Welcome to the West Plains Fire Department

In October the West Plains Fire Department hired two full-time firefighters. Shawn Bice was hired and transferred from the Water Treatment Plant to the Fire Department and Casey Griffin was hired from Arkansas. The month of November the guys have been busy training and learning the ropes around the stations and in town. If you see them around town welcome them aboard! We’re glad to have you both!

Pictured: Shawn Bice, Fire Chief Tim Bean, and Casey Griffin

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

That’s right! The holiday season is upon us and West Plains will begin to look festive this week. City Electric crews have been around town today and will continue this week until all decorations are set.

Remember our different departments and all of the crews that work outside. This morning it was raining, but the show must go on! Decorations still went up despite the weather. Thank you Electric Department for making West Plains sparkle!

October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

We all know someone who has been stricken by this terrible disease and we all continue to HOPE for a cure, some day.

The West Plains Fire Department fully supports Breast Cancer Awareness month. Throughout October you will see our firefighters sporting their bright pink shirts supporting the cause.

Thank you for supporting such a great cause, WPFD!

What’s Happening? 10/22/12

The West Plains City Council met in regular session last night, 10/22/12. Royce Fugate was sworn in by City Clerk Mallory Thompson at 5 p.m. and the City Council then reorganized.

Photo courtesy of WP Daily Quill

During the reorganization part of the meeting the council decided Lou Citro will remain Mayor Pro-Tem and serve over the Departments of Accounts and Finance, Councilman Burtrum will remain serving over Streets & Public Improvements, Councilwoman Smith will continue to serve over Parks & Public Property, Councilman Fugate will serve over Public Utilities and Mayor Pahlmann will serve over Public Affairs and Public Safety.

During the regular meeting John Nunally spoke on his concern of air dust products and the danger they can be to children and adults.

A Resolution was passed to authorize an agreement between the City and Rick and Tawnya Rothermich pertaining to the use of airport land.

Several bids were approved including floor covering for the Civic Center. This will be part of the Capital Improvement Tax money. Two liquor licenses were approved; Jackie’s Goods & Gifts, LLC (Leslie Collins) and Wild Vine (Toni Johnson).

Planning and Zoning recommendations were approved. A site development plan for proposed Arby’s Restaurant and a revised and amended plat for Butler Plaza were part of the meeting.

The Council adjourned the closed session for legal issues.

The Street Department is continuing work on Luna Drive this week. Today a crane was on site to place box culverts, which will be eliminating the low water crossing. Luna Drive remains closed between Good Hard Drive and Lisa Street. We are hopeful it will be open by the end of the week. The Street Department has worked very hard and it looks great! Thank you!

Weekly Update—October 15, 2012

• Sewer Crews will be working on Alaska Street this week between 7th & 8th Streets doing a new sewer line. That street is closed in the area for this time.
• Jackson Street remains open to local traffic only between Thornburgh and Abe Taylor.
• Luna Drive is closed between Good Hard Drive and Lisa for storm drainage work.
• Charter Government meetings will take place Tuesday, October 16th at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Please attend if you are interested in the future of West Plains or have questions!
• Planning & Zoning will meet Thursday, October 18th at 5:30 p.m. At this meeting there will be a site development plan for a proposed restaurant (Arby’s) and a revised and amended plat for Butler Plaza. Everyone is invited to attend.
• We’ll hear sign ordinance comments until October 22nd. At that point we’ll schedule another public hearing for citizens to voice their opinion. This is IMPORTANT! It could affect all businesses in West Plains.
• Haunting in the Hollows is Saturday, October 20th at Galloway Park beginning at 2 p.m. This is a FREE event!

Weekly Update 10/1/12

Busy week for Public Works!

• Luna Drive is still closed from Good Hard Drive to Lisa Street. The Street Department is working on a new storm drain after taking out the low water bridge.

 

• The intersection of Garrett Street and Preacher Roe is currently closed to repair a water main break. The Water Department was there first thing this morning starting repair on it.

• Harlin Drive will be closed for paving from Garrett Street to Porter Wagoner Blvd.
• The Engineering Construction crew has been busy working on the West Main Street sidewalk in front of Gohn Hall. Work is nearly completed and weather permitting hopefully will be done this week.

 

• Joe’s Bridge & Grading of Poplar Bluff, MO was rewarded the bid for the Grizzly Way Phase 1 & 2 project. This project was scheduled to begin this fall, but the contractor is worried we may have an earlier than normal winter. Work on this project will begin spring 2013.
• Next week is Fire Prevention week. The Fire Department has a busy schedule next week of school visits and different things. Watch our Facebook page and the blog for updates on this year’s Fire Prevention theme, “Have 2 Ways Out!”
• City Clerk Mallory Thompson and Building Official Dustin Harrison will hear comments on the draft sign ordinance until October 22nd. At that time we will schedule another public hearing and hear additional comments. We are urging all citizens to take a look at the draft ordinance. This could potentially affect all businesses in the city limits of West Plains. Copies are available at City Hall, West Plains Public Library, or contact us (417-256-7176 or cityclerk@westplains.net)  for an electronic copy.
• Mark your calendars for October 20th…Haunting in the Hollows at Galloway Park. This event is hosted by the Friends of Galloway Park and is FREE to everyone!
• The City is currently asking for ideas on ways to honor the late Mayor Joe Paul Evans. If you have a suggestion please contact City Clerk Mallory Thompson with your suggestion.
• City Hall and other city offices will be closed October 8th, in observation of Columbus Day. Trash routes on Monday only will be affected. Monday’s scheduled routes will be picked up Tuesday.

Week of 9/24/12

• The Planning and Zoning Commission met Thursday, September 20th. On the agenda was a public hearing for a draft sign ordinance and a request to vacate East Dixon Street and the alley that runs between Dixon Street and the rail road tracks.
• A couple of citizens spoke about the sign ordinance, but we are allowing 30 days for additional comments before another public hearing will be held. THIS IS IMPORTANT! We want all citizens input, this could potentially affect your business in the city limits of West Plains. Contact Mallory Thompson or Dustin Harrison at 256-7176 for additional information or to see a copy of the draft ordinance.
• A development plan for Breckenridge Apartments was approved and the request to vacate.
• Monday, September 24th was the monthly City Council meeting.
• Andy Marmouget with Davis, Lynn & Moots, gave the audit report and the City had a great report.
• An ordinance was approved for the vacate of East Dixon Street and the alley.
• David M. Gohn and Josh Cotter were reappointed to the Civic Center Board for 3 year terms.
• October City Council meeting was moved to October 22nd.
• Councilman Lou Citro was appointed Mayor Pro-Tem by the City Council.
• Letters of interest have been taken for the vacate City Council seat. City Council will evaluate those letters and do interviews with a selected group.
• October 20th will be the annual Haunting in the Hollows event at Galloway Park. New playground equipment that has been made possible by the Rotary Club and should be ready by the October 20th event.
• The Street Department is continuing work on Luna Drive on the storm drain. Luna Drive is closed from Lisa to Good Hard until further notice.
• Tractors on the Square will be Saturday, September 29th from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Traffic will be closed around the square. Please come visit local businesses that will be open during this time and see the antique tractors! This event is free to the public.
• Be watching our Facebook page, this blog, and the newspaper for information on Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13.  

Have a great week!

“MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY”….Fire Drill 9/18/12

I had the opportunity to attend one of the monthly fire drill’s at Fire Station #1 Tuesday, September 18th. Wow! I learned so much and was so proud to see all firefighters working together.
Full-time, part-time, and paid-on-call firefighters were all in attendance. They started the evening in the training room going over questions on how to properly call out a “MAYDAY” during a fire. Lieutenant Wayne Cormier lead the discussion and questions and everyone participated.
After class discussion all firefighters put on their turnout gear and got ready for drill.
Now for the real fun…The firefighters were broke up into teams and had to go into a dark room and either find a dummy, another firefighter, call “MAYDAY” the proper way, or even a few other things. The firemen have worked hard on a make-shift house that was built in this room to educate firefighters on hallways, stairwells, small rooms, floors falling in, etc.
All teams did a great job. They learned that calling a “MAYDAY” is not something that happens often, but is something important you need to know when the time comes and you have to call it.
I’m proud to say that everyday heroes live and work in West Plains. These men and women put their life at risk every time they take a fire call. Be thankful for what we have, it’s good, and thank a firefighter today!
Reminder: Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13. For more information visit the West Plains Fire Department website.

What's Happening? September 14, 2012

• The Planning and Zoning Commission will meet Thursday, September 20th at 5:30 p.m. A public hearing will begin the meeting with the topic of the sign ordinance draft and a vacate request of Dixon Street and the alley that runs between Dixon Street and the railroad tracks.
• PLEASE come and give your input on the sign ordinance. We will not act on anything this month but are looking for great input.
• Last Thursday the Fire Department, along with the Water & Sewer Departments all were in class for hazardous chlorine. It is very important for all of our departments to continue their education with different courses that pertain to their field.
• Smoke testing should be finishing up this week. Weather permitting Tuesday crews should wrap everything up south of Broadway Street.
• The Timbers Booster Station is online and seems to be working well. We will keep close tabs on this to make sure it continues this way.
• September 20th the City of West Plains, Missouri Forest Products Association, and Missouri Enterprise will host a workshop on Growing Profits for Missouri's Wood Industries. The workshop will take place at the West Plains Civic Center and the cost is $25 and includes lunch. To register visit www.missourienterprise.org or call 573-308-7581. This will be a great opportunity for all in the forestry product field.
• The Street Department has been busy patching several spots on different water and sewer openings across town. They will also begin work on the storm drain for Luna Drive. Luna Drive will be closed from Good Hard Drive to Elizabeth with local traffic only beginning Monday 9/17. Crews will be digging out the low water crossing and will put in a box culvert to get rid of the crossing.
• A reminder for citizens...THANK YOU for your support in the renewal of the Capital Improvement Tax. We began working on new improvements as soon as the election was over. We will be sending out request for proposals soon for the different parks to be updated; Butler, Wayhaven, Kelly and Lofton. We also have committed to a sidewalk on Preacher Roe that will run from Harlin Drive to Worley Drive. Plans are in the works and we are always excited to show you the finished product!

