City of Rolla, Missouri

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

City of Rolla Wednesday Updates (Aug. 10, 2011)

Rolla City Council

Mtg. set for Aug. 15

The next Rolla City Council meeting will be held on Monday, Aug. 15 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 the City Council agendas and full agenda packets, please visit http://www.rollacity.org/admin/agenda.shtml#agenda. For more information, please contact Rolla City Administration at 426-6948.

City Council meetings are also broadcast live on Rolla Channel 16 (RC16). To check to see when the City Council meetings are rebroadcast, please check the RC16 Program Guide online at http://rollachannel16.pegcentral.com.

Phelps County Transfer Station

to close Aug. 16-18 for

truck scale installation

The Phelps County Transfer Station will be closed Tuesday, Aug. 16 through Thursday, Aug. 18 for the installation of new truck scales.

The facility will plan to reopen for business on Friday, Aug. 19. During the temporary closure, customers will be rerouted to the Prairie Valley Landfill (573-885-7596) near Cuba, Mo. or the St. Robert Transfer Station (573-336-5155) in St. Robert, Mo.

For more information, please contact the City of Rolla Environmental Services Department at 573-364-6693.

Rolla PD to crack down

on impaired drivers

Aug. 19-Sept. 5

The sobering fact is that impaired driving contributes to nearly 30% of all Missouri traffic fatalities. In 2010 alone 234 people were killed and 957 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. 19 – Sept. 5, 2011.

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 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 Corporal Tim Mayfield, Rolla Police Department Traffic Division Traffic Supervisor. “Our message is simple and unwavering: You Drink and Drive. You Lose.”

For more information, please visit www.saveMOlives.com.

Caution urged during

round-about construction

on Kingshighway

Motorists are urged to use caution while traveling through the construction zone where two new round-abouts are being built at the Kingshighway, Interstate-44 bypass by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). And while no detours are posted in this area, the City recommends local motorist and customers use Bridge School Road to St. Johns Parkway as an alternate route.

Construction of the two round-abouts, referred to as a ‘dogbone’ configuration, is Phase 3 of the ‘Rolla West’ project that began two years ago with the extension of Ridgeview Road at the State Route 63/Highway 72 Intersection, and then the new Bryant Drive Extension and intersection on Kingshighway next to Fairground Chevrolet and the new McDonalds restaurant.

Also included in Phase III of the Rolla West project will be the eventual widening of Kingshighway from three to five lanes, from the Bryant Drive intersection to the I-44/Kingshighway overpass. This project is tentatively schedule in 2012/ 2013. Phase 4 will involve the extension of Ridgeview Road (Hwy. 72) to Bridge School Road. Phase 5 of Rolla West would involve the construction of a fifth Rolla interchange on I-44 west of the Kingshighway overpass at some point in the distant future.

The Rolla West project was presented as part of the Rolla 2020 Comprehensive Plan Update adopted by the Rolla City Council in January 2006. One of the keys to the success of the Rolla West project is the partnership with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and the Highway Commission, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Phelps County, and the Rolla Regional Economic Commission (RREC).

“Through mutual cooperation we hope to achieve improvements and growth that will propel Rolla and Phelps County into a bright and prosperous future,” said John Butz, Rolla City Administrator.

For more information, or to view a detailed version of the Rolla West Master Plan, please visit http://www.rollawest.com/index.shtm or contact the City of Rolla Public Works Department at 364-8659.

Rolla Channel 16

now live streaming

24/7 on the Web

If you happen to miss the airing of a Rolla City Council meeting or Planning & Zoning meeting, you can now watch them online on the Rolla Channel 16 Website at http://rollachannel16.com.

Rolla Channel 16, Rolla’s premiere Education and Government channel, is also now live streaming (24/7) at http://rollachannel16.com. RC16 is live streaming all Rolla City Council meetings, Rolla Planning & Zoning Commission meetings, all future episodes of “City Minutes”, all Rolla Public Schools board meetings, and Rolla High School Review.

Other syndicated content on RC16 such as Missouri Outdoors, Army Newswatch, and Capitol Dialogue will also live stream on RC16 at http://rollachannel16.com.

For more information regarding programming or DVD duplication of Rolla City Council meetings, Rolla Planning & Zoning meetings, and Rolla Public Schools board meetings, etc., please contact Gabe Mankin, Digital Media Operations Manager, at (573) 426-3377 or at Gabe.Mankin@fidelitycommunications.com.

