Marion County Commission Approves Bridge Contracts, Reviews Transportation Priorities
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Marion County Commission Approves Bridge Contracts, Reviews Transportation Priorities
News Story:
PALMYRA, Mo. — The Marion County Commission met in regular session Monday, July 21, 2025, at the courthouse in Palmyra, with Presiding Commissioner J. David Lomax, Eastern District Commissioner Larry Welch, Western District Commissioner Lacey Miller, and County Clerk Marla Meyers present.
The commission unanimously approved the engineers’ recommendation to award contracts for two major bridge projects—Graupman Bridge and Big Branch Bridge—to Bleigh Construction.
Transportation Priorities Reviewed
Anna Gill of the Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments and Emily Edgar with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) provided an annual update on Marion County’s ongoing transportation needs. Several long-standing priorities were revisited, including:
Development of the Hannibal Expressway/bypass
Addition of acceleration and deceleration lanes on U.S. Highways 61 and 24 at key intersections
Construction of a new interchange and improved east-side outer road along the U.S. 61 corridor at Palmyra
Replacement of the narrow, single-lane BNSF railroad underpass at Route E
Commissioners added a new request to the list: the installation of turn lanes at the Hannibal School on McMasters Avenue, citing safety concerns due to traffic congestion.
Community members also raised concerns. Resident Mike Schaefer asked whether a drainage issue under the train bridge near Palmyra Elementary School had been resolved. Emily Edgar responded that she would follow up with MoDOT maintenance engineer Jennifer on the matter. Commissioner Welch also reported visibility problems for vehicles turning east from Highway MM near Hummingbird Drive, prompting Edgar to refer the issue to MoDOT’s traffic department.
Gill and Edgar assured the commission that all identified priorities would be taken to the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) for consideration as part of the regional transportation planning process.
Business License Approved
Commissioners approved a liquor license for Rookies, LLC (Rookies Sports Bar) for the 2025–2026 license year. The license cost $303 and is valid from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
Closed Session Held for Personnel Review
The commission entered into closed session under RSMo. 610.021(3) for a personnel matter. The session was approved by motion from Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Welch. No public announcement was made regarding the outcome of the review. The meeting was reopened by unanimous vote following the closed session.
Facility Reports and Cost-Saving Measures
Angela Agnew, speaking on behalf of absent County Coordinator Teya Stice, delivered facility updates. Larry Johnson, a maintenance employee for Marion County, reported that the Hannibal Fire Department had completed and passed its annual fire inspection at the Hannibal Courthouse.
Johnson also shared a potential cost-saving opportunity. Trash collection service provider Republic of Quincy, Illinois, offered a new monthly rate of $100 for weekly pickup. The courthouse is currently serviced by Haul Away of Hannibal at a rate of $170 per month. Commissioner Welch directed Johnson to contact Haul Away to see if they would offer a more competitive rate.
Courtroom Acoustics Project Discussed
Judge Jackson may have an opportunity to secure funding for acoustic improvements in the Hannibal courtroom. The commission expressed support for using sound-absorbing panels like those installed in the Palmyra courtroom. Commissioner Welch agreed to contact Judge Jackson to further discuss the installation.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned with the commission scheduled to reconvene Monday, July 28, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
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