👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

• 🏃‍♂️ An Inspiring Local 5K Athlete

• 🐟 A Creve Coeur Lake Carp Study

• ☕️ A New Ballwin Cafe Profiled

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

🌟 Local Teen Triumphs in Inspiring 5K Run

Parkway South High student Sam Weber achieved a remarkable goal in August. Inspired by Lloyd Martin, a 19-year-old with Down syndrome who completed the London Marathon, Sam decided to take on his own running challenge. With support from teacher Elise Palmquist, Sam trained diligently for months. Their efforts culminated in successfully completing the Ballwin Days 5K on August 18.

🐟 Creve Coeur Lake Fish Study Underway

Recent fish deaths at Creve Coeur Lake are part of a planned research effort. Federal scientists are using electrofishing to study invasive carp populations, aiming to inform future removal strategies. The project seeks to protect native species and improve boating safety by addressing the persistent carp problem in local waters.

🐾 Pups Splash Into End-of-Summer Fun

As summer winds down, West County pools are rolling out the red carpet for our four-legged friends. These canine aquatic adventures require proof of vaccinations, ensuring a safe splash for all. Find out details for each of the area pools by clicking below:

• Ballwin (Tomorrow)

• Chesterfield (Tomorrow)

• Des Peres (Tomorrow)

• Ellisville (Thursday and Saturday)

• Eureka (Wednesday)

🛍️ Chesterfield Mall: Final Checkout Time

Chesterfield Mall has officially closed its doors, bidding farewell to decades of retail memories. The once-bustling shopping center now stands silent, awaiting its next chapter. But this isn't just a story of decline - it's one of transformation. The mall's demise paves the way for an ambitious mixed-use development, set to breathe new life into our community.

Business

🍽️ Sauce Magazine Features New Ballwin Cafe

Last week Sauce Magazine featured The Ground Coffeehouse and Plant Shop in Ballwin. This new local business combines a coffee shop with a plant store, offering residents a unique experience. Located in a renovated historic home, the cafe serves locally-sourced coffee and botanical-themed drinks while also selling a variety of plants.

🚧 Chesterfield YMCA Renovation Now In Progress

The Chesterfield YMCA has started its latest major renovation project. Plans include constructing an 11,000 sq-ft fitness center, adding a community kitchen, and building new group exercise studios. The demolition phase is currently underway, marking the beginning of significant improvements to the facility.

🚂 New Schedule at Transportation Museum

The National Museum of Transportation is adjusting its hours for the fall and winter seasons. Starting tomorrow, the museum will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 9am to 4pm. Visitors should note that the museum will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

🏗️ Brinkmann Constructors Marks 40 Years

Brinkmann Constructors has reached a significant milestone this year. The company is celebrating its 40th anniversary, having started operations in 1984. Known for innovative solutions in the construction industry, Brinkmann has grown into a 100% employee-owned company.

City Highlights

Chesterfield

🚧 Conway Rd Construction Begins Tomorrow

Road construction is scheduled to begin at the intersection of Conway Road and South Woods Mill Road tomorrow. Lane closures may occur during the project, but traffic control measures will maintain two-way traffic flow. Drivers should anticipate possible delays, though all traffic directions will remain accessible throughout the construction period. Learn more about the project here.

Creve Coeur

🍲 Last Day for Neighborhood Watch Food Drive Tomorrow

Time is running out to contribute to Creve Coeur's canned food drive. The local Neighborhood Watch is collecting donations to support the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, which serves thousands of families each year. Items needed include cereal, canned vegetables, pasta sauce, and peanut butter. The collection point is at the Creve Coeur Police Department lobby.

Eureka

🚗 Midweek Detours on Forby Road

Forby Road will undergo repairs this week. The affected area, from 360 Forby Road to Forby Estates Drive, will be off-limits from 9am to 2pm daily Wednesday through Friday.

🏆 Police Captain Seeking Marshal Position

Eureka Police Captain Michael Werges has announced his candidacy for city marshal in the upcoming April (2025) election. The 50-year-old assistant chief aims to succeed Chief Michael Weigand, who is not seeking reelection after 37 years in the position. If elected, Werges would automatically become the new police chief, continuing Eureka's tradition of long-term law enforcement leadership.

Manchester

🩸 Manchester Hosting Community Blood Drive Tomorrow

Manchester's next blood drive is tomorrow from 10am to 3pm at the Manchester Justice Center.

🌳 Schroeder Park: Closing for Carnival Prep

Manchester's Schroeder Park is set for a brief closure. Beginning tomorrow, the park will be off-limits as preparations begin for the yearly Homecoming Festival & Carnival. This short-term inconvenience paves the way for a community celebration that has become a local tradition. Alternative parks remain open during this time.

Valley Park

🛣️ Valley Park Updates Asphalt Project Schedule

Valley Park has revised its 2024 asphalt replacement project schedule. The updated timeline runs through September 5 this week:

🍎 Eastern Star Donates for School Lunches

Valley Park School District received a generous boost recently. Ballwin Chapter #435 of the Eastern Star organization donated $3,000 to cover unpaid school lunch balances from the 2023-2024 year. This support aims to relieve financial stress for local families, allowing students to focus on learning without worrying about lunch costs. The funds were raised through work at Culver's and a matching gift.

Upcoming Events

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

📆 Next 7 Days

THANKS!

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