Marion County Commission Approves Blue Shield Program, Liquor Licenses, and Courthouse Repairs
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PALMYRA, Mo. — During two regular sessions in April, the Marion County Commission approved participation in the Missouri Blue Shield Program, signed off on several liquor licenses, authorized HVAC system repairs for county courthouses, and addressed Planning and Zoning requests and grant activity.
April 21 Meeting
The Commission—Presiding Commissioner J. David Lomax, Eastern District Commissioner Larry Welch, and Western District Commissioner Lacey Miller—met with County Clerk Marla Meyers to approve payroll for the period of March 30 through April 12, 2025.
Liquor licenses were issued for several county establishments for the 2025–2026 licensing period. Recipients included:
The Cigarette Store LLC – OPL – $103
Smoker Friendly #814 – SOP – $203
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2446 – RBD ($303) and SBD ($203)
Hannibal Sandy’s Inc. – OPL – $103
Mark Twain Amoco – SOP – $203
The Commission also approved a contract with the Drug Task Force for calendar year 2025.
Sheriff Jimmy Shinn appeared before the Commission to request support for the Missouri Blue Shield Program, a statewide initiative under Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe aimed at reducing violent crime and enhancing law enforcement collaboration. The program enables participating counties to join a network of law enforcement agencies and demonstrate a commitment to public safety. Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to enroll Marion County in the program.
In a request from the community, Gary Stuhlman of the Heritage Seekers asked the Commission if the county could assume responsibility for mowing the lawn of the Old Jail property across from the Palmyra Courthouse. He explained that the volunteer who previously maintained the yard could no longer continue. The Commission stated that because the county no longer owns the property, they would consult with the county’s insurance provider before making a decision. Stuhlman was encouraged to follow up the following week.
County Coordinator Teya Stice briefed commissioners on several matters, including a Planning and Zoning meeting scheduled for April 24. She also reported on HVAC issues at both courthouses. Keck Heating & Air Conditioning was scheduled to inspect the Palmyra Courthouse system on April 23, while Peters Heating & Air was to examine a damaged pipe at the Hannibal Courthouse. The damage reportedly occurred during the seasonal switch from air conditioning to heat.
In other news, the county received a $2,000 “Spring Into Action” grant from the Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments. Anna Gill from the council visited for a photo opportunity with the commissioners.
April 28 Meeting
The following week, the Commission continued with approvals for additional liquor licenses, including:
Dolgencorp LLC (Dollar General Store #11127) – OPL – $103
Dolgencorp LLC (Stores #1213 & 11704) – OPL – $206
Cassano Pizza King of Hannibal – 5BDW & 5SBD – $256
Walmart Supercenter #609 – OPL & SOP – $306
Fiddlestiks Food & Spirits – RBD & SBD – $506
Mann Pasand LLC (Busy Corner 3) – SOP ($203) and OPL ($103)
Walgreens #2616 – OPL & SOP – $306
A signed agreement was approved for the City of Palmyra Recycling program.
Planning and Zoning matters dominated part of the session. The Commission unanimously approved a rezoning request from JC Shoemyer to change a property designation from Agriculture 1 to Commercial 5 (C-5).
However, a request from Evans/Hawes to rezone from Agriculture 1 to Commercial 1 (C-1) was denied. Commissioner Welch noted the applicants’ plan lacked clarity, especially regarding sewer system arrangements. He said the proposal was split between county and city utilities without a definitive infrastructure plan. Commissioner Miller praised the P&Z board’s diligence and moved to uphold its decision. Commissioner Lomax suggested the applicants return with a revised proposal addressing the board’s concerns and recommended they review transcripts from past P&Z meetings. The applicants acknowledged the feedback and expressed appreciation for the Commission’s time.
Stice presented two bids for chiller repairs at the Palmyra Courthouse. Keck Heating & Air Conditioning submitted a bid of $3,650, and Peters Heating & Air Conditioning submitted a bid of $3,152.29. Commissioner Miller advocated for trying a new vendor and moved to accept Keck’s bid for the Palmyra location, while retaining Peters for the Hannibal site. The motion passed unanimously.
In tech-related business, IT consultant Devon McClain advised that the Commission room lacked a network cable, causing a printer issue. Solutions ranged from installing a cable ($500–$600) to purchasing a basic black-and-white printer ($200). Commissioner Lomax volunteered to bring a printer from home.
Stice also shared updates from DNR regarding a boiler grant, noting delays due to executive order-related funding reviews. Additionally, the LEPD grant for fire department foam replacement across five counties is being processed, with counties paying upfront and receiving reimbursement.
Commissioners discussed a request from Stuhlman to mow the Old Jail lawn. Welch supported the request, citing the property’s proximity and limited impact. However, Miller objected, cautioning against setting a precedent. With no second to Welch’s motion, the proposal failed.
The Commission agreed to assist the City of Hannibal with a blighted property at 1623 Grace Street. Inspector Mike McHague had requested help with dumping fees following demolition. Commissioners approved covering the estimated $1,500 disposal cost.
The Commission adjourned until its next session on Monday, May 5, at 9:30 a.m.
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