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  • The Sports Tourism Gold Rush

    The Sports Tourism Gold Rush
    2026/09/10

    Youth sports looks wholesome from the bleachers, but follow the minivans and you’ll find a serious economic engine. We sit down with O’Fallon Economic Development Director Patrick McKeehan, along with our own Dan Fox and reporter Elizabeth Carreno, to unpack the race to attract youth sports dollars across the St. Louis region. Chesterfield’s surge and O’Fallon’s investments show how sports tourism has shifted from a local amenity to a strategy that can reshape entire corridors.


    We get specific about what “economic impact” really means: hotel nights, dinners out, gas stops, shopping runs, and the in-between hours when families need something to do. Patrick explains why a sports facility often only breaks even on its own, and why the real business model depends on mixed-use development like restaurants, retail, and on-site hotels. We also dig into public-private partnerships, from stadium lease arrangements to soccer complexes that revive underused land, plus the practical tools cities use like hotel-motel taxes and special taxing districts.

    Then we talk about the tradeoffs. Big weekends can mean traffic jams, packed parking lots, and local frustration, along with long-term maintenance costs and infrastructure upgrades. We close with what’s next: flexible multi-court spaces, weirdly fast-growing sports (who’d have thought pickleball?), and even converting struggling malls into tournament hubs. Subscribe for free, share this with someone who spends weekends at tournaments, and leave us a review telling us: are these sports tourism projects worth it where you live?

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    34 分
  • Election Results Reaction

    Election Results Reaction
    2026/08/06

    Tim Weber and Dan discuss the recent election results, highlighting the overwhelming rejection of Amendments 4 and 5 in Missouri, with Amendment 5 losing 83-16 and Amendment 4 losing 80-20. They note the failure of a tax increase for seniors and the passage of a parks tax renewal. Wesley Bell defeated Corey Bush, and Jake Zimmerman won the St. Louis County executive race. Steve Elman won his fifth term in St. Charles County. They also mention the failure of a use tax for St. Louis County and the consistent wins of Ann Wagner and other incumbents.

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    20 分
  • Spared! West County Lanes Reopens at Last

    Spared! West County Lanes Reopens at Last
    2026/07/21

    West County Lanes in Ellisville reopened after an 18-month closure due to extensive repairs following a 2025 snowstorm. The family-owned business, established in 1961, faced engineering issues, insurance delays, and a need to update the electrical system from 1965. The repairs included reinforcing columns, pouring concrete, and installing steel plates. The bowling alley features 18-19 pinball machines, a renovated kitchen, and a new arcade. Despite challenges, the community's support was crucial. Future plans include hosting events and maintaining the bowling alley's community spirit.

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    26 分
  • SNEAK PEAK: July 22, 2026 Edition

    SNEAK PEAK: July 22, 2026 Edition
    2026/07/20

    The Mid Rivers Insider Podcast previewed the July 22 issue, highlighting business profiles and an election Q&A for the August 4 primary. The issue also covers a 12-month moratorium on multifamily housing in O'Fallon and a recent end to a similar moratorium in Darden Prairie. O'Fallon has approved 2,900 apartment units in 10 years, while Darden Prairie has approved 281 in 20 years. St. Charles County also imposed a six-month moratorium on data centers. The podcast discussed the impact of these developments on infrastructure, affordability, and community character, emphasizing the need for balanced growth and regional housing strategies.

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    21 分
  • EARLY LOOK: July 8, 2026 Issue

    EARLY LOOK: July 8, 2026 Issue
    2026/07/06

    The podcast episode discusses various local and state issues. Laura Brown covers the Missouri data center debate, highlighting the Governor's forum, the approval of $15 billion and $10 billion hyperscale data centers in Montgomery County, and the need for state regulations. Theo Cory explains Amendment One, which renews a 1/10 of 1% sales tax for parks and conservation, and Amendment Four, which would make it harder for initiative petitions to pass. Dan Fox mentions the Old House at Hog Hollow's proposal to extend operating hours and a teen-led traffic safety presentation at the St. Charles County Library.

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    42 分
  • Drones as First Responders

    Drones as First Responders
    2026/06/04
    The West and Mid Rivers Insider Podcast episode features a discussion with St. Charles County Police Sergeant Scott Ronald about the new Drones as First Responders program. The program uses automated drones for various law enforcement tasks, including traffic accidents, crowd control, and violent situations. The drones are equipped with advanced technology, including thermal imaging and crowd-counting capabilities. Privacy concerns are addressed through retention policies and FOIA requests. The program is funded by the county and has potential for regional expansion. The conversation also touches on the integration of drones with other first responders and the importance of ethical use.Action Items[ ] Configure and test communication groups with local fire departments and other first responders so that, when a DFR drone is deployed for a specific call type, the appropriate groups automatically receive drone video links via email or text.OutlineIntroduction and Technical DifficultiesSpeaker 1 introduces the episode of the West Indies Rivers Insider Podcast, mentioning technical difficulties that cut off the first 10 minutes of the conversation.The episode features a discussion with St. Charles County Police Sergeant Scott Ronald about the new drones as first responders program.Speaker 1 expresses regret about the lost content but encourages listeners to enjoy the rest of the conversation.Speaker 1 thanks St. Charles County Police Sergeant Scott Ronald for joining the call.Discussion on Drone Deployment and CommunicationSpeaker 2 describes a scenario where a delivery is made using a drone, highlighting the complexity of coordinating drone flights with other agencies.Speaker 3 and Speaker 2 discuss the challenges of managing airspace with drones, comparing it to the bureaucracy of flight plans for planes and helicopters.Speaker 2 explains the limitations of current drone technology in terms of airspace management and the impact of Amazon and Walmart's drone programs on regional airspace.Speaker 4 mentions that St. Louis County is starting their own DFR program, and Speaker 2 confirms their involvement in both programs.Automation and Human Interaction in Drone OperationsSpeaker 1 inquires about the deployment process for drones in traffic accidents, and Speaker 2 explains the automated nature of the system.Speaker 2 details the process of logging into the operating platform and the role of certified part 107 pilots in deploying drones.The conversation touches on the balance between automation and human control, with Speaker 2 emphasizing the importance of human intervention for certain tasks.Speaker 2 discusses the use of drones in crowd control and violent situations, highlighting the advanced technology that allows drones to track and follow individuals in large crowds.Privacy Concerns and Legal ConsiderationsSpeaker 2 addresses privacy concerns, explaining the need for a valid reason to deploy drones and the safeguards in place to prevent misuse.The discussion includes the retention and accessibility of drone footage, comparing it to body cam footage and the process for FOIA requests.Speaker 2 emphasizes the importance of fairness in retaining drone footage and the potential costs associated with storing high-definition video footage.The conversation explores the legal and ethical considerations of using drones, including the potential for misuse and the need for proper training and oversight.Integration with Other First Responders and Technological AdvancementsSpeaker 3 asks about the integration of drone technology with other first responders, such as fire departments, and Speaker 2 explains the communication agreements in place.Speaker 2 discusses the potential for integrating facial recognition technology with drones, acknowledging the current limitations and the rapid advancement of technology.The conversation covers the use of thermal imaging and other advanced features of drones, such as the ability to follow individuals in crowds and track vehicles.Speaker 2 highlights the importance of training and collaboration with other first responders to ensure effective use of drone technology.Challenges and Future Prospects of Drone ProgramsSpeaker 1 and Speaker 2 discuss the challenges of deploying drones, including the need for priority-based decision-making and the limitations of battery life.Speaker 2 explains the process of managing drone flights, including the importance of conserving battery power and the potential for recharging drones on-site.The conversation touches on the potential for proactive use of drones in large events and the balance between reactive and proactive deployment.Speaker 2 emphasizes the importance of continuous training and collaboration with other agencies to ensure the successful implementation of drone programs.Cost and Funding of Drone ProgramsSpeaker 1 inquires about the funding of the drone program, and Speaker 2 explains that the first year is funded by the county, ...
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    49 分
  • MODOT Updates- Both Sides of the River

    MODOT Updates- Both Sides of the River
    2026/05/26

    The West and Mid Rivers Insider Podcast discussed ongoing MoDOT projects in St. Charles County. The largest project, Improve I-70 East, spans from Warrenton to Wentzville, costing $609 million. It includes adding a third lane on 10 miles of I-64 and improving the I-70/I-64 interchange. The project is on schedule for completion by December 2028. Additionally, MoDOT is addressing safety concerns on Manchester Road with J-turns and pedestrian hybrid beacons. Clarkson Road is undergoing resurfacing and signal upgrades, with public feedback influencing future improvements. MoDOT faces employee shortages but is working to fill vacancies. The meeting discussed the impact of large developments on roadway service levels and the necessity of traffic impact studies to assess additional trips generated by new businesses. MoDOT requires adherence to specifications for roadway expansions, such as adding turn lanes. The 2025 project on 270 and Conway, the most heavily trafficked bridge in Missouri with around 200,000 cars daily, was highlighted. Despite challenges, including high costs and coordination with other projects, the project is expected to be completed by July. The importance of minimizing the impact of work zones on road users was emphasized, aiming to avoid consecutive work zones and prevent degradation of the roadway.

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    1 時間 10 分
  • Data Centers or Data Dumps?

    Data Centers or Data Dumps?
    2026/05/14

    The discussion on the West and Mid Rivers Insider PodCast focused on the growing importance and divisive nature of data centers. Tim Weber, Dan Fox, and Laura Brown explored the unique challenges and benefits of data centers, including their large footprints, high power and cooling requirements, and potential environmental impacts. They highlighted the lack of zoning classifications for data centers and the varying responses from municipalities, such as St. Charles County's potential ban. The conversation also touched on the potential economic benefits, the role of AI in driving data center demand, and the need for comprehensive planning and public input to address community concerns.

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    47 分