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A listing of upcoming public meetings and events of interest involving City government, and the greater Rolla community. For information on items with no contact number, please call City Hall at 364-1384. For an additional community calendar of events, visit the Rolla Chamber of Commerce.
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The City of Rolla Environmental Services Department will hold the annual City-wide “Spring Clean-up” on Saturday, April 3. If you wish to participate, we ask that you please place all items near the curb by 6 a.m.
Examples of items that will be accepted include: furniture, microwaves, televisions, old clothes, and household trash. Items that will not be accepted include: appliances, water heaters, yard waste, tires, or construction debris such as sheet rock, shingles, concrete or rock. Loose items should be placed in boxes or bags and small pieces of lumber should be bundled.
We ask that you do not place your roll-out container to the curb, because during this special spring clean-up it will not be emptied. If you have any questions, please call the Environmental Services Department at (573) 364-6693.
The St. Pat’s Celebration Committee at Missouri University of Science and Technology will present a free concert featuring EVE 6 and special guest The Schwag following the annual St. Pat’s Parade in Rolla on Saturday, March 13.
The show will start at 2 p.m. at the Band Shell in downtown Rolla. EVE 6 is a punk pop, alternative rock band from Southern California. The band is known for hits like “Inside Out,” “Leech,” and “Here’s to the Night.” The Schwag is a popular regional band that performs Grateful Dead music.
Dr. Lance Haynes, faculty advisor to the St. Pat’s student committee, says the tradition of St. Pat’s concerts dates back to at least the 1940s when the annual show was called “The Concert for Alice.” Two years ago, as part of the centennial celebration of St. Pat’s in Rolla, the St. Pat’s committee partnered with the Student Union Board on campus to produce a big concert event at the Gale Bullman Multi-Purpose Building. That partnership continued with an indoor concert last year as well. “This year, space limitations prevented a third joint production, but the St. Pat’s committee is pleased to invite everyone to a free major concert following the parade,” Haynes says.
The City of Rolla Environmental Services Department will resume the curbside collection of yard waste in brown paper biodegradable bags on Monday, March 8.
Yard waste bags (containing leaves, grass clippings and small sticks) should be out to the curb by 6 a.m. on your regular trash collection day.
For more information, please contact the Environmental Services office at 364-6693 or visit the City of Rolla Website at www.rollacity.org/waste.
Going green is something that the Rolla City Council is backing up with action as they demonstrated by unanimously approving an ordinance allowing the 2010 “Show Me Green Sales Tax Holiday” to apply to the local sales taxes of the City of Rolla between April 19 through April 25.
In essences, the Show Me Green Sales Tax Holiday encourages the purchase of certain qualifying energy efficient appliances by exempting them for sales tax, and thereby reducing the consumer’s cost for such appliances. By offering incentives that reward consumers for being energy efficient, it is hoped that consumer awareness will help reduce energy consumption across the state, and have the added benefit of promoting retail sales activity in the Rolla area.
Qualifying appliances, which must be Energy Star certified, include clothes washers and dryers, water heaters, trash compactors, dishwashers, conventional ovens, ranges, stoves, air conditioners, furnaces, refrigerators and freezers. An Energy Star certified appliance is any appliance approved by both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
The ordinance, however will not apply to any retailer when less than two percent of the retailer’s merchandise offered for sale qualifies for the sales tax holiday. In such instances, the retailer will offer a sales tax refund in lieu of the sales tax holiday.
Improving energy efficiency throughout our community, including City facilities, is something the City of Rolla is very committed to. To be successful, a green community needs to consider a variety of ways its citizens and businesses can reduce its carbon footprint, and promote an environmentally friendly way of living. Engineers from Siemens Technologies, Inc. are currently conducting an energy audit, consisting of the mechanical and electrical systems at Rolla City Hall, the Rolla Police Department, the Rolla Fire Stations #1 and #2, The Centre, SpalshZone, and the City’s three wastewater distribution systems. The assessments will range from lighting and water improvements to aeration system upgrades, and new energy efficiency systems, equipment and technology.
The 9th Annual Rolla Earth Day Celebration will be held Thursday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. outside the Missouri University of Science & Technology Havener Center.
Businesses, government offices, and non-profit organizations are encouraged to participate. Rolla Earth Day exhibits are strictly limited to organizations sharing information about topics related to earth and biological sciences, environmental policy, sustainability, recycling, and environmental best practices.
Last year, approximately 1,500 children and adults attended the event. Hands-on children’s activities are strongly encouraged. Giveaways are encouraged, but only if they relate to the theme (such as trees, seeds, flowers planted in biodegradable flower pots, or products made from natural/recyclable materials). This year’s theme is Be Green, Keep our Planet Clean.
For more information or to reserve your spot, please contact Julie Wilson at 341-4262 or wilsonjulie@mst.edu at your earliest opportunity. Rolla Earth Day Celebration is a free event that includes children’s activities, educational exhibits, live music, door prizes and more.
The City of Rolla Environmental Services Department would like to inform the community that the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) disposal program is temporarily suspended while there is a transition between service contractors.
