March
11

For years, College of the Ozarks has openly discouraged student debt by allowing students the opportunity to work a campus job to pay for their college education and, in the summer, for the upcoming year’s room and board.  The College also discourages debt by not participating in any state or federal loan programs.  While these efforts have curbed student debt, the College, in response to the stagnant economy, will add even more cost-saving opportunities for students.

“The College views discouraging debt as a priority and will continue to seek ways to help students avoid it,” said College of the Ozarks President Jerry C. Davis.

As such, the College will no longer participate in private student bank loans.

Also, in the upcoming 2013-14 year, the College will not increase the current room and board fee of $5900, which is the lowest room and board fee of any private, four-year Missouri college.

During the summer months, the College offers financially-deserving students the opportunity to participate in the Summer Work Program, consisting of 12, 40-hour work weeks at a campus job, to work off the upcoming year’s room and board.  In previous years, the College has capped the number of students admitted into the Summer Work Program at approximately 490.  This summer, that number will be increased to 550.

In past years, vacant rooms in residence halls have been available for students to rent in the summer.  This summer, the College will waive the fee for renting a residence hall room so that students may save all earnings from their off-campus summer jobs.

“It is not enough to stand idly by and allow America’s future to become ensnared in the debt trap,” President Davis said.  “We hope that others will follow our lead in discouraging debt.”

College of the Ozarks is consistently commended by U. S. News & World Report and Forbes for graduating students with the least debt in the nation, as well as being one of the best college buys.

Nationally, outstanding student loan debt totals $956 billion, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit release November 26, 2012.

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January
18

Police try to avenge loss to Fire last year

The Branson Police Officers and Firefighters are practicing hard for the fourth annual Guns ‘n Hoses Basketball Game.  This high energy and exciting competition is set for Saturday, February 2 starting at 6:00 p.m. in the Branson High School gymnasium.

Last year the firefighters beat the police officers in a heated shoot out battle as the Guns led almost the entire game with a remarkable comeback from the Hoses to win the game in the last couple of minutes.  The Hoses lead the series 2-1 over the Guns.

All three games in the series have been extremely close in score keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats.  Obviously the Hoses turned on the heat in last year’s game to pull off a last minute win,” said Branson Fire Chief Ted Martin.  Police Chief Kent Crutcher fired back. “We want the game to be as entertaining and competitive as possible for the fans, so I’ve told my guys to pack a little more heat of their own to pull off a win this year.”

Both teams are pumped up and ready for tipoff.  Half time entertainment will even include a “Free Throw Shootout” between the Chiefs and members of the public can participate in a three point with contest several prizes to be awarded.

There is no cost to the public to view the game, but donations will be accepted.   All proceeds from the game will benefit the Branson Police and Fire Associations, which provide financial aid to the families of police officers and firefighters who become disabled through sickness or job injuries and unable to continue working.  The Association also aids families from the community affected by disasters.

Both Chiefs guarantee the basketball game will be fun, family-oriented, entertaining and played for a worthwhile cause.

Firefighter Tom Shaw drives towards the basket with heavy defense from the Guns.

9-1-1 Communications Officer Ken Watson shoots for two defended by Fire Captain Dave Etz.

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January
17

Springfield, Missouri  The successful Branson restaurant, Florentina’s Ristorante Italiano, is set to open a Springfield location in the Battlefield Marketplace on Monday, January 21.

The Branson location, opened in March of 2010, was developed with the assistance of Chef Ron Kaleniuk, better known in Branson as Chef K. Chef K is a popular and well renowned Executive Chef and cookbook author. Florentina’s 2010 opening in Branson brought unique and first class Italian cuisine to the town.

“Though we had a number of chain Italian restaurants, Branson was lacking something special,” says Randy Brashers, President of Branson Restaurants Inc., operators of the Branson Florentina’s location. “Not only was our concept singular to Branson at the time, but also, truly exceptional Italian dining.”

Well-known Springfield restaurateur, Steve Heil, took interest in the up and coming Branson sensation this past year.

“I was involved in one of the first taste tastings of the menu when Florentina’s opened in 2010 and fell in love with Chef K’s creations that day,” says Heil.  “Since, I have followed Florentina’s successes very closely and really feel that it’s a concept that Springfield is looking for.”

Florentina’s Italian Ristorante will open it’s doors in Springfield serving lunch and dinner featuring a number of uncommon specialties including daily made-from-scratch, fresh baked bread; authentic brick oven pizzas with fine dining combinations like Italian sausage with sliced apples and candied walnuts; and an extensive wine list.

“It’s a perfect mix,” says Heil. “Our atmosphere is intimate and upscale Italian, but still well-suited to families. We have traditional favorites like spaghetti and meatballs, but also unusual creations like Salmon Trattoria and Rigatoni Florentina. And though everything is made from scratch with five-star ingredients and preparations, it’s priced no more costly than a large-scale Italian chain.”

Grand opening celebrations will begin later in the week, after a ribbon cutting on Thursday, January 24.

For more information about Florentina’s Ristorante Italiano in Springfield, call 417-883-5678 or go online at www.florentinasristoranteitaliano.com.

