Wednesday, November 30, 2011

City of Rolla Wednesday Updates (Nov. 30, 2011)

The Way We Worked
Speakers & Special
Events Listing
The Centre, 1200 N. Holloway St.
(Nov. 19 – Dec. 17, 2011)
Open to the public and FREE…
(Clip & Save for easy reference)
Nov. 30 – An Evening with Mark Twain (5-7 p.m.); Andy Arthur
Dec. 2 – Art Exhibit Opening (5-7 p.m.) and lecture (6 p.m.) on some of the jobs during the Civil War; Dan Woodward
Dec. 5 – Story Time (6:30 p.m.) – Parents and Children, ages 4-10 are invited to story time with an Elementary School Librarian. Free and open to the public at The Centre
Dec. 7 – Lecture (7 p.m.) - Fort Leonard Wood program on the history of employment with the military and how it has evolved over the many decades; and the impact of Fort Leonard Wood on this region; Historian Dr. John Glover
Dec. 9 – “Across Our Wide Missouri” (7:30 p.m.) – Bob Priddy, Author, Historian and News Director of The Missourinet
Dec. 10 – Book signing with Bob Priddy at Reader’s Corner, 819 N. Pine St., Downtown Rolla
(9 a.m. – noon)
Dec. 12 – Story Time (6:30 p.m.) – Parents and Children, ages 4-10 are invited to story time with an Elementary School Librarian. Free and open to the public at The Centre
Dec. 14 – Lecture (7 p.m.) – The history of Phelps County Regional Medical Center; Dr. Don James, Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, PCRMC
   For more details about The Way We Worked Exhibit, please contact Scott Caron, the City’s Recreation Director, at 573-341-2386 or Loretta Wallis, Corporate Relations Manager, Brewer Science, at 573-364-0444, ext. 1357.

Frontier Environmental
Technology receives
Grand Challenges Explorations
Funding
Frontier Environmental Technology (Frontier) announced it will receive funding through Grand Challenges Explorations, an initiative created by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that enables researchers worldwide to test unorthodox ideas that address persistent health and development challenges. Frontier will pursue an innovative global health research project, titled “Biogas Generator Powered by Self-Sustaining Mixing Mechanism”.
The Biogas Generator will be installed at the City of Rolla’s Southeast Wastewater Treatment Plant (located off Highway 72) in January 2012, said Steve Hargis, the City’s Public Works Director. “Based on the City’s past experience with Frontier Environmental Technology, the ideas and treatment systems they’ve come up with are truly revolutionary in terms of performance and efficiency,” said Hargis.
Grand Challenges Explorations funds scientists and researchers worldwide to explore ideas that can break the mold in how we solve persistent global health and development challenges. Frontier’s project is 1 of 110 Grand Challenges Explorations grants announced today. “We believe in the power of innovation—that a single bold idea can pioneer solutions to our greatest health and development challenges,” said Chris Wilson, Director of Global Health Discovery for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “Grand Challenges Explorations seeks to identify and fund these new ideas wherever they come from, allowing scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs to pursue the kinds of creative ideas and novel approaches that could help to accelerate the end of polio, cure HIV infection or improve sanitation.”
Projects that are receiving funding show promise in tackling priority global health issues where solutions do not yet exist. This includes finding effective methods to eliminate or control infectious diseases such as polio and HIV as well as discovering new sanitation technologies. To learn more about Grand Challenges Explorations, visit http://www.grandchallenges.org/.
There are many factors that determine the efficiency of a biogas generator. The amount of mixing within the reactor is one of those factors. A well-mixed reactor supplies the organisms in the reactor with food as quickly as possible, resulting in faster generation of methane. However, greater mixing means more energy input, thereby reducing net energy gain from the generator. This project will test a new biogas generator that will use the buoyant force of large gas bubbles formed from small bubbles to drive convective mixing in the reactor.
Frontier is an emerging technology company that began with the development of the Baffled Bioreactor (BBR). Since its founding, Frontier has developed a variety of innovative technologies for low-maintenance wastewater treatment and biological nutrient removal. Advanced solids treatment and energy recovery was an easy transition from their specialty niche. Visit http://www.frontieret.com/ to learn more.

About Grand Challenges Explorations
Grand Challenges Explorations is a $100 million initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Launched in 2008, Grand Challenge Explorations grants have already been awarded to nearly 500 researchers from over 40 countries. The grant program is open to anyone from any discipline and from any organization.  The initiative uses an agile, accelerated grant-making process with short, two-page online applications and no preliminary data required. Initial grants of $100,000 are awarded two times a year. Successful projects have an opportunity to receive a follow-on grant of up to $1 million.

