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Articles by Dan Fox
Election Results: Ann Wagner loses U.S. House seat to challenger Fred Wellman
for the Nov. 3 election are in, with several major upsets and very close races occurring throughout the state and St. Louis County. Incumbent U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner (R-District 2) faced challenger Fred Wellman (D), with Wellman succeeding in a major upset, marking Wagner’s first loss in over a decade. Wellman received 169,477 votes (51.14%) to Wagner’s 153,132 (46.3%). Also at the forefront of statewide elections were several ballot amendments.
On the Ballot: Candidates in the Nov. 3 General Election
Editor’s Note: While all candidates for each race are listed, only those who are in contested races received questionnaires. Their replies are printed below if they responded by the deadline. Incumbents are marked with an asterisk and are listed in ballot order. Answers do not reflect the opinions of this paper and have not been fact-checked. Q1) What qualifies you for this office (past experience, major accomplishments)? Q2) What are your top three priorities if elected?
Twin Oaks Park reopens
From left: Assistant City Clerk Paula Dries, Maintenance Worker Isaiah Rose, City Administrator April Milne, Mayor Russ Fortune, Public Works Supervisor Jake Kemper and Kennedy Kemper, alderman Lisa Eisenhauer, alderman Jim Crawford, alderman Tim Stoeckl and Nell, the dog, are surrounded by various Twin Oaks residents and their canine friends.
Business Briefs
(Photo courtesy of Dewey's Pizza) A new Dewey’s Pizza location is officially open in Creve Coeur. Located at 736 North New Ballas Road, it joined eight other Dewey’s locations in the St. Louis Region. It also features some special menu items, including toasted ravioli in four-cheese and buffalo flavors and two local craft beers on draft. A grand opening celebration was held on Aug. 5 at the store.
Parkway puts tax proposal on Nov. 3 ballot
The Parkway Board of Education voted unanimously Wednesday, Aug. 12 to place a 46-cent operating tax levy on the Nov. 3 General Election ballot, according to a press release. The tax would raise additional operating revenue to maintain staffing, academic programs, classroom resources, school safety, student activities and long-term financial stability.
Queeny Art Fair reaches 50-year milestone
A piece by Aileen Woods. (Photo courtesy of Queeny Art Fair) The Queeny Art Fair celebrates its 50th year this fall. The longtime local event is presented by Greater St. Louis Artists (GSLA), a non for profit organization, and will be held from Sept. 4-6 at the Greensfelder Recreation Complex in Queeny Park,550 Weidman Road. “We are incredibly proud to celebrate 50 years of the Queeny Art Fair,” said Dolores Jensen, artist and show committee member.
Aug. 4 Primary Election sees Amendment 4, 5 fail; Zimmerman likely to win Democrat county executive primary
Unofficial results for the Aug. 4 Primary Election are in, with two high-profile constitutional amendments being defeated by wide margins. Amendment 5, a constitutional amendment that would require the gradual phaseout and eventual elimination of the state's individual income tax, received 83.3% (1,165,085) of votes against. Only 16.6% or 223,309 votes were in favor of Amendment 5.
Was art key to ancient humans' success? The secrets of Hohle Fels cave
40,000-year-old bird carvings provide clues to how ice age humans flourished Two tiny bird figurines have been uncovered at Hohle Fels in Germany, carved out of ivory by ancient humans. This cave has produced some of the world's oldest figurative art, crafted around 40,000 years ago. Excavation leader Nicholas Conard talks us through the new finds and asks what pieces like these tell us about our ancient relatives and their success.
Best of West Readers’ Choice Awards nomination starts today
How often do you say, “I just had the best meal at …”, “You know who is really great …”, or “I’m going to have to tell my friends about this place.” Now, you can tell not only your friends, but their friends and everyone else who picks up a West Newsmagazine. Returning for its second year are the Best Of West Readers’ Choice Awards, presented thanks to Senior Concierge by Friendship Village. From July 22 through Aug.
How do quantum computers work?
Quantum computing is entering a new era. The pace of development has quickened and there’s a growing hope that machines capable of solving intractable problems could be built in the next ten years. But how can a quantum device solve problems a conventional machine cannot? And what even is a quantum computer? Subscribe to Nature Briefing, an unmissable daily round-up of science news, opinion and analysis free in your inbox every weekday.
