Andrew Sheeley

Missouri

Staff Writer and Content Manager at Phelps County Focus

Articles

OZARK ROADTRIPS AND TRAILS: Enjoy the shade of a million years under the Clifty Creek Natural Bridge

1 week ago | phelpscountyfocus.com | Andrew Sheeley

Time, erosion, and millions of footsteps have forged one of Missouri’s grandest adventures through the rough of southern Maries County. Deep-set Clifty Hollow branches several miles west from its confluence with the Gasconade River, living up to its name with hundreds of feet of vertical relief above Clifty Creek. The centerpiece to the scenic 2.5-mile loop through this hollow is the Clifty Creek Natural Bridge, one of the most picturesque rock formations in all the Ozarks.
Rolla landmark Sirloin Stockade celebrates 50 years in business

2 weeks ago | phelpscountyfocus.com | Andrew Sheeley

A landmark of Interstate 44 and Historic Route 66 is this year marking its golden anniversary. Rolla’s Sirloin Stockade first opened to customers at its Martin Springs Drive location on June 4, 1975. A half century to the day, the restaurant’s Texas-based leadership gathered with local champions to celebrate the achievement with a Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The Flat Nasty Experience: Off-Road Park celebrating 20 years of mechanical mayhem

3 weeks ago | phelpscountyfocus.com | Andrew Sheeley

An extra wet and cool Memorial Day weekend wasn’t entirely unwelcome southwest of Salem at the Flat Nasty off-road park. Although a Saturday morning downpour caused a rain delay, this was met with a stoic shrug by the hundreds who filled the park’s steep hollows for its 20th anniversary celebration. Afterall, rolling with whatever happens is part of what’s kept Flat Nasty operating for two decades, whether that means adverse weather or automotive mishaps.
City shares tornado recovery progress and plans for improvements at open house

1 month ago | phelpscountyfocus.com | Andrew Sheeley

The City of Rolla hosted an open house on May 22 at the Eugene Northern Community Center. During the event staff from several municipal departments shared informational displays on current and ongoing initiatives. Progress from the March 14 tornado was a among the topics of conversation, particularly the recovery from the storm highlighted along residents can expect to see in coming years.
Veterans Memorial Park rebuilding in wake of tornado

1 month ago | phelpscountyfocus.com | Andrew Sheeley

The evening of March 14 brought to Rolla its worst disaster in living memory, and for Veterans Memorial Park, near total destruction. The EF-2 tornado’s path directly struck the park, leaving nearly all its installations in ruins. The South Central Regional Veterans Group (SCRVG) has actively managed and developed the park since it was founded nearly 20 years ago. Within the span of mere seconds, years of work by hundreds of volunteers was swept away.
Cruisers revving up for Route 66 centennial

1 month ago | phelpscountyfocus.com | Andrew Sheeley

Rolla embraced the beauty of the past while looking forward to our history’s next chapter Saturday evening, May 10. Summer Cruise Night returned with classic cars filling the festival lots by the downtown bandshell. Surrounding them was a throng of enthusiasts eager to talk about restoration, not only of the vintage vehicles, but of the culture of Route 66. “Route 66 is the number one road for America,” said Paul Moody. “I hope everybody comes out and enjoys it.
Loving Paws Project collects $50,000 for new Rolla Animal Shelter

1 month ago | phelpscountyfocus.com | Andrew Sheeley

The Loving Paws Project’s Spring Dinner on April 26 raised more than $50,000 towards building a new Rolla Animal Shelter. A total of 220 people attended the event with proceeds from 90 silent auction items and 14 live auction items benefiting the shelter effort. Organizers report they are building on the momentum and with more fundraising events planned for this future. “We were so overwhelmed and blown away by the community support.
Monument unveiled to early Ozark pioneers in Salem

1 month ago | thesalemnewsonline.com | Andrew Sheeley

Descendants gathered in Salem on April 26 for the unveiling of a monument honoring the lives of some of the Ozarks’ earliest pioneers. Pulling back the canvas concealing the granite edifice at the John and Anna Stagner Cemetery were Randall Stagner and his brother Ronald Stagner. Both are part of a lineage connecting directly to the namesakes of the graveyard. “The county, the city and all the local officials here could not have been better about helping us in this process,” Randall Stagner said.
Monument unveiled to early Ozark pioneers in Salem

1 month ago | phelpscountyfocus.com | Andrew Sheeley

Descendants gathered in Salem on April 26 for the unveiling of a monument honoring the lives of some of the Ozarks’ earliest pioneers. Pulling back the canvas concealing the granite edifice at the John and Anna Stagner Cemetery were Randall Stagner and his brother Ronald Stagner. Both are part of a lineage connecting directly to the namesakes of the graveyard. “The county, the city and all the local officials here could not have been better about helping us in this process,” Randall Stagner said.
The Gardens kicks off rainy spring opening by hosting Show-Me Artists

2 months ago | phelpscountyfocus.com | Andrew Sheeley

Prolonged rainfall this weekend soaked the annual opening of The Gardens at the St. James Winery and Public House Brewery, but the adverse weather didn’t cancel the Show-Me Artists debut in Phelps County. Instead of taking place outside, the show made its home in the interior event space made possible by the brewery’s equipment relocating to the Public House’s Rolla taproom.

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