City of Rolla participates in
‘Fill A Ford for the Holidays’
Canned Food Drive
Various departments in the City of Rolla are once again participating in the ‘Fill A Ford for the Holidays’ canned food drive sponsored by Denny Ford Lincoln, Inc. through Dec. 19.
Donation boxes for canned food and non-perishable items are currently displayed in the lobbies of Rolla City Hall (901 N. Elm Street) and will be displayed in other City departments through Dec. 19 when members of the City’s Employee Advisory Committee will pick up the food and deliver it to Denny Ford on Bishop Avenue.
This year’s goal for the food drive is to fill 50 truck-loads to help re-stock 27 food pantries in the surrounding area. Let’s all give back to our community by donating at least one or two cans of food, or a bag-full throughout the holiday season. 

Artist Dan Woodward
to speak Dec. 2 at
The Centre
An Art Exhibit opening and lecture by artist Dan Woodward sharing his research to create historically accurate artwork depicting various scenes and types of jobs that were common during the Civil War era will be held on Friday, Dec. 2 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Centre (located at 1200 N. Holloway St.). Woodward’s lecture begins at 6 p.m.
Woodward is among many notable speakers who will be featured during The Way We Worked, the newest Smithsonian Institution exhibit on display at The Centre (1200 N. Holloway Street) from Nov. 19 through Dec. 17, 2011. Woodward’s presentation and the Smithsonian Exhibit are free and open to the public.
A long-time artist based in Rolla, Missouri, Woodward paints primarily in oils. He is also a past Arts Rolla Board member and is currently on the Board of Governors of the St. Louis Artists’ Guild. Woodward’s painting journeys took him from Missouri to California and Mexico from 1961-1980, to the Vietnam War in the Far East in 1968-69, to Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Turkey in 1981-84, and to South Africa in 2004 resulting in the inspiration for many original paintings and sketches of those mysterious and rapidly changing lands. Woodward says he takes pleasure recording the quickly vanishing world of natural wilderness and historical identity.
For more details about The Way We Worked exhibit, featured speakers, special events exhibit hours, programs, and the local history exhibit, please visit the City of Rolla Website at www.rollacity.org and click on The Way We Worked tab. You may also contact Scott Caron, the City’s Recreation Director, at 573-341-2386 or Loretta Wallis, Corporate Relations Manager, Brewer  Science, at 573-364-0444, ext. 1357. For more information on volunteering, please contact Arts Rolla at 573-364-5539 or e-mail Linda Giger at lgiger@fidnet.com.

Dr. John Glover
to present lecture on
military history
at The Centre
Fort Leonard Wood Historian for the U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center, Dr. John Glover will present a lecture on the history of employment with the military and the significant impact Fort Leonard Wood has had on this region on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. at The Centre (located at 1200 N. Holloway St.). His lecture coincides with the date Pearl Harbor was attacked on Dec. 7, 1941.
Dr. Glover is among many notable speakers who will be featured during The Way We Worked, the newest Smithsonian Institution exhibit on display at The Centre (1200 N. Holloway Street) from Nov. 19 through Dec. 17, 2011. Glover’s presentation and the Smithsonian Exhibit are free and open to the public.
Dr. Glover has the distinction of being named the first historian dedicated solely to the history of Fort Leonard Wood and the Maneuver Support Center. While serving in Special Operations and Intelligence until his retirement from the service he had a distinguished career in both the military and historical fields. His lecture on the history of employment with the military over the last several decades will underscore the theme of the Smithsonian Exhibit “The Way We Worked” as we recall the millions of individuals who have served and continue to serve heroically in the various branches of the military and throughout the world.
For more details about The Way We Worked exhibit, featured speakers, exhibit hours, story time programs, and the local history exhibit, please visit the City of Rolla Website at www.rollacity.org and click on The Way We Worked tab. You may also contact Scott Caron, the City’s Recreation Director, at 573-341-2386 or Loretta Wallis, Corporate Relations Manager, Brewer Science, at 573-364-0444,ext. 1357.

