October
31

College of the Ozarks will honor Veterans with numerous events and ceremonies during the week of and prior to Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017.

“At College of the Ozarks, we celebrate Veterans every day of the year, but we love Veterans Week as a time to honor and show our thanks to the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to defend our country,” said Bryan Cizek, director of patriotic activities. “Veterans — past, present, and future — took an oath to defend the Constitution and protect our nation. We invite everyone to join with the College of the Ozarks in honoring these brave men and women who have sought to secure the freedoms we all hold dear.”

Veterans Week activities

The Korean War Memorial Groundbreaking Ceremony — (Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017, 11:30 a.m.) College of the Ozarks will break ground for The Korean War Memorial at Patriots Park on the College campus. The public is invited to attend the brief ceremony. The purpose of The Korean War Memorial is not only to honor the 944 Missourians who paid the ultimate sacrifice but to honor all 36,574 Americans who gave their lives, to pay homage to all Korean War Veterans who served their country, and to ensure that students learn about the sacrifice of so many who served in this historic conflict.

Veterans Grove Tree Dedication — (Thursday, Nov. 9, 11 a.m.) The annual Tree Dedication will take place on the Flag Plaza adjacent to Veterans Grove. The trees in Veterans Grove honor Veterans who have participated in the Patriotic Education trips with C of O students. Twelve trees will be dedicated, honoring Veterans who participated in the 2017 Vietnam Tour.

Veterans Day Service — (Friday, Nov. 10, 7 a.m.) A sunrise, flag-raising ceremony will take place at the heart of campus by the Williams Memorial Chapel.

Missouri Vietnam Veterans Memorial Reading — (Friday, Nov. 10, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) The names on The Missouri Vietnam Veterans Memorial, located at the entrance of the College of the Ozarks campus, will be read by C of O students, staff, and faculty. All are welcome to visit the memorial and pause for a moment of quiet reflection.

“More Than a Name: To Honor and Remember” exhibit — (Semipermanent Display at The Keeter Center) During Veterans Week, College of the Ozarks will continue the original exhibit, “More than a Name: To Honor and Remember,” at The Keeter Center. The exhibit highlights students from The School of the Ozarks who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. Military. The exhibit showcases a personal glimpse into the lives of “our boys” who died while serving our country from 1942 to 1982. These 18 men, all former students of The School of the Ozarks, are permanently memorialized on the Alumni Veterans Memorial at the College

Patriotic Play “Flames of Freedom: The Perilous Journey of an Ozarks Aviator” — (Select Dates in October & November) In honor of Veterans Week, multiple showings of this complimentary play will be performed in The Keeter Center’s Royal Oak Forum at College of the Ozarks. Show dates for this week are at 2 p.m. Nov. 7, 9, and 11. In honor of Veterans Week, a special performance will be shown at 7 p.m. on Nov. 9.

The play is based off the book, “Miracle in the Ozarks,” written by President Jerry C. Davis. The main character in the story, Lt. Earl Woodard, was a graduate from the School of the Ozarks who became a navigator on a B-17 bomber for the Army Air Corps during World War II. Shot down in occupied France, Earl, otherwise known as “Woodie,” was transported undercover to Paris, turned over to the French Resistance, and introduced to the Queen of Pyrenees, a key player in the effort to smuggle airmen out of occupied France. This is the powerful and touching story of a true American hero. Showings are free to the public, and seats are available first come, first served.

For additional information, contact Public Relations Director Valorie Coleman at (417) 690-2212.

About College of the Ozarks

College of the Ozarks is a private, Christian, liberal arts college, located in Point Lookout, Missouri, on a 1,000-acre campus. Christian values, hard work, and financial responsibility comprise the fundamental building blocks of the “Hard Work U.” experience. The College earns numerous accolades yearly, including a No. Best Value Regional College in the Midwest ranking by U.S. News and World Report for 2017. To achieve its vision, the College pursues academic, vocational, Christian, patriotic, and cultural goals. These goals are mirrored in School of the Ozarks, a laboratory school that completes the K-college model.

The Keeter Center—the College’s award-winning lodge, restaurant, and conference facility—was ranked a Top Small Hotel in the U.S. by TripAdvisor for 2017. It features historic lodging, fine dining, and meeting rooms. With more than 350 student workers, it is the largest work station on campus. Follow College of the Ozarks at www.facebook.com/collegeoftheozarks or on Twitter @CofOHardWorkU.

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September
15

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — On Friday, Sept. 22, 2017, College of the Ozarks will be hosting the Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) as part of their 91st Anniversary Convoy.

In honor of the Convoy’s 91st anniversary, the historic vehicles will be set up in the Ralph Foster Museum parking lot from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for guests to enjoy, and the museum will be offering complimentary admission to guests on the day of the event.

The Convoy will have approximately 65 historic military vehicles (HMVs) that will retrace the original 1926 Route 66 which begins in Chicago, Illinois, and travels through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and ends in California. Their journey covers a total of 2,448 miles.

The College is pleased to partner with the MVPA to honor our Veterans.

For additional information, contact Public Relations Director Valorie Coleman, at (417) 690-2212.

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February
3

(Branson, Mo. 2/2/17)           Silver Dollar City Attractions in Branson, Missouri will hold a job fair Friday and Saturday, February 10 & 11, taking applications and interviewing for positions at Silver Dollar City, the Showboat Branson Belle and White Water.

The job fair will begin at 9 am each day at Red Gold Heritage Hall at Silver Dollar City. Appointments are encouraged and may be made by calling 417-338-8122, but walk-ins are welcome.

Silver Dollar City Attractions has multiple openings in more than 30 unique career paths. Applicants can check online for job listings at www.silverdollarcity.com and clicking on the “Careers” link at the bottom, and may apply online. Online applicants will be contacted with an interview appointment time.

Silver Dollar City Attractions provides equal employment (and affirmative action) opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.

 

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February
2

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Officials of the Army Corps of Engineers urge boaters, dock owners and visitors at its White River Basin lakes to take extra safety measures because of low lake levels.  Cold weather has fueled demand for hydroelectricity from five Corps dams in the basin.  Below normal rainfall has reduced inflow into the lakes which has led to low lake levels.

Beaver, Table Rock, Greers Ferry, Bull Shoals and Norfork lakes are five to 10 feet below the tops of their conservation pools.  Levels are expected to continue to decline until there is sufficient rainfall to begin replenishing the lakes.

There is plenty of water for boating and other activities.  However, officials urge extra precautions.  Dock owners should monitor their docks closely and move them as needed to prevent them from being grounded.

For boaters, some launch ramps may be impaired.  Stay in main river channels, and give the shoreline a wide berth.  Some areas may harbor obstacles just below the surface such as land points, rock formations, tree stumps or other hazards and shallow spots that are usually deep under water.

Slow down, wear life jackets and use depth finders.  Check with local marinas about trouble spots.  Be especially careful at night.  Boaters are encouraged to stay on the side of the lake with bluffs since water is usually deeper there.  Gradually sloping shorelines can indicate shallow water depth.  A change in water color can indicate a change in depth.  Lighter color often indicates shallower water.

For more information about lake levels, log onto the Internet at www.swl.usace.army.mil and click “Water Levels.”

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November
18

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — The College of the Ozarks Concert Band, directed by Dr. Kevin Powers, will perform a concert on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016, at 3 p.m. in the Royal Oak Forum at The Keeter Center.

The concert is FREE and open to the public.

“Come and spend a fun afternoon with the College of the Ozarks Concert Band,” Powers said. “We will be playing a wide variety of festive music that will put you in the Christmas spirit.”

PROGRAM:

  • “A Rhapsody of Carols,” by Paul Jennings

The concert band will present a medley of some of the best loved Christmas carols, including “Joy to the World,” “It Came upon a Midnight Clear,” “Christmas is Coming,” and “O Come All Ye Faithful.”

 

  • “Carol of the Bells,” by Mykola Leontovich and Peter Wilhousky/O’Loughlin, arr.

This arrangement for concert band represents a classic Christmas piece.

 

  • “Symphonic Highlights from the “King and I,” by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein/Bulla, arr.

First appearing in theaters in 1956, audiences now celebrate the 60th anniversary of this timeless classic. The concert band will perform a collection of favorite tunes from this Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, including “Something Wonderful,” “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” “I Have Dreamed,” “The March of the Siamese Children,” “Getting to Know You,” and “Shall We Dance?”

 

  • “Toboggan Ride,” by Stan Applebaum

This fun, musical composition represents a race downhill on an out of control toboggan.

  • “Star of Wonder,” by James Swearingen

This is a beautiful and lush rendition of “Greensleeves” and “We Three Kings.”

 

  • “A Show Stoppin’ Christmas,” by Chris Sharp

Several different styles of music are incorporated into this Christmas work, including swing and funk.

 

For more information, contact the music department at (417) 690-2244.

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October
7

The announcement that a new attraction would be built at the junction of Fall Creek Road and Highway 76 a few weeks ago was devoid of any specific details about what it would be except to indicate that all would be revealed at a press conference on Oct. 6. Since then, speculation within the Branson community has run rampant, but at a press conference on the morning of Oct. 6, one of the best-maintained secrets in Branson history was revealed.
Ted Cunningham, the pastor of Woodland Hills Family Church, acting as a spokesperson for the project, revealed the big secret. Reading from a prepared statement it was announced that the name of the new attraction was “Fritz’s Adventure.”

“Fritz’s Adventure is a dynamic indoor family attraction that brings the excitement and challenges of outdoor adventure into a multi-dimensional indoor environment. It’s three stories high and has 80,000 square feet of hands-on climbing, tunneling, sliding, swinging, and zip-lining thrills, featuring daunting utility poles to climb, bridges suspended stories above, towering rock climbing walls and giant boulders, an impressive parkour area, a massive ropes course, urban brick buildings for scaling, a life-size water tower with multiple slides, tunnels and tubes to burrow in, and an air-worthy airplane to explore. Fritz’s Adventure delivers the sense of adventure with a perceived element of risk, while in a strategically engineered and safe environment. It is a place where you can experience elements of the world around you, that anywhere else would be prohibited or discouraged. Parents, teenagers, grandparents, toddlers, and kids alike are encouraged to explore and adventure together.

“Additionally, Fritz’s Adventure features a restaurant with healthy menu choices overlooking the indoor adventure park from the second floor and party rooms for groups or special occasions. Fritz’s Adventure opens its doors to the exciting challenges normally reserved for seasoned adventurers, adapted for every age and ability level…”
It is anticipated that the new non-weather-dependent attraction will open in the summer of 2016 and will be open 365 days a year. “What an exciting and unique attraction for Branson visitors to enjoy,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “It is yet another wonderful adventure that families can share together in Branson,” she added.

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July
21

National champions from multiple major youth baseball organizations will be coming to Branson this summer to compete in a tournament of champions. The 2015 12U Champions from AABC, AAU, CABA, Dizzy Dean and NABF will be competing in the Youth Baseball Network (YBN) National Championship. The tournament will be held August 19-22.

The inaugural YBN Championship will be played at the Branson RecPlex, with future Championships played annually at the new Ballparks of America in Branson.

In addition to the participating champions, a host Branson-area All-Star team will round-out the six team tournament. Youth Baseball Network is planning for additional major youth baseball organizations to join the YBN Championship in 2016.

Youth Baseball Network, a marketing and online media company, developed its YBN National Championship by partnering with many of the largest youth baseball organizations in America. This invitational tournament promises to become the preeminent national youth baseball championship in the country.

“We’re excited to have Branson as the host city of our very prestigious National Championship,” stated Gil Vieira, Founder and CEO of Youth Baseball Network. “Between the City of Branson, Branson CVB, Branson Tourism Center and Ballparks of America, we’ve been able to build partnerships that will help develop Branson into the new ‘capital’ of youth baseball.”

“We are delighted to welcome these teams from across the nation, and their families, to the inaugural YBN National Championship,” said Jeff Seifried, President/CEO, Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We look forward to hosting the National Championship for many years to come.”

Branson Landing Hosts Special Opening Ceremony

The YBN Championship begins Wednesday morning, August 19, at 9:00 AM. A special Opening Ceremony will take place that day at 6:30 PM at Branson Landing. The ceremony will feature Missouri State University Head Baseball Coach Keith Guttin as Guest Speaker. Coach Guttin, a member of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, was recently named the 2015 Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year – an award he has won five times. Coach Guttin will host a question and answer segment and discuss his experiences in baseball.

Additional entertainment at the ceremony will be provided by Branson’s popular ‘Buckets N Boards.’ Matt Levingston and Gareth Sever have crafted a hilarious and high-energy show chock-full of precise percussion, ridiculous songs, spectacular tap dancing, inventive instrumentation and unique musical talent.

The teams will arrive at the Landing via Branson’s famous amphibious craft that resemble the WWII DUKW, courtesy of Ride The Ducks.

Games continue at the RecPlex Thursday and Friday afternoon, with the YBN Championship Finals scheduled for Saturday at 3:00 PM. The Finals will be preceded by a Home Run Derby contest at 1:30 PM.

The full YBN Championship schedule can be seen at www.youthbaseballnetwork.com.

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May
30

Whether it’s cigarettes or chewing tobacco, tobacco usage is the single most preventable cause of death and disease in the United States. Cigarette smoking is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths per year in the United States, including an estimated 41,000 deaths resulting from secondhand smoke exposure.

World No Tobacco Day is May 31 this year and Cox Medical Center Branson is observing the day by doing what they do every day of the year, encouraging people to kick the habit and by offering services and support to make that happen.

“Any time is a great time to quit! Branson’s smoke-free ordinance goes into effect July 1. World No Tobacco Day on Sunday, May 31, is a great day to begin your journey of breathing easier and enjoying a healthier life,” said Mayo Clinic Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist Jim Brawner.

Branson’s smoke-free ordinance for public and workplaces was passed by aldermen in October 2014. The new requirements are intended to protect the health of residents, visitors, patrons and workers against the dangers of tobacco smoke, including second-hand smoke.

CoxHealth has been a leader in the smoke-free movement and has been taking steps for years to protect the health and wellness of our patients, employees and community. In September 2006, Cox Branson became a smoke-free campus. In November 2013, CoxHealth became the first health system in the Ozarks to no longer hire tobacco users.

Tobacco users who are ready to take the next step to becoming tobacco-free themselves do not have to quit alone. Brawner teaches a highly successful Freedom from Smoking class that consists of eight one-hour sessions.

“I think the reason it is so successful is the fact that this program merges the best of the American Lung Association, which is the gold standard in Freedom from Smoking, with the incredible council you get from the Mayo Clinic and their certification program,” said Brawner. “At CoxHealth, our mission is to improve the health of the communities we serve and by offering this class, we’ve been able to dramatically improve the health of more than 100 of our friends and neighbors here in Branson area.”

The Freedom from Smoking class is $80 per person and the fee includes a workbook as well as up to $50 in nicotine replacement therapy. Scholarships are available through the Skaggs Foundation. To register for an upcoming Freedom from Smoking class in Taney or Stone counties, call Brawner at 417-348-8498. For information about tobacco cessation support in Springfield, call 417-269-4847 or in Monett, call 417-354-1100.

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March
6

Branson, MO ― Branson’s First Family of Entertainment, the Presleys will kick off their 49th live show season at 8p.m., Friday, March 6, 2015 in their original theater built in 1967 on Branson’s famous Highway 76 Strip. Three generations of Presley family members, plus a cast of multi-talented entertainers, can be seen nightly in their all new 2015 show featuring country hits, Southern gospel and hilarious comedy. Visit www.presleys.com or call 800-335-4874 for tickets.

“This year’s show is going to be more entertaining than ever,” according to co-producer, Gary Presley, also known as the lovable hillbilly character, Herkimer. “It’s going to be a fast-paced show with something for people of all ages to love.”

Gary and his brother, Steve Presley, the show’s other co-producer and drummer, are the only two original entertainers from Branson’s first two live music shows who still perform nightly.

Presleys’ Country Jubilee promises to treat audiences to a show packed full of brand-new music and comedy, new lighting effects and much more in 2015.

