The Carthage Chamber of Commerce has announced that this year's Night of Praise, a longtime Maple Leaf Festival® tradition, has been moved indoors due to forecasted rain.
The event will now be held on Wednesday, October 14, at 5:30 p.m. at Carthage Memorial Hall.
Attendees can look forward to an uplifting evening of worship, music, and fellowship as the community comes together to celebrate one of the most cherished events of the Maple Leaf Festival®. Worship will be offered in both English and Spanish, and admission is free for all. Chairs will be provided, so there is no need to bring lawn chairs.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, October 14
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Carthage Memorial Hall
Admission: Free
Worship: English and Spanish
Seating: Chairs provided
The City of Carthage is pleased to share this important update from the Carthage Chamber of Commerce and encourages residents and visitors to help spread the word about the location change.
Special thanks to Precious Moments Chapel and Gift Shoppe and the Carthage Christian Ministerial Alliance for their sponsorship and support of this meaningful community event.
Make plans to join friends, neighbors, and visitors for an evening of worship, fellowship, and community as part of the 60th Annual Maple Leaf Festival®. We look forward to seeing you at Carthage Memorial Hall.
Watch Online: https://www.youtube.com/@CityofCarthageMissouri
Want to stay up to date on everything Maple Leaf?
Be sure to like and follow the Carthage Chamber of Commerce Facebook page and website for the latest information on events, schedules, street closures, the parade route, entertainment, and everything happening during the 60th Annual Maple Leaf Festival!
We couldn't be more proud of this multi-day celebration and all it brings to our beautiful city. From longtime traditions to unforgettable experiences, Maple Leaf continues to showcase the very best of Carthage.
Thank you to the Carthage Chamber of Commerce for coordinating this incredible event year after year and helping make the 60th anniversary one to remember!
#MapleLeafFestival #MapleLeaf60 #ExperienceCarthage #VisitCarthage #CarthageMO #CommunityPride
Looking for a fun way to spend your Wednesday afternoons while meeting new people and learning a timeless game? Join the weekly Mahjong group at Memorial Hall in Carthage!
Whether you're a seasoned player, a beginner eager to learn, or simply curious about what Mahjong is all about, this friendly gathering welcomes participants of all skill levels. No experience is necessary, and experienced players are happy to help newcomers learn the basics.
Mahjong is a tile-based game that combines strategy, concentration, and a little bit of luck. It's a great way to keep your mind active, build new friendships, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in a welcoming environment.
The group meets every Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the main floor of Memorial Hall. Participants can drop in, enjoy a game, and connect with others who share an interest in this classic pastime.
Whether you're looking for a new hobby, a social activity, or a chance to sharpen your skills, Mahjong offers something for everyone.
Mahjong at Memorial Hall
📍 Memorial Hall, Main Floor
📅 Every Wednesday
🕐 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
✅ Open to all skill levels
Bring a friend and discover why Mahjong continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages around the world.
The traffic signal at the intersection of Fairview Avenue and River Street is experiencing mechanical issues that are causing it to take longer than normal to cycle through its signals.
Motorists may experience longer wait times at the intersection. Please be patient, stay alert, and use extra caution while traveling through the area as repairs are pending.
⚠️ Traffic signal repairs are being coordinated by the appropriate agency and are not the responsibility of the City of Carthage Public Works Department.
The City of Carthage Parks and Recreation Department is seeking qualified playground design/build teams to provide complete turnkey design and construction services for the replacement and installation of playground equipment at:
1. Municipal Park
2. Fair Acres Sports Complex
View the full RFP here
RFP Issued: 9/28/2026 by 5:00PM CST
Questions Due: 10/2/2026 by 5:00PM CST
Bids Due: 10/16/2026 by 5:00PM CST
Selection: 10/20/2026 by 5:00PM CST
Contract date: 11/10/2026 by 5:00PM CST
As of September 21, 2026 the Open Burning Ban Has Been Lifted
Based on the rainfall we had on September 20, 2026 and the weather forecast for the next seven days, including relative humidity and wind conditions—the ban on open burning within the Carthage city limits is being lifted.
The Jasper County Commissioners have lifted the burn ban as well
We will continue to monitor drought and fire conditions. If conditions return to a dangerous level, the open burning ban may be re-instated.
