Public Hearing to discuss smoke-free workplace ordinance - July 5

   The public is invited to provide comment on an ordinance prohibiting smoking in workplaces and public places within the City of Rolla at the Rolla City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall (901 N. Elm Street). 

  “Discussion on the smoke-free workplace ordinance will continue at the public hearing on July 5,” said John Butz, Rolla City Administrator. “The Rolla City Council is trying to obtain public feedback, and we encourage you to provide comments during this portion of the meeting.”

    For more information, please call City Administration at 426-6948. To review the DRAFT ordinance prohibiting smoking in workplaces and public places within the City of Rolla, please visit www.rollacity.org/admin/agenda.shtm#agenda.

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE to run July 7-17

   Ozark Actors Theatre will present its second show of the 2011 summer season, the Tony-Award-winning musical THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, starting Thursday, July 7 and running through July 17, at the Cedar Street Playhouse, 701 North Cedar, Rolla MO, 65401. 

Critics call this charming musical “irresistible”, “riotously funny”, and “generously warm-hearted”, and Ozark Actors Theatre has assembled a top-notch cast from New York, Florida, Indiana, St. Louis, and Oklahoma City, as well as Rolla and Cuba. 

Producing Artistic Director Jason Cannon says of the musical, “It’s impossible to resist.  When I first saw this show, I was stunned not just by its incredible sense of humor, but by how much it truly affected me.  You don’t just laugh at these sharp, kooky characters—you really come to care about them.”

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is generously sponsored by Phelps County Bank, and runs July 7 through July 17: Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday the 9th at 8 p.m., Saturday the 16th at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.  Tickets can be purchased at www.ozarkactorstheatre.org or by calling (573) 364-9523.

THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is directed and choreographed by Florida-based Equity actor and director Steven Flaa, and follows OAT’s acclaimed production of LEND ME A TENOR, which critics called “electric”, “stunning”, “sleek”, and “a great show”.

Ozark Actors Theatre is one of only two professional theatres in out-state Missouri, and operates under a contract with Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage manager in the United States.  Now in its 24th season, Ozark Actors Theatre has a long history of presenting outstanding live theatre to south central Missouri.

Ozark Actors Theatre will conclude its 24th season with the Pulitzer-Prize-winning THE CRUCIBLE July 28-Aug. 7.  More information about the entire season, the casts, and Ozark Actors Theatre can be found at www.ozarkactorstheatre.org.

Exercise extreme caution when discharging fireworks

   Did you know that more fires are reported on July 4th than any other day of the year in the United States? And that more than half of these fires are caused by fireworks. With the July 4^th holiday just days away, the City of Rolla Fire and Rescue reminds you to please exercise extreme caution when discharging fireworks.

   Fire Chief Robert Williams and Training Officer Ron Smith remind the community that Section 14-2 of the Rolla City Code states that any individual or organization may discharge fireworks, without a permit, ONLY from July 1 to July 5. The discharge of fireworks during any other day of the year is prohibited.

   Please also remember that fireworks may not be discharged between the hours of midnight and 8 a.m., and no fireworks shall be discharged within 50 feet of any stand, booth, or other location where fireworks are being sold.

   It is also unlawful for anyone to discharge fireworks in City parks any day throughout the year (Section 31-1, Rolla City Code). Parks and Recreation Director Ken Kwantes and his staff will be posting numerous signs in City parks to alert the public.

  “Fireworks are considered dangerous explosives that can inflict injury and even death,” said Chief Williams. “If you are going to be around fireworks, please take the proper precautions and please supervise any children who may be near or around fireworks.”

   Each Fourth of July thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. For more information, please visit the National Fire Protection Agency Website at www.nfpa.org/education.

  

Environmental Services to close for Independence Day Holiday

   The City of Rolla Environmental Services Department will be closed Monday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

   Monday’s trash and recycling will be picked up on Tuesday and Tuesday’s trash will be picked up on Wednesday. There will be no special pick-ups on Wednesday. 

   If you have any questions, please call 364-6693.

Rolla City Hall to close for Independence Day Holiday

    As you begin to make plans for the July 4^th weekend, please keep in mind that Rolla City Hall will be closed on Monday, July 4 in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

   The Rolla City Council meeting, normally held the first Monday of the month, will be held on Tuesday, July 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Rolla City Hall (901 N. Elm Street).

   The Centre, Rolla’s Health and Recreation Complex, (located at 1200 N. Holloway Street), will be open Independence Day, Monday, July 4 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

   SplashZone, Rolla’s outdoor water park, (located in Ber Juan Park next to The Centre on 14^th Street), will have Independence Dollar Day on July 4 and will be open from 12-noon to 4 p.m. Admission for everyone is $1 on July 4.

