ATTENTION MOTORISTS!
Due to the Homecoming Parade on Friday the 3rd, please expect road closures between 9:45 am and 10:45 am on:
Miller-- between Kime (AKA: O Highway) and Jackson,
Jackson-- between Miller and Main,
Kime (AKA O)-- between Jackson and Willard East,
Mill --Closed completely,
Beam --Closed completely
We expect traffic to flow freely by 10:45 a.m.
WILLARD POLICE FEATURED IN A TRUE-CRIME SERIES
In mid-November 2020, Willard police responded to a shocking double homicide of a young couple found shot on their porch on the corner of Main St. and Mill St. Our own amazing police force, with the assistance of the Highway Patrol, were able to crack the case in about 3 weeks.
A true crime series, Interrogation Raw, will air on Thursday, Oct 2nd at 9/8c. The episode focuses on the artful interrogations that brought such quick closure. We are so proud of the featured efforts of our police interrogators, Major Shannon Shipley and Sergeant Steve Purdy.
See the episode description, read quotes from our officers, and watch news footage from the event here:
https://www.cityofwillard.org/article/2456702
Last Chance!
The City of Willard is accepting volunteer applications for appointment to the recently re-established Economic Development Task Force. This advisory group will play a key role in shaping the City’s approach to business attraction, retention, infrastructure readiness, and economic policy.
We are seeking to fill FOUR volunteer positions:
Two (2) residents of the City of Willard, and
Two (2) individuals who either:
-Own, manage, or work for a business located in Willard, or
-Own real property within city limits
The Task Force will meet at least quarterly and will assist with the development, promotion, and implementation of strategies in order to encourage economic development within the City. Members will serve a two-year term and contribute to annual reporting and strategic recommendations submitted to the Board of Alders.
This is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Willard’s economic growth and development. If you’re passionate about the future of our city and ready to contribute your time and ideas, we encourage you to apply.
To apply, please complete an application here https://5il.co/3mxgg or submit your interest to clerk@cityofwillard.org.
Applications will be accepted through tomorrow, September 30th, 2025. Appointments will be made by the Mayor with the approval of the Board of Aldermen soon after.
DON'T BE LEFT OUT OF THE LOOP!
Our Public Works Dept occasionally sends out robocalls about brief water outages or boil-water notices related to waterline repairs. Some residents are not receiving these notices. Please take a minute to update your phone information with our utility office.
We can also watch out for each other and mention this post, and upcoming water outages, to our neighbors, in case they didn't get the message.
That way no one is left high and dry!
We also release utility messages and other updates via our Willard City app, which can be downloaded here:
Download for Android https://aptg.co/N9NR4C
Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/7LvGvT
Willard PD is utilizing NEST: Neighborhood Emphasis on Safe Traffic, a new way to increase visibility and address traffic concerns in our neighborhoods.
📍 From September 21- September 27, 2025, officers will emphasize patrols in these areas:
• Augusta Heights
• Generation Village
• Whispering Oaks
👮♂️ Officers will log focused patrol time and be visible in these locations to encourage safer driving and respond to community concerns.
💬 Want to report a traffic issue in your neighborhood?
Use our new online form at https://www.cityofwillard.org/forms/report-a-traffic-concern — your input helps shape where we NEST next.
#WillardPD #NESTpatrol #TrafficSafety #NeighborhoodFocus #DriveSafeWillard
We need you! Deadline is in 2 weeks!
The City of Willard is now accepting volunteer applications for appointment to the recently re-established Economic Development Task Force. This advisory group will play a key role in shaping the City’s approach to business attraction, retention, infrastructure readiness, and economic policy.
We are seeking to fill FOUR volunteer positions:
Two (2) residents of the City of Willard, and
Two (2) individuals who either:
-Own, manage, or work for a business located in Willard, or
-Own real property within city limits
The Task Force will meet at least quarterly and will assist with the development, promotion, and implementation of strategies in order to encourage economic development within the City. Members will serve a two-year term and contribute to annual reporting and strategic recommendations submitted to the Board of Alders.
This is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Willard’s economic growth and development. If you’re passionate about the future of our city and ready to contribute your time and ideas, we encourage you to apply.
To apply, please complete an application here: https://5il.co/3mxgg or submit your interest to clerk@cityofwillard.org.
Applications will be accepted through September 30th, 2025. Appointments will be made by the Mayor with the approval of the Board of Aldermen soon after.
Join us for this free family, faith, food and fun event at Camp Character.
