2021 Highlights

From new businesses and homes to professional advancements and strides in sustainability, the City enjoyed a busy year in 2021. Read on for highlights.

City Growth

The City grew in 2021 by 64 new and relocated businesses, 12 of which are home-based, and 15 new homes were built through the first nine months of the year.

Some of the new businesses are enhancing Webster’s reputation as a ‘foodie’ city, such as DD Mau (Vietnamese) in Old Webster, Amy’s Cake Pop Shop and Boozy Bites in Old Orchard, Le Macaron French Pastries in Old Webster and Zushi (sushi) in Yorkshire Plaza.

There’s a rich tradition behind the growth: the City officially celebrated its 125 birthday with a small celebration in November. “The families and businesses that make up Webster Groves take such pride in the community, and it’s important to acknowledge our history,” said Mayor Gerry Welch.

Awards & Recognitions

City Manager Dr. Marie Peoples received the Coconino County, Arizona Presiding Judge’s Award, in “honor of contributions and exemplary leadership to the Coconino County Courts and the Bar in the furtherance of justice, fairness and service to the public.'' Dr. Peoples previously served as the deputy county manager of Coconino County for seven years.

Brendan McGahan

Director of Public Works Todd Rehg and the Public Works Department received a Project of the Year award (Environmental, less than $1,000,000) from the American Public Works Association for the box culvert project at Newport and Yeatman avenues.

Brendan McGahan has been chosen as the Police Officer of the Year for 2020. He has displayed a high level of commitment, dedication, and professionalism, serving our community and the region well.

Patrick Matthews has been selected as Firefighter of the Year for 2020. He currently serves as President of the Webster Groves Firefighters Community Outreach program.

A Year of the Arts

The Webster Groves Arts Commission helped sponsor a unique outdoor art gallery experience at the corner of Bompart and Lockwood avenues this spring, called Spring Forward.

Patrick Matthews

A children’s poetry workshop, poetry reading, and “Chalk a Poem on the Sidewalk Day” were among the events sponsored by the Arts Commission to celebrate National Poetry Month in April.

The 15th annual Paint Webster event in May brought out professional and amateur painters of all ages who captured the beautiful sights of spring in Webster Groves.

The Arts Commission in October awarded its annual Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award to the late Steven Woolf, longtime Artistic Director of the St. Louis Repertory Theatre.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

On December 19th the Webster Groves Community Outreach will be escorting Santa around town starting at 4:30. The Fire Department is extremely excited that Santa accepted their invitation during this very busy time of year. Rudolph needs to rest so they decided to give Santa a ride on the firetruck - they both have red lights!

Please visit The Webster Groves Firefighters Community Outreach Facebook Page for the route and updates: www.facebook.com/webstercommunityoutreach/

Helping Lost Pets

Lost pets in Webster Groves now have a better chance of being reunited with their owners.

The Webster Groves Police Department has joined the Missouri Lost & Found Paws Scanning Partners Across Missouri Initiative. This means our department now has a universal microchip scanner which was donated by Missouri Lost & Found Paws, a non-profit community-based service that is dedicated to reuniting lost and found pets across Missouri. They began partnering with local police departments five years ago to donate scanners.

You can learn more at molostfoundpaws.org

City Chats Online

Webster Groves City Manager Dr. Marie Peoples, Assistant City Manager Eric Peterson, and Councilmember Sarah Richardson participated in a City Chats Facebook Live conversation on Wednesday, December 15. They discussed the upcoming 2021 election, the City’s new fire chief, strategic planning, development and American Rescue Plan Funding. If you weren’t able to attend the live conversation, you can see a video of what was discussed by visiting the City's Facebook Page.

City Hall Holidays

The holiday season is here and City Hall will be closed on the following days this month:

Thursday, December 23
Friday, December 24
Friday, December 31

We will be taking a week off from releasing The Friday Page on 12/24. The next issue will arrive in your inbox on 12/31.

Upcoming Events

NYE on Ice
Friday, December 31
6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Join the Parks & Recreation Department for this New Year’s family tradition. Cosmic skate, basketball, pickleball and Wii sports. Register in advance for $5!

Join the list at webstergroves.org/thefridaypage. The Friday Page is published at the end of each week online at www.webstergroves.org/thefridaypage and is distributed to subscribers via webstergroves.org/notifyme.