February 1, 2019
Nixa News | February 2019 Edition
In this month's edition you can read about...

  • Spring sports registration info with Nixa Parks
  • Upcoming events
  • 2019 Recycle and Trash collection calendars
  • Snow removal route map
  • A letter from the Mayor
  • And more!

As always, you can find much more information at Nixa.com and engage with us on our official social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor.
As Mayor, I am proud to see the high level at which the municipal government, school district, chamber of commerce, and fire district communicate, support, and cooperate with one another.

A great example of this coordination is the recent "joint meeting" including board members and leadership staff from each of these entities. We get together once a quarter to ensure we're all on the same page, and pulling together to make Nixa an even better community.

This most recent meeting, held at the Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce on January 17th, was especially productive. We invited a panel of economic development experts to explain how our organizations can best work together to achieve the job growth and commercial development we all want to see in Nixa. One of those panelists was Andrea Sitzes, the point person for all of Christian County regarding business attraction, growth, and retention. We also invited three panelists from Springfield who have been vital in positioning our metro area for the best possible growth. Together, they represented several decades of experience.

I am very excited to see all these entities working together for the benefit of Nixa, the county, and the region. Since forming the county-wide economic development organization known as Show Me Christian County last year, we have learned strategies for helping businesses grow right here. Now, we have to do more work to plant the seeds for that growth. When the rains of opportunity come along, we will be more ready than ever to reap a harvest which will benefit us all.

You can expect more specific communications about those efforts as particular opportunities arise. We will keep you in the loop because we will need your support. We do not want to give away the farm for the wrong projects. Careful game plans are being developed to analyze potential projects so we can call the right plays, including fair and reasonable incentives, to help us score win-win victories on the projects which offer the most benefit to the community. Some projects may take years of development work behind the scenes before we even break ground, however, those investments may turn out to pay the biggest dividends.

My vision for Nixa is to attract high-quality, high-paying jobs that match the skills and educational level of our community.   The only way this vision is achievable is if all our local, county, even regional agencies get on the same bus, and I already see them on board and sitting together. We are also considering the best interests of our residents, property owners, and business community, so we can all ride together down this road. Come with us, Nixa’s future is just around the bend.


Sincerely,
Mayor Steele
The Baffler
This perplexing puzzle will keep you bewildered, befuddled, and bemused.

Q: I can go from there to here by disappearing, and here to there by reappearing. What am I?

The answer to The Baffler is at the bottom of the newsletter.
Working For You
2019 Recycle Calendar
When does the recycle truck visit your neighborhood? See the Republic Services garbage and recycle collection calendar for 2019.

Do holidays affect which day trash and recycling are collected? See the holiday calendar for 2019.
Snow Removal Map
Snow removal operations are conducted when driving conditions become hazardous.

Though it is the department’s desire to plow all streets, priority is given to keeping emergency snow routes, major thoroughfares, major intersections and school zones open.

Only after these areas are cleared and remain clear, will the crews move into residential areas.

Renew your business license
If you're a business owner, don't forget to renew your business license at City Hall or on our website. Fill out an application form.

Licenses expire December 31st.

New business license: $50
Renewal: $25

There is an additional $10 late fee for renewals after March 31st.
Renew your dog's tags
Nixa requires all dogs within the city limits to be licensed through City Hall. The license must be renewed each year in January, and owners must show proof of current rabies vaccination. This helps us ensure dogs in Nixa have been vaccinated against rabies, and helps Nixa Animal Control in returning lost dogs to their owners.

$2.00 for spayed or neutered dogs.
$3.00 if the animal is not.

For more information please contact City Hall at 417-725-3785.
Exceptional City Staff
Employee Spotlight
Marty Bohlke is a Utility Worker at the Recycle Center. Marty started with the City as temporary help during the summer of 2005 as a member of the mow crew. That fall, he became a full-time tree trimmer for the electric department and soon transferred to the recycle center.

