THREE FAYETTE LEADERS RECOGNIZED BY THE 2026 MPUA ALLIANCE AWARDS
(Fayette, MO) – Three City of Fayette leaders have received Missouri Public Utility Alliance’s (MPUA) Alliance Awards for their service and contributions to the community and hometown utilities. Curtis Hammons and Sonny Conrow received the MPUA Honor Awards, while J.B. Waggoner, Fayette Alderman, received the Public Official Award.
The MPUA Honor Award recognizes employees or officials of MPUA member utilities who have made outstanding contributions to their municipality and its mission.
For more than 20 years, Curtis Hammons has been a trusted leader and resource for the City of Fayette. His knowledge of the city’s infrastructure, combined with decades of experience, has helped guide projects that benefit the city and community. Hammons is known for his logical approach to complex challenges by finding practical solutions that best serve Fayette.
Sonny Conrow, Electric Superintendent for the City of Fayette, has combined decades of knowledge of the city’s electric system with valuable outside experience to help lead the system into a new era of service. He has been a driving force behind efforts to modernize Fayette’s electric infrastructure, focusing on improving reliability and preparing for the future.
J. B. Waggoner was recognized with the Public Official Award, which honors elected and appointed officials in MPUA member communities who make an impact through their support of hometown utilities. The award showcases public officials whose commitment to local leadership and public service helps ensure the continued success of hometown utilities and the people who depend on them.
As a Fayette Alderman, business owner, and community leader, Waggoner has been an advocate for economic development while championing the importance of maintaining a reliable electric system. As a member of the City Council and Electric Committee, Waggoner has supported investments that strengthen the city’s utility system and support long-term growth.
“Curtis, Sonny, and J.B. each demonstrate the kind of leadership and commitment that make hometown utilities and their communities strong,” said MPUA President and CEO Steve Stodden. “Their service to Fayette has made a meaningful difference in the community. We are proud to recognize their contributions.”
Together, all three Fayette leaders represent a commitment to public service that helps hometown utilities thrive. Their contributions have, and will continue to, strengthen Fayette’s operations and position the community for success well into the future.
Congratulations to Bekki Galloway of Fayette, the City of Carthage, Brown Bear Tree Care of Springfield, and the Benton Park Neighborhood Association as winners of the 2026 Missouri Arbor Awards of Excellence!
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Community Forestry Council (MCFC) congratulate Bekki Galloway of Fayette, the City of Carthage, Brown Bear Tree Care of Springfield, and the Benton Park Neighborhood Association on being outstanding stewards of community trees! These four were recently recognized for their efforts with the Missouri Arbor Awards of Excellence presented by MDC Community Forestry Coordinator Russell Hinnah at the annual Missouri Community Forestry Council Conference in Springfield on Sept. 23.
“For more than 30 years, MDC and MCFC have recognized Missourians who prove themselves to be outstanding stewards of community trees,” said Hinnah. “The Missouri Arbor Awards of Excellence highlight the people and organizations working to provide sustainable, long-term efforts to care for trees. Their work is extremely important to ensure the many economic, social, and environmental benefits of a healthy community forest.”
Hinnah added that no matter what size the community, trees are visible and valuable assets that contribute greatly to the appearance and character of the town. “They are also part of the public infrastructure and play an essential role in the community, similar to streets, sewers, and utilities,” he said.
The awards were presented to recipients in four categories: Individual, Municipalities/Governments, Business/Institution, and Organization. Nominations for this year’s awards were evaluated based on sustainability, innovation, use of sound tree management principles, the contribution the effort made to the community, and the effectiveness of the tree care work, event, or program.
Bekki Galloway is the driving force behind the City of Fayette’s urban forestry program. She maintains the city’s Tree City USA designation, secures crucial grants, collaborates with arborists, and dedicates countless hours to hands-on tree care, planting, mulching, and watering.
Between 2024 and 2026, Bekki’s successful grant applications to MDC funded the removal of 24 hazardous or diseased trees and the planting of 20 replacements, contributing to 42 total new trees on city property. Her initiatives include Arbor Day celebrations with dogwood giveaways, school outreach, poster contests, and implementing a citywide tree inventory using TreeKeeper software. Bekki’s comprehensive, hands-on involvement from initial planning through long-term maintenance has transformed Fayette’s urban forestry into a thriving community asset.
Following a major spring storm in 2024 that caused severe damage, Carthage leveraged the MDC Landowner and Community Assistance Program (LCAP) and community support to rebuild its urban tree canopy. The City also took advantage of the opportunity to remove ash trees threatened by emerald ash borer.
In FY25, an LCAP contract funded the removal of 20 ash trees and the planting of 42 replacements in Central Park and along West Chestnut Street. For FY26, an additional 13 trees were removed from the municipal park and golf course, paired with 26 new plantings.
While the city experiences some public resistance to the removal of healthy-looking ash trees at Kellogg Lake — where 72 ash trees still stand alongside 13 on the golf course — recent leadership tours with community foresters signal potential future LCAP contracts. Through strategic removals and consistent replanting, Carthage continues to restore its parks and proactively manage its urban forestry resources.
Founded by certified arborist Dakoda Reynolds, Brown Bear Tree Care emerged to support the greater Springfield metro area after devastating storms struck in April and June 2025. Demonstrating deep community commitment, Reynolds helped launch emergency debris-clearing efforts ahead of Springfield’s July citywide cleanup day, aiding residents struggling with heavy storm damage.
With over eight years of industry experience and a science background from Missouri State University, Reynolds combines environmental passion with professional expertise. Brown Bear Tree Care prioritizes safety, client education, and proactive tree health. Reynolds treats every tree as a vital community asset, offering thoughtful, expert solutions while educating customers on sustainable tree care. His dedication to environmental preservation and community service ensures the Ozarks’ urban canopy remains safe, vibrant, and well-managed for future generations.
The Benton Park Neighborhood Association (BPNA) formed the Friends of Benton Park committee to support municipal efforts in maintaining one of St. Louis’s historic parks. By leveraging partnerships with groups like Missouri Master Naturalists and Brightside St. Louis, volunteers have revitalized native gardens and removed invasive species.
Volunteer recruitment is central to their success. Through Open Space STL and the specialized “Urban Lumberjack Society,” trained volunteers legally prune trees, clear invasive vines, and maintain park health. To handle complex tree care, BPNA partnered with MDC on a $25,000 forestry project, resulting in hazard removals, professional pruning, and 23 newly planted trees with a 100% survival rate due to dedicated volunteer watering. Additional funding is secured for future work. Ultimately, BPNA models effective community-led urban forestry through strategic partnerships, volunteer engagement, and dedicated conservation stewardship.
MDC and MCFC congratulate all Missouri Arbor Awards of Excellence winners and thank all applicants for their efforts. Get more information on the Missouri Arbor Awards of Excellence at mdc.mo.gov/about-us/awards-honors/missouri-arbor-award-excellence.
The City of Fayette reminds residents that the burning of litter, leaves, grass clippings, yard waste, trash, and similar materials is prohibited by City ordinance 230.250.
Burning these materials can:
❌ Create fire hazards
❌ Produce excessive smoke and air pollution
❌ Affect neighboring properties and public health
❌ Increase the risk of uncontrolled fires
Residents are encouraged to dispose of leaves, grass clippings, brush, and other yard waste through approved methods rather than open burning.
Violations of the City’s burning ordinance may result in citations and fines.
By following these regulations, we can help protect our neighborhoods, improve air quality, and keep Fayette safe for everyone.
Spring and summer growth can happen quickly! The City of Fayette reminds residents to keep grass, weeds, and vegetation trimmed and to remove debris from their properties.
Maintaining your property helps keep our neighborhoods safe, attractive, and welcoming for everyone.
Per Ordinances 215.010, 215.020
Thank you for helping keep Fayette looking its best!
Questions? Contact Fayette City Hall for information regarding property maintenance requirements.
✔️ Before You Ride, Make Sure You’re Legal to Operate
As warmer weather brings more vehicles onto our streets, the City of Fayette would like to remind residents of the requirements for operating motorized vehicles within city limits.
Before operating a motorized vehicle, please ensure you have:
✅ A valid driver’s license or other license required by Missouri law.
✅ A current annual City permit for ATVs and recreational vehicles, as required by City ordinance.
Annual permits are available at Fayette City Hall during regular business hours.
Operating a vehicle without the proper license or required permit may result in citations and fines. These requirements help promote public safety and ensure compliance with local ordinances.
If you have questions regarding permit eligibility or application requirements, please contact Fayette City Hall for assistance.
Thank you for doing your part to keep Fayette safe, responsible, and in compliance with City ordinances.
These upgrades help create smoother, safer intersections for everyone!
Between July and August, new seal coating and fresh striping around the downtown square will take place.
Are you looking to mow lawns as a volunteer or a business? The City of Fayette has the perfect opportunity for you! The City of Fayette is compiling a contact list for mowing as a resource for citizens. If you are interested in sharing your contact information, please call City Hall at 660-248-5246. Thank you for helping keep our community beautiful!
It’s a great time of year to get through the home projects you’ve planned for. Do you have your building permit?? Not sure if you need one? Stop by City Hall to confirm this before you start your project.
Does zoning apply to your project? Please be sure to take the time to review City zoning maps. Stop by City Hall; we are happy to help with this!
Do you like making an impact in your community? The Fayette City Parks Commission has two volunteer vacancies. Consider extending your efforts and talents to benefit the Fayette City Parks!
Please stop by the City Office with your information or contact adminassistant@cityoffayettemo.com.