Summer months filled with activity in Rolla area

I hope everyone is enjoying the cooler weather we have had lately, and taking advantage of the newly expanded ACORN Trail and many parks we are so blessed to have in the Rolla area. Cooler weather, while it lasts, is a welcome invitation to enjoy the great outdoors, and fortunately in Rolla there is an abundance of recreational opportunities to choose from. Beautiful Ber Juan Park, the Ber Juan Tennis Complex, Lions Club Park, Schuman Park, Green Acres Park, Lane Springs, and the 1.3-million-acre Mark Twain National Forest, are just some of the areas you might consider spending some time at outdoors.

This summer, and especially the month of August, has been a very busy one not only from a construction and development standpoint, but also from a planning and meeting perspective. From City Council meetings, and City Council Workshops, to TIF Commission meetings, and a host of other events and happenings, August has been jam-packed with activity and new beginnings that are evident throughout the community.

In case you happened to miss the Annual City Council Budget Workshop held last Wednesday, I’d like to invite the public to attend the upcoming public hearings for the City’s 2010-2011 Annual budget, which will be held during the Sept. 8 and Sept. 20 Rolla City Council meetings at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Rolla City. I’d also like to remind everyone a little early that the Rolla City Council meeting normally scheduled for the first Monday in the month, will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 8. Rolla City Hall will be closed on Monday, Sept. 6 in observation of the Labor Day holiday, and Rolla Municipal Traffic Court will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. In addition, The Centre, Rolla’s Health and Recreation Complex, located at 1200 North Holloway Street, will be closed for the Labor Day Weekend for their annual Preventative Maintenance beginning on Friday, Sept. 3 through Monday, Sept. 6. The Centre will reopen Tuesday morning, Sept. 7. The Environmental Services Department, which will also be closed on Monday, Sept. 6 in observation of the Labor Day holiday, will be picking up Monday’s trash on Tuesday, Sept. 7 and Tuesday’s trash will be picked up on Wednesday, Sept. 8.

Also just around the corner is the TIF (Tax Increment Financing) Public Hearing on Monday, Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The purpose of the Public hearing is to receive input and feedback from the public regarding the proposed redevelopment plan for a new Kohl’s store in Rolla. The location of the proposed store is near the intersection of State Road 63 and Interstate 44 next to Lowe’s, and behind the inline retail shops on State Road 63. If you have any questions regarding this project, please contact the Community Development Department at City Hall at 426-6970.

In closing, I’d like to remind everyone that the distance required to drop off a load of yard compost or yard waste just got a little closer. The composting operation once operated near the Phelps County Transfer Station north of I-44 has been relocated to an area just north of the Rolla Recycling Center at the end of McCutchen Drive. The City’s Environmental Services Department, which operates the Rolla Recycling Center, erected new signs for the compost site, which is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no charge to the general public for disposal of yard waste, however, for-profit businesses are charged a nominal fee for disposal to help off-set some of the costs of providing the facility. Contractors are asked to please stop at the office of the Recycling Center to pay to dispose of their loads of yard waste. I hope this new location will be convenient and a little more accessible to the majority of our citizens, as we continue to strive to improve the quality of our services to you.

Have a great weekend, and enjoy the cooler temperatures.

Police Chief Chat

This past week the Rolla Police Department handled 738 calls for service. Of these calls there were: 31 arrests, 28 accidents, 56 traffic complaints, 93 traffic stops, 11 suspicious nature calls, 7 recovered property reports, 16 loud noise complaints, 31 assists of other agencies, 8 fingerprint requests, 6 mental health calls, 5 prowler calls, 34 animal calls, 9 alarms and 3 trespassing calls. This call total is up 45 calls from last week. Another busy week!

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome our newest volunteer to the Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS) program. Jeanne Jenks came on board this past week and has been assisting our Records Division with various assignments. Jeanne come to us after a lengthy career in the medical field. She learned of the program through her husband, Rolla Mayor Bill Jenks. Welcome aboard Jeanne!

Last Sunday, August 22, 2010, Pizza Inn of Rolla played host to a Behind the Badge (BTB) fundraiser where BTB members and Rolla Police officers bussed tables, took orders and served food to family and friends from the Rolla community. Not only was the fundraiser a success, but we had a lot of fun visiting with all of you throughout the evening. Thanks to Bob and Jo Campbell and staff of Pizza Inn for the opportunity, and special thanks to those of you who came out and helped support out cause!

We are gearing up for our 3rd Annual Operation Clean-Up which will be held on Friday, October 1st, in conjunction with the City of Rolla’s Fall Clean-up scheduled for the following Saturday. Operation Clean-up began in 2008 when the Rolla Police Department teamed with the Rolla Area Ministerial Alliance to provide clean-up and beautification services to the residents in parts of the city where the property owners were unable to perform these duties themselves. The operation was designed to enhance the neighborhood’s sense of community and increase property values. The clean-up effort will involve tree trimming, hedge trimming and the removal of brush piles, household items and trash. Also supporting the operation will be Rolla Sanitation, Rolla Municipal Utilities, Rolla Parks and Recreation, Rolla Street Department and CenturyLink. In addition we also rely on hundreds of volunteers from area churches, businesses and the community to complete the operation. This year’s target area will be selected in the next week or so and announced through the local media. If you would like to participate in this year’s Operation Clean-Up contact S/Sgt. Rick Williams at 308-1213.

This past week, Lt. Doug James began preparations for this year’s Citizen’s Police Academy. The Citizens Police Academy is a program of instruction by police officers for interested citizens as part of the Department’s community policing philosophy. The goals are to increase awareness of the functions of the Police Department and to increase police/community rapport by sharing concerns through an educative process. Classes meet for four hours, once a week for twelve weeks. All sessions are held in the evening, at the Rolla Police Department, with the exception of one Saturday session which is held at the firing range. Participants are also invited to ride along with a police officer to see firsthand what happens on the street. Citizens will learn of Internal Affairs and Polygraph Operation, Complaints and Reports, Criminal and Crime Scene Investigation, School Resource Officer program, Police Explorer Post program, DWI Detection, Narcotics Investigation, Emergency Operations and Community Policing, Animal Control, Defense Tactics, Officer Survival, SWAT Team Operations, Fire Arms Training, Central Communications, Traffic Accident Investigation, Traffic Stops, Radar Detection, Arrest and Booking Procedures and Volunteers in Police Services. If you would like to attend the Citizen’s Police Academy, contact Lt. Doug James at 308-1213.

In closing, I would like to commend several citizens in our community who have initiated or taken part in the introduction of the Neighborhood Watch program in their neighborhoods. In the past couple months we have received a re-newed interest in this valuable program from several different areas of the community. This re-newed interest comes on the heels of 3 city-wide Neighborhood Watch Zone meetings we held earlier in the summer. The Neighborhood Watch program is a citizen-involvement program developed in 1983 to encourage citizens to protect their own neighborhoods by watching out for each other and reporting any suspicious activity to the Police Department. After receiving general guidelines by Rolla Police Officers, Block Captains are responsible for organizing their own meetings and other activities for residents in their neighborhood. We are always looking for new neighborhoods to get involved in the Neighborhood Watch Program. If you would like to learn more about the program or see the program started in your neighborhood, contact S/Sgt. Rick Williams at 308-1213.

Have a great week!

Chief Mark Kearse

Construction activity robust in Rolla area

With the start of Rolla Public Schools and the first day of school for Missouri S&T students this Monday, Aug. 23, the energy, and hustle and bustle of a new school year is in the air. Along with this traditional increase in student activity, is the noticeable construction activity in the Rolla area that is the culmination of many years of planning, strategizing and collaboration. Among the projects currently in progress or scheduled for construction are the new Colton’s Steakhouse and Grill located next to Panera’s on Bishop Highway; the new Missouri S&T Innovation Park office building located on 10th Street; plans for the construction of the Missouri S&T Student Design Center at the corner of 10th and Bishop Avenue; the extensive renovations at Thomas Jefferson Hall on Bishop Highway, the new Kappa Delta Sorority house being constructed at the corner of Pine and Bishop Highway; the construction of two additional Missouri S&T fraternities; modernization and internal renovations at the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Bishop Avenue, and preliminary construction of the new Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in the northwest area of the Wal-Mart parking lot off Hwy. 63 South.