Filing begins Dec. 13
for 2012 Rolla
Municipal Election
Filing for the City of Rolla’s 2012 General Municipal Election, which will be held on April 3, 2012, begins on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011 at 8 a.m.
The positions open for election this year include: one Council Representative for all six wards (two-year term), Municipal Judge (two-year term), and City Attorney (Prosecuting Attorney), which is also a two-year term.
Persons wishing to file their candidacy for any of the above-listed positions may do so between 8 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011 and 5 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012 in the Rolla City Clerk’s Office at City Hall (901 North Elm Street). Municipal candidates are not charged a filing fee.
City Council seats must be filled by candidates with the following qualifications; at least 21 years of age prior to taking office, a citizen of the United States, an inhabitant of the city for one year, and a resident of the ward which he/she is elected for six months at the time of his/her election.
The Municipal Judge's office must be filled by a candidate with the following qualifications: a licensed attorney qualified to practice law within the state of Missouri, a resident of the city of Rolla and between the ages of 21 and 68 years.
The City Attorney’s office must be filled by a candidate with the following qualifications: a person licensed to practice law in the state of Missouri and a resident of the city.
For more information, please contact Carol Daniels, City Clerk, at (573) 426-6942 or at cdaniels@rollacity.org.

Dr. Don James
to present lecture on
Phelps County Regional
Medical Center
Dr. Don James will present a lecture on the history and evolution of Phelps County Regional Medical Center and medical technology on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at The Centre (located at 1200 N. Holloway St.).
Dr. James is among many notable speakers who will be featured during The Way We Worked, the newest Smithsonian Institution exhibit on display at The Centre (1200 N. Holloway Street) from Nov. 19 through Dec. 17, 2011. James’ presentation and the Smithsonian Exhibit are free and open to the public.
Dr. James is the Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs/Chief Medical Officer at Phelps County Regional Medical Center. He also continues to see patients at his clinic, Mid-Missouri Internal Medicine, where he has practiced medicine for over 35 years. He has served on the PCRMC Board of Trustees for seven years, and has held numerous leadership roles on the hospital medical staff, including chairman of the department of internal medicine for 12 years, Chief of Staff for two separate terms, Vice Chief of Staff, and membership on the Medical Executive Committee for at least 20 years.
For more details about The Way We Worked exhibit, featured speakers, exhibit hours, story time programs, and the local history exhibit, please visit the City of Rolla Website at www.rollacity.org and click on The Way We Worked tab. You may also contact Scott Caron, the City’s Recreation Director, at 573-341-2386 or Loretta Wallis, Corporate Relations Manager, Brewer  Science, at 573-364-0444, ext. 1357.

Rolla City Council
Mtg. set for Dec. 5
The next Rolla City Council meeting will be held on Monday, Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Rolla City Hall, 901 N. Elm Street. 
Rolla City Council meetings are ordinarily held the first and third Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. except when there is a conflict with an observed holiday.  To review a copy of the City Council agendas or the full agenda packet, please visit http://www.rollacity.org/admin/agenda.shtm. For more information, please contact Rolla City Administration at 426-6948.
City Council meetings are also broadcast live on Rolla Channel 16 (RC16). To check to see when the City Council meetings are rebroadcast, please check the RC16 Program Guide online at http://rollachannel16.pegcentral.com/.

Smithsonian exhibit
The Way We Worked
to feature local history
The Way We Worked, the newest Smithsonian Institution exhibit to travel through Missouri with the Missouri Humanities Council’s Museum on Main Street program, will make its next stop at The Centre (1200 N. Holloway St.) from Nov. 19 through Dec. 17, sharing the stories of how work became a central element in American culture and the many changes affecting the workforce and work environments over the past 100 years.
In addition to the Smithsonian Exhibit, a local exhibit featuring historic and present day photos from the Phelps, Crawford, Dent, Maries and Pulaski county area will be on display to show different livelihoods of our region. The exhibit will highlight work in the following areas: agriculture, timber, railroads, mining, government, tourism, medicine, education, and trade and commerce. These photographs, many from private collections, were generously shared to show our rich history and tell the story of the people who have made this region what it is today.
“We greatly appreciate the many people who have contributed their time and talent to make this local exhibit a reality,” said Loretta Wallis, President of Arts Rolla. “There are hundreds of people who have shared amazing photos that showcase our community and the people who have shaped where we are today. And I’m sure that visitors will enjoy visiting the exhibit and will find some familiar scenes and faces included in the photos.”
For more details about The Way We Worked exhibit, please contact Scott Caron, the City’s Recreation Director, at 573-341-2386 or Loretta Wallis, Corporate Relations Manager, Brewer  Science, at 573-364-0444, ext. 1357. For more information on volunteering, please contact Arts Rolla at 573-364-5539 or e-mail Linda Giger at lgiger@fidnet.com.

Special programs,
speakers part of
Smithsonian Exhibit
in Rolla
The Way We Worked, the newest Smithsonian Institution exhibit to travel through Missouri with the Missouri Humanities Council’s Museum on Main Street program, will make its next stop at The Centre (1200 N. Holloway St.) from Nov. 19 through Dec. 17, sharing the stories of how work became a central element in American culture and the many changes affecting the workforce and work environments over the past 100 years.
In addition to the The Way We Worked exhibit, there will be several notable speakers, historians, authors and special events that will take place at The Centre, including Andy Arthur who will present “An Evening with Mark Twain” on Wednesday, Nov. 30 (5-7 p.m.); Dan Woodward will present a lecture on some of the jobs performed during the Civil War on Friday, Dec. 2 (6 p.m.); Fort Leonard Wood historian, Dr. John Glover will discuss the history of employment with the military and how it has evolved over the many decades, and the impact Fort Leonard Wood has on this region, on Wednesday, Dec. 7 (7 p.m.); author Bob Priddy, News Director of The Missourinet, and host of the popular daily radio program “Across Our Wide Missouri,” will be speaking at the Centre on Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and participating in a book signing at Reader’s Corner on Saturday, Dec. 10 (9 a.m. to 12-noon). Dr. Don James will discuss the history of the Phelps County Regional Medical Center on Wednesday, Dec. 14 (7 p.m.). In addition, there will be several free story time programs conducted by area elementary school librarians will be held at The Centre for parents and children, ages 4-10 at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 and Dec. 12.
For more details about The Way We Worked exhibit, please contact Scott Caron, the City’s Recreation Director, at 573-341-2386 or Loretta Wallis, Corporate Relations Manager, Brewer  Science, at 573-364-0444, ext. 1357.

Bob Priddy to speak during
The Way We Worked
Smithsonian Exhibit in Rolla
Well known author and historian Bob Priddy will be among the notable featured speakers who will be part of the The Way We Worked, the newest Smithsonian Institution exhibit which will be on display at The Centre (1200 N. Holloway Street) from Nov. 19 through Dec. 17, 2011. The exhibit is part of the Missouri Humanities Council’s Museum on Main Street program which is sharing the stories of how work became a central element in American culture and the many changes affecting the workforce and work environments over the past 100 years.
The News Director of The Missourinet, a statewide commercial radio network, and historian who has written five books which focus on Missouri history, Priddy has written five books which focus on Missouri history – three of which are based on his popular daily radio program “Across Our Wide Missouri.”
His fourth book is a biography of Missouri’s most prominent and controversial 20th century artist and his great painting at the Missouri Capitol: “Only The Rivers Are Peaceful: The Missouri Mural of Thomas Hart Benton.” His newest book, “The Art of the Missouri Capitol, History in Canvas, Bronze and Stone,” is written with co-author Jeffrey Ball, and was released in May, 2011. 
Priddy will provide a fascinating overview of Missouri’s history during his talk on Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at The Centre (1200 N. Holloway Street). This event is free and open to the public. Priddy will also be doing a book signing immediately following the event. Priddy will also be at Reader’s Corner, located at 819 North Pine Street in Rolla, on Saturday, Dec. 10 for a book signing appearance from 9 a.m. to 12-noon.
For more information on additional speakers and special events planned for the month-long exhibit, please visit the City of Rolla’s Website at http://www.rollacity.org and click on “The Way We Worked” tab at the top of the page.
For more details about The Way We Worked exhibit tour that will be hosted at The Centre from Nov. 19-Dec. 17, please contact Scott Caron, the City’s Recreation Director, at 341-2386  or Loretta Wallis, Global Relations Manager, Brewer Science, at (573) 364-0444, ext. 1357. For information on volunteering, please contact Arts Rolla at 573 364 5539 or e-mail Linda Giger at lgiger@fidnet.com

Parks and Recreation
leaf pick up service
available Nov. 1 – Dec. 9
For a nominal fee, Rolla residents can get their leaves picked up by the City of Rolla Parks and Recreation Department from Nov. 1 through Dec. 9.
All leaves must be curbside along city streets. No private driveways or private areas will be entered by City vehicles. Per City ordinance, no leaves can be placed in the streets, gutters or ditches. Leaves will be picked up by a large vacuum and deposited into a large dump body and trailer and then taken to the Phelps County composting site to be recycled.
Leaf pick-up will take place Monday through Friday (leaves will not be picked up after 12 p.m. Friday or during weekends and holidays). New users of this service must pay a $150 refundable deposit or leave a credit card number.
The fee is $50 per half hour with the minimum charge of $50 and all fees must be paid within two weeks of the service being completed. Credit card payments (Visa, Master Card and Discover) are preferred. Homeowners will also be required to sign a Hold Harmless Agreement. For more information, please contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 341-2386.

Environmental Services
continues pick up of
bagged leaves through
Dec. 17
The City's Environmental Services Department will continue to pick up leaves bagged in biodegradable paper bags through Dec. 16. Biodegradable brown paper bags can be purchased at several stores in Rolla.  
These bags should be out to the curb by 6 a.m. on your normal trash collection day. The department will resume regular collection of yard waste March 1, 2012. 
The compost site, located at the north end of McCutchen Road near the Rolla Recycling Center (2141 Old St. James Road), will remain open during normal operating hours for anyone wanting to haul yard waste to that site. For more information, please call Environmental Services at 364-6693.

MoDOT Update on
Interstate 44 ramps at
mile marker 184 in Rolla
Daylight Hours/Overnight Hours
Interstate 44 ramps at mile marker 184 in Rolla - Roundabout construction at the I-44 Business Loop interchange continues at mile marker 184.
   * All ramp work has been completed and the ramps are now open to traffic.
   * Lighting for the intersection and final grading and striping continues.
The roundabouts are scheduled to be completed by late 2011.

Rolla Channel 16
live streaming
24/7 on the Web
If you happen to miss the airing of a Rolla City Council meeting, Planning & Zoning meeting, Rolla Public School Board meeting or Board of Public Works meeting, you can now watch them online on the Rolla Channel 16 Website at http://rollachannel16.com/.
Rolla Channel 16, Rolla’s premiere Education and Government channel, is also now live streaming (24/7) at http://rollachannel16.com/. RC16 is live streaming all Rolla City Council meetings, Rolla Planning & Zoning Commission meetings, all future episodes of “City Minutes”, all Rolla Public Schools board meetings, and Rolla High School Review.
Other syndicated content on RC16 such as Missouri Outdoors, Army Newswatch, and Capitol Dialogue will also live stream on RC16 at http://rollachannel16.com/.
For more information regarding programming or DVD duplication of Rolla City Council meetings, Rolla Planning & Zoning meetings, and Rolla Public Schools board meetings, etc., please contact Gabe Mankin, Digital Media Operations Manager, at (573) 426-3377 or at Gabe.Mankin@fidelitycommunications.com.
Be sure to watch Rolla Channel 16 – Education, Government and Community for you!

Rolla Sesquicentennial
posters available
at City Hall
Rolla Sesquicentennial commemorative posters are available to the public for purchase at Rolla City Hall, (901 N. Elm Street).
The 4-color, 11x17 glossy Sesquicentennial posters are selling for $2 each. In addition to the posters, the newly designed Rolla City flags are available for purchase in the Community Development Department (2nd Floor) at Rolla City Hall for $40 each.
Proceeds will be used to offset costs and expenses incurred for Rolla’s Sesquicentennial Celebration festivities.
The City of Rolla, incorporated 150 years ago on Jan. 25, 1861, continues to celebrate its Sesquicentennial Anniversary, which was Jan. 25, 2011. For more information, please call Scott Grahl, Communications Director, at 426-6943 or visit the City’s Website at www.rollacity.org and click on the Rolla’s 150th tab.
  
2011 Environmental Services Dept.
List of Important Dates:
(Clip & save for easy reference!)
Dec. 25, 2011 – Christmas Day (Observed Dec. 26):  Monday’s trash will be picked up Tuesday; Tuesday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.

Upcoming Events
NOVEMBER 2011
19 thru Dec. 17 – “The Way We Worked” Smithsonian Exhibit; The Centre; FREE and open to public (for hours, visit www.rollacity.org)
30 – Andy Arthur presents “An Evening with Mark Twain” (6 p.m.); The Centre (Free and open to the public)
DECEMBER 2011
1 – Board of Adjustment Mtg. (5:30 p.m.)
2 – Artist Dan Woodward to speak on Civil War era jobs (6 p.m.); The Centre (Free and open to the public)
3 – Rolla Christmas Parade (10 a.m.); Pine Street, downtown Rolla
3 – Visit & photos with Santa (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.); The Centre
5 – City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)
7 – Historian Dr. John Glover to speak on military history and the impact of Fort Leonard Wood to the region (7 p.m.); The Centre (Free and open to the public)
8 – Visit & photos with Santa (4-6 p.m.); The Centre
9 – Author Bob Priddy to give an overview of Missouri history (7:30 p.m.); The Centre (Free and open to the public)
10 – Bob Priddy book signing event (9 a.m.-12-noon); Reader’s Corner, 9th and Pine St. (Open to the public)
11 – Rotary Holiday Celebration (11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Havener Center; tickets available through Rotary members
13 – Filing begins for Rolla Municipal Election (8 a.m.); continues thru Jan. 17, 2012
14 – Dr. Don James will present the history of Phelps County Regional Medical Center (7 p.m.); The Centre (Free and open to the public)
19 – City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

Scott A. Grahl
Communications Director
City of Rolla, Missouri
(573) 426-6943
Follow us on Facebook
& Twitter at www.rollacity.org


Dr. John Glover to present lecture on military history at The Centre

Fort Leonard Wood Historian for the U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, Dr. John Glover will present a lecture on the history of employment with the military and the significant impact Fort Leonard Wood has had on this region on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. at The Centre (located at 1200 N. Holloway St.). His lecture coincides with the date Pearl Harbor was attacked on Dec. 7, 1941.
Dr. Glover is among many notable speakers who will be featured during The Way We Worked, the newest Smithsonian Institution exhibit on display at The Centre (1200 N. Holloway Street) from Nov. 19 through Dec. 17, 2011. Glover’s presentation and the Smithsonian Exhibit are free and open to the public.
Dr. Glover has the distinction of being named the first historian dedicated solely to the history of Fort Leonard Wood and the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence. While serving in Special Operations and Intelligence until his retirement from the service he had a distinguished career in both the military and historical fields. His lecture on the history of employment with the military over the last several decades will underscore the theme of the Smithsonian Exhibit “The Way We Worked” as we recall the millions of individuals who have served and continue to serve heroically in the various branches of the military and throughout the world.
For more details about The Way We Worked exhibit, featured speakers, exhibit hours, story time programs, and the local history exhibit, please visit the City of Rolla Website at www.rollacity.org and click on The Way We Worked tab. You may also contact Scott Caron, the City’s Recreation Director, at 573-341-2386 or Loretta Wallis, Corporate Relations Manager, Brewer Science, at 573-364-0444,ext. 1357.

Biogas Generator to be installed at City's Southeast Wastewater Treatment Plant

Frontier Environmental Technology (Frontier) announced it will receive funding through Grand Challenges Explorations, an initiative created by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that enables researchers worldwide to test unorthodox ideas that address persistent health and development challenges. Frontier will pursue an innovative global health research project, titled “Biogas Generator Powered by Self-Sustaining Mixing Mechanism”.
The Biogas Generator will be installed at the City of Rolla’s Southeast Wastewater Treatment Plant (located off Highway 72) in January 2012, said Steve Hargis, the City’s Public Works Director. “Based on the City’s past experience with Frontier Environmental Technology, the ideas and treatment systems they’ve come up with are truly revolutionary in terms of performance and efficiency,” said Hargis.

Grand Challenges Explorations funds scientists and researchers worldwide to explore ideas that can break the mold in how we solve persistent global health and development challenges. Frontier’s project is 1 of 110 Grand Challenges Explorations grants announced today. “We believe in the power of innovation—that a single bold idea can pioneer solutions to our greatest health and development challenges,” said Chris Wilson, Director of Global Health Discovery for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “Grand Challenges Explorations seeks to identify and fund these new ideas wherever they come from, allowing scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs to pursue the kinds of creative ideas and novel approaches that could help to accelerate the end of polio, cure HIV infection or improve sanitation.”

Projects that are receiving funding show promise in tackling priority global health issues where solutions do not yet exist. This includes finding effective methods to eliminate or control infectious diseases such as polio and HIV as well as discovering new sanitation technologies. To learn more about Grand Challenges Explorations, visit http://www.grandchallenges.org/.

There are many factors that determine the efficiency of a biogas generator. The amount of mixing within the reactor is one of those factors. A well-mixed reactor supplies the organisms in the reactor with food as quickly as possible, resulting in faster generation of methane. However, greater mixing means more energy input, thereby reducing net energy gain from the generator. This project will test a new biogas generator that will use the buoyant force of large gas bubbles formed from small bubbles to drive convective mixing in the reactor.
Frontier is an emerging technology company that began with the development of the Baffled Bioreactor (BBR). Since its founding, Frontier has developed a variety of innovative technologies for low-maintenance wastewater treatment and biological nutrient removal. Advanced solids treatment and energy recovery was an easy transition from their specialty niche. Visit http://www.frontieret.com/ to learn more.

About Grand Challenges Explorations
Grand Challenges Explorations is a $100 million initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Launched in 2008, Grand Challenge Explorations grants have already been awarded to nearly 500 researchers from over 40 countries. The grant program is open to anyone from any discipline and from any organization.  The initiative uses an agile, accelerated grant-making process with short, two-page online applications and no preliminary data required. Initial grants of $100,000 are awarded two times a year. Successful projects have an opportunity to receive a follow-on grant of up to $1 million.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Artist Dan Woodward to speak Dec. 2 at The Centre

An Art Exhibit opening and lecture by artist Dan Woodward sharing his research to create historically accurate artwork depicting various scenes and types of jobs that were common during the Civil War era will be held on Friday, Dec. 2 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Centre (located at 1200 N. Holloway St.). Woodward’s lecture begins at 6 p.m.
Woodward is among many notable speakers who will be featured during The Way We Worked, the newest Smithsonian Institution exhibit on display at The Centre (1200 N. Holloway Street) from Nov. 19 through Dec. 17, 2011. Woodward’s presentation and the Smithsonian Exhibit are free and open to the public.
A long-time artist based in Rolla, Missouri, Woodward paints primarily in oils. He is also a past Arts Rolla Board member and is currently on the Board of Governors of the St. Louis Artists’ Guild. Woodward’s painting journeys took him from Missouri to California and Mexico from 1961-1980, to the Vietnam War in the Far East in 1968-69, to Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Turkey in 1981-84, and to South Africa in 2004 resulting in the inspiration for many original paintings and sketches of those mysterious and rapidly changing lands. Woodward says he takes pleasure recording the quickly vanishing world of natural wilderness and historical identity.
For more details about The Way We Worked exhibit, featured speakers, special events exhibit hours, programs, and the local history exhibit, please visit the City of Rolla Website at www.rollacity.org and click on The Way We Worked tab. You may also contact Scott Caron, the City’s Recreation Director, at 573-341-2386 or Loretta Wallis, Corporate Relations Manager, Brewer  Science, at 573-364-0444, ext. 1357. For more information on volunteering, please contact Arts Rolla at 573-364-5539 or e-mail Linda Giger at lgiger@fidnet.com.

Filing begins Dec. 13 for 2012 Rolla Municipal Election

Filing for the City of Rolla’s 2012 General Municipal Election, which will be held on April 3, 2012, begins on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011 at 8 a.m.
The positions open for election this year include: one Council Representative for all six wards (two-year term), Municipal Judge (two-year term), and City Attorney (Prosecuting Attorney), which is also a two-year term.
Persons wishing to file their candidacy for any of the above-listed positions may do so between 8 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011 and 5 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012 in the Rolla City Clerk’s Office at City Hall (901 North Elm Street). Municipal candidates are not charged a filing fee.
City Council seats must be filled by candidates with the following qualifications; at least 21 years of age prior to taking office, a citizen of the United States, an inhabitant of the city for one year, and a resident of the ward which he/she is elected for six months at the time of his/her election.
The Municipal Judge's office must be filled by a candidate with the following qualifications: a licensed attorney qualified to practice law within the state of Missouri, a resident of the city of Rolla and between the ages of 21 and 68 years.
The City Attorney’s office must be filled by a candidate with the following qualifications: a person licensed to practice law in the state of Missouri and a resident of the city.
For more information, please contact Carol Daniels, City Clerk, at (573) 426-6942 or at cdaniels@rollacity.org.

