The City of Cassville, Missouri USA

Hennigan Appointed to Fill North Ward Alderman’s Seat

2012-01-18T15:01:00.001-06:00

Mayor Bill Hill appointed Ann Hennigan to fill the North Ward Alderman’s seat during the Cassville City Council meeting on Monday, January 17, 2012. The alderman’s seat was vacated when Hill was appointed Mayor in December, 2011, following the resignation of former Mayor Tracy Holle. Holle and her husband plan to move from the area.

“I gave this appointment careful thought and consideration. I have learned that serving as alderman is a privilege and big responsibility,” stated Hill. “Ann is the right choice for the City and will be a positive voice for the north ward’s residents. I am looking forward to working with Ann to move Cassville forward.”

Notice of Bid for Mowing Services

2012-01-06T13:11:00.001-06:00

The City of Cassville is now accepting sealed bids for mowing services until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 27, 2012 for the 2012 mowing and weed-eating season (March 15 thru October 15).

The bid will include Cassville’s City Hall grounds and all of Cassville City Parks including the Aquatic Park (including inside the fenced area around the pool), the greenway trail, ball fields, Wastewater Treatment Plant, Cassville Municipal Airport, which includes the area around the hangars, F.B.O. building, along the runway, at each end of the runway, two wind sock areas and the city water well sites 1A, 1C, 2 and 3. In addition to this bid the city would like a separate bid for the City’s Industrial park area, approximately 14 acres.

Mowing frequency will be dictated by grass height limitations specified in the contract document. A copy of the mowing specifications can be obtained at City Hall from the Public Works Director.

All bidders are required to submit an inventory of the lawn care equipment they currently own. The year/model and size of each piece of equipment must be included.

Proof of liability insurance of $1,000,000 is required to be submitted with the bids.

The bid is a three year contract with the city, to be reviewed annually.

Please submit bid to: Public Works Director, City of Cassville, 300 Main Street, Cassville, MO 65625.

For detailed information contact Cassville’s Public Works Director Steve Walensky at (417) 847-4441 ext 16. The City of Cassville reserves the right to refuse any or all bids.

Posted 1/6/12 at 8:30 am, Noelle Harmon, Deputy City Clerk

Hill Appointed Mayor

2011-12-28T14:06:00.001-06:00

Bill Hill, former north ward alderman, was unanimously appointed by Cassville’s Board of Aldermen on December 27, 2011, to fulfill the unexpired term of Mayor Tracy K. Holle. Holle resigned as mayor on December 19, 2011. Holle and her husband are relocating out of the Cassville area and she will be unable to fulfill her duties as mayor.

“I am honored and humbled to be asked to serve as Cassville’s Mayor for the next 15 months,” Hill said. “Cassville has a proactive Council with a professional and capable city staff. I look forward to working with them and the citizens of Cassville to move our city forward.”

Mayor Hill was serving his second term as an Alderman from the north ward. Hill had retired as a local business owner, but soon found he missed daily involvement with people in the community when he ran for the alderman’s seat in 2009. He is currently a realtor with Four Seasons Realty in Cassville and a car enthusiast actively involved in Cassville Cruisers Car Club, cruise ins, and car shows in the area. Hill and his wife, Lea, have lived in Cassville for 33 years.

Notice of Bid for Tree Removal

2011-12-27T10:53:00.001-06:00

The City of Cassville will be accepting bids until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2012, for the removal of standing trees located on city property at 9773 Farm Road 2160 (next to the Cassville Airport). The City desires to have the entire tree removed including logs, tops and stumps and the grounds leveled for mowing. However, bids will be accepted for all or any of the following:

1. Removal of lumber quality logs. Bidder shall provide a lump sum bid for the estimated value of the logs.

2. Removal of the tree tops. Bidder shall provide a bid for the estimated value of firewood available.

3. Removal of tree stumps and ground leveling. Bidder shall submit a bid that includes excavation, hauling and ground leveling.