The Rolla City Council also recently approved a contract for the construction of the new Bryant Drive Extension to Dig It Construction that will pave the way for a new road and gateway entrance to the Missouri S&T Innovation Park. Within the next few weeks the McDonalds restaurant located at Kingshighway and Bryant Drive will be demolished, rebuilt, and modernized which will provide an attractive appearance to this new intersection that will include a new traffic light installed by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). The traffic light currently located at the intersection of Fairgrounds Road and Kingshighway will be removed by MoDOT as well – further encouraging motorists to use the future Kingshighway/Bryant Drive Extension intersection to access Fairgrounds Road and Innovation Park.

In addition, several new multi-family structures are also being built to accommodate the area’s ever-expanding residential market. Rolla is experiencing quite a surge in construction that is getting the attention of other businesses, investors and retailers who recognize the regional strength Rolla has with its strategic location at the intersection of I-44 and Highway 63, the presence of a nationally-ranked engineering and research university, (Missouri S&T), several other well-known colleges and institutes, and outstanding health and medical facilities, and an ever-expanding venue of shopping, dinning and hospitality offerings.

Growing and stimulating the economy continues to be of utmost importance to the Rolla City Council and City staff as we continue to work collaboratively with organizations and agencies such as the Rolla Regional Economic Commission, Rolla Community Development Corporation, Meramec Regional Planning Commission, Missouri S&T, Phelps County Commission, Rolla Downtown Business Association, Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), Missouri Department of Economic Development, and the Missouri Municipal League.

Another important event that will impact the future of our community is the upcoming City Council Budget Workshop scheduled for this Wednesday, Aug. 25 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Rolla City Hall (901 N. Elm Street). Public hearings to discuss and provide input on the City’s 2010-2011 Annual budget, which officially begins on Oct. 1, will be held during the Sept. 8 and Sept. 20 Rolla City Council meetings at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Rolla City. For more information regarding the City’s upcoming 2010/2011 budget, please contact the City’s Finance Director at (573) 426-6980.

Police Chief Chat

This past week, the Rolla Police Department handled 693 calls for service. Of these calls there were: 29 arrests, 27 stealings, 10 check the well being requests, 31 traffic complaints, 83 traffic stops, 13 suspicious nature calls, 2 open door calls, 5 public relations contacts, 29 assists of other agencies, 42 security checks, 8 telephone harassments and 17 accidents. This call total is down 22 calls from last week, yet another busy week!

On Tuesday, August 17, 2010, the South Central Drug Task Force, Rolla Police Department, Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, and St. James Police Department concluded a short term narcotics investigation in the 700 block of Grover Street in St. James, Missouri. As a result of the investigation, the following people were arrested and incarcerated at the Phelps County Jail: Jahod Thomas age 35, was arrested for possession of heroin with the intent to distribute. Christopher Fowler age 35, was arrested for possession of heroin with the intent to distribute. Sherry Clay age 37, was also arrested for possession of heroin with the intent to distribute along with Tyler Clinton age 26 for possession of heroin. The charges for which Thomas, Fowler, Clay, and Clinton were arrested are merely accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This past Tuesday was the opening day for the Rolla Public Schools and we are proud to say that with the increased patrols from both my staff, the Patrol Division and our VIPS volunteers and the increased attentiveness and care exercised by motorists in the area, the day went off without a hitch. Please remember to continue to exercise caution at intersections and in and around the schools and be sure to watch for students traveling to and from these areas. Also remember to observe the flashing amber lights and 20 m.p.h. speed limits posted at each school and expect moderate traffic congestion as well. And please pay close attention to our crossing guards. Let’s all work together to have a safe and fun school year.

Also on Tuesday of this week, representatives from the Rolla Police Department, St. James Police Department, University of Missouri S&T Police Department and the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and members of the Phelps County Emergency Services Board had the opportunity to view a demonstration of a new integrated computer system offered by the Archonix Company, that if purchased, would allow information sharing between each participating agency and provide one common format to simplify reporting and data entry. The program, although expensive would enhance communication and data sharing between the local entities. Department heads in attendance will be looking at the cost effectiveness of implementing this program. Currently each agency relies on their own in-house computer system and all information or data sharing is done so manually through other media resources.

On Wednesday afternoon the Rolla Police Department was honored with a visit from U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson who came to the Police Department to learn more about our Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS) program. Congresswoman Emerson learned of the VIPS program through one of her staff members who was present during a Rolla Kiwanis Club meeting where VIPS Director Vince Giacolone provided information on the program. Also in attendance was District Representative Dan Brown, City Administrator John Butz and Rolla City Councilman Stan Spadoni. I had the opportunity to address the group on the VIPS concept and how I envisioned the success of the program here in Rolla. VIPS Director Vince Giacolone then gave a brief overview of the recruitment process, the services provided by VIPS and an introduction of our VIPS volunteers. This was followed by a brief building tour and an opportunity to view one of our VIPS patrol cars. Ms. Emerson was greatly impressed by the program and recommended that the information and concept be offered to more Missouri law enforcement agencies. Special thanks to Representative Dan Brown and City Administrator John Butz and Coucilman Stan Spadoni, who were already familiar with the program and accompanied Ms. Emerson.

On Thursday, August 19, 2010, officers from the Missouri S&T Police Department and the Rolla Police Department conducted a short-term undercover alcohol compliance operation at various businesses within the City of Rolla. During the course of the investigation, officers, with the assistance of two minors, visited twenty-one businesses and attempted to purchase alcoholic beverages. During the operation, 2 of the 21 businesses were found to be in violation of state law by selling an alcoholic beverage to a minor. As a result of the illegal sales, each of the sales clerks, were arrested at the scene and released on summons for “Supplying Liquor to a Minor”, which is a misdemeanor offense. The good news is that only 2 of the 21 businesses involved in the operation were found in violation. The remaining establishments were found to be in compliance with state law.

In closing, I would like to remind you that that Behind the Badge will be holding a fundraiser at the Pizza Inn of Rolla on Sunday, August 22, 2010, from 5-8 p.m. Pizza Inn will donate a percentage of the sales, and some of those proceeds will benefit the Rolla Police Department’s Annual Awards Banquet. Officers and BTB staff will be your servers. Bring the family out for a night of fun and good food. I will be the door greeter so come out and say hello and enjoy a great meal and bring your friends!

Chief Mark Kearse

City partners with Missouri S&T on Baffled Bioreactor project

Known for its cutting-edge technology and innovative approach to problem solving, Missouri University of Science and Technology is partnering with the City of Rolla on a project involving a newly designed Baffled Bioreactor.

You may be asking yourself what exactly is a Baffled Bioreactor, and what is it used for. The new technology was invented by Missouri S&T Professor Dr. Jianmin Wang, who through his local company Frontier Environmental Technology,LLC, has created and patented a very effective mobile sewer treatment system that uses remarkably little power to operate. The Deployable Baffled Bioreactor (DBBR) transforms wastewater into reusable water at a fraction of the energy and maintenance costs of comparable systems thanks to the elimination of external sludge return systems through an innovative, maintenance-free internal sludge return mechanism. The Baffled Bioreactor (BBR) principle improves the conventional activated sludge process by using baffles to create a unique flow pattern within the reactor to retain biomass. The technology will provide low energy use, minimum maintenance, a small footprint, and advanced effluent quality at wastewater treatment plants.

The City was so impressed with the new technology and its potential use in treating wastewater that a proto-type Baffled Bioreactor was installed several months ago at the City’s Southeast Treatment Plant (located off Hwy. 72 South). The system, which also serves as a hands-on demonstration unit, is working very well pulling a load of the inflow, treating it, and releasing it at standards that exceed current discharge requirements established by Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Much of the development funding (over $1 million) for the Baffle Bioreactor came from the Leonard Wood Institute (LWI) due to its potential for use in the military as a mobile and efficient way of treating wastewater. The BBR can be deployed as a single metal shipping container, which offers exceptional mobility, treatment efficiency, and effectiveness. Dr. Wang’s company, together with Barry White, Program Manager of Missouri S&T’s Small Business Technology Development Center (S.B.T.D.C.), is working with the LWI to assist with the proto-types, which is what helped establish the two pilot programs at the City’s Southeast Treatment Plant.

