Summer 2023 City of O'Fallon Newsletter

download the Parks Passport!

Do you love O’Fallon parks as much as we do? This summer, join us in celebrating our parks by completing the Parks Passport! Visit the parks, play, and complete the challenges such as scavenger hunts, puzzles, coloring pages, and more! Download and print your copy today by visiting our website: www.ofallon.mo.us/parks&rec

Find it on our website!

The Official Quarterly Publication of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri

Long Days and Warm Nights!

The summer is once again in full swing! The days are longer, the weather is warmer, and there are endless opportunities for outdoor activities and adventures. The City of O’Fallon continues to offer numerous summertime amenities to the community. From swimming at Alligator’s Creek, fishing at Lake Whetsel, picnics in our beautiful parks, and festivals, the summer offers something for everyone to enjoy.

The Heritage & Freedom Fest returns to celebrate America’s birthday! Our celebration runs July 1–4, and is jam-packed with carnival rides and games on the midway, sideshows and exhibits. On July 3-4, settle in for the best (and brightest) fireworks display in St. Charles County.

On July 3, country music star, Chris Lane, will be taking the stage at the Heritage & Freedom Fest with hits “Big, Big Plans,” “I Don’t Know About You,” and “Fix.” You won’t want to miss this sensational performance, plus the opening acts Restless Road, Mark Perkins, and Nick Gusman & The Coyotes!

On July 4, rock icons, 38 Special, will electrify the Heritage & Freedom Fest Main Stage with their early 1980’s hit singles "Hold On Loosely" and "Caught Up in You." Since 1976, the band has released more than 15 albums, and countless hits! Don’t miss their lively performance, and those from opening acts Tommy DeCarlo, Root Mod, and Dazed N Confused STL!

Our weekly Jammin’ concerts have already been a smash hit, and we’ve got more great shows coming up all summer. Local artists will have their work on display at our galleries, and the play Radium Girls will take the stage at City Hall for two weekends in July! Make sure to keep an eye on our website and social media pages for updates on Food Truck Frenzy, Summer Sendoff and Fall Into the Arts later this year.

While you’re planning a summer full of fun for your loved ones, I’d like to join the O’Fallon City Council in wishing you and your family a safe, enjoyable season. I hope you get outdoors and enjoy everything our great City has to offer. And, on behalf of our local businesses, please remember to Keep it in the ‘O’ this summer.

Sincerely,

Bill Hennessy, Mayor

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Elected Officials

Mayor Bill Hennessy

636-379-5500

bhennessy@ofallon.mo.us

Ward 1 Councilmembers

Deana Smith

636-379-5582

dsmith@ofallon.mo.us

Ron Epps

636-379-5581

repps@ofallon.mo.us

Ward 2 Councilmembers

Tom “Duke” Herweck

636-379-5583

therweck@ofallon.mo.us

Lisa Thompson

636-379-5591

lthompson@ofallon.mo.us

Ward 3 Councilmembers

Nathan Bibb

636-379-5585

nbibb@ofallon.mo.us

Steve Koskela

636-379-5586

skoskela@ofallon.mo.us

Ward 4 Councilmembers

Jeff Kuehn

636-379-5587

jkuehn@ofallon.mo.us

Jim Ottomeyer

636-379-5580

jottomeyer@ofallon.mo.us

Ward 5 Councilmembers

Debbie Cook

636-379-5588

dcook@ofallon.mo.us

Linda Ragsdale

636-409-0863

lragsdale@ofallon.mo.us

Celebrate America’s birthday at Heritage & Freedom Fest

July 1– 4 at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex

Concerts, fireworks, carnival rides, sideshows and a patriotic parade

O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest is coming up on July 1–4 at Ozzie Smith Sports Complex! Make plans with family and friends to join in the City’s patriotic celebration of our nation’s birthday, featuring free concerts by Chris Lane on July 3 and 38 Special on July 4.

Admission and parking are free, and the fun includes free family-friendly sideshows, vendors and games in Entertainment Alley, spectacular fireworks after each headliner musical performance and an exhilarating carnival and midway. Discounted all-you-can-ride carnival wristbands are available for purchase all four days. To purchase a wristband and for updates, schedules and more, visit www.heritageandfreedomfest.com.

