City Of Willard -

DEA National Drug Takeback 2025 is TOMORROW APRIL 26, 2025 from 10:00am to 2:00pm At: Pillbox Pharmacy. 304 E Jackson St. Please visit deatakeback.com for more information.

Official election results are in, please visit our new feed for more information.

📢 Election Update We have not yet received the official election results from Greene County. We were informed just a few minutes ago that results should be available to the City by 2:00 p.m. tomorrow—or possibly Wednesday. As soon as we have the certified results, we’ll share them with the community via our website, app and social media channels. Regarding the write-in candidate for Ward 3, please note that once we receive the results, the City must take additional steps to: 1️⃣ Confirm the candidate wishes to serve, and 2️⃣ Verify they meet eligibility requirements. This process will take a little extra time, and we appreciate your patience while we work through it. We cannot begin that process until we are officially notified of the write-in outcome though. Thank you for your understanding!

Wow, Willard—you all have opinions, and we love it! Our community wish list survey has now gathered over 450 responses, which is incredible for a town of 6,521 people. That level of engagement says a lot about how much this community cares about its future, and what shows up next on our main streets. Here’s what we’re seeing so far: 🏆 Top Requested Business: Aldi continues to dominate the list. The call for more grocery options, especially affordable, high-quality ones, is loud and clear. ☕️ Other Hot Topics: Fast coffee stops like 7 Brew, restaurants, and general retail (yes, we see your Walmart dreams) are trending strong. 📅 How often would you go? Most folks say they’d visit their top pick weekly or even daily, which tells us these aren’t just wishes...they’re needs. 💡 While we can’t promise a business will come just because we all really want it, this kind of data helps us tell a compelling story to companies who may be considering the region. It also helps us prioritize what infrastructure efforts might matter most to the businesses you want. We're not ready to shut the door on this survey just yet. So, if you haven’t added your voice yet, now’s the time! 👉 https://forms.gle/2Z37LC2qXXe1mVSD9 Let’s keep this momentum going and show the world what Willard is ready for. 💬

With heavy rainfall in the forecast over the next few days, we want to remind you how to stay safe during potential flooding conditions. Flooding happens fast. Roadways that may just appear wet may actually be covered by deep or fast-moving water and can quickly result in an emergency situation. ✔ If severe weather or flooding is forecasted, do not plan to go near the water. ✔ Have weather alerts activated on your electronic device. ✔ If you must drive during a storm, have an alternate route planned and let someone know when you leave and plan to return. ✔ Stay away from drains, ditches and streams. ✔Always know your river or stream or go with someone familiar with that waterway. ✔ Turn around, don’t drown! It is never safe to drive or walk into flood waters. As little as 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock an adult over. ✔Most vehicles can be swept away by less than 2 feet of moving water. For your safety, find an alternate route

Statement from the City of Willard We understand that at times we deal with individuals who may face deeply frustrating personal circumstances, and we do not take those challenges lightly and help best we can. However, public statements made last Friday presented only one side of a situation that impacted the professional reputation of City Hall staff; all of whom work tirelessly every day to serve the public. City operations are fundamentally reactive in nature. Our role is to respond: when someone applies for a permit, we work on issuance; when someone uses water, we bill for it; when someone violates a speed limit, we enforce it. Our responses are governed by ordinances adopted by the Board of Aldermen, not by individual preferences or opinions. Our utility billing department, in particular, is staffed by two dedicated employees who work through high volumes and high-pressure situations with integrity and care. Regularly they assist one customer then rapidly move to the next, often with very little time between; especially on the last day to pay. It is fundamentally each customers’ responsibility to ensure their paperwork and payments are completed in a timely manner, and to ensure receipt of those things; just like it is to pay rent, mortgages, light bills and every other bill. Staff are expected to remain professional at all times, they are not expected to endure threats, verbal abuse, or other behavior that puts their emotional or physical safety and wellbeing at risk. What occurred last week crossed that line, and one of our team members left work in fear because of it. That is not acceptable in any workplace, including ours. Moving forward, our staff, especially those working in public-facing roles, have been instructed how to respond to inappropriate interactions. Civility is not optional; it is the baseline for public engagement. We urge everyone to remember that there are always two sides to every story and that behind every city policy is a person doing their best to help. — City of Willard

Willard’s Business Wishlist: What We’re Seeing So Far Thank you to everyone who has taken time to fill out the “Business Wishlist” survey. We’ve received a tremendous response, and it’s giving us a clear picture of what our community wants; and responses are still coming in! 📊 Top trends so far: Aldi continues to dominate as the most-requested business by far (over a third of all responses). Over 50% of you just want to see more grocery options. There’s a strong appetite for drive-thru coffee shops (like 7 Brew), family restaurants, and grocery alternatives. The majority of people say they’d visit their preferred business weekly, with many saying daily. This kind of input is incredibly helpful as we reach out to businesses and work to make Willard a place that meets your needs and your lifestyle. Haven’t filled it out yet? There’s still time to share your voice: 👉 https://forms.gle/z4Q9sYiUQWdQnmge7 While we can’t guarantee that these businesses will come to Willard just because the community wants them, this information is incredibly helpful. It helps us know which businesses we should heavily pursue, how to prepare for what they may need, and where to focus our efforts based on what matters most to you. Perhaps most critically, strong and clear feedback help us to let these businesses know just how much interest there is! Let’s keep shaping the future of Willard—together.