After working together for months with Dr. Wang and Barry White, the City’s Public Works staff, including Steve Hargis, Director, and Alen McNece, Wastewater Superintendent, the City was asked about the feasibility of putting a another pilot program in the Rolla community. These discussions resulted in City staff partnering again with Dr. Wang, Missouri S&T’s Small Business Technology Development Center and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources on an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “Climate Showcase Communities” grant application. The grant project focuses on environmental stewardship and energy conservation. Due to the great teamwork by Dr. Wang and Tim Canter of Frontier Environmental Technology; Barry White of SBTDC; and Steve Hargis, Allen McNece and Anne McClay with the City’s Public Works Department, the grant application was completed with less than three weeks notice.
The total estimated cost of the project is $643,244 (possible EPA grant of $429,000). The City’s in-kind contribution would be $124,000, which would primarily be in on-site work and follow-up environmental monitoring of the sewer treatment discharge. A small residential area in the community with a lift station would be the proposed site. Aside from an environmentally friendly sewer treatment pilot program, the real value to the City would be the successful launching of this business venture in Rolla.

In closing I’d like to extend a warm welcome to all the students who will be starting school this fall in Rolla. The first day of school for Rolla Public School students is Tuesday, Aug. 17. The first day of school for Missouri S&T students is Monday, Aug. 23. With the influx of thousands of students who use our streets, sidewalks and crosswalks, please use caution while driving in and around the college and school zones. And don’t forget that second annual Bulldog Pride Night will be held on Friday, Aug. 27 at 6 p.m. at Rolla High School prior to the opening Football game of the season for the Bulldogs. Kick-off for the game is 7 p.m.

Kingshighway improvements approved by City Council

The Rolla City Council recently approved an agreement with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) that will have a far-reaching impact not only on the development of Kingshighway, but possibly the future development of Rolla.

The most immediate impact of the agreement, which was approved by City Ordinance, will result in the relocation of the traffic signal currently at the intersection of Kingshighway and Fairgrounds Road to the future intersection of Kingshighway and Bryant Drive by MoDOT. The new signals, which will be funded by MoDOT at an estimated cost of $161,151, will be installed this year with completion estimated to correspond with the completion of the Bryant Drive extension improvements in December 2010.

Bryant Drive (located next to Pizza Inn and the Sylvan Learning Center), will be extended between the Fairgrounds Auto Dealership and the new McDonald’s Restaurant north to Fairgrounds Road. These improvements will also provide one of the gateway entrances to the new Innovation Park being developed by Missouri S&T.

Also included in the agreement with MoDOT and newly approved ordinance, but slated for 2012, will be improving the Kingshighway Interchange with Interstate 44. These improvements will consist of the installation of two roundabouts, which will greatly improve the capacity and safety of these heavily traveled intersections. 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 commonly referred to as a dog bone design because of the location of the roundabouts at both ends of the highway. Plans also include the eventual stripping by MoDOT of the I-44 overpass at Kingshighway so there will be two east-bound lanes and two west-bound lanes. The estimated cost of these improvements is $1,760,051. The improvements are part of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan, which will be funded by MoDOT.

In addition to these improvements, the City of Rolla will be responsible (as MoDOT relinquishes ownership to the City for Kingshighway) for widening Kingshighway from three to five lanes from the Martin Springs Drive/Kingshighway interchange (adjacent to HJ Drive) to the new intersection of Bryant Drive. This will be done during the same time frame in 2012 as the interchange improvements and is estimated to cost $250,000.

These significant improvements to Kingshighway and the new Bryant Drive extension will greatly enhance traffic flow and safety, and create a more welcoming, attractive appearance for visitors coming off I-44. The improvements will also send a message to future developers, investors and businesses/industries that Rolla is a progressive City planning for its future growth and prosperity.

In closing I’d like to say how pleased I was with how quickly and professionally the milling, paving and stripping of 10th Street from Forum Drive to Pine Street was accomplished last week by Rolla Asphalt and the City’s Public Works Department, which oversaw the paving project. In addition to thanking all who were involved in that effort, I would also like to extend my thanks and appreciation to our residents for your patience, cooperation and understanding as this important project was completed. I think we will all appreciate the smooth ride along 10th Street from Pine to Forum in the weeks and months to come.

Please also remember that this weekend is the “Back to School Sales Tax Holiday” that officially began last night at 12:01 a.m. and ends at midnight on Sunday, Aug. 8. The sales tax holiday (City tax savings of 2.5% and State tax savings of 4.225%), is intended to provide tax relief to families with children attending school by exempting the sales tax on clothing, personal computers, certain computer software, and school supplies. The ASA Boys 10U-18U and Mens 23U Fast Pitch Softball National Tournament also continues through this weekend at the Ber Juan Sportsplex located off 18th Street in Rolla. More than 2,500 individuals are expected to participate and attend the national tournament. Let’s all extend a warm Rolla welcome to all of the players, coaches, and staff (and parents, grandparents, family and friends), who will travel hundreds of miles across the U.S. to participate in the tournament.

Public Works Dept. ramps up street paving projects

With over 100 miles of streets in the City of Rolla, maintaining and enhancing all the streets and roadways in the city is a continuous, ongoing effort that is managed by the City’s Public Works and Street Departments.

If you happen to travel 10th Street from Forum Drive to Pine Street on a regular basis, I’m sure you noticed that Rolla Asphalt began milling that section of street on Wednesday in preparation for it to be paved this Monday, Aug. 2 and Tuesday, Aug. 3 – weather permitting. The City realizes how heavily this east/west corridor is traveled, and that the milling and paving is unavoidably causing delays and detours in traffic. While we realize that this project is causing some inconvenience and time delay for our residents, we ask that you please drive with caution while traveling this portion of street, and consider using some of the adjacent streets in the City that detour around this area while construction is underway. If everything goes as scheduled, the project should be completed by this Wednesday, and I think the community will be glad to be traveling a much smoother section of road that has needed attention for some time now.

In addition to the paving of 10th Street from Forum to Pine Street, the Public Works Department will also begin several asphalt sealing projects in the next week or so. This micro surfacing procedure is being provided by Donelson Construction Company of Clever, Missouri. It is a modified quick set surfacing system that will provide an approximate one-quarter-inch-thick pavement resurfacing. Micro surfacing is an economical alternative to hot asphalt mix overlays, which typically applies a minimum of one – and one-half-inches of pavement resurfacing.