Marty grew up in Chicago, got married to his wife Susan there and now has three grown children and two grandchildren. He retired and moved to Boaz after a 27 year career as a teamster with a trash service in Chicago. His commute from Boaz is much shorter than his one to two hour commutes on the crowded highways of Chicago. Marty enjoys fishing and sometimes fishes in tournaments with his son. His other hobby might be described as talking politics with Nixa residents who use the Recycle Center.

Because of his work background, Marty has a very good rapport with the drivers who pick up and empty the containers of yard waste, scrap metal, and recyclables for Republic Services. In addition to loading brush on the dump truck and hauling loads to “The Hill” at the wastewater treatment plant to be ground into compost, he keeps the Bobcat loader busy loading grass clippings and leaves into a large compost container. Part of his job is regulating what items customers drop off at the Recycle Center. Marty helps recyclers get items in the right containers so the bins don't get contaminated with wrong material, trash, or with items which are not recyclable. He also has the difficult and often thankless job of informing people who are not residents or who have not purchased recycling permits that they do not have permission to drop items off at our facility.

Stop by to recycle and talk politics with Marty on weekdays from 7:30 to 4:00 during the winter and from 7:00 to 3:30 during the summer and he might offer you a cup of coffee and definitely his opinion.
City Clerk Cindy Robbins receives 30 year service award
Cindy Robbins was hired by the City of Nixa on January 23, 1989. The City Administrator at the time was Jan Blasé and the Mayor was Dwain Stoops. Cindy is one of the few staff who has worked at all three City Hall locations, as well as the Utility Billing Office.

She began as Deputy City Clerk and has served as Lead Utility Clerk, and Utility Account Specialist Supervisor before being appointed City Clerk by city council in 2014. Thanks Cindy, for everything you've done and continue to do to make Nixa a better place!
City Events
Father Daughter Dance
Join Nixa Parks and Recreation for the annual Father Daughter Dance! The dance is sponsored by Mac Dental and will take place on Friday, February 8th from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Dance the night away while enjoying light refreshments, activities, and a picture to remember the evening!

Pre-registration will end on February 7th: Members $25, Nixa Residents $30, Non-Residents $35.

Day of Registration will begin on February 8th: Members $30, Nixa Residents $35, Non-Residents $40.

The registration fee includes admission for Dad and one daughter. Each additional child is $10.
Indoor Garage Sale
The Indoor Garage Sale will take place at The X Center, on Saturday, February 23rd from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm. Entrance is FREE to the public.
Charity Fashion Show
Nixa Parks and Recreation is proud to partner with Midwest Runway Productions to present the annual fashion show, Midwest Family Sharing Love. Helping our community and making a difference in the lives of our community members drives the spirit of Nixa Parks and Recreation. The Midwest Family fashion show provides an opportunity to support our community, create a fun event to get everyone involved, and change the lives of our community’s kids. 
 
Join us on Sunday, February 24th from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm (with a dance after party) for a show full of family fun and lots of love for the community. Entry to the show is a toy or non-perishable food item. We are also collecting prom dresses for young ladies that need a little help come prom season. This show is full of music, comedy, fashion, and special guest DJ Joe! Don’t miss designer Ramona Eads and performances by Deoin Bedell.
NIXPO
NIXPO 2019 is sponsored by Ozarks Chevrolet and will be held Saturday March 16 from 9:00am to 3:00pm at Nixa High School. Contact the Nixa Chamber of Commerce Office to register as a vendor and purchase a booth.
The Update is a great way to learn more about what's happening in Nixa and have your questions answered while enjoying lunch. Each month, we bring a different guest speaker from Nixa local government. These events give senior citizens an opportunity to meet and interact with the city's leadership, voice their concerns, and stay informed!

2019 DATES: January 30, February 27, March 27, April 24, May 29, June 26, July 24, August 28, September 25, October 30, November 27, December 31.

Anyone can enjoy lunch at the Nixa Senior Center. A suggested donation covers the cost of lunch: $3.50 for those 60+ and $6.00 for those under 60. Learn more about the Nixa Senior Center at the   Nixa Senior Center   website.
Dance Classes for Adults
Join us for one or multiple 8-class sessions of lessons on Ballroom, Salsa, Tango, and other types of dance. The class is open to ages 16 years and older.