St. Charles Riverfest
The city of St. Charles is celebrating the Fourth of July with Riverfest in Frontier Park, 222 Riverside Drive, near historic Main Street. Festival hours are noon-10 p.m. on July 3-4. Both days feature the Fountain City Amusements Carnival and Bubble Bus. Balloon artists and face painters will be available in the Children’s Area from noon-3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m., and a magic show will dazzle guests at 3:30 p.m. both days.
Local cities celebrate America’s 250th birthday, Independence Day
(Jessica Marie Baumgartner photo) Local municipalities are gearing up for Independence Day celebrations with fireworks, parades, concerts and family-friendly festivities. This year's Fourth of July is especially significant as the nation commemorates its 250th birthday. This listing highlights events going on around the holiday. Check your local city's website for additional celebrations and festivities planned throughout the year, and don't forget to wear your red, white and blue.
Chesterfield Stars & Stripes Run
Chesterfield’s 8th annual Stars & Stripes Run kicks off the Fourth of July at 8 a.m. at Chesterfield First Community Athletic Complex, 17925 N. Outer 40 Road. The 5K begins at 8:30 a.m. with a 1-mile fun run starting at 9:30 a.m. Awards for the 5K will be given to the top overall male and female finishers, as well as the first-place finishers in each age group (also separated by male and female ages 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70-plus).
Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church
The annual Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church Car Show is from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on July 3 with food trucks serving tasty treats. Car Show judging will be completed after noon. Car owners interested in participating in the show are asked to bring canned goods for the church food pantry in lieu of an entry fee. General admission to the show is free.
Manchester Fourth of July Celebration
Swing by Schroeder Park on July 4 for a spectacular fireworks show. From 6-9 p.m., Butchwax and the Hollywoods will play at the Corey J. Donnelly outdoor amphitheater, followed by a fireworks display at dark. Concessions and beer sales will be available until 9 p.m. Parking is available at Schroeder Park (359 Old Meramec Station Road), St. Joseph’s Church (567 St. Josephs Lane) and St. John’s United Church of Christ (332 Old Sulphur Spring Road). For more info, visit manchestermo.gov.
Town & Country America 250 Celebration
Drace Park will play host to Town & Country’s America 250 Celebration starting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1. West County Fire & EMS will set up a giant fire truck sprinkler for kids to run through, and guests will be able to enjoy local food trucks and participate in a community reading of the Declaration of Independence. Bring lawn chairs. For details, visit town-and-country.org/379.
Twin Oaks Fireworks Celebration
An America 250 Celebration and Fireworks show will be hosted from 6:30-10 p.m. on Friday July 3 at Twin Oaks Park, 1 Twin Oaks Court. The firework show will begin after dark, around 9 p.m., and will feature a spectacular red, white and blue celebration synchronized to a soundtrack broadcast over FM radio for attendees to enjoy. Attendees of the celebration can park at Twin Oaks Park and at Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church and nearby retail parking lots. For more info, visit cityoftwinoaks.gov.
Local cities celebrate America’s 250th birthday, Independence Day
(Lou Countryman photo) West County municipalities are gearing up for Independence Day celebrations with fireworks, parades, concerts and family-friendly festivities. This year's Fourth of July is especially significant as the nation commemorates its 250th birthday. This listing highlights events going on around the holiday. Check your local city's website for additional America 250 celebrations and festivities planned throughout the year, and don't forget to wear your red, white and blue.
Eureka Independence Day Celebration
Eureka starts celebrating America’s 250th at 6 p.m. on July 4 at the Central Ave. Spur, 394 South Central Avenue. Steven Woolley and the Groove will bring the musical heat, and vendors including Theo’s Gyros and Kona Ice will be on site for refreshments. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m., launched from Drewel Park. The show is a pyro-musical, set to music playing from the stage.