Streets (and portions of streets) that are scheduled for this micro surfacing in the coming weeks include: Arkansas Avenue (Bardlsey to Farrar), Allyson Court (Holt to cul de sac); Avon Court (Winchester to cul de sac); Broadway (Forum to Eastwood); Brookside Lane (Sycamore to cul de sac), California Dr. (Forum to McCutchen); Carmel Court (cul de sac to California); Carol Street (Tory to cul de sac); Carriage Lane (Sycamore/Countryside intersection to Ironhorse);Chestnut Drive (Sycamore to McFarland); Cobblestone Drive (Ironhorse to Cul de sac); Cottage Court (Brookside to cul de sac); Countryside Drive (Sycamore/Carriage intersection to cul de sac); Crabapple Court (Hawthorne to 174’ N. of Hawthorne); Crescent Ridge (Countryside to cul de sac); Cronnin Court (cul de sac to 4th); Cypress Drive (79’ N. of Pheasant Hill to Sycamore); Del Mar Court (cul de sac to Forum); Devonshire Lane (Winchester W. intersection to 172’ NE of Winchester E. Int. and Winchester to 172’ NE of Winchester); Eagle Wing (dead end to S. edge of Cypress); Eastwood Drive (315’ W. of Forum W. edge of McCutchen); 5th Street (Holloway to Woodland); 14th Street (Holloway to Farrar and Iowa to Holloway); 4th Street (Holloway to dead end); Great Oaks/Forest Dr. (Woodland S. to Woodland N.); Hauck Drive (10th to Forum); Hawthorne Drive (Woodland to dead end); Heller Street (14th to Missouri); Hillview Dr. (Broadway to McCutchen); Holloway St. (14th to Missouri); Holt Avenue (Tory to 438’ N. of Tory); Homelife Plaza (dead end to Forum); Ironhorse Road (162’ S. of Countryside to S. edge of Countryside); La Jolla Court (cul de sac to Tory Ave.); Leroy Street (14th to Missouri); Malibu Court (cul de sac to California); Martin Street (14th to Missouri); McFarland Drive (Hwy. 72 E. Int. to Hwy. 72 W. Int.); Missouri Avenue (Bardsley to Farrar); Monterrey Court (cul de sac to California); Ozark Street (Southern most end to Missouri); Pershing Drive (Hillview to McCutchen); Pershing Place (Independence to McCutchen); San Fernando Court (Cul de sac to California); Scenic Drive (Truman to Broadway); 6th Street (Holloway to 257’ E. of Holloway); Spencer Street (14th to 18th ); Stratford Lane (Winchester to Devonshire); Sycamore Drive (Countryside/Carriage Int. to N. Curb of Brookside); Sydney Court (McFarland to cul de sac); Tory Avenue (Farrar to Forum Dr.); Truman Avenue (McCutchen to Pershing and Forum to McCutchen); Winchester Drive (Chestnut to Newcastle and Hwy. O to Chestnut); Woodland Drive (Salem to 257’ E. of Holloway); and Woodlawn Court (Forum to cul de sac) and Woodlawn Drive (Forum to McCutchen).

While this work may take several days to complete, streets that are being sealed will remain open with temporary one-lane traffic established. Flagmen will be present to direct traffic, and motorists and pedestrians are urged to remain cautious when traveling through the areas of work. Delays up to 20 minutes should be expected. For more information, please call the Public Works Department at 364-8659.

In closing I’d like to remind everyone that the State “Back to School Sales Tax Holiday” officially begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 6, and ends at midnight on Sunday, Aug. 8. The sales tax holiday (City tax savings of 2.5% and State tax savings of 4.225%), is intended to provide tax relief to families with children attending school by exempting the sales tax on clothing, personal computers, certain computer software, and school supplies.

If you like watching fast pitch softball on a national scale, be sure to attend the prestigious ASA Boys 10U-18U and Mens 23U Fast Pitch Softball National Tournament hosted by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department Aug. 4-8 at the Ber Juan Sportsplex in Rolla. More than 2,500 individuals are expected to participate and attend this 5-day national tournament, which will provide some very exciting and entertaining fast pitch softball. I’d like to extend a warm Rolla welcome to all of the players, coaches, and staff (and parents, grandparents, family and friends), who will travel hundreds of miles across the U.S. to participate in the tournament. I’m looking forward to this unique opportunity for the City to host such a high-level sporting event at the Ber Juan Sportsplex.

Police Chief Chat

The Rolla Police Department handled 693 calls for service. Of these calls there were: 13 alarms, 33 hang up 911 calls, 17 check the well being requests, 32 traffic complaints, 98 traffic stops, 23 arrests, 6 property destruction calls, 13 stealing incidents, 6 escorts, 34 animal control issues, 5 burglary reports, 26 accidents, 24 assists of other agencies, 4 assaults, 4 fights and 2 runaway juveniles. This call total is down 19 calls from last week, yet another busy week!

This past week, the Rolla Police Department’s own “Behind the Badge” organization teamed with the Dave Weinbaum and McDonald’s of Rolla to host a fundraiser to benefit our annual Rolla Police Department Award’s Banquet Ceremonies. The awards ceremonies are held each year in recognition of the hard work and dedication provided by our police officers throughout the year to the community. On Tuesday of this week, Mr. Weinbaum donated a percentage of proceeds generated between 4-8 p.m. at each of the three Rolla area McDonald’s restaurants. Our officers were on hand to greet the customers and briefly explain the event. The night was not only a lot of fun but also an opportunity to meet some great folks and have a delicious dinner. Thanks to Dave Weinbaum, Rolla McDonald’s Restaurants and Behind the Badge.

The Rolla Police Department would like to congratulate our own Communications Chief Paula Volkmer and her husband MSHP Sgt. Eric Volkmer, on the recent graduation of their son Paul Volkmer from the 91st Recruit Class of the Missouri State Highway Academy in Jefferson City, Missouri. Paul is the oldest of the 3 Volkmer siblings in that he has one brother who is a RHS 2009 graduate and - Army PFC, and one sister (upcoming junior at RHS). Paul is a 2007 Rolla High School graduate. In 2009 he earned an Associate Degree in Drafting and Design from East Central College. He also attended Drury University while waiting to enter the MSHP Academy in February 2010. Paul is a third generation trooper on both sides of the family, both grandfathers (retired now), his uncle and his father are Missouri State Highway Patrolmen. Paul was the youngest member of the 91st Recruit Class and was elected by his classmates as the Vice-Commander of the class. Though there has been at least one member of his family assigned to Troop I (Rolla) since 1966, Paul was happily assigned to start his career in Troop G (Willow Springs). Besides his very proud family, Paul has been blessed with many good friends in attendance to celebrate this milestone in his life. Congratulations Paul and we wish you a very successful law enforcement career!

We learned this past week from the Rolla Street Department that here will be extensive road surfacing completed over the next week on 10th Street between Cedar and Forum Drive. The lanes will be marked with orange cones and signage will direct motorists traveling through the construction area. The Rolla Police Department will provide patrol officers and VIPS volunteers to assist with traffic control. Please use extreme caution in these areas.

In closing, I would like to feature some information released by Anne McClay concerning the Veterans Memorial Park! She would like to remind everyone that they still have t-shirts available. They are $15 apiece (white with color logo or black with white logo). Cotton…preshrunk…accurate sizing….S, M, L, XL and XXL.

They are also selling memorial bricks. The first batch of bricks will be placed in the concrete walk surrounding the Armed Forces Pentagon (scheduled for completion on September 11th, 2010). The company doing the brickwork puts black paint in the letters so they stand out. Each 4”x8” brick can have up to 4 lines of text, max. 21 characters per line (the company recommends 18 so the letters are easier to read), each line center justified. The bricks do NOT have to be for someone who has passed away. If you have a group that would like to donate, or have a loved one currently serving in the military, or want to put your family’s name on the brick…all are perfectly okay (for instance, our department purchased a brick for Dave Brown who also happened to serve in the U.S. Army). NO profanity of any type will be allowed! The bricks are $50 apiece. We will be sending off the first order next week. After the first order, we will send in an order for every ten that we receive. I’ve attached an order form. And if you happen to know someone that may be interested or you belong to a group, we would appreciate your passing along the information! Any help you can give is GREATLY appreciated! They also have a facebook page and a website, so for those of you on facebook, please visit

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/South-Central-Regional-Veterans-Group/112804515431296?ref=sgm and give us a “like” or visit our website at www.scrvg.org

This is a very good cause dedicated to those who gave their all for us.

Have a great week!

Staff Sergeant Rick Williams

Rolla’s Wellness Program reduces absenteeism, lowers health costs

Rolla’s Wellness Program reduces absenteeism, lowers health costs

At a time when health care insurance costs are escalating nationwide, the City of Rolla’s formula for proactive health and wellness has paid big dividends to not only City employees, but the residents of Rolla as well.

Improving employee wellness, and saving dollars for taxpayers, however isn’t the only bright spot in this City’s approach to finding innovative ways to overcome escalating health care costs. The City’s wellness program, now in its third year, also is paying off in a reduction of absenteeism and lower health care costs, said City Finance Director Steffanie Rogers, who is a member of the City’s Health Insurance Committee. The City’s absenteeism for 2008, which was 12,339 hours, dropped significantly to 11,513 hours in 2009.

