👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

⛷️ Kids Hit the Local Slopes
🐎 The Clydesdales Return to the Super Bowl
📰 Local News Reshaping

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

🎿 Kids Carve Up Hidden Valley Snow

The Show-Me Skiers Club organized a special event at Hidden Valley Ski Resort this past weekend to introduce local youth to winter sports. Sixty-nine young participants received skiing and snowboarding lessons before practicing their new skills. The club has been connecting people with winter sports since 1983.

🐎 Clydesdales Return to Super Bowl Ads

The Budweiser Clydesdales appeared in their first Super Bowl commercial since 2013 on Sunday. The new advertisement, "First Delivery," showcased the horses helping complete an important delivery mission.

🏛️ County Power Struggle Heads to Court

St. Louis County faces uncertainty over an April ballot question about department director removal powers. The measure would let council members remove department heads with five votes. While County Executive Page claims it would cost $600,000 to put on the ballot, election officials say that figure represents the county's typical share of total election costs.

💼 Auditor Reviewing County Office

Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick has requested financial and employment records from the St. Louis County Prosecutor's office. The investigation will examine bank statements, credit cards, and time sheets from June through December 2024. The review follows concerns about potential moonlighting and travel expenses under former prosecutor Wesley Bell.

Business

📰 Post-Dispatch Company Plans Cuts

The parent company of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch is implementing major changes. Lee Enterprises revealed a $16 million quarterly loss and will cut $40 million in annual costs. The Hoffmann Family of Companies has become a significant stakeholder, now owning 9% of the company amid these financial developments.

🎳 Local Bowling Alley Still Closed for Repairs

West County Lanes remains closed after January's devastating winter storm, with no reopening date in sight. The beloved Ellisville bowling alley continues to work through insurance claims while maintaining payroll for their staff. The structural damage from ice and snow has kept the 60-year-old community hub shuttered since January 7th.

🎂 Chick-fil-A Turns One With Week of Treats

The Creve Coeur Chick-fil-A location is celebrating its first year of business with a special promotional week. Through February 15th, the restaurant will offer different free menu items each day through its mobile app. The celebration includes milkshakes, breakfast items, Mini Moos, waffle fries, sandwiches, and birthday cake.

Chesterfield

🌞 Chesterfield Hiring Summer Camp Staff

The Chesterfield Parks & Recreation Department has opened applications for their summer camp program. They're seeking directors (18+) and counselors (16+) to oversee daily activities and ensure participant safety.

Eureka

🚒 Eureka Fire Tax Vote Set for April

The Eureka Fire Protection District has placed a tax measure on the April 8 ballot to address growing community needs. The proposal would increase property taxes by 34 cents per $100 assessed valuation. The additional funding would support firefighter recruitment, equipment purchases, and facility maintenance across the district's 63-square-mile service area.

Manchester

🏊 Manchester Pool Passes Now on Sale

The Manchester Aquatic Center is preparing for summer by offering Early Bird Season Passes. Current discounted rates include resident adult passes for $99 and family passes for up to three members. Additional family members can be added for $23 each.

🌞 Manchester Programs Open to Non-Residents

Manchester Parks has expanded access to its spring and summer programs to include non-residents. The program lineup includes Summer Camps, Swim Classes, Youth T-Ball, and several other recreational activities. Both online and in-person registration options will be available. Learn more / register here.

Wildwood

🇺🇸 Wildwood Launches 2025 Hero Banners

Wildwood is accepting applications for its 2025 Hometown Hero Banner program. The city-run initiative displays personalized banners featuring local veterans and active service members along Manchester Road during Memorial Day and Veterans Day celebrations. Applications are due by February 15th, with limited space available. Learn more here.

🚶 New Reading Trail Opens in Wildwood

The city of Wildwood has installed a new educational walking trail in Community Park. The mile-long Storybook Walk features the book "Animals in Winter," with reading stations placed along the path. Families can learn about local wildlife while getting exercise outdoors, making it an active learning experience for all ages.

Upcoming Events

THANKS!

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