Pete Provin, retires after 33 years with the city.

Colton Guera, new firefighter.

WCFD retiree and new firefighter pinning

The Webb City Fire Department is saying goodbye to a veteran and hello to a newcomer.

At the City Council meeting Monday, Fire Chief Andrew Roughton presented a challenge pin to Pete Provin in recognition of his retirement from the city. Provin was on the police force for five years before becoming a firefighter the last 28 years.

A pinning ceremony was also on the council agenda for the newest firefighter, Colton Gurera. Originally from Blue Springs, Gurera went to Missouri Southern State University to get his EMT license and finish the firefighting course.

Jenna, his wife of two months, had the honor of pinning Gurera.

Police Chief Don Melton responded to a question about staffing by saying there are five patrolman openings. For two of those positions, he said he has one future officer in field training and has a promising applicant.

Webb City Council approves lights for soccer field 

Field was formerly the rodeo grounds

Some soccer games will be able to be played under lights because of action taken Monday by the Webb City Council.

Parks and Recreation Director Tom Reeder explained that lights will allow more playing time for the pre-K and kindergarten teams, which are the majority of the program’s teams. Going past sundown will allow larger teams and more playing time for each player.

“It’s going to be great for the kids,” said Reeder. “I’ve been wanting this for a long time.”

The lights will be erected around the former rodeo grounds, which are being converted to play soccer.

It will cost a total of $12,508, including $7,469 to Joplin Supply for electrical equipment and $5,038 to LED Imports for 24 300-watt lights.

The project has been budgeted at $30,000 for a couple of years but is costing less because of the donation of lighting braces and other equipment from Carl Junction. Liberty Utilities has assisted with setting additional poles.

Alisa Barroeta (2nd Ward) suggested lighting more fields gradually in the future.

The council also authorized the purchase of two new Zoll heart monitors/defibrillators at a total cost of $74,950, paid off with five no-interest annual payments of $14,990.

Fire Chief Andrew Roughton said the department’s current heart monitors are outdated to the extent they can no longer be certified. The new ones can be integrated with those in use by area EMS services.

In other action, the council:

• Approved final reading of a special use ordinance for the house at 223 W. First St. be used as a boarding house.

• Approved one appointment and four re-appointments to the Webb City Housing Authority. Mayor Lynn Ragsdale appointed Jack Albert and re-appointed Duane Hunt, Meme Wolfe, Stephen Hailey and Richard Copeland.

There won’t be a second regular council meeting this month. The next meeting will be Jan. 10.