Our community’s success is based on the power of everyone working together towards a common goal. When we do our part, we help make this community that much stronger. We can all agree that resources like clean water, good schools, new businesses that provide year round employment, safe roads and programs that provide free hot meals to our schools, temporary assistance for needy families (TANF), and nutrition programs for women, infants and children (WIC) are vital to our community. But how can we make sure that our neighbors are guaranteed all these fundamental services? It’s simple. Fill out your form.The 10 short questions that make up the 2010 Census survey will be mailed out to all households in Taney and Stone Counties beginning mid-February thru late March. We all must do our part to encourage friends, family and co-workers to fill out and return the survey.

Here is why completing the 10 short questionnaires are so important:

Taney County had a return rate on 2000 Census forms of only 60%; Stone County 58%. The overall average for the State of Missouri was 69%. The low return rates caused our counties and citizens to miss out on dollars and opportunities that are essential to our expansion and sustainability as a community.

Missouri will lose 1.3 million dollars in the next decade for every 100 people who do not complete and return the census form. That breaks down to $1,300 per person per year over the next ten years.

Census data collected also determines the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives. As the population shifts across the country, states become at risk of loosing seats or have the opportunity of gaining seats.

The State of Missouri is at risk of losing one of the nine congressional seats we currently have. At Missouri’s highest point, we held 16 congressional seats. This potential loss of legal representation will have an adverse affect on policies and procedures for the State of Missouri as well as the counties of Taney and Stone.

“Filling out the forms is the best thing that you can do for your community and your family!”  2010 Census: 10 minutes, 10 questions, 10 year

Snow has caused us to miss six days of class – so far – this school year.  The following days have been designated as make up days [As of Feb. 4]:

Monday, February 15; Presidents’ Day
Monday, May 24; make up day
Tuesday, May 25; make up day
Wednesday, May 26; make up day
Thursday, May 27; make up day

Gene Williams opens the New Year with two special guests on the Jan. 2 and 3 broadcasts of the “Gene Williams Country Music Television Show” with guests Brandi Ely and James Marvell.

“Many will know Brandi Ely from her performances around Branson such as in the Hamner Barber ‘Wings of Christmas’ production, at Silver Dollar City and at numerous veterans’ events. Many will also know James Marvell as a member of the groups Mercy and Country Caveleers. Both are very talented and welcome on my show at any time,” said Williams, who is the star and creator of the award-winning “Gene Williams TV Show.”

The “Gene Williams Country TV Show” features the shows and stars from Branson and country music and is taped live in the NBC affiliate KY3 Studios in Springfield, Mo. Guest audience members are welcome and should arrive at the studio at 1 p.m. The next taping is Jan. 13.