As a direct result of the new wellness program, Rolla city employees have not had a health insurance premium increase for three years, and health care costs actually went down in 2009. In 2008, the City spent $2.2 million on preventable disease treatment and that number dropped in 2009 to $1.9 million.

“The City’s health care costs have remained relatively stable in comparison to the national average, which experiences a 7 to 18 percent annual increase, said Rogers. “The City’s savings will more than pay for the newly implemented $50,000 employee wellness program recently approved by the Rolla City Council in May 2010. And better yet, the cost of the program will not be put on the backs of the residents of Rolla, but will be funded by a reserve account in the City’s self-insurance fund.”

While some City’s may be considering ways to increase employee premiums to address the rising cost of health care to their employees, the City of Rolla is offering monetary incentives ($5 per pay period) to employees to participate in annual health-risk assessments with additional incentives to improve their scores. There is also a new incentive offered for fitness center membership reimbursement (capped at $150), and weekly comp. time (up to 1 hr.) for documented physical activity.

Additional enhancements to the 2010 wellness program include a voluntary fitness assessment with a trained fitness instructor (timed running, push-ups, sit-ups and stretching), which will offer employees an opportunity to participate in the physical fitness weekly comp. time option. Other incentives include a monthly wellness newsletter, a stress management program with the local hospital (Phelps County Regional Medical Center) as a partner, which will include stress management workshops, and chair massages once a quarter at the luncheons, and an in-house Weight Watchers program. Since the City is self-insured, tracking participation, PT time earned, and the overall success of the program is easy.

The overall goals of the wellness program – reduction in absenteeism, a reduction in preventable disease health insurance claims, increased awareness of healthy lifestyle choices and support of employees making healthy lifestyle choices – are being met and are paying off, Rogers said.

To reinforce the City’s focus on health and fitness, the City’s Employee Advisory Council (EAC) is hosting the first annual Employee and Family SplashZone Night at the City’s outdoor water park where employees and family members are invited to spend the evening swimming, riding the water slides and enjoying a free bbq dinner provided by a local vendor in the community.

“Wellness is something the City is trying to emphasize as a way of life not only at the workplace, but also at home, and during leisure activities,” said City Administrator John Butz. “We would really like to establish the City’s wellness program as a model for other cities across Missouri and the nation who are seeking ways to reverse sky-rocketing health care premiums, absenteeism and overall employee wellness.”

Civilian Service Awards presented to Rolla area residents

Civilian Service Awards presented to Rolla area residents

Rolla Mayor Bill Jenks,III and Rolla Police Chief Mark Kearse recognized the heroic efforts of four Rolla area residents who were presented with the Civilian Service Award on July 23, 2010 for assisting with the apprehension of two robbery suspects involved in the July 2, 2010 robbery at Hillcrest Pharmacy (located at 1100 S. Hwy. 63) in Rolla.

(Pictured: Rolla Mayor Bill Jenks, III, and Rolla Police Chief Mark Kearse present Civilian Service Awards to four Rolla area residents who assisted the Rolla Police Department with the apprehension of two robbery suspects involved in the July 2, 2010 robbery at Hillcrest Pharmacy. Pictured (l to r) are: Mayor Bill Jenks; Brian Clifton, Hillcrest Pharmacy; George Moran, Rolla Manor Care; Larry Jackson, Rolla Manor Care; and Rolla Police Chief Mark Kearse. Not pictured is Patti Hallum).

The four individuals who received the prestigious Civil Service Award included Larry Jackson, Certified Nursing Aid, Rolla Manor Care; George Moran, C.N.A., Rolla Manor Care; Brian Clifton and Patti Hallum, both employees of Hillcrest Pharmacy.

“The quick, courageous and selfless actions of these four individuals brought about the successful apprehension of both robbery suspects,” said Chief Kearse during the recognition ceremony held in the conference room at the Rolla Police Department. “If it were not for your quick thinking and fearless actions, the identity of the suspects may never have been discovered.”

Any civilian whose assistance to the Rolla Police Department, given without regard to personal welfare, having a positive bearing on the outcome of an incident, and contributing to the furtherance of law enforcement in the community, is deserving of special honor.

“The Rolla Police Department needs to have community support to be able to do our jobs to the fullest extend possible, said Chief Kearse. “And I wish to extend to all of you our sincere thanks for your assistance in helping restrain the suspects until officers arrived.”

Parks and Rec. to host ASA National Fast Pitch Softball Tournament (Aug. 4-8) at Ber Juan Sportsplex

Parks and Rec. to host ASA National Fast Pitch Softball Tournament (Aug. 4-8) at Ber Juan Sportsplex

The City of Rolla’s Parks and Recreation Department, which oversees the maintenance and operations of over 310 acres of park land, 33 parks, Ber Juan Sportsplex, Ber Juan Tennis Complex, Skate Park, and Rolla Cemetery, was instrumental in brining the prestigious ASA Boys 10U-18U and Mens 23U Fast Pitch Softball National Tournament to be held Aug. 4-8 at the Ber Juan Sportsplex in Rolla.

I think I speak for our Parks and Recreation Director Ken Kwantes, when I say it is a tremendous honor for our City to be hosting this National Championship Tournament, which will provide a rare opportunity for the residents of Rolla, Phelps County and the surrounding Meramec Valley Region a chance to be part of a very exciting National Championship Tournament. Hosting a tournament of this magnitude on a national level is a reflection on how well maintained and operated the Ber Juan Sportsplex has been over the years by the Parks and Recreation staff. And anyone who has participated in any number of softball leagues held throughout the year at the Ber Juan Sportsplex knows that the well manicured and maintained fields, expansive grandstand seating, batting cages and concession stands provide a very unique and welcoming experience for all who utilize the facility.

I encourage the entire community to attend the five-day ASA national tournament, which should provide some very exciting and entertaining fastpitch softball, and also provide a warm welcome to all of the players, coaches, and staff (and parents, grandparents, family and friends), who will travel hundreds of miles across the U.S. to participate in the tournament.

Rolla Historic Walking Tour Plaques

Rolla Historic Walking Tour Plaque

You can now download a PDF slideshow of all the blue  "Historic Walking Tour Plaques"  hung all over Rolla that highlight many of the historic locations around the city. 

The file is about 9 megabytes in size so on a slow connection it might take a few minutes.

To download Rolla Historic Walking Tour Plaques right click on the link below and select "Save as" or "Save Target As"

RIGHT CLICK HERE to download.

Parks and Rec. to host ASA National Fast Pitch Softball Tournament

The City of Rolla’s Parks and Recreation Department, which oversees the maintenance and operations of over 310 acres of park land, 33 parks, Ber Juan Sportsplex, Ber Juan Tennis Complex, Skate Park, and Rolla Cemetery, was instrumental in brining the prestigious ASA Boys 10U-18U and Mens 23U Fast Pitch Softball National Tournament to be held Aug. 4-8 at the Ber Juan Sportsplex in Rolla.

I think I speak for our Parks and Recreation Director Ken Kwantes, when I say it is a tremendous honor for our City to be hosting this National Championship Tournament, which will provide a rare opportunity for the residents of Rolla, Phelps County and the surrounding Meramec Valley Region a chance to be part of a very exciting National Championship Tournament. Hosting a tournament of this magnitude on a national level is a reflection on how well maintained and operated the Ber Juan Sportsplex has been over the years by the Parks and Recreation staff. And anyone who has participated in any number of softball leagues held throughout the year at the Ber Juan Sportsplex knows that the well manicured and maintained fields, expansive grandstand seating, batting cages and concession stands provide a very unique and welcoming experience for all who utilize the facility.

I encourage the entire community to attend the five-day ASA national tournament, which should provide some very exciting and entertaining fastpitch softball, and also provide a warm welcome to all of the players, coaches, and staff (and parents, grandparents, family and friends), who will travel hundreds of miles across the U.S. to participate in the tournament.

