. In this issue 3 Volunteer Opportunities 4–5 Upcoming Events Patriotic Events 6–7 Shape of SculptureCommunitySeries 8 Roscoe’s Den 9 Renew O’Fallon 10 Veterans Report 10–11 Special Feature 12 Calendar What’s killing our
The Shape of Community rotating sculpture series brings public art to O’Fallon
turn to
trees? Turn to page 11 for info.
Autumn 2022 • www.ofallon.mo.us
The Official Quarterly Publication of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri
In November, please join me with your family outside City Hall for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The kids can help me count down to the lighting of our huge Christmas Tree, and I’ve been told Santa might just stop by to visit with all the good girls and boys!
And, after we all enjoy a blessed Thanksgiving with family and friends, we can make plans for a memorable trip through this year’s Celebration of Lights. You can learn all about this holiday tradition on page 4. As we celebrate the season, I would ask that we also keep in mind those who have served us in the name of freedom. Please join us as we hold patriotic events throughout the year. I know I can’t help but be humbled by the sacrifices of our fellow Americans.
For
Other returning favorites include the Food Truck Fright and Egg-tober Glow Hunt on October 14, and it just wouldn’t feel like fall without a charming tractor ride through Fort Zumwalt Park. Our O’FallonTheatreWorks performers are putting the finishing touches on their next play, and audiences can enjoy a hilarious stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning movie Shakespeare in Love October 14–16 and 21–23.
It feels like just yesterday that I attended O’Fallon’s first-ever Fall into the Arts festival, and your family is invited to join me on Sunday, September 25, as this perennial favorite returns to beautiful O’Day Park. There’s truly no better way to spend a Sunday shopping for fine art and gifts while enjoying live music and tasty food truck treats.
May this fall be a safe, happy and memorable one for you and your family!
The Shape of Community is a citywide, temporary sculpture exhibition. For the next 18 months, ten exciting new sculptures will call our community home. a map with photos showing the location of the sculptures and information about each piece, pages 6–7.
Sincerely, Bill Hennessy, Mayor A helping hand for our community O’Fallon’s Public Assistance department offers multiple programs to help families throughout O’Fallon. From resources to assist residents impacted by COVID-19 to programs that help residents make much-needed repairs to their homes, this department is here to help. Explore available forgivable-loan and grant programs at www.ofallon.mo.us/grants region’s
Lasting family memories await you this fall
From record attendance at Heritage & Freedom Fest and our ever-popular Jammin’ concerts in Civic Park, to incredible family fun in every O’Fallon park, this was certainly a summer to remember.Butasthe leaves begin to change and the weather turns brisk, we enter what’s truly one of my favorite seasons, and dozens of festivals, sports, special events and winter holidays await you and your families as we “fall” into autumn fun!
A ll good things must come to an end, and now we must wave “farewell” to another wonderful summer season.
Ward 1 Councilmembers
Ward 4 Councilmembers
Ward 3 Councilmembers
Residents can easily assist local charities by donating $1, $3 or $5 per billing cycle when they pay their City water, sewer and trash collection bills. Each year, the O’Fallon City Council designates a charity to receive the funds, and for 2022 your voluntary donation supports Meals on Wheels. The nonprofit depends on voluntary donations for the hot, nutritious food delivered to homebound seniors who can’t easily make a meal. To register for the donation program, please call 636-379-5566 or email kpieper@ofallon.mo.us.
O’Fallon’s Path of Heroes honors residents who have made the ultimate sacrifice The Path of Heroes is a 7.8-mile route through the heart of O’Fallon that passes several City facilities, like the Veterans Memorial Walk, CarShield Field and City Hall. Along the Path of Heroes, families may apply to have one of their family members honored on memorial signs listing the name and rank of those who have fallen. There is no cost to families to have their loved ones honored along the Path of Heroes. To participate, families must fill out the Path of Heroes Application Form. Please review the rules and policies governing this program before submitting your application, which are available online at www.ofallon.mo.us/streets.
Nathan skoskela@ofallon.mo.us636-379-5586Stevenbibb@ofallon.mo.us636-379-5585BibbKoskela
For more information or to submit your application, please contact Deputy City Administrator Tom Drabelle at 636-379-5508 or tdrabelle@ofallon.mo.us.
