👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

🏡 Senior Tax Freeze Receives 10,000 Applications
🐶 Shelter Aids Pets From NC Flooding
🧼 Sarah's One-Day Relief Drive

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

🏡 Seniors Rush to Freeze Property Taxes

St. Louis County's new senior tax freeze program has received over 10,000 applications in its first week. The initiative is allowing residents aged 62 and older to apply for property tax relief until June 30, 2025. Online applications are available, with in-person assistance offered at four county locations.

🏠 STL Shelter Helps Hurricane-Affected Pets

The APA of Missouri has stepped up to help animals affected by flooding in North Carolina. Several pets from Madison County Animal Services, which lost power and water due to Hurricane Helena, have arrived in St. Louis. These animals are undergoing health checks and will soon be available for adoption or fostering, offering local residents a chance to provide them with new homes.

🐾 Halloween Dog Parade at Queeny Park

Queeny Park is hosting a special event for dog owners on October 19th. The Halloween-themed pup parade will start at Greensfelder Recreation Complex and end at Tails and Trails Dog Park. Participating dogs can win prizes for best costumes, and owners can enjoy a social gathering and fall-themed photo opportunities afterward. Learn more / register here.

🎃 West Mag's Guide to Halloween Happenings

West Newsmagazine has done the legwork for local Halloween enthusiasts. The paper compiled a comprehensive list of fall events across our area, from pumpkin carving contests to family-friendly festivals. The curated guide showcases the diverse array of seasonal activities available to residents in the area.

Business

🧼 Sarah's Hosting One-Day Hurricane Relief Drive

Sarah's on Central in Eureka is organizing a donation drive today for hurricane victims. From 7:30am to 6pm, customers can contribute essential items. The drive focuses on smaller necessities due to limited van space, including baby supplies, hygiene products, and cleaning materials.

🍺 Eureka's Brew-tiful Oktoberfest Bash

Eureka's Oktoberfest is set to bring fall cheer to Old Town on October 13th next week. From 1-6pm, visitors can sample an array of food and beer from local vendors. The event will also include a chili cookoff, pitting local eateries against each other in a friendly competition.

🥖 Panera Announces Corporate Restructuring

Panera Bread is implementing changes to its corporate structure. The bakery-cafe chain is reducing and reassigning roles in its support staff as part of a strategic plan aimed at empowering store managers and improving efficiency.

🏋️ Chesterfield YMCA Plans October Events

The Chesterfield YMCA has announced its October event lineup. Members can participate in a United Way Parking Spot Raffle until October 15th, offering a chance to win a premier parking spot. Other activities include Bingo on the 16th, an "Aging in Place" speaker series on the 23rd, and a Family Halloween event on the 26th.

School District Highlights

🏈 Parkway Alum Runs Wild in Big Game

Monday Night Football saw an unexpected star in Parkway Central graduate Khalen Saunders. The New Orleans Saints defensive tackle, who previously won two Super Bowls with the Chiefs, intercepted Patrick Mahomes for the first time in his career. Saunders then channeled his inner running back, returning the pick for an impressive 37 yards.

City Highlights

Chesterfield

🎃 Police Engage Kids at Halloween Event

Last weekend, the Chesterfield Police Department participated in a family-friendly Halloween event. The Truck or Treat gathering at Central Park, organized by the Parks, Recreation & Arts Department, allowed officers to interact with local families. Kids had the opportunity to explore police vehicles and meet real-life officers in a safe environment.

Creve Coeur

🏫 Historic Schoolhouse Faces Wrecking Ball

Creve Coeur's Lake Schoolhouse, built in 1897, is at risk of demolition. Originally located in present-day Chesterfield, this historic one-room school was moved to Creve Coeur in 1967. It served as a local history museum for years, but now faces destruction due to disrepair. Preservationists are urging action to save this important piece of local educational heritage.

☕ Mayor's Coffee Chat: October Edition

Mayor Hoffman is inviting Creve Coeur citizens to join him for coffee on tomorrow (October 10th) morning. The event, held at the Government Center, will start at 7:30am and will offer a casual setting to discuss community matters. There's no set agenda, so feel free to raise any questions or concerns you have about our city.

Manchester

🚨 Last Day: Guns & Hoses Merch Available

Today (Wednesday) marks the final call for Guns and Hoses gear in Manchester. The Justice Center's doors are open for last-minute purchases of hats and t-shirts, priced from $18 to $23. This 37-year-old boxing event continues to champion first responder families. Make your contribution before the day ends.

Town & Country

🚧 I-64 Overpass Drama: Cops Explain Stance

Town & Country Police issued a press release about Saturday's Mason Road overpass demonstration. The statement explains their hands-off approach during the three-hour event, highlighting the balance between public safety and First Amendment rights. Despite controversy, no laws were broken, leaving police to monitor without intervention.

Wildwood

📸 Wildwood Launches Annual Photo Contest

Wildwood's Annual Photography Contest is running through October 23rd. Residents can submit up to three digital photos of landscapes, buildings, or wildlife scenes taken within city limits since 1995. The contest will feature public voting and expert judging, with winners receiving prizes and exposure across various city platforms.

Upcoming Events

Visit our full community calendar here for a comprehensive list of events.

📆 Next 7 Days

THANKS!

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