
🚧 Widening Project at Airport Drive and Hazel Avenue
The asphalt work on Hazel Avenue has been completed! Public Works will assess the road in the morning, Thursday Oct. 2nd to ensure it is ready to reopen for traffic. Airport Drive will remain closed.
We know many of you have been taking alternate routes during this project, and we truly appreciate your patience throughout the delays.
The asphalt work on Hazel Avenue has been completed! Public Works will assess the road in the morning, Thursday Oct. 2nd to ensure it is ready to reopen for traffic. Airport Drive will remain closed.
We know many of you have been taking alternate routes during this project, and we truly appreciate your patience throughout the delays.


The long-awaited sculpture funded by Vision Carthage since late 2023 was installed on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the Fairlawn roundabout. The original project proposal was prepared by artist Rachel Wilson on September 18, 2021.
This project has been in progress for quite some time as the proper permit from MoDOT was required before installation. Scotts Landscaping will now move forward with beautifying the area surrounding the sculpture.
We would like to thank Parks Superintendent Chad Carney and his staff for their hard work in moving the piece from its previous location near Avilla. At 16 feet tall and weighing approximately 650 pounds, the installation required great care and coordination.
This sculpture will serve as a new landmark for Carthage and a testament to the collaborative efforts that continue to enhance our community. Stay tuned for further updates and details on a special celebration hosted by Vision Carthage, to be announced at a later date.
This project has been in progress for quite some time as the proper permit from MoDOT was required before installation. Scotts Landscaping will now move forward with beautifying the area surrounding the sculpture.
We would like to thank Parks Superintendent Chad Carney and his staff for their hard work in moving the piece from its previous location near Avilla. At 16 feet tall and weighing approximately 650 pounds, the installation required great care and coordination.
This sculpture will serve as a new landmark for Carthage and a testament to the collaborative efforts that continue to enhance our community. Stay tuned for further updates and details on a special celebration hosted by Vision Carthage, to be announced at a later date.



Mark Salazar, founder of Light Sports, a nonprofit based in Webb City with many players from the Carthage area, addressed the Council. He shared that he has been working with a ministry baseball group currently practicing and playing at the historic Carl Lewton Stadium, scheduling their time through the Parks Department Administrative Assistant.
Mr. Salazar presented an idea to the Council requesting consideration of a partnership that would allow him to manage the stadium and coordinate events, with the goal of restoring the historic facility for younger players.
He reported that he, along with a group of volunteers consisting of players and parents, has already completed some minor improvements at the field. Mr. Salazar expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to continue collaborating with the City of Carthage to bring the stadium back to life.
Mr. Salazar presented an idea to the Council requesting consideration of a partnership that would allow him to manage the stadium and coordinate events, with the goal of restoring the historic facility for younger players.
He reported that he, along with a group of volunteers consisting of players and parents, has already completed some minor improvements at the field. Mr. Salazar expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to continue collaborating with the City of Carthage to bring the stadium back to life.




https://www.carthagemo.gov/o/carthage/page/agendas-minutes
https://www.youtube.com/@CityofCarthageMissouri


The City of Carthage congratulates Chad Dininger, who will serve as our next Chief of Police following Chief Bill Hawkins’ retirement later this year. We also welcome Richard Bonine, who will begin as Parks and Recreation Director on October 6, 2025.



The Carthage Fire Department was honored to be part of a special moment at Maple Tree Terrace during their Senior Prom. Firefighters took time out of their day to join the celebration, sharing smiles, dancing, and helping create lasting memories for the residents. Their presence brought joy and excitement, showing once again their dedication not only to protecting our community but also to being an active part of it.




Join us for the Season Finale of Food Truck Friday this Friday in Central Park from 11 AM–9 PM! 🍴🎶
✅ LUNCH FOR YOUR OFFICE
✅ Live Music Lineup:
🎤Heartland Opera Theatre performers | 5–6 PM
🎸 Crooked Path Revival Band | 6–9 PM
✅ Food & Drinks of All Kinds
✅ Carthage MO Humane Society on site (4–7 PM) with pups looking for their forever homes 🐶❤️
✅ First-Ever Missouri Kids Market (4-8 PM) featuring young entrepreneurs (ages 6–17) showcasing and selling their creations 🛍️✨
Whether you’re headed to a concert, football game, or just looking for a fun night out, stop by beforehand to enjoy the flavors, music, and community spirit of Food Truck Friday.
👉 Bring your friends and family and make it a night to remember!
✅ LUNCH FOR YOUR OFFICE
✅ Live Music Lineup:
🎤Heartland Opera Theatre performers | 5–6 PM
🎸 Crooked Path Revival Band | 6–9 PM
✅ Food & Drinks of All Kinds
✅ Carthage MO Humane Society on site (4–7 PM) with pups looking for their forever homes 🐶❤️
✅ First-Ever Missouri Kids Market (4-8 PM) featuring young entrepreneurs (ages 6–17) showcasing and selling their creations 🛍️✨
Whether you’re headed to a concert, football game, or just looking for a fun night out, stop by beforehand to enjoy the flavors, music, and community spirit of Food Truck Friday.
👉 Bring your friends and family and make it a night to remember!