Monday, November 28, 2011

City of Rolla participates in 'Fill A Ford for the Holidays' canned food drive

Various departments in the City of Rolla are once again participating in the ‘Fill A Ford for the Holidays’ canned food drive sponsored by Denny Ford Lincoln, Inc. through Dec. 19.
Donation boxes for canned food and non-perishable items are currently displayed in the lobbies of Rolla City Hall (901 N. Elm Street) and will be displayed in other City departments through Dec. 19 when members of the City’s Employee Advisory Committee will pick up the food and deliver it to Denny Ford on Bishop Avenue.
This year’s goal for the food drive is to fill 50 truck-loads to help re-stock 27 food pantries in the surrounding area. Let’s all give back to our community by donating at least one or two cans of food, or a bag-full throughout the holiday season. 

Police Chief Chat

Drug watch: The Rolla Street Crimes Unit and officers from the evening shift arrested (2) individuals last night for possessing chemicals with the intent to manufacture a controlled substance. The suspects were observed making numerous trips in and out of pharmacies and were purchasing items commonly used to manufacture methamphetamine then hiding the items throughout the vehicle. Also located during the search was methamphetamine paraphernalia. One of the suspects had active warrants from the State of Oklahoma for the same type of charges.

This past week the Rolla Police Department handled 769 calls for service. Of these calls there were: 28 arrests, 4 alarm calls, 20 accident reports, 29 traffic complaints, 28 check the well being requests, 151 traffic stops, 17 disturbance calls (including domestics), 15 suspicious nature complaints, 19 assists of other agency requests, 7 field interviews, 13 escorts, 4 leave without pay complaints, 29 animal control calls, 3 mental health calls, 2 littering complaints, 7 destruction of property reports, 1 juvenile complaint and 2 telephone harassment calls. This call total is up 123 calls from last week, yet another busy week!

I hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving, the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, share a good meal and give thanks for the many blessings we are afforded here in the United States and in good ole Rolla, Missouri. Myself and members of the Rolla Police Department also hope that any visiting family members or friends had a safe journey back home and arrived without mishap. Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday are paid holidays for City of Rolla employees and most will be able to enjoy a 4-day weekend. Here at the Rolla Police Department our Patrol and Communication Divisions are not as fortunate. For these officers and telecommunicators work goes on, 24 hrs. a day, 7 days a week. Yes, they will get the paid holiday, but usually sometime down the road when the schedule allows. So keep these folks in mind while you are home with your families as they work and miss being with their families to keep you safe. We would like to thank the individuals, church groups, civic organizations and businesses who graciously stop by the Police Department and provide lunches, dinners, snacks and desserts to those employees working the holidays.

I am proud to announce that the City of Rolla has reposed special trust and confidence in the knowledge, courage, integrity, and professional excellence of Pto. Steven Gray. In view of these qualities and his demonstrated leadership potential and dedicated service to the Rolla Police Department, he is therefore promoted from the rank of Patrol Officer to Senior Patrol Officer. Promotion and date of rank are effective November 13, 2011. Steve was born and raised in the State of Illinois before moving to Rolla in 2003. Steve received training and served as a paramedic with the St. James Ambulance, Houston Ambulance and Dixon Ambulance before accepting a position as a paramedic with the Phelps County Regional Medical Center in Rolla. Steve then became interested in law enforcement and attended the Missouri Sheriff’s Academy in Waynesville where he obtained his POST certification graduating in 2009. In October of 2009 Steve accepted a patrol officer position with the Rolla Police Department and has served us very well ever since. Congratulations Steve!

In closing, I would like to remind you that the holiday season is upon us and even though it is a time for joy and happiness it is also a time where we see an increase in home invasions, thefts from vehicles and credit card fraud. This time of year predators come out in force hoping to catch you leaving your homes and cars unsecured, purses and wallets unattended and not using caution when using credit or debit cards. During the holidays many families leave home to visit family and friends and leave their homes unattended. If you plan to leave for the holidays, remember to secure all doors and windows, stop newspaper and mail delivery and use timers on lights and other electronics to ward off burglars. If you have an alarm system, be sure to arm it as you leave. Contact a trusted neighbor or family member to watch your residence while you are gone. Contact the Rolla Police Department and set up a vacation security check which will allow us to check your residence periodically while you are away.

Also remember to lock your vehicles, especially while shopping. Do not leave tempting items in plain view inside your vehicles. If you must leave items inside, cover them or place them in the trunk. Try to park your vehicle in lighted areas and if shopping at night, try to shop with a buddy. Remember there is safety in numbers.

And finally, if you are a victim of a crime, be sure to report it to us as soon as possible. If we do not know that it occurred, we cannot help.

Have a great holiday!

Lieutenant Rick Williams