Ellisville Independence Day Celebration
The Ellisville Independence Day Celebration at Bluebird Park on July 4 features live music with the Well Hungarians starting at 7 p.m. The fireworks show will begin roughly at 9:15 p.m. Admission is free. Food and drinks will be available for a fee. A limited number of parking passes for the event are available for residents and can be acquired online at ellisville.recdesk.com or in person at the Park Administration Building in Bluebird Park.
Chesterfield Fourth of July Celebration
The Chesterfield First Community Athletic Complex, 17925 N. Outer 40 Road, will host a night of fun, food, music and fireworks in commemoration of America’s 250th birthday. The celebration starts at 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) and features family-friendly activities, including a kid’s zone with pony rides, a carnival swing and slide, trampolines, a rock climbing wall, a petting zoo and circus performers from Circus Kaput.
Progress 64 West Scholarship applications open July 1
Recipients of the 2025 Entrepreneurial Scholarship pictured with scholarship sponsors at the awards banquet. From left: Tom Kaiman, Mia Rose Holdings; Michael Doster, Doster, Nations, Ullom, & Boyle LLC; Lucas Ramsey, Scholarship Committee member; Colin Arnold; Cruz Shahi; Wyatt Honerkamp; Justin Lutz; Rishi Simhadri; Summer Richardson, Missouri American Water; Nick Ioakimides, Scholarship Committee member; Brenda Bader Tucker, Peoples National Bank; Sharon Huber, NewsMagazine Network.
Progress 64 West Scholarship applications open July 1
Recipients of the 2025 Entrepreneurial Scholarship pictured with scholarship sponsors at the awards banquet. From left: Tom Kaiman, Mia Rose Holdings; Michael Doster, Doster, Nations, Ullom, & Boyle LLC; Lucas Ramsey, Scholarship Committee member; Colin Arnold; Cruz Shahi; Wyatt Honerkamp; Justin Lutz; Rishi Simhadri; Summer Richardson, Missouri American Water; Nick Ioakimides, Scholarship Committee member; Brenda Bader Tucker, Peoples National Bank; Sharon Huber, NewsMagazine Network.
Chesterfield surveys residents on aquatic center plan
The Chesterfield Family Aquatic Center is scheduled to permanently close at the end of the 2026 season. The city is exploring options for pool replacement, and is soliciting feedback from residents on what they would like to see. In March, open house meetings were held to share several concepts with residents. Designs featured expanding the lap pool, upgrading the lazy river, adding kid-friendly areas and creating flexible spaces for events and birthday parties.
Warm nights, cool tunes: Check our complete list of free municipal concerts
There may be no better way to spend a summer evening than in the company of friends in lawn chairs or on a picnic blanket, under the stars, enjoying free summer concerts. From oldies to classic rock to dance tunes to country to blues – there’s something for everyone. Some even feature a dedicated area for kids.
Warm nights, cool tunes: Check our complete list of free municipal concerts
West County residents are spoiled for options with free summer music. Hosted at local parks, nights this summer will be filled with all varieties of tunes, from oldies to classic rock to country to blues – there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.
County seeks input on data centers
St. Louis County officials are collecting feedback on the topic of data centers, including large or hyperscale data center facilities, with the potential of drafting legislation to regulate such developments in the future. While officials say there are no data center proposals currently before the county, staff stated the goal was to modernize zoning ordinances for the future.
LETTER FROM AN EDITOR
To the Graduating Class of 2026— First, I’d like to thank the esteemed faculty, staff, and administration of this fine make-believe institution for inviting me to speak to you all. What a gorgeous day to graduate, and this podium is exquisite. What is that, oak? I can’t imagine who else was above me on the speaker wishlist, and what dire financial straits this school must be in to invite the publisher of a local commie rag to address you. And despite being plan B, C, or X, I bear zero ill will.
Village Green opening celebrated in Wildwood
(Photo by Jill Gray/Higher Focus Photography) Wildwood celebrated the opening of its Village Green with a ribbon cutting on Saturday, April 12. “This is a special day,” Wildwood Mayor Joe Garritano said at the event. The Village Green is a civic park located in Town Center, designed to provide a gathering space while preserving the existing tree canopy.