Carnival Kickoff • July 1, 4–10 p.m.

The opening night of the festival is all about the carnival and midway! Our lineup of exhilarating carnival attractions and games is bigger than ever, with choices perfect for our littlest festivalgoers to our biggest thrill-seekers. Plus, skip the lines at the ticket windows with unlimited ride wristbands available for sale. (No music or fireworks on July 1.)

Family Night • July 2, 4–10 p.m.

Helpful Numbers

City Council Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at City Hall. Council Workshop begins at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. Visit the City's Website Calendar for updates.

Citizens First Center

636-379-5553

City Hall

636-240-2000

Police (Non-emergency)

636-240-3200

O’Fallon Water & Sewer

636-281-2858

Bring the family out and experience the Heritage & Freedom Fest with smaller crowds and great family-friendly activities at Family Night on July 2. Take a stroll down Entertainment Alley, enjoy free sideshows, and test your skills at challenging games on the midway. Take a ride on carnival attractions and sample delicious festival food, too! (No music or fireworks on July 2.)

Country Night • July 3, 4–11 p.m.

Featuring Headliner, Chris Lane!

Introducing “a decidedly more country sound” (MusicRow), Chris Lane is launching his next chapter with over 1.6 BILLION on-demand streams and three #1s to date – platinum “Big, Big Plans,” 3X platinum “I Don’t Know About You,” and platinum “Fix.” After a spree of releases in 2021 and 2022, Lane’s catalog has expanded with hits like latest collaboration “Dancin’ In The Moonlight” with Lauren Alaina, “Howdy,” “Stop Coming Over,” “Summer Job Money", “Ain’t Even Met You Yet,” and the 2X platinum “Take Back Home Girl” with Tori Kelly.

Rock Night • July 4,

noon – 10 p.m.

Featuring Headliner, 38 Special

!

The Kernersville, N.C. native has appeared on Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, TODAY, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and CONAN, and was featured in PEOPLE’s 2019 Sexiest Man Alive issue. He’s scored nominations at IHeartRadio Music Awards, ACM Awards, and Radio Disney Music Awards. Lane is touring in the Spring and Summer of 2023 including dates with Kane Brown and Jordan Davis, after having previously shared the bill with A-list acts like Florida Georgia Line, Brad Paisley, and Dan + Shay.

After more than four decades, 38 SPECIAL continues to bring their signature blast of Southern Rock to over 100 cities a year. At each and every show, thousands of audience members are amazed by the explosive power of the band's performance. Their many Gold and Platinum album awards stand in testament to the endurance of a legendary powerhouse.

Since 1976, the band has released more than 15 albums. And from the start, they’ve toured relentlessly, bringing their signature brand of ‘muscle and melody’ to fans worldwide.

With sales in excess of 20 million, most associate the band with their arena-rock pop smashes, “Hold On Loosely,” “Rockin’ Into the Night,” “Caught Up in You,” “Fantasy Girl,” “If I’d Been the One,” “Back Where You Belong,” “Chain Lightnin," “Second Chance,” and more – timeless hits that remain a staple at radio, immediately recognizable from the first opening chord, and paving the way to their present-day touring regimen. For 38 Special onstage, it is a celebration of camaraderie and brotherhood, a precision unit bringing the dedication and honesty to a long history of classic songs, as well as surprisingly fresh new material.

O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade

Tuesday, July 4

9:30 a.m., Downtown O’Fallon

Dress in patriotic red, white and blue and bring your family to downtown O’Fallon to cheer for your favorite entries in the biggest Fourth of July parade in St. Charles County. O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade steps off at 9:30 a.m. from the corner of Main Street and Civic Park Drive, heads north on Main Street, turns east on Tom Ginnever Avenue and ends at T.R. Hughes Boulevard near the festival entrance. This year's theme is “All-American Summer” and the prize-winning entries will be announced on the festival main stage.

Ride it again... and again... and again with unlimited ride wristbands

With more than 16 exciting rides for kids, teens and adults, why limit yourself? Purchase an all-you-can-ride wristband in advance for $25 per day, on sale June 1–30 at www.heritageandfreedomfest.com also can be purchased on-site at the festival for $35 per day. Individual tickets can also be purchased. Each ride will require three to six individual tickets.