QUICK SURVEY: What Business Would You Love to See Come to Willard? Over the past year, we've reached out to businesses to encourage them to come to Willard. While there's been some interest, the common feedback we get is that we're close—but not quite the right fit just yet. Last year’s community survey gave us some great insight on the kinds of businesses you'd like to see. But there wasn’t a clear front-runner. So, we’re trying something a little different. We know many of you want to see lots of new businesses come to Willard, but if Willard could have just one new business, what would it be? That’s the question. Quick and simple. You can even submit more than one answer if you’ve got a few favorites you just can't choose between. The link below will take you to the survey; please share it with neighbors, friends, family and anyone else who might shop in Willard! The more responses we get the better! Our goal is to pinpoint the one business the Willard community would be most excited to welcome. This will help us better focus our recruitment efforts,. We also hope that if it is asked for with a loud enough voice, that might just be the extra push that brings the right opportunity to town. We might not land it right away—but a clear, loud message from the community we believe could make a real difference. So, let’s hear it Willard: What business do you want to see here the most? https://forms.gle/hQYpHy2fAch7pH9h8

The city's phones are in working order again! We are waiting to serve you.

We understand this afternoon's unpredictable phone outage isn’t ideal timing. Unfortunately, this is outside of the City's control, and we know this creates frustration; especially since it is the last day to make a utility payment. We kindly ask for your patience and understanding toward our front-line staff, who are doing their best to assist; remember the phone issue is completely outside of their control. Because we know many of you are at work during the day and may have planned to call in your payment this afternoon, our utility team has stepped up and will keep the office open until 6:00 p.m. tonight only to allow for in-person payments. We haven’t received any update yet from the phone provider on restoration, but we’ll continue to adapt as best we can. Thank you for your patience; and for showing kindness to the utility team as we work through this together.

Congratulations to Terry Kathcart, who was honored at last night's Board of Aldermen Meeting. We are grateful for his years of unselfish service to our community.

Our phones are down at City Hall. We realize that this is the last day to pay for utilities. We hope to have this problem resolved soon! Thank you for your patience.

Coffee Hour from 11:30am to 12:30pm on Friday March 28 at The Hive. Have thoughts on Willard’s future? Ideas for things you'd like to see? Concerns, hopes for our community, or something else you'd like to discuss? Come chat over coffee! This is a great opportunity to share what’s on your mind—whether it’s a challenge you see, an idea you’d love to explore, or just a wish for our city. Let’s talk, connect, and work together to keep Willard moving forward. See you there!

📢 Public Safety Sales Tax Education Sessions 📢 Join us for an informative session on the Public Safety Sales Tax Ballot Question! 🚔 Chief McClain will explain why this question is on the April ballot and how it will support public safety efforts in Willard. 📅 March 19 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM 📅 March 27 | 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM 📍 Willard Police Department This is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more before Election Day. We encourage all residents to attend! #WillardMO #PublicSafety #StayInformed

!!!SCAM ALERT!!! We received the following information from a representative with Liberty Electric. They also believe the contractors of concern may be operating in the Willard area. Please protect yourself and contact Liberty directly if you have concerns, Liberty contractors will NEVER ask you for compensation for vegetation removal/remediation. FROM LIBERTY ELECTRIC: Electric Service Customers: We’ve been made aware of scammers in our electric service territories claiming they are doing tree trimming or vegetation work on our behalf. Scammers are suggesting immediate tree removal or remediation on customer properties and requesting compensation. Liberty representatives and approved contractors will never request compensation for vegetation removal or remediation. Unless there is an immediate emergency involving vegetation, such as a pole that has fallen into a tree, vegetation management projects will be scheduled in advance. Liberty and our contractors will contact customers at their residence, leave a door card, or by phone, to inform customers of upcoming work. If you are ever in doubt, here are a few ways you can confirm: Ask to see a Liberty badge or company ID badge (Approved contractors: Wright Tree Service, Xylem Tree Experts, Kenny Singer Construction, Eocene, or Growth Solutions) Look for a “Contractor for Liberty” marking on their company vehicle. Call our Customer Care Team and they will confirm the work. If you have a question regarding vegetation that is encroaching on lines that extend pole to pole, you can contact our Customer Care Team at 1-800-206-2300. If you have questions about vegetation near your service line (from a pole to your residence), contact a certified tree trimming service.

