West Newsmagazine 3-20-24

Vol. 29 No. 6 • March 20, 2024
2024
CARDINALS
PREVIEW
PLUS: April 2 ELECTION PREVIEW

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STAR PARKER
March 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
I OPINION I 3
This is not the Soviet
Union, Mr. Biden
In 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed.
It marked the end of an experiment that
lasted almost a century testing the premise
that godless secularization, turning control
of people’s lives over to other people
to rule them, who decide what others need
and how they should live and conduct
their lives, is the answer for mankind.
In the free world, the collapse of the
Soviet Union was cause for celebration.
In the USA, it was widely viewed as a victory
of the American way of life – a free
nation under God.
But let’s not get confused between
things and the names we give them.
Our own country – despite the words in
our founding documents about freedom
and God – has been on a path adopting
the same premises about human reality
that lead to the collapse of the communist
world.
This was evident in President Joe
Biden’s message to the nation in his State
of the Union address.
Biden, in so many words, delivered a
message that the path for a better, wealthier,
fairer America is more government.
Despite the reality that the country is
being crushed with staggering debt, the
result of runaway government, Biden and
his party celebrate this and want even
more.
The words find their way into numbers
in the budget for the next 10 years that the
president has just submitted to Congress.
Federal spending in this budget will
stand in fiscal year 2025 at $7.3 trillion.
One-quarter of our national economy consumed
by the federal government.
This amounts to a 14% increase from
where federal spending stood in the last
quarter of 2023 – $6.4 trillion.
Per the president’s spokesperson in the
White House, this budget “invests in all of
America to make sure everyone has a fair
shot, we leave no one behind.”
Translation: government will accumulate
more power and decide what is fair
and achieve its aims with more government
paid for with other people’s money.
The beautiful language of leaving “no
one behind” means government expansion
into every area of our lives, including
subsidized child care for families earning
$200,000 and below.
The bill for the massive new spending,
per the president’s budget, will be paid for
with a total of $4.9 trillion in tax increases
on the wealthy and on corporations.
I say “supposedly paid for” because
expansion of government under the premises
of raising taxes on the most successful
sectors of our economy never works.
Renown economist Arthur Laffer and
Heritage Foundation economist Stephen
Moore just published data showing that
when President Donald Trump cut the
highest individual tax rate and cut the corporate
tax rate in 2017, the percentage of
overall taxes paid by the wealthiest 1% of
the population increased.
Before the Trump tax cuts, the top 1%
paid “a little more than 40% of the income
taxes collected,” per Laffer and Moore.
After the tax cuts, that percentage
increased to almost 46%.
This was not something new. Laffer
and Moore show data going back to 1980
showing general correlation of lower top
tax rates with a larger percentage of overall
taxes paid by the top 1%.
Freedom means unleashing productivity
and creativity. Absence of freedom means
punishing both and therefore getting less
of both.
It’s why the Soviet Union collapsed.
Godless secularism doesn’t work.
The latest edition of CURE’s “The State
of Black Progress” shows the uniform
failure of expansion of government into
health care, education, housing and retirement,
all in the name of “fairness” and no
one being “left behind.”
The truth really is it’s more than this. It’s
about politicians who love power buying
it with gifts given with other people’s
money. Harsh to say, but this is reality.
Only 19% of Americans are satisfied
with the direction of the country, per
Gallup.
Most Americans feel something is
wrong. We need leadership to take us back
to freedom and God.
• • •
Star Parker is president of the Center
for Urban Renewal and Education and
host of the weekly television show “Cure
America with Star Parker.”
© 2024 Creators.com
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4 I OPINION I
March 20, 2024
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Food sales tax
As a proud citizen of Chesterfield
who is very aware of the extremely conservative,
money-conscious City Council,
I find comments made by Dr. Dennis
Ganahl and the recent bill put forth by
Rep. Ben Keathley very disappointing.
Chesterfield citizens have been
repeatedly informed that the main
source of revenue is sales tax, as the
city collects no property tax. No one
likes to pay taxes, but the reality is that
taxes pay for services the city provides.
The proposed stopping of sales tax on
food would decrease city revenue from
sales tax by an estimated 25%.
Ganahl and Keathley obviously have
not studied the city’s expenditures.
City council members earn $500 per
month, the mayor earns $1,000 per
month (gross pay), salaries which have
not changed in 35 years. The only main
expenditure spent on a select group is
the annual volunteer dinner. Money is
not squandered and criticisms should
be based on fact. It’s easy for politicians
to put forth legislation that makes
them sound good, but that same legislation
can be quite damaging to the
citizenry.
Louise Nation
In ballot language
I read the article on the propositions
(“On the Ballot: The Propositions,”
March 6) that stated “in ballot language.”
I think all propositions for all
elections should be in “voter language”
so voters know what they are voting
for and not have to guess what they are
voting for. If someone could decipher
proposition language and show the
proposition wordage in layman’s terms
it would be so much easier to make an
informed decision.
Pauline Crain
Founder Doug Huber
Publisher Emeritus Sharon Huber
Publisher Tim Weber
Managing Editor Dan Fox
Associate Editor Kate Uptergrove
Associate Editor Tracey Bruce
Staff Writer Laura Brown
Features Editor Lisa Russell
Business Manager Erica Myers
Graphic Designer Donna Deck
Graphic Designer Aly Doty
Graphic Layout Emily Rothermich
Advertising Account Executives
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Nancy Anderson
Vicky Czapla
Ellen Hartbeck
Linda Joyce
Joe Ritter
Sheila Roberts
ON THE COVER: St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (0) fields his position during an MLB
game against the San Diego Padres on August 30, 2023 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.
(Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire)
Suzanne Corbett
Jeffry Greenberg
DeAnne LeBlanc
Reporters
Cathy Lenny
Warren Mayes
Shwetha Sundarrajan
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6 I OPINION I
March 20, 2024
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LEADERSHIP & EXPERIENCE
Commitment to Good Governance
Enhancing Quality of Life
Promoting Economic Vitality
Protecting the Master Plan &
Environmental Stewardship
Completing the Village Green
Advancing Internet Access
“My mission remains steadfast –
to serve our citizens by providing
solutions, advocating for the
city’s best interests, and working
tirelessly to enhance Wildwood.”
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EDITORIAL
How dangerous is TikTok?
We’ve seen the headlines. The House of
Representatives overwhelmingly voted to
force TikTok’s Chinese ownership group to
sell or face a ban from all U.S. app stores.
The reason? The social media app poses a
risk to national security, they say. That bill
now heads to the Senate, where its ultimate
outcome is unclear. President Joe Biden has
said that he will sign the bill. Then again,
the president is also using TikTok to promote
his re-election campaign. All of this
begs the question, just how dangerous is
TikTok really?
THE CHINA THREAT
TikTok is owned by the Chinese conglomerate
ByteDance. Does ByteDance cooperate
with the Chinese Communist Party? The
simple answer is yes, they do, because they
are required by law to do so. Article 7 of the
National Intelligence Law of 2017 states:
“All organizations and citizens shall support,
assist, and cooperate with national
intelligence efforts in accordance with law,
and shall protect national intelligence work
secrets they are aware of.”
Now, the law continues to say those
efforts must preserve individual rights and
be conducted lawfully, but the inherent
threat remains. There is a long list of anecdotal
evidence that company leaders who
do not acquiesce to government demands
get punished harshly. The most famous
businessman in China, Alibaba founder Jack
Ma, disappeared for three months in 2020
after publicly questioning the government.
Google search Bao Fan, Xu Ming, Whitney
Duan or Xiao Jianhua. It is very, very
dangerous to be a Chinese billionaire unless
you toe the party line.
So is Chinese ownership a legitimate
problem? Absolutely, yes.
THE DATA THREAT
We have established that Chinese ownership
is a problem, so the question now
becomes how big of a problem? What data
do they have and what can they do with it?
First off, let’s admit that TikTok’s privacy
policy is shark-fin-in-shallow-water,
Norman-Bates-outside-the-shower-curtainlevel
scary. Seriously, when they flatly
acknowledge collecting “keystroke patterns
or rhythms” and “biometric identifiers” such
as “faceprints and voiceprints,” the “Jaws”
theme starts playing in your head. The truth
is, however, the same could be said for any
and all social media app privacy policies.
Elon Musk’s X (nee Twitter) collects biometric
information as well. Seriously, if we
all read the privacy policies from our favorite
apps, we would just curl up into a collective
fetal position and go back to using
pagers or even corded landline telephones.
In short, TikTok does not seem to be
collecting data that is more nefarious than
anyone else.
Now, how do they use that data? Therein
lies the rub, as old Bill Shakespeare might
say. If the collection of data is the devil we
know, then the manipulation of that data is
the devil we don’t. It’s Oz behind the curtain,
only Oz is the Chinese Communist Party. We
have absolutely no (zero, zip, zilch, nada)
transparency into how the company adjusts
its algorithm to target certain goals. This is
the real problem with a Chinese ownership
group. The app, which now has more than
170 million U.S. users, can elect to increase
or decrease exposure to any content it so
chooses. As an example, pro-Russian videos
certainly seem to be amplified on TikTok
more than any other platform. If China can
manipulate the data, one must assume that
they will manipulate the data.
THE EXISTENTIAL THREAT
This is the worst part. Whether a byproduct
of its inner-workings or by design,
TikTok promotes harmful content to children.
Last year, two reports commissioned
by Amnesty International led them to the
following conclusion:
“TikTok’s content recommender system
and its invasive data collection practices
pose a danger to young users of the platform
by amplifying depressive and suicidal
content that risk worsening existing mental
health challenges.”
One of the reports showed that in the first
20 minutes of logging on “more than half of
the videos in the “For You” feed were related
to mental health struggles with multiple recommended
videos in a single hour romanticizing,
normalizing or encouraging suicide.”
That’s terrifying. It also will not be solved
by forcing ByteDance to sell to an American
owner.
The decision to ban or force a sale of a
private company is complicated. One hopes
that government never intercedes in matters
of speech or privacy. That said, the level of
technical manipulation possible today was
never envisioned by our Founding Fathers.
By the way, perhaps this can be indicative
of needed action. Do you know what other
country has seen fit to ban TikTok because
it is too dangerous? You guessed it. China.

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8 I NEWS I
March 20, 2024
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Shanley Gibson in a Metro West fire engine, her reward for collecting the most money in Woerther’s Elementary Kids Heart Challenge, which benefits
the American Heart Association.
(Photos courtesy of Megan Gibson)
NEWS
BRIEFS
BALLWIN
First grader takes fire
truck to school
Shanley Gibson didn’t take the bus to
school on March 13, though her ride was
still bright yellow with flashing lights.
The Woerther Elementary first grader
had earned a special honor for collecting
the most money ($611) of any student in
her school in the annual Kids Heart Challenge,
which serves the American Heart
Association. A Metro West Fire Protection
District truck and firefighters brought her
reward to her Ballwin home.
“That was really cool,” said mom Megan
Gibson. “The top collector for the school got
to have a ride to school on a fire truck. It actually
showed up to our house about an hour
early. They were the nicest guys, and they
took her and her sister (Kenna) around the
neighborhood with tons of kids seeing Shanley
waving. She headed to school in the fire
truck and her whole class came out to see her
get off the truck. Her dad (John Gibson) said
she had the biggest smile he had ever seen!”
“It was awesome! It was so much fun!”
Shanley said. “They gave me a little fire
helmet, and when I got in there, they
showed me what everything looks like on
the truck. When I rode, they put these little
things on my ears and something on my
nose so I could talk.”
Ballwin Ward 1 alderman Mike Utt,
Shanley’s grandfather, was also present
that morning. He said that the look on
Shanley’s face was priceless, especially
considering that the anticipated excitement
of the special trip had kept her up most of
the night.
However, there is a bit more to the story
involving Utt himself, who was a large part
of Shanley’s motivation in the Kids Heart
Challenge.
“She made it extra important to her
because my dad had a heart attack at a
young age,” Megan said.
Several classes at Woerther collected more
than $2,000 total, but Shanley described
why she was able to do so well individually
through the online donation process.
“I have a lot of people that love me,”
Shanley said. “Also, I thought it was fun
and I liked knowing it changed a lot of
people’s lives.”
CHESTERFIELD
Rezoning request by
Chesterfield YMCA
The Chesterfield Family YMCA has
requested an amendment to the existing
planned commercial district for a 5.6-acre
tract of land located at 16464 Burkhardt
Place.
The Chesterfield City Council took a first
reading of the proposed zoning ordinance
on March 4. The ordinance would require
the hours at the new facility to be the same
as that of the YMCA.
KAI Design, on behalf of the YMCA,
submitted a request to allow “office-medical”
as a permitted use and to modify the
specific development criteria by increasing
the maximum allowed square footage from
74,000 to 84,000 square feet and reducing
the required open space from 35% to 30%.
The YMCA is planning to partner with a
medical care provider at the site.
Ty Wagner, vice president of properties
at Gateway Regional YMCA, specified
that it would not be an urgent care facility,
and would provide medical services to
promote healthy living.
He said it would be similar to the new
Affinia Healthcare in Ferguson, adjacent
to the Emerson YMCA. Affinia provides
pediatrics services, family medicine, OB/
GYN care and dental care.
With the ongoing development in Chesterfield,
including Wildhorse Village, it will
be great for the community to have access
to a new medical care facility, Wagner said.
CREVE COEUR
City moves forward with
sidewalk, roadway projects
Highlights of the March 11 Creve Coeur
City Council meeting included a unanimously
passed resolution and the first reading of a
bill. City Engineer Steven Berecz introduced
both which combined major improvements
on area sidewalks and roadways.
The resolution specifically dealt with a
contract to pay M&H Concrete Contractors,
Inc. $1.58 million for 2024-2026. That
bid was 10% lower than Berecz’s department
estimate of $1.79 million. The cost to
Creve Coeur will be further lowered by the
release of previous damage claims against
Missouri American Water for a reimbursement
amount of $508,870.
The resolution is for concrete street work,
sidewalks and some ramps in Ladue Pines
Subdivision, Conway Gardens and along
Executive Parkway.
Meanwhile, the bill is to construct an
accessible sidewalk on the west side of
New Ballas Road from Magna Carta Drive
and Rocky Drive. It will also fill in a gap
in a New Ballas Road sidewalk between
Ladue Road and the Old Ballas Road intersection
with New Ballas Road.
The federal Transportation Alternatives
Program (TAP) is footing the bill for
roughly 73% of that $610,000 project. It
covers the design, right of way and construction
phases for the project with a 2026
expected completion time.
EUREKA
Construction on $11.5 million
government center begins
Construction has begun on the $11.5
million government center for the city
of Eureka. The new facility, named the
Michael A. Wiegand Justice Center after
the city’s police chief, will house Eureka’s
police department, municipal court and
city offices.
The project started on Jan. 11, with the
demolition of the city’s 44-year-old Eureka
city hall at 100 City Hall Drive.
The new, 30,000-square-foot government
center will be constructed on the
same site and is scheduled to be completed
in December 2024, according to a
press release from Integrate Construction
Partners. City hall employees are working
from temporary offices at the city’s public
works facility until the new government
center is complete.
MANCHESTER
Three grants to aid police
in traffic enforcement
Three resolutions were passed by a measure
of 5-0 during the Manchester Board of
Aldermen meeting on March 4 in support
of highway safety traffic enforcement within
city limits through the Missouri Highways
and Traffic Enforcement Grant program.

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I NEWS I 9
The first grant in the amount of $10,000
is, in part, to pay for overtime hours for
enforcement of hazardous moving violations.
During the last five years, speeding
and aggressive driving accounted for 53%
of all traffic fatalities. Speed and aggressive
driving are cited as a contributing
factor more than twice as often as impaired
driving. Law enforcement agencies are
reporting that speeds are up significantly
in the last three years. The grant will also
facilitate professional development training
at the Law Enforcement Traffic Safety
Advisory Council conference.
The second grant is for overtime
enforcement of driving while intoxicated
violations. Substance-impaired drivers
contributed to 22% of Missouri’s traffic
crash fatalities during the past five years.
Alcohol remains the primary contributor to
substance-impaired driving crashes; however,
the number of people under the influence
of prescription and/or illicit drugs has
continued to rise.
With recreational marijuana now legal
in Missouri, there are concerns among law
enforcement that this trend will continue.
Males are responsible for 81.7% of substance-impaired
driving fatalities, with 10%
of children under the age of 15 killed in a
motor vehicle crash over the last five years
riding with a substance-impaired driver.
The final grant of $7,500 is to pay for
overtime hours to enforce occupant protection
violations, otherwise known as seat
belt violations. Manchester has a primary
seat belt and texting while driving ordinance.
Missouri’s observed seat belt use
rate is 88.9%, which is below the national
average of 91.6%. Teen seat belt use is
of particular concern at just 71.8%. From
2017-2021, just under 65% of drivers and
occupants killed in crashes in Missouri
were unrestrained. The percentage of unrestrained
teens is higher at 71.6%, while the
percent of pickup truck drivers and occupants
is even higher at 76.6%.
Ordinance to amend board of
aldermen meeting time fails
An ordinance to amend the time of the
city of Manchester Board of Aldermen
meetings on the first and third Mondays
of the month failed by a measure of one
to four at the regular meeting on March
4. The proposed start time was 6:30 p.m.,
which is 30 minutes earlier than its currently
scheduled time of 7 p.m.
The start time change was sought to
shorten the time between employees leaving
work at the end of their day and those
required to return to attend the meeting
later in the evening. Also taken into consideration
was the desire for the board members
and employees to have more time
with their families following the ending of
the meeting. However, the measure was
primarily defeated because three board
members are parents with young children,
and they felt the 7 p.m. start time was more
workable to their schedules.
“City staff and I were very mindful that
we did not want to disrupt residents who
were accustomed to attending the meeting
at 7 p.m.,” Mayor Mike Clement said. “The
6:30 proposal also acknowledged the busy
schedules that board of aldermen members
juggle (particularly) those with kids and
two working parents.”
Clement explained also that the 6:30
p.m. time slot would correspond with
the current start time of the planning
and zoning commission.
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Finance department receives
certificate of achievement
The Government Finance Officers Association
of the United States and Canada has
awarded the Certificate of Achievement for
Excellence in Financial Reporting to the city
of Manchester for its annual comprehensive
financial report for the fiscal year that ended
on Dec. 31, 2022. The report was judged by
an impartial panel to meet the high standards
of the program, which includes demonstrating
a constructive “spirit of full disclosure”
to clearly communicate its financial
story and motivate potential users and user
groups to read the report. The certificate of
achievement is the highest form of recognition
in the area of governmental accounting
and financial reporting, and its attainment
represents a significant accomplishment by
a government and its management.
“The award recognizes the overall
strength of the city’s finance department
and the way they do their job,” Manchester
Mayor Mike Clement said of the award.
“Our staff are superb professionals. Besides
being professionals, they are just excellent,
caring people. Manchester is fortunate.”
Let’s Be Active Together!
A
C
T
I
V
E
ctivity promotes physical,
cognitive and emotional
well-being
hair yoga is just one of
the physical activities
we promote
herapists are at all of our
locations to monitor a
resident’s mobility
and movement
ndividual care programs
include activities and
exercise therapies
itality
is the key
to happiness
veryone
is encouraged
to be active

10 I
March 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGZINE
ELECTION PREVIEW
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WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM
On The Ballot: Candidates in the April 2 Municipal Election
Contested candidates in the following
municipal races were asked the following
questions:
Q1. What qualifies you for this office
(past experience, major accomplishments)?
Q2. What are your top three priorities
if elected?
Q3. What else would you like our readers
to know about you before heading to
the polls?
Below are the replies of candidates who
responded by the deadline. Candidates
are listed in ballot order. Incumbents are
denoted with an asterisk. Term lengths
are two years, except as otherwise noted.
Only candidates in contested races were
asked to participate.
Answers do not reflect the opinions of
this paper and have not been fact-checked.
BALLWIN
Board of Aldermen
• Michael Finley*, Ward 1
• Pam Haug, Ward 2
Q1. I am an attorney who has a lot of
leadership experience. However, I believe
what most qualifies me for this office is
my willingness to listen to citizens and try
to help in any way I can.
Q2. My top three priorities if elected
are to maintain Ballwin’s safety, ensure
taxes remain low and enhance our beautiful
parks.
Q3. I am willing to work hard for everyone
in our city and want to be someone
who citizens can count on. It would also
be such an honor to be the only female on
the current board. I would be so lucky to
represent the people of Ward 2 in Ballwin
and hope I receive your support.
• Kevin Roach*, Ward 2
Q1. As an alderman for nine years,
and a Ballwin resident for 37 years, I
have seen Ballwin change, for better and
for worse. I voted with my constituents
against the Vlasis Apartments and in
other tough votes, and I have often been
in the minority on the board. I will fight
for you regardless. I am accountable and
dedicated to the residents of Ward 2 and
their interests regardless of the opposition
of others. I am proud of my service to you.
Please call on me with questions or concerns.
Let’s keep working together for the
good of Ballwin!
Q2. Ballwin is a great hometown and
has been mine for nearly 40 years. We,
as friends and neighbors, need to work
together to keep our city clean and safe.
Having spoken with many in the community,
our top priorities in city government
should be to improve our roads and
sidewalks, help grow Ballwin businesses
and be a steward of our beautiful parks
and recreation facilities. My job for nine
years has been to be the voice for my constituents
and to always look out for their
interests. It’s an honor, and I’ll continue
to do just that.
Q3. One day I will no longer be an
alderman. When that day comes, and I run
into you at Schnucks or Target, I want to
be able to look you in the eye and reflect
back on my time sticking up for “us,” just
another normal person from Ballwin. I’m
not a good ol’ boy and that irritates the
good ol’ boys. I aim to make you proud, to
do what you would do or like to see done,
and to better your position, without fear
or favor. For as long as I serve, I’m your
voice on the Board of Aldermen.
• Frank Fleming*, Ward 3
• David Siegel*, Ward 4
CHESTERFIELD
City Council
• Mary Monachella*, Ward 1
• Mary Ann Mastorakos*, Ward 2
• Michael Moore*, Ward 3
• Merrell Hansen*, Ward 4
CLARKSON VALLEY
Board of Aldermen
• Jeff Schweig*, Ward 1
• Brock MacDonald*, Ward 2
• Lin Midyett*, Ward 3
CREVE COEUR
• Robert Hoffman*, Mayor
City Council
• Donna Spence, Ward 1
• Kimberly Norwood, Ward 2
• Drew Newman, Ward 3
Q1. As a program manager, I have
worked with clients like Siteman Cancer
Center, MiTek and Washington University
to help solve problems, achieve goals and
convert plans into reality. As a citizen and
advocate, I have worked within the community
to help shape the Parkway School
Board into what it has become today: a
group of responsible and rational-thinking
leaders.
Q2. My priorities are economic growth,
public safety and promoting diversity.
Q3. Creve Coeur has great opportunities
for development and growth. I have
had the pleasure of raising a family here
for the last 10 years. I want to give back
to our community as your Ward 3 council
member to make sure Creve Coeur is a
place families are attracted to and where
they feel safe.
• Sari Neudorf*, Ward 3
Q1. I running for re-election to continue
the work of growing the city I’ve called
home for more than six decades.
Q2. My priorities are public safety and
crime prevention, transparency in communications
with constituents and community
involvement and engagement
outreach.
Q3. I am a lifelong resident of Creve
Coeur and appreciate the continuity of
raising my family in the same community.
I’m running to keep those values alive.
• Scott Saunders*, Ward 4
DES PERES
• Mark Becker*, Mayor
Board of Aldermen
• John E. Pound*, Ward 1
• James Kuenzi, Ward 1
Candidate did not reply by press time.
• Jennifer Weller, Ward 1
Q1. I have been a resident of Des Peres
for 15-plus years. As a woman and mother,
I will bring a different perspective to the
Board of Aldermen that can enrich the
decision-making process and reflect the
diversity of our community. My professional
experience as an attorney has
taught me to communicate effectively,
build relationships and work collaboratively
with many which will be an asset
in this role.
Q2. My priorities for Des Peres are
thoughtful development aiming to ensure
progress benefits all stakeholders. I also
want to prioritize engaged citizenry, recognizing
the importance of active participation
and collaboration from the
community in the decision-making process.
Finally, I want to prioritize continued
vibrancy to enhance the quality of life
for all residents.
Q3. I obtained my juris doctorate degree
from Saint Louis University School of
Law and have been a practicing attorney
in Missouri and Illinois for over 25 years.
I am currently a partner at Vessell Bridges
Murphy Law Offices where I specialize in
insurance defense. I have been an active
board member of Kids’ Chance of Missouri
for over 20 years. Kids Chance is
a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that
provides post-high school scholarships
to children of Missouri workers killed or
severely injured on the job. When I am
not working, I am busy keeping up with
my two teenagers.
• Dean Fitzpatrick*, Ward 2
• Patrick Barrett*, Ward 3
Q1. While serving the past six years as
alderman, I have helped lead our community
through a pandemic and come out
of it in the strongest financial position the
city has ever been in. We have been able
to initiate $20 million of long-needed capital
improvement projects without raising
taxes or reducing any community services.
Q2. My top three priorities are: Crime
prevention – while crime is down in Des
Peres this past year, we must constantly
focus on new technologies and strategies
to continue to reduce crime. Improving
streets – we must continue to improve our
neighborhood streets. Oversee our capital
improvement projects – we must carefully
manage our ongoing $20 million in capital
improvement projects, as well as conscientiously
manage development along
Manchester Road.
Q3. I am a lifelong resident of Des
Peres, growing up in Berkley Manor and
now living west of Interstate 270. I am a
member of the St. Gerard parish and the
proud parent of five children. I have an
MBA from Washington University, and
I am on the Board of Directors of Back-
Stoppers Inc. I previously served on the
St. Louis County Highway and Traffic
Commission, as well as the Governor’s
Advisory Council on Aging. I would truly
appreciate your vote on April 2.
• Kathleen McKean Gmelich, Ward 3
Q1. I previously served as a Ward I
alderman (1996-2017), acting as president
of the board for three terms. Prior to
that, I was a member of the Planning and
Zoning Commission (1992-1996).
As an alderman, I provided diligent
fiscal and operational oversight. Beyond
that, I was part of the leadership team that
managed “milestone” projects such as the
redevelopment of West County Mall, the
establishment of The Lodge and the addition
of a new Schnucks and Dierbergs. I
have a bachelor’s degree in public administration,
a master’s in business administration
and a juris doctorate, and have
practiced law part-time for 28-plus years.
Q2. My priorities are: Ensure Des Peres
offers a superior level of city services,
recreational opportunities and public
safety (police/fire) protection, with public
safety protection being priority number
one. Proactively manage the fiscal and
operational affairs of the city, with an
emphasis on upholding its zero residential
property tax policy. Adopt building codes
and ordinances that protect the interests of
Des Peres residents without jeopardizing
the commercial revenue base. Keep citizens
informed and engaged. It will be my
mission to help identify and develop the
See ELECTION PREVIEW, page 22

