The City of Carthage will soon begin the initial targeted code enforcement initiative, focusing primarily on Oak St (Route 66) from Garrison Ave to Baker Blvd. Once this initial target area is completed, they will begin focusing on other areas.
This initiative is in direct response to resident concerns regarding exterior property maintenance conditions that may impact neighborhood safety, community appearance, and property values. The City’s goal is to address recurring or long‑standing exterior issues that can contribute to blight, create safety hazards, and negatively affect the overall image of Carthage.
Because Route 66 and I‑49 serve as major entry corridors, conditions along these routes play a key role in first impressions for residents, visitors, and prospective investors. The City remains committed to ensuring Carthage is a clean, safe, and welcoming community.
Common exterior property maintenance issues include (not all‑inclusive):
-Broken or missing handrails on steps with four or more risers
-Foundation walls with open cracks or breaks
-Peeling, flaking, or chipped paint
-Exterior walls that are rotted, have holes/breaks, or have loose materials
-Exposed Tyvek or exposed OSB/plywood/MDF materials
-Rotted, sagging, or missing soffit or fascia
-Broken or sagging gutters and downspouts
-Roofs with missing, loose, or deteriorated materials; significant sagging; or holes exposing interior areas
-Rotted, broken, or sagging stairways, balconies, porches, or decks
-Broken or missing windows or skylights (tarps or plastic coverings are not suitable)
-Chimneys or smokestacks that are broken, leaning, crumbling, or appear structurally unsound
-Yard Maintenance
In addition to structural concerns, property owners are expected to maintain yards and outdoor areas. This includes:
-Overgrown weeds or vegetation
-Accumulation of trash, debris, or unnecessary items
-Items stored outdoors that detract from neighborhood appearance or create safety concerns
-Keeping yards clean and maintained is an important part of preserving community pride and protecting property values.
Residents with questions regarding property maintenance requirements or this initiative may contact the City of Carthage Public Works Department at 417‑237‑7010. City staff are available to provide guidance and help residents understand compliance expectations.
The entirety of the code can be found through our website.
🎆 CALLING ALL VENDORS! 🎆
Be part of Red, White & Boom on July 4 in Carthage — a signature Independence Day celebration honoring the 250th Anniversary of America 🇺🇸 and the Centennial of Route 66 🛣️
We’re now accepting vendor applications for this community‑favorite event that draws thousands for a full day of family fun, entertainment, and fireworks!
🍔 Food Vendors:
Apply here ➡️ Food Vendor & Food Truck Form
🛍️ All Other Vendors:
Apply here ➡️ Vendor Form
✨ Event highlights include:
• Free Kiddieland
• Free bounce houses
• Free watermelon
• Free live music
• Entertainment for all ages
• 🎉 NEW this year: Bull Riding in the arena ($15 admission)
• 🎆 A spectacular fireworks show presented by the City of Carthage
This is a high‑visibility, high‑energy event celebrating America, Route 66, and our community — and we’d love for you to be part of it.
👉 Apply today and help us make Red, White & Boom 2026 unforgettable!
Food Truck Friday Returns to Central Park on April 10
The City of Carthage is excited to announce the return of Food Truck Friday, with the 2026 season officially kicking off on Friday, April 10, in Central Park, located just steps from historic Route 66.
Food Truck Friday is a long‑standing community tradition that brings together a variety of food trucks, local vendors, and live entertainment in a family‑friendly outdoor setting. The event is held on the second Friday of each month, April through September, and runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m..
This year’s season is especially significant, as Carthage celebrates 10 years of Food Truck Fridays alongside the Route 66 Centennial, making 2026 a milestone year for both residents and visitors.
“We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back to Central Park for another season of Food Truck Friday,” said Melissa Little, Tourism Director for the City of Carthage. “This event has become a staple of our community and a great way to showcase Carthage as a destination along Route 66.”
Each Food Truck Friday features a lineup of food trucks offering a wide variety of cuisine, along with themed nights that highlight Carthage’s Route 66 heritage and seasonal celebrations. Additional event dates for the 2026 season include May 8, June 12, July 10, August 14, and September 11.
Food Truck Friday is free to attend and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, enjoy the park atmosphere, and support local and regional vendors.
For event updates, vendor information, or additional details, go to Food Truck Friday Website and follow the Food Truck Friday in Central Park on social media or contact Melissa Little at (417) 423‑8075.
The program supports communities in promoting the benefits of and enhancing their urban forests. Through the cost-share funding, the city will remove thirteen ash trees on the golf course that are expected to become hazardous as a result of infestation by the non-native Emerald Ash Borer.
The project also includes the planting of 26 new trees on the golf course, contributing to the long-term health and diversity of the area’s tree canopy. For more information, contact: Carthage Parks and Recreation at (417) 237-7035 or parksdepartment@carthagemo.gov.