Dear Willard Water Customers, To protect the safety and quality of our public water system, the City of Willard is conducting a review to identify customers who may require a backflow prevention device, and to ensure that inspection records are up to date for those who already have one. What is Backflow and Why Does It Matter? Backflow occurs when water flows in the reverse direction, potentially allowing contaminants to enter the public water system. A backflow prevention device ensures that non-potable water, chemicals, or other substances do not enter the clean drinking water supply. Who May Need a Backflow Prevention Device? A backflow prevention device is required for certain properties where there is a risk of contamination. This includes: • Properties with an auxiliary water supply (such as a well or irrigation system). • Businesses or facilities with fire suppression systems (such as automatic sprinklers) or those handling chemicals, wastewater, or process fluids • Properties with complex plumbing systems or cross-connections that could pose a contamination risk. Inspection Requirements To ensure continued protection of our water system: • Annual inspections are required for all backflow prevention devices. • Devices must be tested by a certified professional, and records must be submitted to the City of Willard. • If a device is found to be defective, it must be repaired or replaced promptly. Next Steps If you already have a backflow prevention device we know about, we will be reaching out to verify that inspection records are up to date. If you think you may need one but are unsure if you do, or have reported it to us, or if you have any questions or concerns please contact public works (417) 742-5307. Public Works staff are available Monday through Friday 7am till 3pm. Your cooperation is essential in maintaining the safety of our water supply. Thank you for your attention to this important matter!

Community Update: Streetlight Repairs Since launching the new reporting tool in mid-December, we have seen eight streetlight issues reported and promptly resolved. This tool has helped streamline communication and improve response times for repairs; 2 lights were repaired within 48 hours! If you have reported a streetlight issue through the website’s reporting tool and notice it has not been resolved within a couple of weeks, please reach out to me directly at ca@cityofwillard.org. Streetlight issues can also be reported in person at City Hall or by phone, but we encourage using the online reporting tool whenever possible to ensure faster processing and communication with the power company. Thank you for helping us keep Willard well-lit and safe!

Great news, Willard! 🎉 We now have enough applicants to move forward with forming the board! We’re currently reaching out to those who previously submitted interest to confirm they’re still interested. If you haven’t applied yet but would like to be considered, there’s still time! The board will continue to accept applications. As long as at least five individuals remain interested and we have the right balance of in-town and out-of-town applicants, appointments will be made on March 10th. Those selected will be contacted shortly afterward to set up the first meeting. If you're interested in serving, we’d love to hear from you—apply today!

We are seeking some additional applications to serve on the newly created Water and Sewer Advisory Board. Applications. We have several applications from out-of-town customers, but only one from an in-town. We need to fill 3 of the 5 positions with in-town residents. If you are an in-town water/sewer customer, please consider serving on this advisory board. Meeting frequency and times will be established during the first meeting of the board. For those interested in contributing to the future of Willard’s water and sewer services, volunteer applications are available on the city’s website.

Karl A Menninger famously said, “What’s done to children, they will do to society,” For decades now, Chief McClain has championed our city’s youth. You can hear the passion in his voice as he talks about the thousands of children that have graduated his DARE programs, and the hundred or so each year who attend the award-winning Police Athletic League boxing program or the related Outdoor Program, Camp Character. He says, “I really just want to help them live the very best lives they can.” And he means it. At a time when headlines blaze with youth violence, vandalism, and drug abuse, our police force is doing what other communities keep striving to do: successfully support the upcoming generation. When I ask if there’s a simple message that drives all of these volunteer efforts focused on our children, he doesn’t pause. It’s the message he keeps driving home to “his” kids. “The Four Principles,” he says. “Four character traits that will make us better individuals, better members of society. Responsibility, Honor, Self-Control, Discernment.” We talk about them for a while, and I realize that it’s not just children that are needing the hope these traits bring to a society. To find out more about the Four Pillars and the programs offered through the Police Athletic League, boxing, please visit Willard Police Athletic League (PAL). PAL boxing (ages 8-18) begins March 10, 2025. Applications are available at the Willard Police Department, Willard Intermediate Schools, or applications can be emailed directly if you contact police@cityofwillard.org. You can also donate or volunteer to mentor through their website. As I walk away, I’m reminded that Nelson Mandela shared: “There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children.” Even though he didn’t say so, I’m sure Chief McClain would welcome a little help in the present-day business of society soul-saving. Thanks to everyone who volunteers with these programs, or who has in the past. If you see this on social media and have a good experience to share about helping with, or attending these programs, we’d love to hear about it!