   The Environmental Services Department will also be closed on Monday, July 4 in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Monday’s trash will be picked up on Tuesday, July 5,  and Tuesday’s trash will be picked up on Wednesday, July 6. There will be no special pick ups on Wednesday, July 7.

  For more information, please call 426-6948 or visit www.rollacity.org

Rolla Lions Club Carnival set for July 1-4

   The Rolla Lions Club 76th Annual Carnival - attended by thousands throughout South Central Missouri and beyond, will be held Friday, July 1 through Monday, July 4 at Lions Club Park (located on Bishop Highway/State Route 63 South) across from G&D Steakhouse.
   The sounds of fireworks and the smell of hamburgers, onion rings, funnel cakes and fried Oreos will fill the air as the Rolla Lions Club hosts this annual event. The Carnival will feature wristband nights for rides on Friday, July 1 and 3, a wristband matinee (1-4 p.m. only) on July 2, as well as stunning fireworks displays on July 2 and July 4. Prize drawings will be held every night culminating in a drawing for a 2011 Ford Mustang at midnight on July 4.
   Raffle tickets are available from any Lions Club member. The Lions Club invites you to come out and enjoy a hamburger, barbeque, steak sandwich, cotton candy, or Lioness funnel cakes and help support at great program. All proceeds from the Carnival benefit the Rolla Lions Club Park, vision and hearing programs, and area youth activities and scholarships for local students.
   For more information, please visit www.rollalions.org/~lions/carnival, or call 573-364-4386.   
  

Roundabouts to be constructed in Rolla area

   After constructing a round-about at University Drive and White Columns Drive that has provided an attractive gateway entrance to the City of Rolla, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) recently awarded a bid that will result in the construction of two additional roundabouts in the Rolla area.

   The roundabouts will be constructed on Kingshighway at both ends of the Kingshighway/I-44 overpass. The current traffic signals at the Martin Springs Drive intersection will be removed and replaced with a roundabout, and the second roundabout will be located on the north side of the Kingshighway/I-44 overpass. This configuration is referred to as a ‘dog bone’ design. These roundabouts will greatly improve the capacity and safety of these heavily traveled intersections. The estimated cost of these improvements is $1,760,051. The improvements, which will begin early this summer, are part of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan funded by MoDOT.

   The City of Rolla’s Public Works Department will construct a third roundabout later this summer at the intersection of 18^th Street and Forum Drive. This new roundabout will also greatly improve the capacity and safety of this heavily traveled area and intersection. This roundabout will be funded by the City’s Street Fund, and is part of the planned roadway improvements on Forum Drive from Soest Road to 18^th Street.

   We appreciate your patience and that of motorists traveling on Forum Drive between 18^th and 10^th Streets as major infrastructure upgrades such as new 12-inch water mains are installed by Rolla Municipal Utilities. The City’s Street Crew will also be repairing curb and gutter and driveway aprons, and will be installing additional storm sewers at 10^th and Forum. The water main installations by RMU are nearly completed, and the trenches will be patched by the City’s Street Crew beginning the week of June 27. Work in this area along Forum Drive will continue, however, for the next several weeks. Once all of the additional repairs and improvements are completed, Forum Drive will receive a new overlay. This project should greatly enhance the infrastructure of this area as well as improve the driving surface and safety of Forum Drive.

  Looking ahead this week, I’d like to remind you that the 76^th annual Rolla Lions Club Carnival will be held at Rolla Lions Club Park (State Route 63 South) from Friday, July 1 through Monday, July 4 with carnival rides, game booths, great-tasting carnival food and free fireworks the evening of July 2 and July 4. Prize drawings will be held nightly culminating with the highly anticipated drawing for a new 2011 Ford Mustang at midnight on July 4. Proceeds from the carnival will benefit the Rolla Lions Club Park as well as the Lions Club vision and hearing programs, area youth activities and scholarships for local residents.

   Please also note that SplashZone, Rolla’s outdoor water park, located next to The Centre in Ber Juan Park, will celebrate the 4^th with Independence Dollar Day where everyone gets in for $1. Rolla City Hall and the Environmental Services Department will also be closed on Monday, July 4 in observance of the Independence Day Holiday. Monday’s trash will be picked up on Tuesday and Tuesday’s trash will be picked up on Wednesday. In addition, the Rolla City Council meeting, normally held on the first Monday of the month, will be held on Tuesday, July 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall (901 N. Elm Street).

