College of the Ozarks and First Place! Invites Community to Hear Dr. Hal Urban Speak on “Old Fashioned Goodness” January 12, 2012
By: Alexis Schields

*****Time Change Update 1/5/2012******

To accommodate more educators, the time for Hal Urban’s presentation on “Old-fashioned Goodness” has been changed to 3:30-5 p.m. on Jan. 12.

College of the Ozarks and First PLACE! invite all area teachers, administrators, support staff and community members to hear from Dr. Hal Urban on Thursday, Jan. 12, from 3:30-5 p.m. in the Royal Oak Forum of The Keeter Center. This special event will inspire attendees with what Dr. Urban describes as “old-fashioned goodness.”

“Our community is doing a great job at fostering good character in young people,” said C of O Dean of Character Education Sue Head. “Dr. Urban’s message will resonate with these individuals who are dedicated to making a difference.”

His message focuses on what good character means and on “old-fashioned goodness,” which includes having a positive attitude, respect and kindness, thankfulness, honesty and integrity, life-long learning and hard work. While Dr. Urban says that he may not have a “magic formula” or “quick and easy” way to becoming rich and powerful, he can offer a time-honored formula for living a life of meaning, friendship and joy.

Dr. Urban was a teacher for 36 years and taught full time at Woodside and San Carlos High Schools and part time at the University of San Francisco. In addition to his numerous accolades, he won a “Distinguished Teacher Award” at San Carlos High and was “Teacher of the Year” twice at Woodside High. In October of 2005, Dr. Urban received the “Sanford N. McDonnell Lifetime Achievement Award in Character Education” at the Character Education Partnership annual conference.

Launched in 2005, First PLACE!, is a partnership among The Keeter Center for Character Education at College of the Ozarks and the public schools of Stone and Taney counties to foster a community where character is highly valued and intentionally taught. As part of First PLACE!, The Keeter Center for Character Education offers materials and workshops that aid in character education and breaking the poverty cycle.

This workshop is free of charge and open to the public. To register, please contact The Keeter Center for Character Education, (417) 690-2242.

Over Half Ton of Food from SIX

left to right: (Jak Knudsen, Pat Davis) Jak Knudsen of SIX delivers over a half ton of food to the CAM pantry.

Branson…One of Branson’s top shows, SIX, held a food drive for Christian Action Ministries (CAM) at a recent show. SIX fans came through in a big way with 1,176 pounds of food to help fill the winter shelves at the CAM pantry.

According to Jak Knudsen of SIX, “All of our family members feel strongly about the tremendous job CAM does for the community and we’re proud to be able to help support them, particularly during this time of increasing need.”

Upon taking delivery of the donations, CAM’s executive director Pat Davis commented, “CAM is entirely dependent on the generous charity of the community. SIX, along with so many of the other entertainers and organizations, really enable us to continue to meet the growing needs in Taney County. This contribution will definitely help provide nutritional food supplies for the growing number of people requesting assistance, which is considerably higher than any year in our history. In fact, roughly 25% of the people needing help each month are doing so for the very first time.”

Anyone that would like to help, make a donation, put together a food drive, raise funds, or volunteer time, should contact Pat Davis at 334-1157 or visit www.christianactionministries.org.

College of the Ozarks Student Wins Second at the 2011 Young Farmers and Ranchers Collegiate Division Discussion Meet at Annual Missouri Farm Bureau Federation Meeting

College of the Ozarks student Noble Carpenter (of Rocheport) won second place at the 2011 Young Farmers and Ranchers Collegiate Division Discussion Meet at the 97th annual meeting of the Missouri Farm Bureau Federation, Dec. 4 at Lake of the Ozarks.

During the meet, students were asked to discuss the question “How do we capitalize on the growing world demand for agricultural products?” The topic/question was one of five contestants researched.

Carpenter competed against students from Missouri State University, University of Central Missouri, Truman State University, Northwest Missouri State University and Southeast Missouri State University chapters. There are a total of seven chapters throughout the state.

