⚡️ Police Training, Cicadas & Six Flags Update

Author

Jared Michel
May 06, 2024

👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️ West County Pulse newsletter:

  • 👮‍♂️ Police Tactical Training

  • 🐛 Cicadas Emerge

  • 🏗️ A Six Flags Construction Update

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

THE DIGEST

🗳️ County Council Unanimously Backs Senior Tax Relief

The St. Louis County Council has unanimously approved $300,000 in funding for its senior citizen property tax credit program. The money will be used to purchase software for online applications and hire additional staff. Seniors aged 67 and older who own homes valued at $550,000 or less can apply to have their property tax bills frozen starting July 1, with an extended deadline of June 2025. Read more here.

👮‍♂️ Behind the Scenes: Police Tactical Training

The St. Louis County Police recently released a video showcasing their current class of police recruits participating in tactical defense and handcuff training. The behind-the-scenes footage offers a glimpse into the rigorous drills and exercises cadets undergo to prepare for their roles as officers:

🐛 Cicadas Poised to Surface After 17-year Wait

The Butterfly House reported Saturday that ground temperatures are nearing 64°F, which would trigger the mass emergence of cicadas. Entomologists have been closely monitoring the temperature, which dropped slightly to 62.4°F Saturday morning but rose to 63.7°F by 7:30pm after warm rain. The cicadas, which have been underground for 17 years, could start emerging as early as today / this week.

🦠 Tick Numbers Up in STL Due to Early Heat

Tick season has arrived early in St. Louis due to unusually warm weather. Experts say tick populations are up and about 10% carry diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. You can help track ticks in our area by submitting those that you find to to the "Tick Watch STL" program in Olivette. Directions to do so can be found here.

📚 Celebrate Children's Book Week at the Library

The St. Louis County Library is hosting a week-long celebration for Children's Book Week from May 6-11. Kids can enjoy various fun activities, including story times, scavenger hunts, and visits from their favorite costume characters. Find events ar your nearest library branch here.

BUSINESS

🏗️ Six Flags Makes Headway on New Ride

Last week Six Flags shared an update on their upcoming roller coaster, The Joker™: Carnival of Chaos. The amusement park reported that construction is moving forward, with footings dug and concrete being poured:

🥞 French Crêperie Celebrates 1 Year

French Crêperie in Chesterfield is celebrating its first anniversary. The restaurant, owned by a French native, serves up fresh, made-to-order sweet and savory crêpes inspired by the owner's childhood favorites.

😥 rue21 Closing All Stores, Including Chesterfield

Teen clothing retailer rue21 has filed for bankruptcy a third time and plans to close all its roughly 540 stores, including the Chesterfield location at St. Louis Premium Outlets. The company, which previously sought Chapter 11 protection in 2003 and 2017, cited challenges from the pandemic, changing consumer preferences, and increased online competition. Store closing sales are expected to wrap up by May 31.

SCHOOL DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS

Parkway

😄 Students All Smiles After Special Transports

Last week two lucky McKelvey Primary Elementary students enjoyed an unforgettable ride to school thanks to the Maryland Heights Police and Fire Departments. The students, whose parents won the special transportation prizes at the school's PTO Trivia Night Auction, arrived grinning from ear to ear in a police car and a fire truck.

Rockwood

🗳️ Have Your Say: Rockwood Community Survey '24

Rockwood has launched its annual Community Survey, open through May 15th. The anonymous survey invites students, staff, parents, and community members to provide valuable feedback on leadership, academics, character education, culture, and belonging in Rockwood. The district aims to gather insights to guide decision-making and monitor growth as they work towards helping all students thrive. Take the survey here.

🌍 Worlds of Wildwood: A Night of Global Fun

Last Thursday, the Rockwood hosted its third annual Worlds of Wildwood event, celebrating diversity and global traditions. Families from four schools set up booths showcasing food, clothing, and customs from over 25 countries. The event also featured an hourlong performance by Pond Elementary's International Club, with students presenting songs and dances from various regions around the world.

CITY HIGHLIGHTS

Clarkson Valley

📰 Clarkson Valley Releases May Stroll Magazine

Clarkson Valley has released the latest edition of their May Stroll Magazine. Check it out here.

Manchester

🏙️ Manchester Celebrates Local Government Week

The city of Manchester is celebrating Local Government Week from May 5-11. This week is dedicated to recognizing the hard work and commitment of the city's leaders and staff who work diligently to serve the community:

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scottish Games & Festival: May 11th Fun!

The St Louis Scottish Games & Cultural Festival is set to take place this Saturday at Schroeder Park in Manchester. Attendees can expect a day filled with thrilling athletic competitions, enchanting performances, delicious food, and family-friendly activities. From the caber toss and hammer throw to Highland dancing and sheepherding demonstrations, this event promises an immersive experience celebrating Scottish heritage and tradition. Learn more here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Today: Swing for Support: Second Annual Keys to Change Golf Tournament @ Aberdeen Golf Club from 1pm to 7pm. Learn more here.

  • Thursday: Manchester’s Parking Lot Bingo @ Schroeder Park from 6pm to 7:15pm. Learn more / register here.

  • Friday: Town & Country Blood Drive @ the Longview Farm House from 10am to 2pm. Learn more here.

  • Saturday:

    • St. Louis Scottish Games & Cultural Festival @ Schroeder Park starting at 9am. Learn more / buy tickets here.

    • St. Louis County Parks’s Mother’s Day Wine Tasting at Faust Park from 4pm to 7pm. Learn more here.

    • Forget-Me-Not Garden Club’s 2024 Plant Sale from 11am to 3pm. Learn more here.

    • Native Plant Sale at the World Bird Sanctuary from 10am to 2pm. Learn more here.

    • Plant Sale at Bethel Wildwood Church from 9am to 1pm. Learn more here.

Next Week

  • Friday May 17: Town & Country Concert @ Town Square at 6pm. Learn more here.

  • Saturday May 18:

    • Manchester Craft Beer Festival @ Schroeder Park from 3pm to 6pm. Learn more here.

    • West County Home & Garden Expo @ Queeny Park from 9am to 2pm. Learn more here.

    • La Salle Retreat Center Bee Dash 5k at 8:30am. Learn more / register here.

    • Rockwoods Rockin’ Horsefest @ Greensfelder Park from 9am to 6pm. Learn more here.

THANKS!

Thanks for reading this edition of the ⚡️ West County Pulse newsletter. If you found something useful, please share it with a friend!

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