Bidders shall comply with all state and city laws, regulations, ordinances and safety rules governing tree removal. Bidders shall submit their certificate of liability insurance coverage. Start and completion dates will be negotiated with the City’s Public Works Director. Questions regarding the scope of services in the bid solicitation may be answered by calling 417-847-4441 ext. 16. Please submit bid to: Public Works Director, City of Cassville 300 Main Street Cassville, MO 65625. Posted on December 22, 2011.

Noelle Harmon, Deputy City Clerk

Mayor Holle Resigns - Mayor Pro Tem Bill Hill to Preside During Interim

2011-12-20T09:48:00.000-06:00

At the conclusion of the City Council meeting Monday, December 19, 2011, Tracy Holle resigned as Mayor of Cassville. Holle’s husband has accepted a position away from the City and both are relocating away from the Cassville area. Mayor Pro Tem Bill Hill will be presiding for the interim.

Casey’s General Store is Returning to Cassville After 12 Years

2011-08-30T14:54:00.002-06:00

18-25 New Jobs Will Come to the City

Mayor Tracy K. Holle and the City’s Economic Development Office have announced Casey’s General Store’s return to Cassville in the next months and the creation of 18-25 new jobs. The City Council voted unanimously in a special session Monday night, August 29, 2011, to approve the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation to accept Casey’s site and building plans.

“We are excited to welcome Casey’s back to Cassville,” stated Mayor Tracy K. Holle. “The city’s Economic Development Office and Casey’s have worked for over three years toward this announcement. They worked together to locate a property that would fit Casey’s needs and be acceptable to neighboring property owners and businesses. This is important economically to Cassville and the City’s Master Plan for development along the Main Street corridor.”

Casey’s plans to break ground on a new store site west of Flat Creek X-Press Lube on Main Street/Highway 37 later this fall. The convenience store chain had a previous facility in Cassville, but left in 1999.

Jeff Medows with CM Archer Group, an engineering and surveying firm from St. James, MO, was present at Monday’s council session to represent Casey’s. Medows confirmed that the new Casey’s building will reflect the company’s new look. He added that Casey’s Des Moines, IA management asked him to express how pleased Casey’s is to be back in Cassville.

“We’ve had several Casey’s executives express a desire to come back to Cassville over the years, but they were having difficulty finding the right site,” added Holle. “Our economic development team has been persistent in staying in front of Casey’s until the right property was found.”

Founded in 1959, Casey’s has a chain of convenience stores offering a broad range of food, non-food items and self-serve gasoline. It is estimated the Cassville Casey’s will have nine gas pumps.

As of June, 2011, Casey’s had over 1,600 stores, primarily in the Midwest, with approximately 300 in Missouri. Casey’s success has been attributed to its clean stores, restrooms and the friendly employees who pride themselves in customer service. Casey’s website provides information on their ‘Homemade To Go Menu,’ featuring baked goods and meats for breakfast and made-from-scratch pizza, chicken tenders, appetizers and a wide variety of sandwiches for lunch.

For more information on Casey’s, visit www.caseys.com

Water Utility New Service Deposits and Delinquent Pay Periods and Fees are Amended

2011-08-18T08:34:00.001-06:00

Scofflaws Will Have to Pay Their Fair Share on Time

Cassville’s City Council has amended the municipal code pertaining to City water utility services. The revised codes apply to customers making deposits for new service and any customer with a delinquent account starting September 1, 2011. Existing customers in good standing will not be affected by the amended code.

Changes in the ordinance were needed because of $16,000 in delinquent accounts. It is not fair to the conscientious, law-abiding water customers for a few to play the system to avoid paying their water bills.