Be sure to watch Rolla Channel 16 – Education, Government and Community for you!

Rolla Sesquicentennial T-shirts

and posters available

at City Hall

Rolla Sesquicentennial commemorative T-shirts and posters are still available to the public for purchase at Rolla City Hall, (901 N. Elm Street).

The vintage Heather grey T-shirts that showcase the Sesquicentennial logo designed by Angi Yowell, Graphic Design Instructor at Rolla Technical Institute, are selling for $5 a piece in the following sizes: Large (13) and Small (four).

The 4-color, 11x17 glossy Sesquicentennial commemorative posters are selling for $2 each. In addition to the T-shirts and posters, a limited number of newly designed and printed Rolla City flags are available for purchase as well. City flags may be purchased in the Community Development Department (2^nd Floor) at Rolla City Hall for $40 each.

Proceeds from the sales of Sesquicentennial T-shirts and posters will be used to offset costs and expenses incurred for Rolla’s Sesquicentennial Celebration held on Saturday, June 4, 2011.

The City of Rolla, which was incorporated 150 years ago on Jan. 25, 1861, continues to celebrate its Sesquicentennial Anniversary, which began on Jan. 25, 2011. For more information, please call Scott Grahl, Communications Officer, at 426-6943 or visit the City’s Website at www.rollacity.org and click on the Rolla’s 150^th tab.

2011 Environmental Services Dept.

List of Important Dates:

(Clip & save for easy reference!)

Sept. 5, 2011 - Labor Day: Monday’s trash will be picked up Tuesday; Tuesday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.

Oct. 1, 2011 - City-wide Fall Clean-Up: Saturday (residential only)

Nov. 24, 2011 – Thanksgiving Day: Thursday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.

Dec. 25, 2011 – Christmas Day (Observed Dec. 26): Monday’s trash will be picked up Tuesday; Tuesday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.

Holidays NOT affecting trash

or recycling collection:

Oct. 10, 2011 – Columbus Day

Nov. 11, 2011 – Veterans Day

Nov. 25, 2011 – Day after Thanksgiving

Hotline number: 341-1168

Upcoming Events

AUGUST 2011

14 - Mother’s Day Special at SplashZone (364-8222)

15 - City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

22 – City Council Budget Workshop (5:30 p.m.); City Hall – Council Chambers

SEPTEMBER 2011

5 - City Hall closed for Labor Day Holiday

5 - Environmental Service closed for Labor Day; Monday’s trash picked up Tues.; Tuesday’s trash picked up Wed.

6 - City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

10 - Canine Plunge at SplashZone (noon-3 p.m.); early registration required

(364-8222)

19 - City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

24 - Celebration of Nations (11 a.m.-5 p.m.); Downtown Festival Park

OCTOBER 2011

1 - City-wide Fall Clean Up (items to curb by 6 a.m.); residential only

3 - City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

8 - Autumn Arts & Crafts Festival (9 a.m.-4 p.m.); downtown Rolla

17 - City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

31 – Have a Safe Trick or Treat Night (downtown Rolla)

Scott A. Grahl

Communications Officer

City of Rolla, Missouri

(573) 426-6943

& Twitter at www.rollacity.org

MoDOT continues construction of Kingshighway round-abouts

(002.jpg) Jason Mays (pictured bottom left) with H.R. Quadri Construction, cautions motorists traveling along Kingshighway next to the I-44 overpass to proceed with caution as construction continues on one of two round-abouts being constructed by the Missouri Department of Transportation. The construction area across the I-44 overpass on Kingshighway in the distance is where the second round-about is being constructed. (Scott Grahl/City of Rolla photo)

(007.jpg) Heavy equipment operators prepare the road bed and foundation at a 90-acre commercial development property site located at the north end of the Kingshighway/I-44 overpass. The area across the street on Old Wire Outer Road is where the second of two round-abouts are being constructed by the Missouri Department of Transportation. (Scott Grahl, City of Rolla photo).

(011.jpg) Development and construction of a round-about and 90-acre commercial development property site is taking shape at the north end of the Kingshighway/I-44 overpass next to Old Wire Outer Road. Motorists are urged to use caution and observe traffic signs and operators who are helping to enhance safety and monitor traffic. (Scott Grahl, City of Rolla photo).