Tom Herweck lthompson@ofallon.mo.us636-379-5591Lisatherweck@ofallon.mo.us636-379-5583Thompson
Candidates may file their Declaration of Candidacy beginning at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, December 6, 2022. First day of candidate filing will be lottery style and all following days of filing will be first come, first served. Declarations of Candidacy will be accepted in-person with a $25 filing fee at O’Fallon City Hall (100 N. Main Street, O’Fallon MO 63366). Filing will continue through Tuesday, December 27, 2022, during regular business hours, which are 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, contact O’Fallon City Clerk Deborah Ryan at 636-379-5555 or by e-mail at dryan@ofallon.mo.us.
Interested in running for O’Fallon City Council?
Ward 2 Councilmembers
Debbie 636-281-2858O’Fallon636-272-0477Trash636-240-3200Police636-240-2000City636-379-5553Citizensrconnell@ofallon.mo.us636-379-5584Rondcook@ofallon.mo.us636-379-5588CookConnellFirstCenterHall(Non-emergency)andRecyclingWater&Sewer
Ward 5 Councilmembers
Mayor Hennessy
NumbersHelpful
Dave dsmith@ofallon.mo.us636-379-5582Deanadhinman@ofallon.mo.us636-379-5581HinmanSmith
Bill
“Duke”
Help a local charity when you pay O’Fallon utility bills
If you are 21 or older, residing in O’Fallon and would like to serve on the O’Fallon City Council, you can file as a candidate for the April 4, 2023, election. Five City Council seats will be up for election to three-year terms, one each in wards 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Candidates can only file for a seat for the ward in which they live.
OfficialsElected
bhennessy@ofallon.mo.us636-379-5500
Jeff jottomeyer@ofallon.mo.us636-379-5580Jimjkuehn@ofallon.mo.us636-379-5587KuehnOttomeyer
Winter Blood Drive
Friday, January 13 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Did you know January is National Volunteer Blood Donor Month? Celebrate the start of a new year with the gift of life! Winter activities increase the need for blood donations, and volunteer donors like you can help as many as four people survive a life-threatening trauma or health condition. Registration is required; to donate blood at the Winter Blood Drive, make an appointment at www.ofallon.mo.us/volunteer. All inquiries regarding blood donation eligibility and processes should be directed to ImpactLife at www.bloodcenter.org or 1-800-747-5401.
Tuesday, November 1 – Friday, December 9
21st Annual National Family Volunteer Day
Saturday, November 19 9–11 a.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall)
Cornucopia of Care Food Drive
Make the most of the season by giving back to those in need
O’Fallon’s 22nd Annual Make a Difference Day
Bring joy to others this holiday season by volunteering with O’Fallon on National Family Volunteer Day. Families are invited to spend the morning working together to sort, box and deliver food and personal care items donated through the Cornucopia of Care Food Drive. Families can also decorate Thanksgivingthemed placemats for citizens living in residential care facilities and Meals on Wheels recipients. Registration is required.
Become a volunteer! Call 636-379-5417, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/volunteer or email volunteer@ofallon.mo.us
Saturday, November 5 9–11 a.m.; lunch 11 a.m. – noon Become a major participant in the community by volunteering on the largest national day of service in the country! Volunteer projects are environmentally-focused and include flower removal, honeysuckle eradication, trail-building, and roadside, park or creek clean-ups. Families, individuals and organizations are encouraged to partake. Registration is required.
With more than 38 million people facing food insecurity in the U.S., there is no better time than now to help restock the shelves of local food pantries! Volunteer O’Fallon, in collaboration with community partners, will be collecting personal care items and non-perishable staples such as cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix, peanut butter, spices, cooking oils, applesauce, pasta and more.
Students, you’re also invited to make the most of your fall break and volunteer for an environmental project during our Youth Make A Difference Days from October 24–28. Registration closes Friday, October 15.
For more information about how you can donate to the drive, including a list of community collection sites, visit www.ofallon. mo.us/cornucopia-of-care. www.ofallon.mo.usAutumn2022
.
Volunteer Opportunities
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Sunday, September 25 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., O’Day Park Beautiful O’Day Park will become even more scenic on Sunday, September 25, as O’Fallon hosts the Fall into the Arts festival.
In the spirit of giving, please bring donations of canned and boxed food and personal care items to share with O’Fallon residents in need through our local food pantries.