In the interim period, appointments are not being scheduled and HHW materials cannot be accepted at the Recycling Center until further notice. However, during regular operating hours, the Recycling Center will still be accepting rechargeable batteries, lead-acid batteries, and electronic waste.
For more information, please call 364-6693.
On Wednesday, March 3 the Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting Rolla Day at the Capitol in the 3rd floor Rotunda from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The purpose of this event is to showcase the Rolla Community, our businesses, our organizations and our government. This day will provide us with an opportunity to visit with our legislators about issues facing our community.
This is your opportunity to mingle with the state’s most influential policy makers as they join us at the Rotunda. You will have the opportunity to leave the Rotunda and make your own visits during the day.
This is the time to express your interest in attending the event. There is no cost to attend, however you will need to RSVP to the Chamber office at 573-364-3577. You do not have to be a Chamber member to participate in this experience.
(Pictured left) Rick Morris, Chairman of Phelps for the Fort, presents a $1,000 check to Anne McClay, Chairman of South Central Regional Veterans Group (SCRVG) Thursday, Feb. 4 at Rolla City Hall. The funds will be used for the first phase of Veterans Memorial Park, located off Southview Drive off Hwy. 72. The presentation was made during a fundraising committee meeting with members of the SCRVG, representatives from Missouri University of Science and Technology; Phelps For the Fort; Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce; City of Rolla Public Works and Administration Departments; and area veterans groups. The target area of the SCRVG will encompass a 16-county region in South Central Missouri (Scott Grahl/City of Rolla photo).
(Pictured right) Rick Morris, Chairman of Phelps for the Fort, presents a $1,000 check to Anne McClay, Chairman of South Central Regional Veterans Group (SCRVG) on Thursday, Feb. 4 at Rolla City Hall. The funds will be used for the first phase of Veterans Memorial Park, located off Southview Drive off Hwy. 72. Also pictured (l to r) are: Harrison Meaux, Chairman, Veterans Memorial Park Committee; Amanda Bell, Constituent Service Specialist, Rolla District Office of Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson, 8th District; Jerry Bumpus, Retired Enlisted Association; Steve Hargis, Director of Public Works, City of Rolla; Stevie Kearse, Executive Director, Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce; Anne McClay, Jason Co, Engineers Without Boarders, Missouri S&T; Norman Ragan, Treasurer, SCRVG; Rick Morris; Jim Brown, American Legion; Jonathon Hines, Lt. Col., U.S.A.F., Retired; Bill Stoltz, President, Central Federal Savings and Loan; and Forest O’Neal, Korean War Veterans Association. The presentation was made during a fundraising committee meeting where several ideas were discussed to raise awareness, and identify events that will generate interest and support for the new Veterans Memorial Park. It was also decided during the meeting that the SCRVG will encompass a 16-county region in South Central Missouri. (Scott Grahl/City of Rolla photo).
Rolla Mayor Bill Jenks, III, pictured center, reviews the D.R.E.A.M. (Downtown Revitalization Economic Assistance Missouri) Initiative Scope of Services during a meeting for the City of Rolla at the Office of Missouri Development Finance Board in Jefferson City on Friday, Jan. 29. Also pictured (l to r) are: Bob Donnelly, Business Development Manager, Missouri Department of Economic Development; Lonna Sowers, President, Rolla Downtown Business Association; Andy Papen, Compliance Manager, Missouri Department of Economic Development; Rolla’s Director of Community Development John Petersen; Rolla City Administrator John Butz; Stevie Kearse, Executive Director, Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce; Kimberly Martin, Community Development Program Manager, Missouri Development Finance Board, Bill Marshall, Chief Executive Officer, Phelps County Bank and Russell Volmert, Associate Director of Peckham Guyton Albers & Viets, Inc.
The City of Rolla is one of five Missouri communities who were selected for the D.R.E.A.M. Initiative, which is a program designated to help communities to more efficiently and effectively engage in downtown redevelopment and revitalization efforts. Another benefit of being selected as a DREAM Community is that Rolla will become an active member of the DREAM Initiative for three-years and will gain prioritized access to state supported programs through ongoing cooperation among several unique agencies and funding sources.
These programs include technical and financial assistance for infrastructure improvements, historic preservation, affordable housing, community services, business development and job creation. (Scott Grahl/City of Rolla photo)
The Rolla Animal Control Division of the Rolla Police Department is pleased to announce the winners of the “Name the Ferret” contest for the two ferrets that serve as the official mascots at the Rolla Animal Shelter located at 1915 Sharp Road in Rolla.
(Roy Taylor, Animal Control Officer, pictured left, visits with the newly named ferret mascots at the Rolla Animal Shelter located at 1915 Sharp Road. The mascot’s names are “Miney” and “Asher”. The winners of the “Name the Ferrets” contest are Sue Hilkemeyer of St. James and Hylan Beydler of Rolla.)
One of the winners is Sue Hilkemeyer of St. James, who came up with the winning name of “Miney” for the female ferret. The name Miney is a knock-off and reference to the Missouri S&T Miners.
The other winner of the contest is Hylan Beydler of Rolla, who came up with the winning name of “Asher” for the male ferret. The origin and meaning of the name Asher refers to someone who is fortunate, blessed and happy.