Ordinance number 1676 passed on Monday, August 15, 2011, amends the Cassville Municipal Code:

● Water Account Deposits: For each newly established account, a deposit will be charged according to the following schedule:

-- $100 for residential (owner-occupied) account

-- $100 for business account (usage less than 10,000 gallons per month)

-- $50 for landlord account

-- $150 for residential (rental) account

-- Commercial/industrial account (usage over 10,000 gallons per month) – deposit equal to estimated average monthly usage for industry

The City may require a water account deposit of $200 on residential (owner-occupied) and business accounts; $100 on landlord accounts; and $300 on residential (rental) accounts for any user that has left an unpaid past due account or who has previously had a bad payment history for utilities with the City of Cassville. Bad payment history includes late payments, returned checks or shutoffs within twelve consecutive months. In the case where a tenant has a delinquent bill, the landlord will be notified of the delinquency.

● Delinquent Payments & Shut Offs: The previous 10% penalty for non-payment is changed to a flat $25 fee. If a utility bill is not paid by the last working day of the month, disconnects begin on the first working day of the following month. The customer will be required to set up a new account and pay the new deposit. Fees would be doubled for those leaving unpaid past due accounts or a bad payment history for Cassville City utilities.

● Delinquent Bill Payment Period: The ordinance shortens the period of time that customers have to pay their delinquent bills by thirty (30) days.

Cassville 2010 Annual Water Quality Report

2011-07-18T08:46:00.003-06:00

Consumer Confidence Report

This report summary is intended to provide you with important information about your drinking water and the efforts made to provide safe drinking water. Full Report is available at City Hall.

What is the source of my water?

Our water comes from local wells. The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and groundwater wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.

Source Water Assessment:

The Department of Natural Resources conducted a source water assessment to determine the susceptibility of our water source to potential contaminants. This process involved the establishment of source water area delineations for each well or surface water intake and then a contaminant inventory was performed within those delineated areas to assess potential threats to each source. Assessment maps and summary information sheets are available on the internet at http://maproom.missouri.edu/swipmaps/pwssid.htm. To access the maps for your water system you will need the State-assigned identification code, which is printed at the top of this report. The Source Water Inventory Project maps and information sheets provide a foundation upon which a more comprehensive source water protection plan can be developed.

Why are there contaminants in my water?

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Contaminants that may be present in source water include:

A. Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.

B. Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial, or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.

C. Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.

D. Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.

E. Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Department of Natural Resources prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Department of Health regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.

Is our water system meeting other rules that govern our operations?

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources regulates our water system and requires us to test our water on a regular basis to ensure its safety. Our system has been assigned the identification number MO5010144 for the purposes of tracking our test results. Last year, we tested for a variety of contaminants. The detectable results of these tests are on the following pages of this report. Any violations of state requirements or standards will be further explained later in this report.

How might I become actively involved?

If you would like to observe the decision-making process that affect drinking water quality or if you have any further questions about your drinking water report, please call us at 417-847-4441 to inquire about scheduled meetings or contact persons.

Do I need to take any special precautions?

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Special Lead and Copper Notice:

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. CASSVILLE is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) or at http://water.epa.gov/drink/info/lead/index.cfm.

Violations and Health Effects Information

No Violations Occurred in the Calendar Year of 2010. Full Report is available at City Hall.

New Deputy City Clerk Has Extensive Government Experience

2011-06-24T09:30:00.001-06:00

The City of Cassville has hired Noelle Harmon as Cassville’s new Deputy City Clerk. Harmon brings over nine years experience in southwest Missouri Government - including tenures on City Council, as Mayor and as a Finance and Economic Development Director.

“We are thrilled to have someone of Noelle’s caliber join the City staff,” said City Administrator Eugene Dilbeck. “She has a wide set of skills, knowledge and experiences that will benefit Cassville. Everyone has been quite impressed with Noelle’s customer service and communications abilities as well as her professionalism.”

Harmon’s responsibilities will include maintaining all records and proceedings of Cassville’s Board of Aldermen; properly keeping all records and papers belonging to the City in accordance with State laws and City ordinances; managing the City’s human resource recruitment, training and records; and learning to act as the general accountant of the city.