The City of Carthage Planning, Zoning, and Historic Preservation commission invites the public to a community forum on Wednesday, September 24th at 5:30 p.m. in the Carthage City Council Chambers, where consultants will present the final draft of the Carthage Historic District Design Guidelines.
This public event marks the culmination of months of work and community input in developing design standards that aim to preserve the unique character and architectural heritage of Carthage’s historic districts.
During the forum, the consulting team will review the finalized guidelines document, explain key recommendations, and discuss how the guidelines will be implemented. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation, offering residents, property owners, and business leaders the opportunity to engage directly with the consultants.
This public event marks the culmination of months of work and community input in developing design standards that aim to preserve the unique character and architectural heritage of Carthage’s historic districts.
During the forum, the consulting team will review the finalized guidelines document, explain key recommendations, and discuss how the guidelines will be implemented. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation, offering residents, property owners, and business leaders the opportunity to engage directly with the consultants.


A retirement reception was held on Tuesday, September 9, honoring Troy Richards for his five years of dedicated service with the Carthage Police Department. In the photo, Chief Bill Hawkins is shown presenting him with a plaque in recognition of his service.


Discover Carthage’s Civil War Museum
Located at 205 Grant Street in Carthage, Missouri, the Battle of Carthage Civil War Museum offers visitors a fascinating look into one of the most pivotal times in American history. With engaging exhibits, detailed accounts, and authentic artifacts, the museum preserves and shares the story of the Civil War’s impact on southwest Missouri and beyond.
One of the museum’s highlights is its in-depth presentation of the Battle of Carthage, fought on July 5, 1861—recognized as one of the earliest battles of the Civil War. Through maps, displays, and narratives, visitors can follow the events of that historic day and better understand Carthage’s place in the broader conflict.
The museum also showcases the lives of the men and women who experienced the war firsthand. Exhibits explore local history, military strategy, and the lasting effects of the conflict on Carthage and the surrounding area. It even features a 7-by-15-foot mural painted by local artist Andy Thomas, capturing the drama and significance of the battle in vivid detail.
With free admission and a passionate, friendly staff, there’s nothing keeping you from visiting the Battle of Carthage Civil War Museum and experiencing history brought to life.
The museum is open:
Tuesday – Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
(Closed on Mondays)
Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a student of history, or a traveler exploring Route 66, the Carthage Civil War Museum is a must-see destination that connects the past to the present.
Located at 205 Grant Street in Carthage, Missouri, the Battle of Carthage Civil War Museum offers visitors a fascinating look into one of the most pivotal times in American history. With engaging exhibits, detailed accounts, and authentic artifacts, the museum preserves and shares the story of the Civil War’s impact on southwest Missouri and beyond.
One of the museum’s highlights is its in-depth presentation of the Battle of Carthage, fought on July 5, 1861—recognized as one of the earliest battles of the Civil War. Through maps, displays, and narratives, visitors can follow the events of that historic day and better understand Carthage’s place in the broader conflict.
The museum also showcases the lives of the men and women who experienced the war firsthand. Exhibits explore local history, military strategy, and the lasting effects of the conflict on Carthage and the surrounding area. It even features a 7-by-15-foot mural painted by local artist Andy Thomas, capturing the drama and significance of the battle in vivid detail.
With free admission and a passionate, friendly staff, there’s nothing keeping you from visiting the Battle of Carthage Civil War Museum and experiencing history brought to life.
The museum is open:
Tuesday – Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
(Closed on Mondays)
Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a student of history, or a traveler exploring Route 66, the Carthage Civil War Museum is a must-see destination that connects the past to the present.



🚒 Fill the Boot for MDA 💛
Our Carthage Fire Department is once again joining firefighters across the nation for the annual Fill the Boot campaign to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
📍 You’ll find our local firefighters at the north entrance of the Carthage Walmart from 9 AM – 4 PM each day through Labor Day weekend with boots ready to fill!
Since 1954, the partnership between the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and MDA has raised critical funds—one dollar at a time—to help empower people living with neuromuscular disease to live longer, more independent lives.
Every dollar collected stays hard at work fueling research, treatments, and support for families right here in our community.
💛 Stop by, say thank you to our local firefighters, and help us Fill the Boot for MDA!
Our Carthage Fire Department is once again joining firefighters across the nation for the annual Fill the Boot campaign to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
📍 You’ll find our local firefighters at the north entrance of the Carthage Walmart from 9 AM – 4 PM each day through Labor Day weekend with boots ready to fill!
Since 1954, the partnership between the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and MDA has raised critical funds—one dollar at a time—to help empower people living with neuromuscular disease to live longer, more independent lives.
Every dollar collected stays hard at work fueling research, treatments, and support for families right here in our community.
💛 Stop by, say thank you to our local firefighters, and help us Fill the Boot for MDA!



