👋 Good Morning, West County!

General News

🧠 Wildwood Family's TBI Journey Goes Viral

A Wildwood family has become TikTok famous sharing their son's journey after a motorcycle accident. Josh Luter was 19 and studying to be a pilot when a collision with an SUV left him with a traumatic brain injury. Four years later, the "Josh 2.0" account has over 400,000 followers as his parents use it to document his progress and provide support to other TBI families nationwide.

🏡 County Land Bank Bill Gets Page's Signature

St. Louis County is addressing neighborhood blight. County Executive Dr. Sam Page signed Bill No. 57 yesterday (Monday), establishing the St. Louis County Land Bank to reclaim and redevelop vacant and abandoned properties. The initiative, backed by $1 million in Rams settlement funding, makes St. Louis County the first to implement Missouri's 2024 law expanding local authority for land banks.

🛝 No Child Left Behind at Teddy's Playground

Queeny Park will soon be home to a playground designed for children of all abilities. The "Teddy and Friends Playground," inspired by 9-year-old Teddy Gooch who was born with dwarfism, will feature a board game theme when completed in August. The project needs approximately $300,000 in additional funding, with the Burgess Family Foundation currently matching all donations until May 15.

🚨 Text Scam Alert from MO Revenue Dept

The Missouri Department of Revenue has issued a warning about text messages falsely claiming to be from the DMV regarding unpaid tolls or traffic violations. These fraudulent messages threaten license suspension and legal action to pressure recipients into clicking malicious links. Officials recommend deleting these messages without engaging.

🗺️ Geocaching Workshop at Queeny Park

St. Louis County Parks is offering a geocaching workshop at Queeny Park this upcoming weekend on May 3rd from 10am to 12:30pm. The event includes a classroom session led by the St. Louis Area Geocachers Association and a park ranger, followed by practical experience searching for hidden items in the park.

Business

☕ New Coffee Shop Coming to Ellisville

A new drive-thru option is coming to Ellisville. The Ellisville City Council unanimously approved a 7 Brew coffee shop to be located next to the Missouri Pickleball Club. The business plans to hire 45-50 employees and will serve coffee, energy drinks, smoothies, and teas.

School District Highlights

🎺 Lafayette Band Director Selected as Top Rockwood Teacher

Brad Balog, Lafayette High School's band director, has been named Rockwood's 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year. The announcement came during the ROSE Award Ceremony on April 27. Balog, who has taught at Lafayette since 2000, is a graduate of the school and will now advance to regional and state levels in Missouri's Teacher of the Year program.

Ballwin

🎡 Ballwin Cuts Ribbon on Playground Fun

Over the weekend Ballwin celebrated the completion of the new Vlasis Park playground with a community ribbon-cutting ceremony. Local families attended the event to welcome this latest addition.

Chesterfield

🏛️ Bob Nation Concludes 12 Years as Mayor

Mayor Bob Nation completed his final Chesterfield City Council meeting on April 22 after 12 years as mayor. Nation received a plaque recognizing his service as council member (2007-2013) and mayor (2013-2025). Dan Hurt was sworn in as the new mayor along with council members Patricia Tocco, Lane Koch, and incumbents Barb McGuinness and Gary Budoor.

Manchester

🎪 PINGO Event at Schroeder Park

Manchester Parks and Recreation is hosting PINGO - parking lot bingo - at Schroeder Park coming up on Thursday from 6-7:15pm. Residents can reserve spaces for $17 per car or $22.10 for non-residents. Participants should bring their own chairs, tables, food, and markers for an evening of outdoor gaming with the chance to win prizes. Learn more/register here.

Town & Country

👮 T&C Officer Honored for DUI Arrests

Town and Country Police Officer Dye has been recognized by LETSAC for removing 28 impaired drivers from local roads in 2024. His work helped address a serious problem in Missouri, where alcohol-impaired drivers caused 123 deaths and 1,832 injuries last year.

Wildwood

🌳 New Inclusive Playground Coming to Wildwood

The Wildwood City Council has approved plans for phase 2 of the Village Green project. The new phase will include a 30,000-square-foot inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities. Nonprofit organization Unlimited Play will serve as general contractor for the $2.2 million project, with $575,000 in grant funding secured to offset costs.

🏞️ Wildwood Art Event Set for May 3

Wildwood will host its 11th Annual Plein Air Art event this Saturday (5/3). Artists and photographers will create work at locations revealed that day, starting from City Hall. Registration costs $40 for adults before May 3 or $50 day-of, with student rates of $10-20. Cash prizes will include $750 for Best of Show in both traditional and photography categories.

Upcoming Events

THANKS!

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