The national ASA softball tournament comes on the heels of the highly successful and well attended Licking Summer Camps (eight weekends of girls’ basketball and girls’ volleyball team camp competition) that have been held over the last few weekends at The Centre, Rolla’s Health and Recreation facility, located in Ber Juan Park. Hundreds of athletes, and their coaches, and families and friends partake in the Licking Camps. The Licking Summer Camps started in 1993 under the direction of David Almany, Camp Director, and former Athletic Director and Boy’s Basketball Coach at Licking High School. Coach Almany began the event in Licking, but over the years, other communities including Rolla, St. James & Houston also hosted camps. This year over 900 teams and 15,000 athletes are expected to participate in the Licking Summer Camps.

While the campers are in town competing they and family members and friends are typically staying at area hotels/motels, visiting restaurants, grocery stores, shops, retail outlets and purchasing fuel for their vehicles. The impact this has on Rolla and St. James and our local economy is quite significant. In addition to the use of SplashZone and The Centre, a lot of the teams will also come into town early on Thursday evenings or stay over on Sunday to take a float trip on one of the many popular floating streams in the area. For an up-to-date schedule and extensive camp information on the Licking Summer Camps, please visit www.lickingcamps.com. And if you happen to be planning a work-out or a swim at The Centre or SplashZone this weekend, I hope you’ll have an opportunity to stop by and watch some of the Licking Summer Camp basketball games at The Centre (located at 1200 North Holloway Street) this weekend and next weekend in Rolla.

In closing I’d like to remind everyone that today is the final day of the four-day Phelps County Fair, which is being held at the Phelps County Fairgrounds located on Hwy. 63 South in Rolla. For a complete list of events, hours and activities at the Fair, please visit http://www.phelpscountyfair.com.

Bryant Drive Extension underway

Construction and renovation projects (including more new restaurants and businesses) of all shapes and sizes are popping up around Rolla. Most notably, is the impressive new building being constructed at Missouri S&T’s Innovation Park located on 10th Street, and the early phases of the new Bryant Drive Extension that will create a new traffic intersection at Bryant Drive and Kingshighway.

You may have noticed some of the heavy equipment and signs of early construction work next to the McDonald’s restaurant on Kingshighway, and next to the Webster University and Pizza Inn parking lots where the new Bryant Drive Extension begins. Development agreements among the City of Rolla, Fairgrounds Chevrolet and McDonald’s for the Bryant Drive Extension were approved by the Rolla City Council at the June 21, 2010 Council meeting, and the City received the green light to proceed with this significant project.

These development agreements culminate several months of planning and negotiations with these three entities as well as the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to provide a new transportation facility to serve not only these existing and new developments, but also provide an integral link in the development of the Rolla West Area. These three entities will be providing the rights of way and the City of Rolla will be constructing the road improvements. The road extension is estimated to be $580,000. This extension of Bryant Drive is scheduled for construction beginning in mid-August 2010 and will correspond with the construction of the new McDonald’s Restaurant.

The new Bryant Drive Extension will provide one of the gateway entrances to the new Missouri S&T Innovation Park, and improve traffic mobility on Kingshighway and Fairgrounds Road. Sometime this summer MoDOT will be relocating the traffic light now located at the intersection of Fairgrounds Road and Kingshighway to the new intersection that will be built at the intersection of Bryant Drive and Kingshighway just west of the McDonald’s restaurant. When the new Bryant Drive Extension, intersection and McDonald’s restaurant are complete, this area on Kingshighway will be significantly enhanced – bringing more attention to the progressive, welcoming image of our City.

What is most encouraging and exciting about the many developments occurring in Rolla, including the new Benton Square in Rolla’s new Arts and Entertainment District, the opening of the St. John’s Facility on Martin Springs Drive, the new Walgreens at Hwy. 72 and Ridgeview Road, and adjacent inline retail center, several new restaurants and businesses, is that there are multiple new projects and developments that are springing up all across Rolla. This sends a message to visitors, investors, and developers that Rolla is a City on the move, where things are happening, and where folks traveling on I-44 and Hwy. 63, and of course South Central Missouri, should stop by and spend an afternoon, a day or a weekend.

In closing I’d like to remind everyone that the Phelps County Fair is just around the corner and runs from July 21 to July 24 at the Phelps County Fairgrounds located off Route 63 South. The next Rolla City Council meeting will be held Monday, July 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Rolla City Hall, 901 N. Elm Street. For more City events and news, visit the City’s Website at www.rollacity.org/events or join us on Facebook, Twitter, or the City’s BLOG.

Police Chief Chat

This past week, the Rolla Police Department handled 765 calls for service. Of these calls there were: 26 traffic complaints, 76 traffic stops, 34 arrests, 14 check the well being requests, 16 suspicious nature calls, 7 escorts, 39 animal control issues, 7 reports of recovered property, 2 soliciting complaints, 36 security checks, 104 disturbance calls–72 of those were firework complaints that were deemed necessary for an officer to act on. This call total is down 128 calls from last week.

Over the past couple years we have seen a dramatic increase in the popularity of the small motorized scooters in and around the Rolla area. It appears as if the rising fuel costs have prompted motorists into purchasing and operating this type of vehicle. Basically these small vehicles can be categorized into 2 main groups. Scooters and Mopeds. Scooters are typically a small composite bodied two-wheeled motorized vehicle designed to carry the driver and sometimes will allow room for a passenger. These scooters are typically equipped with engines of a displacement of either 50 cubic centimeters or less and are very low powered and sometimes governed or limited to 30 miles per hour. To operate these vehicles, motorists must possess a valid driver’s license, but the license need not be endorsed for motorcycle operation. Drivers need not wear a helmet, register the vehicle annually with the Department of Revenue or maintain liability insurance. Interstate Highway operation is prohibited. In addition the vehicles must be equipped with a front facing white light (headlight) and a red colored taillight. Mopeds are more bicycle like machines that offer a gasoline engine in addition to the traditional pedal cranks that may be used without the engine’s support.

In our area we have received several traffic complaints on motorists on this type of vehicle and have investigated several accidents involving driver’s of these vehicles. Contributing factors in these accidents is that the vehicles are small and not readily seen by other motorists. They are low powered and drop to very low speeds on inclines. Many times the operator’s have had no training on their operation and very little experience. And in some cases, the operator’s unsafe operation leads to the crash. With this in mind we encourage scooter/moped operator’s to undergo training in the operation of their vehicle. To practice away from traffic until operating skills are up to par. And always be sure to wear bright colored clothing, eye protection and above all a DOT approved helmet.

Monday of this week was a designated monthly training day, which is a day set aside for an entire shift of patrol officers to receive pertinent training on job related subject matter. This month Sheriff Rick Lisenbe invited our agency to take advantage of the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department’s Firearm Training Simulator. Sgt. John Frey, Cpl. Adam Meyer, Spo. Chrissy Smith, Spo. Tommy Davis, Pto. Casey Chapman and Pto. Steven Gray took part in the extensive firearms training utilizing the multi-faceted simulator. Thanks Sheriff!

Last week, Pto. Steve Roukie left the Rolla Police Department after nearly 2 years of dedicated service to seek other opportunities. Steve is a fine officer and we wish him the best in his future endeavors. With Steve leaving, this does create a vacancy in our patrol division and we posted the job announcement this week. If you are a certified police officer, attending an accredited law enforcement academy or have successfully graduated from the same, you may be what we are looking for. Our officers must be community policing oriented and fit in with our Rolla Police Department family. We offer a competitive salary, family health and dental plans, life insurance, ten (10) paid holidays and one (1) personal holiday, two (2) weeks vacation and twelve (12) sick days a year. We also provide all equipment, uniforms, and the opportunity to qualify for a take home patrol car. If you would like to apply for this position you may do so by stopping by the Police Department and picking up an application or you may apply online at www.rollacity.org.

This past week we also lost a member of our Animal Control Division with the resignation of shelter associate Janet Ray. Janet has served with the Animal Control Division for a little over 1 ½ years and is leaving to seek other opportunities. We also wish Janet great success in her endeavors and will miss her as she was a great employee. The shelter associate position is a part-time position totaling approximately 22 hours per week. The position offers a competitive salary, a flexible schedule and provides an opportunity to work closely with animals housed in the shelter. The position would be perfect for someone with some extra time on their hands and who enjoys being around dogs, cats, ferret’s, and just about any type of animal that needs a good home. To apply, stop by the Rolla Police Department or apply online at www.rollacity.org. This position should be announced early next week.