Both of the winners received free gift certificates from Panera Bread in Rolla for coming up with the best names for the new mascots.
Inge Wilson, Animal Control Manager at the Rolla Animal Shelter, would like to thank again everyone who participated in the “Name the Ferret” contest, including the two winners. Inge would also like to extend a big thank you to Panera Bread for their generous donation of the gift certificates, and Bowles Aquarium for donating the cage for the ferret’s new home.
“The next time you are visiting the Rolla Animal Shelter on Sharp Road be sure to stop by and meet our newly named mascots, Miney and Asher,” said Wilson.
The public is invited to attend the Rolla Candidates Forum on Monday, March 8 at the Rolla Public Schools Administration Building – Board Room located at 500A Forum Drive.The Rolla Community Teachers Association (RCTA) Candidates Forum will begin at 4 p.m., followed by the Rolla Municipal Candidates Forum at 6 p.m.
The Rolla Community Teachers Association (RCTA) and Rolla Channel 6 will host a Candidates Forum for candidates running in the Rolla Public School Board Election on April 6. For more information regarding this event, please contact Christopher Wright, President of the Rolla Community Teachers Association, at 458-0190, ext. 19133.
The Rolla Municipal Candidates forum, which will include candidates running for the Rolla Municipal General Election on April 6, will be moderated by Lee Buhr, Sports/Newscaster for Results Radio. This forum is being hosted by Rolla Channel 6 and the City of Rolla.
The Rolla Municipal Candidates Forum will include introductions by each candidate, followed by questions from the audience, and then an opportunity for closing remarks. Only questions given from those attending the forum will be included in the discussions. The City believes that hosting the Candidates Forum is a reflection of open government that provides an opportunity for an exchange of ideas with the citizens and members of the Rolla community.
For more information regarding this event, please call Rolla City Administration at 426-6948.
The City of Rolla Environmental Services Department reports that during the month of December 2009, the Sanitation Division collected and hauled a total of 1,355 tons of refuse.
This tonnage represents approximately 194 fully loaded garbage trucks. The cost to dispose of this amount of refuse is $52,250. The Recycling Division also shipped 250 tons of recyclables during the month of December. This is approximately equivalent to 36 fully loaded garbage trucks.
The disposal cost avoided by recycling this volume is about $9,600. The revenue received from the sale of these recyclable commodities is $23,700, for a total economic benefit of $33,300 for the month of December.
“Recycling not only helps to preserve and protect our environment, but also provides an opportunity for significant cost savings,” said Brady Wilson, Director of Environmental Services. “I encourage the community to recycle whenever possible.”
The City of Rolla’s Public Works Department and Phelps County Extension is hosting a series of FREE, public workshops called “Healthy Yards for Clear Streams,” on Monday March 8 and 15 at 6:30 p.m. at The Centre (located at 1200 N. Holloway Street in Rolla).
The “Healthy Yards for Clear Streams program was developed by the University of Missouri Plant Sciences Division and University Extension to educate the community about non-point source water pollution and effective ways to prevent pollutants from entering waterways.
Water is our most important resource, but also the one most taken for granted. Essential to life, we have now all the water that has ever been on the earth. Yet in the world today more than a billion people do not have access to safe, clean drinking water. Even in the United States, especially in parts of the Southwest and California, water supplies are threatened by extended droughts, pollution, and overuse in irrigation. Our current way of doing things is becoming unsustainable.
In the Ozarks we are blessed with reliable annual rainfall, deep aquifers, and clear streams and rivers. But we can't become complacent. Our water resources are also threatened by multiple sources of pollution. We can take action in our own homes and yards to contain runoff and keep pollutants from reaching streams.
Join us this March, on the first three Mondays, to learn how to have "Healthy Yards for Clear Streams” and attend the following FREE workshops at The Centre:
Session 2, March 8: •Building Healthy Soils that Hold and Retain Moisture
•Put the Right Plant in the Right Place and Use Chemicals Safely
Session 3, March 15: •Native Plant Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels: Using the Free Water From Your Roof
•Compost, Bokashi, and Worm Farms: How to Improve Soil and
Keep Organic Waste Out of the Landfill
All workshops will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., except the final one, which will last until 9 p.m. For more information or to register, please call Phelps County Extension at 573-458-6260.
Initial reports in the media and on the Internet of the missing 13-year-old Philadelphia girl named Ashley Flores have proven to be nothing more than a very bad hoax, according to numerous law enforcement agencies and credible news outlets.
Despite conclusive evidence that the original missing person report and Amber Alert regarding Ashley Flores was a hoax concocted by a kid's prank, the Rolla Police Department still receives hundreds of calls every day regarding her status.
A variety of searches through law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigations, New Jersey State Police and Philadelphia Police, and numerous missing child websites such as The Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), confirms there has never been an official report of a missing girl named Ashley Flores.
The Rolla Police Department is trying to spread the word that although Ashley Flores may exist, reports of her disappearance were an unfortunate internet hoax. Pranks such as these are not only illegal, but also hamper and interfere with communications and law enforcement operations.
For more information, please go here or call Lt. Doug James at 573-308-1213