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WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM
Dear Ward 4 Residents,
This past term,
I have contributed to
positive, meaningful
change, fulfilling my
commitment to you.
RE-ELECT
MERRELL HANSEN
Chesterfield Council
VOTE TUESDAY, APRIL 2
March 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
I 11
Please accept my
sincere appreciation
for the opportunity
to serve.
Tuesday, April 2, I ask
for your vote again, as
I seek re-election.
As your Councilmember,
I will continue working
hard to make ours a
model community,
based on your priorities.
Merrell
Chesterfield Councilmember
CHAMPION FOR
CHESTERFIELD
As Chair of Planning & Public
Works, Merrell led the 1st-line
review for rezoning downtown
Chesterfield. She encouraged
input from residents and
inspired a unanimous vote for
the zoning change, to enable a
vibrant, mixed-use downtown.
Merrell protected the integrity
of our neighborhoods, ensuring
new developments were
consistent with adjacent
neighborhoods and green
space was preserved. Merrell
will continue to fight for
our property values and
sensible growth.
SUPPORTER OF
OUR POLICE
Merrell believes that nothing
is more important than the
safety of our community.
She supported our Police by
funding updated technologies
and replacing older vehicles.
She endorsed a new Fraternal
Order of Police agreement
with improved benefits and
more competitive salaries.
Merrell introduced Trustees
to our new Chief of Police,
and she helped Veterans by
launching Chesterfield’s
alternative Court. She will
never back down from
supporting our police.
A LEADER
WHO LISTENS
Merrell initiated the first ever
Ward Trustee meeting. She
organized bi-annual Ward 4
Trustee meetings to share ideas
and resolve neighborhood
problems. Whenever residents/
HOA’s met, she participated to
answer questions and provide
community updates. Merrell
regularly emailed Trustees and
residents with helpful news, and
she brought resident-volunteers
to serve on key Chesterfield
committees. Merrell is a true
advocate for residents.
MERRELLHANSEN.COM
Paid for by Citizens to Elect Merrell Hansen – R.B. Clark, III, Treasurer.
WISE STEWARD OF
OUR TAX DOLLARS
Merrell reviewed Chesterfield
financials every month.
She aggressively supported
a balanced budget and
accelerated our debt reduction
by millions. Merrell scrutinized
our fiscal obligations, knowing
that tax dollars spent wisely
maintain critical services.
Chesterfield’s AAA rating is a
direct outcome of meticulous
financial planning and
execution, showcasing the
dedication to prudent fiscal
management.
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12 I NEWS I
March 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
@WESTNEWSMAG
WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM
Wildwood Village Green site preparation to begin this month
By CATHY LENNY
The city of Wildwood will soon start
clearing the path for what is expected to be
the crown jewel of town center – the Village
Green.
The six-acre recreational facility will be
located on the west side of city hall.
Created to host Wildwood events, it will
feature a nature/water play area, a main
pavilion, gathering spaces, an observation
tower and a multi-use facility.
At the City Council meeting March 11,
initial approval was given for a contract
with Bombshell Construction Services,
LLC of Eureka, in the amount of $1.9 million
for the development of phase one.
Phase one will include parking and
access accommodations, creation of the
performance oval and stage area, installation
of utilities, reassembling of the Essen
Log Cabin and the Mayors’ Grove.
“Unfortunately, the project will require
the removal of approximately 70 trees,
some of which are considered ‘grand’
trees,” said Joe Vujnich, director of planning
and parks.
He noted that a tree stand delineation
plan was completed by a certified arborist
and a tree preservation
plan completed thereafter.
A new landscape/restoration
plan will address the
removal of some of the
grand trees.
“It’s going to dramatically
change how it looks
here at city hall for a
while,” Vujnich said. “I’m
confident, though, that
once Mr. (Andy) Daub
and the crew get on site,
you’ll all be very pleased
with what you see in the
future.”
The trees must be
removed by March 31, as
the endangered Indiana
brown bat’s habitat is protected except for
a small window of time during late fall and
early spring.
Tree removal will be done as a separate
project by Omni Tree Service at a cost of
$32,000, Vujnich said.
Construction will begin in late April or
early May. The city’s intent is to have the
park improvements available for public
use this year.
Development of Village Green is expected to begin this year
(Human Nature photo)
The Village Green project includes a
grant from the St. Louis County Municipal
Park Grant Commission in the amount of
$575,000.
“This funding supports the creation of a
central community space that will serve
our residents for many years to come and
will fulfill another goal of our strategic
plan,” said Mayor Jim Bowlin.
The second phase will include a structure
for performance by the oval, with
restrooms and a children’s play area on the
western portion of the site.
The last phase will include the extension
of Main Street, completion of the trail
system and the installation of the observation
tower.
A final vote will be taken on the contract
with Bombshell Construction at the next
regular council meeting.
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St. Louis County prepares strategy
to develop comprehensive plan
March 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
I NEWS I 13
By LAURA BROWN
For the first time in 40 years, St. Louis
County government is developing a new
comprehensive plan in an effort to provide
a strategic framework for how the community
intends to grow and evolve over the
next 25 years.
Though the STLCO 2050: Comprehensive
Plan project is just in its beginning
phases, officials want all county residents
to weigh in on the regional issues important
to them through a survey that will be
released soon.
The county’s Director of Planning Jacob
Trimble is heading up the project. He said
personally he would like to look further
into what’s driving people and businesses
to relocate into and stay in the county, and
how to improve upon that. Trimble said
the county’s population hasn’t increased
much in the past several decades and he
hopes the comprehensive plan can address
that.
“We have every tool and every resource
at our disposal to be a vibrant, healthy and
desirable place to be, and we leverage
some of those tools really well,” Trimble
said. “But what I somewhat expect to
come out of this (comprehensive planning
process) is for residents to tell us in which
areas we are falling flat, and that these are
the areas where we think we could push the
needle forward. It’s a real opportunity for
the county government to dive deep into
what’s driving that plateaued population
and see what we need to be doing for the
next 25 years to change that trajectory for
ourselves.”
The comprehensive plan is expected to
be developed over the rest of 2024 and part
of 2025, and the county has partnered with
some outside organizations to help develop
and draft it: AECOM, Shockey Consulting,
Rise Community Development and H3
Studio have each been contracted to assist
in different aspects of the plan.
To begin the process the planning department
is working on a community survey to
collect input from county residents about
the issues important to them, ranging from
housing and transportation to economic
development issues.
“The survey will help create the foundation
for additional robust in-person and
online engagement with communities and
groups of folks,” Trimble said. “The survey
will create a statistically valid report as
to how the community is feeling about a
whole host of issues. For example, questions
about issues pertaining to sustainability
and resilience, like, how do you
feel about how we’re doing with managing
flash floods and river floods? How satisfied
are you with the amount of trees and open
spaces in your community? It’s going to
run the gamut of questions that residents
are asked.”
Trimble said officials will use the data
collected as the basis for the priorities and
content of the comprehensive plan. Then
they will go out into the community to
gather more information from all county
residents, those who live in unincorporated
St. Louis County and the municipalities as
well.
“We will be going out to community
events where people already will be, along
with having pop up events, and chatting
with people, and listening to what is important
to them,” Trimble said. “What do they
like about our community and what could
we be doing to reinvigorate and sustain
vibrancy in St. Louis County?”
Trimble said he hopes the comprehensive
plan can also strengthen the county’s
relationship with the many municipalities
and the residents and businesses spread
across the region while facilitating better
sharing of ideas to improve the entire
region. Perhaps even leading to more
partnerships.
“When we have this many municipalities,
sometimes you just never hear what
is happening in another place, so this is
an opportunity to start raising ideas that
can positively impact larger swaths of St.
Louis County, more than just unincorporated
St. Louis County or just a single
municipality,” Trimble said. “We want
to work together toward the shared goals
that we have as strong St. Louis County
because if portions of the county are not
doing well, it does impact all of us. You
may not see it every day in your day-today
life, but, like this population plateau
that we’ve been on here for a while, you
can see how it plays out in our municipalities.”
The county hopes to complete the new
comprehensive plan by July of next year.
Even then, Trimble said that’s just the
beginning.
“At its best, this is then a document that
isn’t just for the planning department,
this is a platform for St. Louis County,”
Trimble said. “Every decision it then
makes will look through the prism of this
plan and say, ‘How does this forward the
goals that we set in the comprehensive
plan? How do we turn our new tagline
of ‘Opportunity Central’ from tagline to
actual reality?”
The county has a website dedicated to the
comprehensive plan. For updates and more
information visit stlouiscounty2050.com.
1855 Hwy 109, Wildwood, MO 63038
passiglia@passiglia.com
636-458-9202

14 I NEWS I
Great
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WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
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Located in Chesterfield Valley
By CATHY LENNY
Residents have voiced concerns about
the construction of a 199-foot telecommunications
tower proposed by Ameren on St.
Albans Road, west of State Route 100.
Ameren is seeking a conditional use
permit from the city of Wildwood for the
tower and associated equipment shelter on
a 14.7-acre tract.
The purpose of the facility is to monitor
the overall utility network and assist
in reading electric meters for tracking and
billing.
While the city can provide input as to
the appearance and layout of the tower, it
cannot deny it.
“Since 2018, with additional regulations
by the federal government, the state
of Missouri has taken an approach that
is more favorable to the private telecommunications
industry’s needs,” said Joe
Vujnich, director of planning and parks.
As a result, the city has limited authority
regarding the design, engineering and site
analysis of a proposed location.
A proposed monopole design would be
made of galvanized steel and have exterior
arrays that will extend a minimum of six
feet from the tower for other providers. A
10-foot vinyl fence would surround the
equipment compound.
Residents are concerned about the visual
and environmental impact the tower will
have on the site.
“I’m not sure a 10-foot fence is going to
create any type of visible obscurement of
@WESTNEWSMAG
WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM
Proposed communications tower
in Wildwood creates tension
By CATHY LENNY
Step back in time to revisit the clandestine
experience that revelers once had to
endure simply to savor a cocktail.
During prohibition, those wanting to
drink alcoholic beverages were forced to
create distilleries in their homes or visit one
of the many speakeasies that sprung up.
A speakeasy was a secret or hidden
place that sold alcoholic drinks, especially
during the time when alcohol was illegal in
the United States (1920-1933). They often
required a password, a special knock or a
handshake to enter.
Today, some bars are designed to look
like speakeasies, with hidden entrances,
vintage decorations and retro music. With
at least two already in the St. Louis area,
West County is set to get one of these
that facility,” Tim Gerler said at the March
4 planning and zoning commission meeting.
“Also, the location and proximity
given the valley that it’s in, given the size
of Wildwood and how many vacant lots
there are available, the choice of location
is questionable.”
While residential properties lie to the
north, there are numerous towers to the
west that are 100 feet in height. To the
south are residential areas with large lots,
and sites to the east are partially used for
agricultural activity.
Vujnich said the area has had a transmission
easement since the 1920s, which
includes high-voltage wires and large
tower structures.
“The intent of the (planning) department
is to move the tower in closer proximity
to those existing vertical improvements
and lines so as to cluster them together as
closely as possible,” Vujnich said.
Russel Been with Cellective Solutions,
the site acquisition firm hired by Ameren to
help with the zoning and permit process for
proposed LTE towers, said the proposed
location for the tower is less visible than
the location considered previously. However,
Ameren is seeking a variance for the
tower setbacks and the fence type.
Planned access to the facility is from a
new entry/exit onto State Highway T.
At the March 4 meeting, the Planning
and Zoning Commission gave initial
approval for the permit.
A final recommendation will be made at
the next planning and zoning meeting.
Speakeasy to open in Wildwood
secretive spots at The Big Chief Roadhouse.
It’s set to open on March 28 at Big
Chief on the second floor. Although no
password will be required to get in, visitors
will have to enter through a retro-fitted
phone booth designed to make it look
inconspicuous.
“It harkens back to the days of prohibition
when alcohol was outlawed,” Michael
Rempe, general manager, said.
Given the restaurant has been around
since 1929, it fits the profile. Big Chief
Roadhouse has a rich history of its own.
It is one of the last remaining full-service
restaurants still operating on the historic
Route 66. It was originally built as part
of the Big Chief Highway Hotel to serve
travelers on Route 66 (the famed roadway),
believed to be one of the largest tourist cottage
courts in Missouri.

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Mari de Villa: Comfortable living, compassionate care
Spread out over 21-plus
rolling green acres in Town &
Country, and landscaped with
gardens and fountains, Mari
de Villa provides a beautiful
and elegant setting for senior
living. More valuable than the
restful views of the lake and
the surrounding green slopes
however, are the comfortable
homes and compassionate
care Mari de Villa provides for
its senior residents.
Mari de Villa, located at
13900 Clayton Road, is home
to an independent living campus,
The Villa Estates; The
Villa West and Villa East
buildings providing 24-hour nursing
care. Mari de Villa is staffed 24
hours per day with both nurses and
certified nurse assistants.
Mari de Villa Senior Living was
founded in 1960 by Joseph and
Georgana Linneman, and from the
beginning has been dedicated to
making every guest and staff member
feel like part of the Mari de Villa
family.
Fred and Mary Kay Wiesehan
came on board in 1984. Their attention
to personal service is shared
by their sons – Fritz, Mari de Villa’s
vice-president and administrator
and Joseph, also a licensed administrator.
Some of the staff, Fred said, have
been there nearly as long as they
have, working alongside them to
provide a standard of service not
found anywhere else.
“Our staff feels like part of the
family,” Fred said.
Guests say that the friendliness of
the staff makes Mari de Villa feel
like home. But as much as they appreciate
the ambiance of the skilled
nursing center, they appreciate its
24-hour care more.
“We’re unique in that we provide
care to all the guests,” Fred said.
“We administer all of our guests’
care needs and their medications.
We know that as people age, their
needs increase and change. But because
we are staffed 24 hours a day
and licensed as a skilled nursing
facility and staffed 24 hours a day,
our guests can remain in their same
environment no matter how life
changes. We adjust their care, they
don’t have to adjust their lifestyle.”
Another thing guests never have
to adjust is their cost expectation.
“We pride ourselves on the fact
that we have an all-inclusive rate.”
From nursing care to everyday
basics such as linens, laundry, etc.,
every guest’s needs are met. Villa
West and Villa East offer suites and
private rooms with flexible accommodations
designed to meet evolving
needs. Villa West and Villa
East each include around-the-clock
staff, a physical therapy center, dining
rooms, a beautiful clubhouse
for private parties, The Waterford
Room for private dinners and family
gatherings, an indoor/outdoor
pool with water aerobics, a beauty
salon and much more.
Guests with advanced stages of
dementia and other forms of memory
loss are tenderly cared for in
both the Villa West and Villa East
buildings.
“We also offer independent living
in The Villa Estates,” said Fritz.
“We have 54 villas that have a community
atmosphere and allow the
people who live there to enjoy all
the amenities and services available
to them at Mari de Villa as well as in
the surrounding West County area.”
“Our guests in The Independent
Living Villa Estates know that
should they need additional care,
it is available on our campus,
giving them peace of mind.”
Mari de Villa’s Independent
Living Villa Estates offer spacious,
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18 I NEWS I
March 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
Vote: Tamara & Tom
for Rockwood School Board
The two candidates with experience.
Tom served before. Tamara is serving now.
Tamara
Rhomberg
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1010 Miralago Way • Cottleville 63376
(636) 441-1111
• CELEBRATING 20 YEARS IN BUSINESS •
By LAURA BROWN
Several nonprofits continue to wait for
federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
funds granted to them by the St. Louis
County Council in 2022. Council chair Shalonda
Webb (D-District 4) held a committee
of the whole meeting on March 5 in order to
gain a better understanding of why the county
executive’s office has not yet released the
funds.
The nonprofits, called subrecipients, were
sent a letter on Dec. 21, 2023, from County
Executive Dr. Sam Page explaining that the
county is holding the funds “until we determine
we have appropriate staff to administer
these projects in compliance with (federal)
treasury guidelines.” The letter goes on to
state that the county “cannot afford to use
the limited resources which remain in county
government to launch new programming at
the expense of the commitments the county
already has to its residents – including preexisting
financial supports to some of the
organizations identified for ARPA funding.”
This letter came after the county council
reduced Page’s proposed 2024 budget
by approximately $15 million. While the
council did cut the proposed budget, it
still was higher than the previous year’s
overall budget. Page sent a letter to council
members on Dec. 8, 2023, stating that
ARPA funded projects, with the exception
of public safety, would be put on hold if
the council reduced his proposed budget
without an increase in revenue. The council
approved their budget on Dec. 12.
The ARPA funds were to be distributed after
the nonprofits completed a 10-step process
laid out by the county. To date, six nonprofits
are waiting for funds: Refuge + Restoration,
$500,000; A Red Circle, $350,000; Rustic
Roots Sanctuary Co., $250,000; St. Louis
Survivor’s Legal Support, Inc., $25,000;
Journey Against Domestic and Sexual Abuse
(JADASA), $25,000; and the St. Louis
Urban League, $500,000 for a total of $1.65
million of the $13.4 million total ARPA funds
allocated to nonprofits. Many more organizations
are still in the process of completing the
steps to receive the funds.
Representatives from the nonprofits
attended the March 5 meeting and shared
where they were in the APRA funding process
and what they are planning to do with
the funds if they are received.
Kyle Klemp, deputy chief of operations
in the office of the county executive, was
at the meeting on behalf of Page’s office.
When asked why the funds were not
released to the nonprofits, Klemp said that
once the council began budget talks at the
end of the year in 2023, the administration
decided to hold those funds until the council
approved a budget.
@WESTNEWSMAG
WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM
Future of ARPA funds uncertain
“What’s different about ARPA is this
is something we’ve never done before,”
Klemp explained at the meeting. “We were
ready to go with these programs until the
last budget cycle when we were uncertain
about what our budget would be. The
budget was cut. We are no longer going
to launch new initiatives … if we don’t
have the budget to do our existing obligations.
We want to focus on the promises
we already made. Not make new commitments
if we don’t know what our budgets
are going to be if we don’t have the
resources to do that.”
Council member Mark Harder (R-District
7) asked Klemp what it would take to
get the funds released.
“To maintain the obligations the county
already has without adding new obligations
on top of that we would need the budget
restored to 80% of the gap,” Klemp said.
“The total is $12 million to restore the 80%
gap between what we requested (in the 2024
budget) and what you all appropriated.”
Webb had sharp criticism of Page’s
actions.
“We apologize to our subrecipients for
you going through this travesty,” Webb
said on behalf of the council. “We will
work to try to find a way to get your funds
for you. We are at an impasse. I know Dr.
Page thinks this is all political theater. I
don’t deal in political theater. We have
proven to (the nonprofits) that it’s the same
old game. It’s, ‘let’s be transactional about
this while people’s lives are in the balance.’
I don’t know how you all sleep at night.”
Harder said he does not know when
this issue will be resolved, but until then
the county government has other issues
besides the budget that stand in the way of
getting projects done in the county.
“This comes down to trust and communication
in government and relationships,”
Harder said. “Both have been fractured
between the council and administration.
It’s close to the point of not being repaired,
at least not quickly. We just don’t trust this
administration.”
The ARPA funds must be allocated by
December 2024 and spent by December
2025, or they must be returned to the federal
government. There is a possibility that the
funds could be reallocated to other parts of
the county’s budget, but that would require
a vote by the council. Harder previously
said reallocating these funds has not been
discussed by the council as they all voted to
award the money to nonprofits that assist the
most vulnerable county residents. To ensure
that ARPA funds are used appropriately,
the county partnered with consulting firm
Deloitte to head up its ARPA application
process and ensure the nonprofits’ compliance
with U.S. Treasury Department rules.

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WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM
Inspiration abounds at 48th annual Queeny Art Fair
March 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
I NEWS I 19
By KATE UPTERGROVE
Pablo Picasso is credited with saying,
“Painting is just another way of keeping a
diary.”
Local artist Sharon Larson would agree,
but often it’s not her diary she’s keeping.
Larson, whose work will be featured in the
48th annual Queeny Art Fair, April 5-7, is far
more interested in telling other people’s stories.
The majority of her works are portraits
that capture distinct moments in time.
“Folks are always curious about where
my painting ideas come from,” Larson
explained. “Most are surprised when I say,
‘usually, from you!’
“I tell this story about a guy talking to me
at an art show many years ago about his
and his wife’s travels. They were school
teachers, they didn’t have any children and
every summer they would travel. They’d
bring home souvenirs from all the countries
and places they visited. So, I did a
painting that represents that gentleman.
He is sitting in an easy chair with a table
next to him. On it is a photograph of his
wife and a lamp that was brought back
from Italy or someplace like that. With the
lamp glowing down on him, he’s reading a
journal because every day when they were
on their vacations, he and his wife wrote
in their journals. He told me that reading
their journals was ‘the end of a perfect day.’
Instead of it being just a
portrait of him, it’s a painting
of their life story. That’s
what I like to do.”
This is why Larson loves
art shows. They serve as both
inspiration and affirmation.
“My heart warms when I
see someone connect with a
painting they are viewing,”
she said.
Lee Richards, co-director
of the Queeny Art Fair,
says it’s not just artists like
Larson who find inspiration
at the fair; patrons of all
ages do, too.
“You can’t help but
become like ‘Ooh, maybe I
can even go home and do something,’ even
if it’s just painting a wall differently,” Richards
said. The show, which is sponsored by
the Greater St. Louis Art Association, features
juried artists in 14 different mediums.
The association is a membership group of
artists and art enthusiasts who promote the
visual arts and art education in the greater St.
A piece of Lee Richards’
jewelry featuring a handcarved
bone face from Bali.
(Source: Lee Richards)
Louis metropolitan area. Each spring, the
GSLA gives four one-time merit awards to
local high school seniors, funded by Queeny
Art Fair proceeds.
Given the GSLA’s
emphasis on education,
kids are not only welcomed
to the Art Fair but encouraged
with children’s activities
that include:
• A make-and-take activity
at the Claymazing station
and a master artist forming
bowls on a potter’s wheel
on Saturday.
• Art Discovery Passports
on Sunday that let kids collect
stamps from designated
artists and earn a prize.
“I love little kids coming
to the Art Fair,” said Richards,
who makes jewelry.
Part of her collection features serene faces
hand-carved in bone, which she imports
from craftsmen in Bali. “They remind me
of the Earth, and the kids are fascinated
by them. I love the fact that as an artist I
get to interact with people and make an
impression on a child. I might be inspiring
a future artist or a future patron.”
In the category of “audible art,” the
Queeny Art Fair offers performances by
musical guests Rosewood from 5-9 p.m. on
Friday, April 5; the Sadie Hawkins String
Band from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday,
April 6; and Dizzy Atmosphere from 1-4
p.m. on Sunday, April 7.
Throughout the show, drawings will be
held for “Art Bucks” to be spent at the
show, which according to Richards, offers
a large variety of price points and art so
that owning art becomes accessible to
everyone.
The cost of admission is $10 for adults
age 19 and older, but the ticket is good
for re-entry all weekend and a $2 coupon
is available at queenyartfair.org/coupon.
Children and youth 18 and younger are
free. Parking is also free. Snacks are available
for purchase.
Queeny Art Fair
Friday, April 5 • 5-9 p.m.
Saturday, April 6 • 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, April 7 • 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Queeny Park/Greensfelder Center
550 Weidman Road • Ballwin
$10 admission • Free parking
queenyartfair.org
Laura Sanders
Laura Sanders is consistently ranked
among St. Louis’ top real estate producers.
In 2023, Laura closed over
$36,500,000 in sales and facilitated
96 transactions. When asked why she
chose a career in real estate, Laura
said, “I love working with people and the
challenge of making people’s dreams a
reality.” Her advanced negotiating skills,
friendly personality and professionalism
provide clients with the comfort and
ease to buy or sell their home.
In the 17 years since Laura started her
career in real estate, she has carefully
curated a fantastic team of top-tier
agents and support staff.
“Buying or selling a home can be overwhelming.
Excitement and anxiety usually
go hand in hand in these situations,”
Laura said. “My job is to not only provide
experienced guidance to my clients, but
also make sure they feel confident and
well represented. My team and I strive to
tailor each transaction to the customer
and their specific needs.”
Laura Sanders • 314.605.2581
LauraSandersTeam@gmail.com
LauraSandersTeam.com
www.compass.com
314.347.1658