Entertainment Alley

Open July 2–4, Entertainment Alley is filled with vendors and fun. Come for the free entertainment, including interactive games, and stay for the amazing GoGreen BMX Show, watch the creation of muralist Kenzie Wolk, as she creates a 16' mural to be displayed at City Hall, and explore a variety of retired military vehicles courtesy of the Commemorative Air Force Missouri Wing. Leave your mark on our massive Monster Mural, and test your skills at inflatables like axe throwing, soccer shootout and more. See the full schedule at: www.heritageandfreedomfest.com.

Jena “Dusty” Mielke Fireworks Spectacular

Gather your family, line up your lawn chairs and blankets and watch the awesome Jena “Dusty” Mielke Fireworks Spectacular on July 3 and 4. Named in memory of O’Fallon’s longtime Heritage & Freedom Fest coordinator, the shows will light up the sky after the final concert of each evening.

VAU Fallen Heroes Memorial

The display features a 28 foot wide by 6 foot tall American flag symbolizing the shape of the flag when draped on a fallen service members casket. It is formed of over 7000 dog tags of all those who have fallen in the War on Terror. There are 50 gold stars honoring all gold star families nationwide.

Get involved as a festival volunteer

Join the fun as a festival or parade volunteer. Contact Volunteer Services at 636-379-5417 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us

Parking at the Freedom Fest

• Premium Parking, July 3–4 – Available on a first-come, firstserved basis at the CarShield Field west parking lot, prime parking spots near the festival entrance can be purchased for $10 (cash only).

• General parking, July 3–4 – Free parking and shuttles are available off Tom Ginnever Avenue at Fort Zumwalt North and Christian high schools. Air-conditioned buses will drop patrons off near the festival entrance.

• ADA-Accessible parking, July 2–4 – Free parking will be available only at Westhoff Park via the entrance from St. Matthew Avenue. Shuttles will be provided from the lot to the festival entrance. A handicapped license plate or tag must be displayed for admission. No general parking will be allowed at this lot. No ADAaccessible parking will be available at other lots.

Temporary road closures for fireworks displays July 3, 4

On Monday and Tuesday, approximately 30 minutes before fireworks are scheduled to begin, T.R. Hughes Boulevard and Cool Springs Industrial Drive will close temporarily and remain closed until 30 minutes after each show ends.

Festival District declared for Heritage & Freedom Fest

Residents who live near the festival grounds can get information about road closings and other regulations and restrictions at www.heritageandfreedomfest.com.

Upcoming Events

Free Concert Series in Civic Park

Now – August 8 (no concert July 4) 6:30–9 p.m., Civic Park Bandstand

FREE ADMISSION • LAWN SEATING • FOOD TRUCKS

Take a break for summer fun when some of the region’s best bands perform live at free, weekly Jammin’ concerts! Every Tuesday, the Civic Park Bandstand will be rockin' and rollin' with performances by new artists and returning favorites.

A variety of food trucks and concessionaires will sell favorite foods, cold treats and adult beverages. Bring a chair or blanket for lawn seating at this weekly family-friendly event.

For concert and food truck details, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/jammin. For weather updates, visit O'Fallon Parks & Recreation's rainout line at www.ofallon.mo.us/ parks&rec, or call 636-333-9900. All pets must be leashed and no glass containers are allowed in the park. Please note that band

2023 Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center

Get the most out of summer with a day at O’Fallon’s outdoor aquatic complex. Slide down your choice of three water slides, float along the lazy river and watch the kids play on the water playground and the splash pad. Season passes are now available!

Now - August 13

Noon – 6 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday

Independence Day

Noon – 4 p.m.

August 14 - September 3 Noon - 6 p.m., weekends only.

Labor Day

Noon – 6 p.m.

Head online to www.ofallon.mo.us/acac for promotional days, pool features and special events at the region's best outdoor pool!

