Ash Grove Board of Aldermen hears about pickleball; 2024 crime report

At the Tuesday, Jan. 21, at the Ash Grove Board of Aldermen meeting, the board went over routine reports from city departments but also heard from members of the community in their discussion of the power of pickleball.

The board ratified the consent agenda unanimously, which included reports from the municipal court, the public works department, and the city police, but first, it was time for citizen participation. During this time, Mayor Caleb Smith opened the microphone to the floor, an opportunity that was seized by Rich Von Behren. He took his chance to discuss with the board the possibility of pickleball coming to the park in the city. Behren said that the tennis court, which is already in need of repair according to Smith, would be a prime place for pickleball to be implemented. According to Behren, this location would allow two pickleball courts to be made out of one already worse-for-wear tennis court. He argued that pickleball is a perfect addition to the park, as it's a game that anyone can play, whether one is eight or 80.

"It's such a fun time, and it's really growing," said Von Behren.

2024 Ash Grove Police Report
This meeting also saw the presenting of the annual 2024 police report from Chief of Police John Davis. In his report, he detailed the various accomplishments of the police force throughout the year in addition to providing a complete record of calls for service and the reason for each call. According to this report, last year, Ash Grove police officers conducted more than 21,000 building checks in addition to making 684 traffic stops, while only 30 felony arrests were made in total. Davis noted that in 2024, much was achieved by the department, such as the addition of a new carport and the receiving of many grants that helped them to afford new body armor and new shotguns.

Public Works report
Chris Boyd, the director of public works, also presented his report to the board, within which he detailed the goings-on in the new year 2025. According to Boyd, ground has officially been broken on the long-awaited Hot Spot gas station in town; next on the list of projects, though, is suggested to be the widening of the road at Maple Lane and the addition of sidewalks.

Boyd also discussed the recent resignation of sewer and water operator Ray Lynch, who was set to leave on Jan. 28.

"He has been instrumental in getting our sewer and water operations in peak shape," said Boyd in his report.

According to Boyd, the city is looking at a couple of temporary options for this position until someone can step up to fill it permanently.