Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Violators of social distancing rules in Carthage parks to be charged with trespassing, prosecuted

(From the City of Carthage)

On 03/31/2020 Mayor Dan Rife issued an Executive Order that applied to the entire City of Carthage. This order was issued in response to numerous complaints received by the city regarding large gatherings in city parks that were failing to adhere to CDC recommendations.

This order is intended to reinforce compliance with the guidelines set forth by the Federal, State and City government to stop the spread of COVID-19.

This order demands that all public gatherings on public property, such as city parks, of more than ten people are prohibited.







Groups less than ten are allowed, but must participate in activities in which they can maintain the appropriate distance of 6 feet away from one another.

Anyone using city parks or public areas in a prohibited fashion shall be deemed by the city as trespassing. We encourage our citizens to adhere to this order and take personal responsibility.

Please help keep our community stay safe.

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR EXECUTIVE ORDER 2020-01 

WHEREAS, on March 19, 2020, I signed Emergency Resolution 1897 and the Council Passed and I signed Ordinance #20-08 declaring a state of emergency in response to the spread of the COVID-19 virus; and 

WHEREAS, COVID-19 poses a serious health risk for Missouri residents and visitors; and 

WHEREAS, COVID-19 can result in mild or severe symptoms, is highly contagious, and is spread through close contact between persons and respiratory transmission; and 

WHEREAS, COVID-19 poses a serious health risk for Carthage and Missouri residents and visitors; and WHEREAS, the President of the United States and the Governor of the State of Missouri have declared a state of emergency; and 

WHEREAS, Jasper County has confirmed numerous cases of COVID-19; and 

WHEREAS, the spread of COVID-19 and identification of additional cases in Missouri is likely to continue, and steps should be taken to prevent a substantial risk to public health and safety; and 

WHEREAS, to date, the emergency personnel of the City of Carthage have and continue to respond to violations of the President’s and Governor’s recommendation for gatherings and social distancing; and 









WHEREAS, section 44, RSMo, authorizes the City to suspend operations during time of emergency and the City Council and the Charter of the city of Carthage grants authority to the mayor to suspend operations within the City, 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Dan Rife, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF CARTHAGE, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the City Charter, City Council and the Laws of the State of Missouri, I hereby order that the following activities are prohibited on public property and in the public parks owned by the city: 

All places of public amusement, whether indoors or outdoors, including but not limited to, locations with amusement rides, roller skating rinks, children's play centers, playgrounds, and golf courses (with the narrow exceptions of playing golf where there is no shared equipment by the participants and driving ranges where Social Distancing Requirements of 6 feet are strictly followed and enforced). 

All public gatherings on public property of more than ten (10) people are prohibited. An exception shall exist for public parks and trails, so long as patrons remain 6 feet apart and where no shared equipment is utilized by the patrons. 

All public areas addressed in this order are closed except for the above permitted purposes. 

Anyone using the public areas in a prohibited fashion shall be deemed by the city as trespassing. A violation of or failure to comply with this Order is a crime punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both. 

In addition to the criminal enforcement authority of the Prosecuting Attorney, the City Counselor is delegated the authority to take appropriate actions with respect to any person or business that has failed to comply or attempted to fail to comply with this Order. 

This order shall terminate on May 15, 2020, unless extended in whole or in part.

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