👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

🌊 Rising Waters
🌧️ MSD Mobilizes
🦋 National Butterfly Recognition

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

General News

🌊 Route 141 May Flood This Weekend

Yesterday MoDOT officials warned that Route 141 under I-44 in Valley Park could flood by late Sunday as the Meramec River rises.

🌧️ MSD Tackles Weekend Rain Challenges

Metropolitan Sewer District crews are working throughout St. Louis as forecasters predict up to 5 inches in total of rain this weekend. According to a MSD spokeswoman, their teams maintain over 160,000 storm inlets year-round.

🪵 Parks Dept Highlights Faust Preservation

St. Louis County Parks' latest 75th anniversary post featured the Sellenriek Barn at Faust Park, a pre-Civil War structure saved from demolition in 1998. Pearl Sellenriek donated the barn in memory of her husband Erwin, preserving four generations of family history since 1865. The rare V-notch log construction makes this building particularly significant in the park's historical collection. Read the full historical blurb here.

🏞️ Parks Launch 75-Mile Challenge

In addition to their ongoing historical series, St. Louis County Parks is marking their 75th anniversary with a community challenge for residents to complete 75 miles of outdoor activity. The program welcomes participants to walk, bike, ride horses, or enjoy water activities through October 10th. Those who complete the challenge will earn a commemorative t-shirt and an invitation to a special guided walk at Queeny Park on October 11th. Learn more / register here.

🚧 Route 100 Construction Begins Next Week

Construction is starting on Route 100 between Route 109 and Route OO next week. MoDOT crews will build left turn lanes at four locations and J-turns at Route T and Pond Road to improve safety. Expect weekday lane closures from 9am-3pm and nighttime work from 7pm-5am. The project includes pavement repairs and resurfacing, with completion expected in late fall.

Business

🦋 Butterfly House Earns Elite Status

The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House recently received important recognition. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has granted the venue accreditation, evaluating factors like conservation efforts, education programs, safety procedures, and staff quality. The Butterfly House has maintained this distinction since 2003 (and is re-evaluated every 5 years), when it became the first invertebrate-focused facility to receive this honor.

🎪 Eid Festival Coming to Manchester

Schroeder Park will host an Eid Carnival next weekend (April 12th and 13th). If you’re interested in attending, keep in mind parking will be extremely limited throughout the event. Learn more about the carnival here.

🇫🇷 Local Chef Promotes French Film Fest

A local French restaurant owner recently appeared on Show Me St. Louis. Natacha Douglas demonstrated crêpe-making techniques and discussed the upcoming 17th Annual Robert Classic French Film Festival taking place downtown at the Hi-Pointe Theatre.

🐘 Zoo Prepares for Elephant Calf's Debut

The St. Louis Zoo is preparing for an important animal introduction. Baby Asian elephant Jet will make his public debut at the River's Edge habitat in the coming weeks. Zoo officials are ensuring the young elephant is fully comfortable in his surroundings before welcoming visitors to meet their newest resident.

Ballwin

🚓 Ballwin PD's March By The Numbers

The Ballwin Police Department released their March activity statistics, providing insight into local law enforcement efforts. Officers responded to 54 auto accidents and 46 alarm soundings while conducting 424 traffic stops throughout the community. Their presence was maintained with 72 foot patrols and 118 business checks, resulting in 36 arrests during the month.

Chesterfield

🚓 Blast From Chesterfield's Police Past

A look back at local history… the Chesterfield Police Department posted a throwback image showing one of their former patrol vehicles, a 1992 Chevrolet Caprice, on display at the (now former) Chesterfield Mall.

Creve Coeur

📰 Creve Coeur's April Newsletter Is Live

Creve Coeur has published its April 2025 resident newsletter online here.

🍽️ Cast Your Vote for Local Restaurant Award

Creve Coeur's annual Favorite Restaurant Award voting period has officially begun. Community members have already submitted nominations for their preferred local dining establishments, and now residents can vote for their top choice through April 7th. The restaurant receiving the most votes will be honored with the 2025 Favorite Restaurant Award. Participate in the vote online here.

Des Peres

🥚 Underwater Egg Hunt at Lodge Pool

The Lodge Indoor Pool will host an underwater egg hunt on April 18th. Kids 7-14 can dive for eggs and prizes with age groups hunting at 6pm and 6:30pm. Learn more / register here.

Eureka

🔥 Eureka's Rescue Team Ready to Rumble

The Meramec River's projected 30-foot rise has had Eureka firefighters concerned about weekend flooding. The Fire Protection District prepared multiple boats for potential water rescues, which are particularly dangerous operations. Residents are advised to avoid driving through standing water, as less than a foot of moving water can push a vehicle off course.

Manchester

🏊 Tiny Athletes to Take on Triple Challenge

Manchester Parks and Recreation has scheduled their Tiny Tot Triathlon for Saturday, May 31st from 9-11am. The event features biking, running, and swimming activities for children ages 3-9, with three different course options available. Parents can assist participants, and all children will receive a medal. Learn more / register your tiny humans here.

Valley Park

🔔 Flood Gates May Close Next Monday

Valley Park officials have issued a high water warning for next week. The Meramec River is expected to reach major flood status (over 27 feet) on Monday afternoon, potentially cresting at 31 feet Tuesday evening. City officials may close flood gates on St. Louis Avenue and Vance Road Monday afternoon, reopening them once water levels drop.

🚓 Valley Park Police Dish April Updates

The Valley Park substation of St. Louis County Police has released their April newsletter, available online here.

Upcoming Events

THANKS!

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