Registration for each session $60 per individual or $100 per couple (a drop in rate is available for $10 per person, per class).

The session will consist of classes held on Thursdays with session dates being:
February 7th - March 28th
April 4th - May 23rd
September 5th - October 24th
November 7th - December 26th. 
Spring Recreational Soccer
Registration for Spring Recreational Soccer begins December 10th and ends February 6th. The program is open to boys and girls ages 3 years old (must be 3 by March 16th) to 8th grade. Games will be played on Saturdays at McCauley Park. The season will run from Saturday, March 16th - April 27th.

The fees for the program are as follows: Members $40, Nixa Residents $45, Non-Residents $53. *Late registration from February 7th - 10th, with a $10 additional late fee.
Recreational Volleyball
Games will be played March 18th/19th - April 15th/16th
(3rd/4th Grade plays Mondays; 5th/6th Grade plays Tuesdays)

Tournament: Saturday, April 27th
Location: The X Center

Cost: Members $40, Residents $45, Non-Residents $53

Open To: Girls in 3rd - 6th Grade

Registration begins December 10th and ends February 13th; *Late registration from February 14th - 17th, with a $10 additional late fee.
Flag Football
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.

Games begin Saturday, March 16th with the six-week season ending April 27th. Games will be played at Rotary Park. The program is open to boys and girls 3rd-6th grade.

Registration begins on December 10th and ends on February 13th. The fees for the program are as follows: Members $40, Nixa Residents $45, Non-Residents $53. *Late registration from February 14th - 17th, with a $10 additional late fee.
Art Classes
Art Classes are open to ages 3 years old to 8th grade. There will be four sessions available for registration.

The fee per session is as follows: Members $30, Nixa Residents $35, Non-Residents $40.

All supplies will be provided; make sure to wear clothes that can get dirty! A project list is available for each session on the registration form. Registration for Session 2 of Art Classes ends March 15th.

Tuesdays (Intro to Art): March 19th - April 23rd. PK - 2nd at 6:15 pm to 7:00 pm. 3rd-6th at 7:15 pm to 8:00 pm.

Thursdays (Studio Art 1st - 8th Grade): March 21st - April 25th. Studio 2D at 6:15 pm to 7:00 pm. Studio 3D at 7:15 pm to 8:00 pm.
Kids Day Off
Date: February 18th, March 1st, April 1st, April 19th

Location: The X Center

Open To: Ages 5 years old - 6th grade.

Cost: Members $15, Nixa Residents $20, Non-Residents $25 per day. 

Registration: Open until maximum capacity is reached. (Space is limited!)

Information: Please send a sack lunch and two snacks each day.
Spring Break Camp
While Nixa is out of school for Spring Break -- join us at The X Center for a camp full of fun and awesome activities.

Registration begins January 28th and ends March 7th. Camp will be held Monday through Friday, March 8th - 15th, from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm.

The program is open to kids ages 5 years old - 6th grade.

The fees for the program are as follows (per day): Member $15, Nixa Residents $20, Non-Residents $25.

Please send a sack lunch and two snacks each day!
More Nixa Parks Events, Programs, & Sports Leagues
For the latest info on all the events happening at Nixa Parks and The X Center, follow this  link to the Nixa Parks Newsletter  and   NixaParks.com
FYI: For Your Information
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Now Hiring!
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 .
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CITY CONTACT NUMBERS:

City Hall: 725-3785
Police: 725-2510
911 Non-emergency and Animal Control: 582-1030
Nixa Utilities and report an outage: 725-3229
Public Works: 725-2353
Parks: 725-5486
The Baffler Answer
The solution to your scalp scratchin'.

Q: I can go from there to here by disappearing, and here to there by reappearing. What am I?

A: The letter "T".
Nixa City Hall | 417-725-3785 | CityHall@Nixa.com | Nixa.com