Hard to believe we’re beginning another decade already. The last several years have flown by as Nixa continues to be one of the fastest growing communities in the state. Last month, I reviewed all we accomplished in 2019, but now it’s time to look out the windshield at the exciting things coming our way for 2020 and beyond.

The theme for our community in 2020 will be PLANNING. These plans will lay the groundwork for our next phase of growth and improvement. The City will not only be creating a 5-year strategic plan, but also a long-range comprehensive plan for the community. We will be trying some new and exciting ways to allow everyone to have the opportunity to contribute their ideas for these plans. The public’s input will inform our planning in a deep way. I always want to see innovative ideas for not only how we can improve as a municipal government, but also as a community. However, 2020 will be a once-every-five-years opportunity to set priorities which will shape our community through 2025 and beyond. I encourage you to start thinking of ideas now, so you can speak up when we open the public comment phase of the planning process.

The 2020 Census will also be vital as we hope to get an accurate updated population count. Census data impacts how much of our federal tax dollars come back to Nixa as well as how much representation we have in government. More businesses will be attracted to our area when our population numbers accurately reflect how much we’ve grown since 2010. This spring, I encourage everyone in Nixa to complete the census survey online, by phone, or by mail.

The population count and planning processes will provide city council with the key information we need to be able to make strategic decisions and take action to keep up with our growth and further enhance the exceptional quality of life we enjoy in Nixa.

Sincerely,

Mayor Steele

The City of Nixa passed its Home Rule Charter in 2010. This document essentially serves as the constitution for our city. Every 10 years, we have an opportunity to review and update the charter to ensure our local government works efficiently to serve the community.

On April 7th, 2020, Nixa residents will vote to either accept or reject 4 proposed updates to our Home Rule Charter which have been recommended by the Home Rule Charter Review Commission. That commission reviewed the entire charter and decided that each of the proposed updates would allow the city to operate more efficiently.

None of the proposed updates would impact taxation, representation, or city services.

Learn more about the 4 proposed updates to our charter.

Dr. Paul Robertson with Cobblestone Veterinary Hospital in Nixa has been named the 2019 Nixa Citizen of the Year by Nixa City Administrator Jimmy Liles. Nixa city staff make nominations for this award to honor community members who make a significant impact on the community through their partnership with the municipal government.

Dr. Robertson has been a staple of the community for many years. Over the years, Dr. Robertson has assisted the Nixa Police Department in handling rabid, vicious or injured animals at all hours of the day and night. He has always gone above and beyond to assist the Police Department and has been a great help to our K-9 officer and Animal Control Division. You will also see him at many community events supporting our Police Department. Thanks for all you do!

Shop local! The following brick and mortar businesses have received new Nixa business licenses in the last month.

Thinking about opening a business in Nixa?

Call City Hall at 417-725-3785 to talk to us about your idea. We would be thrilled to assist you through the process.

All Nixa business licenses expire on December 31. Stop by Nixa City Hall or visit our website to renew with our new online form!

Renewals cost $25 and new licenses cost $50.

All Nixa Dog Tags expire on December 31. You must visit Nixa City Hall to show proof of rabies vaccination in order to renew your tags. These tags help Animal Control return your furry friend back to you if they get lost and ensure that all dogs in Nixa city limits have been vaccinated against rabies.

$2 for spayed/neutered dogs. $3 if not.

Water Tower #10 is under construction on S. Norton Road. Contractors are pouring concrete for the various levels of the tower base, which will rise to 80 feet tall before installation of the 1 million gallon tank on top. This new water tower will help ensure Nixa's water utility provides sufficient supply and pressure as our community continues to grow and add hundreds of new homes each year.

Every 10 years, the US Census Bureau undertakes a mammoth task: counting all the people living in the United States. The population count in 2020 will determine how much federal funds come back to Christian County to pay for public resources such as roads and schools. The data also impacts how we plan for the future and how much representation we get at all levels of government.

The City of Nixa has partnered with the county-wide effort to encourage all Christian County residents to respond to the 2020 Census. To learn more, visit the Christian County Counts web-page, and follow the Facebook page where you can ask questions about the upcoming census.

Nixa city offices will be closed on:

Danny Newell sets a very high standard for customer service in our Public Works Department. Danny serves as an infrastructure inspector and MS4 coordinator. He has been with the city since 1994. Mr. Newell is a master at facilitating project issues and works for all sides (city, customer and contractor) when necessary to assure our citizens are getting the most for their hard-earned dollars. He accomplishes this by first being a good listener. He displays excellent judgement and always advocates for the right outcome. He assists anyone he is working with in a manner which communicates clearly and respectfully so everyone involved in the project understands what must be done for every party to achieve a successful outcome. His leadership on the MS4 program, Adopt-A-Street program, and ROW Encroachment policy are examples of his stellar work to better our city.

Will Liniger is a hard working employee who is always eager to jump in and help out. Mr. Liniger has served in our street department since 2013 but his impact is felt far outside his daily responsibilities. Will attends several community events throughout the year as a participant, and you can always find him assisting in some way beyond just attending for his own enjoyment - it's just the type of person he is. Will is a genuine, hard working, selfless employee that goes above and beyond to help whenever he can. He is an outstanding team player and the community benefits from his generosity of his time and efforts.

