👋 Hi there, West County!

In today’s ⚡️ West County Pulse newsletter:

• 🚌 Perfect Bus Inspections

• 🕵️ Big Chief's Speakeasy

• 🚀 Schnucks' Diverse Biz Boost

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

THE DIGEST

🚌 Rockwood Transportation Scores Perfect 100%

The Rockwood Transportation Department has reason to celebrate! For the first time since 2017, all 137 of their buses passed the annual Missouri State Highway Patrol inspection with flying colors, earning a perfect 100% approval rate. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Rockwood's maintenance staff who work tirelessly to keep the buses in tip-top shape for the safety and comfort of the district's students, staff, and families. Read Rockwood’s full announcement here.

👶 Parkway Held Meeting on Early Childhood Center

This week the Parkway Board of Education held a public meeting to discuss its proposed Early Childhood Center. The board, administration, and engineers presented their plans and reasoning behind the expansion. Parents expressed concerns about the need for the center given the availability of private facilities nearby and the potential traffic congestion. The community had the opportunity to voice their concerns, and the Parkway chief communications officer stated that a list of these concerns will be compiled and posted on their website within the next week. The possibility of a location change remains on the table. Read Fox 2’s full coverage here.

🗳️ County Council Split on Senior Tax Freeze Funds

St. Louis County seniors are patiently waiting for the implementation of county’s property tax freeze ordinance, which was passed last year but has yet to be funded. The STL County Council is currently debating the appropriate amount to allocate for the program, with one proposal suggesting $1.6 million. However, some council members believe this amount is too high and are working to determine a more reasonable cost for implementing and maintaining the program. Once funded, the tax freeze is intended to provide relief for seniors on fixed incomes who are struggling to keep up with rising property taxes. Read the West Newsmagazine’s full story here.

LOCAL BUSINESS

🕵️ Secret's Out: Big Chief Speakeasy Now Open

The wait is over! Yesterday Big Chief Roadhouse officially opened its highly anticipated speakeasy on the second floor of its restaurant. Accessible through a retro-fitted phone booth, the vintage-styled bar transports patrons back to the Prohibition era with classic cocktails and a cozy atmosphere. The speakeasy, complete with an outdoor rooftop patio, boasts an impressive selection of whiskeys and bitter liqueurs. The new speakeasy has recently been featured in the STL Post Dispatch, the West Newsmagazine, and on Fox 2.

🚀 Schnucks Launches Diverse-Owned Biz Accelerator

Yesterday Schnucks announced it has teamed up with the Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council to launch Schnucks Springboard, an accelerator program for diverse-owned businesses in the St. Louis area. Selected participants will receive in-store product trials, $5,000 in funding, and business development classes. The program aims to promote diversity, innovation, and economic growth in the communities Schnucks serves. Read the full press release here.

🏗️ Chesterfield JCC Gears Up for Major Upgrade

The St. Louis Jewish Community Center in Chesterfield is set to undergo a major renovation starting in mid-April. The project will bring a new adult day center, locker rooms, lobby, and gathering space to the 88,000-square-foot Fox Building. The facility, built in 1996, will also see upgrades to its gym, fitness center, and early childhood center, with the renovation expected to continue through 2025.

⛳ New Owners Drive $8M Upgrades at Fox Run

Fox Run Golf Club in Eureka is getting an $8 million upgrade under new ownership. The private club, founded in 1993, was recently acquired by local business execs who aim to preserve its legacy while making major improvements. Renovations include new grass, bunkers, cart paths, and more, with a goal of enhancing the golf experience for members. Read the full story here.

CITY HIGHLIGHTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Today: Parkway South’s 3rd Annual Community Color Run @ Parkway South starting at 9am. Learn more here.

• Tomorrow: Chesterfield Regional Chamber’s 7th Annual Blossom Bolt & Sprout Sprint in the Chesterfield Valley. Learn more / register here.

• April 2: Election Day. Polls open from 6am to 7pm. Learn more here.

• April 4: Senior Health Fair @ the Chesterfield Community Center starting at 10am. Register by emailing [email protected]

• April 4: Manchester’s Parent/Child LEGO Night: Mario Bro’s Edition at the Manchester Park Building from 6pm to 7:30pm. Learn more / register here.

• April 6: Manchester’s Civic Saturday - Care event at the Manchester Park Building at 10am. Learn more here.

• April 7: Brookdale Farm’s Spring Bridal Show at Brookdale Farms from 12pm to 3pmg. Learn more / RSVP here.

THANKS!

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