All City of Carthage ordinances governing open burning remain in effect. Copies are available:
• Online through the Fire Department section of the city website: Regulations in Accordance with Section 10-2 of the Carthage City Code
• In person at the main fire station, 401 W. Chestnut
Thank you for helping reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildfires during this extremely dry season. Please continue to burn responsibly and follow all applicable ordinances.
Stay safe!
Jason Martin
Fire Chief
Carthage Fire Department
417-237-7100
Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Lease Purchase Agreement for the purchase of a dump truck for the Street Department, and the purchase of a ladder fire engine for the Fire Department
All proposals must be submitted by October 2, 2026 to: Miranda Deal at 326 Grant St. Carthage, MO 64836
View full RFP here
A quorum of the Carthage City Council may be in attendance at the Missouri Municipal League Annual Conference from September 13-September 16, 2026 at Margaritaville Lake Resort in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.
No business will be discussed during this time.
You may view the full notice here
September 21, 2026: The burn ban on open burning within the Carthage city limits is being lifted.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Carthage Fire Department Proclaims Support for Countywide Burn Ban
In the interest of public safety and environmental preservation, the Carthage Fire Department announces its full support and enforcement of the Jasper County Commission’s countywide burn ban, effective immediately.
Recent weather patterns have created extremely dry conditions, low relative humidity, and high winds across southwest Missouri. These conditions elevate the risk of rapid, uncontrollable fire spread. To protect our citizens, local property, and emergency personnel, the Carthage Fire Department is temporarily suspending all open burning permits and recreational fire approvals within the city limits.
Our top priority is the safety of the Carthage community. By aligning our city regulations with the county's emergency order, we can drastically reduce the number of preventable, out-of-control fires and ensure our resources remain ready for critical emergencies."
*Key Restrictions Under the Ban:
1. No Open Burning: The burning of yard waste, brush, leaves, limbs, and trash is strictly prohibited.
2. No Recreational Fires: Campfires, bonfires, and open-pit cooking fires are paused within city limits.
3. Permit Suspensions: All previously issued open burning permits are temporarily revoked.
Conditions for Lifting the Ban:
The Carthage Fire Department assures residents that these restrictions are temporary. The department will actively monitor weather trends and re-evaluate the ban in 30 days.
Furthermore, the ban will be lifted earlier in the event of significant regional rainfall and a measurable change in atmospheric conditions, specifically when ambient relative humidity consistently rises above 50%. The Carthage Fire Department thanks all citizens for their cooperation, vigilance, and understanding during this period of heightened fire danger. For questions regarding local burning ordinances or fire safety tips, please contact the Carthage Fire Department administrative offices.
Jason Martin
Fire Chief
Carthage Fire Department
j.martin@carthagemo.gov
417-237-7100
The City anticipates considering an ordinance to approve an industrial development project (the “Plan”), following a public hearing on the Plan at the City Council meeting on September 8, 2026, at 6:30 P.M. at City Hall located at 326 Grant Street, Carthage, Missouri.
Click here to read the full notice
BURN BAN LIFTED
Effective Sept. 21, 2026
Yard Waste Drop-Off Service Restored
Temporary Suspension of Yard Waste Drop-Off
Due to extremely dry conditions and increased fire risk, the City of Carthage Recycling Center has temporarily suspended brush, tree limb, leaves, grass clippings, and other yard waste drop-off services effective September 1, 2026.
The suspension begins today and may continue throughout the week depending on weather conditions. All other Recycling Center services remain available during normal business hours.
For questions, call 417-237-7024.
According to City Code Sec. 20-7(c):
Poly carts may be placed at the curb after 5:00 p.m. the day before your scheduled collection day and no later than 6:30 a.m. on collection day.
Poly carts must be removed from the curb by 7:00 p.m. on collection day.
Residents are also responsible for maintaining the sanitary condition of their containers to prevent nuisance conditions and help protect the health and appearance of our community.
Returning poly carts to their proper storage location after collection not only helps maintain neighborhood aesthetics but also keeps sidewalks, streets, and rights-of-way clear and safe.
The City of Carthage appreciates everyone's cooperation in helping keep our neighborhoods looking their best. Thank you for doing your part to make Carthage a clean, welcoming, and beautiful place to live.
The City of Carthage extends its appreciation to Ward 2 Council Member Ray West for his service to our community and wishes him all the best following his resignation, effective August 1, after moving out of Ward 2.
The City is now seeking qualified candidates to fill the vacant Ward 2 Council seat for the remainder of the term, which expires in April 2027.