Have a great week!

Chief Mark Kearse

Fun Show slated at Veterans Memorial Park

Summer in Rolla and the Meramec Valley Region continues to be fun-filled and action packed following Route 66 Summerfest and last weekend’s 75th Annual Lions Club Carnival, which, thanks to the great weather, and record-breaking crowds, was yet another huge success. A special thanks goes out to all the hard working members of the Rolla Lions Club, and all the organizations, businesses and individuals who donate their time, money and talent to make this one of the great festivals of the year in Rolla, and South Central Missouri.

While everyone is most likely still flying their U.S. flags, and in a patriotic spirit from the 4th of July weekend, the Fun Show was held Saturday, July 10 at Veterans Memorial Park. The event, hosted by the South Central Regional Veterans Group (SCRVG), was held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, located on Southview Drive (also appropriately named Veterans Memorial Parkway),  off Hwy. 72 behind Casey’s. Admission to the event was free, but a $15 registration fee was required for anyone who enters the Fun Show competition. Classic and vintage cars and modified trucks of all makes, models and sizes will be on display, while visitors check out the chrome and leather, and take in the music of the 50s, 60s, and 70s.
The Fun Show is one of many events planned this year by the SCRVG as a way to raise awareness and funds for the new 11-acre Veterans Memorial Park. The SCRVG recently participated in the Route 66 Summerfest where members mingled with visitors, passed out literature and sold over $1,000 of new Veterans Memorial Park T-shirts (4-color and black and white versions available). The attractive, eye-catching T-shirts, which were designed by local artist, Bruce Wade, are on sale now for $15 and can be purchased at Rolla City Hall. Engraved memorial bricks, which will initially be placed around the Armed Forces Pentagon, will also be for sale at the Fun Show and through the SCRVG. For more information, please contact Anne McClay, Project Coordinator in the City’s Engineering Division in the Public Works Department located on the 4th Floor at Rolla City Hall (901 N. Elm Street). Anne can be reached at 426-6955.

In addition to the events listed above, $300 was also raised for Veterans Memorial Park during the Fire Truck Pull competition at Summerfest, which was coordinated by SSgt. Rick Williams with the Rolla Police Department. The winning team was Fairgrounds Chevrolet.

Proceeds from the Fire Truck Pull, the Fun Show today and the sale of Veterans Memorial Park T-shirt and engraved Veterans Memorial Park memorial bricks will go towards Phase II of Veterans Memorial Park, which will include the new Armed Forces Pentagon – a five-sided memorial that will feature three flags (U.S., Missouri State and P.OW./M.I.A.). The SCRVG is now finalizing the design and construction of the Armed Forces Pentagon, which, with the generous assistance of local businesses, volunteers and students at RTI, should be completed by Sept. 11 of this year! Another event being planned by this dynamic and energetic group of veterans and community leaders, is a BBQ, bluegrass, raffle and silent auction, tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 16 at the National Guard Armory in Rolla. We will keep you updated as more details on this fun event are finalized.

As an Army veteran, and big supporter of Phelps For the Fort, I am very excited about the progress, and level of energy that the SCRVG is displaying toward building awareness, recognition and bricks and mortar projects for what I believe will be one of the most outstanding Veterans Parks in the state of Missouri. Rolla has so much momentum going with the new Rolla Arts and Entertainment District, the Benton Square Development, the finalized development agreement for the Bryant Drive Extension (Rolla West Phase II), the first building being constructed at the Missouri S&T Innovation Park (on 10th Street), all the new restaurants that are being established or re-established, and the many exciting retail expansions, that the timing couldn’t be better to be continuing with Phase II of Veterans Memorial Park.

Let's keep the momentum going all through 2010! I hope to see you at the Fun Show today!


Mayor Bill Jenks, III

July 4th is time for celebration and gratitude

For residents in the Meramec Valley Region the legendary Lion Clubs Carnival – celebrating 75 years - is one of the central focuses of July 4th with carnival rides, delicious food, games of all kinds, fabulous fireworks (July 4 at 11 p.m.); fellowship, and of course the highlight of the carnival, the announcement of the winner of a shiny new red 2010 Chevy Camero at midnight on July 4th.

If you need a place to cool off, you may consider stopping by SplashZone, Rolla’s outdoor water park, located in Ber Juan Park next to The Centre on 14th Street. SplashZone is open Monday through Friday, 12-noon to 7 p.m., weekends from 12-noon to 6 p.m. The Centre, Rolla’s Health and Recreation complex, located at 1200 N. Holloways Street, is also a great place to get out of the heat, enjoy their 63,000-square-foot facility, and swim in the indoor pool, which features a three-story slide, Olympic-size pool, lazy river and vortex.

Looking beyond the Fourth, I would also encourage everyone to consider attending another patriotic event at the Veterans Memorial Park Fun Show next Saturday, July 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, (located off Hwy. 72 on Southview Drive). Admission to the event is free, but a $15 registration fee is required for anyone who enters the Fun Show competition. Classic and vintage cars and modified trucks of all makes, models and sizes will be participating and on display, while visitors check out the chrome and leather, and take in the music of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Food concessions will be provided by the Rolla Road Riders Motorcycle Club. The event is hosted by the South Central Veterans Memorial Park Committee. For more information, please contact Jerry Bumpus at 573-647-7601.

In closing, please keep in mind all the members of the U.S. Armed Services this weekend both in the U.S. and abroad, who over the years, have served our country. We need to always remember that if it wasn’t for the brave men and women in uniform throughout the years and today, we would not be experiencing the peace, joy and freedom that we do. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as you enjoy the freedoms and celebrations that they have made possible, and continue to make possible for all of us.

Have a safe, enjoyable holiday weekend

The Rolla Police Department handled 658 calls for service. Of these calls there were: 38 hang up 911 calls, 28 disturbance calls (domestic or other), 21 traffic complaints, 61 traffic stops, 24 arrests, 4 runaways, 4 benevolent fund requests, 11 destructions of property, 5 telephone harassment calls, 2 mental health calls, 1 malicious mischief, 2 fingerprint requests and 2 fight calls. This total is down 84 calls from last week.

As you know, the country will be celebrating Independence Day this weekend and the Rolla community will follow suit. Traditionally part of the celebration involves the use of fireworks over this period. If you and your family decide to take part in this activity please use caution and a little bit of common sense. Parents should monitor all fireworks use and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions when discharging the product. City ordinance under Section 14-2 of the Rolla City Code states that any individual or organization may discharge fireworks, without a permit, from July 1 to July 5 only! 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).

Another 4th of July tradition is the annual Lion’s Club Carnival. This carnival has become one of the premiere carnivals in the area and is attended each year by thousands of participants who enjoy the rides, games and of course the outstanding fireworks display that seems to get better each year. This year the 75th Annual Rolla Lions Club Carnival will be held Thursday, July 1 through Sunday, July 4. The Rolla Police Department and Rolla Fire and Rescue will be on site with the Homeland Security Mobile Command Post that will be used to provide dispatch services in the event of an injury or mishap at the park. Central Communications telecommunicators will be utilizing the on-board dispatching system to relay information back to the 9-1-1 Center. We will also have officers patrolling the site so if you need assistance or need to report unsafe activity, please contact them. And please remember that traffic congestion in the area is extremely high during the carnival and motorists need use caution when traveling in or near the Lion’s Club Park.

Over the last several weeks the Rolla Police Department has received several cases involving counterfeit money. The large majority of the bills are $100.00 and $20.00 in denomination. The bills at first glance do appear to be genuine, but upon further examination there are significant watermarks missing or altered on the bills. If a person receives a $100.00 bill as payment for anything please look at the bill thoroughly. If the bill looks questionable do not take it as payment or look for the color shifting ink, the red and blue fibers built into to the bill, or the security strip on the bill. There are several other security features on paper currency, but the three mentioned are the easiest and quickest to look for. Please don’t solely depend on a counterfeit pen as proof of the bill being genuine, as like most things in this world the pens can be fooled. If you would like further information about the security features to look for on money please go to either www.secretservice.gov or www.moneyfactory.gov.