March 20, 2024
20 I NEWS I WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
New leadership, initiatives guiding Rockwood’s Education, Equity and Access department
@WESTNEWSMAG
WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM
By LAURA BROWN
With a new name and new leadership
this school year, Rockwood School District’s
Department of Educational Equity
and Access (EEA), previously called the
department of diversity, equity and inclusion,
has been undergoing change and
evolving in an effort to support more
students, staff and families in Rockwood.
The new director, Dr. Cassandra Suggs,
took over the role this school year and has
implemented dozens of new programs for
the district. She said she wants people to
know that her department is there to serve
everyone in the district, and the new name
reflects that.
“I think in just about every district when
they hear the word diversity or equity they
think of minority students,” Suggs said.
“I think that’s strange because everyone
wants equity. A great example we have is
the cafeteria. If a child’s parents can pay
for lunch, then they pay full price for lunch.
If there’s some situation where they can’t
pay for it all, we have reduced-price lunch.
If they can’t pay at all, it’s completely free,
right? And that’s equitable. Who’s going to
say, ‘sorry you can’t eat because your parents
don’t make enough money?’ If people
Dr. Cassandra Suggs and Emily Walshaw with puppets from their puppet shows. The duo
travel to the elementary schools and perform shows on different topics relevant to equity
and access at the elementary level, like conflict resolution and problem solving.
look at equity that way, they’re seeing that
we’re servicing all kids.”
The EEA falls under the student services
department, which also has a new leader.
Dr. Steve Hankins was appointed to serve
as the assistant superintendent of student
services and he began his role at the same
time as Suggs. Hankins was previously
principal at Marquette High. Suggs said
the rebrand of the department was Superintendent
Dr. Curtis Cain’s vision.
“Dr. Cain changed the name because
he wanted to have that overarching effect,
encompass more,” Suggs said. “It’s working
because people are now seeing (the
department) as encompassing all. We are in
the education business for all kids, and we
want all kids to have access. Dr. Hankins
is also very supportive of the EEA department.
He gives us autonomy to create the
department.”
The EEA department is small; Suggs has
an assistant, Emily Walshaw, making them
a department of two. Over the summer the
duo visited all 33 school buildings to ask
what was needed from the district, knowing
different schools would have different
needs.
“We asked the schools, ‘what was this
department before and what would you
like it to be?’” Suggs explained. “And
from the elementary schools we kept
hearing that in the past it seemed like
the elementary level seemed to be overlooked
by this department. But if you
start (talking about equity) with elementary
school students, then some of the
things kids struggle with in the upper
grades, they may not occur.”
EEA’s puppet shows came from this
feedback. Suggs and Walshaw wrote
scripts addressing different topics like a
sense of belonging, being a good friend,
using manners and being polite, conflict
resolution and kindness and empathy.
They use puppets of different nationalities
and ages. Special guests in the
puppet shows include school board members
and district administrators. Parents
might recognize a little Dr. Cain puppet
making snow day announcements for the
district.
See EEA, next page
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Nomination Deadline:
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WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM
Phased retirement plan set for
Chesterfield city administrator
By CATHY LENNY
Although he has no immediate plans to
retire, the city of Chesterfield is making
preparations to enter into a phased retirement
agreement with City Administrator
Mike Geisel.
An ordinance adopting this agreement
was introduced on first reading at the
March 4 City Council meeting. This continuity
of operations plan will allow for the
eventual turnover of the position.
“The city council has been preparing
for some time for the eventual retirement
of City Administrator Mike Geisel,” said
council member Michael Moore (Ward 3),
chair of the Finance and Administration
Committee. “I know I speak for all of city
council to say that none of us look forward
to Geisel’s eventual retirement, given his
outstanding contributions and performance
EEA, from previous
in the years he has been in service.”
The city administrator currently manages
the day-to-day operations of approximately
250 full-time employees and an annual
operating budget of nearly $45 million.
If the ordinance is approved, upon tendering
his retirement notice, Geisel would
implement the continuity of operations
plan, which will be in effect for 12 months.
He would vacate the office on or before his
successor’s official start date.
In this role, Geisel would provide institutional
knowledge, background, context and
advice to the new city administrator regarding
all aspects of city business and operations.
In the event that he decides to retire, he
must provide a 60-day notice to the city.
Geisel is only the second city administrator
in Chesterfield since its incorporation.
He was sworn in on Aug. 22, 2016,
but has been with the city since 1988.
Suggs and Walshaw also visit elementary
schools and read a wide selection of
books to students through a program they
call Rockwood’s Education Equity and
Access Department (REEAD).
They also founded a grant called the EEA
We Find a Way, which schools can apply
for to help them pay for projects that might
not be covered in their regular budget.
Suggs said 12 grants have been given out
so far. Grants range from helping a school
library replenish books to helping pay for
a bus for a middle school camp because a
student using a wheelchair needed a bus
with a lift. Suggs said they are now inviting
schools hosting book fairs to apply for
grants to help students purchase books.
“We want to use every bit of our budget
to support students and staff so at the end
of the year we are at a zero balance because
we’ve helped so many students and staff,”
Suggs said.
Also new, Suggs and Walshaw produce
a monthly podcast called Rockwood Connects.
They have different guests each episode
and talk about different topics. The
episodes can be found through EEA’s website
or on Rockwood’s YouTube channel.
They have implemented a monthly
department newsletter that can also be
found on their website and it is also posted
on the Rockwood communication app Parentsquare.
It is also shared with Rockwood
staff.
“We try to post all of the different holidays
to Parentsquare for families,” Walshaw
said. “We will send holiday observance
notices to schools for staff, like when students
might be fasting. We ask them to try
not to schedule big tests or athletic tests on
those dates and to keep in mind student’s
sleep schedules might be off because their
eating time is off.”
Suggs said she has also been asked to sit
in on meetings at school between parents
and administration regarding discipline
issues. Some phone calls are on questions
about fines a student might have to pay, or
just answering questions about parenting
concerns.
“I had a mother call the other day and
told me she needed a counselor for her
daughter right now, like right now,” Suggs
said. “And so we talked and we found out
where to have her call and let her know
her daughter was at a particular school
that they could help. Sometimes it’s just
questions. Another time a dad called about
family concerns (after going through a
separation). He wanted to know how it
might affect his kids. We just get the gamut.
Our department is happy to help and if we
aren’t the department we will connect them
with who can.”
Suggs and Walshaw said they are excited
that the department is still evolving as they
keep listening to the needs of the students,
staff and families in the district, ensuring
that every Rockwood student has equal
access to their education.
“We have a 50-something-year-old black
woman and a younger white woman,”
Suggs said. “Look at how that diversity
question-asking and perspective comes
into play. That’s purposeful. We want
others in the district to understand that they
all have a voice. It makes our team unique
and strong.”
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these options have not worked for,
you're not alone. The reason these
option don’t always work is they are
March 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
I NEWS I 21
A bright future for Wildwood!
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for
CITY COUNCIL | WARD 1
• Wildwood resident for over 30 years
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22 I
March 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGZINE
ELECTION PREVIEW
@WESTNEWSMAG
WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM
ELECTION PREVIEW, from page 10
future leaders of Des Peres, individuals
who share my passion for city governance.
Q3. An effective Board of Aldermen
needs individuals who are independent
thinkers and proactively represent their
constituents. Aldermen should also have
the education and experience to navigate
the authority – and the limits of that
authority – inherent in discharging their
duties. I’ve consistently exhibited these
qualities during my 20 years as an alderman,
and am confident that I have the time,
experience and commitment to once again
serve the city, especially during these pivotal
times. I would be honored to serve as
your alderman.
ELLISVILLE
The city will not be holding an election
this year.
EUREKA
Board of Aldermen
• Jerry Diekmann*, Ward 1
• Kevin Kilpatrick*, Ward 2
• Jerry Holloway*, Ward 3
Candidate did not reply by press time.
• Tom Maruna, Ward 3
Q1. My qualifications include three
4-year terms as a township trustee in
White Oak Township in Illinois, and two
terms as trustee for the Carlock Fire Protection
District.
Q2. My priorities are to be a fresh voice,
a new vision and a voice for solutions.
Q3. Being retired, I have the time to
devote to my constituents.
MANCHESTER
• Mike Clement*, Mayor
• Ward 1 Alderman - This race will be
determined by write-in ballot
• Marilyn Ottenad*, Ward 2
• Benjamin Toben*, Ward 3
TOWN & COUNTRY
Board of Aldermen
• Barbara Ann Hughes*, Ward 1
• Fred “Fritz” Wiesehan*, Ward 2 - Oneyear
term
• Al Gerber, Ward 2
Q1. I have served as an alderman
before, as well as being on the Public
Works Commission. I am the treasurer of
the Town & Country Historical Society as
well as the president of my homeowners
association.
Q2. I want to encourage the use of
solar power by simplifying the approval
process. I want to protect residents from
“teardowns” that lower the value of neighbor’s
property. I plan to restart Ward 2
meetings to solicit citizen input on issues
before the Board of Aldermen.
Q3. I lived in Ward 2 before it was
part of Town & Country, and I remember
when we were annexed. I first attended
the Principia School in 1955 and graduated
from the Principia Upper School in
1969. I went to college at Principia, UMSL
and the University of California, Santa
Barbara, finishing with a Ph.D. in mathematics
in 1978.
• John Steinhubl, Ward 2
Q1. I have a deep respect for the history
and culture of our city and know that
my most important job is to keep Town
& Country a very desirable place to live,
work and play. I do appreciate the life
that has been afforded to me and believe
strongly in giving back to my community.
I serve on the St. Louis Sports Commission
and am the vice president of our
parish council and the CYC sports director.
In addition, I am on the Weston Place
HOA board and was a member of the
Town & Country Parks & Trails Commission.
Q2. As an alderman, my top priorities
will be to make decisions that most
closely align with our resident’s wishes
and values. I will work hard on keeping
Town & Country fiscally responsible and
work closely with all elected officials,
staff and city agencies for the betterment
of our residents. I believe in open and
honest communication and in replying to
residents in a timely manner.
Q3. I had the great fortune of being
raised in Town & Country and lived
through the growth of our great city as we
annexed areas that are now parts of Ward
2, 3 and 4. Yes, I am a believer in “Keeping
the country in Town & Country,” but
also in responsible deer management and
smart development in our commercial
corridors.
• John R. Harder, Ward 3
Q1. I have been a resident of Town &
Country for over 29 years. I have a master’s
degree in business and had a long
career in the life science industry, beginning
in the laboratory and progressing
through sales and marketing, culminating
as a corporate CEO. In that position,
I prepared and implemented budgets, and
developed three- and five-year plans for
growth while maintaining the current
viability of the company. I am currently
working as an independent business development
consultant. In this capacity, I have
assisted numerous companies to achieve
their goals whether it be increased market
share, profitability, cash flow or personnel
management.
Q2. My priorities are: To review past,
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ELECTION PREVIEW WEST NEWSMAGAZINE I 23
present and projected spending on elective
projects as to their necessity and
ensure the city is not overpaying, which
may require additional funding sources.
To maintain the existing residential real
estate tax at zero, which it has been for
the last 25 years. To ensure we keep and
maintain our excellent police force, fire
and EMT services and city employees
who have created the safe, secure community
which is Town & Country.
Q3. My wife and I love living in Town
& Country and over our 29 years here,
we have seen many changes. One of the
keys to our community is our required
minimum lot size of one acre, which when
combined with our required 75% green
space per lot, gives the ambiance of living
in a park. I am an advocate of strict adherence
to these requirements. While change
is inevitable, it needs to be managed so we
do not lose what is the essence of Town &
Country.
• Michelle Francisco, Ward 3
Q1. As alderman, I served as the parks
and trails chairman overseeing various
stages of master planning, construction
and installation for playground facilities
in our beautiful parks. I helped produce
the summer concert series, Fall Fire & Ice,
Art & Wine, and introduced a new event
– WinterFest. Currently, I chair the Public
Works Commission where I lead discussions
about infrastructure, stormwater
programs and other public improvements.
I also serve on the Military and First
Responders Task Force. Prior to being
an alderman, I served on the Public Arts
Commission and was part of the 20-year
comprehensive plan for the city.
Q2. My priorities are: To ensure we run
the city in a fiscally responsible way. That
our infrastructure needs are being maintained
and improved upon. To build upon
the community events I’ve helped spearhead.
My firm commitment continues to
be that I will listen to resident concerns
and carefully balance those with the needs
of our city. Complex issues come before
the board and require sound judgment,
critical thinking and problem-solving
skills to achieve the collective good. My
record demonstrates I have done that, and
I will continue to if re-elected.
Q3. I am a graduate of Indiana University
with a degree in business marketing. I have
lived in Town & Country for eight years
with my husband, Rich and our kids, Coco
and Leo. Rich grew up here, so this place
has deep roots for our family. I helped start
the newest chapter of the National Charity
League (the Spirit of St. Louis) the largest
mother-daughter philanthropy organization
in the country, where I serve as vice
president of philanthropy. Giving back to
my community is a high priority for me. I
look forward to serving for another term
should I be re-elected.
• Sue Allen*, Ward 4 - One-year term
• David Murphy*, Ward 4
TWIN OAKS
Two open seats for
at-large aldermen:
• April Milne*
• Tim Stoeckl*
• Ioan Chereji
VALLEY PARK
• Mayor: Chandra Webster*
• Ward 1: Dave Rose*
• Ward 2: Betty Halker*
• Ward 3: Jon Young*
• Ward 4: Mike White*
WILDWOOD
Mayor
• Tony Salvatore
Q1. My wife and I have been residents
of Wildwood for 35 years and raised our
four children here. Having retired from
the United States Air Force and a major
airline, I have plenty of life experiences. I
have previously served on the City Council,
and my friendships with many of the
city founders have given me familiarity
with Wildwood’s 1995 incorporation and
its master plan. I believe this gives me the
knowledge and experience to get the city
back on track to its founding principles.
I have also been very active in bringing
to light what is really happening in Wildwood’s
governance.
Q2. If elected, the citizens of Wildwood
will be my top priority. From unlimited
speaker time at the podium, as it was prior
to this administration, to open transparent
meetings with citizen input, I promise to
put citizens and their constitutional rights
first. I will operate with full transparency
and accountability, and I will support
proper planning and zoning so as to
maintain the beauty of Wildwood that we
love. Citizens first, not builders/developers,
who are donating tens of thousands of
dollars to the mayor. Wildwood is our city
not for the few.
Q3. The reason I am running is due to
my concern for the direction that Wildwood’s
elected officials are taking us right
now. The master plan is being ignored.
Meetings are being held in closed session
without citizen input. Contracts are being
awarded without the legal bidding process.
Builders are being awarded zoning
and variances changes that are in conflict
with our master plan. The police are being
used to go after the current leadership’s
political rivals. These are my concerns,
and I believe I can get us back on track.
Please vote.
• Joe Garritano
Q1. My qualifications for mayor are
rooted in a commitment to public service
and a proven track record of leadership and
achievement. Elected multiple times as a
council member since 2015, I’ve shown
my ability to earn community trust. I’ve
also served as Missouri Municipal League
president, advocating for our city at our
state capitol. My educational and professional
background in information systems,
criminal justice, finance and education
equips me to address Wildwood’s challenges
and opportunities. My priorities
include good governance, enhancing quality
of life, promoting economic vitality,
protecting the master plan, environmental
stewardship, completing the Village Green
and advancing internet access.
Q2. If elected, my top three priorities
will be: First, a commitment to good
governance and enhancing the quality
of life for Wildwood residents, ensuring
our community thrives through ethical,
transparent leadership and attention to
resident needs. Second, protecting the
master plan and advancing environmental
stewardship, to safeguard our natural
resources and maintain the beauty of our
landscape. Third, promoting economic
vitality by supporting and attracting small
businesses that align with our values and
needs, fostering a strong local economy.
These priorities are designed to ensure
Wildwood continues to be a wonderful
Duette® Architella Honeycomb Shade
place to live, work and play.
Q3. I want you to know that my family
and I have deeply rooted ourselves in
Wildwood over the past 15 years. This
city is not just where we live; it’s where
my daughters have grown up and where
we’ve found a community that resonates
with our values. Serving on the city council
has been my way of contributing to the
fabric of our city, giving back to a place
that has given us so much. Wildwood’s
natural beauty and vibrant community
spirit are unparalleled, and my commitment
is to honor its heritage while steering
us toward a promising, welcoming future.
City Council
• Vicki Wroblewski, Ward 1
Q1. I grew up in the area and have lived
in Wildwood even prior to its incorporation.
I am currently president of the board
of directors for Windsor Crest subdivision
and served as a trustee for Seven Hills
South from 1993-2004. Prior to retiring,
I was the director of human resources for
St. Luke’s Hospital managing a multi-million-dollar
budget and was previously the
director of diversity and affirmative action
for Saint Louis University. I am currently
a dedicated volunteer for several not-forprofits
providing event coordination and
See ELECTION PREVIEW, page 49
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24 I SCHOOLS I
March 20, 2024
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BULLETIN
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Rockwood student
art on display
Rockwood student artists currently have
their work on display at two regional art
shows during the month of March.
Lafayette High students Jaslin Baez,
Michelle Chen, Samantha Haney, Luke
Hinton and Aly Palmquist and Rockwood
Summit High students Delaney Rae
Fendler and Allison Moonier had their
work selected for this year’s St. Louis
Artists’ Guild Young Artists’ Showcase, a
juried, all-media exhibition of artwork created
by high school students between 15
and 19 years old residing within 150 miles
of the St. Louis Artists’ Guild.
Haney, Hinton, Fendler, Moonier and
Lafayette students Afton Leordeanu and
Brooke O’Dell and Rockwood Summit
student Lili Burle also have work on display
at the “Lay of the Land: Landscape
Visions” high school invitational exhibition
at St. Louis Community College-Meramec.
The Young Artists’ Showcase is open
through March 30 at the Artists’ Guild, 12
N. Jackson Ave. in Clayton, and “Lay of
the Land” is open through March 28 at the
Meramec Contemporary Art Gallery in the
Humanities Building, 11333 Big Bend Road.
Additionally, Rockwood students earned
the top four spots and the People’s Choice
Award at the recent St. Louis Community
College-Wildwood Eco-Art Exhibit.
The annual exhibit, “Sustainability: It’s
An Art,” encourages students from six
local high schools to create artwork that
speaks to environmental consciousness
in either the theme or the materials used.
Participating schools include all four
Rockwood highs plus Jefferson and Pacific
highs. Eureka High senior Allison Heckmann
earned “Best of Show,” while Lafayette
High senior Aly Palmquist, Lafayette
sophomore Elise Morton and Marquette
High senior Riley Sirota claimed the other
top three spots at the exhibit. Marquette
junior Apollo Hardcastle also earned the
Students at The Fulton School in St. Albans plant seeds in the educational
garden while spending a little one-on-one time with a few of the school’s
feathered friends.
(Source: The Fulton School)
People’s Choice Award.
This year’s juror was Deborah Douglas,
a professional artist and associate professor
at Saint Louis University.
Rockwood, Parkway students
among Science Fair finalists
Student finalists from The Academy of
Science - St. Louis regional K-12 Science
Fair Honors Division Competition have
been announced and include several talented
Rockwood and Parkway students.
First and second-place students go on
to represent The Academy of Science at
the Regeneron International Science and
Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Los Angeles
in May. All Honors Division finalists and
semi-finalists are automatically entered as
top projects in The Academy of Science
- St. Louis regional K-12 Science Fair in
April and are eligible for special awards
and scholarships.
Sophia Ford, a senior at Cor Jesu Academy,
claimed first place and a $1,500
scholarship. Parkway West junior Sasha
Tripathi earned second-place honors and a
$1,500 scholarship. Marquette High senior
Alice Liu earned third place and a $1,000
scholarship.
Among the competition’s finalists were
Parkway West sophomore Nicole Paquette
and Lafayette High students Joel and Sarah
Ebenezer. Semi-finalists included Marquette
sophomores Dhruv Bhosekar and
Satvik Seetharaman, Marquette seniors
Arnav Busani and Yoon Jae Chang, and
Parkway Central junior Hannah Mathew
who competed with Kirkwood High junior
Alina Garcia.
A list of all finalists and semi-finalists is
available at sciencefairstl.org.
Student historians
advance to state
Students from Crestview Middle, Selvidge
Middle and Marquette High participated
in this year’s Regional National
History Day (NHD) Competition at the
University of Missouri-St. Louis on Saturday,
March 2, with three individuals and
two groups earning first place.
The students have spent the year conducting
historical research and creating
projects that can include a documentary,
exhibit, paper, performance or website.
Launched in 1980, the Missouri affiliate of
National History Day is open to students in
grades six through 12, who conduct extensive
research on a historical subject of their
choosing.
First-place finishers qualified for the
state competition on April 27 at the University
of Missouri, include Mahesh Boddipati
(Crestview, Junior Paper); Anish
Munje (Crestview, Junior Individual Documentary);
Charan Katabathuni, Ishaan
Palanati, Ritesh Gouni and Vihaan Punjabi
(Crestview, Junior Group Documentary);
Amanda Moi, Dhruv Chakravarthula, Sidd
Sawant and Yvette Yaroshenko (Marquette,
Senior Group Documentary); and Rohan
Deshpande (Marquette, Senior Individual
Documentary).
Music in our schools
March is the time of year when music
education becomes the focus of schools
and communities across the nation. To
celebrate, the Rockwood School District
hosted a variety of learning opportunities
for students and staff members, including
having a “composer in residence.”
Tyler S. Grant, an internationally recognized
composer, arranger and conductor,
held workshops with musical groups
at Rockwood South and Selvidge middle
schools and all four Rockwood high
schools.
On Feb. 26, Grant held a student composition
workshop with 12 students representing
all four high schools at Eureka
High.
In addition to composing and arranging,
Tyler enjoys conducting and clinic
engagements with ensembles throughout
the United States. He has served as a clinician
with over 100 school instrumental
music programs and honor groups across
more than 15 states. His work, “Panoramic
Fanfare,” was a winner of the Dallas Wind
Symphony’s 2014 “Call for Fanfares” competition.
Panoramic Fanfare has since been
performed by collegiate and professional
ensembles throughout North America.
On Friday, March 1, Rockwood held a
conducting symposium for band directors
at Eureka High, in which teachers
took turns conducting the Eureka Wind
Ensemble and received feedback from Dr.
Mark Bonner, director of athletic bands
and assistant director of bands at the Uni-

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WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
I SCHOOLS I 25
Composer Tyler S. Grant (third from left, back row) with Eureka High students. (Source: RSD)
versity of Central Missouri. Bonner also
led the Rockwood Honor Band, composed
of students from all four high schools, in a
performance on Saturday, March 2.
Parkway award winners
The Parkway School District has named
its 2024 Albert Award and Lights of Parkway
winners.
The Albert Award recognizes new teachers
for the energy and enthusiasm they
bring to their students, as well as the creative
and innovative practices they use in
their classrooms. Named as winners for
2024 are Luke Donohoo, Henry Elementary;
Kayla Komorek, Southwest Middle;
and Rachel Money, West High.
The 2024 Lights of Parkway award
winners are Nancy Bueltmann, Claymont
Elementary; Reggie Cathey, Green Trails
Elementary; and Kim Copeland, McKelvey
Elementary.
The Light of Parkway Award recognizes
district operations staff members who
have helped to create a positive and caring
environment for the people they serve.
The awards are sponsored by the Parkway
Alumni Association and funded by the
Sandy Finch Light of Parkway Fund.
Scholarship recipients named
The following South Technical High students
have been selected to receive a Bonhomme
Lions Scholarship: Shey Delahu,
Glayden Douglas, Logan Rosenburg and
Auden Sellmeyer. For many years, the
Bonhomme Lions Club has donated funds
for scholarships to SSD students. The organization
selects students who have demonstrated
strong character, high academic
achievement, and participation in community
service. The scholarship recipients
each typically receive $1,000 to be used
toward education expenses at the recipient’s
chosen college, university or postsecondary
program.
Additionally, Shayneisha Allen, of Parkway
Central, and Timothy Smith of Eureka
High have been awarded James E. Westbury
Memorial Board of Education Scholarships.
The Special School District Board
(SSD) of Education and other donors
provide funds for scholarships each year
to SSD students who plan to attend a college,
university or post-secondary program.
These scholarships are named in memory
of James E. Westbury, who served on the
board for many years and dedicated his life
to the education of students throughout the
St. Louis region. The $2,000 scholarships
are awarded to the students who best demonstrate
the ability to define a goal and are
preparing to achieve that goal.
Sensational skiers
Class of 2028 students Adam and
Andrew Dysart and Andre Johnson represented
St. Louis Priory during the 2023-24
season as part of the Hidden Valley Ski
Team in the Wisconsin Illinois Iowa Junior
Alpine Racing Association (WIJARA).
Andre has been on the ski race team for
10 years, while Adam and Andrew have
been on the team for three years.
Andre’s performance has earned him
the privilege of representing Missouri at
the NASTAR National Championship. He
also qualified in the 16-year-old category,
emerging as the top point earner of his
age category for his team within the entire
league. He finished in the top-five in all
seven races, including picking up three
victories.
De Smet Jesuit student
honored for service
De Smet Jesuit senior Charlie Erker has
received the St. Louis Archdiocese’s 2024
Archbishop May Service Award.
Erker volunteers his time as a peer
minister in Campus Ministry at De Smet,
a National Honor Society president, a
president’s ambassador, a Kairos retreat
leader, a Spanish Club member and as an
attorney for the mock trial team among
other pursuits. In doing so, Erker lives
out De Smet’s motto to “live as a man
for others.”
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26 MARCH 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
CARDINALS PREVIEW 2024
WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM
CARDINALS PREVIEW 2024
OVERVIEW
Let’s get this out of the way first. Last
season was… bad. Which part, you ask? All
of it. The “all of it” part was bad. Pitching,
offense, defense, win/loss record, Willson
Contreras’ first season, Adam Wainwright’s
final season – all bad. Rumor has it even
the Rally Squirrel switched alliances to
CITY SC and the Battlehawks. It was all
bad. Let us speak of it no more.
Now then, on to 2024! Every year, ESPN
hands out grades for each team’s offseason
and this year the Cardinals were able to
score a, well, just a C+. Hey, that’s a passing
grade. (Gulp.) Same grade as the Cubs.
(Gulp, gulp, cough.) But there is an actual
plus sign!
In all seriousness, those grades are mostly
bunk. The Los Angeles Dodgers scored an
A++ and ESPN argued it may have been the
greatest offseason ever. Well, yeah. They
spent $1.2 billion dollars. They increased
their already very high annual payroll by
$67 million. To provide some context, that
means the 2024 Dodgers took the 2023
Dodgers and added the equivalent of the
2023 Tampa Bay Rays in new payroll.
That’s bonkers. Oh, and for more context, a
reminder that the New York Mets won the
2023 offseason and then lost the 2023 regular
season by a great big ginormous amount.
We actually are quite optimistic about
the Redbirds’ ability to return to form this
season. They might not be built to win a
popularity contest, but they just might be
set up to make a decent postseason run.
Let’s talk about why.
THE WINN COLUMN
The 2024 Cardinals will feature one of
the largest, most exciting groups of young
prospects since the early 1980’s teams. We
know what team superstars like Nolan Arenado
and Paul Goldschmidt are going to do
for us, they do it every year. But if the team
can get one or more of these young players
to really break out, then the sky is the limit.
The group is led by a pair of 21-yearolds,
shortstop Masyn Winn and outfielder
Jordan Walker. Walker spent nearly all last
season in the big leagues, Winn got a taste
at the end of the year. Both have a way to
go to reach their enormous potential.
Nolan Gorman (23), Alec Burleson (25),
Dylan Carlson (25), Lars Nootbaar (26) and
Brendan Donovan (27) are the other relatively
young players with the potential to
turn into superstars. Gorman and Burleson
both have 40-home run power. Donovan
was the only rookie Cardinal to ever win
a Gold Glove. Nootbaar and Carlson are
excellent all-around performers.
THE LYNN COLUMN
Listen, if you are a male between the ages
of 35-39 with a loose affiliation to or affinity
for the St. Louis Cardinals, you need to
check your email. There is a chance that
you were signed to a contract by the Redbirds
this year.
The Cardinals filled out their pitching rotation
by signing former Cardinal Lance Lynn
(36) and St. Louis native Kyle Gibson (you
guessed it, 36). They also added backup
shortstop Brandon Crawford (37) and
former Cardinal that we all loved, then hated,
(Lou Countryman photo)
then traded, and now have very complicated
feelings toward, Matt Carpenter (38).
The result is that the Cardinals have a
tantalizing combination of youth and experience.
If the two sides can play off each
other (pun intended), then the mix could be
magical.
SHADES OF GRAY
Here is an interesting thing to watch for
this year. In the past, the Redbirds have
been viewed as a pretty businesslike organization.
Our current superstars, Goldschmidt,
Arenado and Miles Mikolas, are
fairly subdued in demeanor. They are nice
guys, pro’s pros, that sort of thing. The last
two offseasons the Cardinals have broken
form a bit. Willson Contreras, Sonny Gray,
Lance Lynn, these guys all have an edge.
They play a little nasty. Contreras was
quoted saying to Gray, “I think we have
the same attitude in the game. We’re not
making friends out there.”
Is that intentional? Probably. This organization
does very little by accident. Chances
are, they want their young stars to play like
stars, but they also want them have a bit
of an attitude about it. They brought in the
right guys to show the way. It’s going to be
a fun season to watch how it all plays out.
ROSTER PREDICTIONS
Starting Pitchers
Sonny Gray
Miles Mikolas
Kyle Gibson
Lance Lynn
Steven Matz
Bullpen
Ryan Helsley
Giovanny Gallegos
JoJo Romero
Andrew Kittredge
Keynan Middleton
Andre Pallante
John King
Matthew Liberatore
Starting Infield
C- Willson Contreras
1B- Paul Goldschmidt
2B- Brendan Donovan
3B- Nolan Arenado
SS- Masyn Winn
Starting Outfield
LF- Lars Nootbaar
CF- Tommy Edman
RF- Jordan Walker
Designated Hitter
Nolan Gorman
Bench
Matt Carpenter
Iván Herrera
Brandon Crawford
Dylan Carlson
Alec Burleson
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By WARREN MAYES
WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM
Cardinals want Gray to lead
improved starting rotation
Seeking a quick turnaround from a
disastrous 2023 season, St. Louis Cardinals
president of baseball operations
John Mozeliek targeted improving the
starting rotation.
Simply put, Mozeliak needed to make
an impactful offseason by signing a top
pitcher.
Eschewing big-name pitchers like
Aaron Nola or Blake Snell, Mozeliak
zeroed in on Minnesota free agent Sonny
Gray.
Like a Canadian mountie, Mozeliak
got his man.
Gray, who turned 34 in 2023, signed
with St. Louis for four years and $80 million
in guaranteed money.
St. Louis is where Gray wanted to play.
“Going into this thing, I wanted to be
a Cardinal,” Gray said. “That started
probably a little over a year ago. It’s a
place that every time I’ve come here as
a visitor, I’ve looked at the stadium and
I’ve said, ‘Wow, this place is incredible!’
When you talk around the league and
talk to different guys who have been all
over the place, everybody raves about St.
Louis and the Cardinals.”
It will be a fresh start for Gray.
Joining a new team is something Gray
has done before. The Cardinals represent
the fifth time he has joined a new team as
he heads into his 12th MLB season.
Gray debuted with the Oakland Athletics
in 2013. After a midseason trade in
2017, he joined the New York Yankees.
Gray’s time with the Yankees was not
successful.
However, he blossomed after a trade
to the Cincinnati Reds prior to the 2019
season. The Reds later dealt him to the
Twins for prospects.
In his career, Gray is 98-85 with a 3.47
ERA. He has 1,521 strikeouts. He is a
three-time All-Star, making the game in
2015, 2019 and 2023.
Gray is fresh off two impressive seasons
with the Twins. Gray pitched well
in two seasons for the Twins, finishing
second in the American League Cy
Young voting last season.
He posted a 2.79 ERA over 32 starts
and 181 innings. The 32 starts were a
second-best total for him in his career.
Gray also allowed only eight home runs
last season. That was the lowest he’s
allowed in a full season in his career.
Batters hit just .226 against his arsenal,
which includes a sweeper. Gray
has six pitches. Besides the sweeper, he
throws a four-seam fastball that hits 93
mph, a curveball, a sinker, a cutter and
a changeup.
For the fourth time in his career, he
started more than 30 games and surpassed
175 innings pitched. He missed
no time due to injury,
Sonny Gray
(MLB)
“If you want to talk about someone who
takes the ball and has an edge, you’ll see
it,” Gray said. “You have to be yourself,
be your authentic self. Just be that guy.
Whatever intangibles that comes with
that, you have be yourself.
“For me to help this team win is to just
go out and perform.”
Mozeliak long has admired Gray. He
said he wanted to draft Gray out of
Vanderbilt University in 2011 and that he
tried trading for him six seasons ago.
“We certainly feel like we’ve accomplished
something for our rotation,”
Mozeliak said about signing Gray.
Manager Oliver Marmol has named
Gray the Cardinals’ starting pitcher on
Opening Day at Dodger Stadium in Los
Angeles.
Marmol wants Gray to be the leader of
the staff.
“Sonny has done a phenomenal job not
only with what he says, but how he goes
about it,” Marmol said. “He’s been a
great example for everybody else and it’s
contagious. The ways in which he goes
about the game, he’s so good with talk-

WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM
ing through it and guys around listen
to it. He does a good job of explaining
the ‘why’ behind the way he does something.”
Gray is serious about his job. He
knows he’s being looked upon to be a
leader.
“Guys, in general, will look toward
older guys for an example or a direction
to go and I’m conscious of that, but it
doesn’t persuade or influence me to do
anything different,” Gray said. “I know
I’m a fairly intense person, especially
here in a baseball world. That’s just
what I’ve learned over the course of my
career that helps me be at my best.
“I show up to work, put in the work,
put in the time and that works for me. If
it does rub off on someone – and it’s for
the benefit of them. That’s a good thing.”
Gray joins a revamped rotation that
also features newly acquired 36-yearold
right-handers Lance Lynn and Kyle
Gibson.
But Gray is the one who is the
acknowledged leader of the pitching
staff. All eyes will be on him.
Marmol noted Gray knows what to do.
“With Sonny, this is a high, high
competitor, and when you are in conversations
with him, it’s clear that he
cares about being really good and also
wants everyone around him to be elite,”
Marmol said. “He’s confident in what he
knows and what makes him good, and
he does an awesome job of inserting
himself in certain meetings so that the
group can understand what’s important.”
Gray will become just the sixth pitcher
to make his first start with the Cardinals
on Opening Day. Kyle Lohse was the
most recent pitcher to do that, opening
the 2008 season against the Rockies.
“It’s a tremendous honor, to be honest
with you,” Gray said of the assignment.
“I don’t take that lightly. I don’t take
that lightly at all. I have been fortunate
enough to do it a few times in my career,
and I’ve enjoyed every single one of
them.”
But Gray also knows it is a game
and that means you have to enjoy what
you’re doing.
“I am very structured, but I like to
have fun,” said Gray. “There’s time to
work and there’s time to have play and
there’s definitely time for both. They
both go hand in hand. The more you
are having fun, the more you are smiling,
the better you are going to be. But
there’s also time to lock it in and get
your stuff done.”
MARCH 20, 2024
CARDINALS PREVIEW 2024 29
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
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30 MARCH 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
CARDINALS PREVIEW 2024
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By WARREN MAYES
The St. Louis Cardinals have projected
Masyn Winn to be their starting shortstop.
Now, Winn will have to show he
deserves it.
He doesn’t believe the job has been
handed to him.
“I’m just going to go out there and compete,”
Winn said. “I want to go into spring
training with the same mindset as last
year. I got some opportunities last year
and made the most of them. I’m going to
go in there not thinking that it’s my spot.
I’m thinking I need to earn a spot.
“I know they (the Cardinals) believed in
me last season and still believe in me. I
just want to go out there and compete for a
spot. I’ve never been the type to feel entitled
to anything. I don’t want to be given
a spot. I want to go out there and earn it.”
Winn turns 22 on March 21. He made
his Major League Baseball debut on Aug.
18 and has been the Cardinals’ starting
shortstop since.
While his glove is not in question,
Winn’s bat has been a cause for some concern.
Winn hit just .172 in 37 games with
the Cards last season after he was called
up from Triple-A Memphis.
Winn struck out 27 times. He had only
21 base hits.
Those numbers obviously have to
change. Winn knows it. He can read the
figures on his stat sheet.
He doesn’t shy away from it either.
“I think it’s not a secret I definitely
struggled at the plate last year,” Winn said.
“That’s been my main focus.”
He didn’t play enough games last fall so
he will still be a rookie this season.
The Cardinals added some insurance
just in case Winn struggles in training
camp. St. Louis signed veteran Brandon
Crawford to a contract in February. Crawford,
37, was a three-time All-Star shortstop
with the San Franciso Giants.
“We’re excited to be adding a player
with the winning credentials and pedigree
of Brandon Crawford,” said John Mozeliak,
Cardinals’ president of baseball
operations. “He is someone that will provide
us with valuable depth and experience
on the infield, and can also be a great
resource for our younger players, such as
Masyn Winn.”
The Cardinals know Winn is their future.
The organization has waited for Winn to
make his move up the organization. In the
2020 MLB Draft, the Cardinals selected
Winn 54th overall.
Last year in spring training, Winn hit
.333 with two homers, two doubles and
WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM
Cardinals rookie Winn looks to
prove skills, improve offense
Masyn Winn
(MLB)
two triples in 18 games before being sent
back to the minors so he could play every
day.
His success last spring got Winn sent
to Memphis instead of heading back to
Double-A Springfield.
St. Louis manager Oliver Marmol
believes in Winn.
“I’m not concerned at all with Masyn’s
offense. I love Masyn Winn. His mentality.
His skill set. The way he approaches
the game. He’s constantly wanting to
learn,” Marmol said. “He’s open. He’s
coachable. But his competitive nature is
incredible. He doesn’t scare.
“He came in, and he knew that, I mean,
the league was tough. And he experienced
that. But he never backed down. That’s an
awesome quality, especially at his age.”
Winn’s arm is off the charts. Winn has
a howitzer at his position. Some of his
throws have reached triple digits at times.
That arm combined with his slick defense
at the position and above-average speed
make him a player to watch.
Winn was a pitcher in high school. He
was a two-way player by pitching and
playing in the field.
His arm is not in question. Winn threw a
ball from his position at shortstop at 100.5
miles per hour in the MLB 2022 All-Star
Futures game.
Having him at shortstop gives St. Louis
perhaps the best defensive left side of the
infield in baseball between him and Nolan
Arenado.
While he didn’t hit after being called
up last season to the Cardinals, Winn has
See WINN, page 36

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32 MARCH 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
CARDINALS PREVIEW 2024
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MARCH 20, 2024
CARDINALS PREVIEW 2024 33
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
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34 MARCH 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
CARDINALS PREVIEW 2024
WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM
Cardinals bring plenty of
experience to starting rotation
Miles Mikolas on the mound in 2023
By WARREN MAYES
In 2023, St. Louis finished fifth in the
National League Central last year at 71-91,
its first losing season since 2007 and its most
losses since 1990.
The Cardinals were ranked 26th in the
major leagues with a .438 winning percentage
– changes were mandatory.
Starting pitchers last year combined for just
48 quality starts, which is six innings pitched
and allowing three or few earned runs.
So John Mozeliak, the president of baseball
operations, got to work.
The Cardinals added three starting pitchers
as free agents, reaching a $75 million, threeyear
deal with Sonny Gray and one-year
agreements with Kyle Gibson ($13 million)
and Lance Lynn ($11 million).
The two veterans, who are both 36 years
old, were signed to help the rotation and also
bring leadership to the clubhouse.
“Every move that has been made has
been made with a purpose,” manager
Oliver Marmol said. “These guys are
going to add to the win column, no doubt
about that. That’s why they’re here. Lance
Lynn and Kyle Gibson, these are guys who
are hungry to win but also know what it
takes to bring a club together. When you
talk about a sustainable culture, that’s
extremely important.”
Lynn signed a one-year deal with St. Louis.
He played his first six seasons with the Cardinals
and then went to play with the Twins,
Yankees, Rangers, White Sox and Dodgers.
“When you when you play long enough,
you’re automatically a veteran,” Lynn said.
“But learning how to lead in different ways
and finding different ways to connect to
everybody on the team was something you
have to learn. I was able to, like I said, go
(Lou Countryman photo)
to different places, meet new people, learn
some new things and figure out how to incorporate
(that) into who I am and what I bring
to a clubhouse and a baseball team.”
Lynn is looking to bounce back this season
after playing for the White Sox and the
Dodgers last year.
In 2023, Lynn posted a 5.73 ERA with 191
strikeouts in 183⅔ innings. The 44 home
runs allowed in 32 starts between the two
clubs were the most across MLB.
“I’m looking forward to correcting the
wrongs that I had last year on the mound. We
were able to identify some of those pretty
quick,” Lynn said.
Being able to adapt like Lynn plans to do is
good, according to Mozeliak.
“He’s a very confident man,” Mozeliak
said. “He understands that last year there
were some things that he was probably doing
that he should have gotten away from sooner
and hopefully, from a coaching standpoint,
from a strategic standpoint, those are things
we can work through. He’s certainly openminded
to it.”
Gibson also signed a one-year contract.
Last year with Baltimore, Gibson finished
15-9 with a 4.73 ERA. He recorded 157
strikeouts in 192 innings. However, did he
surrender a league-high 198 hits.
Gibson is 104-100 with a 4.54 ERA
through 300 games (244 starts) in 11 years
in the majors.
He is happy to be a Cardinal. He believes
the club will be good this season.
“St. Louis doesn’t rebuild. St. Louis gets
ready, and they go win baseball games,”
Gibson said. “And they put a team together
that’s going to compete for a division title
every year. I’m excited to join a winning tradition,
culture and organization that is going
to have a whole lot of fun in a bounce-back
season.”

WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM
MARCH 20, 2024
CARDINALS PREVIEW 2024 35
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
Lynn (37 in May), Gibson (36) and Gray
(34) join holdover rotation candidates that
include Miles Mikolas (35) and Steven Matz
(33 in May).
Mozeliak is pleased with how the rotation
is looking.
“We’re pretty excited about where our
roster is, from where we were on Oct. 1 to
where we are today,” Mozeliak said. “There’s
been a lot of roster churn, we’ve brought in
a lot of new faces, and we’ve been strategic
about it.”
Miles Mikolas and left-handed Steven
Matz are the other two starters.
Mikolas pitched 201 1/3 innings last
season, ranking fourth. He went 9-13 and
posted a 4.78 ERA that ranked 48th among
56 major-league starters who pitched at least
150 innings. Mikolas allowed an average of
10.1 hits per nine innings, the worst of his St.
Louis career.
Matz went 4-7 and had a 4.04 ERA in 17
starts, and a 2.81 ERA in eight relief appearances.
Injuries again cost him significant time. In
his first two years with St. Louis, Matz has
averaged only 76 innings. He has two years
left on his contract.
The age of his pitchers is not a concern to
Mozeliak.
“Unlike our upcoming election, I am not
overly concerned with age in this current
state,” Mozeliak said as spring training workouts
began. “I do feel like what we missed
a lot last year was more experience. And
so trying to take or tie age and experience
together usually is pretty common.”
Mozeliak believes the experience is a plus
for his veteran rotation.
“It’s just guys that understand what it’s like
to go pole-to-pole, the understanding of what
it’s like to have to take the ball for 30 starts,”
Mozeliak said. “All of these guys have been
through that. They understand it, and that’s
just going to be really helpful with some of
our younger pitchers that are trying to get to
that point.”
Not all the St. Louis pitchers are ancient.
In Matthew Liberatore and Drew Rom
(24) and Zack Thompson (26), the Cardinals
have younger pitchers who could break into
the starting rotation. The trio combined to go
6-13 with a 5.98 ERA in 28 starts last year.
Ideally, they won’t have to start any games
this season.
St. Louis opens the season with games
on eight consecutive days, four at the Los
Angeles Dodgers, three at San Diego and the
April 4 home opener against Miami, part of
an opening that has the Cardinals scheduled
for 13 games in 14 days. A six-man rotation
at the start is possible.
“We are debating it, but I don’t know if
that’s what we’ll do, because a lot of these
guys would prefer to be on five,” Mozeliak
said.
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36 MARCH 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
CARDINALS PREVIEW 2024
By WARREN MAYES
WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM
Goldschmidt, Arenado looking to rebound in 2024
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Nolan Arenado
Paul Goldschmidt
Paul Goldschmidt found a positive
in the St. Louis Cardinals’ worst season
since 1990.
“We had a longer offseason, had the
opportunity to kind of look ahead, start
planning a little bit,” the seven-time All-
Star first baseman said recently.
Goldschmidt and third baseman Nolan
Arenado had a down year in 2023 – like
much of the St. Louis organization – but
both are poised for bounce-back 2024
campaigns.
Arenado batted .266 with 23 homers
and 93 RBIs, down from .293 with 30
homers and 103 RBIs.
St. Louis manager Oliver Marmol has
repeated the message for everyone who
will listen since last winter: forget 2023
and focus on this year. St. Louis went
71-91, its worst record since 70-92 in
1990.
Goldschmidt and Arenado are expected
to bounce back this season for the club.
“These guys are super talented,” Cardinals
president of baseball operations John
Mozeliak said. “They are All-Star-calibertype
players.”
Goldschmidt, who turned 36 in September,
hit .268 with 25 homers and 80 RBIs,
down from the .317
average, 35 homers
and 115 RBIs that
earned him the 2022
NL MVP award.
Still, his hard-hit
percentage rose to
a career-best 50.8%
from 47.4% in 2022,
according to Statcast.
“Not like I was
(Lou Countryman photo)
absolutely terrible
last year, I just think
I have the potential
to play better,” Goldschmidt
said.
Arenado, 32, saw
his streak of consecutive
Gold Gloves
end at 10 last season.
Arenado wants to
reclaim his position
as the league’s top
third baseman. He
(Lou Countryman photo)
also wants to produce more offensively.
“I just feel like I’ve got a little something
to prove and it’s like the mindset I had in
Colorado in my first few years where I
was trying to establish myself,” Arenado
said. “I do feel like I have something to
prove again and that’s a good thing.”
Marmol is not worried about Arenado.
“I don’t have a whole lot of concerns as
to him getting back to ’22,” Marmol said.
“I don’t think he’s looking at getting back
to, as much as just continuing to move
this thing forward and be the best version
of himself. I don’t.
“It’s not a matter of just getting back to
when you were good or back to your best
year. I mean, listen, last year happened
and he is motivated as ever to get back at
it.”
Goldschmidt will receive a $22 million
salary in 2024, the final season of a $144.5
million, six-year contract.
There’s been no talk about an extension
or a new deal.
“I think for me, I’ve never really kind of
commented on my contract, so I think I’ll
just keep that going,” Goldschmidt said.
Facebook.com/westnewsmagazine
WINN, from page 30
shown he can hit. Last year at Memphis,
he produced a .288 average with 18 home
runs and 17 stolen bases in 105 games. He
also walked 44 times or 8.8% of his atbats
and struck out 83 times (16.7%).
Those walk and strikeout totals are an
indication of his good patience and pitch
recognition.
He hit 11 home runs in 86 games at
Double-A in 2022 after totaling five
between Class-A and High-A in 98 games
in 2021.
Winn remains confident he can be considered
a hitter and not just a good glove
player.
“I’m not a stranger to struggle,” Winn
said. “I’ve struggled pretty much every
level that I’ve gone to whenever I’ve first
gotten up there. Struggled for a bit and
then worked it out. Definitely learned I
can take a little bit of failure.
“I know they believed in me last year,
and I know they still believe in me. Every
day, I want to go out there to compete
and compete for a spot. I’ve never felt
entitled to anything. I don’t want to be
given a spot. I want to go out there and
earn it.”

WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM
MARCH 20, 2024
CARDINALS PREVIEW 2024 37
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
Cardinals add Bloom to front office as advisor to Mozeliak
By WARREN MAYES
President of Baseball Operations John
Mozeliak has added an advisor to help him
return the St. Louis Cardinals franchise to
prominence in the National League.
Chaim Bloom, 40, most
recently held the title of
chief baseball officer for
the Boston Red Sox from
Oct. 28, 2019, through
Sept. 14, 2023. The Red
Sox advanced to the American
League Championship
Series in 2021 under
Bloom’s watch.
Now, Bloom will work
under Mozeliak, who said
Bloom “will be a huge asset
for us.”
Bloom
“I think a lot of people are sort of jumping
to conclusions with the Chaim hire but
I would say at the very least it strengthens
our bench. Where it leads to, we will see,”
Mozeliak said.
Bloom will not be working in St. Louis.
However, he will join the squad for home
and road games during the season.
Mozeliak is excited about the addition to
his operations staff. He said extra eyes to
look at things will benefit the franchise.
“I have known Chaim for a long time,
and feel that this is a great opportunity
for the St. Louis Cardinals,” said Mozeliak.
“It will be good to get an outside
perspective of our organization from
someone who is as well-respected as
Chaim. Having a fresh set
of eyes on all aspects of
our baseball operations
should be helpful. He can
really take a look behind
the curtain and really give
us some insights on topics
that a lot of us are curious
about.”
Mozeliak’s current contract
expires following the
2025 season. He became the
(MLB)
president of baseball operations
in June 2017.
He has been with the organization since
1995 when he started as an assistant in the
scouting department. In the fall of 2007, he
became a senior vice president and general
manager.
Cardinals principal owner and CEO Bill
DeWitt Jr., said during the Winter Warm-
Up there are no succession plans in place
with this move.
“Mo (Mozeliak) has said that that’s a
potential timeline for him,” DeWitt Jr. said.
“The sequence of Chaim Bloom coming on,
I wouldn’t say necessarily was part of that.
It was to get another asset in our baseball
ops group. It’s a fresh look, and if it turns
out that Mo is moving on or wants to go in
a different direction in a couple years, then
we’ve got a more beefed-up staff than we
would have had otherwise.”
Bloom, a 2004 graduate of Yale University,
broke into Major League Baseball
with intern positions with the San Diego
Padres and MLB’s league offices.
He then spent 15 years (2005-19) in
the Tampa Bay Rays baseball operations
department, including the final three as
senior vice president of baseball operations.
During his time with the Rays, Bloom
worked in all areas of baseball operations
including player development, scouting,
contract negotiations, salary arbitration
and strategic planning.
“Working with a small-market team with
Tampa, he had a unique experience on
how that operated, and then running the
Boston Red Sox is clearly a large-market
team,” Mozeliak said. “We’re somewhere
in between, but his expertise of what he’s
seen will be very helpful to us moving forward.”
The Boston Red Sox fired Bloom, their
chief baseball officer, last September as the
team was stumbling toward its third lastplace
finish in four seasons. Bloom had
been hired from Tampa Bay to help revive
the farm system and bring financial stability
to a team that was one of baseball’s biggest
spenders. One of his first moves was
to trade 2018 AL MVP Mookie Betts, a
year before he was eligible for free agency,
on a mandate from ownership to get the
payroll in order.
But that move and other moves and prospects
did not pan out for the Red Sox.
The only year Boston finished with a
better-than .500 record came in 2021 when
the team won 92 games. The Red Sox lost
to the Houston Astros in the American
League Championship Series.
However, Boston went downhill quickly
after that season. The Red Sox went 78-84
in 2022 and 2023 (78-84), to come in last
in the AL East in both of those seasons.
Bloom was not bitter about being let go
by Boston.
“I will always be grateful to John, Tom,
Mike and Sam for trusting me to lead the
Red Sox baseball operations department,”
Bloom said in a statement at the time.
“Every day, I gave my teammates and this
organization everything I had, and I never
took a second for granted.”
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Cardinals Notebook
By WARREN MAYES
CARDINALS FAN FAVORITE
RETURNS THIS SEASON
Matt Carpenter is returning to the St.
Louis Cardinals, for whom he played from
2011 to 2021.
Carpenter agreed to a deal for the
$740,000 major league minimum, which
will be offset against his guaranteed $5.5
million salary as part of a $12 million, twoyear
contract he signed with San Diego in
December 2022.
“When you think of players that helped
shape our success in the 2000s, Matt Carpenter’s
name is one that is synonymous
with winning,” Cardinals president of
baseball operations John Mozeliak said in
a statement. “Matt showed from the very
beginning of his career how hard work and
determination can lead to success, and we
are excited to have his leadership and experience
back in a Cardinals uniform.”
Carpenter is glad to be back. He will
bring a veteran’s presence to the clubhouse
and dugout. He is a leader the club believes
it needs to help erase the debacle that was
the 2023 season.
“I think the thing I am most excited about
is the opportunity to be
a veteran on a team who
has had the privilege to
wear that uniform for as
long as I did,” Carpenter
said during a Zoom call.
“Now to be able to speak
to some of the young
guys who are doing it
for the first time; playing
in St. Louis is such
a privilege but there certainly
is an expectation
and some pressures that
go with it. I remember
as a young player that
can be overwhelming.
“I was lucky to have
such a great veteran
group of guys who
kind of took me under their wings. What I
am most looking forward to is having the
opportunity to be that guy and do it for some
of these young guys, kind of being that
shoulder that they can lean on and talk to
and work through stuff.”
Carpenter was an All-Star in 2013, ’14
and ’16. He has .260 career average with 175
homers and 644 RBIs for the Cardinals, Yankees
and Padres. He hit .176 with five homers
and 31 RBIs but had just 50 at-bats from July
1 on. Carpenter didn’t play after Sept. 10
because of right elbow inflammation.
“From a baseball standpoint, my mentality
is I’m entitled to nothing and grateful for
everything that I get as far as an opportunity
WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM
to play,” Carpenter said. “I’ll be prepared
when my name is called and try to have the
most competitive at-bats that I can have.
“At this point in my career I really know
who I am. I know what I am as a player,
what I bring to a team, what I can bring to
a clubhouse and I don’t shy away from that.
If there is something that looks like it’s out
of whack and needs to be addressed I’m not
afraid to have those conversations.”
CRAWFORD SIGNED
ONE-YEAR DEAL
The Cardinals added 37-year-old veteran
Brandon Crawford, a free-agent shortstop
and lifetime San Francisco Giants star, to
their roster as a utility player and to help
mentor young Masyn Winn.
Crawford has been a three-time All-Star
(2015, 2018 and 2021), four-time Rawlings
Gold Glove recipient (2015, 2016, 2017 and
2021) and two-time World Series Champion
(2012 and 2014) over his 13-year Major
League career with the Giants.
“We’re excited to be adding a player with
the winning credentials and pedigree of a
Brandon Crawford,” Cardinals president of
baseball operations John Mozeliak said. “He
is someone that will provide us with valuable
depth and experience
on the infield, and can also
be a great resource for our
younger players, such as
Masyn Winn.”
The northern California
native has compiled
a .250/.319/.396 slash
line with 146 home runs
and 744 RBI in his 1,655
games played. He is just
two seasons removed
from an MVP-caliber
campaign in 2021 when
he batted .298 with a
career-high 24 home runs
and 90 RBI – finishing
fourth in National League
MVP voting.
“I’m here to help him
out any way that I can,” Crawford said.
“I’ve always liked the Cardinals organization
from across the field and they were one
of a couple of teams that I would have come
out to spring training in Florida for.”
The left-handed hitting Crawford has
appeared in 43 career postseason games,
including the 2012 and 2014 World Series
when the Giants were crowned champions.
Despite playing in his fewest (94) fullseason
games last season, the 6-foot-1, 220-
pound Crawford batted .329 (23-for-70)
with runners in scoring position last season,
driving in 33 of his 38 runs.
While Crawford wants to put 2023
behind him, he will do so in a backup role,
(Lou Countryman photo)

WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM
MARCH 20, 2024
CARDINALS PREVIEW 2024 39
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
Mozeliak said. He can help the Cardinals
in several ways.
“It was something we had been thinking
about just to make sure we had some depth
there,” Mozeliak said, “but also bringing in
somebody with his resume and what he’s
been able to accomplish we think he will be
a great resource for Masyn as he continues
to develop.
“Let’s be very clear: This (shortstop) is
Masyn’s job. We brought in Brandon just
to give us that protection should something
happen. He understands that role and we are
excited.”
Crawford, who was selected by the Giants
in the fourth round of the 2008 MLB draft
out of UCLA, was teammates with both
Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt on
the Gold Medal winning Team USA in the
2017 World Baseball Classic.
MOLINA WILL BE
SPECIAL ASSISTANT
Yadier Molina will remain with the St. Louis
Cardinals as a special assistant to John Mozeliak,
Cardinals president of baseball operations,
after the longtime catcher wrapped up
his 19-year big league career in 2022.
The 41-year-old Molina is a 10-time All-
Star and nine-time Gold Glove winner who
played all 2,224 games of his career for St.
Louis. That included 2,184 games behind
the plate, the most by any catcher for one
team in major league history.
“We are excited to welcome Yadi back
to the St. Louis Cardinals,” Mozeliak said.
“He will provide invaluable help at the
major league level, as well as spend time
with our minor league teams in his new role
with the team.”
Molina trails only Stan Musial, who
played 22 seasons for St. Louis, for the most
with the club. Along the way, he helped the
Cardinals reach four World Series and win
championships in 2006 and 2011. His longevity
coupled with the success of those
Cardinals teams are a big reason why he
retired as their career postseason leader in
hits (102) and games played (104).
Molina, a fourth-round pick of the Cardinals
in the 2000 first-year player draft, served
as the manager of Puerto Rico in the World
Baseball Classic in 2023. He also managed
Navegantes del Magallanes in Venezuela.
CARDS TRADE FOR RELIEVER
The Cardinals wanted to bolster their bullpen
going into this season.
They made a move to acquire relief pitcher
Andrew Kittredge from the Tampa Bay Rays
in exchange for outfielder Richie Palacios.
Kittredge, 33, is entering his eighth MLB
season. He earned an All-Star nod in 2021.
Tommy John surgery limited him to just
31 games over the last two seasons, but
when healthy, he proved effective to the
tune of a 3.13 ERA and a 24-4 strikeout-towalk
ratio. He has a career 3.85 ERA over
181 MLB games.
“We are excited to add Andrew’s experience
and proven abilities to our bullpen,”
Mozeliak said. “Prior to his elbow injury,
Andrew was an All-Star reliever, and we
think his addition will benefit us greatly now
that he is back to full health.”
RELIEVER MIDDLETON ADDED
Free-agent right-handed reliever Keynan
Middleton was the Cardinals’ 10th pitching
addition from outside of the organization
this off-season.
Middleton signed a one-year contract and
the deal also includes a club option for 2025.
Middleton, 30, is a veteran of seven Major
League seasons with the Angels (2017-20),
Mariners (2021), Diamondbacks (2022),
White Sox (2023) and Yankees (2023). The
6-3, 215-pound Middleton has compiled a
career mark of 10-8 with a 3.84 ERA in 205
games with 15 saves and 23 holds, striking
out 199 batters over his 194.1 innings pitched.
“Acquiring additional proven depth for
our bullpen was something we have been
focused on,” Mozeliak said. “Keynan’s
experience in getting outs in the back half
of games offers us another strong addition
to the bullpen mix.”
Middleton split parts of the 2023 season
with the White Sox and Yankees where he
combined for career-bests with 11.4 strikeouts
per nine innings pitched.
2024 HALL OF FAME
BALLOT NOMINEES
Fans again can cast their selections online
at cardinals.com/HOF to help pick inductees
for the 2024 Hall of Fame.
The team has revealed Steve Carlton,
George Hendrick, Matt Morris and Edgar
Renteria as the modern players nominated for
possible induction into the St. Louis Cardinals
Hall of Fame, presented by Edward Jones.
The modern player with the most votes
after fan voting concludes on April 26, will
be selected for induction into the Cardinals
Hall of Fame during an enshrinement ceremony
Sept. 7.
The full 2024 Cardinals Hall of Fame
Induction Class, which will also include a
veteran player chosen by the Red Ribbon
Committee and a Cardinals organization
selection, will be announced during a televised
special program on Bally Sports in
early May.
“The annual Hall of Fame induction
process connects generations of Cardinals
fans,” said Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt
Jr. in a statement.
The Cardinals Hall of Fame was established
to recognize the exceptional careers
and significant achievements of the greatest
players in Cardinals history. To be eligible,
the nominees must have played for the
Cardinals for at least three seasons and be
retired as a player from Major League Baseball
for at least three years.
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40 I SPORTS I
March 20, 2024
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SPORTS
BRIEFS
By WARREN MAYES
BOYS WRESTLING
Lancers finish second
at state meet
Lafayette wrestling coach Joe Wier saw
his Lancers reach one of their main goals
this season.
The Lancers finished second in the Class 4
state meet at Mizzou Arena in Columbia to
cap a successful season.
“One of our top season goals was a top 2
finish at state,” Wier said. “This team checked
the boxes on a conference title for the third
time and a district title for the second time.
Now we have a top 2 state finish.
“They dreamed it, they worked for it, and
they did it. Mission accomplished.”
Lafayette, which finished fourth last
year, had eight medalists, including senior
Andrew Wier, who won the 190-pound
weight class.
Four-time state medalist Dylan Roth
placed fourth at 126. Roth took sixth, fifth
and second in previous seasons.
Other top finishers for the Lancers were
freshman Riley Sumner (third at 106), sophomore
Calum Brown (sixth at 113), freshman
Caleb Frankenberger (third at 120),
senior Drew Mattison (third at 138), junior
Aidan Schoen (fourth at 144) and freshman
Carter Brown (third at 175).
Lancers finished second to Liberty of
Kansas City, which won with 188.5 points.
This marks one of the few times Lafayette
wrestling has reached this level. The first
time was 1991. Lafayette won state in 1992.
“Our team had a fantastic state tournament.
We went 7-0 in the quarterfinals and
all seven wrestlers racked up bonus points
by pins and major decisions,” Wier said.
“Our team was ready, calm and really performed.
“We have a group of never-quit veterans
and four freshman and sophomores that all
made the semifinal rounds of state. What a
Eureka wrestler Ryan Thornhill finished second in his weight class in the Class 4 state
meet.
(Provided)
fun, tough group. They make coaching easy
by their tremendous grit.”
Roth became just the second Lancer to
ever win four medals at state.
“Dylan was in a loaded weight class and
had some huge wins to take fourth,” Wier
said. “Dylan is the ultimate competitor so
he is not satisfied, but he gave his all in
every match and came home all-state again.”
Senior Drew Mattison came in third at
138. This was his only season at Lafayette
after transferring from Parkway South.
“Drew had a season-ending elbow injury
in mid-January,” Wier said. “He was not
supposed to wrestle at districts and he injury
defaulted in the third-place match to go to
state. What a tough young man. He lost a
tight match in the first round to the eventual
state champion (Noah Keen of Francis
Howell Central) and then answered the call
rattling off five straight wins against four
state medalists to take third.
“We are so very proud of him as he had
every reason to stop and he battled all the
way back in a tough road with pain in his
arm to take third. He is a dog.”
During the regular season, Mattison
picked up his 100th career win.
“It was no surprise that he reached 100
wins,” Wier said. “He’s a guy in the practice
room that no one wants to work with
because he goes so hard at practice that it is
tough to keep that pace. He is an amazing
wrestler, person and student. We were lucky
to get to have him as a staple in our lineup
this season.”
Wier was impressed by his three freshmen
– Sumner, Frankenberger and Carter Brown
– all coming in third at state.
“These three wrestled like juniors and
seniors at the show,” Wier said. “They were
unfazed by the big stage and went after some
of the best kids in the country without reservation
or fear. They each took a loss and
had a choice to pack it in, but all made the
mental jump to get third. The three amigos
are going to terrorize Class 4 for three more
years.”
Eureka’s Thornhill
earns state medal
Senior Ryan Thornhill (25-2) picked up
his first state medal in his last opportunity
to do so.
Thornhill was pinned in the third period
at 175 by two-time finalist and first-time
champion Peyton Westpfahl (40-4) of
Kansas City Liberty.
“Westpfahl is a very high-level wrestler
with a lot of quickness and power,” Eureka
coach Luke Gentry said. “It was tough
during the match for us to get our hands on
him to get to our set ups and our attacks. At
the end of the day, Westpfahl ended up on
top and all credit to him. He’s a phenomenal
wrestler.”
It was rewarding for Gentry to see Thornhill
earn a state medal.
“My biggest fear for him as his head coach
is that he would finish a four-time state qualifier
and never place,” Gentry said. “He had
always been in these loaded weight classes
with multiple returning placers and Division
1 commits. For him to work as hard as he
has, for him to get so close and never medal
would have been devastating.
“I had a teammate when I was in high
school that did that and it was hard to watch.
So for him to not only place, but accomplish
something as difficult as making it to the
finals is a testament to all of the hard work
he has put into this sport. I was extremely
proud and happy for him.”
Thornhill also played football for the
Wildcats.
“He’s absolutely relentless in his preparation
and training,” Gentry said. “On top of
that, qualifying for state every year of his
high school career set some pretty high
expectations for his senior season.
“But because of his thumb injury during
football, that put his wrestling season’s
status up in the air. We knew if he could just
get back from this injury that’d he’d have a
chance to finish high at the state tournament,
which he was able to do.”
Gentry enjoyed coaching Thornhill.
“I’m honored to have been able to be
Ryan’s coach. Athletes like him that are
hardworking, talented and coachable are
very rare,” Gentry said. “I personally owe
him and the rest of this senior class thanks
for helping me establish a culture in the
program when I took it over three years ago.
They bought in and have helped pave the
path for future generations of Eureka wrestlers
and I am thankful for that.”
Whitfield winds up third at state
Whitfield finished third in the Class 3 team
standings behind Hannibal and Hillsboro.
The Warriors produced 96.5 points.
Hannibal wound up with 156.5 points and
Hillsboro had 132 points.
Whitfield finished second last season. The
Warriors have 11 state championships in the
program’s history. Whitfield won first from
2017-2022. The last two championships
came in Class 3 while the other titles came
in Class 1.