Food Truck Frenzy

Friday, June 23 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Sports Park

Start the summer off with a food truck picnic, a DJ, and free kids activities, too! Bring some chairs or a blanket and purchase food from some of the area’s best food trucks while you enjoy music from our DJ. Please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/foodtruck-frenzy for the most up-to-date listing of food trucks

Radium Girls

Weekends, July 21 - 23 & 28 - 30

7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. matinees on Sunday

O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall), East Entrance

Inspired by a true story, Radium Girls traces the efforts of Grace Fryer, a dial painter, as she fights for her day in court. Grace finds herself battling not just with the U. S. Radium Corporation, but with her own family and friends who fear that her campaign for justice will backfire. Set mostly in 1920’s New Jersey, D.W. Gregory’s Radium Girls fiercely examines the commercialization of science, the pursuit of both health and wealth, the power of the underdog, and the fierce injustice laborers in America have faced.

Learn more & buy tickets at www.ofallon.mo.us/otw.

Look for this symbol throughout the O’Fallon Update and Parks & Rec Guide to find events that need your help! Join our volunteer team by calling 636-3795417 or email volunteer@ofallon.mo.us

The Ultimate TV Trivia Night

Friday, August 4

7:00 – 9:00 p.m., O'Day Lodge

Don't ever let anyone tell you that your binge-watching sessions are a waste of time! Whether you're a soap opera addict, a sucker for drama, in it for laughs, or just an armchair game show contestant, our Ultimate TV Trivia Night is your chance to shine! Join us for a 100% commercial-free evening and put your tube knowledge to the test. Trivia rounds will include decades worth of show plots, co-stars, theme songs, and more! Teams can include up to 8 players, and must be registered by Friday, July 28th.

110222 F 7:00-9:00P Aug 4 ODay $80

Summer Sendoff

Sunday, August 13

1–4 p.m., O’Day Park

Celebrate the end of summer and the start of school with a food truck picnic, inflatables and live entertainment. We'll also have kids activities courtesy of the Renaud Center.

Merry Wives of Windsor

Wednesday, August 16

7 p.m., O’Day Park Amphitheater

The traveling St. Louis Shakespeare Festival group will be performing in O'Day park once again! This Shakespearean classic consists of six actors that will perform a 90-minute Merry Wives in 90’s sitcom style where hilarious leading ladies out-wit the men. All performances are free, and there will be food trucks on site!

Pool Paws Dog Swim

Saturday, September 9

9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Alligator's Creek Aquatic Center

Join us at Alligator’s Creek for our annual dog swim. Not only does this event benefit the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation but we will have raffles, games, vendors, trainers, and a whole lot more. All dogs must be accompanied by an adult (ages 18 or older) and must bring their written proof of rabies vaccinations. Save time by registering in advance. Section A includes 1 dog and 1 human. Section B is for additional humans.

6 O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter

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Art • Eats • Beer • Music

Fall into the Arts

Sunday, September 17

11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., O'Day Park

Experience the beauty of art in the beauty of O’Day Park. Artists and crafters will be on-hand to exhibit and sell their work. Also featured are craft beer tastings, artisan food vendors and live music at O'Day Amphitheater. This free event was created to embrace all the various types of art mediums, food, drink, and music for the entire family to enjoy. For the kids there will be FREE hands-on activities.

Patriotic Events & Volunteer Opportunities

For more information or to register for an event, visit www.ofallon. mo.us/volunteer.

Support Our Troops Supply Drive

August 8 – September 8

O’Fallon Municipal Centre, Renaud Center, Justice Center

Drop off personal care items and snacks for deployed U.S. troops. Monetary donations to sponsor shipping costs should be made payable to H.E.R.O.E.S. Care.

Patriot Blood Drive

Friday, September 8, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre

Honor the first responders who bravely rushed to help those in need on 9/11/2001 by helping to save local lives through blood donations.

Citizens United in Service

Saturday, September 9, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre

Create care packages for shipment to military troops serving overseas and create cards of appreciation for local first-responders.

Patriot Day Ceremony

Monday, September 11

8:30 a.m., 9/11 Memorial at the O'Fallon Municipal Centre

The City of O’Fallon invites artists of all disciplines to the 5th Annual Fall into the Arts at O’Day Park. Artist booths are permitted to sell their art, and provide demonstrations, such as ceramics wheel throwing, live painting and printmaking.

Artist registration deadline is Friday, August 1, 2023.

Historic Site Tours

Historic Heald Home & Zumwalt’s Fort tours

Open on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month

May 28 – September 24; 12–3 p.m.

