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
Thanks to new equipment purchased this year, our Public Works team is now equipped to tackle more complex road repair projects. Today they’re putting this equipment to good use on South Hunt Road, just down from McDonald’s.
This particular section has been increasingly affected by stormwater runoff, but with the right tools now in hand, our crew is removing and replacing the damaged roadway to improve long-term durability.
We’re committed to continuing smart investments in the equipment and planning needed to enhance efficiency; meaning our team can complete more projects, more effectively, across town.
🧭 With help from IMS (a road measurement company), we’re actively surveying road conditions, building strategic plans, and delivering real improvements to the community around you.
🙌 Thank you for your patience as our crews work to make Willard stronger, smoother, and safer...one road at a time.
#WillardMO #PublicWorks #RoadImprovements #InvestingInWillard #BetterTogether
They will be meeting in the City Chambers on Wednesday, July 23rd at 5:30pm.
We’ve gotten several questions about whether all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), Utility Terrain Vehicle, Side by Sides, recreational off-highway vehicles (UTVs), or golf carts can be driven on City streets. Here’s the quick rundown:
👉 Generally, they are not allowed.
City ordinance prohibits the operation of ATVs and UTVs on public streets except under very limited conditions. And while some Missouri cities allow golf carts with special rules, Willard has not adopted an ordinance permitting golf carts, so they are also not allowed on city streets.
✅ ATVs/UTVs are allowed ONLY if:
• The vehicle is owned and operated by a government entity for official use, or;
• It’s used for agricultural or industrial on-premises purposes during daylight hours, and;
• The operator is within 3 miles of their primary residence (UTVs only, and only if the City has authorized it, which Willard likely has not), and;
• The operator has a special permit issued by the City (Willard seldom issues these).
🚧 If operated legally under an exception, these rules all apply:
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Operate at under 30 mph
• ATVs require a dayglow safety flag (7 ft tall, triangular, 30+ square inches)
• UTVs require headlights, tail lights, seatbelts, and a roll cage
• No careless or impaired driving
• Helmets required for ATV operators under 18
• No passengers on ATVs, unless for ag purposes
⛳️ What about Golf Carts?
Golf carts are not authorized on Willard streets under current City code. Missouri law allows cities to adopt specific rules for them; Willard has not done so. Until such an ordinance is adopted, they remain prohibited from riding on city streets.
⚠️ Bottom line: Unless you're using your ATV, UTV for certain exempted purposes, it's likely not legal to drive it on public streets within Willard city limits.
Our police department is committed to keeping the roads safe, and we appreciate everyone’s help in following these rules.
📜 For this and more, our city code can be found at https://ecode360.com/WI3481
Our PIO Rebecca Hansen spoke with Parks & Rec Director Jason Parks for a quick recap of Freedom Fest 2025. We think you might be surprised by a few of the facts he shares about this year's event!
From setup to turnout to the logistics of pulling off one of Willard’s biggest events of the year, this short interview gives you a glimpse of what went into Freedom Fest 2025.
📲 Watch the recap video here: https://www.youtube.com/embed/KRM12NCscMs
Fireworks are permitted from 12pm on July 4th until 12:30am on July 5th.
Consumer fireworks (1.4G and smaller) are allowed inside the city limits of Willard.
Supervision is required for those under 17 years old.
Complaints about hazardous activities or violations may lead to seizure of fireworks or prosecution.
Did you know that violations can result in fines of up to $500 and jail terms up to 90 days?
