👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️ West County Pulse newsletter:

• 🎒 Churches Equip Students with Supplies

• 🃏 Casino Settles Levee Dispute

• 🏟️ A $60M Chesterfield Sportsplex Kicks Off

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

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The Digest

📚 Eureka Churches Unite to Equip Students

As summer progresses, Eureka churches are gearing up to provide essential school supplies for students in need. The River at Eureka's annual backpack drive assists an average of 100 children per year, while St. Francis Episcopal Church partners with the Meramec Valley R-3 School District to donate 150 backpacks. These efforts ensure that students have the tools they need to succeed in the classroom.

💸 St. Louis County Casino Settles Levee Dispute

Hollywood Casino has settled its five-year dispute with the Howard Bend Levee District, securing a $3.5 million refund and a significant reduction in future levee payments. The agreement frees the Maryland Heights casino from serving as the primary funding source for the district, which had relied on the gaming property to finance millions in levee construction and maintenance since the mid-1990s.

🗞️ Pickle Jar Puts Des Peres in WSJ Spotlight

The Wall Street Journal recently highlighted the peculiar story of the pickle jar that has captured the hearts of Des Peres residents and social media users worldwide. The jar, which first appeared on a highway median years ago, has become a symbol of the community's quirky spirit.

📈 County 911 Survey Response Rate Triples via Text

The St. Louis County Police Department is enhancing its 911 dispatch services with a new text messaging survey tool. Sent to most callers between 8am and 9pm, the four-question survey has received responses from more than 34% of the 6,600 recipients since its launch in April. The department aims to further reduce wait times by increasing staffing and utilizing voice assistance technology for non-emergency calls.

Business

🎯 Maritz Targets Trade Show Market with Buy

Fenton-based marketing powerhouse Maritz has acquired Convention Data Services, a Massachusetts-based provider of registration and lead management services for trade shows and events. The acquisition, effective July 1, positions Maritz to significantly increase its market share and bring innovative new products to the events industry. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

⚽ $60M Sportsplex Kicks Off in Chesterfield Valley

CarShield is set to build a $60 million, 325,000-square-foot sports complex in the Chesterfield Valley. The state-of-the-art facility will feature indoor ice rinks, soccer fields, and a range of amenities to cater to the growing hockey and soccer communities in the St. Louis region. Construction is scheduled to commence this fall, with an anticipated opening in early 2026.

🪵 Preserving the Excitement: Six Flags' Wooden Ride Upkeep

Six Flags recently spotlighted one of its unsung heroes behind their beloved wooden rides - one of its skilled carpenters. Checkout this brief interview about what it takes to care for Six Flags’ wooden coasters.

City Highlights

Ballwin

🎉 Ballwin Celebrates Officer Flamion's "Alive Day"

On Monday, the Ballwin community came together to celebrate Officer Mike Flamion's "Alive Day," marking seven years since he survived being shot in the line of duty. Despite the challenges faced since that fateful day in 2016, Officer Flamion and his family have continued to inspire others with their resilience and determination, serving as a shining example of strength in the face of adversity.

📣 Ballwin Seeks Resident Input on Budget Priorities

The City of Ballwin is calling on residents to share their thoughts on budget priorities, service ratings, and future goals through a new online survey. By participating, citizens can directly influence how their tax dollars are allocated and help shape the future of their community. The survey is available now, and all responses will be carefully considered by city officials.

Chesterfield

🌿 Parks Staff Praised During Nat'l Celebration

This National Park and Recreation Month, the Chesterfield Parks, Recreation & Arts Department is shining a spotlight on the often-overlooked heroes who keep the city's parks in pristine condition. With a team of more than 25 staff members working daily on various maintenance tasks, Chesterfield's parks are a testament to their dedication and hard work.

Eureka

🌪️ Eureka Offers Storm Cleanup Assistance

In the wake of this week’s storms, Eureka's Public Works Department is helping residents clean up yard waste and debris. Through August 2nd, the city is encouraging residents to place branches and vegetative waste at the curb for removal. To ensure efficient pickup, debris should be placed away from fixtures and overhead obstructions, and larger branches should be left loose rather than bagged or tied.

🤸‍♀️ Tots Tumble at Open Gym Playtime

Eureka Parks and Recreation invites tots ages 6 months to 5 years to enjoy open gym playtime with friends tomorrow at the Community Center. This unstructured gymnastics program allows little ones to explore and play in a safe environment. Preregistration is recommended and can be done online here.

Wildwood

⛈️ Wildwood Roads Closed Amid Beryl's Deluge

Hurricane Beryl's arrival in Wildwood has brought more than just strong winds; it has also delivered heavy rainfall, causing localized flooding throughout the city. Several roads have been closed to through traffic as a precautionary measure:

• Centaur Road (from S. Eatherton to Wild Horse Creek Road)
• S. Eatherton Road (from Route CC/Wild Horse Creek Road to Centaur Road)
• Wild Horse Creek Road (from Ossenfort Road to Centaur Road)

🤝 Mingle with the Mayor at Tomorrow’s Coffee Meetup

Get up close and personal with Wildwood's Mayor Garritano at the next Coffee with the Mayor, happening tomorrow at 7:30am. Residents can attend in person at City Hall or sign up here for the virtual option via Zoom to participate from home.

🌳 Rock Hollow Trail Closed for TLC

Nature lovers, take note: The Rock Hollow Trail is undergoing some maintenance today and tomorrow. The trail access at Ridge Meadows Elementary School and the area north of Lower Zombie Trail Crossing will be off-limits during this time. The City appreciates your patience and encourages you to discover the other beautiful parks Wildwood has to offer.

Upcoming Events

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📆 This Week

THANKS!

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