❄️Winter Snow Removal & Safety Tips❄️

The City of Washington strives for quick and safe snow removal from the city streets in minimal time. Streets are managed by giving priority to providing access for emergency vehicles in the following order: Major thoroughfares and collector streets, minor collector streets and longer residential streets, shorter residential streets and cul de sacs. After completion, the crews will work to “widen out” and clear all streets.

❄️ How can I help? ❄️
Always shovel to the right side rather than into the street.
Try to shovel beyond the curb. Clear an area 2 feet past the end of your driveway.
Shovel an area 2x15 up the street from your driveway (direction plow truck will be coming from).
Keep your mailbox clear to ensure mail delivery. City crews must keep a few feet away from the mailboxes to avoid damaging them.
Start clearing snow early! Fresh snow weighs less than old snow that compacts and becomes wet and difficult to shovel.

❄️ Ice & Snow... Take it slow! ❄️

Avoid unnecessary driving and stay off the roadways whenever possible during winter storms. Please do not try to pass Snowplows. Stay back. Stay Safe. Give the plows room to work. Remember to clean off your car and headlights.

Please park in your driveway during winter storms. Plows need to avoid parked vehicles, which can result in piles of snow on the roadway. Never park in front of your driveway, as this can result in your vehicle being blocked in by the snow plows.


8 months ago, City of Washington
Winter Storm watch Header
Winter Snow Removal Tips for safe efficient plowing
How to help and how to shovel to prepare for plow crews
Drive safely and slowly during snow events

Thank you to our local High School Blue Jays for helping take down the library's holiday decorations. We appreciate the help, you guys rock!

8 months ago, Nelson Appell
Blue Jays de-decorating the library
Blue Jays de-decorating the library
Blue Jays de-decorating the library
Blue Jays de-decorating the library

Night Shift Summary 1/21/2025

A file information report was taken in the area of A Roy Drive and East Rose Lane.

Officers checked the wellbeing of a subject in the area of HWY 100 and Bluff Rd.

Alarm sounding in the area of HWY 100 and Washington Heights.

Report of a suspicious person in the area of E 5th Street and Madison Ave.

Officers assisted a motorist in the area of HWY 100 and International Ave that had struck a coyote.

An open door was located in the area of HWY 100 and High Street.

Alarm sounding in the area of HWY 100 and Vernaci Dr.

8 months ago, Zach Yawitz
Night Shift Summary
This barred owl was sitting in a pine tree, absorbing wisdom, at the library's entrance last night at closing time.
8 months ago, Nelson Appell
barred owl
barred owl

Day Shift Summary 01/20/2026

Stealing reported on Dawson Drive.

Assisted EMS in the 1400 block of East 3rd Street. Subject was left in care of EMS.

Derelict vehicle reported in the 500 block of Madison Avenue.

Subject turned themselves in on active warrants.

Non-injury private property crash on Washington Crossing.

Subject was stopped for a traffic violation. The subject was found to have a suspended driving privilege and was arrested.

Non-injury private property crash on Blue Jay Drive.

Non-injury crash on East 5th Street at Macarthur Street.

9 months ago, Casey Hill
Day Shift Summary

Last week, Weird Pets explored pet hedgehogs. This Friday, January 23 at 4 p.m. Weird Pets is talking about the care of pet snakes. Ssssssslither on over to the library and join us!

9 months ago, Nelson Appell
weird pets: hedgehog
weird pets: hedgehog
weird pets: hedgehog
weird pets: hedgehog

Waste Connections was unable to complete today’s recycling route (1/20). The highlighted area will be completed first thing tomorrow (1/21). We apologize for any inconvenience.

9 months ago, Sherri Klekamp
1-20-26 RECYCLE

Chief James Armstrong #256 regrets to announce the passing of retired Lieutenant Lynn “Tommy” Thompson #227, who passed away on January 17, 2026.

Lt. Thompson dedicated his life to public service and the law enforcement profession. He began his career in 1970 with the Ballwin Police Department. In 1979, Tommy became Chief of Police in St. John, Missouri.

In 1984, Lt. Thompson joined the Washington Police Department, where he proudly served the City of Washington for 28 years before retiring in 2014. He was a respected leader, mentor, and friend whose impact on this department will not be forgotten.

The Washington Police Department extends its deepest condolences to Lt. Thompson’s family, friends, and all who had the honor of serving alongside him.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to BackStoppers in his honor.

Funeral services are being handled by Oltmann Funeral Home in Washington, Missouri. Visitation and service details can be found here:

oltmannfuneralhome.com/Thompson





9 months ago, Greg Garrett
Tommy

Night Shift Summary 01/18/26

Homeless activity in the 300 block of Lafayette Street.

Homeless activity in the area of Phoenix Center.

9 months ago, Matt Cooper
Night Shift Summary

Night Shift Summary 01/17/26

A male subject was arrested for possession of a controlled substance in the area of Johnson Street.

A peace disturbance was reported in the 300 block of High Street.

A female subject was transported to the hospital by EMS to seek some help for some mental health concerns.

A female subject was arrested for stealing in the area of A Roy Drive.

Arrests do not imply guilt.

9 months ago, Matt Cooper
Night Shift Summary

Day Shift Summary 01/17/26

Assisted the Missouri Highway Patrol with traffic control in the area of Highway 100 and Recreation Drive.

Officers investigated a motor vehicle accident in the area of Highway 100 and Clay St.

A check the wellbeing was conducted in the area of Highway 100 and Southpoint Rd.

Officers responded to the area of Bluff Rd. and Highway 100 for an alarm sounding.

9 months ago, Doug Tollison
Day Shift Summary

Night Shift Summary 01/16/26

Assisted a stranded motorist near Hwy 100 and Hwy A.

A male subject was arrested stealing in the area of A Roy Drive.

A male subject was arrested for DWI in the area of West 5th Street.

Arrests do not imply guilt.

9 months ago, Matt Cooper
Night Shift Summary

Day Shift Summary 01/16/26

Officers responded to the area of Hwy 100 and High St. to remove debris from the roadway.

Officers found an open door in the 400 block of Burnside.

Officers investigated a motor vehicle accident in the area of Hwy 100 and Huxel Dr.

Officers assisted a motorist with vehicle troubles in the area of 5th St. and Old Highway 100

Officers investigated a motor vehicle crash in the area of 3rd St. and Highway 47.

Officers assisted the Sheriff's Department with trying to locate a vehicle in the area of 5th St. and Madison Ave.

Officers investigated a 4 car motor vehicle crash in the area of Highway 100 and Jefferson St.

A check the well being was conducted in the area of Steutermann Rd. and Highway 47.

Officers investigated a motor vehicle crash in the area of High St. and 9th St.

Officers investigated a motor vehicle crash in the area of 6th St. and Hancock.

9 months ago, Doug Tollison
Day Shift Summary

NOW RECRUITING: Police Explorers

The Washington Police Department is currently recruiting new members for Police Explorer Post 2438 and will be hosting an Open House on February 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Washington Public Safety Building located at 301 Jefferson Street.

This event is open to area youth are interested in learning more about the Police Explorer Program and exploring a future in law enforcement and public service. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet officers, learn about the program, and ask questions. Being a resident of Washington is not a requirement and our program is open to youth who live outside the city.

About the Police Explorer Program:
The program, which is part of Scouting America through its Learning for Life section, is open to young men and women ages 14–20 and provides a realistic, behind-the-scenes look at law enforcement while helping participants develop valuable life and leadership skills.

Our program offers:
• Hands-on law enforcement training
• Leadership and character development
• Mentorship from our staff and law enforcement professionals across the St. Louis Region
• Career exploration opportunities
• Community involvement

If you know a young person who may be interested, please help spread the word. We would love to see them attend and become part of our post!

For additional information or to apply, contact Cpl. Mindy Schmelz #292 at mschmelz@washmo.gov

9 months ago, Greg Garrett
Flyer
Flyer

Night Shift Summary. Date: 01/15/2026

An overdose was reported in the 200 block of Jefferson Street.

A check the wellbeing was conducted in the 700 block of Fremont Street.

Officers assisted EMS in the 1700 block of High Street.

Officers assisted a motorist in the area of Highway 100 and East 5th Street.

9 months ago, Dan Day
Night Shift Summary
🚗 First Impact Thank You 🚗

We had a great turnout this evening for the First Impact Presentation. Thank you to all the parents and teens who took the time to attend and invest in safe driving habits for our young drivers.

A special thank you to Carol Hoormann and Sgt. Art Amato (Retired, Union PD) for bringing the First Impact program to our community and sharing valuable information on Missouri’s Graduated Driver License Law and safe decision-making behind the wheel.

Due to the strong interest, we will be working to schedule a second First Impact session in late spring, prior to the end of the school year, to give more families the opportunity to participate.

Thank you for helping us keep our roads and our teens safe.

#WashMO #BUPD #FirstImpact
9 months ago, Greg Garrett
crowd
🚗 Reminder: First Impact is TONIGHT at 6:00 PM! 🚗

Parents and new drivers — we’re looking forward to seeing you this evening at the First Impact Presentation, starting at 6:00 PM at the Washington Public Safety Building located at 301 Jefferson Street.

This FREE program helps families better understand Missouri’s Graduated Driver License Law and provides practical strategies for building safe driving habits, including:
• Limiting distractions
• Buckling up
• Making smart choices behind the wheel

Missed out on a seat this time? Due to the strong response, we do plan to add a second session toward the end of the school year to give more families the opportunity to participate.

Thank you for helping us keep our young drivers safe.

#WashMO #BUPD #FirstImpact
9 months ago, Greg Garrett
First Impact
The Library's Traveling Smithsonian Exhibit, "Voices and Votes: Democracy in America," is available for viewing whenever the library is open. Come on in and brush up on Democracy in America.
9 months ago, Nelson Appell
voices and votes: democracy in America
voices and votes: democracy in America

Day Shift Summary 01/14/2026

Alarm in the 2000 block of Highway A. Accidental by employee.

Non-injury private property crash in the 900 block of High Street.

Derelict vehicle was tagged in the 300 block of West Main Street.

Subject was stopped in the 900 block of International Avenue for a traffic violation. Subject was found to have outstanding warrants and was arrested.

Non-injury private property crash on Weber Heights Drive.

Two dogs running at large in the area of Clark Drive. Owner was able to get them as we arrived.

Peace disturbance in the 1700 block of East 5th Street. Subject causing the disturbance left.

9 months ago, Casey Hill
Day Shift Summary
The second phase of Riverfront Trail Improvements is moving forward!

Starting this week, staff will be removing irrigation lines and concrete in preparation for construction. The contractor is scheduled to begin work on Monday.

Construction is expected to be completed by June. Portions of the trail will be closed at different times throughout the project. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to enhance the Riverfront Trail for everyone’s enjoyment.
9 months ago, Parks & Recreation
Riverfront