Public Service web sites - includes the
Branson Chamber
Commerce for city
information, Branson Shuttle &
Ozark
Mountain Transit for Branson area public transportation, Branson Missouri web site for
shows and vacation packages;
Springfield's Jordan Valley
Park for group activities, Springfield Chamber Commerce and Missouri State
University are frequently used web sites
Ozarks area Lakes web sites - includes Campgrounds Directory on The Lake of the
Ozark, Truman
Lake, directions to McDaniel & Fellows lakes, web
sites for Lake of
the
Ozarks,
Table Rock
Lake & Dam
Stockton Lake and Lake
Taneycomo -
The Mid West's Premier Rainbow Trout Fishing Lake...... find direction
to Linden
Lure on the Finley River.
Published Articles - courtesy of the
Springfield News-Leader
"Route 66: A Trip Down Memory Road" presented by the Springfield Symphony - May. 10 - Join the Springfield Symphony on Saturday May 10th for a swinging trip down Route 66 celebrating this most cherished piece of American History. Let us take you on an unforgettable musical journey through time and across this great land with ple... more info
Armed Forces Day Celebration - Celebrate at the Air & Military Museum of the Ozarks. Honor the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guards. All current and past service peo ple will be admitted free. One dollar of all other admissions will go to a present service person's ... more info
2nd Annual Springfield Indian Artifact Show - Thousands of arrowheads, stone tools and pottery will be for sale or trade and display at the Springfield MO Indian Artifact Show in May. There will 40 collectors and dealers from 5 states set up at the show! Bring your artifacts to show, s... more info
More than 1,000 vehicles stopped during Greene County checkpoint - The Greene County Sheriff’s Department says a sobriety checkpoint Saturday evening and early this morning led to numerous arrests, including three illegal aliens and a man who fled in a car that police caught up with 18 miles later.
Chief Deputy Jim Arnott said, “It was quite a busy night.”
Another man simply left his car in the line leading up the checkpoint — which was done at Farm Road 142 and West Bypass — and fled on foot; he was arrested this morning.
Arnott said a total of 1,017 vehicles were checked, and 40 deputies were involved in the checkpoint. Arnott said eight people will be charged with drunken driving, two with drug possession, and five had active warrants.
Others were to be charged with lesser crimes, like license violations
The checkpoint was made possible by a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation.
No one was hurt in the chase, which started around midnight Saturday, Arnott said. It will lead to fleeing and resisting charges, as well as others to be determined later, against a man from St. Louis who did crimes in this area and is wanted on charges he jumped $20,000 bond and is a parole absconder.
Luttrell's Auction Barn Friday Night Music Show - Live country and bluegrass music every Friday night 7pm-9pm. Featuring the "Auction Barn Country Band" with Mike Magee-steel guitar, Bob Scrivener-electric guitar, John Wynn Jr.--fiddle, vocals are Juanita Lee, Charles Lee--(rhythm gu.... more info
Cabool Farm Fest - Celebrating our 25th Annual Farm Fest with a NEW Focus on Rural Life in the Ozarks. Hourly workshops, demonstrations and seminars providing information and teaching rural life skills. Over 100 vendors and exhibits relating to rural life.... more info
HoT Wheels to Heaven Car Show - Join us for the Hot Wheels to Heaven Car Show! Saturday May 3rd from 11:00 to 4:00 at Ebenezer United Methodist Church just 6 miles north of I-44 on county road 56. We'll have cars, trucks, motorcycles, and tractors! Bring your entry...there is no en... more info
2nd Annual Springfield Indian Artifact Show - May. 3 - May. 4 - Thousands of arrowheads, stone tools and pottery will be for sale or trade and display at the Springfield MO Indian Artifact Show in May. There will 40 collectors and dealers from 5 states set up at the show! Bring your artifacts to show, s... more info
2nd Reeds Spring Wolf Pride Band Car and Bike Show - May. 3 - May 3, 2008 9am to 3pm Branson West Walmart Goody Bags and Dash Plaques $15.00 Preregistration $20.00 Day of Show 1st 25 registrants receive tshirt...... more info
4-Wheel Jamboree - May. 3 - May. 4 - Featuring Monster trucks, thunder drags, monster truck rides, burn out competitions and the Mud Bog Challenge.... more info
The 23rd annual Buddy Bass Tournament - May. 3 - The first 150 entries will receive a commemorative tournament gift. Cash prizes will be awarded with a $15,000 guaranteed cash purse. Proceeds from the tournament benefit Ronald McDonald House of the Ozarks. Register by mail: Ronald McDonald House, 9..... more info
Coal Relief - CU officials say that advance purchasing of coal stockpiles will keep prices down, at least for now. At a time when high coal prices mean a jump in summer electric bills for many Americans, City Utilities says its customers' pocketbooks are safe.
