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Posted In: Branson, Branson Area, General Interest, Press Release by BroadcastBranson.com

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, January 24, 2012

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES EXPANDS SERVICE IN BRANSON
AirTran Airways, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines, announced today daily nonstop service from Branson to Chicago and Houston

BRANSON, MISSOURI (January 24, 2012) – AirTran Airways, which will be converted to Southwest Airlines over time, will begin daily nonstop service from Branson to Chicago and Houston starting April 16, 2012.

Chicago and Houston are major Southwest markets with connecting service to many great destinations. While the airlines’ networks are not connected at this point, both carriers are working together to publish the best flight schedules to places customers want to go. When the networks are connected, people traveling to and from these areas will have access to many more cities.

“These new daily flights to Chicago and Houston are very exciting because Chicago and Houston are large visitation markets for Branson” stated Executive Director, Jeff Bourk. “Ultimately, these routes will tie into the Southwest network, giving passengers many more low cost choices to get where our passengers want to go.”
On Friday, Southwest Airlines committed to serve Branson, Missouri. Southwest Airlines made the decision to serve Branson, Missouri and to convert AirTran Airways at Branson to Southwest Airlines operations over time.
“We are committed to continuing to serve these communities—at first via AirTran, and eventually as Southwest. We know there are Southwest Customers who want access to these cities, but have never before had the opportunity, and the markets have long desired Southwest service,” said Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer and AirTran Airways President Bob Jordan. “We are excited about the cities we have chosen to keep in our combined network.”

For a complete list of destinations available at the Branson Airport, visit www.FlyBranson.com.

About Branson Airport: Opening its doors May of 2009, Branson Airport LLC is the first privately developed and operated commercial service airport in the United States. Currently serviced by Southwest Airlines/AirTran Airways and Frontier Airlines. Located in the heart of the Ozarks and centrally located in the Midwest, the airport also boasts a state of the art FBO, Branson JetCenter and a full service travel agency, FlyBranson Travel. The Airport offers low cost service to over 100 destinations. For more information visit www.FlyBranson.com or call toll free 1-888-FLY-BKG1 (1-888-359-2541).

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Posted In: Branson, College of the Ozarks, Hollister, Sports by BroadcastBranson.com

College of the Ozarks Inducts Alumni Athletes into Sports Hall of Fame
By: Austin Plummer

College of the Ozarks will induct three of its alumni athletes into the College of the Ozarks Sports Hall of Fame on February 4. Cara Painter, Ralph Hagewood and the late Chris Waller will be honored during the C of O vs. Southwestern Christian University games; the women play at 3 p.m. and the men at 5 p.m.

Painter was a three year starter in basketball for the Lady Cats from 2003-2006, after transferring from Oklahoma State University. She finished her career with 1,755 points, 925 rebounds, 163 three-point shots made, 257 free-throws made, and 329 blocked shots. Painter had an 87.2 career free throw percentage and a 44.4 career three-point percentage. Her conference honors included 1st Team All-Conference all three years and MCAC Player of the Year her senior year. Nationally, Painter was named 3rd Team NAIA All-American both her junior and senior years. She also led the nation in rebounding and blocked shots her senior year. Her number 44 was retired in 2006.

Hagewood was a four year letterman in track and field from 1966 to 1970. His hard work enabled him to become a fine sprinter, and he was able to score in the 100 and 220 yard dashes, the 440 and the 880 yard relays, high hurdles, long jump, discus and pole vault. At one time, Hagewood was the school record holder in the pole vault at 14 ft. 6.5 in. He was All-Conference and All-District for three years, and he was the first athlete from School of the Ozarks to qualify for NAIA National Competition, a feat he accomplished three times. A strong leader and competitor, Hagewood entered any and all events that would help the team.

Waller was a four year letterman in basketball from 1997-2001. He ended his career with 810 points, 268 rebounds, 140 assists, and a 50.4 field goal percentage, 43.5 three-point percentage, and a 77 free throw percentage. He was named 1st Team All-Conference his senior year and an NAIA Academic All-American his junior and senior years. He was the winner of the MCAC A. O. Duer Award his junior year and was named C of O’s Outstanding Male Scholar Athlete his senior year.

For more information please contact the Sports Information office at (471)690-2393.

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