Have a great week!

City Happenings 9/10/12

What's happening within the City of West Plains this week? Let's see...


The Fire Department is seeking people interested in becoming paid-on-call firefighters. Applications for this can be picked up at City Hall or Fire Station #1. Tryouts are Wednesday, September 12th at 6 p.m., therefore we ask you get your application in as soon as possible!

The Fire Department, along with other emergency personnel are wanting to remind business owners and citizens that your place of residence/business should have your address properly placed on your structure. This makes it easier for emergency personnel to respond to calls with a visible address on the building. We appreciate your help in making this happen!

Saturday, September 15th will be the annual City Employee sponsored golf tournament. Tee time is 8:30 a.m., 3-man scramble, and $90 per team. Please call the golf course at 256-9824 to sign up. Teams can sign up the day of. We will have a hole-in-one prize sponsored by West Plains Marine, several door prizes, and cash payback to the winners. Please come and play, it will be a great day at the West Plains Municipal Golf Course!

September 20th will be the next Planning and Zoning meeting at City Hall beginning at 5:30 p.m. This is a very important meeting where a public hearing will be held at 5:30 p.m. on our new draft sign ordinance. We are urging all citizens who own a business and USE temporary signage to please come and give your input. There will be a better definition of temporary signage within this ordinance. All citizens invited and we hope you attend!

Today, September 10th, is the initial start up for the Timbers Booster Station. Residents in the Timbers Subdivision will experience an increase in water pressure beginning this morning. If you should have any questions please contact the City Hall at 256-7176.

On the topic of water, we have asked citizens to be good stewards of the city's water system and to conserve water the best they can. In a result of this we are seeing that water is being conserved at 1/2 million gallons a day. Thank you, West Plains!

With the recent rain we've had watch out for mosquitoes and spots where they enjoy hanging out. This means dump all buckets with water in them, change outside pet water bowls daily, and if you had a pool this summer either drain it or keep the pump running. Mosquitoes enjoy stagnant water so dump whatever you have around your yard! Rain also makes the grass grow...7 inches is the limit for your grass!

Power outages...if you experience a power outage after City Hall closes (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) contact the West Plains Police Department at 256-2244. They will contact the electric department who will then begin work on your power. We appreciate your calls and want all to know this is correct protocol for power outages.

The engineering construction crew will be back on West Main this week working on the sidewalk in front of what will be Gohn Hall. What has been completed so far looks great! Watch out for our workers in that area as you drive by.

Anne Drive from Gleghorn to Anne Street will be closed today and Jackson Street from Thornburgh to Davis will be closed until Thursday. Please find alternate routes during this time and know we appreciate your cooperation!

September 14th is the deadline to turn in letters of interest for the vacant city council seat. This term will expire in 2016 (Jack Pahlmann's council term). Mayor Pahlmann was appointed August 28, 2012 to the Mayor seat to fill the unexpired term of Mayor Joe Paul Evans who recently passed away.

And always, for updates on daily happenings in the city, look us up on Facebook!

Introducing West Plains!

This is the first post for the City of West Plains blog. Please let me introduce myself and the city that I love. My name is Mallory Thompson and I work for the City of West Plains as City Clerk and Public Relations Director. I have been with the city for four years and am proud to say I am from West Plains. You may contact myself anytime for questions relating to West Plains by calling City Hall at 417-256-7176 or emailing at cityclerk@westplains.net.

If you are new to the area or interested in West Plains, let me start off telling you about this great place nestled deep in the Ozarks.

West Plains has a population of 11,986. We are a growing community and the largest community between Jonesboro, AR and Springfield, MO.

West Plains has great school systems, West Plains R-7 Schools (Home of the Zizzers!) and then five rural schools that are kindergarten through 8th grade all feed into West Plains High School. Fairview, Howell Valley, Glenwood, Richards, and Junction Hill are the five rural schools. Choosing a school for your child is an important decision and West Plains makes it easier with the 6 different districts.

West Plains is home to many businesses to fit the need for all of our citizens. West Plains holds a rich history and driving through our downtown district that is quite evident.

We have a great city government system that strives to meet the needs for all citizens in the City of West Plains.

 

Jack Pahlmann is our Mayor and we currently have three other council people, Lou Citro, Bob Burtrum and Brenda Smith. We are currently seeking letters of interest for Jack Pahlmann's unexpired council seat. Seat will expire in 2016. Jack Pahlmann was appointed to Mayor on August 28, 2012 after the passing of our previous Mayor, Joe Paul Evans.

 

Please visit our website, www.westplains.net for more information. Stop in and see our beautiful building sometime!

Our mission is to provide city services efficiently and economically and our vision is to be the model city of the Ozarks. We hope you will stop in and see us!

 

Please visit this blog each week for weekly updates of what is happening within the City of West Plains!