Community grows through small, meaningful moments—festive and practical—and this update reflects that balance. We begin with gratitude for the volunteers who powered Christmas on the Square and the parade. Traditions like these steady a town during transition, and recognizing the people who make them happen strengthens our culture of service. These celebrations aren’t just seasonal events; they connect neighbors, draw visitors downtown, and support local businesses. By highlighting the work behind the scenes, we underscore a simple truth: progress happens through many hands, steady coordination, and shared pride.
Amid the cheer, residents also need clear information. This update includes a temporary City Hall closure for the annual staff Christmas luncheon. City Hall will be closed from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Regular hours resume at 2:00 p.m. Sharing details like this prevents confusion and builds trust.
This update also marks an important civic moment: City Council candidate filing opens December 9, 2025, and closes December 30, 2025, during regular business hours at City Hall. Inviting residents to participate makes public service accessible and transparent. When more qualified neighbors run for office, debates sharpen, committees strengthen, and the city benefits from broader experience. Democracy functions best when everyone can see a path to participation.
Along Route 66, the new sidewalk project remains the most visible sign of progress. Traffic cones mark the beginning of an 11-month installation that may test patience, but it reflects sustained investment in safety, walkability, and access. Sidewalks connect homes to schools, businesses to customers, and seniors to safe, reliable routes for daily errands. They reduce reliance on vehicles, support tourism, and make the corridor friendlier for families, runners, and students. Safety reminders for drivers and construction crews help manage congestion while keeping the focus on the project’s long-term benefits.
This month also brings news that directly supports our veteran community: the FREE Tax Center is returning to Waynesville in 2026. Previously operated on Fort Leonard Wood, the center will once again offer no-cost tax preparation for:
Military Retirees
DoD Civilian Retirees
Civilian (Non-Military) Retirees
Gold Star Families
Staffed by IRS-trained volunteers, the Tax Center provides trusted support during tax season.
Service Dates: January 13 – April 15, 2026 (Tuesday–Friday each week)
Location: 201 North Street, Waynesville, MO 65583
More Information: 573-452-8624
Please help share this resource with anyone who may benefit.
The calendar also includes an important moment of remembrance. The Missouri Veterans Cemetery–Fort Leonard Wood will host its 16th Wreaths Across America ceremony at 11 a.m. on December 13. Located at 25350 Highway H in Waynesville, just outside Fort Leonard Wood’s West Gate, the cemetery is one of more than 5,000 memorial sites nationwide participating in National Wreaths Across America Day.
According to Cemetery Director Stacy Wilson, local youth groups, law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and military service members will join together to lay approximately 1,400 wreaths, delivered by the Wreaths Across America honor fleet in the days leading up to the ceremony. Events like this honor service and sacrifice while strengthening bonds among veterans, families, schools, faith groups, and civic organizations.
December also brings a pause in official meetings, with boards and committees resuming in January. Residents can stay up to date through the City of Waynesville mobile app—available for both Apple and Android devices—as well as the mayor’s podcast for deeper context and timely updates. This multi-channel approach reduces misinformation and keeps timelines clear.
As the year ends, one message ties it all together: celebrate together, serve together, build together. Waynesville continues to thrive because its residents show up, stay informed, and keep the work moving.