Participants can sail the sky on the Big Dawg zipline or try their hand at archery. Stroll the woods on our walking trails or unleash your competitive spirit on the volleyball court.
Perhaps you're down for a game. We have giants: Connect Four, Jenga, disks, dice and more.
Did anyone say Cornhole? We've got it!
Let the aroma of burgers and dogs draw you to the grill. Donations for food expenses appreciated.
There is something for everyone at Faith & Blue. See you there!
Saturday October 11, 2025
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Address: 3636 N Farm Road 101
Springfield, MO
For more information on the Faith and Blue program, visit: https://faithandblue.org/about/
It has come to our attention that residents are receiving phone calls warnings about their household water being “dangerously low” or otherwise unfit. Willard Public Works oversees public water; they will never ask you for money or request to enter your home.
Our Public Works Dept occasionally sends out robocalls about brief water outages or boil-water notices related to waterline repairs.
We also release utility messages via our Willard City app, which can be downloaded here:
Download for Android https://aptg.co/N9NR4C
Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/7LvGvT
If you have any question about a call you receive, please reach out to our Utilities Department 417-742-5300
Put your stamp on our Community’s Future!
We’re updating our Comprehensive Plan, and we want to hear from you. This survey covers:
• Roads and traffic flow
• Walking, biking, and transit options
• Neighborhood design and density
• Your ideas and concerns for the years ahead
Your input will guide how our community grows, ensuring that future projects reflect what matters most to you. It only takes a few minutes, but it makes a big impact!
Comprehensive Plan Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLServr9S28S1DH3kuM2ngKmVMnAuq0aHE-4C94iyLhYkbbON7g/viewform
We need your opinion on our downtown!
We’re creating standards to guide how our downtown area looks, feels, and grows and we need your input.
By taking a few minutes to complete our Downtown Standards Survey, you can help city leaders make decisions about building design, public spaces, lighting, landscaping, and more. Your feedback ensures that downtown development reflects the needs and character of our community.
Have your say today!
Downtown Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScGTtuuDV0HNTcDu497zOHplieNXz-vu8bP-kTsCvjp22TtJg/viewform
Help Shape the Future of Walking, Biking, and Transit in Our Community!
We’re conducting an Active Transportation Survey to learn how people get around, whether on foot, by bike, scooter, or skateboard. What changes would make it easier and safer?
Your input will help city planners and leaders improve sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, and other transportation options
It only takes a few minutes, and your voice matters!
City of Willard MO Survey--Master Transportation Plan: Active Transportation Survey
We will be having a booth at the Willard High Football game this Friday August 29.
💲Come and visit with us for a chance to win a $50.00 credit to your utility account. 💲
We look forward to seeing you there!
And... Go Tigers!! 🐯
Attention City Utility Customers!
💧 Just as a reminder, you will notice a small annual fee this month in your water bill. '💧
It appears as a "primacy fee". What is a primacy fee?
PRIMACY FEE: Every user of the water system utilizing a 5/8 " to a 1-inch meter shall pay a $5.28 fee, and every meter over 1" shall pay $21.00, to provide the funding for the water testing as required by Missouri law. This fee is billed in July of every year.
Thank you!
Willard PD is utilizing NEST: Neighborhood Emphasis on Safe Traffic, a new way to increase visibility and address traffic concerns in our neighborhoods.
📍 From August 17- August 23rd, officers will emphasize patrols in these areas:
• Autumn Brook
• SouthRidge
• Kime
👮♂️ Officers will log focused patrol time and be visible in these locations to encourage safer driving and respond to community concerns.
💬 Want to report a traffic issue in your neighborhood?
Use our new online form at https://www.cityofwillard.org/forms/report-a-traffic-concern — your input helps shape where we NEST next.
#WillardPD #NESTpatrol #TrafficSafety #NeighborhoodFocus #DriveSafeWillard
Let’s Work Together to End Drunk Driving!
From August 15 through September 1, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will be working alongside local law enforcement for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement campaign. The goal is to deter impaired driving and prevent the tragedies seen during previous Labor Day weekends from happening again.
During the 2023 Labor Day holiday (6 p.m. September 1 – 5:59 a.m. September 5), there were 511 traffic crash fatalities nationwide. Of these 511 fatalities, 36% (185) involved a drunk driver. Sixty-eight percent of the impaired drivers killed had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15 or higher. Among drivers between the ages of 18 and 34 who were killed in crashes over the Labor Day holiday in 2023, 45% of those drivers were drunk, with BACs of .08 or higher.
