📦 Mystery Package Causes Mercury Spill at PO

The Town and Country post office was suddenly closed Monday due to a mercury spill from an undisclosed package. Armed postal police blocked the entrance, leaving customers confused and frustrated by the lack of information. Congresswoman Ann Wagner intervened, revealing the cause and expressing dissatisfaction with the expected 7-10 day closure. She's calling for a contingency plan to ensure quicker delivery of vital mail, such as medications and paychecks.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Discover more events on our event calendar: westcounty.events. Also….don’t see an event you know of? Let me know by replying to this email!

Click the 🔍 on an event to visit its details page:

Next Week

THANKS!

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