Did you know that City Code requires dog and cat licenses and rabies vaccinations for pets living in Carthage?
Here’s a quick breakdown:
✅ Dog License Required
All dogs over 4 months old must be licensed
License fee:
$5 for non‑spayed/non‑neutered dogs
FREE for spayed/neutered dogs
FREE for pets owned by residents 65+
Proof of current rabies vaccination is required
✅ Cat License Required
All cats kept in the city must be licensed
Same fees as dogs:
$5 for non‑spayed/non‑neutered cats
FREE for spayed/neutered cats
FREE for pets owned by residents 65+
Cats must be vaccinated for rabies
✅ Rabies Vaccinations
Dogs and cats must be vaccinated by January 1 each year
A veterinarian-issued certificate is required
Licensing and vaccinations help keep pets safe, reunite lost animals with owners, and protect public health.
📍 Licenses are issued through the City Hall at 326 Grant St.
🐶🐱 Thank you for helping keep Carthage a safe community for pets and people!
https://www.carthagemo.gov/o/carthage/page/agendas-minutes
📅 Thursday, April 30 – Saturday, May 2
Carthage’s annual City‑Wide Yard Sale returns the first weekend of May, with sales popping up all across Carthage! Bargain hunters can expect a wide variety of items and lots of activity throughout Carthage neighborhoods.
📝 Hosting a sale? A yard sale permit is required per City Code.
🗺️ An interactive map is available showing yard sales that chose to participate in the City’s advertising promotion (note: not all sales are listed):
👉 https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=12XC2ja0tO5BGevmOByirg4tiGlneuN8&usp=sharing
📄 Printed flyers may be picked up during normal business hours at:
• Carthage City Hall
• Carthage Chamber of Commerce
• Boots Court Visitor Center
🚦 Please be mindful—roads may be congested with multiple yard sales happening throughout the city. Drive safely and watch for pedestrians.
Thunderstorms Expected Friday Evening Through Early Saturday
The National Weather Service is forecasting strong to potentially severe thunderstorms for our area Friday evening through the early morning hours on Saturday. Residents are encouraged to remain weather-aware throughout the night as conditions may change rapidly.
Important Reminder About Storm Sirens
Outdoor warning sirens will not be activated for a Tornado Watch. Tornado watches are issued when conditions are favorable for tornado development but do not mean one has been confirmed.
Sirens will be activated under the following circumstances:
A Tornado Warning is issued for the area, meaning a tornado has been detected or indicated by radar, or
Straight-line wind speeds of 75 mph or greater are detected as storms enter the Joplin Metro area
When sirens are sounding, residents should immediately seek shelter indoors and move to a safe location away from windows.
Storm Shelter Preparedness
Carthage R-9 School District officials are prepared to open FEMA-designated storm shelters as conditions warrant. These locations include:
Carthage Intermediate Center (CIC)
Carthage Junior High
Columbian Elementary
Pleasant Valley Elementary
City officials will remain in contact with Carthage R-9 throughout the duration of tonight’s storm activity to coordinate shelter operations if needed.
Residents are encouraged to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, including weather radios, smartphone notifications, and local media. Please avoid traveling during severe weather if possible and check on neighbors who may need assistance.
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.
New Route 66 Centennial landmark for public interaction.
The Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission established a grant program to create 11 twelve-foot 3D interactive signs along Missouri Route 66. A replica of the famous Route 66 shield, with cut-outs in the 6’s of the sign. Reimbursable funds were made available for one sign in each of the 10 counties and the City of St. Louis through which the historic route passes.
The official Jasper County sign is located at the entrance to the Drive-In, just behind the ticket booth. Now in its 77th season, the theater opened on September 22, 1949.
In addition to the 66-foot-high movie screen, the drive-in is known for its outer 66 branding and the neon marquee. Along with the original ticket booth, photos by travelers from around the world are highly sought. Inside the grounds, typical of the drive-in scene are the concession stand and playground.
“An interactive Route 66 shield is a great stop for guests from around the world to enhance their Route 66 memories. The drive-in is already one of those stops, and marking the centennial with this new sign is a fun addition”, says Patrick Tuttle, director of Visit Joplin and a member of the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission.
Counties where other Route 66 Centennial interactive signs have been erected are Rolla, MO (Phelps County), Springfield, MO (Greene County), Pacific, MO (St. Louis County), Lebanon, MO (Laclede County), St. Robert, MO (Pulaski County), and Cuba, MO (Crawford County).
“Having a new roadside attraction at an established historic landmark is a great honor. Not only will our local patrons enjoy it, and we welcome travelers from around the world to capture a keepsake photo”, says Nathan McDonald, owner/operator of the drive-in. The Route 66 interactive sign will become an iconic photo stop for travelers following the Mother Road.
The Senior Center offers a welcoming place for adults to enjoy affordable nutritious meals, social connection, and a variety of engaging activities throughout the month. Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Guests are encouraged to stop by, enjoy a meal, and take part in the many activities planned for April. Menus and activity schedules are available at the Senior Center and are updated monthly.
For more information, visit the Carthage Senior Center in person or contact them directly for details on meals, activities, and participation opportunities.
🎆 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!
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 https://www.visitcarthage.com/foodtruckfriday and follow the Food Truck Friday in Central Park on social media or contact Melissa Little at (417) 423‑8075.
Carthage’s Annual Citywide Yard Sale is set for April 30–May 2!
Residents planning to participate must obtain a yard sale permit as required by City Code.
Rummage Sale Permit Information
Apply for the rummage sale permit only
An interactive map will be available on April 20th, along with a printed flyer may be picked up at the City Hall, 326 Grant St. after 10 am on April 20th. The deadline to be featured in the ad package was April 15th but you may still apply for a Rummage Sale Permit.
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.
📣 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡 – 𝗖𝗪𝗘𝗣 𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝘆 𝗜𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸!! 📣
Ever wondered what it takes to power your home, deliver clean water, or keep you connected 24/7?🤔
Join CWEP for this FREE, interactive Customer Academy and get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the essential services that keep Carthage running every day.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:
✅ How CWEP delivers reliable electric, water, and fiber services
✅ Insights directly from the local team who serve our community
✅ A deeper understanding of how your community-owned utility works for you
🚨 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱, 𝗥𝗦𝗩𝗣 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁! 👉 https://www.cwep.com/about-us/cwep-customer-academy/
They look forward to seeing you there and sharing what makes CWEP community-powered! 💙⚡
Appointments are for a three‑year term beginning July 2026. Community members interested in supporting and guiding the future of our public library are encouraged to apply online at https://www.carthagemo.gov/forms/14365
