👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

🌪️ Friday's Tornado Aftermath
🌪️ Wildwood’s EF2 Tornado
🍪 Crumbl Cookies’ Busch Stadium Expansion

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

General News

🌪️ NWS Confirms Friday Storm Damage

Several tornadoes touched down across the St. Louis region during Friday's storm system. The National Weather Service is still conducting surveys to determine the final count, which is approaching a dozen confirmed tornadoes. Much damage has been reported across the area. Here is a small smattering:

• Parkway Central High School's business classrooms and front sign area were damaged

• Creve Coeur Soccer Complex experienced widespread damage

• The KSDK / DirecTV area transmitter was damaged, resulting in loss of broadcast capability via antenna

• Major powerlines were heavily damaged, leaving many areas still in the dark as Ameren works to make repairs

• Extensive damage to barns and other buildings at Purina Farms

• The city of Wildwood is maintaining a page on their website with road closure updates

• South-bound lanes on Ballas Road near Town & Country remain closed, with repairs expected by end of day Tuesday (3/18)

🌪️ NWS Confirms EF2 Tornado Near Wildwood

The National Weather Service on Monday classified the tornado that hit Wildwood directly as an EF2 tornado. The powerful system traveled 13.63 miles from Villa Ridge and into the Wildwood / Grover area between 8:56pm and 9:10pm, with winds reaching 130 mph. Despite extensive damage to structures and trees along its path, emergency officials have reported just one injury and no fatalities. Someone actually caught and submitted a video of the funnel cloud to KMOV.

🛍️ Retail Theft Ring Busted in Chesterfield

Chesterfield police recently broke up a retail theft ring following a tip about unusually low-priced items on Facebook. An undercover officer purchased new clothing at steep discounts, leading to a search of a Ferguson home. Police discovered piles of merchandise with tags still attached and numerous security tags, confirming the items were stolen from area retailers.

🏀 Special Olympics MO Needs Volunteers

Special Olympics Missouri is looking for volunteers to support 1,400 athletes competing in the State Indoor Games on March 28th and 29th. The events will take place at various locations across St. Charles.

Business

🍪 Crumbl Cookies Coming to Busch Stadium

Crumbl Cookies is expanding to Busch Stadium this season. The popular chain, which already has locations in Chesterfield and Des Peres in our area, will open its first MLB ballpark concession at section 136 along the first base line. The new cookie stand will be ready on March 27th when the Cardinals host the Minnesota Twins for their 2025 season opener.

🛌 New Mattress Store Opens in Wildwood

A new family-owned business is joining the Wildwood community. Mattress Dogzzz will celebrate its grand opening on March 22nd at 113 Plaza Dr. From 11am-2pm, visitors can explore mattress offerings from brands like Tempur-Pedic, Beautyrest, and Sealy while enjoying live music and supporting animal adoption efforts.

Ballwin

🌳 Ballwin Announces Storm Limb Collection

The City of Ballwin has scheduled a community-wide limb collection beginning March 24th. Public Works teams will make a single pass through each neighborhood, collecting branches up to 12 inches in diameter.

🏐 Spring Volleyball League Starts April 4

Ballwin's Spring Adult Volleyball League begins soon at The Pointe. Players 18 and older can join the Friday night competition running April 4 through June 6. Games take place from 6:30-9:30pm. Learn more / register here.

Chesterfield

🌳 Chesterfield Launches Storm Cleanup Effort

Chesterfield has launched a comprehensive storm debris removal initiative following last week’s storm. City crews are focusing first on the hardest-hit area bounded by Conway Road, Olive Boulevard, Ladue Road, and S Woods Mill Road. Residents outside this zone can request pickup by phone (636-537-4749) or email ([email protected]) by March 26th.

Ellisville

🎉 Ellisville Gov Center Grand Opening

The new Ellisville Government Center’s ribbon cutting and open house is tomorrow (3/19). The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 5:30pm, with early tours available starting at 5:00pm. Residents can explore the facility both before and after the official ceremony, and light refreshments will be provided. Tours will continue until the evening's Council meeting begins.

Town & Country

🎵 T&C Kicks Off Concert Series Next Month

Town & Country is launching its 2025 Concert Series with the band 120 Minutes performing on April 24th at Town Square. The free event will run from 6-9pm and feature local food vendors including Blues Fired Pizza and Lily's Cafe. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for an evening of music and community connection.

Wildwood

🎨 Spring Break Pop-Up Event Today at Community Park

Today from 11am to noon, Wildwood is hosting a spring break event at Community Park. The Pop-Up Playdate will feature activities for children including sidewalk chalk, bubbles, crafts, and a provided snack.

Upcoming Events

THANKS!

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