👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

🏠 Senior Tax Freeze Program Pauses
📚 Al Roker Visit Next Week
🏆 Ellisville Business Awards

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

🏠 Senior Tax Program Takes Brief Pause

St. Louis County has temporarily paused its Senior Tax Freeze Program applications until Monday at 8am. The program, which has already received 30,000 applications, needs system upgrades to handle the high volume.

📚 Al Roker to Visit County Library Next Week

The TODAY Show's Al Roker is scheduled to appear at the St. Louis County Library's Clark Family Branch next week. The well-known weatherman will discuss his new cookbook Al Roker's Recipes to Live By on November 22 at 7pm. The event includes a copy of the cookbook with each ticket purchase.

💧 Water Rate Increase Proposed

Missouri American Water has proposed increasing customer rates by approximately $18 per month for St. Louis County residents. The company says the funds would support infrastructure improvements including pipe replacements and treatment plant upgrades. A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday evening at UMSL's Millennium Student Center.

🤼 County-State Dispute Over Prosecutor Role

St. Louis County officials and Missouri state leaders disagree on who has authority to appoint Wesley Bell's replacement as County Prosecutor. County Executive Sam Page has started accepting applications, while Governor Mike Parson claims he holds appointment power. The County Counselor has requested state officials provide legal justification by November 15th (today).

Business

🏆 Ellisville Presents Business Awards

Nine local businesses received recognition at the 2024 Bluebird Awards ceremony in Ellisville. Mayor Mike Roemerman presented awards across multiple categories, including community spirit, beautification, and business excellence. The Economic Development Commission selected winners based on their contributions to the city's growth and community involvement.

🔔 Salvation Army Returns to Schnucks

The Salvation Army and Schnucks are working together again this holiday season to help local families. Shoppers can round up their purchases or donate Schnucks Rewards points. Bell ringers will be at store entrances from November 29 through December 24, Monday through Saturday.

🛒 Schnucks Updates Checkout Rules

Schnucks has adjusted their self-checkout policy at all stores. The company recently increased the item limit from 10 to 15 at self-checkout lanes, marking their second policy update this year. The change affects all locations, including stores in Ballwin, Manchester, and Des Peres.

School District Highlights

🏫 Parkway Pauses ECC Construction Plan

Parkway has announced changes to their Early Childhood Center project plans during this week’s November 13th board meeting. After a traffic study revealed significant congestion concerns at the Wren Avenue location, the district decided to pause construction plans. Officials are now working through the Facilities 2050 initiative to identify alternative solutions.

🎥 Drone Captures Eureka High Flood Scene

Rockwood shared aerial footage showing the extent of Meramec River flooding at Eureka High School this past week. The school’s athletic fields submerged underwater and flooding reached into the parking lot.

🏥 Health Alert at Rockwood Summit

Local health officials are tracking an E. coli outbreak affecting the Rockwood Summit High School community. Following nineteen reported cases linked to an off-campus food event, the school completed comprehensive cleaning of all spaces including classrooms, bathrooms, and common areas. The investigation into the source continues.

City Highlights

Ballwin

📄 Ballwin Hosting Free Document Shredding

St. Louis County residents can take advantage of a free document shredding service at Ballwin's North Pointe facility this weekend. The event allows one banker's box of papers per vehicle. Funded by the St. Louis County Department of Public Health, this service will require proof of residency and is available to residents only, not businesses.

Eureka

🚰 Eureka Water Changes Coming Soon

Missouri American Water is beginning the process of connecting Eureka homes to a new water supply this month. The recently completed 6-mile pipeline will transport Missouri River water from Wildwood to Eureka homes. Company officials say the four-phase transition will continue through spring, with regular updates provided to residents.

Manchester

🗑️ Electronics Recycling Coming Saturday

Manchester residents have one more chance this year to recycle their electronics and metal items. The city's final collection event will take place tomorrow (Saturday) at Schroeder Park. This free service provides a convenient way for residents to dispose of unwanted electronics and metal items responsibly. Interested residents can learn more on the city’s website here.

Town & Country

🎖️ T&C Breaks Ground on Heroes' Haven

A new place of reflection is taking shape in Town & Country, where the community gathered on Veterans Day to break ground on a $300,000 Military and First Responders Tribute. The privately-funded memorial will feature a reflective walk, engraved stone displaying core values, and military crests, creating a peaceful space to honor those who serve.

Wildwood

🌳 Al Foster Trail Reopens

Wildwood's Al Foster Memorial Trailhead has reopened following last week's Meramec River flooding. While the trail within city limits is clear, some debris remains in sections outside Wildwood. Temporary restrooms and handwashing stations are also available as permanent facilities are closed for winter.

🎄 Donate Toys at Wildwood City Hall

This holiday season, Wildwood City Hall is serving as a collection site for an important cause. The Marine Corps' 75th annual Toys for Tots campaign is accepting new, unwrapped toys through December 9th. The program helps ensure local children receive gifts during the holiday season.

THANKS!

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