Gary and his son, Eric Presley, also known as the slap-stick character Cecil, have lots of rip-roaring comedy antics and down-home family fun in store for guests. Fourth generation performer, Ben Presley, joins his dad Cecil on stage providing even more laughs.

The tradition continues as third generation family members, Scott, Greg and John Presley, who are some of Branson’s best entertainers, wow audiences every night with their musical talents.

This year, musician Dean Holman will be joining the show playing banjo, steel guitar and dobro. Holman has toured with many great country acts such as Ricky Skaggs.

Before the main show, fans can sing along to their favorite old time songs in the pre-show that starts in the Presleys’ lobby at 7:15p.m. Guests will also want to check out the gift shop for Presleys’ souvenirs and a sampling of merchandise from the famous Dick’s Old-Time 5 & 10 Store, a landmark in downtown Branson.

Also in 2015, the Presleys are kicking off the 6th season of their hit music and comedy TV Show, on RFD-TV. Presleys’ TV Show is seen across the nation by over one million viewers each month. Presleys’ TV Show airs every Saturday night on RFD-TV at 7:30p.m. EST/6:30p.m. CST and features the talented Presleys’ cast plus special guest stars such as Neal McCoy, Rhonda Vincent, The Oak Ridge Boys, Suzy Bogguss, Gene Watson and many others.

For more information on Presleys’ Country Jubilee live show schedule at their theater in Branson, or to purchase tickets, visit www.presleys.com or call the box office toll free at 800-335-4874.

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October
3

Grape Stomp a Mainstay of Annual Celebration

Organizers of the annual Hollister Grape & Fall Festival are searching for adults and children not afraid to get their
feet dirty.

One of the highlights of the Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual festival is the grape stomp, when teams of four slip off their comfortable shoes and slip into vats filled with fresh ripe grapes. They then dance, prance and stomp to their favorite tunes, all while vying for the day’s top prize, the traveling Ugly Monkey Trophy and bragging rights. Comedian and ventriloquist Jim Barber will emcee the stomp. Barber, co-star of the “Hamner Barber Variety Show,” has performed on “The Late Show with David Letterman.”

While the grape stomp competition leaves people rolling in their seats, the contest actually has historical roots.

“The Grape & Fall Festival was first known as the Grape Carnival and was celebrated each fall, for a period that lasted about three decades, in the early 20th century,” said Hollister City Administrator Rick Ziegenfuss. “The carnival served as a chance for local residents and their guests to celebrate another year of hard work and success in an Ozarks agricultural—and tourism—based community. As Hollister faced the challenges of post-depression America, floods and World War II, the community turned its attention to more immediate priorities and the festival was forgone.

“In the 1990s, interested residents, the Hollister chamber of commerce and the city of Hollister once again turned to what is now known as the Grape & Fall Festival for many of the same reasons as it original organizers. To this day, the festival offers residents and guests the chance to celebrate another year of hard work and progress in Hollister.”

Ziegenfuss said because the Grape Carnival called attention to the area vineyards, it only seemed natural to include a fun, grape-based event in the festival’s second life, thus the grape stomp was born.

“After the first grape stomp, it became apparent that it was an event that was here to stay,” he said. “Stomp teams of all ages excite the judges and the crowd into an event high that generates comments, long after the event has ended.”

The tradition continues this year Saturday, October 12, when the Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce will once again host Hollister’s Grape & Fall Festival from 10:00 a.m.– 10:00 p.m. on Downing Street. The day will include food and craft vendors, entertainment, children’s activities and, of course, the grape stomp. To get things started this year, organizers have incorporated the first Color Me Grape 5K Color Fun Run, which begins at 9:00 A.M.

The Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce is currently taking applications for grape stomp teams, event sponsors, crafters, food vendors and area businesses who would like to take part in the annual event celebrating Hollister’s
rich history.

Businesses, non-profits and crafters wanting to exhibit may call Debbie Redford at 417.332.7246. Food vendors are asked to call Jerry Shackette at 417.598.9731. Businesses interested in becoming a Grape & Fall Festival sponsor may call D. Todd Aeschliman at 417.294.5050 or visit HollisterChamber.Net. To register a grape stomp team or find out more information about the grape stomp, call Laurie Hayes at 417-559-3869.

 

 

 

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