That's because the utility has already purchased the coal it will burn in coming months. So while power companies in other parts of the country are sharply raising their rates, CU's will remain static.
"It will not have any effect," said Scott Miller, the utility's manager of electric supply. "It doesn't mean anything for our customers this summer."
There is an abundance of coal in the United States, but like many other commodities, its price is increasingly dependent on events elsewhere in the world. Snowstorms this winter cut coal production in China and heavy rain flooded mines in Australia -- the world's largest coal exporter. Meanwhile, demand for coal to generate electricity and make steel is rising almost everywhere, especially in fast-growing China and India.......more info
Springfield to host delegation from sister city in Mexico -
The Springfield Sister Cities Association will host a delegation of visitors from its sister city of Tlaquepaque, Mexico, today through Monday.
The delegation will include more than 20 members from civic, governmental and other organizations who will meet with their counterparts in Springfield. The newly-elected mayor of Tlaquepaque, José Hernan Cortés Berumen, will travel with the delegation.
Jeweler Hector Selgado will participate in the First Friday Art Walk with silver jewelry on display at Springfield Pottery, 416 S. Campbell Ave. Selgado also will take part in this year's 28th annual Artsfest Fine Arts Festival on Historic Walnut Street on Saturday and Sunday.
Mariachi group Sol de America will make the trip from Tlaquepaque. Their schedule includes performances in several Springfield Public Schools. In addition, the following is a partial schedule of their visit:
• 11:45 a.m. Thursday: Missouri State University's Plaster Student Union
• 11:30 a.m. Friday: Busch Municipal Building lobby
• Noon Friday: Drury University Commons
• 6 to 10 p.m. Friday as part of ArtsFiesta! Cinco de Mayo celebration in Founders Park
• 11 a.m. Saturday: Dance Stage at Artsfest
• Noon Sunday: Dance Stage at Artsfest
• 2:10 p.m. Sunday: Springfield Cardinals game at Hammons Field
Tlaquepaque is a city of more than 525,000 that is both traditional and cosmopolitan and places its emphasis on art and culture. Known as the "Soul of Mexico," the city borders Tonala to the south and Guadalajara and Zapopan in the north. The city is located less than an hour from the major metropolitan city of Guadalajara, Mexico, the country's second-largest city. The climate is spring-like all year-round. The relationship with Springfield was formed in June 2003.
Artsfest to feature more than 140 artists - The 28th annual Artsfest Fine Arts Festival, a celebration of visual and performing arts, will be this weekend on Historic Walnut Street from National Avenue to west of John Q. Hammons Parkway.
The festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Advance tickets are $3 at all area McDonald’s restaurants now through Friday. Gate admission is $5 for adults. No admission cost for children 10 years old or younger.
More than 140 artists from across the country will participate in this year’s festival. Hector Salgado, Artsfest’s second international artist, will be showcasing his world-renowned jewelry. Artsfest artists’ mediums include clay, drawing, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography and printmaking. Artsfest also will feature five performance stages throughout the festival grounds.......more info
CoxHealth reaches $60 million 'tentative settlement' - The CoxHealth system expects to pay $60 million to settle a federal investigation, a document prepared for the system’s board shows.
The tentative agreement was reached Sept. 30, 2007, it said. No final settlement date was given.
Spokesman Laurie Cunningham sent the News-Leader the following statement via e-mail: “We don’t have a final settlement with the federal government and until we do, we can't comment on specifics in the negotiations. However, that amount is in the range where CoxHealth anticipates we may finally settle. CoxHealth has accrued this amount in its financial statements over the last three years. When the actual settlement is signed, we will be able to speak more to the amount, other terms of agreement, and how the final terms came about."
Under terms of the tentative agreement, the document says, CoxHealth will pay $35 million upon execution of a final settlement agreement, and $5 million in each of the next five years with interest of 4.5 percent.
Details of the tentative settlement appeared in a document created by the auditing firm of BKD that appeared on a web site for municipal bond traders, investors, analysts and the public.
The federal government began investigating Cox as early as December 2004 and was “wide-ranging,” former U.S. Attorney Tom Graves said in past court documents.......more info
It's barbecue season
Savor tender cuts of meat in May by experimenting with methods for smoking and following advice from cooking experts. Now that we have all of those April showers out of the way, celebrate by firing up your grill. Thursday marks the start of National Barbecue Month.
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Quick meal fixes (steaks, chicken, brats, fish and veggies) are fine for weekdays.
But savor the weekends, when you can slow down and start smoking.
Never smoked meat before?
Larry Randolph of Springfield's Smokininthedark.com competition barbecue team knows a thing or two about smoking meat. His team won the championship title at the Rock 'n Ribs Barbecue Festival earlier this month,......more info
St. John's Mother & Baby Support Center Grand Opening - St. John’s Mother & Baby Support Center is a resource center for expecting and new parents. We offer a new and unique concept in assisting mothers and babies with breastfeeding and the supplies they need to breastfeed, including breast... more info
Branson touts value in slumping economy - Tourism officials hoping to eke out a small gain in visitors. Branson -- "Stick to what you know" could be the motto for Branson this year as the resort town focuses on its wholesome country, pop music and family entertainment roots, plus recent upgrades in shopping and hotels, to ride out the national economic downturn.
Branson tourism leaders are hopeful they can continue a track record of outperforming the national industry, projecting between 2 and 3 percent more visitors than last year's 8.4 million.
That would be just at or above the Travel Industry Association's forecast of 2 percent growth in leisure travel nationally.
"We are promoting our values and our value," said Dan Lennon, vice president of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. "We want people to think about Branson as a great place to bring families together."
Branson officials say costs for tourists there are below national averages. The average daily hotel rate is $75.90, compared with a national tab of $103, according to industry research group Smith Travel. The average show ticket in Branson is $29, while Las Vegas shows currently average $130 to $150 per ticket.
Table Rock Lake is open for business - Ah, summer in the Ozarks. For many people near and far, that means play time and kick-back time at Table Rock Lake, near Branson, Mo.
It has more than 800-shoreline miles of sheer beauty, peace or playground, depending on which side of the lake you choose — and there are many sides and personalities at Table Rock. There are the busy Table Rock Dam and Kimberling City areas and their bustling marinas. There are the public recreation areas and beaches managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. There are the more laid-back coves of Shell Knob and Campbell Point — "The Quiet Side of the Lake." And so much in between.
In our second year covering Lake Life, the News-Leader's Lake Life reporter, Kathleen O'Dell, will keep you updated on trends at the lake, things to do, hot places to go that we've found, great sunset sights and the latest photos of what you're up to at Table Rock. Check out our Lake Life blog below to see what's new......more info
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield starts its Arts in the Park 2008 summer concert series Saturday. - Here's the lineup: More info
World-Fest continues through May 4 at Silver Dollar City, 399 Indian Point Road, Branson. - Features the Irish Celebration with the production show, Feet of Fire. Singers, dancers and musicians from around the world perform. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, Sunday; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday through May 4. For information, schedules and tickets, contact 800-831-4386 or www.silverdollarcity.com.
Titanic-Branson - Today the great Titanic lives on. A towering symbol of hope and courage recreated in all its glorious splendor. Feel the presence of passengers and crew in the object galleries where over 400 personal and private artifacts are on display.......more info
Branson Landing's Spring Fashion Show - Please join us Saturday, April 26th at 1 pm for the Branson Landing Spring Fashion Show. You won't want to miss these exciting spring fashions on display during the Fashion Show from more than 10 Branson Landing Merchants. Each participating retailer... more info
Roaring Falls ensures riders get drenched -
Chill doesn't stop patrons from enjoying new theme park ride. Here's the thing about the new Roaring Falls ride at Celebration City:
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It's going to get you wet.
Go ahead and wear a plastic poncho. Curl up inside it, make sure it's covering your entire person.
Do what you have to, but know that when you get off the ride, the water will probably have seeped to your skin.
That's what the multi-million-dollar contraption was made to do, and it works.
And this probably feels amazing on a sultry, sunny summer day in southwest Missouri.
But the thing about Friday, the day Celebration City chose to unveil its newest attraction, was this:
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It was neither sultry nor sunny. It was see-your-breath chilly. And gray. And windy.
So it is perhaps to the new ride's credit that many of those who attended its first public showing seemed to love Roaring Falls.
"I'm not gonna lie, that was the coolest ride I ever rode," averred a shivering Jonathan Goodman, one of the first 20 people to try out the attraction. "It was worth it. So worth it.".....full article
The skinny on JQH Arena -
Inquiries range from parking to seat assessments to PA system.
The questions came like ground balls to a shortstop. "Will the seats be larger?" one man asked. "How many home games will the Lady Bears play?" shouted another.
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About 130 people jammed into a room that comfortably seated 80 on Wednesday night to have those questions and others about JQH Arena answered.
Padraic McMeel, on the job since Feb. 1 as Missouri State's assistant director of athletics for external affairs, was there at the Meyer Alumni Center to do the answering. It wasn't supposed to be much more than a review of information that already had been sent to prospective season-ticket holders, but inquiring minds had many questions.
"It's good because it shows that people are interested," McMeel said of the overflow crowd. "There are a lot of people who are wanting to come back on board for whatever the reason and be part of it again."......full article
Roubidoux Fly Fishers Association Meeting - Have you ever been interested in fly fishing? Would you like to learn to tie your own flies? Would you like to get involved with the local Stream Team? Roubidoux Fly Fishers Association is a fun group of folks dedicated to promoting fly fishing,... more info
New to Branson the RANKIN BROTHERS - This multi-media show speaks to all groups and all generations. Based on a belief that classic music is timeless, the Rankin Brothers project a love and respect for the music they play. Along with their considerable vocal and Musical talents, the Ra... more info
Dreaming a new dream
Branson production "Isle of Dreams" offers unique look at Jesus Christ's ministry with multiracial cast. - Branson -- Franklin Combs smiled, cried, danced and prayed during the "Isle of Dreams" presentation.
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"This really filled me up," the Kentucky resident said after a recent morning show.
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Combs and wife Mary were spending a few days in Branson taking in most of the big shows, but the intimate setting of the show at the Hot Hits Theatre downtown gave him just what he needed -- "something soothing for the soul."
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"Isle of Dreams," a 90-minute musical journey through the Gospel stories of Jesus Christ, showcases the music skills of co-writer, producer and performer Michael O'Hara and his small cast......full story
The Branson Brothers Show - Join Branson favorites, Jimmy and Diana Ponder, along with the new cast of the Branson Brothers for an enchanching evening of fun, music and comedy at The Americana Theatre, Monday thru Sat. @ 8 PM.... more info
Parton invests in herself to get back on country radio - Dolly Parton knows a good investment when she sees one, and these days she sees one in the mirror. Parton, whose business portfolio includes a theme park and an entertainment production company, says she's spending a lot of her own money trying to get back on country radio with her new CD, "Backwoods Barbie."
"I'm looking at it like an investment," she told The Associated Press. "I thought, 'I've made enough money. I can afford to invest a little in myself."' She has self-released the disc on her own label, Dolly Records, and hired a seven-member promotions team
BransonFest Super Show Performances - BransonFest, among a myriad of other activities, each day there is a "super show" that features performances by some of Branson's top shows and entertainers. The tentative list of those scheduled to appear.... ...
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