City of Washington - Information and news updates from the City of Washington, Missouri government.

*The Washington CURRENT, Spring 2024 Correction* Leaf & Limb Pickup for Ward 4 is Monday, April 22, not Monday, April 29.

Homeless Activity-We have had several people inquire “what is a homeless activity”. If we receive a call about suspicious person or activity, check the wellbeing, a tent or shelter set up somewhere on public or private property or some other code violation or possible violation of the law. After the officer response to the call to investigate, determines no law is being violated and the person is homeless, it is coded homeless activity. We added “homeless activity” to a long list of other activities to better track the number of calls we handle in dealing with the homeless. This enables us to provide this information and data to those requesting it. Our officers attempt to provide information and resources to the homeless, but there are issues that are well beyond our ability to solve. That information is passed on to local groups and organizations that work with the homeless everyday to provide a long-term solution for the homeless in our community. Please remember being homeless is not against the law.

Shift Summary Days. 04/18/24 Check the well-being in the 4700 Block of Southpoint Road. A male subject was picked up from Wentzville PD on outstanding warrants. Suspicious Vehicle in the 1900 Block of Charlottes Way. Check the well-being in the 200 Block of Fair Street. Homeless activity in the 300 Block of Jefferson Street. A female was arrested on outstanding warrants in the 300 Block of Jefferson Street. Found Property in the 3100 Block of Phoenix Center Drive. ARRESTS DO NOT IMPLY GUILT.

*NWS has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for our area from now until 8:00 p.m.*

6:30 p.m. tonight at WHS in the CJB Theater.

Please keep an eye on the sky this afternoon into the evening. Our area is now in an enhanced risk for severe weather this afternoon into the evening. Please be prepared!

Shift Summary Days. 4-17-2024 Alarm in the 400 Block of Market Street. Trespassing/Homeless Activity in the area of 5th/Jefferson Streets. Assist EMS in the 1300 Block of Jefferson Street. A larceny report was taken in the 1900 Block of Charlottes Way. Peace Disturbance in the area of Valley Trailer Court. Vehicle crash in the area of Highway 47/Bieker Road. A fraud report was taken on Rabbit Trail Drive. A male subject was arrested on outstanding warrants in the 300 Block of International. Homeless Activity in the 500 Block of E. 5th. A female was arrested on outstanding warrants in the 300 Block of Jefferson Street. A vehicle crash in the 600 Block of Blue Jay Drive. CIT Activity in the 600 Block of Blue Jay Drive. A vehicle crash in the area of Highway 100/WW Industrial Park Drive. A male subject was arrested on outstanding warrants in the area of Highway 100/WW Industrial Park Drive. Homeless Activity in the 100 Block of W. Main Street. Parking violation in the 2300 Block of Southbend Drive. Alarm in the 5600 Block of Steutermann Road. I believe that about covers the day.

Washington Public Library has a collection of MEternally Reminiscence Kits available for checkout. These kits contain materials for anyone who has been personally diagnosed or is caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other memory issues that can benefit from Reminiscence Therapy. Reminiscence Therapy is a great way to help seniors recall memories, process emotions, and strengthen social bonds. The kits are designed to help them reminisce, connect with their past, and share stories with their peers in a safe, enjoyable setting. Visit our catalog here to see what kits we offer and to place a hold.

Save the Date! https://www.facebook.com/washvet

*HIGHWAY 100 CONSTRUCTION* From 7 p.m. Thursday, April 18 through 6 a.m. Wednesday, April 24, Highway 100 from Washington Crossing to South Point Road will have one eastbound and westbound closed.

Please stay safe today and please do not burn. Elevated Fire danger exists this afternoon into the evening.

There will be a conditional threat for severe weather on Thursday. The locations with the highest chance at seeing severe weather are highlighted in yellow. The main threat is Thursday afternoon into the evening.

Waste Connections could not get all the recycling collected for the Tuesday route today. They will be back in the morning on Wednesday 4/17 to collect the streets missed. See map of streets that were not collected.

At night, our officers are working with the paving crews on Hwy 100 to help provide a safer environment for them to work in. We’ve noticed a few instances of speeding and distracted/inattentive driving by motorists entering the work area. Please keep the following tips in mind when driving: • Buckle Up! – Every trip, every time – safety belts save lives. • Put Your Phone Down! – Dedicate your full attention to the roadway. • Follow Signs! – They’ll guide you through work zones safely. • Expect the Unexpected! – Watch for flaggers, workers and equipment. • Pay Attention! – Turn the radio down and don’t use your cellular phone. • Be Patient! – Remember workers are improving the road for future travels. • Don’t Speed! – Follow posted limits and adjust for weather conditions. • Don’t drive impaired! – Impairment of any kind while driving is unacceptable. • Be Nice! – Merge as directed, don’t tailgate and don’t change lanes in a work zone. We all get in a hurry, or become complacent, from time to time. All of us need to remember, someone’s loved one is working to make the roadway better for all of us. Everyone on the roadway deserves to go home in one piece.

The Arbor Day/Earth Day Event is this Saturday, April 20, 9-11 a.m. at the Farmers' Market.

Congratulations to Captain Darryl Balleydier who graduated Friday, April 12, from the Missouri Police Chiefs' Command College. The graduation ceremony was held in the Missouri State Capitol Rotunda in Jefferson City. Capt. Balleydier completed the six-week program that provides valuable command-level training for current and future law enforcement leaders. Each of the six weeks was equivalent of one master’s level course. Topics included criminal justice administration, leadership, liability, homeland security, personnel management and media relations.

Save the Date!

There's only a few seats left, please be sure to sign up if you're wanting to attend. Attendance will be capped at 75 people. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4EA5A92CA3FDC16-47890718-keeping

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW) is held annually during the second week of April to honor public safety telecommunicators for their commitment, service, and sacrifice. Telecommunicators, AKA Dispatchers, are the true first responders of the first responder family and its backbone. They're the first to talk to a frantic caller who needs help in their worst moments and the first to provide life saving instructions. To the world, they're a faceless voice on the other end of the line who are often overlooked. For us, dispatchers are our initial investigators who picks up on clues and cues during the phone call. They're our initial de-escalation team who helps calm people down before we arrive or helps people make rational decisions before harming themselves or others. More importantly, they are our life line and guardian angels. I can go on and on about everything a dispatcher does for us and the public, I doubt Facebook allows for all the words I need to do it properly. To our friends at Washington Communications, that you for all that you do!

Be prepared and keep an eye on the sky Tuesday afternoon into the evening. The enhanced risk for severe weather is just to our northwest. Stayed tuned for further updates.