priority as
students return
to school
By Rolla Mayor Bill
Jenks, III
Whether
or not you have students enrolled in Rolla Public Schools, or a university or
college, I urge everyone to please take notice not only of all the additional
pedestrian traffic that comes with the start of school, but also the many
school zones and cross walks located along Pine Street (6th through
18th Streets), Bishop Avenue, 10th Street, Soest Road,
Salem Avenue, Forum Drive, Pinetree Drive. Lanning Lane, Kingshighway and 18th
Street, to name just a few. There is quite a bit of pedestrian and motor
vehicle traffic along these busy corridors, including the downtown business
district along Pine Street, especially during the morning and lunchtime hours,
and later in the afternoon when students are returning home or to their dorms
and apartment complexes.
Missouri Revised Statutes state that “When traffic
control signals are not in place or not in operation the driver of a vehicle
shall yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield,
to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is
upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or when the
pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as
to be in danger.” Rolla’s Municipal Ordinances (Chapter 27, Section 27-89,
Motor Vehicles and Traffic), state that motorists shall proceed cautiously,
yielding the right of way to any pedestrian within any crosswalk. Bicycle paths, such as the City’s
13-mile-long pedestrian bike path network, also have pedestrian cross walks and
again motorists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in all cross
walks.
Fortunately, the Rolla Police Department and
Missouri S&T Police Department do a very good job overseeing motor vehicle
and pedestrian traffic, and enforce the traffic laws, including improper
parking, when necessary, but the assistance of the motoring public is an
important piece of this very large puzzle that includes the safety and welfare
of thousands of students.
With over 7,000 students enrolled at
Missouri S&T, 4,000 enrolled at the eight Rollla Public Schools and
thousands more enrolled at the other area colleges such as Columbia, Drury,
Webster, Metro Business College and others, safety is a high priority
throughout the school year. Please do your part to ensure we have a safe and
memorable year with all of our students, residents and visitors enjoying the
beauty and serenity of our community. Public safety, and especially pedestrian safety, is
a topic I think we all agree is at the heart of a healthy, prosperous and
peaceful community
In
closing, I’d like to remind everyone that the Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce is
once again hosting the 4th Annual Bulldog Pride Night on Friday, Aug. 24 prior
to the first home football game for Rolla High School. This community supported
event will start at 5:30 p.m. in the parking lot next to Lions Memorial Stadium
and RHS, and will continue until game time with our own Rolla Bulldogs verses
the Lebanon Yellow Jackets. There will be free hotdogs, soda, and stadium
cups. The RHS band, cheerleaders, and football players will all make an
appearance so plan to join the community to support our Bulldogs and show your
pride! The football game starts at 7 p.m., and admission is $4 at the gate.
Rolla City Council
Mtg., Aug. 20
The
next Rolla City Council meeting will be held on Monday, Aug. 20 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://rollacity.org/admin/agenda.shtml#agenda. For more information, please contact Rolla City Administration at 426-6948
To review a copy of the City Council agendas or the full agenda packet, please visit http://rollacity.org/admin/agenda.shtml#agenda. For more information, please contact Rolla City Administration at 426-6948
Basswood Drive
street improvements
begin Aug. 20
The
City of Rolla Public Works Department, in conjunction with Rainey & Son
Construction, L.L.C., will begin substantial street improvements on Basswood
Drive beginning Monday, Aug. 20 at 7 a.m., weather permitting.
The
Basswood Drive and Boxelder Drive Street Improvement project (#296), recently
approved by the Rolla City Council, will include excavation, storm sewer
installation, new curb and gutter, new driveway aprons, and subsequent 4-inch
paving.
The
excavation and road improvements on Boxelder Drive will begin immediately after
the street improvements are complete on
Basswood sometime in October.
It
is anticipated that the entire street improvement project, including Boxelder,
should be completed before the end of 2012, weather permitting. Caution signs
and safety cones will be posted in the construction area, indicating lane
closures, and for motorists to please drive carefully.
“The
City of Rolla appreciates the assistance, patience and cooperation of the
public throughout the duration of this important street improvement project,”
said Steve Hargis, Director of Public Works.
For
more information, please contact the Public Works Department at 364-8659 or
visit www.rollacity.org.
Drive Sober or
Get Pulled Over
Rolla Police Cracking Down
on Impaired Drivers Aug. 17 – Sept. 3
The
sobering fact is that impaired driving contributes to nearly 30 percent of all
Missouri traffic fatalities. In 2011, 220 people were killed and 902 seriously
injured in crashes involving an impaired driver; that’s why the Rolla Police
Department will join other Missouri law enforcement agencies to crack down on
drunk driving Aug. 17 – Sept. 3.
