Highway 160 & Highway AB Underpass Project
The City of Willard invites all residents, business owners, and community stakeholders to join us for an open public engineering meeting regarding the proposed Underpass Project at Highway 160 and Highway AB.
This meeting will provide an overview of the project’s purpose, design concepts, safety improvements, traffic impacts, and anticipated timeline. Community participation is highly encouraged—your questions, feedback, and input are vital to shaping the final plan.
The Meeting will be held on Thursday December 11 at 5:00 PM at
224 West Jackson Street, City Hall
Why Attend?
• Learn how the underpass will improve safety and traffic flow
• View preliminary engineering designs
• Ask questions directly to project engineers and city officials
• Share concerns, ideas, and suggestions
• Be part of the decision-making process for a major community infrastructure investment
This is an open meeting, and the public is welcome and encouraged to attend and participate.
For more information, please contact Mike Ruesch at 417-472-5310 or planning@cityofwillard.org
Willard PD is utilizing NEST: Neighborhood Emphasis on Safe Traffic, a new way to increase visibility and address traffic concerns in our neighborhoods.
📍 From November 23- November 29, 2025, officers will emphasize patrols in these areas:
• Southview Hills
• Biggs
• Silverleaf
👮♂️ 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
From identifying what types of businesses and activities Willard wants to attract 🍽️🏞️ to exploring how we strengthen our local economy and support existing businesses 💼
They’ll be meeting again in early December 📅, and updates, agendas, and minutes will be posted as their work continues. Meeting are open to the public and we encourage you to attend and share your thoughts.
Want to see what they’re working on, or follow along as recommendations take shape?
Visit the updated task force page here: https://www.cityofwillard.org/page/economic-development-task-force
More to come as this group helps chart Willard’s next chapter. 🚀
The 2026 draft budget includes funding to clean, repair and repaint the interior of the tower featured in the video 🛠️, and we’re finalizing a plan to bring all of our towers back to standard as quickly as possible.
It’s not flashy, but it’s essential infrastructure for Willard’s future 🚀. Take a minute to see what we’re tackling and why it matters.
🎥 Watch the video: https://youtu.be/MFYTqF1q9vQ
🚧 Jackson Street Sidewalk Update 🚶♀️🚶♂️
Our contractor hit the ground running, and the final phase of the Jackson Street sidewalk project is already taking shape.
I recorded a quick Manager’s Minute about it, you can take a look here🎥 https://youtube.com/shorts/wJAWYoXNK8M
You can see my earlier update on the work along Jackson St. here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/AKelIlxKdZM
2026 ELECTION
Candidate Filing
A Municipal Election shall be held on April 7, 2026, to elect three (3) alders. Qualified candidate filing will commence on December 9, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. in the City Clerk’s Office at 224 West Jackson St., and will conclude on December 30, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Candidate filing will be available from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, from December 9th through December 30th, 2025, excepting the Christmas holiday.
Each applicant will be required to declare his/her intent to become a candidate in person and in writing, to the City Clerk, and, assuming all other legal requirements are met, his/her name will then be placed on the ballot. Candidates must comply with all prevailing laws concerning eligibility and campaign financing.
Offices to be voted on are: one (1) alder, Ward I, for a 2-year term; one (1) alder, Ward II, for a 2-year term; and one (1) alder, Ward III, for a 2-year term.
*Special Note: Please make sure your voter registration has been updated with your current address. Ward Maps are available at the City Clerk’s office and on the City’s website.
Questions regarding polling locations, voter registration, and for official ballot results can be directed to the County Clerk.
Buckle Up Phone Down: A Safety Challenge That Can Make a Difference
The City of Willard is challenging our residents to buckle up and put their phones down when they drive.
The Missouri Department of Transportation’s "Buckle Up Phone Down" campaign is tackling the two most impactful actions a driver can take to prevent or survive crashes and the City of Willard is joining them in the fight.
First, drivers can put their phones down when they slide behind the wheel. Distracted driving is a major cause of crashes, not only in Missouri, but in the entire United States. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that cellphones were involved in nearly 2,247 crashes in 2022 alone.
Next, people can buckle up each and every time they get in a vehicle. Of the 707 drivers and passengers killed on Missouri roadways in 2022, a tragic 60% were unrestrained.
Statistics show that these two policy changes could have an impact on both incidents and highway fatalities.
The Buckle Up Phone Down Challenge is trying to change these numbers. Videos, social media posts and a dedicated website will feature citizens and employees of participating businesses and agencies giving the “thumbs up/thumbs down” sign to show their support of the effort.
The website is located at www.modot.org/BuckleUpPhoneDown
Together, we can make a difference and save lives.
Willard PD continues to utilize NEST: Neighborhood Emphasis on Safe Traffic to increase visibility and address traffic concerns in our neighborhoods.
📍 From October 19th through October 25th, 2025, officers will emphasize patrols in these areas:
• Gauge Crossing
• Cardinal Hills
• Longview
* Oak Ridge
👮♂️ Officers will log focused patrol time and be visible in these locations to encourage safer driving and respond to community concerns.
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!! 🐯
