Andrew Sheeley

Missouri

Staff Writer and Content Manager at Phelps County Focus

Articles

Concert raising more than $11,000 for Phelps County Disaster Relief Fund

2 weeks ago | phelpscountyfocus.com | Andrew Sheeley

The debris left by the March 14 tornado is clearing across Rolla, and power is returning to most of the city. Success for the ongoing recovery is now transitioning from needing volunteer labor to requiring resources. The Phelps County Disaster Relief Fund has become a primary focus of that fundraising. In less than three weeks, the fund has collected in excess of $56,000 in donations.
Loving Paws Project to hold dinner benefiting animal shelter

3 weeks ago | phelpscountyfocus.com | Andrew Sheeley

Collette Walker, Diane Curtis and Joy Hicks were enjoying a pool party last year when Rolla’s lingering need for an animal shelter came up during the conversation. Instead of lamenting, or placing blame, the trio decided the best thing they could do is bring new energy to the cause. They’re all now co-founders of a new nonprofit, the Loving Paws Project, which next month will hold its first fundraising event to close the gap toward finishing the shelter.
Phelps County Bank announces Take-A-Stand art contest winners

3 weeks ago | phelpscountyfocus.com | Andrew Sheeley

Students from across Phelps County gathered at Phelps County Bank on March 20 to hear the winners announced for the annual Take-A-Stand art contest. This year marks the 30th anniversary since Phelps County Bank and the Phelps County Child Advocacy Network launched the annual lemonade stand fundraiser, which last year collected $76,493.04, and has raised nearly $1 million over the past three decades.
Rolla begins recovery efforts in wake of tornado

3 weeks ago | phelpscountyfocus.com | Andrew Sheeley

Rolla begins recovery efforts in wake of tornadoA tornado outbreak left a path of destruction across Missouri on Friday night, March 14. Rolla was among the communities sustaining significant damage. Over the course of minutes, the tornado landed in darkness and cut through the city from Highway 63 to Interstate 44. Several neighborhoods and commercial areas now face a long road towards recovery.
National Weather Service rules EF-2 tornado hit Rolla

1 month ago | phelpscountyfocus.com | Andrew Sheeley

A preliminary National Weather Service storm survey determined an EF-2 tornado with peak winds of 120 mph passed through Rolla the evening of March 14. The survey found the tornado landed four miles southeast of Doolittle and tracked northeast through southern and eastern portions of Rolla. It crossed then Interstate 44 before lifting just south of the Little Prairie Conservation Area. The tornado traveled an estimated total length of 8.7 miles. At its peak, it reached a width of 175 yards.
Recovery efforts begin in wake of tornado

1 month ago | phelpscountyfocus.com | Andrew Sheeley

Volunteers gathered in Rolla on Sunday in the parking lot at the corner of Highway 63 and Lanning Lane. That intersection was center to the miles-long path of destruction left by Friday night’s tornado. In groups of 20, the volunteers were split up to fan out into the surrounding area and begin the long process of cleaning up the storm's debris. Tonya Leigh was among those wearing work gloves and waiting patiently to begin her volunteer shift.
Widespread damage reported in Rolla after storm

1 month ago | phelpscountyfocus.com | Andrew Sheeley

Rolla was among the Missouri communities impacted Friday night by an outbreak of severe weather. A path of destruction left damage on Rolla’s south side and to the city’s east. Dawn Saturday revealed the areas of damage include residences across town as well as businesses along Highway 63 and Forum Drive.
Widespread damage reported in Rolla after storm

1 month ago | phelpscountyfocus.com | Andrew Sheeley

Rolla was among the Missouri communities impacted Friday night by an outbreak of severe weather. A path of destruction left damage on Rolla’s south side and to the city’s east. Dawn Saturday revealed the areas of damage include residences across town as well as businesses along Highway 63 and Forum Drive. “Rolla is an incredible community that always pulls together in times of difficulty. I’m certain that we will come out of this stronger and more resilient.
Talent and mystery balance legacy of Rolla’s Inez C. Parker

1 month ago | phelpscountyfocus.com | Andrew Sheeley

Over a century ago, Inez C. Parker enjoyed growing fame as a poet and public speaker representing Rolla’s African American community. However, seemingly all at once, she mostly disappeared from the national literary scene. Inez’s legacy, and the mystery of her life, were subjects Feb. 20 during a lecture hosted by historian Dr. Larry Gragg. The event was held at Missouri S&T’s Curtis Laws Wilson Library for Black History Month. “What can I say about her achievements,” Gragg said.
Crowd hears Portraits of African American Women in Missouri

2 months ago | phelpscountyfocus.com | Andrew Sheeley

The lives and lived experience of two women who won their independence from enslavement, and bore witness to history, were shared Feb. 6 at the Phelps County Courthouse. Educator, storyteller and short story author Carole Shelton presented the program "Portraits of African American Women in Missouri" during an evening hosted by the State Historical Society of Missouri and Rolla Public Library.