As most are aware, our friends and neighbors in Joplin, located about 100 miles from Branson, were devastated by a Category F5 Tornado on Sunday May 22. Although the horrific storms did not affect the Branson area physically, the impact of what has happened to our friends and neighbors in Joplin is heavy on our hearts, thoughts and prayers.

In addition, however, they need assistance and help in rebuilding their community and recovering their personal lives from the total devastation they have faced. The information on this page is intended to provide guidance on how you can assist in that effort in a manner that will get the most help to those that need it as quickly as possible.

JOPLIN, MO TORNADO INFORMATION

The outpouring of support from Hollister and Branson citizens and businesses continues. See below for opportunities and drop off sites in Hollister and the surrounding areas:

HOLLISTER DROP SITES:

• MEMCO, INC in Hollister (off the intersection of Hwy 65 & Hwy 86) have cleared out space in their warehouse, donated use of trucks and have coordinated to make deliveries to Convoy of Hope in Springfield. If you cannot make it to Memco, you may also drop off at the Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce Office inside the Taney County Airport behind Herrman Lumber. Contact Kim Crosby at Memco for additional information (417-297-0611). The following items have been approved and are needed:

Blankets (new or gently used/clean)
Pillows (new or gently used/clean)
Towels (new or gently used/clean)
Clothing & shoes (only NEW items accepted)
Socks and work gloves
Non-Perishable Foods
Pre-packaged (ready-to-eat) snacks
Bottled Water
Personal Care Items
Toiletry Items (shampoo, soap, etc.)
Baby Care Items (diapers, wipes, etc)
Laundry Detergent
Cleaning Supplies
Trash Bags (large, sturdy)
Paper Products
First Aid Supplies
Pet Food & Pet Supplies

• COUNTRY MART in Hollister. Customers who wish to participate may have $1, $3 or $5 added to their total at checkout. All 48 Pyramid Foods Stores will be participating in this program. The money raised will be given to the American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Chapter, specifically designated for relief in Joplin. For more information, please visit www.countrymartgrocery.com

• ARROWHEAD BUILDING SUPPLY in Hollister is collecting non-perishable food items to aid families in Joplin. Please drop off food items or first aid items to help get these families through this devastating time… Thank you for your support and contact us with any questions-

Hollister Location
181 Hollister Pointe Drive (Behind Lowe’s on Birch Rd)
Hollister MO. 65672
417-690-4733

Additional Contact Information:

Red Cross of the Greater Ozarks www.redcross-ozarks.org

United Way Dial 2-1-1 (seeking volunteers and donations) If the number is not operational, please call 800-427-4626.

Community Blood Center of the Ozarks www.cbco.org or 800-280-5337 (all types needed)

To check on loved ones, view the “Safe and Sound” registry of the Red Cross at www.safeandsound.org

Follow on Facebook – “Joplin, Mo Tornado Recovery” – find the page at http://www.facebook.com/joplinmo?ref=ts&sk=wall#!/joplinmo

Branson/Lakes Area Website – Online Directory of Resources http://www.explorebranson.com/spring/2011-tornado-donations.php

Branson Collector Car Auction – October 21-22, 2011

We are expecting near 300 cars this fall and both bidders and consignors are welcome to our cocktail reception and charity auction for Autism Thursday evening, starting at 6:30pm.

Now accepting consignments for October 21 & 22, 2011!

Friday October 22nd – Vehicle Check In 9:00am – 6:00pm
Auction starts at 12:00pm, Tickets go on sale at 10:00am. $10.00/day or $15.00/two days

Saturday October 22nd Auction starts at 10:00am, Tickets go on sale at 8:00am. $10.00/day
Valet Parking available under sky walk on Sycamore St. $6.00 daily.

For more information call 800-335-3063, email us at [email protected] or visit our website http://www.bransonauction.com

COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS ACADEMIC DEAN RECEIVES DOCTOR OF LAWS IN HONOR OF 40 YEARS OF SERVICE

For her 40 years of dedicated service to College of the Ozarks, Dean of the College Dr. Marilyn C. Graves received an honorary Doctor of Laws at the 104th Commencement, held May 8.
It is customary and proper for institutions of higher education to confer honorary degrees to recognize outstanding achievement, public service and leadership.
Dr. Graves began working at the College in 1970. Since that time, she has been a professor, coach, division chair, and now Dean.
Dr. Graves started the women’s basketball and volleyball teams and served as their first coach. She also has been instrumental in the administration and organization of the annual NAIA Men’s Division II Championship hosted by the College annually.
This past fall, the College announced that the new practice gymnasium of the athletic complex would be named for her.
College of the Ozarks is a fully-accredited, four-year Christian liberal arts college where students work campus jobs for their college education, allowing them the opportunity to graduate debt free.

C OF O VICE PRESIDENT RECEIVES HONORARY DOCTOR OF LAWS IN HONOR OF HIS 40 YEARS OF SERVICE

For his 40 years of dedicated service to College of the Ozarks, Vice President Dr. Howell W. Keeter received an honorary Doctor of Laws at the College’s 104th Commencement, held May 8.
It is customary and proper for institutions of higher education to confer honorary degrees to recognize outstanding achievement, public service and leadership.
Dr. Keeter began working for the College in 1970. Since that time he has served as the Work Coordinator, Chancellor, Board of Trustees member, interim President, and now Vice President.
He is an avid support of the College’s athletic program and was instrumental in helping the College become the host school of the annual NAIA Men’s Division II Basketball Championship.
This past fall, the College named its athletic complex in his honor.
College of the Ozarks is a fully-accredited, four-year Christian liberal arts college where students work campus jobs for their college education, allowing them the opportunity to graduate debt free.

U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN JO ANN EMERSON RECEIVES HONORARY DOCTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE FROM COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS

For her public service to Missouri and the nation United States, Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson (Missouri, 8th District) received an honorary Doctor of Public Service from College of the Ozarks during its 104th Commencement. Congresswoman Emerson gave the Commencement address at the ceremony, sharing with students the importance of preparation and hard work for leadership in the 21st century.

“We have the ability to work as hard as we want—funny how no one factors that into the pursuit of happiness,” she said. “But, the truth is that they are inseparable.”

Since becoming the first Republican woman to represent Missouri in Congress, the Honorable Jo Ann Emerson is currently serving her eighth term in the United States House of Representatives. She has been a leading advocate for farm families and the promotion of America’s agriculture, hunger relief, pro-life issues, and access to safe, affordable prescription drugs.

As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Emerson is the Chairman of the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee and also sits on the Agriculture Subcommittee and Legislative Branch Subcommittee.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in political science in 1972 from Ohio Wesleyan University.

At the College of the Ozarks 104th Commencement, a record number of 338 graduates received their degrees. Commencement was held on the afternoon of May 8.

College of the Ozarks is a fully-accredited, four-year Christian liberal arts college where students work campus jobs for their college education, allowing them the opportunity to graduate debt free. Approximately one-fourth of the College’s students come from Missouri’s 8th congressional district.

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.