Lt. Jeremy Whitehill, who has served Nixa PD since 2009, is the mastermind who brought the #9pmRoutine to Nixa which has been a huge hit on the Police Facebook page. Lt. Whitehill got the idea from a department in another state, adapted it for Nixa and took it to a new level as a crime prevention effort. Lt. Whitehill has been innovative in improving ways our Police Department communicates with the community including recruitment and retention efforts and online forms. He was also the author of the departments 2018 Annual Report and has brought numerous web-based programs to our department. His innovative thinking is a tremendous asset to the Police Department and the City of Nixa.

Join Nixa Parks and Recreation for the annual Father Daughter Dance! The dance is sponsored by Mac Dental. Dance the night away while enjoying light refreshments, activities, and a picture to remember the evening!

Date: Friday, February 7th from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

Location: The X Center

Registration: Pre-registration will end on February 6th: Members $25, Nixa Residents $30, Non-Residents $35. Day of Registration will begin on February 7th: Members $30, Nixa Residents $35, Non-Residents $40. The registration fee includes admission for Dad and one daughter. Each additional child is $10.

The Indoor Garage Sale will take place on Saturday, February 29th, 2020 from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm.

Entrance is FREE to the public.

Registration for booth spaces begins December 1st. Space is limited—please register early!

A 10x10 space is $20 and a 10x15 space is $30. Tables are available for $5 per table. The X Center reserves the right to refuse any item inappropriate for sale in this event. No concession items allowed.

Recreational Soccer is geared towards introducing and fostering interest in soccer. Emphasis is on learning the game and having fun. The league is open to boys and girls; it is comprised of 4 different divisions, 3&4 years old, 5 years old and Kindergarten, 1st/2nd grade, 3rd-5th grade, and 6th – 8th grade. Games for every division are on Saturday morning/afternoons.

 

Season Dates: Saturday, March 14th - April 25th.

 

Open To: The program is open to boys and girls ages 3 years old (must be 3 by March 16th) to 8th grade.

 

Location: Games are played at McCauley Park and practices are held at Rotary Park.

 

Fees: Members $42, Nixa Residents $47, Non-Residents $55.

 

Registration: December 10th, 2018 and ends February 12th, 2020. *Late registration February 13th - 16th with an additional $10 late fee.

Recreational Volleyball is geared towards introducing and fostering girls 3rd through 6th grade an interest in volleyball. Emphasis is on learning the game and having fun. 

Season Dates: March 23rd/24th through April 20th/21st. 3rd/4th grade plays on Monday evenings; 5th/6th grade plays on Tuesday evenings. The season ending tournament will be on Saturday, April 25th.

Open To: The program is open to girls in 3rd - 6th grade.

Location: Games will be played and practices will be held at The X Center.

Fees: Members $42, Nixa Residents $47, Non-Residents $55.

Registration: December 10th, 2019 and ends February 19th, 2020. * Late registration from February 20th - 23rd with a $10 additional late fee.

Recreational Flag Football is designed as an introduction to the sport, to build on skills, and to foster an interest in football. Participants will learn the basic skills and concepts of the game.

 

Season Dates: Saturday, March 14th with the six-game season ending April 5th.

 

Open To: The program is open to boys and girls 3rd-6th grade.

 

Location: Games will be played and practices will be held at Rotary Park

 

Fees: Members $42, Nixa Residents $47, Non-Residents $55.

 

Registration: December 10th, 2019 and ends on February 12th, 2020. *Late registration from February 13th - 16th, with a $10 additional late fee.

For the latest info on all the events happening at Nixa Parks and The X Center, follow the link to NixaParks.com

Help the Christian County Library read one million minutes in January!

Light up the mind with a book. Join the Winter Reading Challenge from January 1 - January 31, 2020. It's like a new years resolution with prizes!

Weekly drawings for $25 Amazon Gift Cards for participants.

Visit the Christian County Library website for more info.

Learn how to prepare yourself and family in welcoming a foster child into the home. Presented by the former Director of Family Services for Stone County.

Learn from a professional the steps it takes to become a foster parent in the state of Missouri, and learn the benefits and challenges being a foster parent entails.

January 22 at the Nixa Branch, 5:30pm - 7:00pm.

Registration required, opens December 21 and closes January 21. Register online with your library card or call (417) 724-6100.

Get emergency alerts on your phone by downloading the Swift 911 Public app. Subscribe to the "Nixa City News" alerts category and any other categories you'd like to receive text alerts about.

Sign up here for e-mail notifications from the City of Nixa. You may select which categories of e-notifications you will receive, so you only get emails on the topics you're interested in. From bids, to calendar events, to press releases, you can get an alert as soon as the information is released so you don't have to wait for the monthly newsletter.

The City of Nixa has job openings for various city departments!

Visit the  jobs section of our website   or you can call our Human Resources department at 417-725-3785.

You can learn more about what it's like to work for the City of Nixa when you  check out our page on LinkedIn .

The solution to your scalp scratchin'.

Q: I am not alive but I grow. I don't have lungs, but I need air. I don't have a mouth, but water kills me. What am I?

A: Fire.