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Winter Storm Fern pushed heaters into overdrive, and many of us are feeling it on our March utility bills. We lay out exactly what changed, what didn’t, and how the city stepped in to shield residents from the worst of the cost spikes—holding electric rates steady by ordinance and absorbing more than $200,000 in supplier costs rather than passing them along. We also explain why natural gas totals rose, how commodity pricing works, and the simple steps you can take to better manage usage during extreme cold.

Clarity matters when budgets are tight, so we walk through a practical safety net: a six‑month, zero‑interest payment agreement on the amount above your normal average bill. The process is straightforward—visit the utility office before March 15 and ask for Tracy or Melanie—so you can spread out the spike without penalties and keep essential services stable. Along the way, we answer common questions about usage differences between homes, thermostat habits, and how small decisions can add up when temperatures plummet.

Beyond bills, there’s good news shaping daily life in Waynesville. Engineering work is underway for three new crosswalks along Historic Route 66—at the courthouse, near the Roubidoux Bridge, and near Morgan Street—to advance a safer, more walkable downtown that supports local shops and everyday errands. We share updates from Fort Leonard Wood, where a new hospital opens to its first patients on April 7 after a March 31 ribbon-cutting—part of nearly $900 million invested in the region over the past decade. We also spotlight Laura Johnson, Miss Waynesville USA 2026, an Army veteran and suicide prevention advocate competing at Miss Missouri USA in May, and we recognize Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks for serving 520 Pulaski County families, including 66 from Waynesville.

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A community win deserves a bigger stage, and Waynesville just earned one. After an outpouring of votes and neighbor-to-neighbor support, we’re officially part of the Missouri Humanities Small Town Showcase, a statewide celebration of local stories tied to the U.S. 250 commemoration. We walk through what this recognition means, how a film and podcast team will capture the town’s voice, and why your story—whether it’s about Route 66 memories, neighborhood milestones, or quiet acts of service—belongs in the spotlight.

We also get practical. You can now use the Ward Finder to confirm your ward, find your council members, and reach the right person with questions or ideas. That simple step helps us plan better, set priorities with real input, and keep accountability close to home. If you’ve never contacted a representative before, this is the easiest on-ramp to local government and a direct line for shaping what comes next.

Looking ahead, the Route 66 Centennial takes center stage as volunteers rally around projects that honor the Mother Road’s legacy in our town. Whether you bring time, skills, or connections, there’s a role for you. And for neighbors who need it, we share details for the free tax center near the downtown square—hours, eligibility, and the phone number to book help. From storytelling to services, every piece points toward the same goal: a Waynesville that listens, includes, and moves forward together.

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We extend utility payment due dates to January 20 to relieve pressure from recurring mail delays and explain our plan to keep local mail local. We also invite residents to enroll in e‑billing, attend the Thursday council meeting, and note the MLK Day closure.

• new utility due date on 20 January with penalties starting 21 January
• recurring mail delays and impact on billing trust
• legislative push to keep local mail local
• e‑billing sign‑ups to reduce delivery risk
• redundancies for residents and city operations
• council meeting on Thursday at 5 pm
• City Hall closed on Monday, 19 January for MLK Day of Service

Sign up for e-billing. Call 573-774-5217 to get started.