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March 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
I SPORTS I 41
Coach Matt Politte said his Warriors
accomplished a solid season.
“Our expectations for the team this season
were for them to reach their fullest potential
by working hard enough and making
the necessary sacrifices to be a top 4 team
in Class 3,” Politte said. “I think that finish
was remarkable given we qualified only six
wrestlers for the state tournament.”
At 138, junior Caleb Carter scored a 3-1
decision over Hannibal’s Drake Brinkley to
finish third.
“Caleb wrestled well. He ran into Hillsboro’s
Jackson Tucker in the semifinal round
for the second year in a row and wrestled
back to third again this year,” Politte said.
At 150, junior Rome Tate also finished
third. He won a 6-2 decision over Fort Zumwalt
South’s Jeric Gumahin.
“Rome and Gumahin were 1 and 1 this
season going into the state meet. Rome
lost a district semifinal match to Gumahin
a week before state,” Politte said. “ Rome
showed me he was ready to make the necessary
adjustments to his style to beat a guy
like Gumahin and his third place match was
a reflection of Rome’s resilience and grit to
beat him at state and earn those team points
for his team showed a lot of maturity.”
The other medalists were sophomore Lucas
Parietti, who was fourth at 157 after losing
2-0 to Casey Olszowska of Washington, and
senior Adrian Harrold who won a 4-3 decision
over Pacific’s Nathaniel Knaff at 285.
CBC freshman finishes second
CBC freshman Colin Rutlin finished his
first season with the Cadets with a 42-8
record and he wrestled for the 138-pound
state championship.
Rutlin lost 13-4 to Noah Keene, of Francis
Howell Central.
Coach Jack Flynn was proud of Rutlin’s
season.
“Noah Keene is a phenomenal wrestler,
and we knew going into that match that we
were going to have to be on top of our game
to come out with a win,” Flynn said. “It was
a mixture of Noah wrestling an awesome
match and us not wrestling our best
“The 138-pound weight class was a
stacked bracket and we knew going into it
that there were going to be no easy matches,
Colin beat two very solid returning medalists
in his quarterfinal and semifinal
matches.”
Flynn called Rutlin’s freshman season
as one “definitely one to remember.” The
Cadets faced a tough schedule.
“He wants to wrestle the best competition,”
Flynn said. “Coming out of our schedule
with only eight losses is something many
seniors would not do, let alone a freshman.
We are so proud of the way he represented
the CBC all season.”
Flynn said he believes Rutlin will move
up in weight for next season, most likely
being at 150.
“For now the plan is to just hit the weight
room and keep adding muscle,” Flynn said.
Parkway South freshman
finishes second
At 120, Parkway South freshman Camron
Duffield (35-3) lost by tech fall to fourtime
medalist and three-time champ Hunter
Taylor (39-1) of Kansas City Liberty.
Taylor, a senior, earned his third state title.
He is ranked 19th nationally and is committed
to wrestle at Oregon State.
Coach Andrew Wallace had high expectations
for Duffield this season.
“We knew he had a lot of potential. As
soon as he started competing for us, we
truly began to understand how special he is,”
Wallace said. “Going into the season, he told
the coaching staff that he wanted to break
the school tech fall records, single season
(11) and career (34) which are both held by
Garrett Kloeppel.
“Just 13 matches into the season, he broke
the single season record. He ended off the
season with 23 tech falls. He will more
than likely shatter the career tech fall record
early next season. Prior to the state tournament,
he was only taken down one time all
season.”
Parkway South freshman Camron Duffield
had a good first Class 4 state tournament.
He placed second at 120 pounds. (Provided)
Duffield won by tech fall at 20-4 in his
first state match, by fall in 25 seconds in his
quarterfinal match and a 5-4 decision over
Grain Valley’s Zachary Bleess in his semifinal.
The semifinal victory was impressive,
Wallace said.
“He won 5-4 and it was the toughest he
wrestled all season,” Wallace said. “All
season he showed that he could take anyone
down, but in his semifinals match he showed
he could wrestle from any position.”
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COSTUME JEWELRY, WATCHES & COINS
THURSDAY, MARCH 28 • 11 am to 4 pm
FRIDAY, MARCH 29 • 11 am to 4 pm
SATURDAY, MARCH 30 • 11 am to 4 pm
We also buy antiques, artwork,
paintings, swords, china, crystal
and other collectibles & rarities.
If you would prefer
a private or in-home
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call 314-691-2888
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Traditional Worship Services
Salem in Ballwin
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Church
A Place of Refuge…….
In Times of Storms
Come Celebrate With Us...
Palm Sunday & Cantata:
March 24th
Maundy Thursday:
March 28th
Easter Sunday:
March 31st
10:00 AM Service
5:00 PM Dinner
6:00 PM Service
10:00 AM Service
14825 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63011 (636) 256-7171

42 I SPORTS I
March 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
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Wier wins state wrestling championship in final match for Lafayette
By WARREN MAYES
Andrew Wier’s choice of who to have in
his corner for his final wrestling match at
Lafayette was a no-brainer for the senior.
He decided to have Joe Wier, his father,
and the Lancers’ head coach, take on that
role.
The two had the moment of a lifetime
when Andrew emerged victorious in the
Class 4 championship at 190 pounds.
Andrew scored an 8-3 victory over Fort
Zumwalt North sophomore Deacon Moran.
Moran entered state with a 38-1 record,
and had previously Moran reached the
state meet as a freshman. Wier ended his
season at 32-4.
“I have always dreamed of being a state
champion ever since I started wrestling
in little Badgers (Bonhomme) as a kid,”
Andrew said. “I was never the best wrestler,
but I knew how to compete and that’s
what I did.”
This win was a feel-good occasion that
will stay with father and son. The victory
overcame the sting of sustaining a narrow
loss in last year’s championship match.
“I chose my dad in my corner because
I knew I was going to win and I wanted
him to share that moment with me, with all
of the time and effort and money he has
put forward for me to be in that position,”
Andrew said. “I wouldn’t even be there
without him and when I won and saw him
crying it was just one of the best feelings
in the world.”
Joe was a bundle of emotions after
Andrew made his decision.
“I was probably way more nervous than
Andrew, but I knew I had to hide it,” Joe
said. “Put dad in the backseat and let coach
Wier drive.”
Andrew believed in himself. However,
he was not overconfident.
“I was confident before state,” Andrew
said. “Mostly I was focused on my goal
of becoming a state champ and that really
took over and got rid of my nerves because
I knew I put all of the work in.”
Joe agreed.
“Andrew was extremely confident going
into state,” Joe said.
Joe and Andrew had other emotions at
play before the state meet. Joe’s mother,
Juliana Marie “Dolly” Wier, of Wildwood,
had passed away last December.
“We lost my mom and his grandmother,
who would come to almost every event.
Andrew grew up going to Grandma’s farm
moving bales of hay, 50-pound bags of
grain, and digging post holes and building
fences,” Joe said. “Andrew loved his weekends
there so part of his season he decided
to dedicate his season to his grandma.
“She was powerful, so he felt like he had
an angel on his shoulder the second half of
the year. Andrew did not lose a match after
December.”
He overcame an injury on his way to the
state meet. Andrew suffered a head injury
and was out of action for three weeks in
January, Joe said. When he became healthy,
Andrew worked hard to get back in shape
and be ready. Andrew won the district
tournament by pinning his way through the
event to qualify for state.
Andrew built his whole season around
winning a state championship.
“I knew from the moment we stepped
into the practice room at the beginning of
the season I wanted to win state,” Andrew
said. “We had goal sheets and that was my
main one. I had it written on my mirror in
my bathroom so I could see it and remind
myself. Everyone kept telling me I was
going to win it and didn’t want to let them
Lafayette senior Andrew Wier has his arm raised after he won the state championship in
Class 4 at 190 pounds. In the background is his father, Joe Wier, the Lancers head coach.
(Durwood Tenny photo)
Lafayette senior Andrew Wier stands on
the podium as the state champion.
(Durwood Tenny photo)
down.”
Joe was honored to be in Andrew’s
corner for the match.
“We have some fantastic coaches at
Lafayette. I did not coach Andrew in
matches his entire career,” Joe said. “I let
the other coaches handle him and coach
him. Andrew asked me to sit in his corner
at state one last time.
“When he asked, I thought ‘God help me.’
He was on a mission and made it easy. He
did make me cry a little when he won in
the finals. His grandma would have been
so proud. I’m sure she got to see it.”
Joe said a fast start helped his son in the
match.
“Andrew hit a nice dump in the beginning
and went up 4-0 by putting Deacon
on his back,” Joe said. “He then took him
down two more times in the match to
secure the victory.
“They did not meet but they trained
together in the offseason. Deacon is not
your typical sophomore; he is a very powerful
young man. Andrew won three 50/50
positions in the match and only had only
(one) scare when Deacon almost caught
Andrew in a headlock after Andrew was up
by 4.”
Joe acknowledged he was emotional
after the match.
“I was pretty excited. He became a state
champ,” Joe said. “‘He did it’ is what I
keep saying through my stream of tears.”
Andrew said the win “didn’t even seem
real to me.” He remembers what he did
first.
“I got up and pointed at my fans,”
Andrew said. “It never really set in until I
got up those stairs and out those doors and
all of my teammates, graduated teammates
and family members were standing in the
hallway clapping.”
As much as Andrew dreamed of winning,
when it happened, it went beyond what he
had daydreamed.
“Winning was definitely everything I
imagined,” Andrew said. “I can’t even
describe the feeling. I was just overwhelmed
with the satisfaction that all of
my 12 years of hard work paid off and I
could celebrate it with my friends and
family.”
Andrew’s march to a state title this year
began last March.
In 2023, Seckman’s Cole Ruble won
a 6-5 decision over Andrew in the state
championship match.
“I remember toward the end of the match
I took a lousy shot and could have finished
it and won, but he scooted away, and I just
remember standing there trying my hardest
to go for a takedown watching that clock
run down with me still losing by one point,”
Andrew said.
That heartbreaking defeat fueled Andrew,
who also plays football in the fall, as he
entered his final campaign with the Lancers.
“That loss is what drove me through
offseason training,” Andrew said. “I was
working out two times a day. Every time
we stepped on the line to sprint (it was)
in the back of my mind. I never wanted
to experience that feeling again, which
pushed me harder.
“I would get one one-on-one sessions
some days to work on craft and I did a lot
more cardio because I knew if I wanted to
win big matches I would have to be able to
go all three periods.”
Andrew was not an overnight success in
the wrestling program. His first two years
as a Lancer were somewhat difficult.
“I was not as strong or fast as everyone. I
was still developing my craft,” Andrew said.
“I would come in to practice most days and
not even get a takedown on my older teammates
during live, but that just made me
want to work harder. Tommy Hagan and
Evan Boren were two upperclassmen and
leaders at the time around my weight and
they really taught me the Lancer wrestling
culture and how to work hard.”
And now it’s all over. Andrew has
decided not to wrestle in college.
“Unfortunately, I am closing that chapter
of my life,” Andrew said. “I will be going
to the University of Missouri to study business
and not to play sports.”
Andrew is the youngest of the Wier
family.
“There has been a Wier kid walking the
halls of Lafayette since 2011,” Joe said.
“It’s crazy that he is the last one.”

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De Smet’s Fox named Challenge
Cup MVP
March 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
I SPORTS I 43
By WARREN MAYES
Jackson Fox has a knack for scoring big
goals, and he showed it in the Challenge
Cup championship game.
Fox, a sophomore, helped to lead the
De Smet Jesuit Spartans to a 3-0 win over
the Marquette Mustangs in the Mid States
Club Hockey Association’s Challenge Cup
title game at the Centene Community Ice
Center.
For his efforts, Fox was named the MVP
of the game.
But the humble Fox, who lives in Ellisville,
believed someone else should have
been named the MVP.
De Smet Jesuit sophomore Jackson Fox is presented with the
MVP plaque after the Spartans won the Challenge Cup with a
3-0 win over Marquette. (Dirt and Turf Photography photo)
“I was a little surprised,” Fox said. “It’s
a huge honor. In my opinion, I think our
goalie deserved it more.”
Goalie Alex Rivolta registered 22 saves
in the game. It was his first shutout in the
postseason. He ended his senior season
with six shutouts.
De Smet coach Anthony Cappelletti
believed Fox earned the MVP honor.
“He deserved the MVP by scoring the
first goal and setting the tone of the game
for us,” said Cappelletti. “He also blocked
a shot when they had a power play to take
away a great scoring chance for them. He
played crucial minutes for us down the
middle of the ice.
“He showed he is a big-time player in a
big-time moment. He can handle the pressure
of the moment and rise to the occasion
of a big game.”
Fox believed his performance in the win
over Marquette was solid.
“I think I played really well, probably
one of my best games this year for De
Smet,” Fox said.
Fox played well in the postseason for De
Smet, who finished 21-1-6 this season. In
seven postseason games, Fox scored three
goals and three assists.
The championship was the second in a
row for the Spartans, who have won a total
of 16 Mid-States championships.
“It feels great,” Fox said. “Knowing we
all came together as a team, we were able
to go back to back. (It) Feels great. I think
that was definitely our best game as a team.”
Fox got the Spartans started.
With 7 minutes, 6 seconds to play in the
first period, Fox struck. Sophomore forward
Dillen Grupe found Fox in the right
circle. Fox slapped the puck in for the goal,
beating Marquette goalie Cooper Freeman.
With that, De Smet held a 1-0 lead.
“My linemate skated around the net,”
Fox said. “I found some
open ice. He gave me a
nice pass and I placed my
shot well.”
Cappelletti agreed.
“His goal in the championship
was textbook,”
Cappelletti said. “Dillen
Grupe is one of his wingers.
They complement
each other with their
speed and they play a lot
together on our club team
as well. Grupe drove
wide around the defenseman
and created space
for himself behind the
net. Jackson realized that
and found some quiet ice
and Dillen gave him a perfect pass in his
wheelhouse.
“Cole Heffington, the other winger on
the line, used his big frame to get in front
of the net to take away the goalie’s eyes.
Jackson released his shot quick and high
over the goalie’s glove to snipe it.”
The reaction of the Spartans’ fans was
loud. Fox said he was glad to give them
something to cheer about.
“I was very excited to score and to get our
student section hyped up,” Fox said.
Fox’s quickness is a huge asset, Cappelletti
said.
“Jackson uses his speed to get by defenders,”
Cappelletti said. “Uses his heavy
and quick release shot to score, has good
hockey sense to make his teammates
better.”
What Cappelletti liked about Fox is how
he goes about his game. While not a vocal
player in the locker room, Fox commands
attention from his teammates.
“At De Smet, he is a leader on the ice.
Other players want to play with him and
they know if he is going they better be
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44 I
March 20, 2024
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FAMILY & KIDS
It’s time to March into Reading
By KATE UPTERGROVE
It may seem like one more thing to do at a time in life
when you’re already overly busy and pulled in too many
directions. But this one thing is truly essential.
In fact, to quote a popular catchphrase of the 1970s, it’s
absolutely FUNdamental. Welcome to National March
into Reading Month.
March was chosen, in part, to honor Theodor Geisel, aka
Dr. Suess, whose legacy in children’s literature is undeniable
and whose birthday is March 2. Suess was many
things, including a political opinionist, so adults have
varying opinions of him, but children, almost universally,
love his works. He knew how to capture the imaginations
of children, so it’s hard, as parents and grandparents, not
to follow his advice: “You’re never too old, too wacky, too
wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.”
The benefits are well-researched. Reading teaches children
basic principles that become the building blocks of
knowledge – things like the alphabet, numbers, colors,
the names of farm animals and the sounds they make. But
as Suess’ works illustrate, books can also teach empathy,
compassion and the power of imagination. The Lorax
really did want to save those Truffula trees.
One of the most basic benefits of reading aloud is building
a strong vocabulary.
Reading proficiency
Research conducted by The Ohio University in 2019
indicates that children who consistently have five books
per week read to them during their preschool years enter
kindergarten having heard about 1.4 million more words
than their non-read-to peers. According to the study, even
children who have just one book read to them per day,
every day will hear about 290,000 more words by age 5
than children who never have the opportunity to hear a
good book.
Angela Sears Spittall, executive director of Olivettebased
Ready Readers, declares, “Reading is powerful!”
Sears Spittal advises expectant parents to begin reading
to their children at birth and to keep on reading.
“Children have to get to grade level by third grade because
after that they have to read to learn,” Sears Spittal said.
Ready Readers is a nonprofit organization that sends
volunteers into classrooms each week to “inspire a love
of reading among little learners in under-resourced communities.”
“Together, the reader and children build bonds of trust
and friendship as they experience the adventure of reading
together,” Sears Spittal explained.
While knowledge and comprehension are the obvious
results of reading, some benefits are more obscure.
A 2017 study published in Innovation Aging found that
those who read at least 3.5 hours a week were 23% more
likely to outlive their peers. That’s right. Reading to your
child or grandchild could actually extend your life and
potentially theirs because in reading you are modeling a
lifelong habit.
Maybe longer lives are the result of less stress. A 2009 study
at the University of Sussex found that reading can reduce
stress by up to 68%. There is a caveat, of course, researchers
recommend reading a book or a magazine, but not a screen.
Phones, tablets and computers are all too distracting; it’s just
too easy to hop away from what you are reading to check
social media or news that increases your anxiety.
Longer life, less stress – those are heady statistics, but
the best benefit of reading, especially with your children,
is much closer to the heart. It’s the memories you make.
“Reading is joy!” Sear Spittal exclaims. “It’s so much fun
A Rockwood student celebrates Dr. Suess Day in early March
(Source: RSD)
for children to connect with an adult who is reading to them,
to hear the sounds, look at the pictures and make memories.”
“... the memory that stays with me is that of my father
reading ‘The Jungle Book’ to us,” recalled author A.B.
Gutherie Jr. when asked about his youth. “Beautiful stories!”
Later, Guthrie’s love of stories, which began sitting
alongside his father, led him to write expansive tales of
the American West. In 1950, he won the Pulitzer Prize for
Fiction for his novel, “The Way West.”
As children grow older, reading novels aloud as a family
can help children develop confidence in a safe place,
while allowing parents to check for gaps in comprehension,
pronunciation or other areas of concern. Children
who struggle with public speaking because of a lisp, stutter
or dyslexia might even discover that reading about
something they love with someone they love makes them
a stronger reader overall. A favorite novel might even be
read again and again. Repetition strengthens memory, and
memory builds comprehension.
Teen actress Bella Thorne said she reads all the time as a
strategy for dealing with her dyslexia.
“When I was diagnosed with dyslexia, I was told to read
everything from street signs to cereal boxes, and that my
mom shouldn’t read the menu for me. I should read it to
her! It has helped a great deal,” Thorne has been quoted
as saying. “I am reading well, but it is something I work
on every day.”
1.
2.
3.
IMAGINE • TRY • EXPLORE
Imagine you’re Caitlin Clark or Zach Edey and put a whole new spin on March Madness. Clark and Edey are considered to be the best in
college basketball. Imagine you’re heading to the Final Four. What would your skill be? Create a competition and challenge your family and
friends to compete against you for fun and bragging rights.
Try your hand at writing a contest-winning story. Kids and teens in grades three through 12 can enter the St. Louis County Library’s Write
Stuff Contest for a chance to win prizes and recognition. But don’t delay! Entries are due by March 31. Details can be found at slcl.org.
Explore the night sky on Sunday, March 24 and Monday, March 25 for the Worm Moon. That’s the name given to March’s full moon by “The
Old Farmer’s Almanac.” According to legend, its name is inspired by to the beetle larvae that begin to emerge from trees at this time of year.
What’s The old Farmer’s Almanac? It’s an annual guide of fun facts and important dates. Check it out at almanac.com.

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St. Louis County Library –
check it out!
By KATE UPTERGROVE
Looking for creative ways to strengthen
your family’s reading routine? Look no
further than the St. Louis County Library.
Online at slcl.org, you’ll find a wealth of
free resources, from creative calendars to
inspire parents of children from birth to
age 5 to strategies to use with older kids
to story times and lap times at your local
branch.
Calling them the “bread and butter of
early literacy,” Laura Polak, the library
system’s early literacy coordinator, said,
“We have story times and lap times every
week at every branch.”
“It’s really great for families to be able to
come to their branch and get to know their
librarian and other families who come to
story times and build that community
around reading and celebrating literacy,”
Polak said. “Lap time is our program for
Lap time at the St. Louis County Library
children 0 to 24 months and story time is
for children ages 2 through 5. They all feature
stories, rhymes, songs and other fun
activities.”
And there’s no shushing. Kids can be
kids – wiggles, giggles and all.
“The library is the place for you where
you are welcome with your children just as
they are,” Polak said.
Another program that Polak loves and
which fits perfectly with March into Reading
Month is 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten.
All it takes to be successful is to
read one book a day. Doing so, will have
you completing the program within three
years. But if you read three books per day,
you and your child can complete the mission
in under a year. Here’s how to get
started:
• Register at any branch and take home
a reading log, or sign up online and print
a reading log at home. Want a more techsavvy
tracking method? Consider downloading
the Beanstack Tracker App from
the App Store or Google Play.
• Every time you read a book with your
child, mark a circle on the reading log or
add it to Beanstack.
Be sure to visit your local branch to find
new books and to commemorate every 100
books read with a special sticker. At 500
books read, your child will receive a free
book and a small prize. At 1,000 books,
your child will receive a free book, a drawstring
bag and other fun items.
Don’t worry if your child wants to read
the same book over and over, each rereading
counts and repetition is a strategy that
is vital to learning, so it’s a dual win. And
don’t quit after you reach 1,000 books.
Polak encourages families to keep reading
even after their children start to read on
their own.
“For the majority of children, learning to
read is not easy, but if they know that books
are fun and that reading
books is something we
like to do as a family,
they’re more likely to
be motivated to push
through some of those
challenges,” Polak said.
“The 1,000 Books program
lays a foundation
that reading is important
and it’s something we
value in our lives.”
The library’s Early
Literacy Calendar is yet
another tool for parents
and children to use in
(Source: slcl.org) building a love of words
while having fun. It’s
filled with activities that range from reading
to singing to observing to dancing and
everything in between.
“Those activities are really a way to meet
parents and children where they are with
materials they have in their homes or no
materials at all that get kids thinking about
and excited about language and words,”
Polak said. “On the back of our calendar
(available in branches and online at slcl.
org/children-families) we have the Picture
Book Bingo Challenge. There are nine different
activities that they can do that are all
centered around one featured picture book
for the month.”
Families can register at slcl.beanstack.
org and when they complete three activities,
they’ll be entered into an electronic
raffle for the featured book.
No matter what your age or interest, it’s
likely the St. Louis County Library has
what you are looking for, so drop in and
check it out.
March 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
I FAMILY & KIDS I 45
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46 I HEALTH I
March 20, 2024
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Just as spring allergies are starting to kick in, medical researchers say
many allergy sufferers may actually have a different condition called CRS.
(Adobe Stock photo)
HEALTH
CAPSULES
By LISA RUSSELL
Many cases of spring allergies
may actually be CRS
As April approaches and the blooming
season begins, so does the suffering of
many St. Louis area residents with allergies.
For many, however, treating the symptoms
with antihistamines and decongestants may
not provide much relief from the runny
noses, clogged sinuses and watery eyes
that plague them every spring.
That’s because many people who think
allergies are their problem actually have a
different condition called chronic rhinosinusitis
(CRS) – a condition which should be
treated differently than allergies, say medical
researchers from the University of Cincinnati.
“We have seen in our clinical practices
many instances where patients have
believed that they have allergies for many
years and have sought treatment for allergies
for years,” said Dr. Ahmad Sedaghat, director
of the Division of Rhinology, Allergy
and Anterior Skull Base Surgery at the UC
College of Medicine. “They have never
found relief from their sinus/nasal symptoms
because all along they’ve had CRS, an
inflammatory condition of the sinuses.”
Sedaghat was the lead author of a recent
UC study including more than 200 patients
whose main complaint was nasal allergies.
Thorough testing was conducted to measure
the severity and cause of their nasal
and sinus symptoms. Although 91% of
them did have environmental allergies, just
over 45% were also diagnosed with CRS.
The preferred treatment for the condition
is nasal corticosteroid medication; but only
half of the people who were diagnosed with
CRS in the study had received it, Sedaghat
said. The study results suggest that patients
should consider the possibility of CRS when
their nasal blockage or discharge symptoms
become moderate to severe, or if they notice
any decreased sense of smell, he added.
According to the National Institutes of
Health, CRS may impact about 15% of the
entire U.S. population. The UC study was
recently published in the journal Otolaryngology
– Head and Neck Surgery.
Like Cincinnati, St. Louis is also a national
hotspot for seasonal allergies. Our city was
ranked No. 58 on the Asthma and Allergy
Foundation’s most recent Allergy Capitals
Report listing the top 100 most difficult places
to live for people with allergies in the U.S.
Snacks serve up large
helping of daily calories
Nearly a quarter of the calories consumed
by American adults come from
snacks, a new study conducted at Ohio
State University has found.
On average, Americans eat 400 to 500
calories’ worth of snack foods every day.
In order of preference, they include convenience
foods high in carbohydrates and fats
(like chips or pretzels); sweets; alcoholic
beverages; sugar-sweetened beverages; milk
and dairy foods; fruit; grain-based products,
and – lagging far behind – vegetables.
The vast majority of these snacks are
lacking in nutritional value, contributing
little in the way of protein, vitamins
or minerals, the researchers said. At the
same time, they account for about a third
of added sugar and fat.
“The magnitude of the impact (of snacking)
isn’t realized until you actually look
at it,” said senior study author Christopher
Taylor, an Ohio State professor of medical
dietetics. “Snacks are contributing a meal’s
worth of intake to what we eat without it
actually being a meal. If you ate a meal
of what you eat for snacks, it becomes a
completely different scenario of, generally,
carbohydrates, sugars, not much protein,
not much fruit, not a vegetable. So it’s not
a fully well-rounded meal.”
Data for the study came from surveys
of nearly 24,000 adults over age 30 who
participated in the National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
between 2005 and 2016. These surveys
detail exactly what, and when, participants
ate over a particular 24-hour period. The
study was recently published in PLOS
Global Public Health.
Why do politics bring
out the worst in us?
When it comes to their moral judgements
of politicians and others on the opposite
side of the political aisle, people tend to
use different standards for ethical behavior
than they would to judge the ones on
their own side. They’re also more willing
to bend those standards and behave badly
toward those in the “outgroup” than they
normally would, according to a new survey
conducted by political science researchers
at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
The survey included four different
samples of adults totaling close to 2,500
respondents. They all answered questions
about their foundational moral beliefs, and
were also asked about their moral tolerance
and moral behavior in both political
and personal situations. They represented
about an equal number of liberal and conservative
viewpoints.
The surveys revealed that, regardless of
age or political affiliation, people said they
would be more likely to engage in immoral
behaviors and judgments contrary to their
personal beliefs if they were related to
politics. For example, the same person’s
answers to “I would falsely accuse someone
of a serious misdeed” were often different
based on whether that person was a
friend or a politician representing the opposite
political party.
“Basically, we were taking the same
person and asking them virtually the same
questions…The only difference in the
items is we changed ‘person’ to ‘politician.’
And that was enough to shift people’s
moral judgment,” said Kevin Smith, a coauthor
and political science professor. “A
lot of it was just driven by genuine internal
dislike of the ‘other’ side.”
That shift also included their views
toward politicians’ bad behavior. Participants
were more morally tolerant of it in
those who were on their side – similar to
the behavior they would be willing to tolerate
from a friend – than the same behavior
of another politician who was a member of
the “outgroup.”
The study’s leaders said the survey highlights
the harm of outrage-based politics in
an increasingly polarized society, where
politicians and media outlets alike both pit
one party against the other.
“I think there’s some reason for concern,”
said Kyle Hull, another co-author. “Politics
makes us do things that we just normally
wouldn’t do and tolerate things we
wouldn’t normally tolerate. It brings out,
sometimes, the worst in us.”
Gas stoves pollute homes,
Purdue research finds
Residential gas stoves have recently
become a focus of safety concerns due
to their emissions of pollutants which can

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harm human respiratory systems, especially
in children. In January of 2023, the
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
announced that it would consider regulating
natural gas hookups in new home construction,
potentially phasing out Americans’
ability to “cook with gas” in the future.
A recent Purdue University study
appears to bear out these concerns when it
comes to gas stoves’ impact on health. In
the university’s state-of-the-art lab built
to recreate a home environment, scientists
found that cooking on a gas stove can emit
more microscopic particles into the air than
vehicles that run on either gas or diesel,
possibly increasing the risk of asthma or
other respiratory illnesses.
Their experiments in the lab showed that
during cooking, “nanoclusters” of aerosol
particles are transported quickly from
the gas stove to the rest of the house. For
example, trillions of these particles were
emitted within just 20 minutes of boiling
water or making grilled cheese sandwiches
or buttermilk pancakes on a gas stove.
Although many particles rapidly settled
on other surfaces, the models indicated
that approximately 10 billion to 1 trillion
of these tiny particles could travel into an
adult’s nasal passages and lungs. These
doses would be even higher for children
– because the smaller the human body, the
more concentrated the dose they receive.
The lab’s large volume of high-quality
data also allowed the Purdue researchers to
compare their findings with known outdoor
air pollution levels, which are more regulated
and understood than indoor air pollution.
It showed that adults and children
could be breathing in between 10 and 100
times more nanocluster aerosol from cooking
on a gas stove indoors than they would
from car exhaust while standing on a busy
street.
The Purdue study is among the first to
measure indoor spread of these tiny nanocluster
aerosol particles, according to Brandon
Boor, an associate professor in the
university’s Lyles School of Engineering.
“These super tiny nanoparticles are so small
Purdue University scientists have found
that cooking on a gas stove releases
harmful pollutants that travel directly into
human respiratory systems.
(Adobe Stock photo)
that you’re not able to see them. They’re not
like dust particles that you would see floating
in the air,” Boor said. “After observing such
high concentrations of nanocluster aerosol
during gas cooking, we can’t ignore these
nano-sized particles anymore.”
On the calendar
BJC St. Louis Children’s Hospital sponsors
a Babysitting 101 virtual class on
Tuesday, March 26 from 6-8:30 p.m., live
via Teams Meeting. This interactive class is
a great introduction to the basics of babysitting.
The cost is $25 per child; parents may
sit in on the class. Register online at bjc.org/
babysitting-class.
• • •
A St. Luke’s Nutrition Class is on
Wednesday, March 27 from 2-3 p.m. at
Schnucks Eatwell Market, 220 THF Blvd.
in Chesterfield. By the end of the session,
you will feel more confident about your
shopping skills. The registration cost is
$5; all participants will receive wellness
resources, samples and a $10 Schnucks gift
card. Register at stlukes-stl.com.
• • •
BJC presents a Family and Friends CPR
virtual course on Wednesday, April 10
from 6:30-8:30 p.m., live via Teams Meeting.
This class uses the American Heart
Association curriculum to teach hands-on
CPR skills (course does not include certification
upon completion). The cost is $50
for two people. Register online by visiting
bjc.org/cpr-class.
• • •
St. Luke’s Hospital offers Let’s Cook!!
Herbs and Spices on Tuesday, April 23
from 4-5 p.m. in the St. Luke’s Cardiac
Rehab Kitchen, 121 St. Luke’s Center Drive
in Chesterfield. Join a St. Luke’s dietician
for a free, live cooking demonstration and
sample some fresh herbs along with a delicious
chicken dish prepared with whole
grains and cherry tomatoes. Register at
stlukes-stl.com.
• • •
St. Luke’s Hospital presents Make
Peace with Food: Basics of Mindful
Eating on Wednesday, April 24 from 6:30-
7:30 p.m. at the Desloge Outpatient Center,
121 St. Luke’s Center Drive in Chesterfield,
in Classroom 3 of Building A. Join us for
a free in-person class to learn the basics
about how to eat mindfully. Sign up to
attend at stlukes-stl.com.
• • •
St. Luke’s Hospital presents Mom &
Baby Expo on Thursday, April 25 from
5-8 p.m. at the hospital’s Institute for
Health Education, 232 S. Woods Mill
Road in Chesterfield, in the North Medical
Building. The free event features speakers,
vendor booths, tours of St. Luke’s Birth
Care Suites, light refreshments and attendance
prizes. Register at stlukes-stl.com.
March 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
I HEALTH I 47