This summer, come see O’Fallon’s historic treasures at Fort Zumwalt Park! Admission is $5 per person to see both attractions, and children 10 and under are admitted free. For private and/or group tours of 10 or more, please call 636-379-5574.

Please join us in honoring our first responders and remembering the victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Remembrance Walk

Monday, September 11, 9 a.m. O’Fallon Municipal Centre

Immediately following the 9/11 Ceremony, this 1-mile walk reflects on the sacrifices made, honors those who continue to inspire us, and ends in a show of patriotism along Main Street.

POW/MIA

Remembrance Day Ceremony

Friday, September 15, 7 p.m., Veterans Memorial Walk

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.

Veterans Day Ceremony

Saturday, 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.

Municipal News

Civic Notices, Community Updates, and more

O'Fallon Businesses

Our Economic Development and Planning & Development Departments have been hard at work bringing new businesses to O'Fallon. The following are just a handful of the hundreds of businesses that have selected O'Fallon! Learn more online at: www.ofallon.mo.us/economic-development

Meet the New O'Fallon Councilmembers

The City of O'Fallon would like to thank all those who voted on April 4! We'd also like to extend a warm welcome to our newest elected councilmembers, Ron Epps of Ward 1, and Linda Ragsdale of Ward 5. Councilmembers serve a three year term with the City of O'Fallon and we're looking forward to seeing their leadership in action during their terms! The City of O'Fallon also passed Proposition M, a tax on the sale of recreational marijuana, and Proposition T, which adjusted the city's business license tax and fee structure.

Fireworks Rules & Regulations

O’Fallon residents can celebrate our nation’s independence by shooting off fireworks at home. The City of O'Fallon’s fireworks ordinance allows the discharge of fireworks on July 3rd and 4th from noon until 11 p.m. However, anyone under age 16 who discharges fireworks must be in the company of an adult age 21 or older, and the time frames will be strictly enforced. To make a fireworks complaint, please contact the O’Fallon Police Department at 636-240-3200. In the event of an emergency, call 911.

Golf Cart Rules & Regulations

We'd like to remind O’Fallon residents of the ordinance allowing golf carts on some City streets. All-terrain vehicles and off-road vehicles are not “golf carts” within the meaning of these regulations. Operators must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver's license. Golf carts must be driven in the daytime only, unless equipped with regulation-outlined lighting systems. All golf carts must have a regulation-outlined, bicycle safety flag attached to the back, and must be equipped with a horn or audible warning signal device. These are just a few of the rules outlined in the ordiance. More information can be found on the O'Fallon Police Department Facebook page.

O'Fallon Ink

The first tattoo parlour in O'Fallon is open for business! This shop features licensed tattoo artists, piercers, and permanent makeup artists. Following their grand opening in May, O’Fallon Ink’s licensed and creative professional staff are ready to take your appointment!

1187 Bryan Rd, O'Fallon

Phenix Salon Suites

Phenix Salon Suites brings an innovative business concept to O’Fallon. Phenix offers private work studios to independent beauty professionals that want to focus on their services and not worry about managing the space. If you are looking for a new hair style, facial, nail care, or other beauty treatments, be sure to check out Phenix’s website to find the services you desire.

8654 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, O'Fallon

Texas Roadhouse, Relocation

If you haven't heard, Texas Roadhouse is moving locations in O'Fallon! Their new location will be larger and offer more parking for customers. Construction of the new building, and relocation is set to be completed this June.

8485 Mexico Road, O'Fallon

Drake's Restaurant

Drake's Restaurant will be opening in O'Fallon this summer! This Kentucky-based bar and restaurant will be serving everything from burgers to sushi, with over 20 craft beers on tap! Enjoy games, sports television, and a unique menu of food and drinks that can accommodate a variety of tastebuds!

900 Highway K, O'Fallon

Police Bulletins

Driving School for Teens!

Is your teenager learning to drive? Join us for our newest event held on June 5, and June 26 at the Family Arena Parking Lot. This free event is open to O'Fallon residents only. Open to ages 15 and a half through 20 years old. Your teenager must have a valid driver's license or learner’s permit, and if the driver is under 18, a parent or guardian must be present. There will be two sessions per day at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., with a limit of 12 students per session. Waiver must be signed onsite. Visit our website to register and learn more.

Help Prevent Crime by Registering your Home Camera or Surveillance System

When crime happens, the O’Fallon Police Department searches high and low for clues. The growing trend of homeowners adding home or doorbell cameras and surveillance systems has given police a new tool to help identify suspects or possible witnesses, even if the crime does not happen on your property.

If you have a doorbell camera or surveillance system, consider registering for our Residential Surveillance Program. All you have to do to participate is be a resident or business owner who wants to alert the Police Department about surveillance on your property. This only gives officers your contact information, not access to any cameras or video. The O’Fallon Police Department will only contact you in the event a crime occurs in the vicinity of your home or business. To register, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/camera.

Golf Cart Pop-up Patrols

As part of the O’Fallon Police Department’s continued outreach to O’Fallon’s neighborhoods, the Community Services Section launched “pop-up” patrols in City neighborhoods using golf carts to patrol the neighborhoods and engage with residents.

The initiative allows officers to interact with residents, hear concerns and get a feel for what’s happening in various subdivisions. There are no announcements of where they will be to ensure the interactions are spontaneous and natural. The Police Department has also partnered with Operation Juice Box, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting positive relationships between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve, to share juice boxes with thirsty kids playing outside in the summer heat.

Officers have reported that through the patrols, they have had great conversations with residents and learned new information

that has helped the department better address issues throughout the City.

Special Needs Emergency Stickers Available

In a continued effort to make sure residents of O’Fallon are as safe as possible, the O’Fallon Police Department has stickers (free of charge) that will alert first responders that an individual has special needs. These stickers are for homes or vehicles and are intended to aid first responders when interacting with those who may have difficulty with verbal communication. The stickers are available for residents who are deaf, have Alzheimer’s, dementia, epilepsy, diabetes, autism or other special needs. If you or a loved one is a resident and are interested in getting a sticker, please contact the O’Fallon Police Department at 636-240-3200.

OPD Dunk Tank at Heritage & Freedom Fest!

We’re thrilled to announce that O’Fallon Police Department Dunk Tank will return to the Heritage & Freedom Festival this summer! July 2 through July 4, take your shot at dunking several police officers, council members, Chief Mininni, and Mayor Hennessy!

National Night Out is August 1st!

NNO enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Contact Sarah Smith at Sasmith@ofallon.mo.us to register your neighborhood.

Roscoe’s Den

Trash, recycling and yard waste announcements

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.

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.

Free Bulk Waste Drop-off Events

Saturday, June 17 and August 19

7 a.m. – 3 p.m., Environmental Services Transfer Station

Make plans to drop off your oversized trash at our free Bulk Waste Drop-off events. 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. There is no charge for 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

Tuesday, July 4 - Service moves to next day.

Electronics & Appliance Recycling Events

Saturday, June 10 and August 12

8 a.m. – noon, parking lot adjacent to CarShield Field

Bring outdated or broken 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 except for the following:

• 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 a detailed list of items that can be recycled and future event dates, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/electronics-recycling. Or, call Environmental Services at 636-272-0477.

Free Shred-It Day for O’Fallon Residents

Saturday, September 16

8 a.m. – noon, Environmental Services building

O’Fallon’s Environmental Services Department offers a “Shred-It Day” where anyone can bring in boxes of paper to be shredded in a secure environment. The event will take place on Saturday, September 16, from 8 a.m. until noon at the Environmental Services building at 1550 Progress West Lane.

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 trash customers for up to five bankers-sized boxes. Additional boxes will be accepted for a cost of $5 per box. Residents without trash service and non-residents may also drop off paper for shredding at a cost of $5 per box.

Trash customers must bring photo identification showing O’Fallon residency and their account must be in good standing in order to receive the free services.

Please do not bring computer discs or hanging file rods. If you can tear it, then we can shred it with this complimentary service. It is okay for documents to have staples or paper clips.

ROSCOE says: Have a happy and safe Fourth of July!

Public Assistance

O’Fallon’s grants and assistance programs can help eligible residents with home maintenance

For low-income residents and others who qualify for help, the City of O’Fallon offers a variety of programs such as zero-interest loans and grants for home maintenance. All programs are subject to funding availability.

Check your eligibility and learn more about available programs at www.ofallon.mo.us/grants

Mobile Home Repair Program

O'Fallon's Mobile Home Repair Program assists low-tomoderate level income O'Fallon residents with mobile home repairs that they would not otherwise be able to afford. This program offers up to $3,000 in the form of a one-time grant for eligible repairs.

O'Fallon Transportation Program

O’Fallon’s Transportation Program provides transportation for necessary medical, shopping, and essential services and is available to O’Fallon residents who meet one of the following criteria:

• At least 62 years of age; or

• Be deemed disabled per HUD Section 504 regulations; or

• Qualify as low income or moderate income.

O’Fallon Veterans Assistance Office

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (except holidays) 636-379-5577 or veteransaffairs@ofallon.mo.us 1st floor, O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall)

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.

Veterans Service Officer Available

Missouri AMVETS Representative Veterans Service Officer, William "Sif" Sifford will be available by appointment only, in the O'Fallon Veterans Office at City Hall. The Veterans Service Officer is a liaison between veterans and their families in obtaining benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans Service Officers assist veterans in filing serviceconnected disability claims with the VA. Here are a few things the Veterans Service Officer can assist with:

• Act as your official representative to the VA

• Assist in ensuring all evidence necessary for a successful claim is submitted in a timely manner

• VA Disability Compensation

The Veterans Service Officer will help distinguish which injuries are eligible for compensation, and file paperwork.

• Veteran's Pension

The Veterans Service Officer can assist you in filing for a Veteran's pension. They can also help you understand the evidence necessary and the application.

• Survivor's Benefits

Surviving spouses may be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). The Veterans Service Officer can help you understand the requirements and submit the application.

• Burial Benefits

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 2023 your voluntary donation can help 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 636-3795566 or email kpieper@ofallon.mo.us

The VA will pay benefits toward burial expenses; however, the amounts may vary. The Veterans Service Officer can find that information for the survivor. Additionally, they can help with filing for a U.S. Flag, Presidential Memorial Certificate, standard government headstone or marker, or a Government Medallion.

• Understand VA Correspondence

• Provide Guidance in other VA benefits

• Current VA Regulations

Tips for your DD-214

Your DD-214, Discharge Papers and Separation Documents, is the most important military document you will ever receive. This form serves as your proof of military service and is often used to verify military service for benefits such as the GI Bill, VA Loans, VA medical benefits, retirement benefits, burial benefits, employment and membership in veteran’s organizations.

The O’Fallon Veterans Assistance Office is able to assist veterans and family with procuring a replacement DD-214.

Prarie in Bloom O'Day Park's

Completed in the spring of 2019, O’Day Park is O’Fallon’s newest gem. This park is nestled in the countryside just off Highway DD on 57 acres. During its construction, O’Fallon landscape staff restored some areas with native Missouri prairie plants. These prairies fill an important role in our local ecosystem and support a variety of animal and insect species. O’Day Park is home to many butterflies, song birds and raptors, small and large mammals, plus reptiles and amphibians.

O’Day’s prairie project has been in development for over three years, with landscape staff focusing on flower planting during year one. The flowering plants at O’Day are known as forbs, which are also perennials, therefore, they return each year. When growing perennials, typically you refer to the old adage sleep, creep, and leap. This refers to the length of time a perennial plant needs to become fully established. The first year they sleep, as if nothing is happening. In the second year, they creep and grow underground. By year three they are ready to put on a show and leap because the plants have now matured. It was important that we first allow O’Day’s flowering plants to establish before adding prairie grasses in June of 2022. We are thrilled because the 2023 growing season will be the first where all plant species will be thriving together! Some of these flowering plant species include Spring Beauty, Trout Lily, and Cutleaf Toothworth, to name a few.

The ecosystem created by the prairie plantings will actually begin to duplicate the prairie systems across Missouri from 200 years ago. Cultivating native plants promotes biodiversity, reduces air pollution, and much more!

Come visit O’Day Park and see our prairie bloom now through November! Don’t forget to bring our new O’Fallon Parks Passport along with you and you can participate in a scavenger hunt to find all the plant, insect, and animal species that call O’Day home!