33rd Annual Arts and Crafts Festival

The 33rd Annual Arts and Crafts Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Pine Street in downtown Rolla. There will be authentic crafts, artisans, beautiful art work and numerous booths providing many choices for guests as they stroll Pine Street.

There will also be several food and beverage vendors set up along 9th and Pine for folks to have lunch or a snack next to the Rolla Public Library.

The event is free, and a great way to start your early holiday shopping for that one of a kind gift.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Senator Jean Carnahan’s remarks at Rolla Sesquicentennial Ceremony Saturday, June 4, 2011

I love birthday parties. What a thrill it is to be here to celebrate the 150^th birthday of the City of Rolla.

Looking back, we know that life was rough in those early days. One account tells us that when the city was about to be named the first homeowner, John Webber, proposed the name Hardscrabble.

Fortunately, his suggestion did not prevail, but at least Webber had a sense of humor.

Some of those early settlers are recognized in street names about town. When you drive along Bishop Avenue, you are on a street commemorating Edmund Ward Bishop, our first Mayor.

When you drive out Lecoma Road, you might recall that Lecoma is a word that combines the first few letters of the names of three prominent families: Lennox, Comstock, and Martin.

Those joining in the St. Patrick’s Day revelry each year might be interested to know that Soest Road is named for Ernest Soest, the first Anheuser Bush beer distributor in the county.

Looking back 150 years, it’s hard for us to imagine the physical and spiritual stamina that it took to survive in the West.

Information is sketchy about those harsh and uncertain times here in Rolla. But, we get a glimpse of everyday life from descriptions written by county officials, newspapers, and ministers. Imagine a village in 1860. A village of 300 people with 75 houses, no schools, no churches, and no city government.

Then suddenly with the onset of the Civil War the place becomes a boomtown with a railroad terminus, two military forts, an Army hospital, a supply depot, and upward to 20,000 Union soldiers. What an incredible strain that must have had on the daily life of a sleepy little village struggling to survive.

As might be expected, the town attracted a number of questionable characters, gamblers, speculators and bushwhackers.

The editor of the local newspaper – the Rolla Express – described the town during that time as a “God-forgotten and dangerous place” in which to live.

Such harsh living conditions might have been enough to send the faint-hearted hightailing it back East.

The newspaper editor went on to write: “But happily…there are…citizens here…laboring for the good.”

Those hearty settlers were not about to give into the skeptics and opportunists. They determined to stick it out and to create a thriving community. And, that’s what saved Rolla 150- years ago – “citizens laboring for the good.”

With sheer girt and determination, they turned a raucous railroad town into a community of God-fearing men and women, eager to build churches, schools, and shops. They cut timber and hewed logs to build cabins and barns. Men, women and children tilled the land that was all too often rocky and clay-packed.

In time, they constructed a courthouse, schools and new roads; passed laws; and elected leaders to carry out the will of the people. And perhaps, what was most extraordinary of all, within 10 years that little village was able to attract a state college to Rolla.

None could imagine at the time that it would grow to be a world renown university of science and technology. Nor could they imagine that Roll would someday be the medical and businesses hub of central Missouri.

What were they like, these men and women, who laid such a firm foundation and worked so diligently for the common good?

We know they had a deep sense of right and wrong.

They respected straight talk and commonsense and often sealed a deal with a simple handshake.

They saw after their neighbors during sickness and misfortune.

They worked hard in the hopes that their children would reap the benefits of their industry and example.

Despite the hardship, they were able to bring order and purpose to everyday life.

Their independent spirit and innate sense of justice and fair play are still evidenced in the people…who make up the Ozark Highlands even today.

In pausing to celebrate our heritage, we honor the courage and fortitude of our forefathers, but we also recognized our common hopes and dreams that are still very much alive.

May today be more than just a celebration of their vision and daring. Let this day mark our own commitment to new and worthy endeavors. And, may it be said of us – as it was said of them –

“Happily, there were those, who labored for the good.”

