This is sorta how a "mural framing system" would look facing Route 66 at the corner of Webb Street and Broadway. The City Council will decide whether to proceed with the idea at the Monday, Aug. 25, meeting.

Changeable mural proposed in time for Route 66 centennial in 2026

Bob Foos

Webb City Council members on Monday got a first look at a concept for a “mural framing system” on the west side of the Coyne Building, which overlooks the Route 66 Tourist Information Center at Broadway and Webb Street.

City Administrator Carl Francis explained that with the frame, the sign or mural, can be changed.

The first would be celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026.

A proposal by the staff and WOW Printing will be on the council’s next agenda for approval, at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 25.

Annual MoDOT grant accepted for additional patrols

The council allowed the police department to accept annual grant funding totaling $94,720 from the Missouri Department of Transportation – with no city match necessary. Of that, $53,579 is for driving while intoxicated saturation patrols; $35,000 is for hazardous moving violation enforcement, and $6,141 is to replace an in-car camera. Police Chief Don Melton said the $6,141 is part of an overall budget plan to replace three in-car camerals and computers.

Amphitheater to be named for Don and Carolyn McGowan

Purchasing a plaque was approved for the October dedication of the amphitheater in King Jack Park as the Don and Carolyn McGowan Amphitheater for Performing Arts. Don was a longtime member of the Park Board, and Carolyn’s students at Pinnochio School of Dance perform in the amphitheater. Also, she is known throughout the region for acting and directing plays and for supporting theatre in general.

The dedication ceremony will be at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at the amphitheater.

Joplin’s Exploreum wants Jack Dawson’s mural

The council voted to approve transferring ownership of Jack Dawson’s mural of Webb City to the Schroeder Family Exploreum in downtown Joplin.

Jim Dawson (4th Ward) made the proposal, citing the Exploreum’s desire to place and preserve the mural in the facility it is creating by renovating the former Joplin library building at Fourth and Main streets.

The city accepted ownership of the 30-foot mural in November 2024 after Mid-Missouri Bank closed its facility at 100 N. Main St.

Preliminary engineering approved for existing small and new large water towers

The council approved a contract with OWN Engineering not to exceed $15,000 to conduct preliminary reports about:

  • Bringing the existing (but never used) 300,000-gallon water tower into service. It is located on South Hall Street by the Joplin/Webb City Industrial Park.
  • Constructing a new million-gallon water tower in the northwest portion of the city.

According to Francis, since the city has increased the pumping capacity of its wells, more storage – rather than supply – is what’s needed to keep up with growing demand.

Tents & Tailgates request

Stacey Johnson and Jimmi Isenmann presented their idea to raise Breast Cancer Awareness by holding an event on Main Street on Oct. 25.

Details for event, Tents & Tailgates, are to be worked out before the council acts on the request.