For second place, he received a plaque and cash award of $200 from the Missouri Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture.

University of Missouri student Beth Nordwald won first place and Truman State student Casey Davis won second in the competition.

1945 W. 76 Country Blvd.
Branson, MO 65616
417-335-2484 – Reservations
417-336-5829 – Fax

Recorded LIVE on Friday night at 10:30 PM
This show is broadcast on radio stations around the country.
Airing Saturday nights at 7:00 PM on KRZK – 106.3 in Branson, Mo.
And — Sunday nights at 9:00 PM. on KHOZ – 102.9 in Harrison, Ar.,

You can also listen via the internet.
Show airs at 7:00pm (CST) every Saturday night.
www.BransonCountryUSA.net

1945 W. 76 Country Blvd.
Branson, MO 65616
417-335-2484 – Reservations
417-336-5829 – Fax

Recorded LIVE on Friday night at 10:30 PM
This show is broadcast on radio stations around the country.
Airing Saturday nights at 7:00 PM on KRZK – 106.3 in Branson, Mo.
And — Sunday nights at 9:00 PM. on KHOZ – 102.9 in Harrison, Ar.,

You can also listen via the internet.
Show airs at 7:00pm (CST) every Saturday night.
www.BransonCountryUSA.net

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

1. Always be aware of your surroundings.
2. Minimize shopping at night or alone; you are more susceptible to being victimized.
3. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
4. Minimize the items you carry in your purse or wallet; only carry what is absolutely needed.
5. Be sure to put valuables out of sight (ie. packages, purses, mobile phones, etc.) Place them in the trunk or carry them with you.
6. When walking in any parking lot, shopping center, etc., walk confidently with your head up, make eye contact, and have your keys ready.
7. Drive defensively and courteously.
8. Report all suspicious activity.
9. Trust you instincts.
10. Practice patience and have a safe shopping experience.

Invitation To Join the College for Christmas Card to the Community

By: Jacob McCauley

College of the Ozarks will present Christmas Card to the Community on December 11, at 7 p.m. in the Williams Memorial Chapel. The event is a traditional, Christian worship service that features Christmas music performed by the College’s Chapel Choir, Chorale and Handbell Choir.

Themed “Emmanuel-God With Us,” the service will feature hymns and traditional carols with opportunities for congregational participation. The music will be accompanied by a live orchestra and combined C of O choirs.

The program also will include scripture readings and student solos. “At Christmas Card to the Community we have the opportunity to combine the major ensembles for a total of over 100 student musicians singing and playing,” said Dr. Bruce Gerlach, professor of music.

College of the Ozarks invites the public to share in this annual Christmas service. A light reception with cookies, fruitcake and hot cider will immediately follow the service in the Fellowship Hall of the Chapel. Tickets are not required; seating is limited. For more information please contact Public Relations at 417-690-2212.

1945 W. 76 Country Blvd.
Branson, MO 65616
417-335-2484 – Reservations
417-336-5829 – Fax

Recorded LIVE on Friday night at 10:30 PM
This show is broadcast on radio stations around the country.
Airing Saturday nights at 7:00 PM on KRZK – 106.3 in Branson, Mo.
And — Sunday nights at 9:00 PM. on KHOZ – 102.9 in Harrison, Ar.,

You can also listen via the internet.
Show airs at 7:00pm (CST) every Saturday night.
www.BransonCountryUSA.net

Jazz Christmas Concert at the Keeter Center
By: Matt Farmer

College of the Ozarks Music Department will present a Christmas jazz concert on Tuesday, December 6, at 7 p.m., in the Royal Oak Forum of The Keeter Center. This free concert is open to the public and will feature the C of O Jazz Band and Ensemble.

The event will feature arrangements of popular favorites like Vince Guaraldi’s “Charlie Brown Christmas” and traditional Christmas songs, including “Jingle Bells.”