Election Results - April 7 General Municipal Election
Unofficial results for the April 7 General Municipal Election are in, showing outcomes for local races and numerous ballot initiatives spread across St. Charles County. Widely called Proposition Fire or Prop EMS, many area fire districts had placed an item on the ballot that would put a 1% sales tax in place in the respective districts, with half of that sales tax revenue to be used to offset property taxes collected in each district.
Election Results - April 7 General Municipal Election
Unofficial results for the April 7 General Municipal Election are in, showing results for several fire district propositions and several new area mayors. Widely called Proposition F, many area fire districts had placed an item on the ballot that would put a 1% sales tax in place in the respective districts, with half of that sales tax revenue to be used to offset property taxes collected in each district. In West County, four fire districts had this item on the ballot.
Daniel Boone Library to host RECA informational session.
Local residents attend an informational meeting about RECA at the Daniel Boone Library on Jan. 14. (Photo courtesy of Mark Harder) A second Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) informational session will be held from 10-11:30 a.m. on March 28 at the Daniel Boone Library, 300 Clarkson Road. The previous informational session held in January, saw almost 175 people attend to ask questions related to RECA eligibility.
One dead after plane crash at Spirit of St. Louis Airport
*This story was updated after press time with additional information Authorities are investigating a plane crash at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport on March 17 that left the pilot dead. The crash occurred during takeoff around 12:23 a.m., according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). A preliminary investigation shows the pilot, an adult male, took off from the airport in Chesterfield at about 12:21 a.m. and attempted to return, according to a press release.
Pilot dead following plane crash in Chesterfield, police say
A plane crash that occurred overnight on Tuesday, March 17 at Spirit of St. Louis Airport resulted in the death of an adult male. The St. Louis County Police Department Metro Air Support Unit, Spirit of St. Louis Airport Detail, is investigating the crash of the plane, which occurred just after 3 a.m., according to a press release.
LETTER FROM AN EDITOR
Because I’ve been around a minute, people sometimes ask me if “the scene” down here in New Orleans is better now or then—then being way back in the early ‘90s when I was just a wee lad buying my first Born Against records. And by nearly every metric, I’d say the scene is way better now (except that back then we never used words like “metrics”).
Aquatic center designs to be shared with residents
Chesterfield Family Aquatic Center (Source: City of Chesterfield) The city of Chesterfield is holding two open house events to provide residents with new information on updates to its aquatic center, and give them a chance for feedback on potential designs. From 4-7 p.m. on March 5 and 9 a.m.-noon on March 7 at Chesterfield City Hall, the city will share details about the aquatic center and seek guidance from stakeholders on the way forward. The current aquatic facility at 16365 Lydia Hill Drive.
130 students participate in Hindi poetry event
(Photo courtesy of HindiUSA Saint Louis) HindiUSA Saint Louis hosted its 8th Annual Hindi Poetry Competition on Jan. 18 at the Mahatma Gandhi Center in Manchester. Organized around the theme of India’s Republic Day, the event featured students and teachers dressed in tricolor attire and showcased a wide range of patriotic and bravery-themed Hindi poems. Approximately 130 students, including children as young as five years old, participated in the competition.
Business Profiles
Twice each year, West Newsmagazine provides an opportunity for readers to meet local businesses in its Business Profiles section. Here, local businesses provide details of their products and services so that readers have a resource when they need a company to call. It is a directory worth holding on to, and it's good to remember that supporting local businesses helps to build a vibrant local economy. Here are local businesses ready to serve you.
RECA informative session planned for Jan. 14
An informative session on the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) will be held for St. Louis region residents at 6 p.m. on Jan. 14 at the St. Louis County Library's Daniel Boone Branch, at 300 Clarkson Road. Sponsored by St. Louis County Council member Mark Harder (R-District 7) and presented by the library and county, the session will feature an overview of RECA, including who can benefit from the program and how to file a claim form. Some time will be used for questions and answers.
Year in review - Top West County stories of 2025
The past 12 months have flown by, with the pages of West Newsmagazine seeing updates for ongoing developments, deeper looks at serious topics like elder abuse and fentanyl and sports accomplishments by local students. Before we step into 2026, take a look back with us at some of the top stories from this year. These are a mix of the highest-viewed stories from our website and social media, as well as topics our editorial team felt had a high impact on our readers and region.