“I have been impressed with the team at City Hall that the Mayor, Council and City Administrator have assembled,” said Harmon. “I am excited to work with this great group and will use my experiences to help the growth and progress in Cassville and provide top-notch, quality service to its citizens.”

In addition to working in the private and non-profit sectors, Harmon has held the following city government positions:

° Finance Director, Aurora (2009-2010)

° Economic Development Director, Aurora – (2008-2010)

° City Councilor, Aurora (2003 – 2008)

° Mayor, Aurora (2004 – 2006)

° Member, Aurora Planning and Zoning Commission (2004-2006)

° Executive Assistant to Finance Director, City of Eugene, OR (1992-1995)

° Administrative Aide, Budget Office, Eugene, OR (1990 – 1992)

Citizens Need to Have Many Severe Weather Notifications in Place

2011-06-24T08:58:00.004-06:00

In light of the recent, massive disaster in Joplin, Cassville’s city and law enforcement officials are encouraging citizens to have multiple ways to receive severe weather notifications.

“Joplin’s disaster has reminded us that any one emergency notification system has the potential to fail or not work as expected in an emergency,” said Cassville Police Chief Dana Kammerlohr. “Sometimes you may not hear the emergency sirens, or your satellite or cable television may go out, or a weather radio doesn’t receive or send an alert.”

It is important for families to be familiar with a variety of notification systems and to use as many as possible when severe weather threatens. Do not rely solely on any one system.

· Environment: Be aware of and heed threatening weather conditions every day.

· Sirens: Know how close your residence or work location is to a siren. Learn when the siren is tested and how easy or difficult it is to hear the siren.

· Weather Radios: Have at least one weather radio and make sure it is programmed to the proper local setting. Have extra batteries for all radios – regular and weather – in case electricity is lost.

· Television and Radio: Closely monitor all local broadcast weather alerts and warnings. Many television stations will send free email or cell phone notifications.

· Cell Phones: Sign up for free severe weather notification applications for phones with data plans or text availability.

· Internet: Bookmark and know how to navigate national weather websites. Sign up for free email alerts.

“Mostly, we want people to to be aware of the weather and have many ways to determine if there is danger in their area,” said Kammerlohr. “Everyone needs to have a plan in place as to where they will go in case of a tornado or other emergency in their area. Always be prepared for any type of disaster situation.”

The following emergency and government websites offer additional emergency preparedness information:

• American Red Cross: www.redcross.org

• Federal Emergency Management Administration: www.fema.gov/plan

• Missouri Emergency Management: www.sema.dps.mo.gov

• National Weather Service: www.weather.gov/om/severeweather

Barry County Receives Enhanced Enterprise Zone Designation

2011-06-14T13:57:00.002-06:00

The Barry County Commission and Enhanced Enterprise Zone (EEZ) Board received notification from David Kerr, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, that the Barry County EEZ application has been approved.

“This concludes a year-long process and is very important to the economic development of Barry County,” said Barry County Presiding Commissioner, Cherry Warren. “The County Commission wants to acknowledge the hard work of Bill Easley and the EEZ Board in creating a very workable structure and application. The mayors and city councils of the seven cities levying taxes in the county also were immensely helpful in getting this application through.”

The purpose of a Missouri EEZ is to enable a designated area to provide tax credits to new or expanding businesses. EEZs are specific geographic areas designated by local governments and certified by the Department of Economic Development (DED). Zone designation is based on certain demographic conditions, the potential to create sustainable jobs in a targeted industry and a demonstrated impact on local industry cluster development.

Currently, there are 104 EEZ designations in the state of Missouri. The Barry County EEZ encompasses all of Barry County except areas covered by the City of Monett and the Monett School District. The Commission also passed a resolution directing that the Jenkins Fire District be exempted from EEZ consideration, at the request of the fire district.

“The EEZ Board worked very well together to determine the industries and abatement levels for the district,” said EEZ Chairman, Bill Easley. “This will help make Barry County more competitive in securing new employers and jobs. One of the next steps will be to educate existing businesses in Barry County so they can take advantage of the tax credits available through this program.”

The seven member board members are: Richard Asbill, Superintendent of the Cassville School District, representing the county’s school districts; Dennis Baker, Barry County Health Department Vice Chairman, representing special taxing districts; Mike Bennett, representing the Purdy Community; Steve Decocq, representing the Wheaton Community; Bill Easley, representing the Cassville Community; Mark Shumaker, representing the Golden community; and Bob Stewart, representing the Shell Knob community.

The mayors and city councils in Barry County taxing cities that supported the application with resolutions were Butterfield, Cassville, Exeter, Purdy, Seligman, Washburn and Wheaton.

For detailed information on Missouri’s Enhanced Enterprise Zone program, go to www.missouridevelopment.org/Business Solutions/Financial and Incentive Programs/Tax Incentives/Enhanced Enterprise Zone.html

Know City and State Regulations for Burning to Insure Safety and Compliance

2011-04-04T14:02:00.003-06:00

As spring cleanup around the city begins, Cassville residents can benefit from knowing City and State regulations before starting any open burning.

Yard and household waste burning is allowed in Cassville as long as government regulations listed below are followed - such as not burning in public rights-of-way, endangering other properties, or burning substances that create odors or could explode.

It is important to note that residents can only burn on days without a burn ban. In an emergency or to report a fire, always dial 911. To determine burning conditions and fire risks, information can be found at: -- Cassville Fire Protection District, 417- 846-4005; -- U.S. Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, website www.fs.usda.gov/mtnf; and -- Fire Danger Board located on the north side of the Highway 112 and 76 intersection, near the Greenway Trail at the Flat Creek Bridge.

City of Cassville Codes on Burning
There are four City codes relating to burning:
Section 215.380: Reckless Burning or Exploding - A person commits the offense of reckless burning or exploding when he/she knowingly starts a fire or causes an explosion and thereby recklessly damages or destroys a building or an inhabitable structure of another.
Section 215.390: Negligent Burning or Exploding - A person commits the offense of negligent burning or exploding when he/she with criminal negligence causes damage to property of another by fire or explosion.
Section 215.630: Burning in the Public Rights-of –Way – Prohibited It shall be unlawful for any person to burn any item in the public right of ways in the City of Cassville. Violation of this Section shall be a misdemeanor. (Ord. No. 1139 §§1─2, 12-13-93)
Section 220.040: Enumerated .7. The burning within the City limits of any animal, vegetable, or other substance, the burning of which, creates or generates any disagreeable, noxious or unwholesome smell or odor.

State of Missouri Open Burning Regulations
The State of Missouri details “Facts on Open Burning Under Missouri Regulations” at www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub2047.pdf. Valuable information and guidance for open burning under state law is provided. Following is general information describing burning of household or yard waste. Additional sections on the website can be found on Open Burning for Fire Training Purposes; Agricultural, Natural Resource or Land Management Operations; in Land Clearing Operations; at Wood Processing Facilities and Required Open Burning Permits.
Open Burning of Household Refuse: Missouri allows open burning of household refuse from four dwelling units or less provided it originates and is burned on the same premises. This exemption does not apply to mobile home parks or apartment complexes. Residential waste is solid waste produced by routine household activities, such as paper waste and garbage from daily activities. This does not include home remodeling wastes, wastes from home businesses, durable goods such as old appliances, carpets or furniture, tires or other nonroutine household waste. Materials such as tires or used oil may not be used to start the fires or be burned in the fires.
Open Burning of Yard Wastes: Missouri allows open burning of yard wastes from sites provided it originates and is burned on the same premises. Materials such as tires or used oil may not be used to start the fires or be burned in the fires. Yard waste includes trees, tree leaves, brush or other vegetation.

For information on city burning codes, please call 417-847-4441 or go to www.cassvillemo.net.

City of Cassville Escalating Control of Nuisance and Vicious Dogs

2011-03-28T11:00:00.003-06:00

Assistance Requested to Identify Packs and Unsafe Situations An increase in complaints and concern for public safety have led the City to take an aggressive attitude toward unidentified or nuisance dogs and dog packs running loose in the Cassville city limits. The City would like to remind residents that Cassville city ordinances prohibit pet owners from owning vicious animals in the city limits or any animal that creates a nuisance. The City requests assistance from citizens in controlling their animal’s conduct and movement in order to avoid conflict with other residents, neighbors and pedestrians. “We always make a best effort to notify an owner the first time we encounter an unidentified or problem dog,” said Police Chief Dana Kammerlohr. “A warning is issued the first time we encounter a nuisance animal, if we can locate the owner. If there is a second complaint, we impound the dog. It is important to note that the City only has the capacity to impound five animals at a time.” A pet owner has five business days to claim an animal after impoundment, and pay impoundment fees. Animal owners are reminded that their dogs must have a collar with the owner’s name and address and a current rabies vaccination tag from a veterinarian. To review the City ordinances regarding owner responsibility for maintaining animals in a Cassville residence, pet owners are encouraged to go to the City’s website at www.CassvilleMo.com. At the bottom of the right column, click on: Title II. Public Health, Safety and Welfare, and continue to Chapter 210 – Animals. “We strongly encourage pet owners to be responsible to both their animals and the community,” added Kammerlohr. The enforcement of the City’s animal ordinances is to protect the public health, safety and welfare and the cooperation of pet owners is appreciated. To report animal concerns, call Barry County Dispatch at 417-847-4911.

Cassville Accepted into Missouri Main Street Connection

2010-12-07T11:01:00.002-06:00

$23,000 Matching Grant Will Jump-Start Revitalization Training
For the second time in 2010, Cassville’s downtown district has applied for and been accepted into a downtown revitalization program and network of support. Downtown Cassville Partnership (DCP) President Carolyn Bishop was notified Tuesday, November 30, that Cassville had been accepted into the Missouri Main Street Connection (MMSC).

Cassville is one of the communities qualifying for a first-time $23,000 matching grant from MMSC for revitalization training and mentoring. MMSC is the state’s designated program through the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which assists states and more than 1900 communities in the revitalization and preservation of business districts.

“Mayor Tracy Holle and I travelled to Jefferson City in September to learn about this program,” said DCP President Carolyn Bishop. “The DCP then voted to pursue this designation to compliment the Missouri DREAM initiative. They are separate, but complimentary programs. We worked with the City’s Economic Development Office this fall to finalize and submit an application to be accepted into the MMSC.”

The MMSC helps communities throughout Missouri to enhance the economic, social, cultural and environmental well being of historic downtown business districts, using a full range of services and assistance to meet the needs of communities interested in revitalization.
“In the 2009 Citizen Opinion Survey for the Master Plan for Economic Growth and Development, Cassville’s citizens were quite clear in supporting initiatives for improving and beautifying the downtown district to reflect and enhance the City’s historic past,” said Mayor Holle. “Over 31% of our citizens responded to the survey and we are honoring their desires by encouraging downtown development.”

The MMSC uses the successful Main Street™ methodology developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as its foundation for success. This approach emphasizes four critical areas of revitalization:
-- Organization helps everyone work towards the same goals and maximizes involvement of public and private leaders within the community;
-- Promotion brings people downtown by helping to attract visitors, shoppers, and investors;
-- Design enhances a district‘s appearance and pedestrian amenities while preserving its historic features; and
-- Economic Restructuring stimulates business development and helps strengthen the district‘s economic base.

Services are offered through a tiered system to the members of MMSC. Tier designation is determined annually by application and contract with the Missouri Main Street Connection Program.