Community Events for Older Adults
CLASSES
n AARP DRIVER SAFETY • Tuesday, May 21.
• 9 a.m.-1 p.m. • Bluebird Park Administration
building • $20 for AARP members; $25 for all
others.
n CRAFTERNOONS • Paper Flower Making •
Tuesday, April 23. • 1-2:30 p.m. • Schroeder Park
Building • Registration is required. • $6 residents;
$7.80 all others. Supplies included. • All abilities.
n SENIOR PAINTING • Fridays • 9:30-11 a.m. •
Schroeder Park Building • Drop-in classes. • All
abilities. • Free.
n SENIOR PANEL DISCUSSION • Ask the
Lawyer: Trusts, Wills, Power of Attorney, Probate,
Guardianship • Tuesday, May 7 • 10-11 a.m. •
Chesterfield Community Center • Registration is
required.
n TREE OF LIFE MACRAME • Wednesdays,
April 10 & 17. • 6-7:30pm • Schroeder Park
Building • Residents $50; others $65
FITNESS & SPORTS
n 50-PLUS & FIT • Mondays, 8-8:45 a.m. or
10:20-11:05 a.m. or 11:20 a.m.-12:05 p.m. •
Wednesdays, 11-11:45 a.m. • Fridays, 10:20-
11:05 a.m. & 11:20 a.m.-12:05 p.m. • The
Pointe • Drop-in classes. • Pointe members
free; fee all others.
n ABLT • Tuesdays & Thursdays • 9:30 a.m. •
Drop-in water aerobics. • The Pointe • Platinum
free; residents $7; all others $9.
n CLASSIC SILVER SNEAKERS •
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays at 9-9:45
a.m.; Wednesdays at 10-10:45 a.m. • The
Pointe • Drop-in classes. • Pointe members
DISC GOLF is available daily at Bluebird Park
in Ellisville, Schroeder Park in Manchester
and Railroad Park in Chesterfield.
PICKLEBALL is available daily at Bluebird
Park in Ellisville, Schroeder Park in
Manchester and The Pointe in Ballwin.
TENNIS is available daily at Bluebird Park in
Ellisville and Schroeder Park in Manchester.
free; fee all others.
n FIT 4 ALL • Tuesdays, 11-11:45 p.m. • The
Pointe at Ballwin Commons • Drop-in classes. •
Free for Pointe members; drop-in fee all others.
n JOINTS IN MOTION • Mondays,
Wednesdays & Fridays • 10:30 a.m. • Drop-in
water aerobics. • The Pointe • Platinum free;
residents $7; others $9.
n PICKLEBALL LESSONS • Wednesday or
Thursday evenings • Beginner and intermediate
levels • Call Drew for details at (636) 391-6326
ext. 430.
n SENIOR FITNESS • Mondays-Thursdays;
several time options. • Schroeder Park Building
• Free with Silver Sneakers or Renew Active •
Registration is required • Classes fill quickly.
n TAI CHI • Thursdays • 1-1:45 p.m. and 2-2:45
p.m. • Drop-in classes • The Pointe • Free for
Pointe members; drop-in fee all others.
n WATER AEROBICS • Monday-Friday, 8:30
a.m. • Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 9:30
a.m. • Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:45 p.m. • Dropin
classes • The Pointe • Platinum free; residents
$7; all others $9.
n CHAIR YOGA • Wildwood Yoga & Wellness,
2642 Hwy. 109, Suite B • Tuesdays • 1:30-2:30
p.m. • Residents free; all others $5 per class •
Register online up to one day prior to class.
n MERAKI YOGA • Tuesdays: 9:30-10:30 a.m.
(gentle); 10:45-11:45 a.m. (chair) • Wednesdays:
9:45-10:45 a.m. (chair); 10:45-11:45 a.m.
(morning flow) • Chesterfield Community Center •
$60 for 5-class pass; $100 for unlimited monthly
pass (registration is required) • $20 per drop-in
class.
n SILVER SNEAKERS YOGA • Wednesdays
• 10:10-10:50 a.m. • All fitness levels. • Free with
Pointe membership; drop-in fee all others.
n YOGA SLOW FLOW • Wildwood Yoga &
Wellness, 2642 Hwy. 109, Suite B • Fridays
• 11 a.m.-noon • Residents free; all others $5
per class • Register online up to one day prior
to class.
n ZUMBA GOLD • Thursdays • 11:30 a.m.-
CITY CONTACT INFORMATION & REGISTRATION
n Ballwin (636) 227-8950 • ballwin.
mo.us • Ballwin Golf Course, 333
Holloway Road • The Pointe, 1 Ballwin
Commons Circle
n Chesterfield (636) 812-9500 • email
olderadults@chesterfield.mo.us •
Community Center, 237 Chesterfield Mall,
second floor by Macy's
12:15 p.m. • No registration needed • Free with
Pointe membership; drop-in fee all others.
SOCIAL & SPECIAL INTEREST
n ARBOR DAY • Saturday, April 20. • 10-11am
• Schroeder Park Building
n ARBOR DAY • Friday, April 26. • 1:30 p.m. •
Bussmann Shelter • Free seedling giveaway.
n BINGO • Wednesdays, April 24 & May 8. •
11:15 a.m.-1 p.m. • Chesterfield Community
Center. • $5 per person, cash at the door. •
Register by emailing olderadults@chesterfield.
mo.us.
n LUNCH & BINGO • First and third Wednesdays
• 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. • The Pointe • Registration
is required. • $8 per person, per date.
n MORNING BINGO • Thursdays, April 4, May
2 & 16. • 9-10:30 a.m. • Schroeder Park Building
• $2 per person, per day.
n BOOK CLUB • Tuesday, April 16: “The
Giver of Stars” by Jojo Moyes • 11 a.m.-noon •
Schroeder Park Building • Free
n BRIDGE • Mondays, April 1 & 15. • 1-3 p.m.,
open play. • Schroeder Park Building • $1 per
person.
n BRIDGE CLUB • Tuesdays through April
• 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. • The Pointe • Some
experience required. • Drop-in. • Free.
n BUNCO • Tuesdays, April 16 & May 14. •
1-2:30 p.m. • Chesterfield Community Center •
$5 per person, cash at the door. • Register by
emailing olderadults@chesterfield.mo.us.
n DOG PARK OPEN HOUSE • Saturday, May
A UNIQUE APPROACH
TO DEMENTIA CARE
Your Loved One with Dementia
Deserves to Live In a Home!
My husband and I had previous experience with
his mother residing in a large scale community
and I was determined to find a better
solution Our residential for my mother. homes At Family are built
Partners Home, my mother receives
specifically for the specialized needs
wonderful care from a tight knit team
of of those professionals with dementia that understands
promote
safety, her individual comfort, needs and engagement
desires.
with – Paula a family R., Daughter feel. of Resident
n Ellisville (636) 227-7508 • ellisville.
recdesk.com • Bluebird Park, 225 Kiefer
Creek Road
n Manchester (636) 391-6326, ext 401 or
402 • manchestermo.gov • Schroeder Park,
359 Old Meramec Station Road
n Wildwood (636) 458-0440 •
wildwoodmo.recdesk.com • City Hall,
16860 Main St.
4. • 10 a.m.-noon. • Bluebird Park • Free
n ELECTRONIC RECYCLING • Thursday,
April 4. • Noon-5 p.m. • Fee for certain items •
Information at ellisville.mo.us.
n LAFAYETTE OLDER ADULT PROGRAM •
Second and fourth Mondays through May • 10
a.m.-1 p.m. • Ballwin Golf Course • Entertainment,
speakers, bingo, socializing • Bring lunch;
dessert and drinks provided. • $2 per person. •
Contact Stephanie at (636) 391-6326, ext. 401,
or by email to shardesty@manchestermo.gov to
be added to the day-trip list.
n MAH JONGG • Mondays, April 1 & 15. • 1-3
p.m., open play • Schroeder Park Building • $1
per person per date.
n MAHJONG CLUB • Tuesdays through April •
1-3 p.m. • The Pointe • Drop-in. • Free.
n MAHJONG MONDAYS • Weekly • 10 a.m.
• Chesterfield Community Center • Participants
are welcome to bring their own sets. • Free
n PLEIN AIR ART EVENT • Saturday, May
4. • Wildwood City Hall • $40 for pre registered
participants; $50 for participants registering
same day.
n PUZZLEPALOOZA • Thursday, April
11. • 1 p.m. • Chesterfield Community Center •
$20 per team; 2 people per team • Register at
chesterfield.mo.us.
n STARGAZING • Thursday, April 18. • 8 p.m. •
Bluebird Park at Connor Field • Free
n TREE CARE ANSWER MAN • Saturdays,
April 27, May 4 & 11 • 10 a.m.-noon. • Bussmann
Shelter • Free
It feels like home. It is a home.
• Only 8-13 residents
• Private Rooms
• Best Caregiver to resident ratio 1:5 Avg
• Around the clock professional care
• Family Style Meals
Manchester, MO • Call Jonna at 314.686.4468 • www.FamilyPartnersHome.com

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March 20, 2024
ELECTION PREVIEW WEST NEWSMAGAZINE I 49
ELECTION PREVIEW, from page 23
fundraising support. All experiences provided
leadership growth and effectiveness
through public service.
Q2. I am committed to representing
the residents of Wildwood so that the
city council can hear their voices through
public service in action. Keeping Wildwood
unique is what makes our city so
special but finding ways to attract the
right businesses and restaurants for future
success is key to our economic development
Monitoring watershed erosion is
also a continuing concern for our environment
as we look to the future. I would like
to support these efforts and other opportunities
through active committee service.
Q3. I have attended many city council,
planning and zoning, and administration/
public works meetings over the years. I have
a master’s degree in business administration,
am budget-conscious and an effective
communicator. I have the time to devote to
full-time community service now that I am
retired. Giving to others has always been a
part of my life, and I can’t think of a better
way to support our community. I am dedicated
and have the professional background
and public service experience to help the
city of Wildwood continue to have a bright
and productive future.
• Chris Preston, Ward 1
Q1. I’ve been active in the Wildwood
city government for going on three years
now, in both the Board of Public Safety,
as well as the Historic Preservation Committee.
I’ve also owned and operated a
successful business for many years now,
and I have a strong understanding of how
to budget resources, along with the willingness
to make hard decisions.
Q2. My top priorities are: Work to
maintain our natural surroundings and
historic relevance. Keep Wildwood a safe
and wonderful place to both live and raise
a family. Cultivate a more effective business
environment to build up our town
center and other commercial spaces.
Q3. I’m not running on any cornerstone
issue, but rather on a promise to represent
everyone from the ward, while striving to
maintain a functional and effective city
government.
• Ashley Slauter, Ward 1
Q1. I currently serve on two Wildwood
commissions, one of which I co-chair.
Beyond this civic commitment, I have
years of professional experience in strategic
revenue diversification and committee
management. I believe my background
equips me to not only preserve Wildwood’s
charm and uniqueness but also
drive its growth sustainably.
Q2. If elected, my top priorities include
completing Phase II of the Internet project,
fostering economic development &
growth and creation (Village Green) and
preservation of our green spaces, ensuring
a balanced and thriving future for our
community.
Q3. Before heading to the polls, it’s crucial
to know that I have a profound commitment
to Wildwood. Choosing to make
this community my home reflects my
deep care for its unique charm, especially
its green spaces. I am resolutely dedicated
to collaborating with fellow council members
to achieve responsible growth for our
city. Your vote for me signifies support
for a leader invested in preserving Wildwood’s
character while working diligently
towards its sustainable development.
• Robert L. “Bob” Mabry, Ward 2
• Scott Ottenberg*, Ward 3
• Joe Farmer, Ward 4
Q1. I have represented Ward 4 since
September 2019, honored with re-election
in 2020 and 2022. I am currently serving
as chair of the Watershed Erosion Task
Force, vice chair of the Administration and
Public Works Committee, and president of
the Westglen Farms HOA. My passions
include promoting city modernization
while carefully preserving our heritage
and values. I advocate for cohesive governance
and civility to move Wildwood
forward. With extensive experience in
community leadership, I’ve spearheaded
strategic plans and advocated for transparent
modernized communication with
our residents. I am deeply committed to
Ward 4 and the city of Wildwood.
Q2. If elected, my top priorities are
safeguarding the careful balance between
sustainable smart development and preserving
our cherished natural areas, safeguarding
Wildwood’s nine watersheds,
and expediting critical public works
projects like improving internet access,
implementing effective deer management,
completing the Strecker Road sidewalk
and better addressing our roadways and
traffic issues.
Q3. Having grown up in Wildwood, I
am committed to preserving its natural
beauty, to protecting its nine watersheds
and enhancing its infrastructure to better
meet residents’ needs. As chair of the
Watershed Erosion Task Force and vice
chair of the Administration and Public
Works Committee, I’ve demonstrated dedication
to these causes. With your support,
I’ll continue prioritizing sustainable progress
and effective governance and working
together in a civil way. Your vote is a
vote for a thriving Wildwood that honors
its past while embracing its future, and I
would be very grateful to receive it.
• Jean Vedvig, Ward 4
Q1. One of my accomplishments was
working for and supporting the incorporation
of Wildwood. This gave citizens of
our community a true voice in their local
government. I went door to door to support
the building of Wildwood City Hall.
Providing residents with one location to
access all government services. This was
accomplished without a tax increase. I
have served on one of the first Planning
and Zoning Commissions, on the Wildwood
City Council, the Town Center
Advisory and Update Committee, the
Administration and Public Works Committee.
Much of this work established the
foundation of Town Center.
Q2. Working with the council and staff
to control spending to stop the need for
a tax increase. Wildwood was designed
to have a lean, responsive form of government
to avoid burdensome taxes on
property owners. Responsible spending to
benefit the residents is top of the list. Following
the Master Plan will protect property
values. Incremental zoning exceptions
are not what residents expect. I believe
elected officials should not meet in private
with developers or contractors. Residents’
voices cannot be heard in private meetings.
Continue working for in-person council
meetings to allow accountability and
access to elected officials.
Q3. I am not in this to cut ribbons. I am
independent and unafraid to make decisions
based on facts. My record of dedication
and experience serving residents
stands on its own. I would work with
the council to restore leadership and the
promise of our community. Sometimes it
is hard but if you see something I believe
you must stand up. I want Wildwood residents
to know what is being said and to
have a voice over their government, their
property and the surrounding environment.
If I am elected, Wildwood citizens
will know what to expect.
• Debra Smith McCutchen*, Ward 5
• Robin L. “Rob” Rambaud*, Ward 6
• Jim Kranz, Ward 7
• Timothy E. Kummer, Ward 8
Q1. I have lived in Wildwood for over
20 years and want to preserve the natural
beauty of Wildwood.
Q2. I would like to stop the development
of high-density home building by
not allowing variances in our zoning
codes to maximize profits for devolpers.
I am committed to green space and tree
preservation. I would also like to bring
new growth with family-friendly restaurants
and businesses to our area.
Q3. I am active in city meetings and
feel I can be a voice for the citizens and
act on their behalf.
• Michael Gillani*, Ward 8
Q1. I’ve served two terms as a Wildwood
City Council member in Ward 8 and
am currently the chair of the parks and
planning committee. I have also served
on the economic development committee,
watershed erosion task force, parks and
planning committee, historic preservation
committee, and Town Center update team.
I have also started and run multiple businesses
and currently serve as an RVP with
USA Mortgage.
Q2. My priorities are to preserve Wildwood’s
greenspace and character; maintain
honest, ethical and economically
conservative policies and procedures; and
l effectively and proactively represent the
constituents of not just Ward 8 but the city
in general.
Q3. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time
on the City Council thus far and would
love the opportunity to continue to be a
positive influence on the city of Wildwood
and its residents. I believe I work
very well with the other council members
to preserve a “can do” attitude and mutual
respect, which is the key to getting things
done. My background and success in
business allow me to transfer those experiences
and knowledge to my activities as
a representative of the city.
WINCHESTER
Board of Aldermen
• Ed Schaefer, Ward 1
• Christine Danielle Luebbert*, Ward 1
• Michael Schmidt*, Ward 2
• Mark Raup, Ward 2
BOARDS OF EDUCATION
Candidates were asked the following
questions:
Q1. What inspired you to run for this
office?
Q2. What are your priorities if elected?
Q3. What is the district’s biggest challenge?
Q4. How would you have the district
address that challenge?
PARKWAY
Board of Education
• Matthew Schindler*
Q1. I am seeking one last term on the
Parkway School Board. After the challenges
posed by the COVID-19 epidemic,
I am reinvigorated and dedicated
to advancing initiatives that enhance the
educational experience for all Parkway
students.
Q2. My priorities are: Students – support
personalized learning and our choice
programs. Stability – maintain the financial
health of the district and advocate for
public school funding. Community - Keep
Parkway a destination for families, teachers,
staff and administrators.
Q3. The mental health of our students
is the biggest challenge today. Both teachers
and school personnel are required to
confront these growing issues. I have
seen these challenges in my own family. I
do feel Parkway is a leader in the region
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50 I
March 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGZINE
ELECTION PREVIEW
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ELECTION PREVIEW, from page 49
in addressing the mental health issue, but
much more needs to be done. For a student
to learn, they must come into the classroom
in a place mentally ready to learn.
Q4. I believe a crucial step in addressing
students’ mental health is transitioning
our mental health screening from opt-in to
opt-out. This adjustment aims to identify
students who may benefit from additional
resources. Despite the district’s efforts
to allocate more resources for students’
mental health, the needs of our students
persist and will require additional monitoring
to gauge our impact.
• Kevin Seltzer*
Q1. Six years ago I chose to run for
school board because I wanted to serve
my community and that has not changed.
Parkway is an important part of my family’s
history and future, and I am dedicated
to this district. I want to serve this
district and be an advocate for Parkway
and public education.
Q2. My priority is long-range, strategic
planning to ensure that Parkway continues
to fulfill its mission. As a district, we are
doing good work, but we need to be prepared
for an evolving environment. The
future of education is going to look different,
and I want to be a part of ensuring
that Parkway is in a position to evolve and
continue to serve this community well.
Q3. Running a school district is a great
balancing act. Parkway has a lot of objectives,
along with educating we try to meet
the many other needs of our students and
stakeholders. The biggest challenge we
face is how to meet the divergent needs
of all parties while effectively managing
resources.
Q4. There’s no easy solution, but as a
board, it is our responsibility to set policies
and procedures that reflect the values
of this community. This district is committed
to meeting the needs of our students
and preparing them for successful
lives. Careful evaluation of programs and
practices is vital. The goal is to consistently
analyze our work and make sure we
are delivering on our mission.
• Todd Williams
Q1. I think there needs to be a conservative
board member when the next superintendent
is chosen in the near future. This is
vital for the direction of the school district
and the taxpayers who live in the district.
Q2. My first priority will be to staff/
employ a dedicated security officer at
every school in the Parkway District. The
high schools and middle schools have
SROs currently and there are rotating
SROs that do have elementary schools
every few days, but this is not acceptable.
There needs to be full-time security
at each school, whether it be an SRO or
private security that is part of the Parkway
District. My second priority will be
to take a look at the budget and find out
why the teachers of this district do not
have the best pay and all the materials to
do their jobs on a daily basis. The priority
needs to be in the classroom and not the
administration building.
Q3. The Parkway School District
needs to get back to what it historically
has been very good at and that is teaching
the children in the classroom. Parkway
is not the parent, grandparent or
guardian. Parkway is given the task by
the state of Missouri to teach students in
the classroom, to get them to a certain
level of proficiency before they graduate.
In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, Parkway’s
enrollment was close to 23,000 students
now it is closer to 16,000 students. With
enrollment declining and property taxes
increasing the next big problem for
Parkway will be school choice/vouchers,
where the parent will be able to take
their tax dollars and choose which school
spends that money the most efficiently
on their child.
Q4. I would have the district address
school security. Classrooms are the priority
for the budget, not the administration.
Parents do the parenting; teachers do the
teaching.
• Stacey L. Myton
Candidate did not reply by press time.
• John Tettinger
Q1. I was inspired to run by concerns
over social activism becoming a priority
over the academic achievement of our students
and the increased workload being
placed on our teachers.
Q2. My priorities are to provide teachers
with adequate resource support and
the freedom to focus fully on academic
achievement; and to reverse the downward
trend in core academic scores.
Q3. Adequate support resources to support
a declining student population and
increased cultural diversity of the student
population.
Q4. Provide competitive pay packages
to recruit resource support that is more
reflective of the cultural diversity of the
student population.
ROCKWOOD
Board of Education
• Tamara Jo Rhomberg*
Q1. I believe in public education and
having served in multiple leadership positions,
I see being a school board member
as an opportunity to give back my time
and talent to the community. I believe that
I have the background and experience
to support the mission of the Rockwood
School District. As an incumbent board
member, I have experienced how effective
board governance can move a district
forward. I want to continue that work.
Q2. I believe that ensuring the best
quality education for our students is the
number one priority. First, recruiting,
retaining and supporting high-quality
teachers and staff is necessary to meet
the educational needs of our students.
Our teachers are our most valuable assets.
Second, Rockwood has 37 buildings with
an average age of 47 years, it is important
to maintain and update these facilities to
provide a safe learning environment for
our students and staff.
Q3. There are a number of challenges
facing the district: unknown legislation
that could affect the funding streams for
the district; ongoing staffing issues in
multiple support areas of the district; and
maintaining clear and consistent communication
with our patrons are among the
most relevant issues.
Q4. Rockwood successfully passed
Prop 3 resulting in over $26 million in
annual operating funds dedicated to
safety, technology and facility updates.
Our financial department monitors legislation,
district projections and budget to
see that we remain fiscally sound. Promoting
Rockwood as a district that cares
about and supports our teachers and staff
is vital to attracting high-quality personnel.
Establishing opportunities to interact
with students and our patrons will aid in
our goal of transparent communications.
• Phillip Milligan
Q1. The knowledge, skills, experiences
and relationships we gain during
our school years drive everything for the
rest of our lives. It is our responsibility
to do all that we can to see that those
experiences are the most robust possible
for our students. Rockwood is a great
school district! I want to help make it
even better. Students must be prepared to
meet a world full of challenges we can
only imagine.
Q2. I am not running with a particular
agenda or goal in mind other than to help
keep partisan politics out of the function
of the board. I plan to look at each situation
with fresh eyes and an open mind. I
will listen to all sides and viewpoints, even
those which I may not initially understand.
Continuous improvement comes from
respectful debate which includes deep listening
and consideration.
Q3. Just like most schools and organizations
today, Rockwood has struggled
the past several years with a polarized
constituency. What was once respectful
disagreement and discourse, has too often
degenerated into personal attacks and
falsehoods spread with the intent of hurting
“the other side.” This is not beneficial to our
students. We need to do better. I believe
this is slowly becoming less of a problem
and hope to help continue that trend.
Q4. I feel that one of my strengths is
the ability to bring people with differing
viewpoints to consensus. When there are
issues before the board upon which there
is significant disagreement, I will intentionally
listen to those who agree and disagree
with my initial belief. I will make a
sincere effort to understand the viewpoint
of those who feel differently than I do. I
will ask them to help me understand their
point of view.
• Thomas Dunn
Q1. I was a previously elected school
board member (2019-2022) and, as an
advocate for public education and current
parent of two Rockwood students, I want
to ensure that Rockwood continues to be a
preferred destination for students, teachers
and community for a high-quality education.
Q2. My priorities are: Student performance
– we need to improve on reaching
the students that are underperforming;
Safety – ensure all students and staff have
a safe learning environment; Fiscally
responsible – review all spending, particularly
contracts over $7500 and that bid
procedures are followed; Teachers – they
set the tone for all students and the learning
process, we need to ensure that they
have all the tools they need to succeed.
Q3. Staff shortages (teacher, custodial,
bus drivers, etc).
Q4. Be inquisitive and ask questions of
the administration and receive confirmation
that they are exploring all different
forms of recruitment, not just the traditional
methods.
VALLEY PARK
Board of Education
• Yasmin Chittakhone
Candidate did not reply by press time.
• Jeremy Miller
Q1. After 20 years of service as a United
States Marine, I believe it is important to
give back to the community. The Valley
Park School District has been a wonderful
learning environment for my kiddo, and I
believe I can help the team over the next
few years.
Q2. My priorities are simple: First,
foster an inclusive and quality learning
environment for all students that prepares
them for the road ahead. Second, supporting
the educators in the district to ensure
top quality education for all students.
Third, promoting communication between
the school board, parents, educators and
the community.
Q3. Valley Park School District has a
small population and is projecting less
enrollment over the next years. It is imperative
that we use our funding wisely to
support the students that we have currently
enrolled and reduce loss to private schools.
Q4. Increased focus on vocational education
and STEM.
• Pete Coates
Candidate did not reply by press time.

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52 I
March 20, 2024
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Creve Coeur magician raises money to save animals from euthanasia
By DEANNE LEBLANC
“Magic Amanda,” a local magician, is on
a mission. She wants to help pet owners
medically treat their beloved animals
instead of euthanizing them because of the
cost of care.
Her real name is Amanda Lindsey, and
she has pledged to donate all proceeds from
her bonus reward program to the Imperial
Animal Hospital’s IAH Care Fund, a partner
of the Veterinary Care Foundation, a
501(c)3 nonprofit organization, in memory
of a dear friend, Maisey, a neighborhood
dog who touched the heart of everyone
who knew and loved her.
Lindsey had the chance to forge a bond
with Maisey, a smart and intuitive Chiweenie
(Chihuahua and Dachshund mix),
who was a bright spot of joy in the community.
Maisey, however, was diagnosed with
Cushing’s disease last year, which proved
challenging to regulate. Despite efforts to
manage her condition, her health deteriorated
and additional complications arose,
including diabetes, a heart murmur and the
need for gallbladder surgery. Ultimately,
her condition became too complex and
expensive, and her owner had to euthanize
Maisey and let her go peacefully.
“Maisey was my beloved best friend,”
Lindsey said. “Our bond was special as
I was not allergic to her despite my allergies
to other dogs. Maisey had a remarkable
ability to communicate with me, often
summoning me to spend time with her in
Amanda Lindsey
creative ways. She would bark at a specific
spot on the fence, guiding me out of my
house to where I could pet her because I
was too short to reach her in other areas.”
Imperial Animal Hospital, in collaboration
with the Veterinary Care Foundation,
has established the IAH Care Fund, a
resource dedicated to assisting pet owners
facing various challenges related to their
pets’ health and well-being. The IAH Care
Fund aims to provide crucial assistance to
pet owners facing financial crisis by offering
emergency and medical care for lost or
injured pets, financial aid for special needs
pets and owners and funding for good
Samaritan cases. Recipients of the fund
must demonstrate that all other payment
options have been exhausted.
The goal of Lindsey’s initiative is to
honor Maisey’s memory by helping other
pets in need, just like her. By contributing
to the IAH Care Fund, a meaningful difference
can be made in the lives of pets and
their owners, ensuring that financial limitations
do not prevent them from receiving
essential veterinary care.
“Maisey’s ‘mom’ did a great job giving
Maisey a happy and fulfilled life,” Lindsey
said. ”She provided unconditional love
and support. Losing a beloved pet is one
of the most heart-wrenching experiences
one can endure. Maisey’s passing has left
an immeasurable void and I wouldn’t want
anyone else to go through this. Together,
we can eliminate euthanasia due to financial
restrictions and create a community
where every pet receives the care and compassion
they deserve.”
Unfortunately, Maisey’s story is not
unique. Many animals are euthanized due
to a lack of funds for medical care or overcrowding
at animal shelters.
“These ‘Maiseys’ of the world deserve
the chance to live happy, healthy lives
alongside their human companions,” Lindsey
said.
Lindsey invites the community to donate
without spending any money. Every click,
share, or react button on her social media
posts will directly support the care of pets
and help prevent euthanasia due to financial
constraints.
“Through my Facebook page (facebook.
com/MagicAmanda87) I am encouraging
engagement with my posts, as every
like and reaction button clicked generates
income in Maisey’s memory,” Lindsey
said.
As a magician, Amanda Lindsey says
she has had the privilege of performing
around the country, as well as within her
local community, “bringing the wonder of
magic to audiences far and wide and lifting
and empowering others” through her craft.
“I believe that by coming together as a
community, we can make a meaningful
difference in the lives of pets and their
owners,” Lindsey said.
Magic Amanda performs on the first
Friday of the month at Luvwoo Bar, 12965
Olive Blvd. in Creve Coeur, and proceeds
from the performances will also be
donated to the Imperial Animal Hospital’s
IAH Care Fund. The bonus program lasts
through April 19. For more details, visit
magicamanda.com.
Maisey, the Chiweenie diagnosed with
Chushing’s disease, inspired Amanda
Lindsey to raise support for sick pets.
(Photo courtesy of Amanda Lindsey)
Updates on 39 North development discussed at work session
By JEFFRY GREENBERG
At a recent Creve Coeur City Council
joint work session with the Economic
Development Committee, Emily Lohse-
Busch, executive director of what’s now
known as the 39 North AgTech Innovation
District, offered a detailed progress
review of the development. The development
is an agricultural and biotech district
mainly in the eastern part of Creve Coeur.
The goal of the development is to bring to
the area some of the top plant science and
biotechnical people from around the world
for research and on-the-spot experimental
work.
“About eight to 10 years ago, this (39
North) name was given to the district,”
said City Administrator Mark Perkins as an
introduction. “From a marketing perspective,
it’s only been since last spring that we
actually have an organization that’s nonprofit,
working every day toward making
39 North a world-class center for AgTech
innovation.”
Although Lohse-Busch noted she
planned a roughly 20-minute presentation
for the work session, with several questions
and answers, it lasted nearly 50.
“When we went through the process of
forming 39 North, there was a hypothesis
that we really felt strongly in the community
that there was a lot of under-leveraged
potential in the AgTech area, for Creve
Coeur, the region and for AgTech nationally,”
Lohse-Busch said. “So, we set out
about eight months ago to go all in after
recognizing all that potential, and the best
is yet to come.”
Lohse-Busch added that the project
really started in 2015 when a study was
performed through the St. Louis Economic
Development Partnership (SLEDP).
According to her, that’s when 39 North was
formed as a brand and project. Since then,
there has been significant infrastructure
to start developing what the master plan
called for, which is a dedicated innovation
district to produce outside agriculture
impact for Creve Coeur and the region.
“The economic impact of the Danforth
Center, BRDG Park and the Helix Incubator,
which are our three most active entities,
have already produced about half a billion
dollars,” Lohse-Busch said. “There’s been
$120 million in infrastructure investment,
and all this led us to the conclusion that it
was time for 39 North to really become its
own independent entity and that we could
do what needs to be done to take it to the
next level.”
In 2022, a task force was formed with
representation from industry, economic
development and academic institutions.
Shortly thereafter, it became a 501c3 nonprofit.
A major part of Lohse-Busch’s recent
presentation was to make the case for real
estate development and business attraction
to 39 North.
She said three pillars have guided all
activities for 39 North: first, developing a
physical footprint; second, supporting startups
and physical expansion in the area and
finally, cultivating development through
the application of the St. Louis agriculturefood-tech
narrative. She has done so while
also joining regional, national and international
partnerships.
Lohse-Busch noted there are currently
33 ag-tech companies housed in the district,
and said there are a number of national
See 39 NORTH, page 61

