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Winter Storm Fern pushed heaters into overdrive, and many of us are feeling it on our March utility bills. We lay out exactly what changed, what didn’t, and how the city stepped in to shield residents from the worst of the cost spikes—holding electric rates steady by ordinance and absorbing more than $200,000 in supplier costs rather than passing them along. We also explain why natural gas totals rose, how commodity pricing works, and the simple steps you can take to better manage usage during extreme cold.

Clarity matters when budgets are tight, so we walk through a practical safety net: a six‑month, zero‑interest payment agreement on the amount above your normal average bill. The process is straightforward—visit the utility office before March 15 and ask for Tracy or Melanie—so you can spread out the spike without penalties and keep essential services stable. Along the way, we answer common questions about usage differences between homes, thermostat habits, and how small decisions can add up when temperatures plummet.

Beyond bills, there’s good news shaping daily life in Waynesville. Engineering work is underway for three new crosswalks along Historic Route 66—at the courthouse, near the Roubidoux Bridge, and near Morgan Street—to advance a safer, more walkable downtown that supports local shops and everyday errands. We share updates from Fort Leonard Wood, where a new hospital opens to its first patients on April 7 after a March 31 ribbon-cutting—part of nearly $900 million invested in the region over the past decade. We also spotlight Laura Johnson, Miss Waynesville USA 2026, an Army veteran and suicide prevention advocate competing at Miss Missouri USA in May, and we recognize Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks for serving 520 Pulaski County families, including 66 from Waynesville.

If this update helps you or a neighbor, pass it on. Subscribe for future briefings, share the episode with your community, and leave a review to help more residents find clear, local information when it counts most.

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A community win deserves a bigger stage, and Waynesville just earned one. After an outpouring of votes and neighbor-to-neighbor support, we’re officially part of the Missouri Humanities Small Town Showcase, a statewide celebration of local stories tied to the U.S. 250 commemoration. We walk through what this recognition means, how a film and podcast team will capture the town’s voice, and why your story—whether it’s about Route 66 memories, neighborhood milestones, or quiet acts of service—belongs in the spotlight.

We also get practical. You can now use the Ward Finder to confirm your ward, find your council members, and reach the right person with questions or ideas. That simple step helps us plan better, set priorities with real input, and keep accountability close to home. If you’ve never contacted a representative before, this is the easiest on-ramp to local government and a direct line for shaping what comes next.

Looking ahead, the Route 66 Centennial takes center stage as volunteers rally around projects that honor the Mother Road’s legacy in our town. Whether you bring time, skills, or connections, there’s a role for you. And for neighbors who need it, we share details for the free tax center near the downtown square—hours, eligibility, and the phone number to book help. From storytelling to services, every piece points toward the same goal: a Waynesville that listens, includes, and moves forward together.

If this resonated, share it with a neighbor, subscribe for updates, and leave a quick review so more folks can find the show. Your voice keeps Waynesville’s story alive—what should we highlight next?

We share the story of Pumpkin Fest passing to new leadership, honor local award winners, and walk through key council decisions on sidewalks, utilities, and annexation. We preview the WAG kickoff, student design proposals, Halloween safety, and Veterans Day plans.

• Pumpkin Fest legacy and new facilitator
• Community awards for Joanne and Brooklyn
• Halloween hours and safety guidance
• Application deadline and City Hall contact
• Resolutions including airport board reappointment
• Annexation of Rocky Dale Road
• Utility rate changes effective 2026
• TAP grant phases for sidewalk improvements
• Rezoning request on Rocky Dale and Lyle Curtis did not pass
• WAG meeting launch for cultural heritage projects
• Missouri S&T student design concepts and briefings
• Veterans Day parade time and location

We will meet at the St. Robert Municipal Parking lot at 11 a.m., with the parade kicking off at around 11:30 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony

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We extend utility payment due dates to January 20 to relieve pressure from recurring mail delays and explain our plan to keep local mail local. We also invite residents to enroll in e‑billing, attend the Thursday council meeting, and note the MLK Day closure.

• new utility due date on 20 January with penalties starting 21 January
• recurring mail delays and impact on billing trust
• legislative push to keep local mail local
• e‑billing sign‑ups to reduce delivery risk
• redundancies for residents and city operations
• council meeting on Thursday at 5 pm
• City Hall closed on Monday, 19 January for MLK Day of Service

Sign up for e-billing. Call 573-774-5217 to get started.

We share the story of Pumpkin Fest passing to new leadership, honor local award winners, and walk through key council decisions on sidewalks, utilities, and annexation. We preview the WAG kickoff, student design proposals, Halloween safety, and Veterans Day plans.

• Pumpkin Fest legacy and new facilitator
• Community awards for Joanne and Brooklyn
• Halloween hours and safety guidance
• Application deadline and City Hall contact
• Resolutions including airport board reappointment
• Annexation of Rocky Dale Road
• Utility rate changes effective 2026
• TAP grant phases for sidewalk improvements
• Rezoning request on Rocky Dale and Lyle Curtis did not pass
• WAG meeting launch for cultural heritage projects
• Missouri S&T student design concepts and briefings
• Veterans Day parade time and location

We will meet at the St. Robert Municipal Parking lot at 11 a.m., with the parade kicking off at around 11:30 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony

Send us a text

We share a safety-first plan for Route 66 upgrades, a slate of centennial events, and a community history project built to welcome visitors while honoring local roots. We also outline committee schedules, a legacy business program, the Veterans Day Parade, and how to vote for the Small Town Showcase.

• Sidewalk installation and speed awareness along Route 66
• Committee week schedule across utilities, roads, public safety, HR and finance
• Route 66 centennial events including the Great Race and Big Bam
• Downtown upgrades with ADA crosswalks and improved lighting
• Waynesville Action Group’s newspaper to document 100+ years
• Invitation for every business to be featured in the history project
• Legacy business recognition for firms 50+ years strong
• Veterans Day Parade on 11 November at 11
• Small Town Showcase voting via app and website

Please go and vote. If you have the city app, the link should be on the city app. You can go to our city website and you can also vote there. Vote as much as you can.

We share the story of Pumpkin Fest passing to new leadership, honor local award winners, and walk through key council decisions on sidewalks, utilities, and annexation. We preview the WAG kickoff, student design proposals, Halloween safety, and Veterans Day plans.

• Pumpkin Fest legacy and new facilitator
• Community awards for Joanne and Brooklyn
• Halloween hours and safety guidance
• Application deadline and City Hall contact
• Resolutions including airport board reappointment
• Annexation of Rocky Dale Road
• Utility rate changes effective 2026
• TAP grant phases for sidewalk improvements
• Rezoning request on Rocky Dale and Lyle Curtis did not pass
• WAG meeting launch for cultural heritage projects
• Missouri S&T student design concepts and briefings
• Veterans Day parade time and location

We will meet at the St. Robert Municipal Parking lot at 11 a.m., with the parade kicking off at around 11:30 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony

Send us a text

A warm Christmas message from Mayor Sean Wilson shares gratitude for a year of celebration, service, and progress across Waynesville, St. Robert, Fort Leonard Wood, and Pulaski County. We reflect on festivals, honor veterans, highlight infrastructure and health milestones, and thank the people who quietly care for neighbors.

• highlights from parades, festivals, and Route 66 traditions
• pride in Fort Leonard Wood and honoring Master Sergeant Gene Blunt
• local growth through new businesses and the farmers’ market
• leadership development and community programs
• a rescued bald eagle as a symbol of stewardship
• sidewalks, infrastructure, and the new regional airport terminal
• anticipation for the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital opening
• holiday service efforts, Shop with a Cop, Toys for Tots, and Salvation Army support
• acknowledgement of loss, resilience, and regional unity
• closing Christmas blessing to all families

We share the story of Pumpkin Fest passing to new leadership, honor local award winners, and walk through key council decisions on sidewalks, utilities, and annexation. We preview the WAG kickoff, student design proposals, Halloween safety, and Veterans Day plans.

• Pumpkin Fest legacy and new facilitator
• Community awards for Joanne and Brooklyn
• Halloween hours and safety guidance
• Application deadline and City Hall contact
• Resolutions including airport board reappointment
• Annexation of Rocky Dale Road
• Utility rate changes effective 2026
• TAP grant phases for sidewalk improvements
• Rezoning request on Rocky Dale and Lyle Curtis did not pass
• WAG meeting launch for cultural heritage projects
• Missouri S&T student design concepts and briefings
• Veterans Day parade time and location

We will meet at the St. Robert Municipal Parking lot at 11 a.m., with the parade kicking off at around 11:30 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony

Send us a text

We share holiday highlights, offer thanks to volunteers, and lay out key dates that affect daily life, from City Hall hours to council filing and construction on Route 66. We also invite everyone to honor service at Wreaths Across America and explain how to stay connected while meetings pause.

• Thanks to volunteers and organizers of Christmas on the Square and the Annual Christmas parade.
• City Hall closure window for staff luncheon and same-day hours
• City Council candidate filing dates and where to file
• Route 66 sidewalk project timeline, traffic and safety notes
• Wreaths Across America details, shuttles and speed guidance
• December pause for meetings with January resumption
• how to stay updated via the city app and the mayor’s podcast

Download the city app to stay abreast of all changes according to our calendar in real time
Follow the City Podcast where I share more detailed updates without time restrictions

We share the story of Pumpkin Fest passing to new leadership, honor local award winners, and walk through key council decisions on sidewalks, utilities, and annexation. We preview the WAG kickoff, student design proposals, Halloween safety, and Veterans Day plans.

• Pumpkin Fest legacy and new facilitator
• Community awards for Joanne and Brooklyn
• Halloween hours and safety guidance
• Application deadline and City Hall contact
• Resolutions including airport board reappointment
• Annexation of Rocky Dale Road
• Utility rate changes effective 2026
• TAP grant phases for sidewalk improvements
• Rezoning request on Rocky Dale and Lyle Curtis did not pass
• WAG meeting launch for cultural heritage projects
• Missouri S&T student design concepts and briefings
• Veterans Day parade time and location

We will meet at the St. Robert Municipal Parking lot at 11 a.m., with the parade kicking off at around 11:30 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony

Send us a text

We share student-driven ideas to improve mobility and quality of life, highlight Pink Friday to support local shops, and outline steps to fix utility bill delays. We launch the Waynesville Action Group to preserve our story while planning smarter for the future.

• Missouri S&T partnership and community design proposals
• Walking bridge, mountain bike trail, safer school access
• Public displays of student projects at City Hall and online
• Council meeting details and open invitation to attend
• Pink Friday shopping and participating local businesses
• Utility billing delays, new deadline, e-billing sign-up
• City Hall dropbox usage and staff support
• Waynesville Action Group meeting and heritage goals
• Thanksgiving closures and upcoming resource roundup

Please send an email to mayor@waynesvillemo.org with the "Waynesville Action Group" in the subject line.

We share the story of Pumpkin Fest passing to new leadership, honor local award winners, and walk through key council decisions on sidewalks, utilities, and annexation. We preview the WAG kickoff, student design proposals, Halloween safety, and Veterans Day plans.

• Pumpkin Fest legacy and new facilitator
• Community awards for Joanne and Brooklyn
• Halloween hours and safety guidance
• Application deadline and City Hall contact
• Resolutions including airport board reappointment
• Annexation of Rocky Dale Road
• Utility rate changes effective 2026
• TAP grant phases for sidewalk improvements
• Rezoning request on Rocky Dale and Lyle Curtis did not pass
• WAG meeting launch for cultural heritage projects
• Missouri S&T student design concepts and briefings
• Veterans Day parade time and location

We will meet at the St. Robert Municipal Parking lot at 11 a.m., with the parade kicking off at around 11:30 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony

Send us a text

We share the story of Pumpkin Fest passing to new leadership, honor local award winners, and walk through key council decisions on sidewalks, utilities, and annexation. We preview the WAG kickoff, student design proposals, Halloween safety, and Veterans Day plans.

• Pumpkin Fest legacy and new facilitator
• Community awards for Joanne and Brooklyn
• Halloween hours and safety guidance
• Application deadline and City Hall contact
• Resolutions including airport board reappointment
• Annexation of Rocky Dale Road
• Utility rate changes effective 2026
• TAP grant phases for sidewalk improvements
• Rezoning request on Rocky Dale and Lyle Curtis not passed
• WAG meeting launch for cultural heritage projects
• Missouri S&T student design concepts and briefings
• Veterans Day parade time and location

We will meet at the St. Robert Municipal Parking lot at 11 a.m., with the parade kicking off at around 11:30 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony

We share the story of Pumpkin Fest passing to new leadership, honor local award winners, and walk through key council decisions on sidewalks, utilities, and annexation. We preview the WAG kickoff, student design proposals, Halloween safety, and Veterans Day plans.

• Pumpkin Fest legacy and new facilitator
• Community awards for Joanne and Brooklyn
• Halloween hours and safety guidance
• Application deadline and City Hall contact
• Resolutions including airport board reappointment
• Annexation of Rocky Dale Road
• Utility rate changes effective 2026
• TAP grant phases for sidewalk improvements
• Rezoning request on Rocky Dale and Lyle Curtis did not pass
• WAG meeting launch for cultural heritage projects
• Missouri S&T student design concepts and briefings
• Veterans Day parade time and location

We will meet at the St. Robert Municipal Parking lot at 11 a.m., with the parade kicking off at around 11:30 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony