Ava Airport to Gain Weather System as Police Unit Targets Warrants

April 25, 2026

After Mayor Pueppke performed the swearing-in ceremony of City Clerk Welsh, Welsh performed the swearing-in ceremonies for all newly elected officials, as well as the approved nominations recommended by Mayor Pueppke.

The Ava Board of Aldermen met April 14 at City Hall, certifying election results, approving agreements related to airport improvements and infrastructure, and hearing updates from city departments.

Newly elected aldermen Jaclyn Stannifer-Nunn and Stan Lovan were sworn in during the meeting, along with City Clerk Suzanne Welsh. Noel Dye was re-elected as president of the board for another term.

The board approved minutes and the meeting agenda before passing Ordinance No. 1164, which officially declared the results of the April 7 municipal election.

Aldermen also approved Ordinance No. 1165, entering into an airport aid agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. City officials reported the Ava Municipal Airport has been awarded a $150,000 grant for an Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS), a project the city has pursued for several years. The grant is structured as a 90/10 match, with the city’s portion expected to be met primarily through labor, and must be completed by June 30, the end of the state fiscal year.

Two resolutions were also approved authorizing agreements with TFB Engineering LLC for consulting services related to the city’s electric pole project, and Midwest Construction and Utility Law LLC to review and update electric pole attachment agreements dating back to the 1960s. Treasurer Peggy Porter said the legal review will help bring the city’s policies in line with current regulations, including fees and requirements for pole attachments.

In his report, Police Chief David Overcast said the department handled 312 calls for service from March 23 through April 13, including 14 disturbances, nine motor vehicle accidents, and several theft-related incidents. Officers also conducted 123 traffic stops as part of an impaired driving enforcement campaign.

Overcast announced the formation of the department’s first Warrant Enforcement Unit, which will focus on locating and serving outstanding warrants, conducting targeted enforcement efforts, and addressing illegal drug activity within the city. The unit is intended to strengthen local enforcement capabilities while continuing coordination with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Fire Chief Dan Eager reported 39 calls so far in 2025, including EMS responses, brush fires, and mutual aid calls, noting a decrease in overall call volume compared to the previous year. He also reported ongoing training efforts within the department.

Porter reported the city’s financial position as temporarily low, with less than $1 million in accounts at the time of the meeting and approximately $21,000 remaining in the general fund after recent expenses, including a nearly $400,000 electric bill. She said the city expects additional revenue soon and will begin budget work in the coming weeks.

Mayor Kirk Pueppke reported that only one bid was received for a worn 2017 sanitation truck. After discussion, the board voted to pursue other options for disposal.

In additional business, the board approved a request from Captain Dewayne Butterworth to utilize a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to purchase a patrol vehicle, ballistic night vision equipment, and rifles for the police department.

The meeting adjourned into closed executive session at 5:45 p.m. The next meeting of the Ava Board of Aldermen is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, at 5 p.m.