Cassville joins over 100 Missouri communities currently in the first tier – the Aspiring Communities. The second tier, Affiliate Communities, includes Ash Grove, Fredericktown, Glasgow, Raytown, Saint Genevieve, and Sedalia. Communities that have achieved the next to highest tier, Associate Communities, are Clinton, Liberty, Sikeston and Warrensburg. The highest designation, Accredited Communities, has been granted to Cape Girardeau, Chillicothe, Lee's Summit and Washington.

Cassville Property Owners Must Post Address Numbers

2010-08-18T13:32:00.000-06:00

Confusion Finding a Building Can Mean Life or Death

Cassville property owners are reminded they must post visible address numbers on their structures to ensure emergency responders can locate them.

“When a citizen calls for an emergency response – for fire, health, safety or utility – time is of the essence,” said Mayor Tracy Holle. “Our first responders, officers and public workers often waste valuable time searching for a house or building number. Being able to find a location quickly can literally mean life or death to the person having the emergency.”

Barry County’s 911 service and Cassville’s city ordinances require numbers on all houses and businesses. Property owners are being given a grace period until November 1, 2010, to post numbers before compliance letters are sent out. The kinds of required numbers are readily available at local building and hardware stores.
Building and house numbers must be:
• A minimum of 3” high
• In contrast to background of structure (a white building can’t have white numbers)
• Reflective to enhance night visibility
• Visible from the street in front of the building

City Hall Extends Hours to Remain Open Over Lunch

2010-05-28T09:23:00.001-06:00

Customers Can Pay Water Bills and Court Costs
Between Noon and 1:00 pm

The City Hall’s front office will be open continually from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, including over the lunch hour starting June 1, 2010. In an effort to be more responsive to customers, City Staff will be available over the lunch hour for payments of water bills and court costs. The City recently made it easier for water customers to have bills deducted from their bank accounts directly.

“Cassville’s citizens are busy and need a variety of ways to accommodate paying utility bills and court costs. Staying open over lunch will make it easier for our citizens to get to City Hall to make payments without disrupting their work day,” said Mayor Tracy Holle.

For questions about the extended service, call 417-847-4441, ext. 10.

City Initiates Electronic Water Bill Payment Service

2010-05-10T13:48:00.002-06:00

Residents Can Have Bills Deducted from Banking Accounts

The City of Cassville is starting a program to make paying water bills more convenient for its customers. Residents can now sign up at City Hall to have monthly water bills deducted monthly from their bank checking account via ACH Debit payments.

“The City Council and City staff saw an opportunity to make paying for water service easier and more customer friendly,” said Mayor Tracy Holle. “Once a Cassville resident has signed up for this service, they will never pay a late fee to the City or worry about a check not arriving at City Hall.”

Participants will continue to receive a monthly statement from the City confirming the amount being deducted from the bank account.

Residents wishing to sign up for the ACH debit payment of their monthly water bill can sign up at City Hall Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

For information, call 4170847-4441., ext. 10

Make Family Storm Emergency Plans Now

2010-03-15T07:46:00.003-06:00

Severe Weather Season Approaches

When temperatures warm in Cassville and Barry County, it is time to turn attention to severe storm family plans. It is important that every family and individual have a severe storm emergency plan and rehearse it periodically.

Cassville-area residents are urged to identify appropriate areas of refuge both at home and at work. Family members should know where each member plans to be when a weather alert or warning is issued for the area.

Possible areas of refuge to consider:
• Home: If appropriate, consider basements, interior hallways, closets and bathrooms without windows
• Neighbors: Talk to neighbors ahead of time about using their basements as refuge.
• Churches: Talk to your church to determine if members may use areas for refuge during severe storms

Many people show up at facilities that cannot accommodate them and are unhappy when turned away. Typically, schools and hospitals are not prepared for storm refuge. Please do not attempt to find refuge at Cassville-area hospitals or schools.

