City of West Plains

06/22/2026

The City of West Plains mourns the passing of former Mayor Jack Pahlmann and extends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

Mayor Pahlmann dedicated 21 years of service to West Plains, serving on the city council from 2000 to 2012 and as mayor from August 2012 until his retirement in April 2021. He helped guide the community through some of its most difficult moments, including the 2017 flooding event and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among city employees, Mayor Pahlmann was known for his unwavering support, collaborative leadership and generous spirit. His daily visits around city hall were often accompanied by a joke or a one-liner, and his legendary sense of humor brought smiles to countless employees over the years. Beyond city hall, he was deeply committed to West Plains through his support of local civic organizations and his steadfast dedication to honoring and serving the area's veterans.

Mayor Pahlmann's legacy of service and dedication to the people of West Plains will not be forgotten. He will be deeply missed.

Mayor Pahlmann's commitment to the community continues through his family. His son-in-law, Ron Grennan, currently serves on the West Plains City Council.

06/19/2026

REMINDER: All City of West Plains buildings will be closed today, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. Regular business hours will resume Monday, June 22.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when news of emancipation finally reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. The day marks the end of slavery in the United States and serves as a time to reflect on our nation's history and celebrate freedom, equality and the ongoing pursuit of opportunity for all.

Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 and is observed each year across the country.

We wish everyone a safe and meaningful Juneteenth.

06/17/2026

06/17/2026

Road Closure Notice – Juneteenth Event at Lincoln School

Please be advised that Washington Avenue, from Abe Taylor Drive to Pony Thomas Street, and Pony Thomas Street, from Washington Avenue to Jackson Street, will be closed to traffic beginning Friday, June 19, through Saturday, June 20 for a Juneteenth celebration at Lincoln School.

Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes and use caution when traveling in the area. Those attending the event should be prepared for increased traffic and larger crowds.

The affected streets are expected to reopen on Sunday, June 21.

We appreciate your patience and hope everyone enjoys a safe and meaningful Juneteenth celebration.

06/15/2026

Touch the Truck returns to People's Park!

The City of West Plains invites the community to Touch the Truck on Wednesday, July 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at People's Park.

This free, family-friendly event is a great opportunity for kids (and adults) to get an up-close look at the vehicles and equipment that help keep our city running. A variety of vehicles will be on display, including:

• Trash trucks
• Bucket trucks
• Dump trucks
• Police vehicles
• Fire engines
• And more

Come explore the trucks, meet the crews and enjoy an afternoon of hands-on fun. No registration is required, and all ages are welcome.

FREE POOL PASSES

All children ages 12-and-under will receive a free pass to the West Plains Aquatic Center. Passes may be used the same day or anytime during the remaining 2026 swim season. After checking out the trucks, head over to the Aquatic Center and keep the fun going with a swim!

New Location Within People's Park

Touch the Truck is still being held at People's Park, but the location within the park has changed this year. Due to ongoing construction near the Aquatic Center, the event will be held in the parking lot at the corner of Broadway and Halstead.

We hope to see you there!

06/12/2026

Demolition begins, new recreation amenities planned for People's Park

WEST PLAINS, Mo. — Construction is underway on a series of new recreational amenities designed to enhance People's Park (1136 W. Broadway Street) and expand outdoor recreation opportunities for residents.

Demolition began today in the parking lot located adjacent to the Aquatic Center, between the existing basketball court and pickleball courts. The project marks the first phase of improvements that will transform the area into a new outdoor recreation space for the community.

Once completed, the project will feature a new outdoor fitness area, two additional pickleball courts and a covered picnic area complete with a shade structure and new tables. The improvements are part of the City of West Plains' ongoing commitment to investing in parks, recreation and quality-of-life amenities for residents of all ages.

The project is one of three major park enhancement initiatives scheduled for completion in 2026.

“These improvements will create additional opportunities for recreation, fitness and community gathering while continuing to enhance one of the city’s most popular destinations,” said West Plains Parks and Recreation Manager Mike Davis.

Construction is expected to continue throughout the coming months. Officials emphasize that the project will not impact Aquatic Center operations, and the facility will remain open during its normal hours throughout construction.

Residents with questions about the project are encouraged to contact the West Plains Parks and Recreation Department at (417) 256-7304.

06/12/2026

City Offices Closed for Juneteenth

City Hall and all City of West Plains buildings will be closed Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.

Due to the holiday, Friday's residential trash routes will be collected on Thursday, June 18, alongside the regular Thursday routes.

Residents are encouraged to have their trash set out by 6 a.m. to ensure collection.

City offices will resume normal business hours on Monday, June 22.

06/09/2026

Please be advised that the West Plains R-VII School District, in partnership with local law enforcement, fire, EMS and emergency management agencies, will be conducting a multi-agency emergency response training exercise at West Plains High School on Wednesday, June 10.

Residents may notice an increased presence of first responders and emergency vehicles in the area between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. This is only a training exercise and there is no threat to the public.

We encourage the community to review and share the West Plains R-VII School District's original post for additional details.

Training exercises like these help ensure our agencies are prepared to respond quickly and effectively during real-world emergencies.

06/07/2026

During this severe weather, please use extra caution during flooding and power outages.

• Never drive through flooded roads—turn around, don’t drown.
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately.
• Keep flashlights, batteries, and charged devices ready.
• Check on elderly neighbors, family members, and anyone who may need assistance.
• Follow local weather updates and emergency alerts.

Your safety is the top priority. Stay alert, stay prepared, and stay safe West Plains.