The
Rolla Police Department will participate in statewide sobriety checkpoints and
DWI saturation patrols enforcing Missouri’s DWI laws and keeping impaired
drivers off the road.
Consequences
of drunk driving include jail time, loss of their driver licenses, or being
sentenced to use ignition interlocks. Insurance rates go up. Other financial
hits include attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential
loss of job or job prospects. When family, friends and co-workers find out,
violators can also face tremendous personal embarrassment and humiliation.
Driving drunk is simply not worth all the
consequences,” said Sgt. Tim Mayfield. “Our message is simple and unwavering:
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
For more information, please visit www.saveMOlives.com.
City completes
10th Street
widening project
The
City of Rolla Street Department recently completed a street improvement project
to widen 10th Street from Hwy. 63 to Spring Avenue.
The
final phase of the project included the construction, paving and striping of an
additional right turn lane onto Hwy. 63 (Bishop Avenue) that will greatly
improve traffic flow and safety at this busy intersection.
“The
City appreciates the assistance, patience and cooperation of the public and
motorists during this important project,” said Steve Hargis, Director of Public
Works.
For
more information, please call the Public Works Department at 364-8659 or visit www.rollacity.org.
Rolla Ward 2 Town Hall
Mtg. set for Aug. 26
at Ber Juan Park
The
public is invited to attend a Rolla Ward 2 Town Hall meeting hosted by City
Councilman Steve Leonard (Ward 2) on Sunday, Aug. 26 at 4 p.m. at the Ber Juan
Park pavilion (located next to SplashZone off 14th Street).
Please
join us to discuss important issues to your neighborhood and City. This is an
open forum for residents to share their concerns with your local City Council representatives.
In
the event of rain, the meeting will be held at The Centre, Rolla’s Health and
Recreation Complex, located at 1200 N. Holloway Street in Rolla.
Budget
Workshops
set
for Aug. 27 & 29
at
Rolla City Hall
The
Rolla community is invited to attend a series of City budget workshops
scheduled for Monday, Aug. 27 and Wednesday, Aug. 29 beginning at 5:30 p.m. in
the Council Chambers at Rolla City Hall (901 North Elm St.).
The
budget workshops will provide the Rolla City Council, City staff and members of
the community an opportunity to review and discuss the City of Rolla’s
2012-2013 fiscal year budget, which officially begins Oct. 1.
Public
hearings to discuss and provide input on the 2012-2013 City budget will be held
during the Sept. 5 and Sept. 17 Rolla City Council meetings, which will be held
at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Rolla City Hall.
For
more information regarding the City’s upcoming 2012-2013 budget, please call
the City’s Finance Department at (573) 426-6980 or visit the City’s Website at www.rollacity.org.
International Idol
Talent Competition
auditions, Sept. 6
Do
you sing, dance, rap, act, or play a musical instrument? Talented community
members (all ages and acts are welcome) are invited to audition for the
International Idol competition on Thursday, Sept. 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at
the Havener Center, Meramec Room, on the Missouri S&T campus.
The
final competition will be held during the 3rd Annual Celebration of
Nations event on Saturday, Sept. 29 at the Downtown Bandshell (located at the
corner of 9th and Oak Street.) Group and individual prizes will be
awarded.
To
sign up or for more information, please contact Rebecca Holmes at rmhq57@mst.edu or Barbi Spencer at spencerbar@mst.edu.
Celebration
of Nations was created to promote awareness, understanding and the celebration
of the vibrant cultural diversity that makes Rolla unique to the Ozarks. ”One Campus. One Community. One
World.”
Operation
Neighborhood
Clean-up
set for Nov. 2
The
5th annual “Operation Neighborhood Clean-up” will be held on Friday, Nov. 2
throughout the Rolla community in designated, high priority areas. The
selection of these properties will be determined by the City of Rolla Police
Department and the Rolla Area Ministerial Alliance.
All
volunteers are asked to attend the welcome gathering at 6:30 a.m. at Greentree
Christian Church Youth Center located at 801 East 10th Street. A
complimentary continental breakfast will be provided. The clean-up will take
place from 7 a.m. to 12-noon.
The
entire community is invited to participate in this beautification effort, which
is once again being coordinated by the Rolla Area Ministerial Alliance and the
Rolla Police Department.
Operation
Neighborhood Clean-up is an opportunity for residents to partner with the Rolla
Area Ministerial Alliance, community churches, and the Rolla Police Department
to enhance a sense of community, well being, pride and property values among
the neighborhoods where the clean up is conducted.
