👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

🏈 Parkway North Grad Name VP of Battlehawks
🏛️ A County Council Proposition to Remove Dept. Heads
🍷 Schnucks' Food and Wine Fest

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

🏈 Parkway North Grad to Lead Hawks' Biz

The Battlehawks have appointed Parkway North graduate David Kinsey as their new business operations leader. After serving as director of ticket sales for the Rams until 2016, Kinsey worked with the PGA Championship and KC Chiefs. Beyond sports, he founded a memorial golf tournament for lymphoma awareness.

🏛️ Vote Set on County Power Structure

A significant change could reshape St. Louis County government operations. The County Council voted 6-1 to place a measure on the April 8 ballot that would allow them to remove department heads with five votes. County Executive Sam Page plans to veto, but the council likely has enough support to override.

🚱 Lead Found in School Water Supply

A 2022 Missouri law required schools to test drinking water for lead content, with most St. Louis County districts reporting levels above 5 parts per billion. Metropolitan Congregations United says follow-up testing and remediation need better oversight. The organization is requesting county officials establish enforcement measures.

🏡 Council Reviews Ellisville Development

Ellisville City Council has requested modifications to a proposed development, Napoli Estates, along Old State Road. The project must reduce its planned homes from 22 to 19 lots after residents voiced concerns about density and traffic. The development includes homes ranging from $475,000 to $650,000.

Business

🍷 Schnucks' Food & Wine Event Returns

Schnucks is bringing their signature food and wine event to Union Station January 31-February 1. The local grocer's festival features international wines, craft beers, and gourmet tastings while supporting Operation Food Search and the Rep Theatre. Tickets range from $75-$250, with online ordering now available here.

🎉 Magnolia Makes First Birthday Memorable

The Magnolia Soap and Bath Co. Wildwood has reached its one-year milestone this month. Their January 24-25 celebration will reward early shoppers and includes raffle drawings for prize packages featuring collaborations with Lucky Dog Central, Heels Boutique, and other local merchants.

School District Highlights

📱 Parkway Polls Parents on Phone Rules

A recent Parkway classroom study documented the frequency of phone interruptions during instruction time. The 15-minute observation in a teaching preparation class recorded 65 device notifications, providing data for the district's broader examination of cell phone policies. Over 4,500 parents have already shared feedback on potential policy updates.

📚 Rockwood Releases Annual District Report

Rockwood announced the release of their 2024-2025 annual report yesterday. The document details how 3,400 staff members serve 19,000 students, highlighting achievements in academics, safety measures, and financial management across the district's schools. The full annual report can be accessed here.

Ballwin

🎯 Youth Flag Football Begins Jan 29

Time is running short to join Ballwin's newest youth program. Start Smart Flag Football begins January 29th, providing six weeks of foundational sports training for children ages 4-6. Parents participate as coaching partners throughout the instructional series. Registration is available here.

Chesterfield

🏊 Pool Jobs Open for Summer 2025

Chesterfield Family Aquatic Center has opened applications for summer 2025 positions. The facility is currently seeking lifeguards, aquatic aids, and pool managers to maintain safety standards and guest services. Experience levels vary by position, with training available for qualified candidates.

Ellisville

🏛️ Ellisville Opens New Government Center

Ellisville's city council conducted their first meeting of 2025 last week in the newly constructed government center at 1 Weis Avenue. The building features secure access points, expanded council chambers, and updated technology. A public open house is scheduled for March.

Eureka

🏛️ Eureka's New City Hub Opening March

Eureka's government services are getting a new home this March. The Michael A. Wiegand Justice Center will combine the city's Police Station, Municipal Court, and City Hall in an $11.5 million facility at 100 City Hall Drive. The project, funded by sales tax and utility sale proceeds, replaces the demolished old City Hall.

🏈 Flag Football Returning to Eureka Parks

Registration begins February 1 for Eureka Parks and Recreation's newest athletic program. The Adult Flag Football league will offer organized team competition for local residents.

Wildwood

🛣️ Multiple Road Projects Get Green Light

A series of major transportation projects worth over $6.5 million are moving forward in Wildwood. Construction includes a new roundabout at Hwy. 109 and Route BA South, plus J-turns on Hwy. 100. The city secured federal and state funding to support these infrastructure improvements.

🚰 Water Main Break Hit Wildwood Area

Yesterday (January 21) emergency repairs addressed a water main break affecting parts of Wildwood. The incident impacted Wildwood Crossing plaza and eight surrounding streets. Missouri American Water crews completed repairs by early morning.

Upcoming Events

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