A Tribute to Veterans by James Rinehart

By James Rinehart

RJH History Teacher and member of the

Rolla Sesquicentennial Planning Committee

Rolla Sesquicentennial Ceremony

Saturday, June 4, 2011

On December 7, 1941 Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. When Bosco Eudaly heard the news he learned that one of this childhood friends perished aboard the U.S.S. Arizona. Like scores of other Americans, Mr. Eudaly volunteered for service in the United States Navy and served aboard the U.S.S. Cassiopeia throughout World War III. When the war erupted, Howard Tom Chrisco was stationed in the Philippines. When U.S. forces abandoned the islands and moved to Australia, Mr. Chrisco was among those left behind. He was taken prisoner, survived the Bataan Death March, eventually escaped, was rescued, and three years later returned home. Near the end of the war, the U.S.S. Indianapolis set sail for Tinian, secretly carrying parts of the atomic bomb. On her return trip, the Indianapolis was sunk by a Japanese submarine. She sank in twelve minutes. Due to the secrecy surrounding the mission, no one knew she was missing. Survivors, including a young man named Gerald Poor, survived for 5 days in the Pacific Ocean. They fought hunger, thirst, hysteria, and sharks before eventual rescue. Mr. Poor is currently the only living Indianapolis survivor form the state of Missouri. These are all Rolla men.

When the Korean War erupted, a young Marine named Forest O’Neil found himself deep in North Korea near the Chosin Reservoir. When the area was overrun by the Chinese, the Marines found themselves surrounded. They fought their way to the sea to be rescued by the Navy. The Marines left no one behind. Every Marine, living or dead, made it out of North Korea. The survivors are known as the “Chosin Few”. Forest O’Neil is one of them. After the war he taught and coached for over 30 years in the Rolla Public School System. Another Rolla teacher, Coach Dennis Roberts, received the Silver Star for heroism in Vietnam. He continues to coach in our school system even after retiring as a teacher.

In May of 2009, the body of Army Specialist Jacob Barton was returned to Rolla from Baghdad, Iraq for burial. The ceremony served as a grim reminder of the ultimate sacrifice that can be given for one’s country, and within the last month (May 2011), the death of Specialist Bradley Melton in Afghanistan serves as a reminder of the current sacrifices asked of our Armed Forces and of our military families.

These stores have been few. The sacrifices of the citizens of our State, County, and City have been many. Let us now recognize the sacrifice given by both the living and the dead.

City of Rolla Weekly Updates (Aug. 8-15, 2011)

10^th Street Bridge dedicated

in honor of Gene Sally

By Bill Jenks, III

Mayor

It only seems fitting that the Rolla City Council approved a resolution at Monday’s City Council meeting to dedicate the section of 10^th Street that includes what many refer to the 10^th Street Bridge between Elm Street and Cedar Street in honor of former Missouri State Representative, Missouri State Senator, and real estate developer, Gene Sally.

Had it not been for the diligent efforts of Mr. Sally to help pass a bond issue through the Missouri State Legislature to secure funding for the 10^th Street bridge, we all might be taking the long way around that portion of 10^th Street that is a crucial transportation element for the community – by-passing the railroad tracks below, and providing a direct east/west route through the center of town. Mr. Sally was 100% responsible for Rolla’s 10^th Street project as the Missouri Highway Commission moved the project from the “20 year plan” to the very next year. But the contributions he has made to the City of Rolla and Rolla community, including in particular the private development of the east side of Rolla with the Forum Shopping Center and adjacent residential subdivision do not end there. He also is credited for spear-heading a grant (Rolla was given 90% of the money for this project) for the purchase of Ber Juan Park and swimming pool; helped accelerate the building of Rolla Vocational School (and later expansion money); was instrumental in Rolla getting a new National Guard Armory and Highway Patrol Building, was one of 12 individuals who purchased land for Oak Meadow Country Club and then developed it (160- acres for $7,000); as Chairman of the Missouri Atomic Energy Commission, helped get a nuclear reactor for then UMR – now Missouri University of Science and Technology; gave land in the Forum Shopping Center for the Rolla Cerebral Palsy School and then assisted them in fund raising for the construction of the building; and as former Director of the Rolla Chamber of Commerce, he helped Rolla purchase Rolla National Airport (2,000 acres) for only $1.