“We encourage everyone to seriously think through a plan and make arrangements prior to when a storm appears,” said Cassville Emergency Director / Police Chief Dana Kammerlohr. “No one can be overly prepared for severe weather.”

Chief Kammerlohr recommends all families prepare a safety kit to carry during an emergency. Keep supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.

Some items to include are:
• Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation,
2-week supply for home)
• Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Flashlight
• Radio: battery-powered or hand-crank(NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit, medications (7-day supply) and medical items

For additional items to include in a kit, please refer to the websites below. These emergency and government websites offer valuable information:
• American Red Cross: www.redcross.org
• Federal Emergency Management Administration: www.fema.gov/plan
• Missouri Emergency Management: www.sema.dps.mo.gov
• National Weather Service: www.weather.gov/om/severeweather

Call Police Before Responding to Letters Awarding Money

2010-02-02T11:47:00.004-06:00

It is Dangerous to Respond to Scam Artists

The Cassville Police Department has received numerous reports of persons getting letters in the mail announcing they have won large sums of money. The letters request the ‘award winner’ call a telephone number.

There are two dangers to be aware of:
-- Calling the telephone number listed can lead to serious identity problems. The telephone number is to a foreign country and the scammer then has the caller’s identifying name and telephone number. Call the Cassville police and let them call the number to confirm it is legitimate. Scammers won’t return a call from a police department.
--The scam requests a check or money order be sent to cover postage and handling. The letters are bogus and there is no money award.

“We have seen too many individuals lose money in these types of scams,” said Cassville Police Detective Danny Boyd. “These are ongoing scams that look official, but are only ways to separate you from your money.”

Please report any letters requesting money to Detective Boyd at 847-4700, ext. 21.

Cassville's Master Plan for Growth & Development

2009-07-14T06:44:00.011-06:00

The website that features the information of our Community Master Plan Process is complete. You may use this convenient link Cassville's Master Plan for Growth & Development to view our progress, up coming meetings, documents, contact information and all other aspects relating to our Communities Master Plan Process.

Cassville: Living the good life

2007-04-17T10:12:00.000-06:00

The following article appeared in the Springfield News-Leader, 5 July 2004.

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The jobs are as plentiful as trout in the laid-back small town.
By Kathleen O'Dell
News-Leader

Cassville — Long before roosters stir on the farms surrounding Cassville, 63-year-old Mal "Sometime" Hudson is strutting about his one-chair barbershop on the town square, crowing about old friends, good fishing and the passage of time. And it's not even 4:30 a.m.

Locals learned years ago if you want a $9 haircut at Mal's, you get there between 5 and 8:30 a.m. Monday and Tuesday, and sometimes on Wednesday — unless the fish are biting on Roaring River or he's having breakfast with his buddies at Rex's cafe. He never moves the cardboard "Closed" sign in the window, and he doesn't post his hours.

"I open when I damn well want to," he says with a giggle.

Hudson nods toward the predawn darkness beyond his storefront, where he knows the landscape hours before it's visible: the Commerce Bank, Mayor Jim Craig's Radio Shack/Western Auto store, Paradise Donuts, Willis Insurance Co., two pharmacies, two more barbers, several lawyers, offices, shops and, in the center, the Barry County Courthouse.

"I've looked out that window for 44 years," Hudson says. "It's kind of been my picture on the world — my television set. I've seen good-looking women grow old in 44 years."

Hudson gladly shares the view and the lore that he knows to be Cassville: a place that values trout fishing at least as much as a hard day's work and church on Sunday.

Click HERE for more.

KSMU "A Sense of Place" Interview Cassville, MO

2007-01-31T13:50:00.001-06:00

KSMU, Springfield, interviewed our current Mayor, Jim Craig, Senator Emory Melton, Susie Jacobs, and Merle Rogers in this report from June 18th, 2003.

Click HERE to listen!

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