O’Fallon Update The Official Quarterly Publication of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri Summer 2013 • www.ofallon.mo.us
Discover summer fun each week in O’Fallon Construction of Hwy. 364 through O’Fallon begins
O’Fallon Mayor Bill Hennessy joined leaders from throughout St. Charles County and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Highway 364 segment that will complete the highway from the intersection of Mid Rivers Mall Drive and Highway 94 to I-64. Visit MoDOT’s project page at www. modot.org/route364 to stay in the loop on construction updates.
In this issue 2
Construction Projects
3 – 5 O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest 6 – 7 Upcoming Events 8
Public Works/Seniors
9
Roscoe’s Den
10 Police Bulletins
M
y favorite event of the summer, O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest on July 2–4, is just around the corner. But there are plenty of great events all summer long. High on the list are free Tuesday night O’Fallon Jammin’ concerts in Civic Park. Fort Zumwalt Park will host the oldfashioned Bluegrass Music and Ice Cream Social on July 27, and a new event, Food Truck Frenzy, on August 10. How about those River City Rascals, with professional baseball at hometown prices? Get your tickets for O’Fallon Parks & Rec Night at the ballpark on July 21 for an all-you-can eat buffet, exciting pre-game activities for kids and adults, a meet-and-greet with some of the players and great seats. For an educational event with law enforcement displays and safety education for both kids and adults, don’t miss the Police Department’s open house on August 17. Finally, come on out for this year’s Heritage & Freedom Fest at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex, which starts Tuesday, July 2, with Family Night, featuring carnival rides, a midway and concessions. On July 3rd, country music stars Jack Ingram and Josh Kelley will highlight the festivities, and July 4th features rock greats Cowboy Mouth and the Spin Doctors. Both days offer family-friendly sideshows, a free Kids’ Area and conclude with the Jena “Dusty” Mielke Fireworks Spectacular presented by OneMain Financial. Plus, for a grand start to Independence Day, join the crowd for O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade through North O’Fallon. Festival details are inside this newsletter. And, whether you are enjoying all of these great events or just spending your days at the pool with the kids, make sure to get everything you need at your local O’Fallon shops and restaurants. “Keep it in the ‘O” this summer and help keep this City strong!
Bill Hennessy, Mayor
Citizens survey to gauge residents’ feelings Watch your mailboxes this summer. You might be one of the 1,000 randomly-selected O’Fallon residents asked to respond to a citywide citizens survey. ETC Institute, Inc., a nationwide leader in resident surveys, will be polling O’Fallon residents to get their thoughts on safety, city amenities and services, and the needs of their hometown. If you get a survey, please take a few minutes to give us your thoughts — both good and bad — and help set the course for O’Fallon’s future.
11 O’Fallon PD’s new K-9 12 City Calendar
See reverse for Summer Parks & Rec Guide
Elected Officials
Mayor Bill Hennessy 636-379-5500 bhennessy@ofallon.mo.us
Summer construction projects improve traffic flow
Ward 1 Councilmembers
Summer is prime road construction time in O’Fallon. Please remember to drive carefully in construction zones and obey all traffic controls. Here’s an update on construction projects and newly-completed improvements that will make it easier to get around town.
Bill Gardner
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636-379-5582 rlucas@ofallon.mo.us
New right turn lanes have been installed at three intersections along Mexico Road: Sonderen, Knaust and Belleau Creek. Meanwhile, work has begun on new turn lanes at all four corners of Woodlawn Avenue at Veterans Memorial Parkway, with construction slated for completion in October.
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In July, expect to see new turn lanes on Bryan Road at three intersections: Highway N at WingHaven/Bryan, Mexico and Feise.
Ward 2 Councilmembers
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Laura Hill Road will be partially reconstructed from Highway K west to the O’Fallon Fire Protection District Station.
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The City is investing in bike and pedestrian-friendly improvements. Two such projects are a new sidewalk on Feise Road from Bryan to Highway K and new bike paths along both sides of West Terra Lane from Hoff to Guthrie roads. Newly-completed sidewalks include Knaust Road from Chance to Lunenburg and the Belleau Creek Road sidewalk extension.
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Several intersections have been improved for bike and pedestrian safety with upgraded crossing ramps and “walk” buttons installed on traffic signals. And signal work is ongoing for the following intersections: Mexico Road and Mexico Loop Road West, T.R. Hughes Blvd. and Cool Springs Industrial Drive, and Bryan Road and Sunview Drive. Signals also will be improved on Main Street.
636-379-5581 bgardner@ofallon.mo.us
Rick Lucas
Rose Mack 636-379-5591 rmack@ofallon.mo.us
Jim Pepper 636-379-5583 jpepper@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 3 Councilmembers Richard “Rick” Battelle 636-379-5586 rbattelle@ofallon.mo.us
John Haman, Jr. 636-379-5585 jhaman@ofallon.mo.us
For more details and road construction updates, visit the new City Projects webpage at www.ofallon.mo.us/city-projects. Or just click the “Citizens First” button, then select “City Projects.”
Ward 4 Councilmembers Bob Howell 636-379-5587 bhowell@ofallon.mo.us
Jeff Schwentker 636-379-5580 jschwentker@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 5 Councilmembers Mike Pheney
Want to know where to park and ride the shuttle, how to get a good seat for the Heritage & Freedom Fest parade and what time the fireworks start? Check the FAQs for everything you need to know about O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest instantly at the new website, www. heritageandfreedomfest.com. You can even listen to clips from best-loved songs by the Spin Doctors, Cowboy Mouth, Jack Ingram and Josh Kelley. Bookmark the page and quickly check back for the latest updates and tweets.
636-379-5584 mpheney@ofallon.mo.us
Festival District declared for July 2, 3 and 4
Michael Snowden
Residents living near the festival grounds can view information about road closings and other restrictions online at www.heritageadfreedomfest.com. Or contact the City Clerk at 636-3795555 for more information.
636-379-5588 msnowden@ofallon.mo.us
Helpful Numbers
Listen to music and more at O’Fallon’s new Heritage & Freedom Fest website
Citizens First Center 636-379-5553
City Hall 636-240-2000
Police (Non-emergency) 636-240-3200
O’Fallon Senior Center 636-272-4180
Trash and Recycling 636-272-0477
O’Fallon Water & Sewer 636-281-2858
Get involved in the fun!
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Be a part of O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest and other summertime events as a volunteer! Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer@ofallon.mo.us or 636-379-5507.
29th Annual Firecracker Run is Thursday, July 4 You’re invited to register for the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce 29th annual USATFCertified Firecracker Run at T.R. Hughes Ballpark, home of the River City Rascals. Visit www. ofallonchamber.org/firecracker to register for the 10K, 5K and 1-mile Fun Run/Walk.
Heritage & Freedom Fest www.heritageandfreedomfest.com Celebrate America’s freedom at the County’s biggest and best Independence Day celebration, O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest on July 2–4 The Heritage & Freedom Fest at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex offers something for everyone with fantastic rides and games, world class entertainment and spectacular fireworks.
Tuesday, July 2 • “Family Night” 5 – 10 p.m. Carnival and midway open. No fireworks.
Wednesday, July 3
Family Night at the carnival On Tuesday, July 2, enjoy thrilling carnival rides, test your skills with games on the midway and feast on corn dogs, funnel cakes, cotton candy and other festival fare.
The celebration kicks into high gear with free concerts, fireworks and live entertainment On Wednesday and Thursday, July 3 and 4, the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex will transform into fields of fun with concerts by nationally-known entertainers, sideshows, a carnival and midway, great food and beverages, and free Kids’ Area activities. And, both nights will end with the awe-inspiring Jena “Dusty” Meilke Fireworks Spectacular, presented by OneMain Financial. Admission, parking and shuttle service are all free!
O’Fallon’s Heritage and Freedom Fest Parade is “Made in America” Do you love a parade? Don’t miss O’Fallon’s patriotic extravaganza on Thursday, July 4! Come early and find a great seat along the parade route as the largest Independence Day parade in St. Charles County gets underway at 9:30 a.m. from the corner of Third and Main streets. Join bystanders dressed in patriotic colors and waving the stars and stripes, and cheer as colorful entries pass. This year’s theme is “Made in America.”
Get a discount on carnival tickets Before you go, save time and money by purchasing carnival tickets in advance at half-price. The discounted tickets will be good for all three nights of the festival, and they can be purchased through Monday, July 1, at the Renaud Spirit Center and the Parks and Recreation Office. Full-priced tickets will be available from booths at the festival.
5 – 11 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
Josh Kelley
8:45 p.m.
Jack Ingram
10:15 Jena “Dusty” Mielke Fireworks Spectacular presented by OneMain Financial
Thursday, July 4 Noon – 10 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
The Clementines
3:30 p.m.
Superjam
4:45 p.m.
Parade awards
5:30 p.m.
Cowboy Mouth
8:00 p.m.
Spin Doctors
9:30 Jena “Dusty” Mielke Fireworks Spectacular presented by OneMain Financial Please note, T.R. Hughes Blvd. and Cool Springs Industrial Dr. will temporarily close for one hour before fireworks shows.
The Main Stage and Jena “Dusty” Mielke Fireworks Spectacular are presented by
heritageandfreedomfest.com Summer 2013
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Heritage & Freedom Fest V+
Hear the Spin Doctors, Cowboy Mouth, Jack Ingram and Josh Kelley in concert, free! O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest concerts feature nationally-recognized artists performing on the Main Stage, presented by OneMain Financial.
www.heritageandfreedomfest.com
hits like “Two Princes,” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong.” This spring, the band released its latest album, the blues-based If the River Was Whiskey. One of the best live bands in the country, New Orleansbased Cowboy Mouth’s upbeat, high-energy show can leave fans as happily drenched and spent as the performers. The band’s most popular songs are “Love Of My Life,” “Everybody Loves Jill” and “Jenny Says.”
July 3rd: Jack Ingram and Josh Kelley Jack Ingram captured the 2008 ACM (Academy of Country Music) “Top New Male Vocalist” award and the 2007 CMA (Country Music Awards) “Wide Open Country Video Award of the Year.” Ingram is best known for his number one hit single, “Wherever You Are,” and more recently, “That’s a Man,” and “Barefoot and Crazy.” Opening for Ingram, up-and-coming country singersongwriter Josh Kelley hit it big with the song, “Georgia Clay.”
Your safety and security The following items are not allowed at the festival:
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Fireworks – It is illegal to possess, purchase or light fireworks in O’Fallon.
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Pets or animals, except service animals such as seeing-eye dogs
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Bikes, skateboards, motorized coolers or scooters, skates or rollerblades. These items cannot be ridden on festival grounds.
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Glass containers of any kind
July 4th: Spin Doctors and Cowboy Mouth July 4th will feature a rock ’n roll celebration with headliners the Spin Doctors bringing their unique brand of funk, blues and rock. The band is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the release of their landmark album Pocket Full of Kryptonite, which became one of the most popular albums of the ’90s with
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
Guns or weapons of any kind
Coolers and small backpacks are permitted, but all coolers and bags are subject to search by police officers, park rangers and parks personnel.
Sideshows
Kids’ Area, free
The Kid Davie Variety Show
July 3, 5 – 9:45 p.m. July 4, Noon – 9 p.m.
July 3 shows at 6:15 and 8 p.m. July 4 shows at 2, 4:15, 6 and 7:45 p.m. Kid Davie is an energetic entertainer who is a magician, an illusionist, a fire eater, juggler, mime, stilt walker and comedian.
Team Rock’s Extreme Martial Arts Show July 3 shows at 5:30, 7:15 and 9 p.m. July 4 shows at 3, 5 and 7 p.m. Team Rock’s action-packed martial arts show is high-flying, brick-breaking fun.
Cowboy Randy Erwin July 3 shows from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. in the Kids’ Area See Randy Erwin honor the “Old West” with his amazing ropetricking, yodeling cowboy extravaganza!
Adrenaline Explosion Cheerleading July 4 performances at 2:30 and 4 p.m. in the Kids’ Area
Enjoy hours of family fun, free! Jump and play on the giant inflatables, make crafts, play games and get your face painted.
Parking at the Freedom Fest on July 3–4 General Parking – Free parking is available off Tom Ginnever Avenue at Fort Zumwalt North and Christian high schools. Airconditioned buses will shuttle patrons near the festival. Premium Parking – Available July 3 and 4, only, park at the T.R. Hughes Ballpark west parking lot and enjoy the festivities without the hassle. The cost is $5 on a first-come, first-served basis. (Sorry, no in-and-out privileges in this lot.) Disabled Parking – New site this year! Disabled park-andride will be available in the north lot adjacent to T.R. Hughes Ballpark. Patrons with disabilities can park at this site and get a free shuttle ride to the festival. A valid “disabled parking” hang tag or license plate must be displayed for admission. No general parking will be allowed at this lot. This is the only location for disabled parking and accessible shuttle service.
Thank you, 2013 Heritage & Freedom Fest sponsors!
AFB International Arrowhead Landscaping Bank of Old Monroe Button Auto Body Chick-fil-A Classic Signs Community News Culligan Water Curtis, Heinz, Garrett & O’Keefe Great Southern Bank Madison’s Café Marshall Ford O’Fallon Brewery Papa John’s Pantera’s Pizza Qdoba Rendezvous Café & Wine Bar River City Rascals Sno-Biz White Auto Body
Upcoming Events www.ofallon.mo.us/events O’Fallon Jammin’ Outdoor Concert Series
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Tuesdays, June through August 6:30 –9 p.m., Civic Park Bandstand – Free! Enjoy outdoor concerts with a different band each Tuesday night through August at Jammin’ Outdoor Concerts. Concessions will be available, and a playground and restrooms are nearby. Bring chairs or blankets for lawn seating around the bandstand. Listen to rock ’n roll, country, R&B, Motown, pops, Big Band, jazz and more. To view the full band schedule, go to www.ofallon.mo.us/Jammin.
Tour the O’Fallon Historical Society Log Cabin Museum June 23, July 14 and 28, August 11 and 25, September 15 and 29 12– 3 p.m., Civic Park Tour the Log Cabin Museum and chat with the people who know O’Fallon’s history best. The museum’s collection includes a doll-house-sized replica of Zumwalt’s Fort, Wabash Railroad items, an immigrant’s trunk, a folding bed for covered wagon travel, O’Fallon business items, photos and much more. A history book, O’Fallon, Missouri: A Good Place to Live, is available for purchase. For more information, visit www. ofallonmohistory.org.
O’Fallon Parks & Rec Night at the Ballpark
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Sunday, July 21 Pre-game activities from 3 – 5 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m. First pitch is at 6:05 p.m., T.R. Hughes Ballpark Enjoy pre-game festivities, food and fun! For more information, please refer to page 9 in the Parks & Rec Guide.
Bluegrass Concert and Ice Cream Social
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Saturday, July 27 5– 7 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park – Free! Back by popular request, George Portz & the Friends of Bluegrass will perform on the grounds outside the historic Heald Home overlooking picturesque Lake Whetsel. Bring a blanket or chairs for lawn seating. An ice cream treat will be available for the asking and the historic Heald Home will be open for tours at $2 per person. For more information, call 636-379-5605.
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
30th Annual KSHE95/ARC Summer Blood Drive
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Friday, August 2, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, August 3, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Renaud Spirit Center (RSC) Roll up your sleeves with the home of real rock radio, KSHE95, and join the American Red Cross to help save lives during the 30th Annual KSHE95 Summer Blood Drive. Everyone who attempts to donate blood will receive a commemorative KSHE95 T-shirt while supplies last, along with a special incentive to return to the RSC for a day of fun on us. For more information, please visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS.
O’FallonTheatreWorks presents Aladdin Jr.
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Friday through Sunday, August 2–4 and 9–11 8 p.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre
® Disne
y
Catch the magic — watch the O’FallonTheatreWorks summer children’s production of Aladdin Jr. This stage adaptation of Disney’s hit film, Aladdin, includes flying carpet rides, favorite Disney characters and an Academy award-winning score with the songs “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me.” For more information and ticket prices, please visit www. ofallon.mo.us/parks&rec/OTW. Or turn to page 15 in the Parks & Rec Guide.
Food Truck Frenzy at Fort Zumwalt Park Saturday, August 10 5–8 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park Listen to the music of Ozark Revival while you picnic on gourmet food and beverages from a variety of food trucks. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating. The historic Heald Home will be open for tours at $2 per person. Food Truck Frenzy features:
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Bombay Food Junkies Speedway Eatery 2 Girls 4 Wheels Yo! Taco
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Curbside Cookery My Big Fat Greek Truck Holy Crepe!
Community-Oriented Public Safety (COPS) Day
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Patriot Day Ceremony
Saturday, August 17 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall)
Wednesday, September 11 8:30 a.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall)
The whole family can learn about safety and see equipment used by law enforcement teams at the O’Fallon Police Department’s Community-Oriented Public Safety Day (COPS) at the O’Fallon Police Department. The Police Department will hold an open house with department tours and K-9 demonstrations. Equipment on display will include the St. Louis Metropolitan Air Support helicopter, the Missouri Highway Patrol’s seatbelt safety crash simulator, the fire department’s Smoke House, the St. Charles County Sheriff’s Department Bomb and Arson display and SWAT team equipment. Kids’ activities include a certified children’s safety program with an O’Fallon Police Department certificate and goodie bag for the first 400 children who complete the required activities. A petting zoo (new this year), pony rides, face painting and an inflatable bounce house will also be available. Concessions will include $3 meals of hotdogs or hamburgers, chips and a drink. For more information, contact Sgt. Robert Kendall at rkendall@ofallon.mo.us.
Everyone is invited to assemble at the 9-11 Memorial outside the O’Fallon Police Department honoring first responders and remembering the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
Pirate Treasure Hunt
POW/MIA Remembrance Day Ceremony Friday, September 20 7 p.m., O’Fallon Veterans Memorial Walk Please join this candlelight ceremony remembering the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who remain missing in action or imprisoned on foreign soil.
O’Fallon’s Fall Fest, Street Dance and 5K Fall Fest Street Dance featuring Trixie Delight Friday, October 11 6–10 p.m., Civic Park Drive – Free admission and parking Dance the night away to rock ‘n roll and pop music. Concessions will be available for purchase.
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Saturday, September 14 2– 4 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park
29th Annual Fall Fest V+
Register in advance for this pirate-themed hunt for treasure hidden in Fort Zumwalt Park. Just follow the clues, complete the activities and earn puzzle pieces that will help you locate the hidden treasure. The cost is $6 for residents and $8 for nonresidents. Call 636-379-5605 for more details. The registration deadline is Friday, August 23.
Artists and crafters are invited to apply for booth space at this popular event featuring live entertainment, music, kids’ activities, shopping and food. Visit www.ofallon.mo.us/ FallFest.
11th Annual Fall Fest 5K Fun Run V+ Saturday, October 12 7:30–8:30 a.m., Start/Finish at Municipal Centre (City Hall)
Patriotic Ceremonies National Day of Service and Remembrance
Saturday, October 12 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Civic Park – Free admission and parking
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Saturday, September 7 O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Sign up for projects in honor of the heroes and in memory of the victims of the attacks on September 11, 2001. Contact Volunteer Services at 636-379-5507 or volunteer@ofallon. mo.us to inquire about the following:
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Citizens United in Service, 9–11 a.m. (Projects supporting first responders and military personnel.)
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Patriot Blood Drive, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Support Our Troops Supply Drive, August 6 – September 6; collection sites include City Hall and the Renaud Spirit Center; additional sites are listed at www.ofallon.mo.us/ volunteer.
Set your own pace in this 5K (3.1 mile) run/walk for all ages. Awards include prizes for best fall costumes. For more information and to register, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/FallFest.
V+ indicates opportunities for volunteers. Contact Volunteer Services at 636-379-5507 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us.
www.ofallon.mo.us Summer 2013
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Public Works
Senior Corner
Vandalism causing sewer backups
Veterans Affairs Office expands hours
In an effort to discourage random acts of vandalism to sewer lines, the Water and Sewer Division is asking parents to talk to their children about the consequences of removing manhole covers and throwing debris down the hole, such as rocks and sticks. The action is illegal, and if spotted should be reported to the O’Fallon Police Department by calling 636-240-3200. Manhole covers weigh 60 pounds or more and if mishandled or dropped, the lids could cause serious injury, possibly severing or crushing a hand or foot. Manhole vandalism is expensive to repair and causes property damage that can include residences as well as the City’s sanitary sewer structures. If the debris blocks a sewer line, the manhole can overflow and leak raw sewage into the street. The debris also can block a household sewer line, causing a sewage backup in someone’s home. For more information about the issue, please call 636-379-7601.
The O’Fallon Veterans Affairs and 131 Bomb Wing Retiree Activities Office (131BW RAO) is currently open Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and on Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. –1 p.m. (except on major holidays). The office helps veterans with obtaining benefits. Volunteer staff supports all branches of service. The office is located on the third floor at O’Fallon City Hall. Appointments are not necessary but calling before your visit is encouraged; call 636379-5577 or email veteransaffairs@ofallon.mo.us.
Avoid damaging the new automatic water meters with lawn mowers The City of O’Fallon urges residents to avoid hitting water meters with a lawnmower or other device or homeowners may find themselves paying for repairs to the meter. Water meters are typically installed in the lawn near the curb or in City sidewalks. Last year, water meters throughout the City were upgraded to automatic metering for efficiency and accuracy. To do that, the meter lids were equipped with a radio transmitter. The radio transmitter is durable and weatherproof, but repeated impacts from lawnmowers and other machinery could damage either the transmitter or the transmitter wiring in the water meter. If damage occurs, the property owner must pay for the repairs. Lawn mowers should be kept completely away from the water meters. If you hire a lawn care company, please make sure that they are aware of the meter and avoid it. A weed eater is a good way to maintain the lawn around the meter. Residents also are asked to refrain from removing or tampering with the water meter lid.
Free Senior Citizens’ Police Academy presents topics geared to seniors at the Senior Center Seniors who are interested in learning more about personal safety are invited to attend O’Fallon’s Senior Citizens’ Police Academy, free. Beginning July 9, the program will meet after lunch from 1–2 p.m. in the O’Fallon Senior Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays, except for July 30 and August 1. No sign-up is required. The Senior Center is located at the east end of the O’Fallon Municipal Centre parking lot; call 636-272-4180.
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July 9 – Introducing the O’Fallon Police Department and the Senior Citizens’ Police Academy Program
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July 11 – Fraud, Scams and Identity Theft
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July 25 – O’Fallon Police Department K-9 Demonstration
July 16 – Elder Abuse and Neglect July 18 – EMS Response July 23 – O’Fallon’s Drug Take-back Program, Social Media, and the SWAT Team Display August 6 – Home Safety, Security, Emergency Preparedness August 8 – Police Station Tour and Graduation
The City of O’Fallon is on Twitter!
@CityofOFallon
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
To find all O’Fallon retailers and restaurants, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/business-map
Roscoe’s Den Trash and Recycling Announcements Large recycling bin now available at O’Fallon’s waste transfer station For the convenience of all O’Fallon residents, the City of O’Fallon has installed a blue, industrial-sized recycling container at the City’s waste transfer station at 1572 Progress West Lane in O’Fallon. O’Fallon residents can use the container at no charge for depositing recyclable materials. Please note that the container is for recyclables, only, and the illegal dumping of trash is strictly forbidden. This service can be helpful to people with large amounts of recyclables, like old boxes, soda bottles and cans, or stacks of newspapers. The container at the transfer station replaces containers in two former locations, one at the west parking lot at T.R. Hughes Ballpark and the other at Monticello Plaza. Anyone leaving items at these locations will be in violation of City ordinances.
Residents can bring many large items to the City’s Bulk Waste Drop-Off O’Fallon residents are invited to bring acceptable items that are too large to fit into trash containers to the City’s waste transfer station, 1572 Progress West Lane, between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 15 and August 17. The free, bimonthly service is available to O’Fallon residents with a valid photo ID. Please note that some items, like yard waste and building materials, cannot be accepted by law. Before bringing items to the drop off, please check www.ofallon.mo.us for a list of acceptable and unacceptable goods.
Trash, recycling and yard waste collection moves to next-day service for Independence Day and Labor Day
www.ofallon.mo.us
The economics of recycling According to the California Integrated Waste Management Board, “Recycling a ton of ‘waste’ has twice the economic impact of burying it in the ground. In addition, recycling one additional ton of waste will pay $101 more in salaries and wages, produce $275 more in goods and services, and generate $135 more in sales than disposing of it in a landfill.” The board concluded that recycling is good for the economy as well as our environment, because recycling curbs the need to build more landfills, saves energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, reduces air and water pollution, conserves forests and has twice the economic impact of disposal while generating $10 billion in taxable economic activity each year.
St. Charles County offers safe disposal of hazardous household waste O’Fallon residents have additional options for keeping hazardous household waste out of the landfill, including fluorescent light tubes (unbroken), electronics, expanded Styrofoam packaging (“peanuts”), pesticides, cleaning chemicals and automotive waste. Please visit the County’s website, http://health.sccmo.org and select “Environmental Division” for a list of services.
No effort to recycle is too small! Recycling cans, bottles, boxes and paper saves the City money. Remember, it costs money to discard these valuable commodities in a landfill.
O’Fallon’s trash, recycling and yard waste collection will move to next-day service following the Fourth of July and Labor Day holidays.
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Service for Thursday, July 4, will move to Friday, and Friday’s service will move to Saturday.
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Service for Monday, September 2 (Labor Day) will move to Tuesday, and so on through the week to Saturday, September 7.
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Police Bulletins O'Fallon Police Department Briefs Topics include:
O’Fallon receives StormReady recognition The City of O’Fallon was recently recognized as a StormReady community by the National Weather Service, which sponsors the program. To be recognized as StormReady, communities must demonstrate severe weather readiness and meet communication and other guidelines established by the National Weather Service in partnership with federal, state and local emergency management programs. StormReady is a voluntary “grassroots” program and there is no cost to apply. Sponsored by NOAA’s National Weather Service, StormReady puts the focus on improving communication and severe weather preparedness in communities. It also helps community leaders and emergency managers strengthen local hazard mitigation and refine emergency response plans. To earn the designation, communities must:
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Establish a 24-hour Warning Point and Emergency Operations Center
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Establish multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings and forecasts
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Create a system that monitors local weather conditions
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Incorporate severe weather threats into the community’s hazard mitigation and emergency response plans
Promote public readiness through community seminars, severe weather spotter training and by conducting emergency exercises
For more information about StormReady, visit www. stormready.noaa.gov. For information on O’Fallon’s emergency management programs, please visit www.ofallon. mo.us/PD.
Enjoy learning hands-on disaster preparedness training – it’s free! Would you know what to do if a natural disaster or fire should strike your home or neighborhood? You can easily learn how to take care of your home, family and much more with a free, hands-on course, the O’Fallon Police Department’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, which will be held September 27 – 29. The training, which is available to community groups as well as individuals, will take place over a weekend: Friday 6 – 10 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
www.ofallon.mo.us/PD
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Disaster preparedness and kits Fire safety Disaster medical operations; assessing and treating injuries Light search and rescue Team organization Disaster psychology Terrorism
For more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/PD. To register, download the application and send or bring it to the Police Department.
Sign up for O’Fallon’s new Adopt-a-Siren program The O’Fallon Police Department invites citizens throughout the City to volunteer for a new program, Adopt-a-Siren. Citizen volunteers are needed to help monitor each of the tornado sirens in the City’s Outdoor Warning Siren system and report whether or not specific sirens are working properly. Any citizen can report a malfunctioning siren by calling 636-379-3816. However, the Adopt-a-Siren program will allow the Emergency Management team to contact knowledgeable volunteers directly if there is a question, concern or if additional information is needed for specific sirens. Interested O’Fallon citizens must be within ¼ of a mile or within a block of adopted sirens, and they should go outside when sirens are tested each month so that accurate observations can be made. For that reason, up to five citizen volunteers for each siren are requested. Participation is completely voluntary and no legal obligations whatsoever are expected of observers. To register for the Adopt-a-Siren program, visit the O’Fallon Police Department’s web page, www.ofallon.mo.us/PD. A map of all sirens will be available so that volunteers can determine which siren is closest to their home. For more information, contact Officer Stowers at astowers@ofallon. mo.us or call 636-379-3816.
“Like” the O’Fallon Police Department on Facebook!
Communications Director • Tom Drabelle • tdrabelle@ofallon.mo.us Staff Writer • Peggy Whetzel • pwhetzel@ofallon.mo.us Web and Design Administrator • Bryan Wieczorek • bwieczorek@ofallon.mo.us
For O’Fallon’s new bomb-detecting K-9, For O’Fallon’s new bomb-detecting K-9, fun is all in a day’s work fun is all in a day’s work
J
ust days after officially becoming O’Fallon’s newest K-9 team — and the only bomb-detecting K-9 team in St. Charles County — Police Officer Michael Aronson and K-9 Talos were assigned to search for bombs. Threats had been received at local schools. But, thanks to the speed with which a K-9 team is able to search, it didn’t take long to give the all-clear. For Talos the German shepherd, bomb detection, going on patrol and chasing bad guys is all in a day’s fun. Born in the Ukraine and weighing about 70 pounds, Talos is a little over a year and a half. He lives with Officer Aronson and his family. And he really looks forward to going to work. “His play time is coming to work with me and doing things with me. Every time I let him out of his kennel at home he runs to the police car because he wants to go to work,” said Officer Aronson, who joined the O’Fallon Police Department in January 2009. Aronson feels fortunate to have been accepted into O’Fallon’s K-9 program. “I’m a dog person and I’ve always had dogs,” he said. Before applying for the position, Aronson began his own training by helping K-9 teams keep their apprehension lessons fresh. That is, he donned a heavyduty, protective sleeve or wore a protective “bite suit” while handlers trained their dogs to apprehend him. Because the dogs are powerful, portraying the bad guy is not for the faint of heart. After his acceptance into the K-9 program, Aronson selected Talos for his personality and extreme willingness to play. The best K-9 partners are dogs that enjoy working all the time — or playing, as the dogs see it. Their reward is a favorite toy and play rather than a treat. When Talos began learning the job with Aronson, he had little more than basic obedience skills. For the next three months, Aronson and Talos trained together full time. Now Talos goes on patrol with Aronson. He can track, apprehend and hold a suspect until his handler arrives. In addition to advanced obedience and agility training, Talos is schooled in building, area and article searches. He’ll also protect his partner, even leaping out of the police car to the rescue if the door is released with an electronic device. He responds to hand signals as well as verbal commands. For explosives detection, Talos is trained to distinguish three times as many odors as narcotics-detecting K-9s must learn.
Because bomb detection is his area of expertise, Talos is not trained for narcotics detection. That assignment goes to the O’Fallon Police Department’s other K-9 teams, Police Officer Nick Johnson and K-9 Titan, and Officer Tom Thompson and K-9 Ares. Police dogs are not cross-trained for both narcotics and bomb detection, because their handlers would not know whether their dog was alerting on drugs or a bomb. “Whatever their training, it’s truly amazing what these animals can do to help us out,” said Aronson.
Police Officer Michael Aronson and K-9 Talos
www.ofallon.mo.us Summer 2013
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Calendar
All events, public meetings and Municipal Court proceedings are held at O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall), 100 North Main Street, unless otherwise noted.
www.ofallon.mo.us/events
June 1
Tibor Tornyai art exhibit, RSC (ends 7/12)
13 City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m. 15 Free bulk waste drop-off, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., Waste transfer station, 1572 Progress Lane 17 Veterans Commission, 7 p.m. 18 Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m. Jammin’ concert: Vote for Pedro, Civic Park, 6:30 p.m., free
19 Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
Senior Advisory Committee, 5 p.m.
Public Works Commission, 7 p.m.
23 Jammin’ concert: Stray Bullet, Civic Park, 6:30 p.m., free 24 Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
Movie in the Park: Madagascar, 8 p.m., RSC, free (Please register in advance for tickets)
July
Bluegrass Concert and Ice Cream Social, Fort Zumwalt Park, 5 – 7 p.m., free; historic Heald Home tours $2
29 Municipal Court, 6 p.m. 30 O’Fallon Jazz & Community Concert bands, Civic Park, 6:30 p.m., free
August
25 O’Fallon Jazz & Concert bands, Civic Park, 6:30 p.m., free
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
27 Summer Theatre Camp production, 2 p.m., free
24 Municipal Court, 6 p.m. 27 City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
O’Fallon Convention & Visitors Bureau, 5 p.m.
25 Movie in the Park: Here Comes the Boom, 8 p.m., RSC, free (Please register in advance for tickets)
1
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
2–3 KSHE95/ARC Summer Blood Drive at the RSC 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Fri.; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat. 2– 4 Aladdin, Jr., Shows at 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday Tickets: $10/$12
2
Heritage & Freedom Fest Family Night, 5 – 10 p.m., Ozzie Smith Sports Complex, free admission
6
Jammin’ concert: Hillbilly Authority, Civic Park, 6:30 p.m., free
Historic Preservation Committee, 7 p.m.
Historic Preservation Committee, 7 p.m.
3
Heritage & Freedom Fest, 5 – 11 p.m., Ozzie Smith Sports Complex, free admission
7
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
Advisory Green Council, 5:30 p.m.
4
Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade, 9:30 a.m., Main Street to Tom Ginnever to T.R. Hughes Blvd.
8
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
9–11 Aladdin, Jr., Shows at 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday Tickets: $10/$12
Heritage & Freedom Fest, noon – 10 p.m., Ozzie Smith Sports Complex, free admission
City Hall and Renaud Spirit Center CLOSED
10 Food Truck Frenzy, 5 – 8 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park, free admission
Alligator’s Creek OPEN noon – 5 p.m.
11 Alligator’s Creek Triathlon, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m., Civic Park
9
Jammin’ concert: Reverse Order, Civic Park, 6:30 p.m., free
12 Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
Parks Board, 7 p.m.
13 Parks Board, 7 p.m.
10 Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
14 Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
11 City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
Jammin’ concert: Power Play, Civic Park, 6:30 p.m., free
15 Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
17 Free bulk waste drop-off, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., Waste transfer station, 1572 Progress Lane
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
COPS Day (Police Dept. Open House), 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
16 Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
19 Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
Jammin’ concert: Plastic, Civic Park, 6:30 p.m., free
20
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
Senior Advisory Committee, 5 p.m.
Jammin’ concert: Contagious, Civic Park, 6:30 p.m., free
Public Works Commission, 7 p.m.
21 Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
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18 Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
Senior Advisory Committee, 5 p.m.
19 Naum and Anna Furman art exhibit, RSC (ends Sept. 6)
Public Works Commission, 7 p.m.
21 O’Fallon Parks & Rec Night, T.R. Hughes Ballpark, 3 p.m.
22 City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
26 Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
Cardboard Boat Race, 4 – 6 p.m., Alligator’s Creek
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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/OFallonTV.