The old Rock Port Market grocery store building on Main Street has become a serious safety hazard and the City of Rock Port is taking steps toward taking care of the problem.

 

Renovations continue at Rock Port City Hall and an open house will be held before the March City Council meeting so people can see what improvements have been made.

 

Submitted by Rock Port Mayor JR Chaney

Alright… alright… alright.

Mayor of Rock Port here.

If you’re reading this while staring out the window wondering if spring forgot where we live, just know I’ve been trying to will some summer into existence. Now, I personally wouldn’t have complained about another six feet of snow. Builds character. Toughens people up. Keeps things interesting. But based on the number of “friendly” reminders I received after saying that out loud, I’ve decided to side with the majority. We’ll go with sunshine.

We covered a lot of ground at this month’s Rock Port City Council meeting, so grab a cup of coffee or a Cherry Mash and let’s talk about what’s happening in Rock Port.

Hemp Regulations

First up, hemp regulations. We’ve taken steps to bring some structure and consistency to our local hemp businesses. The goal isn’t to chase anyone off or play fun police. The goal is to create clear rules that protect consumers, keep things fair for business owners, and maintain safety.

We are implementing a 500 foot separation rule so no hemp business can open within 500 feet of another. We’ve addressed signage as well. Signs must stay within 300 feet of the business and be set back at least 15 feet from highways. No standing within that 15 foot buffer holding signs either. Visibility is important, but so is safety. We’re also creating a hemp license similar to a liquor license, requiring IDs for purchases and requiring proper certificates of analysis on all products being sold. Clear expectations. Level playing field. Safe products. That’s the goal.

City Facilities Updates

Now, let’s talk about the less glamorous but absolutely critical stuff. We approved moving forward with Olsson to address repairs at the lift station. It’s the kind of project nobody posts selfies with, but if it stops working, everyone notices. Keeping the sewer system functioning properly is not optional.

We also voted yes on adding a generator to the city shop. When the power goes out, we need to be able to open garage doors and keep equipment running. This gives us the ability to respond quickly and keep the city moving even during outages.

During the city hall remodel, we discovered roofing issues that date back to the late 1970s or early 1980s. It appears we’ve been patching and hoping for decades; however, moisture has been getting into the structure. Instead of continuing to patch, we’re replacing the roof properly. Long term protection is worth doing right.

Dilapidated Grocery Store Building on Main Street

Now, I want to get serious for a moment. I’ve been documenting structural movement at the old Rock Port Market grocery store building on Main Street using drone mapping and visual inspections. The cracks have widened significantly. Exterior walls are separating. The movement appears to be accelerating. This is no longer just an eyesore. It’s a safety concern.

That building sits directly along a state highway. If a structural failure occurred, it would impact traffic, businesses, pedestrians, and emergency response. Under Missouri law, cities have the authority to declare buildings dangerous, order repair or demolition, and act to protect the public when necessary. I am working closely with legal counsel and the state to move forward appropriately and decisively. Protecting Main Street and the people who use it every day is non-negotiable for me.

175th Birthday Celebration

Now, for something a lot more fun. Rock Port is turning 175 years old. That’s a big deal. We are planning a major celebration the week of the Fourth of July. This town has history, pride, and staying power, and we’re going to celebrate it the right way. We’ve even been in conversations about getting Cherry Mash involved in the festivities. If that doesn’t scream Missouri celebration, I don’t know what does. More details are coming, but mark your calendars now.

City Job Openings

A few other quick updates. We are opening up a full-time clerk position. We’re looking for someone organized, welcoming, and ready to serve as a key part of daily city operations. If you or someone you know would be a great fit, help us spread the word.

Meter Reading, Interstate Lighting, & Street Repairs

We are working toward more consistent meter read dates so utility bills are more predictable. We are also addressing interstate lighting issues and planning street repairs for the year.

City Hall Open House

And don’t forget, we’ll be hosting an open house before the March Rock Port City Council meetingWednesday, March 18, at 6:00 p.m. so you can see the progress on the city hall remodel. I’d love to see you there.

Blue Jay Successes

Before I close, I want to congratulate some incredible Blue Jays!

Congratulations to Ryder Herron on winning the Class 1 Missouri 285 pound State Wrestling Championship. That kind of accomplishment takes discipline, grit, and serious work.

Also, congratulations to our boys’ and girls’ high school basketball teams on winning the Class 1, District 16 Championships and advancing in postseason play. Our student athletes continue to represent Rock Port with excellence in the classroom and on the courts and fields of play. That makes this town proud.

Rock Port is a small town with a big heart. We tackle the hard stuff. We fix what needs fixing. We celebrate wins. And we keep pushing forward. As always, thank you for caring about this town and staying engaged. If you have a concern, a question, or even a better snow joke than mine, reach out at mayor@rpmo.com.

Stay safe, Rock Port.

Mayor JR Chaney