Last week, Spo. Jaime Solis and Telecommunication Supervisor Stacey Smith attended 40 hrs. of training in Crisis Hostage Negotiation offered by the Midwest Counterdrug Training Center in Springfield, Missouri. The training provided was job specific for each officer and orchestrated from that point of view. And speaking of training, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our newest member to the Rolla Police Department family. Telecommunicator Tom Grisham began his employment on Tuesday of this week in the Central Communications Division. Tom will undergo several weeks of intense training on emergency dispatching for Police, Fire, EMS and many other facets of emergency response. Tom is not really new to the RPD family in that he is engaged to be married to Kandi Trentham who is a long time employee in our Records Division! Welcome aboard Tom and good luck in your training!

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend!

Police Chief, Mark Kearse
Rolla Police Dept.

VIPS making impact, helping with summer school traffic

This past week, the Rolla Police Department handled 742 calls for service. Of these calls there were: 29 accidents, 49 hang up 911 calls, 35 disturbance calls (domestic or other), 25 traffic complaints, 41 traffic stops, 17 arrests, 35 assist of other agencies, 4 benevolent fund requests, 2 abandon vehicle reports, 5 escorts, 68 security checks and 12 suspicious nature calls. This week’s total call volume is up 60 calls from last week!

Well at the end of May the Rolla Public Schools let out for the summer, or did they? Actually beginning June 1st and running through June 30th, school is back in session, at least for some students who are attending the summer school sessions held at Wyman Elementary. For those students and faculty it is business as usual. Students and faculty arrive each morning and leave at the end of the day creating traffic congestion in that part of town, which is somewhat busy anyway. Since the beginning of June, if you’ve been  in the area of Wyman Elementary School in the morning and at noon, you might have noticed School Resource Officer Sgt. Wayne Rapier and two members of the VIPS team assisting parents and children with the traffic flow around the school. Whether you are one of those folks directly involved in driving the children to school, or you a simply driving by the complex, please be extra careful and slow down in the area of the school. Thanks to Sgt. Wayne Rapier, VIPS/Reserve Officer Dave Reynolds and VIPS volunteer Don Rowland.

On Thursday, Sgt. Jeremy Martens, Spo. Tony Lauth, Spo. Ben Tinsley, Spo. Frank Hawkins and Spo. Leann Robertson conducted a driver’s license checkpoint between 7:45 and 8:30 a.m., in the 1100 block of east 18th St. This time frame and location was selected after receiving several traffic complaints in that particular area. During this operation it is estimated that over 500 motorists were contacted. This action yielded 1 citation for driving while suspended, 1 citation for driving while revoked, and 1 citation for failure to provide insurance, all within just 45 minutes! Great job folks!

On Thursday evening we completed our 3rd of 3 Neighborhood Watch Zone meetings in an effort to bolster participation in this great program. In each of the meetings S/Sgt. Rick Williams provided information on home security and protection and how the Neighborhood Watch concept will work in our community. Rolla Fire and Rescue Training Officer Ron Smith,  provided information on the upcoming Community Emergency Response Team training that will enable citizens to fend for themselves in the event of a major disaster until emergency services can arrive. Volunteers in Police Services Coordinator Vince Giacolone and VIPS volunteers Dave Reynolds and Katherine Mattison were available to discuss the VIPS program and the services provided by those volunteers. American Red Cross personnel Edna Bridges and Christy Woolsey presented services offered by that agency and provided information on how to volunteer. And finally Phelps County Health Department representatives Beverly Stewart and Debbie Rhodes provided informational brochures on the “Ready in 3” program and discussed other services provided by their agency. I would like to thank all the representatives and taking time to help bolster these very worthy programs and would also like to thank the Rolla Recreation Centre and the 1st Assembly of God Church for their support. Great job folks. If for some reason you were unable to attend either of the 3 Zone meetings, and are interested in starting or enhancing a Neighborhood Watch program contact S/Sgt. Rick Williams at 308-1213.

In closing, I would like to offer a quick reminder to please be aware of the dramatic increase in bicyclists and motorcyclists in our community. Higher temperatures, higher fuel costs and fitness are the key factors in this choice in transportation. As you know, motorcycles, scooters and bicycles are much more difficult to see in traffic and the sad fact is that most motorists are used to watching for full size passenger cars and trucks, and not the cycles. This mind set is what leads to the car-truck/motorcycle collisions that are commonly much worse on the cyclists. Please use caution while driving and take an extra split second to check traffic closely before pulling from a private drive, business or intersection. Cyclists of all kinds are encouraged to wear a safe helmet, bright colored clothing or safety vest, and too also use extreme caution while riding.

Have a great week!

Council gives green light to energy savings initiative with Siemens

Energy savings, increased efficiencies, and the opportunity to reduce the City of Rolla’s carbon footprint, were all reasons the Rolla City Council gave a green light for the City to enter into a performance contract agreement with Siemens Industry, Inc., Building Technologies Division.

Considering that the City of Rolla spends between $650,000 and $700,000 annually on utilities for our many services and facilities (approximately 3% of our total budget), saving upwards of 20% or about $150,000 a year on our utility expenses should be an investment that will pay for itself.

While the project affects several different departments, it is considered a single comprehensive energy effort. The largest improvements consist of major pump and blower upgrades at the City’s  wastewater treatment plant (Southeast Wastewater Treatment Plant, the City’s largest treatment facility), which have depreciated and need to be replaced in the near future. Other improvements range from a new roof at the Rolla Police Department headquarters, to the replacement of the inefficient lighting, both inside and outside, at the RPD headquarters, The Centre, both Fire and Rescue stations, Rolla City Hall, and all three of the City’s wastewater treatment plants. The upgrades extend all the way down to the temperature controls on vending machines and the replacement of HID Metal Halide lamps in the gymnasium and natatorium at The Centre with a T-5 electronic ballast high output lighting system. For a complete list of all the energy upgrades and the facilities included in the scope of work, please visit the City’s Website at www.rollacity.org/admin/agenda.shtm.

Working with the Missouri Water Utility Partnership (consisting of the EPA, DNR, Missouri S&T and Siemens) in mid-2009, the City of Rolla was one of 10 Missouri communities chosen to pursue a full energy analysis on all facilities in a 20% reduction in energy consumption. The performance agreement recently approved by City Council with Siemens, which was selected by the City to pursue a full energy audit and ultimately a scope of services, was made possible by recently passed Missouri state legislation that allows a contractor to guarantee the utility savings towards the lease or debt service payments to the cost of financing energy efficiency projects.

By engaging in this comprehensive effort, the City believes we are setting a standard for other Missouri communities to be good stewards of their resources. In addition, the representatives from Siemens commented at the June 21 City Council meeting that it intends to use Rolla as a model to other Missouri cities and communities who are considering such an energy conservation program. Siemens also commented that they intend to use Rolla as a showcase to try out other new energy saving equipment at no charge to the City in the next six months or so.

In closing I’d like to remind everyone to mark their calendars for the annual Lions Club Carnival which begins this Thursday, July 1 and runs through Sunday, July 4. Please also note that SplashZone, Rolla’s outdoor water park, located next to The Centre in Ber Juan Park, will be celebrating the 4th with Independence Dollar Day where everyone gets in for just $1. Rolla City Hall and the Environmental Services Department will also be closed on Monday, July 5 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.

The Rolla City Council meeting, normally held on the first Monday of the month, will be held on Wednesday, July 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall (901 N. Elm Street). It was necessary to schedule the City Council meeting on Wednesday, July 7 instead of Tuesday, because Rolla Municipal Court will be held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.

Please have a safe and memorable July 4th weekend, and remember to keep all the members of the U.S. Armed Services in your thoughts and prayers as you enjoy the freedoms and celebrations that they make possible for all of us.