“We want our community members to understand that it’s our first priority to keep people safe, so we’re asking everyone to plan ahead if they know they’ll be out drinking,” said Chief Tom McClain. “The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is an awareness effort to get the message out that drunk driving is illegal and it kills. Let’s make this a partnership between law enforcement and drivers: Help us protect the community and put an end to this dangerous behavior.”
Drivers should be safe during this Labor Day holiday weekend by planning ahead if they intend to drink. They shouldn’t wait until after drinking to plan how to get somewhere. Impairment clouds a person’s judgment. Drivers should secure a designated sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare for a sober ride home.
If a driver finds they are unable to drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver so that person can get them home safely. When a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, friends should be proactive — take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. If anyone spots a drunk driver, contact 911, it does not have to be an emergency.
CONTACT: Chief Thomas McClain, 417-742-5341, Chiefofpolice@cityofwillard.org
For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.
We’ve had a couple of reports of vehicle break-ins in Willard this month. While our police have identified a suspect, prevention and community awareness remain key to reducing crime.
Police Chief’s Tips to Reduce Your Risk:
Lock up: Always lock your car doors and close windows, even if you’ll only be away for a short time.
Clear the view: Don’t leave valuables in plain sight. Remove them or store them out of view.
Be alert: If you see something suspicious, follow the “If you see something, say something” rule and call 911 right away.
For example:
If it’s late at night and you notice a neighbor’s dome light on, spot movement inside the vehicle, or see someone in dark clothing with a backpack walking briskly away....call 911 immediately. Doing so gets a Willard officer heading to a possible trouble spot at the right time, increasing the chance of identifying a person of interest and stopping further crime.
By staying alert and working together, we can reduce thefts and keep Willard the safe, welcoming community we all value.
📞 If you see something, say something — call 911.
We’ve just released the latest Manager’s Minute, a quick, focused update to help keep you in the loop on what’s happening around Willard.
This second episode highlights the Jackson Street improvements, including waterline upgrades and downtown connectivity efforts led by our Public Works team. 💧🚧
We’re also asking for your input! Take a quick survey to help us shape the future of downtown Willard:
👉 https://forms.gle/5bMUTpAaDJoS4KcWA
💡 Got an idea for a future topic? Let us know! These videos are designed to be short, accessible, and worth your time.
📲 Watch now: https://youtube.com/shorts/AKelIlxKdZM
#WillardMO #ManagerMinute #CityUpdates #PublicWorks #DowntownWillard
YOUR OPINION IS IMPORTANT!
As we plan paths, streets, sidewalk, and parks, we want to know what is important to you.
🚲 Do you or your loved ones bike? Then we especially value your input. 🚲
Take our short survey and take pride in knowing you helped create Willard's future!
https://data-points.typeform.com/to/rUnhrS2V
The City of Willard is now accepting volunteer applications for appointment to the recently re-established Economic Development Task Force. This advisory group will play a key role in shaping the City’s approach to business attraction, retention, infrastructure readiness, and economic policy.
We are seeking to fill FOUR volunteer positions:
Two (2) residents of the City of Willard, and
Two (2) individuals who either:
-Own, manage, or work for a business located in Willard, or
-Own real property within city limits
The Task Force will meet at least quarterly and will assist with the development, promotion, and implementation of strategies in order to encourage economic development within the City. Members will serve a two-year term and contribute to annual reporting and strategic recommendations submitted to the Board of Alders.
This is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Willard’s economic growth and development. If you’re passionate about the future of our city and ready to contribute your time and ideas, we encourage you to apply.
To apply, please complete an application https://5il.co/3mxgg or submit your interest to clerk@cityofwillard.org.
Applications will be accepted through September 30th, 2025. Appointments will be made by the Mayor with the approval of the Board of Aldermen soon after.
Willard PD is launching NEST: Neighborhood Emphasis on Safe Traffic, a new way to increase visibility and address traffic concerns in our neighborhoods.
Watch the video explaining the program here: Nest Program Video
📍 From July 22nd-July 28th, officers will emphasize patrols in these areas:
• Stone Ridge
• Hoffman Hills
• Canterbury
👮♂️ Officers will log focused patrol time and be visible in these locations to encourage safer driving and respond to community concerns.
💬 Want to report a traffic issue in your neighborhood?
Use our new online form at https://www.cityofwillard.org/forms/report-a-traffic-concern — your input helps shape where we NEST next.
#WillardPD #NESTpatrol #TrafficSafety #NeighborhoodFocus #DriveSafeWillard