The City of Carthage announces that the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has directed the closure of the two northernmost bridges on Garrison Avenue due to structural issues. The routine annual inspection identified significant structural deterioration beyond what was documented during the inspection performed in early 2025.
In the interest of public safety, the affected bridges will be fully closed to all traffic beginning Friday, February 27, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. The bridges will remain closed until further notice. Residents and commuters are encouraged to plan ahead and utilize alternate routes.
The City is actively evaluating all available options for the replacement of the bridges and remains committed to maintaining safe infrastructure. The City of Carthage will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
The City of Carthage is under a Red Flag Warning today from 11 AM to 7 PM. Conditions are extremely favorable for fast-moving fires.
All residents are urged to avoid any activity that could start a fire. Fires may spread rapidly and threaten homes and lives.
Your cooperation today is critical to community safety.
These conversations are an important part of advocating for our community and staying engaged on legislative issues that impact our city.
Update: As of Monday, February 9, 2026, the stoplight is fully operational.
The stoplight located at S. Garrison and Fir Road is currently operating under MoDOT standards in flashing red mode for a total of 14 days, beginning January 22, before it becomes fully operational.
Please note this process is managed by MoDOT. We appreciate your patience, as we understand this may be frustrating in the days ahead.
The mobile app allows users to quickly access updates and resources from across City Hall, including events, meeting notices, department information, and commonly requested documents.
App features include:
City department listings and contact information
Community events and announcements
Public meetings, agendas, and minutes
Direct access to city services and online forms
Push alerts for timely updates and notices
Download the “My Carthage” app today through the App Store or Google Play on your mobile device.
This album also includes a photo of Chief Hawkins receiving a proclamation from Mayor Bren Flanigan during the December 9th City Council Meeting—another special moment recognizing his 43 years of dedicated service to the City of Carthage.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in honoring his remarkable career.
Week 1 introduced participants to the history of the Carthage Police Department. Attendees learned how the department has evolved over the years and toured the police facility, including the patrol room, investigations offices, and equipment areas.
Week 2 focused on Patrol Operations. Participants learned how officers handle day-to-day calls, conduct traffic stops, and respond to emergencies. They then had the opportunity to perform simulated car stops, experiencing firsthand the communication and safety skills required.
Week 3 covered SWAT operations, where attendees were introduced to the team’s specialized equipment, training, and mission. Participants even got to take part in building-entry tactics, working with officers to practice safe movement and room-clearing techniques.
Week 4 explored DWI investigations. Participants learned how officers identify impaired drivers and were able to practice field sobriety testing, giving them a deeper understanding of the process and its importance for roadway safety.
Week 5 focused on Firearms. With the support of firearms instructors, attendees handled police-issued weapons and had the opportunity to fire at the MSSU indoor firing range, learning about safety, accuracy, and the responsibilities involved in law enforcement firearms training.
Week 6 centered on Use of Force and Defensive Tactics. Participants observed demonstrations of officer defense techniques and learned about the legal and practical considerations involved in use-of-force decisions. Volunteers were even allowed to experience a TASER application, providing a safe but realistic perspective on this tool.
Week 7 highlighted Criminal Investigations, giving participants insight into how detectives develop leads, interview witnesses, collect information, and build cases.
Week 8 wrapped up the program with Crime Scene Investigations. Participants examined evidence collection processes, photography, sketching, and documentation. The evening concluded with a mock crime scene, where attendees applied what they learned to work through a staged investigation.
At the end of the final session, the Carthage Police Department proudly graduated 10 participants from the 2025 academy.
Lt. Eric Miller and the instructors are incredibly grateful for the citizens who dedicated their time to participate in this year’s program. Their engagement, questions, and enthusiasm made this academy a rewarding experience for the staff and officers. Programs like this play an important role in building community trust, strengthening relationships, and promoting transparency in law enforcement.
They would also like to thank everyone who joined —your support means a great deal to the Carthage Police Department, and they look forward to continuing this partnership with their community.
Carthage had the privilege of welcoming a 2 groups of international travel agents today as part of Travel South USA’s “Get Your Kicks: A Missouri Route 66 Road Trip Adventure.” Representatives from the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, Australia, Italy, Germany, Denmark, France, Brazil, Japan, and the Netherlands made Carthage a featured stop on their Missouri experience.
Their visit included tours of two beloved local landmarks—the historic Boots Court Motel and the one-of-a-kind Red Oak II. Each location offered a vivid look into the nostalgic charm and authentic Route 66 heritage that define our community.
The group shared their admiration for Carthage’s rich history, welcoming atmosphere, and beautifully preserved cultural sites. It was an honor to showcase the places and stories that make America’s Maple Leaf City an unforgettable destination for travelers from around the world.