“The Jazz Band really enjoys the Christmas season,” says C of O junior music major Andy Petry. “The students have passion for Christmas music and will put on a great concert for the community.”

No tickets required. For more information, call the Music department at 417-690-2244.

Route 248 Bridge over Route 65 CLOSED Weekend of Nov. 18-20

* Bridge in Branson to Close Friday Morning, Nov. 18, and Reopen Monday, Nov. 21, in Diverging Diamond Configuration *

Web site with DDI animation — http://www.modot.org/southwest/major_projects/Greene/I-44andRoute13.html

Branson, Taney County — The Route 248 bridge over Route 65 in Branson will be CLOSED at 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18, and may remain closed into early Monday, Nov. 21, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

When the bridge is reopened late Sunday or by 6 a.m. Monday at the latest, the bridge will be in the new Diverging Diamond Interchange traffic pattern. That means cars will criss-cross at traffic signals at the end of the bridge and drive across the bridge on the left-hand side, allowing for smoother and safer left turns onto Route 65.

Traffic Impacts During the Bridge Closing

The ramps at the Route 248/65 interchange will remain open over the weekend. However, drivers can make only right turns from the Route 65 ramps onto Route 248 or from Route 248 onto Route 65.

Drivers will NOT be able to turn left onto or off of Route 248. No traffic will be allowed to cross the Route 248 bridge.

Drivers are urged to use the Route 65/Branson Hills Parkway interchange north of Route 248 or the Route 65/Route 76 interchange south of Route 248 to reach their destinations.

Accommodations have been made to allow emergency vehicles to travel across the bridge when responding to emergencies.

Work During the Closing

While the bridge is closed, contractor crews will install:

* Pavement markings to direct drivers through the interchange once it reopens.

* Traffic signals and lighting.

* Concrete islands that will help shift traffic into the correct lanes to drive across the bridge in the new configuration.

New Traffic Pattern When Route 248 Bridge Reopens

Under the Diverging Diamond Interchange design, the opposing lanes of Route 248 will criss-cross at traffic signals at the ends of the bridge over Route 65. Crossing the bridge, oncoming traffic will be on the right. Opposing lanes will be divided by a concrete barrier, with a pedestrian walkway in between the walls.

This configuration will provide left-turning vehicles on Route 248 a “free left” onto Route 65. At the same time, traffic continuing east or west on Route 248 will be able to travel through the interchange without being stopped due to a back up of left-turning traffic.

Signs, pavement markings and concrete islands will clearly guide drivers and help prevent making a wrong turn into the opposing lanes.

Right-angle crashes involving left-turning vehicles from Route 248 to Route 65 should be eliminated and rear-end crashes should be reduced.

Three other Diverging Diamond Interchanges are in use in Missouri: Two in Springfield at Kansas Expressway/I-44 (opened in 2008) and at National Avenue/Route 60 (opened in 2009) and one in St. Louis at Dorsett Road and I-270 (opened in 2009). Two other diverging diamond interchanges are under construction in the Kansas City area.

Project Background

* Widen the Route 248 bridge by 10-feet to allow for three lanes across the bridge when the project is complete; two lanes eastbound and one lane westbound

* Repair the existing Route 248 bridge and resurface the bridge deck

* Widen the southbound ramp at the interchange to include dual right- and dual left-turn lanes from Route 65 onto Route 248

* Install new traffic signals and street lighting at the interchange

The $5 million dollar project, a partnership with the city of Branson, will convert the interchange into a diverging diamond, widen the Route 248 bridge and repair the existing bridge deck and widen the ramps leading off of and onto Route 65.

The prime contractor on the project is APAC-Missouri of Columbia, doing the work for a low bid amount of $5 million. The project is scheduled for completion by December 19, 2011.

END

(For more information, call MoDOT toll-free at 888.275.6636 or 417.895.7600. Or visit www.modot.org/southwest

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