Fall into the Arts
Friday, October 14 6–8:30 p.m., Dames Park Head to Dames Park for the fall version of our popular Food Truck Frenzy. We’ll have a great time enjoying delicious food truck fare by SNS Goodies, Angie Burger, Doughboys Wood Fired Pizza and more, plus great drinks by Beer Outside and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck. We’ll also enjoy live DJ music!
Featured fine and folk artists will be displaying and selling their works in several mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture, metal arts and jewelry, pottery and more.
Tree Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Market
Events
Celebration of Lights
Specialty rides See the lights from a horse-drawn carriage, sleigh or the City train! These special rides tend to fill quickly. Reservations are required. See www.ofallon.mo.us/celebration-of-lights for more details, including pre-purchase information.
Monday, December 5, and Tuesday, December 6 6–8:30 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park
Saturday, September 10 9:30 a.m. –12:30 p.m., Alligator's Creek Aquatic Center Join us for our annual dog swim, benefitting the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation. Dogs (and their human friends) will enjoy raffles, games, vendors, trainers and a whole lot more! All dogs must be accompanied by an adult (ages 18 or older) and have written proof of rabies vaccinations. Registration can be purchased at the door or in advance.
Visitors will walk along the illuminated route, enjoy holiday music, visit with Santa and enjoy a fireworks show over Lake Whetsel. Food will be on sale from O’Fallon-based non-profit organizations. Fireworks start at 7 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. each day. Tickets go on sale November 7 and must be purchased in advance. Holiday Stroll tickets may be purchased online at www.ofallon.mo.us/holiday-stroll or at the Renaud Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle. There will be no sales at the gate. Make lasting memories with festivals and family fun in O'Fallon
Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll
Wednesday, November 16 6–8 p.m., Outside the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Ring in the holiday season with this O’Fallon favorite! Gather your family and join Mayor Bill Hennessy in counting down to the lighting of the great tree outside City Hall, officially welcoming Santa to O’Fallon. With plenty of children’s activities, holiday music, festive vendors, food trucks and a chance to meet Santa, there’s something for the whole family!
Upcoming
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Volunteer at these events! Call 636-3795417 or email volunteer@ofallon.mo.us Pool Paws Dog Swim
But the creativity doesn’t stop with the visual artists! Local breweries and artisan food vendors will be on hand selling their creations, and there will be live jazz music courtesy of Melvin Turnage throughout the event. Plus, young art lovers can enjoy free kids’ activities during the festival.
Admission and parking are free. Check out the most up-to-date list of artists and vendors at www.ofallon.mo.us/fall-arts Food Truck Fright
Don’t forget to sign your kids up for the Egg-tober Glow Hunt (Parks & Rec Guide page 11) for even more fun! Admission and parking to the Food Truck Fright is free, and you can see the whole tasty lineup of food trucks on deck at www.ofallon. mo.us/food-truck-frenzy.
It just wouldn’t feel like Christmas without the annual Celebration of Lights display in Fort Zumwalt Park! Join us at this magical winter wonderland for an unforgettable trip through our holiday light display. Celebration of Lights is full of fanciful scenes designed and funded by local organizations, churches and businesses. Tickets must be purchased in advance; get yours at www.ofallon.mo.us/celebration-of-lights
November 25 – December 30 Nightly, Fort Zumwalt Park
• $2 additional charge for tickets purchased at the box office
Veterans Day Ceremony
Friday, November 11 11 a.m., Veterans Memorial Walk America has an estimated 20,000,000 veterans, and we owe each of them a “thank you” for our country’s freedom. Please join us at this ceremony in honoring and thanking our nation’s veterans for keeping our country safe.
$10 seniors (ages 55+), children and students (ages 6–17) • $5 children (ages 2–5) no charge for children under 2 and held on lap
Friday, September 9 8:30 a.m., 9-11 Memorial at the O'Fallon Municipal Centre Please join us in honoring our first responders and remembering the victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Sunday, December 4 1 p.m., Krekel Civic Center Join the O’Fallon Veterans Commission in memory of the victims and survivors of the bombing of the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Discover Historic O’Fallon Historic Heald Home & Zumwalt’s Fort tours Open on the 2nd and 4th Sundays Through September 25; 12–3 p.m. Admission is $5 per person to see both attractions, and children 10 and under are free. Call 636-379-5502 for private and group tours.