Year in review - Top St. Charles County stories of 2025
The past 12 months have flown by, with the pages of Mid Rivers Newsmagazine seeing updates for new developments, deeper looks at serious issues like elder abuse and fentanyl, not-so-serious topics like St. Charles County’s golf cart mecca and well-deserved recognition of sports accomplishments by local students. Before we step into 2026, take a look back with us at some of the top stories from this year.
Hwy. Z overnight closures planned Jan 5-9 for Improve I-70 Project
(Photo courtesy of MoDOT) The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) plans to close Hwy. Z overnight under Interstate 70 starting next week. As part of the Improve I-70 Warrenton to Wentzville Project, from Monday, Jan. 5 through Friday, Jan. 9, Hwy. Z will be closed nightly under I-70 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for drainage work. All entrance and exit ramps at Hwy. Z will remain open. This work is part of the reconstruction of I-70.
LETTER FROM AN EDITOR
There’s a park I like to take my four-year-old son to over here on the Westbank. And while this side of the river and Jefferson Parish in general get a bad rap (admittedly much of it deserved), it’s actually quite the polyglot cultural buffet these days. It’s one reason I love living over here.
County holds ‘I Voted’ sticker contest for local middle schoolers
Until Nov. 21, area middle schoolers can submit designs for St. Charles County’s first-ever competition to design the 2026 “I Voted” stickers. The County Election Authority is holding the contest to celebrate America’s upcoming 250th birthday. Students in sixth through eighth grade (or equivalent ages) have until Nov. 21 to submit patriotic artwork for stickers that could be worn by up to 300,000 voters on three election days next year.
LETTER FROM AN EDITOR
It’s been quite a whirlwind around AG HQ the past few months, as we’ve seen a lot of love come our way. An extra-special shout-out goes to the people who put together the “SAVE ANTIGRAVITY” fundraiser for us in late September at Okay Bar, which was a truly magical evening. I don’t get out much, so it was extra thrilling to enjoy all the music, friends, and comrades who showed up, as well as seeing a gigantic crowd turn out and have a pretty good time.
29th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 25 Original
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) St. Louis Division, in partnership with local enforcement agencies, will host its annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25. Participating police departments can be searched here. The Drug Take Back Day event provides Americans a way to safely and anonymously dispose of unused, unnecessary and expired prescription medications.
St. Peters roadwork continues through end of October
The city of St. Peters has announced that repair work will continue on several roads through the end of October, resulting in temporary lane closures while concrete slab removal and replacement is completed. Traffic will be impacted on the following roads: Jungs Station Road: Lane closures will remain in effect for the inside lanes of both northbound and southbound Jungs Station Road, north of Imperial Drive and south of Hwy. 364, as the result of utility repairs.
Five things to do in St. Charles this week
A Pumpkin Plunge is at 11 a.m., 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17 at the Renaud Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle in O’Fallon. Search the pool for the perfect pumpkin to decorate. Prices start at $8. Register at ofallonmo.gov/parks. All Saints Parish Quilt Show & Sale is from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18 and from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19 at All Saints Parish Center, 5 McMenamy Road in St. Peters. Details at allsaints-stpeters.org.
SCCAD launches pre-hospital blood program
St. Charles County Ambulance District (SCCAD) announced that, in partnership with ImpactLife, it will launch a field blood product program to deliver packed red blood cells and plasma to patients experiencing significant blood loss. “Pre-hospital delivery of blood products is cutting-edge treatment that gives patients experiencing hemorrhagic shock due to critical blood loss the best chance of survival,” SCCAD Chief Medical Officer David K. Tan, M.D., said.
Five things to do in West County this week
Gumbo Flats Pumpkin Run is at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18 at Chesterfield Towne Center, 161 Long Road, featuring a 5k, 10k and 1/2 mile Children’s Fun Run. Tickets start at $30 for the 5K and $15 for the children’s fun run (ages 10 and under). For detailed pricing and to register, visit chesterfieldmochamber.com or email info@chesterfieldmochamber.com. A Fall Harvest Festival is from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18 at the Wildwood YMCA, 2641 Hwy. 109.
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