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Homemade marshmallow chicks,
bunnies and eggs … oh yes!
Gills Tree
Service
March 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
I 53
By KATE UPTERGROVE
It’s Easter and that means marshmallow
chicks, bunnies and eggs. While it’s easy
to go out and buy Peeps and chocolatecovered
eggs, they’re also easy enough
to make, even with kids. But parents be
advised: Hot sugar is involved, so adult
assistance is a necessity. And remember
this is a project that should be more about
fun than manufactured perfection.
BASIC MARSHMALLOWS
Ingredients
2 packets gelatin, unflavored
2/3 cup water
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup confectioner’s sugar
Colored sugars for coating chicks and
bunnies
Melting chocolate for dipping eggs
Sprinkles and candy eyes or black food
gel for decorating
Directions
• Sprinkle a layer of colored sugar on a
baking sheet or sheets, depending on how
many different colors you want to use.
• Put 2/3 cup cold water in a mixing bowl
and sprinkle the gelatin over it. Allow the
gelatin to absorb the water and swell undisturbed
for 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a saucepan, dissolve 2
cups of sugar and 1/2 cup of water over
medium heat. Do not stir the mixture while
it cooks.
• Heat the sugar mixture until it reaches
240°F, or the so-called “soft ball” stage.
This should take about 15 minutes; however,
a candy thermometer attached to the side of
the pan, but not touching the bottom, helps
tremendously to gauge sugar readiness.
• When the sugar mixture reaches the
soft ball stage, remove it from the heat and
(Adobe Stock photo)
slowly pour it into the mixing bowl containing
the gelatin.
• Beat the mixture with a whisk attachment,
slowly adding in the vanilla, until
the marshmallow mixture turns white and
somewhat stiff, about 8-9 minutes.
• Scoop the marshmallow into a piping
bag with a large round tip.
Now, for the fun part! Create your chicks,
bunnies and eggs by piping out the desired
shapes.
For chicks, pipe an oval about 1 inch
wide by 2 inches long directly onto the colored
sugar, pulling upward at the back to
create the tail. Pipe a row of ovals, allowing
them to touch. Next, pipe a circular
shape at one end of the oval, raising your
piping tip as you go and allowing a slightly
backward-leaning pyramid of marshmallow
to form. Pull the piping bag forward
and pinch off the marshmallow to form
the beak. Cover in colored sugar and add
black food gel or candy eyes. Allow to dry
at least 45 minutes before eating.
For bunnies, draw a bunny shape using
a thick, black marker. Place the template
under parchment or wax paper sprinkled
with colored sugar. You want to be able to
see the template through the sugar. Pipe
the bunny shapes, or use the cookie cutter
method described below. Cover completely
with sugar. Allow to dry at least 45 minutes
before eating.
For eggs, simply pour the marshmallow
into a 13×9 pan, which has been dusted
with an equal parts mixture of corn starch
and confectioners’ sugar. Sprinkle the
marshmallow with an extra dusting over
the top and let it sit overnight. Then, use an
egg-shaped cookie cutter to cut the marshmallows.
Dip into melted chocolate, place
onto parchment or wax paper and decorate
with sprinkles. Allow the chocolate to fully
set before eating.
[Editor’s note: Sallie’s Cake and Candy
Supplies, 14340 Manchester Road, has
cookie cutters in dozens of shapes and sizes,
along with an array of colored sugars.]
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54 I BUSINESS I
BUSINESS
BRIEFS
PLACES
The Elegant Child Early Learning
Center in Wildwood was awarded the 2023
Best of Ballwin Award in the Premier Early
Child Care category. Each year, the Ballwin
award program identifies companies
that have achieved exceptional success,
positive image and outstanding service to
the community. This is the second year in a
row Elegant Child has received this award.
This also means the center is now in the
Ballwin Hall of Fame.
• • •
The Parkway School District was
recently awarded the 2024 Platinum Bell
Seal for Workplace Mental Health from
Mental Health America, recognizing its
commitment to employee mental health
and well-being. The Bell Seal for Workplace
Mental Health national certification
program recognizes employers committed
to creating mentally healthy workplaces.
This is the third year in a row that Parkway
has received this recognition.
• • •
PUBLIC HEARING
®
March 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
The Elegant Child Early Learning Center in Wildwood was awarded
the 2023 Best of Ballwin Award. The learning center is now a member
of Ballwin’s Hall of Fame. Pictured from the left: Chelsea Overbeck,
assistant director; Julie Knoke, executive director; Gloria McCart,
assistant director and Jim Steimley, assistant director (Photo provided)
St. Croix Hospice has opened a new
branch office in Wildwood at 16759 Main
St., Suite 208, serving residents of St. Louis
City and County and the counties of Franklin,
Jefferson and Washington. The Wildwood
office provides in-person care for hospice
patients wherever they call home, including
private residences, nursing homes and
NOMINATION OF
ESSEN LOG CABIN
TO HISTORIC CITY
LANDMARK
All are invited!:
Learn more about this log
cabin reconsturction project,
the history of the cabin,
and future plans for the
cabin as a public resource.
assisted living facilities. To learn more, visit
stcroixhospice.com/office/wildwood-mo or
call (855) 278-2764.
• • •
The Bank of Houston has opened a
branch office at 2675 Westglen Farms
Drive in Wildwood. Founded in 1889, The
Bank of Houston is known for providing
a variety of financial services for its customers
in Texas County, Missouri. That
same level of local, community-oriented
service is now available in Wildwood with
lobby hours from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday
through Friday. Call (636) 429-2265 or
stop in to learn more.
• • •
ATB Technologies, a strategic IT support
company in Chesterfield, recently
earned national recognition as being
among the leading managed service providers
(MSPs) in North America. For the
third time, ATB was featured on CRN’s
MSP 500 List. Compiled by CRN, a brand
@WESTNEWSMAG
WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM
of The Channel Company, the list serves
as a comprehensive guide to identifying
and acknowledging MSPs that are at the
forefront of driving growth and innovation
within the industry.
• • •
SBR Bikes & Brews is now open in The
District in Chesterfield Valley at 17089
N. Outer 40 Road. The bike shop-cafe is
located just two doors down from 4-Hands
Brewery with easy access to the Monarch-
Chesterfield Levee Trail. Visit sbrbikesandbrews.com
to learn more.
• • •
The French Creperie held a ribbon cutting
on March 14 to celebrate its full-time
grand opening at 17409 Chesterfield Airport
Road in Chesterfield. Previously only
open on weekends, the crepe shop opened
its doors full-time with a celebratory ribbon
cutting. Natacha Douglas, the owner, is
originally from the French Creole island
of Guadeloupe. For more information visit
frenchcreperie.com.
• • •
St. Louis Community College received
a 2024 Bellwether Award in the workforce
development category for its multi-year
strategic plan designed to assist in meeting
the ongoing healthcare workforce needs in
the St. Louis region. The plan, called the
Show-Me Synergy: Growing the Healthcare
Workforce in St. Louis, is led by the
college’s health sciences division. This
category recognizes public and/or private
strategic alliances and partnerships that
promote community and economic development.
This is the second straight year
a St. Louis Community College program
was selected as a finalist.
PEOPLE
St. Luke’s Hospital - St. Louis has hired
Jon Vitiello as its new chief financial
officer. Vitiello will report directly to St.
Luke’s president and CEO, Andy Bagnall.
LEARN MORE
636-458-0440
robyn@cityofwildwood.com
www.cityofwildwood.com/
essenlogcabin
Share your comments,
ideas, and suggestions.
THURSDAY
MARCH 28TH
6:30 P.M.
Wildwood City Hall
City Council Chambers
16860 Main Street
Wildwood, MO 63040
St. Croix Hospice celebrated the opening of its new branch office in Wildwood with a
ribbon cutting hosted by the West St. Louis County Chamber of Commerce on March 8.
(Photo courtesy of Higher Focus Photography)

March 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE I BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT I 55
The Fulton School guides children to their full potential
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Kara Fulton Douglass, Head of
School at The Fulton School since 2008,
believes every child has a path and
potential all their own.
“Our school’s founder – my mom,
Dr. Barb Fulton – always said that a
school should be more like a forest
than an orchard,” said Douglass. “In
an orchard, the trees are all the same,
planted in straight rows and producing
the same fruit. But a forest is alive with
a variety of trees, in different colors and
shapes and all bearing different fruit.
Each tree has different needs and grows
in different ways. And this is how we
believe school should be.”
Founded in 1962, The Fulton School
is a coeducational, Montessori-based
school serving children 18 months
old through 12th grade. Conveniently
located along the Hwy. 40 corridor in
Chesterfield, this independent school
provides an engaging education for
children of various backgrounds and
learning styles. They are known for
fostering confidence, character and
a deep love of learning in students
through independence, initiative and
child-centered teaching.
The school’s roots are in Montessori.
What is Montessori? It’s a 100-year-old
(The Fulton School photo)
educational philosophy that emphasizes
independence (to create confidence),
concentration (the building block of
academic growth), personalized learning
(so a child is never bored or overwhelmed)
and character (growing the whole child, not
just their cognitive growth).
“We want to equip our students to approach
life with zest,” explained Douglass. “We
want them to have the skills and drive to
learn without grades or schedules or due
dates. The primary way we do this is by
introducing them to the intrinsic rewards
of learning, so we give them choice in
projects and encourage tangents when we
see something spark in them. We do lots
of field trips and overnight trips; we help
them build multi-generational relationships;
we challenge them and then celebrate with
them when they overcome a challenge.”
The Fulton School offers a music program
that begins in preschool, daily P.E. classes
through 8th grade (and as an elective in high
school), Spanish that begins in preschool,
entrepreneurship opportunities starting in
6th grade, clubs such as chess and coding,
plus high school student council and varsity
athletics. Students participate in community
service from the age of three, and in 4th
grade they begin to travel – first with local,
short trips, then building to international
travel in high school.
“In 2014, we decided to introduce a farm
program at the school,” explained Douglass.
“It’s a fantastic, hands-on way for kids to
practice responsibility, compassion and
teamwork.”
The students are involved in the planting,
nurturing and harvesting of a variety of
herbs, bulbs and vegetables. Plus they care
for small animals – classroom pets like
hamsters and guinea pigs, but also a dozen
chickens in an outdoor coop. The students
feed and water the chickens, collect their
eggs and sell them to the community.
“Not many schools can boast of their own
apiary,” said Douglass, “but we can! Our
established hives – we currently have seven
– are tended to by our students all year long.
We typically have a fall harvest where the
students extract the honey from the frames,
then bottle and sell it.”
The robust Makerspace Lab rounds out
the unique programs offered at The Fulton
School.
“We started Makerspace in 2016, and
it attracts student-creators of all kinds,”
explained Douglass. “Older students can
learn how to use 3D printers, laser cutter,
CNC machine, embroidery machine, vinyl
cutter and heat press, not to mention a
selection of sanders, planers, drills and saws,
plus every traditional hand tool you could
imagine. All of the machinery and tools
are integrated with mathematics, computer
programming, geometry, design, physics
and art.”
Schedule a tour today to see if The Fulton
School is a good fit for your child.
The Fulton School
1100 White Road • Chesterfield
(314) 469-6622 • www.fulton-school.org
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56 I
March 20, 2024
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I BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT I 57
Brooking Park: providing security, comfort and care
When a family member develops
dementia and a spouse or grown
children can no longer care for them
at home, it’s important to find a
place where the person feels secure
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At Brooking Park Memory Care,
sponsored by St. Andrew’s Resources
for Seniors, staff are committed to
helping families navigate the memory
loss journey of their family members
by providing gentle, personalized
dementia care to each of their residents
and offering a modern, beautiful,
comfortable and secure atmosphere that
encourages interaction and wellness.
Brooking Parks’ transitional and
secure memory care facility helps
older adults experiencing Alzheimer’s
disease, other forms of dementia or
cognitive impairment feel fulfilled.
Families can rest assured knowing the
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Brooking Park’s approach to
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an emphasis on quality of life and
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Family members can know that their
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Memory care services include the
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Those kinds of services provide the best
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Caregivers are experienced in providing
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(Brooking Park photo)
gentle care and understanding, seniors enjoy
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When it comes to caring for others at
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In fact, Brooking Park is a faith-based
nonprofit organization that specializes in
caring for the vulnerable among us, our
seniors, especially those who may suffer
with the memory loss and confusion of
Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
Brooking Park is based on the creed that
well-being is defined not just by physical
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health. When we believe in something
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Residents from Chesterfield and
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58 I EVENTS I
March 20, 2024
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LOCAL
EVENTS
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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All My Sons is at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday,
March 21 through Sunday, April 7 at The J’s
Wool Studio Theatre, 2 Millstone Campus
Drive in Creve Coeur. Tickets start at $27.
Season tickets and flex passes are available
through the box office by calling (314) 442-
3283 or online at newjewishtheatre.org.
• • •
The Art Fair at Queeny Park is from 5-9
p.m. on Friday, April 5; from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
on Saturday, April 6; and from 11 a.m.-4
p.m. on Sunday, April 7 at the Greensfelder
Recreation Complex at Queeny Park, 550
Weidman Road in Ballwin, featuring over
100 juried artists from 20 states, live music,
children’s activities and more. $10 entry fee.
For details, visit greaterstlouisartists.org/artfair-at-queeny-park.
• • •
The St. Louis Jewish Film Festival is
through Thursday, April 18, at B&B Theaters,
12657 Olive Blvd. in Creve Coeur.
Discussions with the filmmakers are
included. Festival passes are $65, and individual
tickets are $15 per film. Opening
night is at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 7 and
celebrates Israeli filmmakers from Sapir
College. Tickets for opening night are $20.
Purchase tickets and passes at jccstl.com;
search “Jewish film festival.”
BENEFITS
Wyman’s Amplify Gala is at 6 p.m. on
Saturday, April 6 at The Reverie, 17089 N.
Outer 40 Road in Chesterfield. Cocktails,
dinner, a celebration with DJ Charlie Chan
and more are featured. Tickets start at $250.
For details, visit grabethreshourewymancenter.org
or call (415) 812-0554.
• • •
St. Louis Young Republicans Trivia
Night is at 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:30
p.m.) on Friday, April 19 at St. Louis
County GOP HQ, 794 Gravois Bluffs Blvd.
in Fenton. Early bird pricing for a table
of eight is $150 or $25 per person, until
March 30. Purchase tickets, tables, and
round sponsorships at stlyrs.com.
FAMILY & KIDS
Little Explorers is from 9-10:30 a.m. on
the first and third Wednesday of the month at
various parks in Ballwin. Themed activities
change weekly and include a craft and snack
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for ages 2-5. The cost is $8 for residents; $10
for non-residents. Parents and guardians are
free. For details, visit ballwin.mo.us.
• • •
Tumbling Tots is from 10-11 a.m.
monthly on the second Thursday and third
Wednesday at the Eureka Community
Center, 333 Bald Hill Road. Features mats
and foam climbing pieces, balls, building
blocks and other gross-motor equipment
for ages 6 months to 5 years. The cost is $9
for residents; $10 for non-residents. Register
at eureka.mo.us.
• • •
Story Time With Miss Pam is monthly
from 10 a.m.-noon on the second and
fourth Saturdays at the National Museum
of Transportation, 2933 Barrett Station
Road in Kirkwood. Price is included with
museum admission. Details at tnmot.org.
• • •
Family Hamentash Bake and Megillah
Reading is at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday,
March 24 at the Chabad of Chesterfield in
the Chesterfield Mall. Make a variety of
hamentashen and enjoy a megillah reading
and light dinner. Activities for kids, music
and entertainment are featured. Register at
JewishChesterfield.com.
• • •
Community Meeting for the new
Parkway Early Childhood Center is
from 6-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26 at
Parkway Southwest Middle, 701 Wren Ave.
in Manchester. For details, email ckelly@
parkwayschools.net.
• • •
Creative Corner - Garden Party is
from 10-11 a.m. on Thursday, April 4
at The Timbers of Eureka, 1 Coffey Park
Lane. This is a creative, messy program,
focusing on exploration, science, sensory
skills, crafts, snacks and more for ages
2-5. An adult needs to stay with the child.
The cost is $10 for residents, $11 for nonresidents.
Register at eureka.mo.us.
• • •
Big Truck and Safety Day is from
10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 at
Eureka High (Parking Lot), 4525 Hwy.
109. Explore different modes of transportation
and learn about safety with the Eureka
Police Department. Free event. For details,
visit eureka.mo.us.
FISH FRIES
American Legion Post 397, 934 Rue De
La Banque in Creve Coeur from 11 a.m.-2
p.m. and 4:30-7 p.m. The menu includes
catfish, cod, shrimp, clams, french fries,
baked beans, spaghetti, hushpuppies, coleslaw
and potato salad. For details, call
(314) 872-3186.
• • •
Ballwin VFW Post #6274, 115 Mimosa
Lane from 4:30-7 p.m. or until sold out.
Choice of cod, catfish, shrimp or chicken
strips, plus two sides. For details, visit Facebook
and search, “Ballwin VFW Post 6274.”
• • •
Christ Prince of Peace Parish, 415
Weidman Road in Manchester from 4:45-
7:30 p.m. Fried cod, baked tilapia, grilled
shrimp, cheese pizza and more. For details,
visit christprinceofpeace.com or call (636)
391-1307.
• • •
Holy Infant Catholic Church, 627
Dennison Drive in Ballwin from 4:30-7:30
p.m. on Fridays through March 22. Fried
grouper, baked salmon, baked or fried cod
and shrimp are featured. For details, visit
holyinfantballwin.org.
• • •
Incarnate Word Knights of Columbus,
13416 Olive Blvd. in Chesterfield
from 4-7 p.m. Fried cod, fried shrimp,
baked tilapia, Cajun seafood gumbo
and more. Bulk orders and online payments
for most of the menu items
will be accepted. For details, visit
stlfishfry.com.
• • •
Most Sacred Heart Church, 350 E. 4th
Street in Eureka from 4-7 p.m. Fried fish,
homemade coleslaw, green beans, mac and
cheese and dessert. Available as drive-thru
or dine-in. For details, visit sacredhearteureka.org
or call (636) 938-5048.
• • •
St. Alban Roe Fish Fry is from 4:30-7
p.m. on Friday, March 8 at St. Alban Roe,
2001 Shepard Road in Wildwood. Baked
and fried cod, fried catfish, butterfly
shrimp, mac and cheese, cheese pizza by
the slice with assorted sides and desserts.
Carry-out is available. For details, call
(636) 458-2977.
• • •
St. Bridget of Kildare, 223 W. Union St.
in Pacific from 4-7 p.m. Fried catfish, cod,
shrimp, fries, green beans, spaghetti, cole
slaw and desserts. Carry out, drive-thru
and dine-in. For details, visit sbkparish.org
or call (636) 271-3993.
• • •
St. Clare of Assisi, 15642 Clayton Road
in Ellisville, from 4-7 p.m. Menu items
include fried and baked cod, salmon, and
shrimp. Sides, appetizers and children’s
dinners are also available. For details, call
(636) 394-7307.
• • •
St. Joseph Parish, 567 St. Joseph Lane in
Manchester, from 4:30-7:15 p.m. every Friday
during Lent except Good Friday. Menu items
include fish and all the trimmings, fish tacos
and dessert. Dine-in or Carry out. For details,
visit stjoemanchester.org.
EASTER EVENTS
Easter Bunny’s Garden continues

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through Monday, March 25 at the West
County Center, 80 W. County Center Drive
in Des Peres for a day of Easter fun. The
Bunny will be available for photos. Online
reservations are encouraged at shopwestcountycenter.com.
• • •
Egg Stravaganza is at 10 a.m. on Saturday,
March 23 at Central Park, 16365
Lydia Hill Drive in Chesterfield. Hunt eggs
by age group (bring a basket), meet the
bunny and enjoy crafts and activities. Tickets
are $10 until March 22 and $15 on the
day of the hunt. For details, visit chesterfield.mo.us
and search “Egg Stravaganza.”
• • •
An Egg Hunt for ages 3-12 is from 10
a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 23 at Fairway
Elementary School, 480 Old Fairway
Drive in Wildwood. Meet the bunny, stay
for the dance party, make a craft, bounce
on inflatables and more. No registration is
needed. For details, visit cityofwildwood.
com or call (636) 458-0440.
• • •
A Youth Easter Egg Hunt is at 10 a.m.
on Saturday, March 23 at Legion Park, 333
Bald Hill Road in Eureka. Separate areas
for ages 2 and younger, 3-4, 5-7 and 8-10.
Hunts begin at 11 a.m. by age group. The
Knights of Columbus will serve pancakes
while supplies last. Admission is free. Participants
should park at the Eureka Community
Center. For details, visit eureka.mo.us.
• • •
Hip Hop Hurray Hunt is at 10 a.m. on
Saturday, March 23 at Bluebird Park, 225
Kiefer Creek Road in Ellisville. Children 9
and younger will hunt for eggs and prizes.
Free event. Pre-registration is required at
ellisville.mo.us.
• • •
Youth Easter Egg Hunt is from 11:30
a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, March 23 at
Vlasis Park, 300 Park Drive in Ballwin.
Hunts will be divided into age groups: 2-4
years old, 5- 7 years old, and 8-10 years
old. The Easter Bunny will be on hand for
pictures. Registration is not required. Free
event. For details, visit ballwin.mo.us.
• • •
Flashlight Egg Hunt is from 7:30-9 p.m.
on Wednesday, March 27 at Paul Schroeder
Park, 359 Old Meramec Station Road in
Manchester. Bring a flashlight and basket
to hunt for eggs after dark. Includes pizza
and games. For ages 10-14. $11 for residents;
$14.30 for non-residents. Pre-registration
is required at manchestermo.gov.
• • •
Underwater Egg Hunt is from 12:30-2
p.m. (check-in at 11:45 a.m.) on Saturday,
March 30 at The Pointe, 1 Ballwin Commons
Circle. Children will be divided into
two age groups. Ages 8-10 will hunt first
followed by ages 11-14. Participants will
have the opportunity to win prizes and
candy, play games and swim. Pre-registration
required. Cost is $8 for members; $10
for non-members. One parent/guardian
required. To register, visit ballwin.mo.us.
• • •
Easter Egg Scramble is at 8:30 a.m. and
again at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 30
at the Ballwin Golf Course, 333 Holloway
Road in Ellisville. This will be a 9-hole
event with a unique twist with Easter eggs
placed throughout the golf course that will
contain items to lower your score. Cost is
$45. For details, visit ballwin.mo.us.
HIKES & RUNS
PJ 5K & 1 Mile Sleepwalk is from 8
a.m.-noon on Saturday, March 23 at Schroeder
Park, 359 Old Meramec Station Road
in Manchester. Each registrant will receive
a shirt, a finisher medal, post-run snacks
and more. Wear your pajamas. Pre-registration
cost is $25 for a family and $30 for
an individual. On race day, the cost is $30
for a family and $35 for an individual. For
details, visit manchestermo.gov.
• • •
Chesterfield Regional Chamber Blossom
Bolt Run/Walk is at 8 a.m. on Saturday,
March 30 at the intersection of Long
Road and Edison Avenue in Chesterfield.
See EVENTS, page 60
March 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
I EVENTS I 59
NOW OPEN FOR DINNER
• PIZZA, SALAD, WINGS
• COMFORT FOODS
• COCKTAILS & WINE
• DAILY SPECIALS
• FAMILY FRIENDLY
• WATCH ALL THE GAMES
The newest member of the Gianino
family of restaurants. The Gianinos
have been serving St. Louis
delicious meals for almost 50 years!
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
1772 Clarkson Road • Chesterfield • (636) 778-9120
www.billygs.com
FOLLOW FOR UPDATES
Lenten Lunch & Dinner Specials
• Clam Chowder
• Lobster Rangoon
• Frog Legs
• BBQ Salmon
•
165 Lamp & Lantern Village
Town & Country
636-207-0501
*all fish subject to availability
• Grilled/Blackened Tilapia
• Tendersweet Fried Clams
• Yellowstone Fillets
• Coconut Shrimp
• Walleye
Carryout
Children’s Menu
Happy Hour Daily
Party Room Available
at Big Bend Location
www.lazyyellow.com
• AlmondFish
• PretzelFish
• NorthernFish
• PecanFish
• Crab Cakes
631 Big Bend Rd.
Manchester
636-207-1689
Dine in only. Expires April 30, 2024, 1 Couopon per person. Can not be combined
with any other offers. Must present coupon at time of purchase, no cash value

60 I EVENTS I
March 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
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EVENTS, from page 59
The 5K and 10K courses are out-and-back
flat trails. There will be a Sprout Sprint for
ages 10 and under. To register, visit chesterfieldmochamber.com/events.
• • •
Bee Dash 5K is at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday,
May 18 at La Salle Retreat Center, 2101
Rue De LaSalle Drive in Wildwood. Celebrate
World Bee Day with a 5K run/walk.
Enjoy the festivities afterward including
food, drink, live music and local beekeepers.
Cost is $35. For details and registration,
visit lasalleretreat.org.
• • •
The Green Rock Trail Challenge is at
8 a.m. on Saturday, June 1 at Greensfelder
Park, 4515 Hencken Road in Wildwood.
The hike can be enjoyed by all ages, but
does require a reasonable fitness level.
Boxed lunch will be provided after the
hike. Registration is $20 and includes
snack, lunch and a giveaway. For details,
visit cityofwildwood.com/2085/Green-
Rock-Trail-Challenge or call (636) 458-
0440.
• • •
Ballwin Triathlon is from 5-10:30 a.m.
on Sunday, July 21 at North Pointe Aquatic
Center in Ballwin. This is a 300 yard swim,
9 mile bike and 3.4 mile run. The event fills
fast, secure a spot early. No race day registration.
Pricing starts at $60. For details,
visit mseracing.com/ballwin-triathlon.
SPECIAL INTEREST
The deadline to purchase a Manchester
Hometown Hero Banner in honor of
a veteran is April 1. Banners will be displayed
on Manchester Road, in Schroeder
Park and at Parkway South High from May
through October. The cost is $150. For
details, call (636) 227-1385, ext. 104, or
email kpaglusch@manchestermo.gov.
• • •
GriefShare meets from 6-7:30 p.m. on
Fridays at Living Word Church, 17315
Manchester Road in Wildwood. This
seminar and support group is designed
for people who are grieving the loss of a
spouse, child, family member or friend.
The 13-week course includes video seminars
featuring grief and recovery subjects,
as well as real-life stories of people who
have experienced loss. All are welcome.
For details, visit livingwordumc.org or
email peg.macgavin@gmail.com.
• • •
The Empowering Inclusion and Accessibility
Disability Awareness Convention
is from noon-4 p.m. on Sunday, March 24
at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton, 16625
Swingley Ridge Road in Chesterfield. The
event brings together disability advocates,
leaders, experts and the general public to
raise awareness and promote inclusion and
accessibility. Free event. For details, visit
thearyafoundation.org.
• • •
Paint Your Pet is from 5:30-8 p.m. on
Thursday, March 28 at the Ballwin Golf
Course, 333 Holloway Road in Ballwin.
Features simple step-by-step instructions
for an acrylic painting on a 16x20 stretched
canvas. The cost is $55 for residents; $60
for non-residents. Register at ballwin.
mo.us. Pet photos must be sent in advance
to artherapystudios@yahoo.com.
• • •
AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program
prepares tax returns for free from 9 a.m.-
noon on Tuesdays through April 2 at the
Wildwood YMCA, 2641 Hwy. 109. To
schedule an appointment, call (314) 602-
8940.
• • •
Taxes for Vets is from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
on Saturdays, March 30, April 6 and April
13 at the Creve Coeur American Legion
Post #397, 934 E Rue De La Banque. The
Kaufman Fund will help veterans file
their tax returns for free. W2 forms,1099
forms, business records and proof of residence
for dependents being claimed will
be required. To schedule an appointment,
email TKFTaxPrep@gmail.com or call
(314) 530-9182.
• • •
Stargazing Night is from 7:30-9 p.m.
on Tuesday, April 16 at Fussner Field, 910
Hazel Falls Drive in Manchester. For stargazers
young and old, volunteers from the
St. Louis Astronomical Society will be on
site. Free event. Restrooms are not available
in this park. Free and open to all ages.
No registration is required.
• • •
Maker’s Mart & Arbor Day Festival is
from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 20
at Schroeder Park, 359 Old Meramec Station
Road in Manchester. The tree-planting
ceremony is from 9:30-10 a.m. Free
seedling giveaway, free event. For details,
visit manchestermo.gov/319/Manchester-
Earth-Day-Makers-Mart.
• • •
Glow Golf is from 7:30-10 p.m. on Friday,
April 26 at the Ballwin Golf Course, 333
Holloway Road. Play golf in the dark with
LED golf balls. The cost is $40 per person
and includes the round, the cart and the LED
golf ball. For details, visit ballwin.mo.us.
• • •
Mega Event is from 8 a.m.-11 a.m. on
Saturday, April 27 at Reber Park, 109
Lindy Blvd. in the city of Winchester. Free
electronics recycling, document shredding,
Arbor Day tree giveaway and food drive.
Rain or shine. For details, visit city.winchester.mo.us/Parks-and-Recreation.
815 Meramec Station Rd
(1 block South of Old Hwy. 141 & Big Bend)
SPRING HOURS:
Sunday thru Thursday
11:30AM til10PM
Friday and Saturday
11:30AM til11PM
(636) 225-8737
APRIL FLAVORS OF THE DAY!
SUN MON TUES WED THU FRI SAT
Cheesecake
Chocolate
Reese's
Oreo
Butterfinger
1 2 3 4
5
6
Strawberry
Shortcake Peanut Butter
Salted
Caramel Pecan Black Cherry Chocolate Malt Mint Chip
7
8 9 10 11
12 13
Blueberry
Cheesecake
14
Black
Raspberry
21
Key Lime Pie
28
Black Cherry
Yellow
Cake Batter Dreamsicle Butter Pecan Toffee Crunch Georgia Peach
15 16 17 18
19 20
Banana
White
Chocolate Almond Espresso Brownie Batter Lemon
22 23 24 25
26 27
Chocolate
Chocolate Chip
29 30
Strawberry
Pistachio Nut
Red Velvet
Cake Batter
Blackberry
Coffee Toffee
gooD FrienDS.
great FooD.
colD DrinkS.
Daily lunch & Dinner SpecialS
288 lamp & lantern Village - upper leVel
636-256-7201
COME PIG OUT AT 3 BAY BBQ & BAKERY
Best Pulled Pork This Side Of The Mississippi!
• smoked sticky baby-back ribs • pork steaks • paninis • brats • burgers
• smoked brisket • smoked turkey breast • all-beef BIG hot dogs • homemade chips
• homemade mac & cheese • GG burger • smoked pulled chicken
smoked pulled pork • 3 Bay smoked brisket philly cheese • nachos & more!
25% OFF
One Meal
With this coupon.
Expires 4/20/24
Excluding 1/2 & Full Slab of Ribs
Gooey Butter Bars, Chocolate Chunk Brownies, Peanut Butter Bars,
Hawaiian Pineapple Cake, Brookies, Banana Chocolate Chip Bread,
Apple Chunk Cake, Banana Cake w/Cinnamon Frosting and so much more!
New Smashburger Tacos, Smoked Chicken Cluck-uritto,
Pork Belly Wrap and Sloppy Rib Sandwich
Inside W. County Phillips 66 @ Clayton & Woodsmill Rd
14195 Clayton Rd, Town & Country, MO 63017 • 636.227.1208
www.3baybbq.com • Tues-Fri 10:30am-7:00pm • Open Saturdays: Noon to 7pm
Got events? Want publicity?
Send all the pertinent details to
events@newsmagazinenetwork.com.
Event notices for print publication are due at least six weeks
out from the date of the event. Events with advance registration
should be submitted six weeks out from that deadline.
All events will be listed online and in print when sent in with
enough advance notice.

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March 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
I 61
39 NORTH, from page 52
investors who are interested in repurposing
a handful of existing businesses for sale
and helping them make the transition to
AgTech labs.
There were two major February 2024
highlights in her written report summary:
• The district was notified of approval for
a three-year $480,000 grant from the Missouri
Technology Corporation, which is a
public-private partnership created by the
Missouri General Assembly to promote
entrepreneurship and foster the growth of
new and emerging high-tech companies
throughout the state. The grant will allow
her to significantly build staff capacity to
aid in business attraction, marketing and
events. That would in turn help advance
the economic development work on behalf
of Creve Coeur in the coming years.
• The district is in final lease negotiations
to secure a 12,000-square-foot space in
Creve Coeur to form the “front door” for
39 North. That space will be used to host
community events for current and prospective
tenants and investors. Lohse-Busch
said the lease should soon be finalized, and
the space should be activated by May 2024.
Another grant is being sought for an
11,500-square-foot space. Lohse-Busch
lists that as essential to bring more people
into the AgTech sector right now because
the Danforth Center is already at capacity.
“What we keep hearing from our 1-on-1
meetings with 39 North companies is that
there’s a strong desire for sub-groups and
interest groups for scientists in genomics,
fermentation or whatever. So, we’re
making sure we can cultivate that,” Lohse-
Busch said.
Mayor Robert Hoffman said one of his
main desires is to build a bridge over Olive
Boulevard just west of Lindbergh Avenue
to allow Olia Village residents to get back
and forth into 39 North buildings. Lohse-
Busch was in full agreement with that idea
and said that in surveying the younger set
of three different age groups of 39 North
employees, they all said the most important
thing to them is driving as little as possible.
Being involved with SLEDP, BioSTL,
Missouri Technology Corp for funding and
other partnership groups, Lohse-Busch
said the next six months will be vital to
gain a lot more exposure regionally and
nationally and to get a real estate development
plan in place.
Hoffman asked about the need for residential
sites in the area. Lohe-Busch said
there will be 800-plus units in Olia Village
and more than the same number of
townhomes, adding to the importance of a
future bridge over Olive Boulevard.
Lohse-Busch is currently the only
employee in her company, but thanks to a
grant, she will soon add an intern and hire
two more people.
“If you’ve had a chance to review the
report Emily put together, I was really
amazed at how much she’s been able to
accomplish in six to nine months,” Perkins
said. “That includes the exposure she’s
bringing us with events and with the grants
of real dollars that will increase the staffing.”
Per her closing statement, Lohse-Busch
added, “With the help of Creve Coeur, its
residents and the Economic Development
Committee we’re working our tails off to
make it be, and I’m confident we will.”
WEST HOME PAGES
DRIVEWAYS•PATIOS•SIDEWALKS
Dri veways • Patios • Sidewalks Porches • Steps • Garage Floors
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Family Owned • Insured
Serving West County Since 1963 314-849-7520
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• IPE (Hardwood)
Rlinkconstruction@yahoo.com
314.607.8953
FIND US ON
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Serving West County for 25+ Years
636.458.6400
timjhallahan@gmail.com
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H NEST
JUNK HAULING
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399
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www.honestjunk.com
314-312-1077
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• NO Spraying or Rolling Mess!
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BY
BRUSH ONLY
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314-852-5467
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NOW
ACCEPTING:
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TUCKPOINTING • LEAFGARD
Siding • Soffit • Fascia & Repairs
Best Quality & Prices Since 1988!
314-968-7848
www.stlroofing.com
JL CONCRETE
SEALING & CAULKING
Residential and Commercial
• Sealing (Prevents pitting)
• Caulking (Keep out the weeds)
• Power Washing (Fresh & clean)
• Crack Filling (Keeps moisture out)
• Fence Washing
FREE ESTIMATES
Call Jerry Loosmore Jr. at 636-399-6193

62 I
March 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
@WESTNEWSMAG
WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM
WEST HOME PAGES
Bringing Painting To Life • Residential & Commercial
TRUE TO LIFE
Custom Painting
314-814-0569
Painting Interior & Exterior
Powerwashing
Homes & Concrete
Deck & Fence Staining
Gutter Cleaning & Gutter Guards
Window Cleaning
Insured • Senior Discounts
Call Chris 314-620-6677
• INTERIOR
PAINTING
• HANDYMAN
WORK
20+ YEARS EXPERIENCE
PATIOS • DRIVEWAYS
RETAINING WALLS
STAMPED CONCRETE
THE FAN MAN
INSTAllATIoN ProFESSIoNAlS
Ceiling Fans • Wholehouse Fans
Gable Vent Fans • Recessed Lighting
Specializing in installation for two story homes
with no wiring on first floor.
When Handyman Quality Just Won't Do.
(314) 510-6400
314-698-0403 • www.rickthomasconcrete.com • Fully Insured
J.D. CONTRACTING
EXTERIOR SPECIALIST
• Emergency
Repairs
• Insurance
Claims
• Siding,
Soffit &
314.723.0027 Fascia
TO REQUEST A BID • Insured
ROOFING
Replacement Windows
Seamless Guttering
Leaf Guards
CALL OR TEXT JIM
ALL TYPES OF REPAIRS!
314.518.0231
CUSTOM DECKS
SCREEN ROOMS, ENCLOSURES,
REPAIRS, RESURFACE, PATIOS, STAMPED CONCRETE,
4 SEASON ROOMS, OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES
GENERAL CONTRACTOR | All Types Of Home Improvements
Insurance Specialist, Fully Insured | A+ BBB Rating, 30 Years Experience
FREE INSPECTIONS & ESTIMATES
314-282-1991 | www.CovenantContractingSTL.com
TOP GUNN FAMILY
CONSTRUCTION INC.
Build and Repair Decks & Fences,
All Painting, Wallpaper Removal,
Powerwash/Stain Decks, Finish Basements,
Remodeling, Kitchens, Baths
Senior Discounts • Military Discounts
First responders must show ID
Call Today • 636-466-3956
GunnFamilyConstruction@gmail.com
30+ YEARS
EXPERIENCE
County House Washing
& Painting
A+
RATED
WEST
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR
PAINTING SPECIALIST
PAINTING • STAINING • POWERWASHING
Mike Lynch 636.394.0013
WWW.COUNTYHOUSEWASHING.COM
• Deck Construction • Deck Staining
• Deck Repairs • Staircases
• Deck Upgrades • Hand Rail
• Fully Insured
• Warranty
• No Money Up Front
636-938-ROOF (7663)
Like us on Facebook
Locally Owned & Operated by Rick Hinkson
Showers Rebuilt & Bathrooms Remodeled
TILE AND BATH SERVICE
Shower Conversions • Grab Bars • High Toilets • Personal Showers • Floors • Vanities
New Showroom coming Spring 2024!
636.394.0315
www.tileandbathservice.com
38 Years Experience • At this Location 30 Years • 14756 Clayton Road • 63011 • Visit Our Showroom
Driveways, Patios, Pool Decks, Garage Floors,
Retaining Walls, Stamped and Colored Concrete
Insured For Your Protection
TRUST & PERFORMANCE
Roofing, Siding, Gutters & Trim
All Types of Exterior Remodeling
Best Warranties in the Business
Insurance Specialist, Fully Insured
A+ BBB Rating ~ 30 Years Experience
FREE INSPECTIONS & ESTIMATES
314.282.1991 www.CovenantRoofingSTL.com
www.CovenantContractingSTL.com

HAULING
DECKS
CARPET
Technician
FACEBOOK.COM/WESTNEWSMAGAZINE
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March 20, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
I 63
FOX, from page 43
going also to keep up,” Cappelletti said.
“Being only a sophomore, off the ice he is
not a big loud voice in the locker room. We
have a lot of older players to do that so he
knew to perform on the ice which is why
our team had so much success because of
the leaders on and off the ice.”
Plus, Cappelletti said, Fox listens and
takes instruction well.
“(He’s) very coachable and respectable,”
Cappelletti said. “Like any teenage hockey
player, you need to remind them more
than once sometimes on certain things but
he remembers that and picks up on things
quick.”
Fox said he learned a great deal this
season.
“My game improved a lot because I realized
I was one of the leaders on the team
and used that to my advantage,” Fox said.
Cappelletti is also an assistant coach for
the 16 AAA Blues club team. Fox plays for
that team as well.
“I think our new head coach did a great
job at bringing us together and leading us
as a new coach,” Fox said. “He was an
excellent leader and he guided us into how
to trust each other.”
Fox enjoys playing with the Spartans.
“I like the environment in high school
hockey,” Fox said. “It’s fun playing in front
of a packed crowd full of all my friends. I
will most likely be back.”
Cappelletti believes the best is yet to
come from Fox.
“There is still a lot of upside to his game.
He can move on at some point to juniors
and NCAA college hockey,” Cappelletti
said. “If he keeps working on his all-around
game, he will be there in a few years.
“Jackson is a great student athlete. He is
an honor roll student and I have never had
a teacher contact me about him having
a disciplinary issue. Great family also,
which leads to him being an all-around
good kid.”
WEST CLASSIFIEDS • 636.591.0010 • CLASSIFIEDS@NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM
CARPET
-CARPET REPAIRS-
Restretching • Reseaming
& Patching.
No job is to small!
FREE Estimates
(314) 892-1003
• Brushed & Rolled Only
• No money up front/Warranty
A+
Free Estimates • Insured/A+BBB
EverythingDecks.net • (636) 337-7733
J & J HAULING
WE HAUL IT ALL
Service 7 days. Debris, furniture,
appliances, household trash, yard
debris, railroad ties, fencing, decks.
Garage & Basement Clean-up
Neat, courteous, affordable rates.
Call: 636-379-8062 or
email: jandjhaul@aol.com
Deck Staining
HAULING
EDUCATION
Traveling Fossil & Rock
Presentations with a Biblical
Perspective. Suitable for all grade
levels. FREE Fossils for everyone.
Can the Bible timeline
be tested and trusted? Yes!
The Rock’s Cry Out Ministry
Contact Bill Barnes 314-608-2928
ELECTRICAL
COLLECTIBLES
ERIC'S ELECTRIC
WANTED TO BUY Licensed, Bonded and Insured:
Service upgrades, fans, can lights,
• SPORTS MEMORABILIA • switches, outlets, basements,
Baseball Cards, Sports Cards, code violations fixed, we do it
Cardinals Souvenirs and all. Emergency calls & backa-up
Memorabilia. Pre-1975 Only. generators. No job too small.
Competitively priced. Free Estimates.
Private Collector:
Just call 636-262-5840
314-302-1785
GARAGE DOORS
COMPUTER SERVICES DSI/Door Solutions, Inc.
Need Computer Help? Garage Doors, Electric Open–ers.
Call Steve!
Fast Repairs. All makes & models.
Set up & troubleshooting Same day service. Free Estimates.
Affordable, Certified Tech Custom Wood and Steel Doors.
with 22 years’ experience!
BBB Member • Angie's List
Call 314-497-2028
Call 314-550-4071
www.dsi-stl.com
DECKS
FENCES
Wood | Aluminum | Vinyl | Composite
NEW INSTALL – REPAIRS – STAINING
Unmatched Quality | Competitive Prices | Residential or Commercial
WWW.WESTERNFENCES.COM | 636.215.1730
SKIP'S HAULING & DEMOLITION
Junk hauling and removal. Cleanouts,
appliances, furniture, debris,
construction rubble, yard waste,
excavating & demolition! 10, 15
& 20 cubic yd. rolloff dumpsters.
Licensed & insured. Affordable, dependable
and available!
VISA/MC accepted. 22 yrs. service.
Toll Free 1-888-STL-JUNK
888-785-5865 or 314-644-1948
HELP WANTED
Experienced In Home Care and
Assistance is hiring Exceptional
Caregivers. Competitive pay,
caregiver appreciation benefits,
and flexible schedules, such as:
4,8, and 12 hour shifts. F/T and
P/T shifts, days, nights, and weekends.
Sign on bonus for full time
employees, Call 636-525-5445
COMPASSIONATE
CAREGIVERS NEEDED!!
VISITING ANGELS is hiring for
Chesterfield/Wildwood/Ballwin/
Des Peres/ T&C- $17-19/hr.
Personal Care Assistants &
Homemaker shifts. Weekly Pay,
Flexible Schedules, 401K match.
Health Ins. after 6 mo. if FT
Call 636-695-4422 or apply at
VisitingAngels.com/westplex
HOME IMPROVEMENT
PRISTINE MIDWEST
CONSTRUCTION LLC
Specializing in
Decks & Fences
FREE Estimates
pristinemidwest@gmail.com
(314) 575-3879
Mizzou Crew LLC (Since 2004)
We can’t do everything,
but we CAN do a lot!
Landscaping, Demolition,
Flooring, Light Construction,
Furniture Assembly, Fencing,
Deck Repair, Rough Carpentry.
Call/text Jeff 314-520-5222 or
email mizzoucrewstl@gmail.com
Total Bathroom Remodeling
Cabinetry•Plumbing•Electrical
30 Years Experience
AFFORDABLE CARPENTRY
Kitchen Remodeling,
Wainscoting, Cabinets,
Crown Molding, Trim, Framing,
Basement Finishing, Custom
Decks, Doors, Windows.
Free estimates!
Anything inside & out!
Call Joe 636-699-8316
REMODEL & REPAIR
Rotted wood, Painting, Tile,
Drywall, Floors, Electrical,
Carpentry, Plumbing,
Power Washing. Insured.
FREE ESTIMATES
Tom Streckfuss 314-910-7458
sbacontractingllc@gmail.com
-MULCHING-
-AERATING-
-Spring Clean-Ups-
Preparing/Cleaning Beds
Preen • Leaf Removal
Bush/Shrub Trimming
Aeration • Seeding
Fertilizing • Dethatching
• FAST & FREE ESTIMATES •
TWO MEN & A MOWER
Call or text 636-432-3451
WE SPECIALIZE IN
RETAINING WALLS • PAVER PATIOS • DECKS
FENCES • TREES • NEW LANDSCAPING
LAWNS & MULCH AND MUCH MORE!
Free Estimates
314-280-2779
poloslawn@aol.com
Best Landscaping Values in Town!
-Mizzou Crew-
Mulch, Shrub Trimming,
Yard Cleanups, Power Washing,
Moles, Small Walls & Paver Patios.
Hauling Services,
Demolition,
Handyman Services
& Rough Carpentry
Call/Text Jeff
314-520-5222
or www.MizzouCrew.com
FISHBURN’S LANDSCAPING
Residential • Commercial
HURRY BEFORE THE SPRING
RUSH TO GET YOUR BID!!
Leaf Clean Up • Retaining Walls
Trees, Shrubs & Flower Planting
and Trimming • Landscaping Rock
FULLY Insured • FREE Estimates
Call or Text Dave 314-843-0271
-Complete Outdoor Service-
Hardscapes • Lawn Mowing
Commercial • Residential
Reasonable Rates
Experienced & Insured
FREE Estimates
United Lawn Services LLC
Call Today (314) 660-9080
curtis@unitedlawnservices.com
www.unitedlawnservices.com
MORALES LANDSCAPE LLC
Clean-Up • Mowing • Mulching
Planting • Aeration • Sod Install
Leaf Removal • Paver Patios
Trimming & Edging
Stone & Brick
Retaining Walls • Drainage Work
- FREE ESTIMATES -
636-293-2863
moraleslandscape@hotmail.com
LANDSCAPING
Retaining Walls • Patios • Pruning
Chainsaw Work • Seasonal
Clean-up • Honeysuckle Removal
Friendly service with attention to detail
Call Tom 636.938.9874
www.mienerlandscaping.com
Leaf Clean Up
& Vacuuming
Pruning Work, Grading,
Planting, and
Dormant Sod Work.
FREE ESTIMATES
636-296-5050
PAINTING
DEFINO’S
PAINTING SERVICES
EST. 2006
Interior & Exterior Painting
Deck Staining
- Insured & Free Estimates -
definospainting.com
314-707-3094
PET SERVICES
Yucko’s
Your Poop Scoop ‘n Service
FREE Estimates
314-291-7667
www.yuckos.com
PLUMBING
• ANYTHING IN PLUMBING •
Good Prices! Basement
bathrooms, small repairs & code
violations repaired. Fast Service.
Certified, licensed plumber - MBC
Plumbing - Call or text anytime:
314-409-5051
LICENSED PLUMBER
Bonded & Insured
Available for all your
plumbing needs.
No job is too small.
FREE ESTIMATES
35 Years Experience.
Senior Discounts
24 hours service!
314-808-4611
PRAYER
ST. JUDE NOVENA
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus
be adored, glorified, loved and
preserved throughout the world
now and forever. Sacred Heart
of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude,
Worker of Miracles, pray for us.
St. Jude, Help for the Hopeless,
pray for us. Say prayer nine times
a day; by the 8th day prayer will
be answered. Say it for nine
days, then publish. It has never
been known to fail. Th a n k y o u
St. Jude - JAE
TREE SERVICES
• COLE TREE SERVICE •
Tree and Stump Removal.
Trimming and Deadwooding.
Free Estimates.
636-475-3661
www.cole-tree-service.biz
WEDDING SERVICES
ANYTIME ANYWHERE
- CEREMONIES -
Marriage Ceremonies
Vow Renewals • Baptisms
Pastoral & Graveside Visits
Full Service Ministry • 314.703.7456
J & J HAULING
WE HAUL IT ALL
Service 7 days. Debris, furniture,
a pliances, household trash, yard
debris, railroad ties, fencing, decks.
Garage & Basement Clean-up
Neat, courteous, a fordable rates.
Ca l: 636-379-8062 or
email: jandjhaul@aol.com
CARPET REPAIRS
Restretching, reseaming &
patching. No job too sma l.
Free estimates.
(314) 892-1003
COLLECTIBLES
WANTED TO BUY
• SPORTS MEMORABILIA •
Baseba l Cards, Sports Cards,
Cardinals Souvenirs and
Memorabilia. Pre-1975 Only.
Private Co lector: 314-302-1785
Mark Hicks, LLC
Construction, Repairs,
Upgrades
EverythingDecks.net
38 years experience,
no money up front,
warranty, insured,
FREE ESTIMATES
MarkHicksLLC.com
BBB A+
636- 37- 7 3
ELECTRICAL
ERIC'S ELECTRIC
Licensed, Bonded and Insured:
Service upgrades, fans, can lights,
switches, outlets, basements,
code violations fixed, we do it
a l. Emergency ca ls & back-up
generators. No job too small.
Competitively priced. Free
Estimates.
Just call 636-262-5840
GARAGE DOORS
DSI/Door Solutions, Inc.
Garage Doors, Electric Openers.
Fast Repairs. A l makes & models.
Same day service. Fr e Estimates.
Custom Wood and Steel Doors.
BBB Member • Angie's List
Call 314-550-4071
www.dsi-stl.com
SKIP'S HAULING & DEMOLITION
Junk hauling and removal. Cleanouts,
appliances, furniture, debris,
construction rubble, yard waste,
excavating & demolition! 10, 15
& 20 cubic yd. ro loff dumpsters.
Licensed & insured. Affordable,
dependable and available!
VISA/MC a cepted. 22 yrs. service.
Toll Free 1-888-STL-JUNK
888-785-5865 or 314-644-1948
HELP WANTED
Outside Service A tendant
$11.15 / Hour
L oking to fi l our outside team,
flexible hours, golf privileges,
meals on duty, and more!
Ca l (636) 227-9962
or email
briano@meabrk.org
for more information.
COMPASSIONATE
CAREGIVERS NEEDED !
VISITING ANGELS is hiring for
Chesterfield/Wildw od/Ba lwin/
Des Peres/ T&C- $17-19/hr.
Personal Care A sistants &
Homemaker shifts. W ekly Pay,
Flexible Schedules, 401K match.
Health Ins. after 6 mo. if FT
Ca l 636-695-4422 or apply at
VisitingAngels.com/westplex
WEST CLASSIFIEDS • 636.591.0010 • CLASSIFIEDS@NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM
Rockwood School District
Hiring For Position of:
HVAC Maintenance Technician
- 40 hrs/week
- 12 months/year
- Competitive Salary
Full Benefit Package includes:
- Retiremen through the Public
Educational Employ e Retirement
System (PEERS) of Mi souri
- Paid Medical, Dental
& Vision Insurance
- Flexible Spending A counts
- Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability
- Employee Assistance Program
- Sick Leave Compensation
- Vacation Compensation
- 11 Paid Holidays
Apply at:
h tps: /rockwood.ted.people
admin.com/hire/index
or ca l (636) 733-3270
EEOC
Rockwood School District
Hiring For Position of:
CUSTODIAN
- 40 hrs/week
- 12 months/year
- Competitive Salary
Full Benefit Package includes:
- Retiremen through the Public
Educational Employee Retirement
System (PEERS) of Mi souri
- Paid Medical, Dental
& Vision Insurance
- Flexible Spending A counts
- Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability
- Employee A sistance Program
- Sick Leave Compensation
- Vacation Compensation
- 11 Paid Holidays
Apply at:
h tps://rockwood.ted.people
admin.com/hire/index
or ca l (636) 733-3270
EEOC
HELP WANTED
Rockwood School District Rockwood School District
Hiring For Position of:
Hiring For Position of:
Mowing & Landscaping
in Grounds Department
work school days only
- 40 hrs/week
Par time or Fu l time,
- 12 months/year
No experience n eded.
- Competitive Salary
Seven Paid Holidays,
Fu l Benefit Package includes:
Retiremen through PEERS,
- Retiremen through the Public
Educational Employ e Retirement
Perfect Attendance Days
System (PEERS) of Mi souri Manager positions available
- Paid Medical, Dental
with fu l benefits.
& Vision Insurance
www.rsdmo.org
- Flexible Spending A counts
or ca l 636-733-3253
- Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability
- Employee A sistance Program
- Sick Leave Compensation
- Vacation Compensation
- 11 Paid Holidays
Apply at:
h tps: /rockwood.ted.people
admin.com/hire/index
or ca l (636) 733-3270
EEOC
-PART TIME COOK-
Multi Faceted Position.
In Private Home.
This position
requires, cooking, serving
& light house work.
Wed & Fri, 12PM-8:30PM
Every other weekend,
Rotating shifts.
For more info ca l
(314) 349-1457
Ask for Sherlyn Whiteside
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Kitchen Remodeling,
Wainscoting, Cabinets,
Crown Molding, Trim, Framing,
Basement Finishing, Custom
Decks, Doors, Windows.
Fr e estimates!
Anything inside & out!
Ca l Joe 636-699-8316
AFFORDABLE CARPENTRY
SBA Contracting LLC
Home Improvement and Repairs
Interior Painting, Fl oring,
Drywa l & W od Repair.
FREE Estimates
Insured
Ca l 314-910-7458
or email us at
sbacontracting lc@gmail.com
Total Bathroom Remodeling
Cabinetry•Plumbing•Electrical
30 Years Experience
LANDSCAPING
LANDSCAPE
REHAB +
SPECIALIZING
IN ALL YOUR
HARDSCAPING
NEEDS!
REPAIR•REDO
ALL NEW
RETAINING WALLS
PAVER PATIOS
FIRE PITS • WALKWAYS
Food Service
Our Child Nutrition Assistants
PAINTING
Interior and
exterior painting
Deck staining
PLUMBING
TODD THE PLUMBER
Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Available for a l your plumbing
n eds. No job to big or too sma l.
35 years experience!
314-8 0-4960
• ANYTHING IN PLUMBING •
Good Prices! Basement
bathrooms, sma l repairs & code
violations repaired. Fast Service.
Certified, licensed plumber - MBC
Plumbing - Call or text anytime:
314-409-5051
LICENSED PLUMBER
Bonded & Insured
Available for a l your
plumbing needs.
No job is too sma l.
FREE ESTIMATES
35 Years Experience.
Senior Discounts
24 hour service!
314-808-4611
POWERWASHING
ORGANIZING SPECIALIST
Home or Office
Let’s a range your things
so you can easily locate them
when n eded.
SUZANNE 314-422-5695
Herb Olmsted 314-960-2872
TREE SERVICES
• COLE TREE SERVICE •
Tree and Stump Removal.
Trimming and Deadwooding.
www.cole-tree-service.biz
GET 'ER DONE TREE SERVICE
Fr e Estimates.
636-475-3661
Tree trimming, removal, deadwooding,
pruning and stump
grinding. Certified arborist.
Fu ly Insured • Free Estimates
A+ BBB • A+ Angie's List
Serving the Area Since 2004
314-971-6993 or 636-234-6672
WATERPROOFING
TOP NOTCH WATERPROOFING
& FOUNDATION REPAIR LLC
Cracks, sub-pump systems,
structural & concrete repairs.
Exterior drainage co rection.
Serving Mi souri for 15 years.
Fina ly, a contractor who is honest
& leaves the job site clean.
Lifetime Warranties.
Fr e Estimate
636-281-6982
REAL ESTATE
To place a Classified
ad call 636-591-0010
BOBCAT WORK
• FREE ESTIMATES •
636-775-5992
- Insured & Free Estimates -
Dickspainting.com
314-707-3094
LANDSCAPING
MORALES LANDSCAPE LLC
Clean-Up • Mowing Mulching
Planting • Aeration • Sod Install
Leaf/Tree Removal • Paver Patios
• Trimming/Edging Stone & Brick
• Retaining Wa ls • Drainage Work
- F R E E S T I M AT E S -
636-293-2863
moraleslandscape@hotmail.com
M I E N E R
LANDSCAPING
Retaining Wa ls • Patios • Pruning
Chainsaw Work • Seasonal
Clean-up • Honeysuckle Removal
Friendly service with a tention to detail
Ca l Tom 636.938.9874
www.mienerlandscaping.com
Best Landscaping Values in Town!
Mi zou Crew Mulch,
Shrub Trimming,
Yard Cleanups,
Power Washing,
Moles, Sma l Wa ls
and Paver Patios.
Ca l/text Jeff
314-520-5222
or www.Mi zouCrew.com
WE SPECIALIZE IN
RETAINING WA LS • PAVER PATIOS • DECKS
FENCES • TR ES • NEW LANDSCAPING
LAWNS & MULCH AND MUCH MORE!
poloslawn@aol.com
Fr e Estimates
314-280-2779
• SPRING CLEAN-UPS •
Mulching,
Bush & Shrub Trimming,
Removal and Planting
Dethatching / Powe raking,
Aeration and Overs eding,
Brushwork, Sod Insta l
and Leaf Removal
• FAST & FREE ESTIMATES •
TWO MEN & A MOWER
636-432-3451
POWERWASHING
APRIL SPECIAL
1 Story House
Starting at $239
2 Story House
Starting at $279
All Smiles Pre sure Washing, LLC
636-279- 056
SERVICES
+ WEDDING SERVICES
-CAREGIVER-
•Reliable
•Experienced
•Companion
Seeking A Position
in West County
Fu l / PT
Ca l 314-941-1326
PET SERVICES
ANYTIME ANYWHERE
- CEREMONIES -
• Marriage Ceremonies Vow Renewals • Baptisms
• Pastoral Visits • Graveside Visits
Fu l Service Ministry | (314) 703-7456
a b
SOFTBAL LEAGUES
Men 60+ Senior Softba l League
Slow pitch softba league for men
60 years and older
to play in St. Charles County
is a cepting individual
applications for the 2022 season.
Double-headers on
Wednesdays at 4:30pm
at Schneider-Kiwanis Park.
Final day for applications
is Saturday, April 30.
If interested email:
herbieo.jr@gmail.com
or ca l or text:
WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM