OAT closes season 38 with charming ‘Once Upon a Mattress’
Rolla, MO OAT’s ‘once upon a time’ themed professional summer season will close with the ever-popular title Once Upon a Mattress. The musical was penned and opened in 1959 alongside such hits as Gypsy and The Sound of Music and this musical has landed in the canon of famed musicals from Broadway’s Golden Age. This princess and the pea story was the piece that launched Carol Burnett’s career and OAT could not be happier about bringing this beloved musical to their stage. Directed by OAT’s Producing
Rolla Chamber Foundation Launches Tornado Recovery Grant for Businesses
Rolla (7/15/2025) The Rolla Chamber Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of its Tornado Recovery Grant for Businesses, made possible through a $10,000 award from the Phelps County Disaster Relief Fund. This funding was distributed by the Meramec Regional Community Foundation (MRCF) and the Phelps County Community Foundation (PCCF) in partnership with the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO). The grant program is intended to support businesses in Rolla that were affected by the March 14, 2025
Phelps County Disaster Relief Fund distributes $71,388 for March 14 tornado relief projects
ROLLA— Eight area nonprofits were granted $71,388 from the Phelps County Disaster Relief Fund to support tornado relief projects in Phelps County caused by the March 14 storm. Those receiving funds included the Phelps County Fair, The Salvation Army Phelps County Service Extension, the Phelps County Dream Center, the Phelps County Health Foundation, Russell House, The Community Partnership, Choices for People and the Rolla Chamber Foundation. Members from Meramec Regional Community Foundation (MRCF) and
City of Rolla Appoints Keith Riesberg as Next City Administrator
ROLLA, MO. – The City of Rolla is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Keith Riesberg as its next City Administrator following a unanimous decision by the Rolla City Council during closed session at the July 7th Council Meeting. Mr. Riesberg will officially begin his duties in late September 2025. Mr. Riesberg’s selection follows a nationwide executive search facilitated by EverStrive Solutions, a public-sector consulting firm based in Independence, Missouri. He will succeed longtime City
FEMA Assistance May Be Available to Help with Rent
ST. LOUIS – If you don’t have a safe place to live because of recent disasters in Missouri, you can apply for FEMA Assistance to help you pay for alternate temporary housing. To request assistance to help with rent, homeowners and renters need to contact FEMA and let them know. This can be done by:First applying for FEMA Assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov.Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center. For locations, visit: FEMA.gov/DRC.Calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as
OAT continues season 38 with family-friendly ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’
Rolla, MO – Have you ever wondered how Peter Pan became Peter Pan? Everyone’s favorite flying boy isheaded to Rolla! Ozark Actors Theatre presents Peter and the Starcatcher in their 2025 professional mainstage season. This play is a sort of prequel origin story of our favorite Neverland characters. ‘Starcatcher’was written by Rick Elice who has some major theatre blockbusters such as Jersey Boys, The AddamsFamily, The Cher Show, and most currently Smash on Broadway - OAT is thrilled to bring such caliber
Rolla Board of Public Works Announces Planned Retirement of General Manager Rodney P. Bourne, PE
After 26 years of dedicated service to Rolla Municipal Utilities (RMU), the Rolla Board of Public Works, and the Rolla community, General Manager Rodney Bourne announced his retirement planned for April 2026. He made this announcement at the June 24th Board meeting in closed session. The Rolla Board of Public Works plans a formal executive search to identify Bourne's successor, ensuring a seamless transition and effective handoff of responsibilities. Rodney Bourne has' been a steadfast leader in public
Soda & Scoops on Route 66 Joins Round-Up for Books Campaign to Support Local Students with Rolla Chamber
Rolla (06/23/2025)… Soda & Scoops on Route 66, located in downtown Rolla at 819 N Pine Street, has partnered with the Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce to support early literacy through the Round-Up for Books campaign, running July 1st through July 31st of 2025. Customers are invited to round up their purchases at checkout, with all proceeds benefiting the Parents as Teachers Book Drive. Funds raised will be used to purchase new books for children in the Rolla Public Schools district. This
Navigating Success in the Health Industry: A Guide for Entrepreneurs
Venturing into the health industry can be a deeply rewarding experience, offering a unique blend of passion, innovation, and service. This sector, abundant in opportunities, allows entrepreneurs to explore various avenues, from traditional wellness practices to avant-garde therapies. Embarking on this journey requires not just a vision but a strategic approach to navigate the complexities of the health industry. This guide delves into the critical facets necessary for establishing and growing a successful
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