City Council recognizes work of key City positions

Old Man Winter has finally arrived in Rolla with lower temperatures and an occasional snow flurry that always helps to get you in the holiday spirit, and this special time of year.

Speaking of getting into the holiday spirit, if you haven’t already noticed at Rolla City Hall, members of the Public Works Department have been busy lately setting up and decorating the 20-foot-tall Christmas tree that shines ever-so-brightly at night next to the bandshell in the Downtown Festival Park across from City Hall. The Frisco Caboose, yet another iconic symbol of Rolla’s rich train heritage, is also decorated with garland and Christmas lights thanks to the efforts of the Public Works crews, who also put up the large holiday wreaths that adorn the front of Rolla City Hall. I’d like to express my thanks and appreciation to all the members of the Public Works Department who do such a great job every year setting up the tree, decorating the Frisco Caboose and Rolla City Hall.

The lobby of Rolla City Hall is also beautifully decorated with a large tree, hanging bells and lights that create a holiday atmosphere. Be sure to stop by City Hall in the days and weeks to come to see the tree in the lobby and a unique tree on the 3rd Floor (Administration) that is uniquely decorated in red, white and blue ornaments as a tribute and in recognition of the members of the U.S. military and U.S. veterans. When you see the Christmas tree you can’t help but think of our military members in uniform who are stationed in some far off land serving our country so we can all enjoy the peace and freedom of the holidays. I think all of these displays, which were carefully created by Rolla City employees in the Public Works and Administration Departments, add a special holiday feeling to the downtown area.

I would also like to thank and recognize the individuals from the City’s Public Works Dept., Rolla Municipal Utilities and Fidelity Communications who have and continue to put up and display the large and festive Christmas Stars on the light poles around town.

As we approach the last month of 2010, I’d like to bring special attention to three individuals who are being recognized by the Rolla City Council for their many years of service to the City of Rolla. Councilman Don Barklage, who served on the Rolla City Council from April 1996 to November 2010, was recognized and thanked for his 14 years of dedicated service at the Nov. 15 City Council meeting.

Long-time Rolla Municipal Judge Bill Hickle, who served as municipal judge from May 1996 to Dec. 2010, will be retiring at the end of this year, and will be recognized for his 14 years of service at the Dec. 20 City Council meeting. Judge Hickle will continue serving the residents of Rolla and Phelps County as a newly elected Associate Circuit Judge for Phelps County.

Long-time City Counselor John Beger (of Beger and Bushie, LLC), who served as City Counselor for the Rolla City Council from January 1995 to December 2010, will also be recognized for his 15 years of service at the Dec. 20 City Council meeting. Mr. Beger will continue serving the residents of Rolla and Phelps County as the newly elected Phelps County Prosecutor.

On behalf of the Rolla City Council and City staff, I would like to personally thank Councilman Don Barklage, Judge Bill Hickle and City Counselor John Beger for their many years of dedicated service to the City of Rolla, and the Rolla community.

In closing I’d like to remind everyone that filing for the City of Rolla’s 2011 General Municipal Election, which will be held April 5, 2011, begins on Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010 at 8 a.m. The positions open for election this year include: one Council Representative for all six wards (two-year term) and Municipal Judge (to fulfill a one-year unexpired term). Persons wishing to file their candidacy for any of the above-listed positions may do so between 8 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010 and 5 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011 in the Rolla City Clerk’s Office at at City Hall (901 North Elm Street). Municipal candidates are not charged a filing fee.