Bob Foos
Keep an eye on West Broadway for two developments.
City Administrator reported to the Webb City Council Monday that the much anticipated/delayed opening of Star Wok, an Chinese restaurant has occurred. It’s been more than a year since the original Mucho Mexico building on the northeast corner of Broadway and Jefferson Street was on the verge of opening.
An order taker on Tuesday said early customers during the soft opening have been excited to feed their urge to try the new restaurant.
In the next block west, Toad Ranch Cages is taking ownership of the former Foodland/Ramey’s grocery building.
The company, which manufactures luxury reptile cabinets, got the property rezoned from commercial-1 to commercial-2 by the city council on both readings by unanimous vote.
Jared Gray told the council that he and his wife, enni Lynn, and their staff of 10 are eager to move from their original location south of Joplin to a larger facility with the possibility of having a showroom. Changes at the long-vacant building are expected to be apparent in about a month.
Also during the meeting:
• Francis reported that Webb City and other organizations in the Tri-State Healthcare Coalition have decided to switch their self-funded employee health insurance plans to the Aetna network.
Besides offering employees more choice than the current Mercy-only network, Francis said the city will save $29,000 per year because of discounts offered by Aetna.
• Francis reported that Oronogo’s flow into the Center Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant has increased. That caused the percentage flowing into the plant from Webb City to drop to 83%. The three cities’ (Webb City, Carterville and Oronogo) share of operating costs is based on flow meter readings. As a result of the decreasing percentage, Francis reported that Webb City’s share will decrease by $25,000.
• The city’s 2025-26 fiscal year budget was approved unanimously on second reading. It will take effect on Nov. 1.
• Flynn Drilling Company’s bid of $2,450 was accepted for its water well inspection program, including 24-hour response in case of emergency and 10% off labor. The program applies to all seven wells.