Experience Carthage, MO

09/02/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Carthage Fire Department Proclaims Support for Countywide Burn Ban

In the interest of public safety and environmental preservation, the Carthage Fire Department announces its full support and enforcement of the Jasper County Commission’s countywide burn ban, effective immediately.

Recent weather patterns have created extremely dry conditions, low relative humidity, and high winds across southwest Missouri. These conditions elevate the risk of rapid, uncontrollable fire spread. To protect our citizens, local property, and emergency personnel, the Carthage Fire Department is temporarily suspending all open burning permits and recreational fire approvals within the city limits.

Our top priority is the safety of the Carthage community. By aligning our city regulations with the county's emergency order, we can drastically reduce the number of preventable, out-of-control fires and ensure our resources remain ready for critical emergencies."

*Key Restrictions Under the Ban:
1. No Open Burning: The burning of yard waste, brush, leaves, limbs, and trash is strictly prohibited.
2. No Recreational Fires: Campfires, bonfires, and open-pit cooking fires are paused within city limits.
3. Permit Suspensions: All previously issued open burning permits are temporarily revoked.

Conditions for Lifting the Ban:
The Carthage Fire Department assures residents that these restrictions are temporary. The department will actively monitor weather trends and re-evaluate the ban in 30 days.

Furthermore, the ban will be lifted earlier in the event of significant regional rainfall and a measurable change in atmospheric conditions, specifically when ambient relative humidity consistently rises above 50%. The Carthage Fire Department thanks all citizens for their cooperation, vigilance, and understanding during this period of heightened fire danger. For questions regarding local burning ordinances or fire safety tips, please contact the Carthage Fire Department administrative offices.

Jason Martin
Fire Chief
Carthage Fire Department
[email protected]
417-237-7100

08/12/2026

Community Collaboration Drives Success of the 47th Annual Marian Days

The 47th Annual Marian Days was hosted by the Congregation of the Mother of the Redeemer with t...

08/10/2026

City Advances Plans for Municipal Pool Improvements with Professional Assessment Contract

The City of Carthage has taken an important step toward restoring and improving the Municipal P...

08/01/2026

Last stretch to the finish line!!!

07/30/2026

☀️🏁 What an incredible experience for Carthage!

We had the honor of welcoming the American Solar Challenge to our community for Stage Stop 2, and now we get to share some of the amazing moments captured along the way.

A HUGE thank you to the American Solar Challenge Media Crew, who are all volunteers, for the time, talent and energy they put into capturing this footage. They traveled alongside the teams and gave us a behind-the-scenes look at an event unlike anything we’ve hosted before.

From watching the solar cars make their loops through Carthage to seeing the teams and community come together at Memorial Hall, this was such a fun experience to be part of.

And we’re not finished yet! 👀 Stay tuned for footage from the Stage 3 Start at the historic Boots Court Motel, as the teams hit Route 66 and continued toward Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Thank you, American Solar Challenge, for choosing Carthage, Missouri to be part of your journey. We loved having you! ❤️☀️

The City of Carthage was proud to serve as the host of Stage Stop 2...

07/30/2026

Meet the teams with me at the memorial hall in Carthage!

07/30/2026

End of Stage 2 Solar Cars at Memorial Hall.

07/29/2026

End of Stage 2 Solar Car Challenge

07/29/2026

☀️🏎️ The Electrek American Solar Challenge is in full swing here in Carthage!

The Stage Stop has been happening throughout the day, with solar car teams completing loops around Carthage to gain miles as part of the challenge.

Tonight, it’s the public’s chance to see them up close!

📍 Carthage Memorial Hall
⏰ 6–8 PM TONIGHT
🎟️ FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

The solar cars will be on display outside Memorial Hall, weather permitting, and the teams will be there to meet you and talk about their cars and the challenge.

🌧️ If weather forces the cars into their protective trailers, the event is still on! The teams will be inside Memorial Hall to visit with the public, answer questions, and share more about this incredible competition.

Come out tonight and give these teams a great Carthage, Missouri welcome! ☀️🏁

07/29/2026

🚗☀️ They're on the move!
As of just before 8:00 a.m., the live tracking map shows the American Solar Challenge teams making their way toward America's Maple Leaf City. Soon these incredible solar-powered vehicles will roll into Carthage, Missouri, a community uniquely positioned at the crossroads of Historic Route 66 and the Jefferson Highway, where innovation meets history.
We're excited to welcome students, engineers, and supporters from across the country as they experience all that Carthage has to offer, from our historic downtown and beautiful architecture to unique attractions, great local dining, and our unmatched community spirit.
Follow their journey https://tracking.americansolarchallenge.org/, then join us tonight (Wednesday, July 29) as the solar cars and teams are on display from 6:00–8:00 p.m. in downtown Carthage. This is a rare opportunity to see the future of transportation up close and meet the talented teams making it happen.

🚘☀️🍁