The
clean-up effort will involve limited tree trimming, hedge trimming, and the
removal of brush piles, leaves, household items and trash. Groups or
individuals interested in volunteering may contact Chris Foster, Adult
Education Minister at Greentree Christian Church, at 364-2649 or cfoster@greentreerolla.org, or Officer Vince Giacolone at the
Rolla Police Department at 308-1213 or at vgiacolone@rollacity.org.
Rolla Downtown
Farmer’s Market
open every Tuesday
The
Rolla Downtown Farmer’s Market has become a must see and do event since opening and operating under the new blue shade
structure in the lower parking lot of Rolla City Hall every Tuesday (from 7 a.m. until 12-noon). The market will remain open throughout the growing season in mid-October.From home-grown, vine-ripe tomatoes, peaches, and mellons, to freshly baked breads, pastries and pies, to home-made jams and jellies, you don't want to miss this Tuesday happening in downtown Rolla.
The
Farmer’s Market is coordinated by Roy Fiscus and Wilma Bingham, and spots are
always available for vendors to sell their items, but they must be locally grown or
made products/produce (Phelps County).
No
flea market, yard sale type items will be permitted. All spots are first come,
first served. The cost to host a booth is $2 per day, which is given to the
organizers the day the vendors are there.
For
additional information, please contact Roy Fiscus at 341-8045 or Wilma Bingham
at 364-5544.
Environmental Services Important Dates
(clip & save coupon)
Sept. 3, 2012 - Labor Day: Monday’s trash
will be picked up Tuesday; Tuesday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.
Oct. 6, 2012
- Citywide Fall Clean Up: Saturday - Citywide clean up day
(residential only).
Nov. 22, 2012
– Thanksgiving Day: Thursday’s trash will be picked up
Wednesday.
Dec. 25, 2012
– Christmas
Day: Tuesday’s trash will be picked
up Wednesday.
.
Holidays
NOT affecting trash or recycling collection:
Oct. 8, 2012 – Columbus Day
Nov. 12, 2012 – Veteran’s Day
Nov. 23, 2012 – Day after Thanksgiving
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 live 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, Rolla Public Schools board meetings, Rolla High
School Review and “City Minutes” hosted by the City of Rolla’s Communications
Office.
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 Kenny Perzan, Senior Video Editor, at (573)
426-3377 or at Kenny.Perzan@fidelitycommunications.com.
Be
sure to watch Rolla Channel 16 – “Education, Government and Community for you!”
AUGUST 2012
Aug. 20 – City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)
Aug. 24 – 4th Annual Bulldog Pride Night (5:30 p.m.);
Rolla High School – Lions Memorial Stadium
Aug. 26 – Rolla Ward 2 Town Hall Mtg. (4 p.m.); Ber Juan Park
pavilion (located next to SplashZone off 14th St.)
Aug. 27 – City Council Budget Workshop (5:30 p.m.); City Hall –
Council Chambers
Aug. 29 – City Council Budget Workshop (5:30 p.m.); City Hall –
Council Chambers
Aug. 31 – Sept. 3 – The Centre will be closed for annual
Preventative Maintenance
SEPTEMBER 2012
Aug. 31- Sept. 3 – The Centre will be closed for annual
Preventative Maintenance
Sept. 3 – City Hall closed for Labor Day holiday
Sept. 5 – City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)
Sept. 6 – International Idol Talent Competition Auditions (6-8
p.m.); Havener Center (to register, contact Rebecca Holmes at rmhq57@mst.edu)
Sept. 6-8 – 79th Annual Grape and Fall Festival, St.
James, Mo (www.st-jameschamber.net)
Sept. 8 – Cruise In (5-8 p.m.) Fairground Chevrolet; 100
Fairgrounds Rd.
Sept. 17 – City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)
Sept. 22 – Healthy Baby Extravaganza (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.); Fire
Station #1 Headquarters and Greentree Christian Church, 10th Street
(364-3989); FREE
Sept. 26 – Eggs & Issues (7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.); Oak Meadow
Country Club; to RSVP, call the Rolla Chamber at 364-3577
Sept. 29 – 3rd Annual Celebration of Nations (11 a.m.
– 4 p.m.); Downtown Festival Park
OCTOBER 2012
Oct. 1 – City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)
Oct. 6 – City-wide Clean Up (items to curb by 6 a.m.);
residential only
Oct. 13 – 34th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Oct. 13 – 34th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Oct. 15 – 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
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