Friday, September 16 7 p.m., Veterans Memorial Walk
On Stage in O’Fallon
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All productions are held on stage at O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall), 100 North Main Street, O’Fallon 63366. Tickets can be purchased at www.ofallon.mo.us/parks&rec, in person at the Renaud Center or at the box office before each show.
October 14–16 and 21–23 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. on Sundays Shakespeare in Love, a fast-moving romantic comedy set in 1590s London follows the trials and tribulations of Will Shakespeare, a struggling young playwright suffering from a dreadful bout of writer’s block. No matter how hard he tries he just can’t seem to make any headway with his latest work, Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate’s Daughter. Somehow, even the title doesn’t sound quite right!
Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony
POW/MIA Remembrance Day Ceremony
$12 general admission
Then he meets (and falls instantly in love with) the startlingly beautiful young Viola who, desperate to become an actress, disguises herself as a man to audition for his play. Inspired by love, his creative powers are unleashed as his great love story Romeo and Juliet is brought to life for the first time!
This candle-lighting ceremony is dedicated to the members of the U.S. Armed Forces who remain missing in action or imprisoned on foreign soil, and the families who are still waiting to welcome them home once again.
O’Fallon Historical Society’s Log Cabin Museum Open on the 2nd and 4th Sundays Through September 25; 12–3 p.m., Free Admission is free but donations are welcome. Tours are welcome by appointment.
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Shakespeare in Love
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www.ofallon.mo.usAutumn2022
Patriotic Events Patriot Day Ceremony
O’FALLONGREENINFINITE Sculptor: BajuyoLeticiaSOUNDSOLIDWITH STANCESTABLEAND Sculptor: KirbyNoah CUTTERCLOUD Sculptor: CheslaJoe SPIKE Sculptor: HoustonVincent MAINSTREETPHIGHWAYHIGHWAY79 T.R.HUGHESBLVD. PARKDAMES PARKCIVIC FIELDCARSHIELD COMPLEXSPORTSSMITHOZZIE
CURRENTAMBIENT Sculptor: BreshearsKurt TUMBLEWEED Sculptor: Oullette-KirbyAlison 70INTERSTATE HIGHWAYK INTERSTATE64 364ROUTE readandinstallationsnewthetodirectionsGet atsculptorsthefromcommentary www.ofallon.mo.us/shape-of-communityPARKWESTHOFFHALLCITY PARKZUMWALTFORT PARKO’DAY CENTERRENAUD PARKSPORTS LONGSHOT Sculptor: PierceNathan EFFLORESCENCE Sculptor: CiskowskiBrigit ASPERAPER Sculptor: ReichertMelanie GOLDOFHEART Sculptor: ColbertJeremy 7
To participate, place the documents in cardboard bankers’ boxes, or cardboard boxes of a similar size, and drive up to the facility and drop them off. Please make sure the boxes are not too heavy to lift or overfilled. The service is free for residents for up to five bankers-sized boxes. Additional boxes will be accepted for a cost of $5 per box. Non-residents may also drop off paper for shredding at a cost of $5 per box.
8 a.m. – noon, parking lot southwest of CarShield Field outdated or electronics and appliances to O’Fallon’s Free Electronics & Appliance Recycling Events! The drop-off events will be held in the parking lot at the southwest corner of T.R. Hughes Blvd. and Tom Ginnever Avenue, adjacent to CarShield Field. The events are free the following: a detailed call Environmental Services at 636-272-0477.
O’Fallon’s Environmental Services Department offers a “Shred-It Day” where current trash customers can bring in boxes of paper to be shredded in a secure environment. The event will take place on Saturday, September 17, from 8 a.m. until noon at the Environmental Services building at 1550 Progress West Lane.
Free Shred-It Day for O’Fallon residents
Bring
.
• LED/LCD/Plasma televisions = $20 • CRT Monitors = $5 • CRT TV’s 26” or less = $30 • CRT TV’s 27” or greater = $50 • Wood console and big screen/projection TVs = $50 • Any freon containing unit = $10 For
Recycle
Saturday, September 17
broken
8 a.m. – noon, Environmental Services building
It is okay for documents to have staples or paper clips.
except for
Please do not bring computer discs or hanging file rods. If you can tear it, then we can shred it with this complimentary service.
Saturday, October 8 and December 10
Make plans to drop off your oversized trash at our free Bulk Waste Drop-off events! Current O’Fallon trash customers can drop off certain items that are too large to fit in trash containers, such as carpeting or furniture, at the City’s waste transfer station. The Bulk Waste Drop-off is only open to City of O’Fallon trash customers. The transfer station is located at 1572 Progress West Lane. For a full list of eligible items and event rules, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/bulk-waste Make your next renovation project easier with roll-off container rentals Planning on redoing your kitchen? Need to clean out the basement or garage? A large roll-off trash container delivered right to your driveway can make these big jobs much easier!
Free Electronics & Appliance Recycling Events
Roll-off containers may be used for most trash, excluding tires, appliances, liquids, car batteries and hazardous waste. In addition, roll-off containers may be used for yard waste projects, but yard waste may not be combined with other trash. Container sizes vary with 10-, 20- and 30-yard containers currently available. Visit www.ofallon.mo.us/roll-off or call 636-272-0477 to reserve a roll-off container. responsibly! Learn more at www.ofallon.mo.us/recycling
Saturday, October 15 and December 3
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7 a.m. – 3 p.m., Environmental Services Transfer Station
Roscoe’s Den Trash, recycling and yard waste announcements
Residents must bring photo identification showing O’Fallon residency and all trash customers must have their account in good standing in order to receive the free services.
list of items that can be recycled and future event dates, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/electronics-recycling. Or,
Free Bulk Waste Drop-off Events
The N. Cool Springs Bridge has been successfully replaced and is now open to vehicular traffic in time for the fall school year. Construction work around the new box culvert bridge will continue into the fall as crews work to install permanent safety features, such as fencing and guardrails. Additionally, crews will be working on storm sewers, sidewalk, vegetation and the final asphalt surface.
Renew
O’Fallon Your tax dollars at work! www.ofallon.mo.us/projects
Have you ever wondered “what’s being built on that corner?” as you drive by a construction site? Now, you can quickly see what’s being built or has recently been completed near you!
O’Fallon’s new Active Development Map is a searchable, interactive tool that allows interested parties to easily locate and learn about new development projects throughout the City of O’Fallon, as well as keep track of what stage of the process each project is in: Approved, Under Construction or Completed. This highly-interactive map is updated on a regular basis as items are reviewed and approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission, City Council and City staff. Check it out now at www.ofallon.mo.us/planning www.ofallon.mo.usAutumn2022
• Highway DD Improvements
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This year, crews are milling and overlaying 27,000 square yards of asphalt pavement, and the project will include upgrades to curb ramps throughout the City. Meanwhile, our crack sealing teams will be sealing joints and cracks on roughly 67 lane miles of roadway throughout our neighborhoods and subdivisions.
Projects and ongoing developments continue across O’Fallon City staff continues to work on improvement projects throughout our community, and motorists will soon see the benefits of these important infrastructure upgrades.
• I-70 Improvements Project
Following the successful completion of the first phase of the I-70 Corridor Improvements Project, work has begun on the second phase of this important renovation project. City staff has entered into a construction agreement approval with a contractor, and work has now begun. Phase 2 will see the completion of the Texas U-Turn on the west side of Highway K, as well as improvements to the outer road system between Woodlawn Avenue and Highway K. Look for this project to conclude in mid-2023.
2022 Asphalt and Crack Sealing programs target new neighborhoods
This rapidly-expanding region of the City has seen extensive reworking of the critical Highway DD corridor, and now we’re pleased to announce this project is nearly complete. The new traffic signal has been installed, and the new roundabout is open for use. Final touches will be completed by the end of September, and include a ten-foot-wide concrete path extending from the south end of Caledonia Parkway to the path within the Streets of Caledonia development
• N. Cool Springs Bridge Replacement Project
America’s Ash trees have no evolutionary resistance to these beetles, and have been dying in vast numbers across the U.S. since 2002.
holidays) 636-379-5577 or veteransaffairs@ofallon.mo.us
• Remember, VA does not charge for processing a claim or request a processing fee. Use VA-accredited organizations to help file your claim.
• VA does not threaten or take adverse actions such as jail or lawsuits on claimants. If in doubt, call VA directly at 1-800827-1000.
TREES?O’FALLONkillingWHAT’S
As the infestation spreads, trees become brittle, and prone to shattering during high winds, thunderstorms and snowfalls. Ash tree deaths are caused by an invasive beetle from Asia known as the Emerald Ash Borer, which burrows into the tree’s vascular system.
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Ash trees, Pin Oaks and Callery Pear trees (also known as “Bradford Pears”) can be found all across St. Charles County, casting shade in front of family homes and lining our community’s parks and boulevards. Unfortunately, all three are under attack and their loss will soon result in a noticeable impact to the quality of life for O’Fallon Thinningresidents.branches, unsightly growths and brittle limbs are all signs that your tree is affected, and by the time you’ve noticed the issue, your tree is nearing the removal stage. While the causes might be different, the result is a tree that poses a danger to your home and your family.
To avoid being a victim to these tactics, here are some helpful tips to remember when protecting yourself from fraud:
Three of O’Fallon’s most common species of trees are in decline across the city. Here’s what our community needs to know in order to prepare.
To report suspected activity, please contact the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) by calling 1-800-488-8244.
Have you received a suspicious call from an organization claiming to represent or have affiliation with the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA)? Did the caller guarantee a lucrative payout for your disability compensation or pension claim for a small fee? If so, you may be a target of a scammer. Recently, VA has seen an increase of fraudsters and non-accredited
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (except
Stay alert for scams targeting veterans
The Veterans Assistance Office is staffed by veterans who are dedicated to helping all U.S. military veterans and their families regarding eligibility or entitlement to VA benefits.
• Do not deposit VA benefits directly into a third-party bank account unless the person is court-appointed or a VAaccredited fiduciary.
1st floor, O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall)
• Be suspicious if someone offers to shift your assets around to qualify for VA pension. You may be required to repay benefits to the government.
• Never share eBenefits, VA.GOV or other VA login credentials with anyone.
Veterans Report O’Fallon Veterans Assistance Office
representatives who are targeting the pension benefits of elderly veterans and their dependents and survivors.
Even O’Fallon’s most mature Pin Oaks are surrendering to the Horned Gall Wasp, which is all but impossible to control. The galls are a mutated growth that chokes the vascular system in branches, leading to the death of the tree. The cause of death of ornamental Callery Pear trees is still unknown, but their already-brittle limbs can create hazardous situations on roadways and in homes as the trees continue to decline and splinter apart.
There’s no need to diagnose Emerald Ash Borer or Horned Gall Wasp infestations (although the galls are readily apparent on affected Pin Oak trees). All trees of both species will soon be infested, and calling the City or an expert is treeisthisstructureroughlytreesresidentsIttheirtreesencouragedResidentsunneccesary.aretoplantnewaheadofthelossofcurrenttrees.isrecommendedthathavetheirremovedoncehalfofthetree’sisdead.Atpoint,thedamageirreversibleandtotaldeathisimminent.
If dying trees are left standing, the result could be a catastrophic drop of limbs and, in some cases, entire trees. In other cities, considerable damage has occurred to houses and vehicles,
replacementtheaswideenactingbeAssociationsHomeowners’isBecauseseveringfromoutagesneighborhoodandpowerarecommonfallinglimbspowerlines.theissuesowidespread,mayinterestedinsubdivision-solutions,suchbudgetingforremovalandoftrees.
Ash, Pin Oak and Callery (Bradford) Pear trees are in decline across O’Fallon as a result of damage caused by insects and illness, and will need to be removed soon. Yes, but success with treatments remains a gamble, and the longterm effectiveness of treatment is still unknown. There are treatmentstreatmentsdo-it-yourselfandprofessionalavailable.Someof these have proven to hold off infestations, but they likely must be done for the entire life of the tree. Missing just one annual or bi-annual treatment will likely be enough to allow an infestation. This will be expensive over time and there are no guarantees of success. In many cases, removal will be preferable to long-term treatment options.
What should homeowners do about their affected trees? Can treatments stop the damage?
Beginning in 2015, the City of O’Fallon has already taken measures to proactively replace affected trees on City Inproperty.response to the Emerald Ash Borer, our Landscape division began a tree replacement program with the goal of replacing every Ash tree on City property. In fact, after the final Ash tree was removed in 2021, the City has created a net gain in trees in City parks and at City facilities, and we anticipate planting our 448th tree by the end of the Lookingyear. for informationmoreabout the Emerald Ash Borer? The City of O’Fallon has produced a webpage at www.ofallon.mo.us/ emerald-ash-borer with helpful links to more Tothetreatmentincludingresources,potentialoptionsfromUSDAForestService.helpdisposeoftree debris from affected trees, the City offers yard waste pickup for trash customers. Contact Environmental Services at 636-272-0477 to enroll in year-round yard waste service, including monthly winter service. What is the City of O’Fallon doing about the issue?
SEE DAMAGETHE
15 Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m. 16 Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center Court Payment Docket, 1:30 p.m., Justice Center Tree Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Market, 6 p.m. 18 The Gym Floor is Lava!, 6 p.m. & 7:15 p.m., Renaud Center 19 National Family Volunteer Day, 9 a.m. 21 Veterans Commission, 7 p.m. 24 City Council meeting, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m. September
7 Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center Cultural Arts Commission, 6:30 p.m. 8 City Council meeting, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m. 9 Patriot Day Ceremony, 8:30 a.m., 9-11 Memorial at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre Patriot Blood Drive, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., O’Fallon Municipal Ctr. Newsboys concert, 8 p.m., CarShield Field 10 Pool Paws Dog Swim, 9:30 a.m., Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Ctr. 11 Remembrance Walk, 8:30 a.m.; 9-11 Memorial at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre 12 Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 6 p.m. 13 Parks & Recreation Board, 7 p.m. 14 Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m. 16 POW/MIA Remembrance Day Ceremony, 7 p.m., Veterans Memorial Walk 17 Shred-It Day, 8 a.m., Environmental Services Building 19 Code Enforcement Docket, 4:30 p.m., Justice Cente Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center Veterans Commission, 7 p.m. 20 Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m. 21 Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center Court Payment Docket, 1:30 p.m., Justice Center Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m. 22 City Council meeting, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m. 23 Nerf Warz, 5:30 p.m. & 7 p.m., Renaud Center 25 Fall into the Arts, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., O’Day Park 26 Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center October 3 Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center 4 Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m. 5 Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center Cultural Arts Commission, 6:30 p.m. 6 Planning & Zoning Commission, 7 p.m. 7 Jr. Pumpkin Plunge, 11 a.m., Renaud Center Pumpkin Plunge, 5:30 p.m. & 7 p.m., Renaud Center 8 Free Bulk Waste Drop-off, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., Environmental Services Transfer Station 12
15 Free Electronics & Appliance Recycling Event, 8 a.m. – noon, CarShield Field parking lot 17 Code Enforcement Docket, 4:30 p.m., Justice Center Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
Calendar
18 Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m. 19 Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center Court Payment Docket, 1:30 p.m., Justice Center Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m. 21–23 O’FallonTheatreWorks presents Shakespeare in Love, City Hall
Visit the City of O’Fallon’s website, www.ofallon.mo.us, for the latest news and meeting agendas. Most meetings are broadcast live and on-demand at www.ofallon.mo.us/watch
5–11 Renaud Center closed for annual maintenance
10 Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 6 p.m. 11 Parks & Recreation Board, 7 p.m. 12 Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m. 13 City Council meeting, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m. 13–30 Hayrides in Fort Zumwalt Park 14 Food Truck Fright, 6–8:30 p.m., Dames Park Egg-tober Glow Hunt, 6:30–8 p.m., Dames Park 14–16 O’FallonTheatreWorks presents Shakespeare in Love, City Hall
24 Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center 26 Convention & Visitors Bureau, 3 p.m. 27 City Council meeting, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m. November 1 Cornucopia of Care Food Drive begins 2 Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center Cultural Arts Commission, 6:30 p.m. 3 Planning & Zoning Commission, 7 p.m. 5 Make a Difference Day, 9 a.m. 8 Parks & Recreation Board, 7 p.m. 9 Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m. 10 City Council meeting, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m. 11 Veterans Day Ceremony, 11 a.m., Veterans Memorial Walk 14 Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 6 p.m.
Unless otherwise noted, public meetings are held at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall), 100 North Main Street. Municipal Court is held at the O’Fallon Justice Center, 1019 Bryan Road. Meeting times and dates are subject to change; for the most current information, please refer to www.ofallon.mo.us/calendar.