Residents interested in serving their community and representing Ward 2 are encouraged to apply. For more information, please contact Mayor Bren Flanigan at b.flanigan@carthagemo.gov, Miranda Deal at m.deal@carthagemo.gov, or call 417-237-7003.
Eligibility Requirements:
• Must be a registered voter residing in Ward 2
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must have no felony convictions
• Must have no unpaid city or county taxes, fees, or balances, including accounts with Carthage Water & Electric and the Carthage Public Library
We have received multiple reports of scam phone calls from individuals impersonating Police Officers and Deputies.
People are being told they missed jury duty or have a warrant for their arrest and are instructed to send payment immediately to avoid being taken into custody.
This is a scam.
Law Enforcement will never call you to collect payment over the phone for jury duty, warrants, fines, or any other legal matter. We do not request payment through gift cards, prepaid debit cards, cash apps, or wire transfers.
If you receive one of these calls:
• Do not provide personal information
• Do not send money
• Hang up immediately
Please help us protect our community by sharing this information with friends and family, especially elderly loved ones who are often targeted by these scams.
Cleanup efforts are continuing across Carthage following the June 13 storm, and we’re seeing great progress thanks to both our crews and residents!
✅ Curbside Limb Pickup
Citywide pickup is underway and will conclude on Friday, June 26.
♻️ Recycling Center Hours
Open Tuesday–Saturday | 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
💲 Storm Relief Fee Waiver
Dumping fees are waived through Saturday, June 27
➡️ Applies only to brush and tree debris
➡️ All container fees remain in effect
📊 Progress Update
Over 160 loads of debris collected by the Street Department
1,000+ residents have used the Recycling Center drop-off
☎️ Questions?
Call Public Works at 417-237-7010
Thank you to our crews and community for working together to keep Carthage clean! 💚
Following recent storm activity, the City of Carthage has implemented a debris removal plan to assist residents with cleanup efforts across the community.
The City of Carthage Recycling Center (1309 Oak Hill Rd.) will open be Monday, June 15, then will operate normal business hours (Tuesday thru Saturday) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to accommodate storm debris disposal.
Please note the Recycling Center will be closed Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
Residents who have the ability to transport debris are strongly encouraged to utilize the Recycling Center to help expedite the overall cleanup process.
City crews will begin curbside pickup of tree limbs on Wednesday, June 17th. Crews will conduct a citywide rotation, traveling through all neighborhoods to collect debris. UPDATE: The Street Department will begin curb pickup today, Monday June 15th.
There is no need to call or schedule a pickup, as crews will work systematically through all streets over time.
To ensure safe and efficient collection, residents are asked to follow these guidelines when placing debris at the curb:
Limbs of all sizes will be accepted
Place debris neatly at the back of the curb
Keep all piles clear of mailboxes, fire hydrants, utility poles, and parked vehicles
Proper placement will help crews move quickly and safely throughout the community.
City crews will continue working diligently in the days ahead to complete debris removal efforts. We appreciate the community’s cooperation and patience as cleanup progresses.
This Flag Day, we’re unveiling a new U.S. Flag Retirement Drop Box—a temporary home for worn or damaged flags as they await an official, respectful retirement ceremony. Come learn more about the honor provided to your flag. We’ll have a short presentation, recognize the hard work behind the project, and officially unveil the drop box.
What: Flag Retirement Drop Box Unveiling
Who’s hosting: Truman Fisher (Eagle Scout Candidate), Carthage Fire Department, and American Ramp Company
When: June 14 (Flag Day) at 2:00 PM
Where: Carthage Fire Department (corner of Chestnut & Garrison)
We’d love for you to join us and be part of the celebration!
July 21, 2026 Update: Construction has been completed, all fencing has been removed, and the area has fully reopened. Operations have returned to normal.
June 10, 2026 UPDATE: The traffic impact shown in the image indicates that interior parking spaces on the north and south sides of the courthouse will be affected during construction.
The City of Carthage is aware of planned roof construction at the Jasper County Courthouse, a project being led and managed by Jasper County.
While this is not a City project, we understand the potential impact it may have on our residents, businesses, and visitors, particularly in and around the downtown Square.
The press release provided by Jasper County is included with this post for reference on information that has been shared to date.
City staff is actively working to gather additional details regarding the timeline and any anticipated impacts to traffic, parking, and access. We are committed to ensuring our community stays informed and will share updates as soon as more information becomes available.
We appreciate your patience and will continue to provide timely updates through the City of Carthage’s official communication channels.