   I hope you have a safe and memorable July 4^th weekend. And, let’s remember and pay tribute to the members of the U.S. Armed Services who allow us all to enjoy the freedoms and celebrations that would not be possible without their sacrifices and service to our country.  

  

Roundabouts to be constructed in Rolla area

   After constructing a round-about at University Drive and White Columns Drive that has provided an attractive gateway entrance to the City of Rolla, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) recently awarded a bid that will result in the construction of two additional roundabouts in the Rolla area.

   The roundabouts will be constructed on Kingshighway at both ends of the Kingshighway/I-44 overpass. The current traffic signals at the Martin Springs Drive intersection will be removed and replaced with a roundabout, and the second roundabout will be located on the north side of the Kingshighway/I-44 overpass. This configuration is referred to as a ‘dog bone’ design. These roundabouts will greatly improve the capacity and safety of these heavily traveled intersections. The estimated cost of these improvements is $1,760,051. The improvements, which will begin early this summer, are part of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan funded by MoDOT.

   The City of Rolla’s Public Works Department will construct a third roundabout later this summer at the intersection of 18^th Street and Forum Drive. This new roundabout will also greatly improve the capacity and safety of this heavily traveled area and intersection. This roundabout will be funded by the City’s Street Fund, and is part of the planned roadway improvements on Forum Drive from Soest Road to 18^th Street.

   We appreciate your patience and that of motorists traveling on Forum Drive between 18^th and 10^th Streets as major infrastructure upgrades such as new 12-inch water mains are installed by Rolla Municipal Utilities. The City’s Street Crew will also be repairing curb and gutter and driveway aprons, and will be installing additional storm sewers at 10^th and Forum. The water main installations by RMU are nearly completed, and the trenches will be patched by the City’s Street Crew beginning the week of June 27. Work in this area along Forum Drive will continue, however, for the next several weeks. Once all of the additional repairs and improvements are completed, Forum Drive will receive a new overlay. This project should greatly enhance the infrastructure of this area as well as improve the driving surface and safety of Forum Drive.

  Looking ahead this week, I’d like to remind you that the 76^th annual Rolla Lions Club Carnival will be held at Rolla Lions Club Park (State Route 63 South) from Friday, July 1 through Monday, July 4 with carnival rides, game booths, great-tasting carnival food and free fireworks the evening of July 2 and July 4. Prize drawings will be held nightly culminating with the highly anticipated drawing for a new 2011 Ford Mustang at midnight on July 4. Proceeds from the carnival will benefit the Rolla Lions Club Park as well as the Lions Club vision and hearing programs, area youth activities and scholarships for local residents.

   Please also note that SplashZone, Rolla’s outdoor water park, located next to The Centre in Ber Juan Park, will celebrate the 4^th with Independence Dollar Day where everyone gets in for $1. Rolla City Hall and the Environmental Services Department will also be closed on Monday, July 4 in observance of the Independence Day Holiday. Monday’s trash will be picked up on Tuesday and Tuesday’s trash will be picked up on Wednesday. In addition, the Rolla City Council meeting, normally held on the first Monday of the month, will be held on Tuesday, July 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall (901 N. Elm Street).

   I hope you have a safe and memorable July 4^th weekend. And, let’s remember and pay tribute to the members of the U.S. Armed Services who allow us all to enjoy the freedoms and celebrations that would not be possible without their sacrifices and service to our country.  

  

  

  

 

Rosenburg recognized as Plant Operator of The Year

   The City of Rolla’s Assistant Wastewater Superintendent, Phillip Rosenburg was recognized recently by the Missouri Water and Wastewater Association as Plant Operator of the year for the Midwest Section.

   A 12-year employee with the City’s Wastewater Division, Rosenburg was presented the prestigious award at a Missouri Wastewater Conference in Columbia, Missouri where he was recognized for outstanding performance and dedication to the wastewater field.

  Rosenburg began his career with the City in 1999 as a plant operator at the Southeast Treatment Plant, and then ran the Southwest Treatment Plant and Vichy Road Treatment Plant by himself for six years before being promoted to Assistant Wastewater Superintendent on Nov. 15, 2008.

   Rosenburg holds a Class A Wastewater Treatment Operator’s License, Class D Drinking Water License, DSIII Distribution System License for Drinking Water and Class B Commercial Drivers’ License. Prior to joining the City, Rosenburg worked for 10 years for the Public Water and Sewer District, #2 in Phelps County as a wastewater operator.

   A Rolla native, and graduate of Rolla High School, Rosenburg attended a two year Heating and Air Conditioning program at Rolla Technical Institute after serving in the U.S. Army from 1973-1976.  He currently resides in the Rolla area and has two boys, one girl and one grandson.