Thanks to Mr. Sally’s foresight, vision and perseverance, we not only have the 10^th Street Bridge, but also the Forum Shopping Center, 15 subdivisions, including Forum Hills, which was 200 acres. A 1955 graduate of Missouri University, where he played college basketball with Norm Stewart on the Tigers Basketball team, Mr. Sally started Sally Real Estate upon graduation, and began to make his mark not only as a real estate developer in Rolla, but also as an up-and-coming legislator in Jefferson City where at age 26 he was elected to the Missouri State House of Representatives, and at age 30 elected to the Missouri State Senate – at the time the youngest ever elected. It was during his terms in the Missouri Legislature he was able to secure a number of grants and funding commitment for a variety of needed public improvements in Rolla that included the 10^th Street Bridge, Ber Juan Park and swimming pool, and the Rolla Technical Institute, to name a few.

A gifted high school, collegiate and adult athlete, Mr. Sally’s true sport’s legacy was well known for the years he devoted to organizational, development and fund-raising support for area youth sports throughout the Rolla area. In addition, with his many years of service in the Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce, Oak Meadow Country Club, Rolla Cerebral Palsy School, Rolla Jaycee’s and many other organizations, Mr. Sally was a true visionary for the entire region. Gene and his wife, Betty currently reside near Palm Desert, California, but his legacy will live on in Rolla, Missouri!

In closing I’d like to remind everyone that school will be in session very soon at area colleges, universities, St. Pat’s and Rolla Public Schools, so please be cautious of students as they are going to classes, crossing streets, and using the sidewalks along Pine, Soest, Pinetree, 18^th, Salem, Bishop Highway, and many others. Please also continue to be mindful of the extreme heat that has continued to be a challenge for everyone concerning outdoor activities, etc. Cooling centers are available during the day at Rolla City Hall (City Council Chambers, 901 N. Elm St.); The Centre (1200 N. Holloway St.) and the Rolla Public Library (900 N. Pine Street). Have a safe week!

Caution urged during round-about construction on Kingshighway

“Through mutual cooperation we hope to achieve improvements and growth that will propel Rolla and Phelps County into a bright and prosperous future,” said John Butz, Rolla City Administrator.

For more information, or to view a detailed version of the Rolla West Master Plan, please visit http://www.rollawest.com/index.shtm or contact the City of Rolla Public Works Department at 364-8659.

Rolla City Council Mtg. set for Aug. 15

The next Rolla City Council meeting will be held on Monday, Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Rolla City Hall, 901 N. Elm Street.

Rolla City Council meetings are ordinarily held the first and third Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. except when there is a conflict with an observed holiday. To review a copy of the City Council agendas or the full agenda packet, please visit http://www.rollacity.org/admin/agenda.shtml. For more information, please contact Rolla City Administration at 426-6948.

Rolla Channel 16 now live streaming
24/7 on the Web

If you happen to miss the airing of a Rolla City Council meeting or Planning & Zoning meeting, you can now watch them online on the Rolla Channel 16 Website at http://rollachannel16.com.

Other syndicated content on RC16 such as Missouri Outdoors, Army Newswatch, and Capitol Dialogue will also live stream on RC16 at http://rollachannel16.com.

Be sure to watch Rolla Channel 16 – Education, Government and Community for you!

Rolla Sesquicentennial T-shirts

and posters available at City Hall

Rolla Sesquicentennial commemorative T-shirts and posters are still available to the public for purchase at Rolla City Hall, (901 N. Elm Street).

Proceeds from the sales of Sesquicentennial T-shirts and posters will be used to offset costs and expenses incurred for Rolla’s Sesquicentennial Celebration held on Saturday, June 4, 2011.

2011 Environmental Services Dept.

List of Important Dates:

(Clip & save for easy reference!)

Sept. 5, 2011 - Labor Day: Monday’s trash will be picked up Tuesday; Tuesday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.

Oct. 1, 2011 - City-wide Fall Clean-Up: Saturday (residential only)

Nov. 24, 2011 – Thanksgiving Day: Thursday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.

Dec. 25, 2011 – Christmas Day (Observed Dec. 26): Monday’s trash will be picked up Tuesday; Tuesday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.

Holidays NOT affecting trash

or recycling collection:

Oct. 10, 2011 – Columbus Day

Nov. 11, 2011 – Veterans Day

Nov. 25, 2011 – Day after Thanksgiving

Hotline number: 341-1168

Upcoming Events

AUGUST 2011

14 - Mother’s Day Special at SplashZone (364-8222)

15 - City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

22 – City Council Budget Workshop (5:30 p.m.); City Hall – Council Chambers

SEPTEMBER 2011

5 - City Hall closed for Labor Day Holiday

5 - Environmental Service closed for Labor Day; Monday’s trash picked up Tues.; Tuesday’s trash picked up Wed.

6 - City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

10 - Canine Plunge at SplashZone (noon-3 p.m.); early registration required

(364-8222)

19 - City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

24 - Celebration of Nations (11 a.m.-5 p.m.); Downtown Festival Park

OCTOBER 2011

1 - City-wide Fall Clean Up (items to curb by 6 a.m.); residential only

3 - City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

8 - Autumn Arts & Crafts Festival (9 a.m.-4 p.m.); downtown Rolla

17 - City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

31 – Have a Safe Trick or Treat Night (downtown Rolla)

Scott A. Grahl

Communications Officer

City of Rolla, Missouri

(573) 426-6943

& Twitter at www.rollacity.org

10th Street Bridge dedicated in honor of Gene Sally

By Bill Jenks, III
Mayor of Rolla
It only seems fitting that the Rolla City Council approved a resolution at Monday’s City Council meeting to dedicate the section of 10th Street that includes what many refer to the 10th Street Bridge between Elm Street and Cedar Street in honor of former Missouri State Representative, Missouri State Senator, and real estate developer, Gene Sally.

Had it not been for the diligent efforts of Mr. Sally to help pass a bond issue through the Missouri State Legislature to secure funding for the 10th Street bridge, we all might be taking the long way around that portion of 10th Street that is a crucial transportation element for the community – by-passing the railroad tracks below, and providing a direct east/west route through the center of town.

Mr. Sally was 100% responsible for Rolla’s 10th Street project as the Missouri Highway Commission moved the project from the “20 year plan” to the very next year. But the contributions he has made to the City of Rolla and Rolla community, including in particular the private development of the east side of Rolla with the Forum Shopping Center and adjacent residential subdivision do not end there. He also is credited for spear-heading a grant (Rolla was given 90% of the money for this project) for the purchase of Ber Juan Park and swimming pool; helped accelerate the building of Rolla Vocational School (and later expansion money); was instrumental in Rolla getting a new National Guard Armory and Highway Patrol Building, was one of 12 individuals who purchased land for Oak Meadow Country Club and then developed it (160- acres for $7,000); as Chairman of the Missouri Atomic Energy Commission, helped get a nuclear reactor for then UMR – now Missouri University of Science and Technology; gave land in the Forum Shopping Center for the Rolla Cerebral Palsy School and then assisted them in fund raising for the construction of the building; and as former Director of the Rolla Chamber of Commerce, he helped Rolla purchase Rolla National Airport (2,000 acres) for only $1.

Thanks to Mr. Sally’s foresight, vision and perseverance, we not only have the 10th Street Bridge, but also the Forum Shopping Center, 15 subdivisions, including Forum Hills, which was 200 acres. A 1955 graduate of Missouri University, where he played college basketball with Norm Stewart on the Tigers Basketball team, Mr. Sally started Sally Real Estate upon graduation, and began to make his mark not only as a real estate developer in Rolla, but also as an up-and-coming legislator in Jefferson City where at age 26 he was elected to the Missouri State House of Representatives, and at age 30 elected to the Missouri State Senate – at the time the youngest ever elected. It was during his terms in the Missouri Legislature he was able to secure a number of grants and funding commitment for a variety of needed public improvements in Rolla that included the 10^th Street Bridge, Ber Juan Park and swimming pool, and the Rolla Technical Institute, to name a few.

In closing, I’d like to remind everyone that State “Back to School Sales Tax Holiday” began last yesterday and will run all weekend through Sunday, Aug. 7. As stated in the ordinance to ‘opt in’ 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 sale officially ends at midnight on Sunday, Aug. 7. The Back to School Sales Tax Holiday was first established in 2004 by the Missouri State Legislature when the legislature passed Senate Bill 11.

On a final note, school will be in session very soon at area colleges, universities, St. Pat’s and Rolla Public Schools, so please be cautious of students as they are going to classes, crossing streets, and using the sidewalks along Pine, Soest, Pinetree, 18th, Salem, Bishop Highway, and many others. Please also continue to be mindful of the extreme heat that has continued to be a challenge for everyone concerning outdoor activities, etc. Cooling centers are available during the day at Rolla City Hall (City Council Chambers, 901 N. Elm St.); The Centre (1200 N. Holloway St.) and the Rolla Public Library (900 N. Pine Street). Have a safe week!

Friday, August 5, 2011

Police Chief Chat

Drug Watch: On August 4, 2011, the South Central Drug Task Force, the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and the Rolla Police Department Street Crimes Unit concluded a short term narcotics investigation in the 100 block of South Oak Street in Rolla, Missouri. Officers executed a search warrant at a residence and seized a quantity of high grade marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The following people were arrested in connection with the items seized and incarcerated at the Phelps County Jail: They are John C. Brewer II age 21 of Rolla, arrested for possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute. Melinda S. Crisel age 20 of Rolla, arrested for possession of marijuana. The charges for which Brewer and Crisel 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 week, the Rolla Police Department handled 909 calls for service. Of these calls there were: 34 arrests, 28 alarm calls, 26 traffic crashes, 54 traffic complaints, 16 check the well being requests, 89 traffic stops, 24 disturbance calls (including domestics), 15 suspicious nature complaints, 27 assists of other agency requests, 4 narcotics violations, 53 security checks, 25 security and funeral escorts and 38 follow up investigations. This call total is up 223 calls from last week and yes as you can see, another busy week!

On Thursday, Senior Patrol Officer Ben Tinsley initiated a traffic stop on I-44 assisted by Street Crimes Officer Josh Campbell and K-9 Ziggy. Ziggy was deployed to check the vehicle for illegal drugs and paraphernalia. The consequential search resulted in the seizure of $35,000 in cash discovered hidden in various locations throughout the vehicle. The search also lead to the discovery of $12,000.00 in diamonds that was concealed in clothing in the vehicle. The vehicle was occupied by illegal aliens from Ukraine. No proof of ownership could be provided. This case was turned over to Immigration Customs Enforcement.

The Rolla Police Department and Advanced Management Techniques is proud to announce a Crime Free Multi-Housing Seminar to be held Wednesday, August 10th, 2011 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at the Centre at 1200 N. Holloway. This is a FREE seminar for rental property owners, managers, attorneys and security companies. This course is Phase I of the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program and is presented by the Rolla Police Department.

The program’s concept takes a multi-faceted approach to crime prevention. This course entails cooperation between law enforcement, property managers and residents. The Crime Free Program is a 3-Phase program that addresses all of the opportunities of crime in rental properties. The program has been in existence since 1992 and is being used in over 2200 cities in the USA, Canada and now Australia!

The Crime Free programs have shown up to 90% reduction in crime on properties, with the average being 40-55% reduction. Participating properties also have shown decreased operating costs, lower resident turn-over, and reduced exposure to premise liability lawsuits.

This course is Free to anyone associated with rental property. We will cover the following topics: Crime Prevention, Screening, Rental Agreements, State Law, Premise Liability Issues, Drug Recognition, Evictions and the Role of Law Enforcement. Join us and learn how to reduce crime, increase profits and upgrade your community. For more information contact the Rolla Police Department Housing Officer Brad Lewis at 308-1213.

• The Rolla Animal Shelter had an unannounced visit today Ms. Barbara Gray Schmitz, Missouri State Director of the Humane Society of the United States. She was in the area and wanted to stop by and tour our facility and see how we operate. The HSUS is basically an advocate to all of the animal shelters and animal control facilities throughout the United States. They rally for programs such as spay/...neuter clinics, disaster programs, vaccination clinics, animal education programs, and a multitude of other shelter and animal related programs. They also assist in any legal issues associated with animal control and animal shelters.

Ms. Schmitz truly admired our facility and commented on our professionalism and cleanliness. She stated that she was very impressed with our continued high adoption rates and our educational programs as well as our diligence in advertising our adoptable animals. The overall tour and visit went very well and Ms. Schmitz said that we were a very professional facility with outstanding employees and we make an exceptional shelter team. Animal Shelter Supervisor John Redshaw conducted the tour and stated the following: “we are only a small part which makes up the overall great team called the Rolla Police Department and we are all very proud and honored to be a part of the Rolla Police Department”.

Great job to our Rolla Animal Shelter team!!

Have a great week!

Chief Mark Kearse

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Monday, August 8, 2011

Friday, August 5, 2011

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