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December
9

Branson-Hollister VFW Post 11290 recently sponsored a Patriot’s Pen writing competition among area schools. The essay contest asked middle school students to write on the topic “What I Would Tell America’s Founding Fathers.” The writing competition is also sponsored nationally by VFW. The students are under the instruction of Junior High history instructor John Mathews.

Local level winners included Branson students:

Cecilia Corbin – first place

Jacob Banks – second place

Adriauna Youngdahl – third place

The students were presented awards by local Post 11290 representatives Gerald Long and Richard Baehr. District winners advance to state competition early next year.

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November
30

On Dec. 2, seven College of the Ozarks students and six WWII Veteran survivors of the Battle of Guadalcanal will travel to the Solomon Islands in the Pacific to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the campaign, which began Aug. 7, 1942 and lasted until Feb. 9, 1943.
The Battle of Guadalcanal, the first major offensive by Allied forces against Japan, resulted in nearly 40,000 Allied and Japanese deaths. Five of the students traveling with Veterans on this historic journey have direct family ties to the battle. Veterans participating in the trip Charles Monroe, John Christiansen, Chester Thomason, Theron MacKay, Elmer Hawkins and Paul Castiglione all served in the campaign.
During the trip, the contingent will travel by ship to the various islands, such as Guadalcanal and Gizo, which comprise the Solomon chain. They will tour what were hospitals and airstrips once vital components to the campaign. They will lay wreaths in waters littered with wreckages where hundreds perished in battle.
Students will have the opportunity to learn about personal experiences from the Veterans, like the time Charles Monroe, a fighter pilot, crash landed on the Japanese side of Guadalcanal, received help from the island natives and was able to return to his chore of flying in torpedo runs. They are also likely to hear about Paul Castiglione’s account of how one ham sandwich made the difference between life and death for him, as taking an extra few minutes to enjoy the treat spared him from a shelling attack.
This trip is part of the College of the Ozarks Patriotic Education Travel Program, wherein students accompany veterans to their fields of battle to learn about history and sacrifice from the individuals who lived it. Student participants relish the opportunity to learn from the veterans and understand that they are in a unique position to learn and pass on precious historical accounts. During the journey, students will record the Veterans’ stories and the trip by journaling, using voice recorders and keeping a travel blog.
The College recognizes patriotic education travel as a powerful opportunity to reinforce one of the five goals of the College, patriotic education. The rich educational journey provides a life-changing experience for College of the Ozarks students, who not only learn volumes of history from participants, but grow to love and appreciate them as well. Since the inaugural trip taken in 2009, 12 trips have been taken with a total of 173 students and 73 Veterans participating. For more information on the Patriotic Education Travel Program, please visit www.cofo.edu. To follow the students and Veterans journey to the Solomon Islands, go to www.cofopacific.blogspot.com.
College of the Ozarks is a four-year, fully accredited, Christian work college located in southwest Missouri. At “Hard Work U” students don’t pay a penny of tuition. Instead they work campus jobs at one of more than 80 campus workstations ranging from a restaurant to dairy farm. Upon their participation in the Work Education Program, the College guarantees to cover the entire cost of their education, allowing them to graduate debt-free. Working for one’s education has been a distinctive tradition of the institution since its founding.

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October
23

Best Western Center Pointe Inn Reopens Third Building in Branson, Missouri
Branson, Missouri – October 18, 2012 – Myer Hotels, Branson’s award-winning hotel company, is pleased to announce that the Best Western Center Pointe Inn, located on Branson’s Highway 76 Country Boulevard next to the Titanic Museum, has completely reopened after the February 29 tornado damage.

Storm damage was moderate to one building and light to the other two buildings at the Best Western. In early June this hotel became one of the first tornado affected properties to reopen. The second phase of the hotel, including a comprehensive remodel of all interior corridor rooms in Building C, recently reopened.

“We are excited about the enhancements of the hotel,” said Chris Myer, Vice President of Marketing for Myer Hotels. “We believe our new guestrooms are some of the most outstanding accommodations in Branson. We were also able to upgrade most our public amenity areas during this renovation. It’s like a new hotel…the guests are going to love it.”

“Local contractor, G. Oney and Associates, has done an excellent job helping us open as soon as possible. We are also thankful for the Fireman Fund Insurance Company for their responsive and cooperative approach,” said Gail Myer, Vice President of Operations. “We were able to keep our staff employed and they helped in the clean up and rebuilding process. We appreciate their hard work.”

The Best Western Center Pointe Inn has long been a favourite of Branson visitors due to its outstanding location right in the heart of Branson’s entertainment district. The hotel features 164 rooms, indoor pool, outdoor pool, two hot tubs, and many other amenities and is a Director’s Award-Winner from Best Western International. You can visit Myer Hotels at www.myerhotels.com .

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September
19
logo Tiffany Powers
tpowers@legendsinconcert.com
Legends in Concert
417-339-3003
www.legendsinconcert.com
1600 W. Hwy. 76
Branson, MO   65616

Celebrated tribute artist production, “Legends in Concert”, gave back to the Branson community this month. Following the impact of the Leap Day Tornado, Legends in Concert faced a challenging six weeks of renovations and rebuilding. The theater was thankful to be able to reopen so quickly but was even more thankful for the support of the Branson community throughout that very difficult time. Many individuals and business are still facing challenges as a result of the tornado, and thus Legends in Concert has donated $2000 to The Community Foundation of Taney County, specifically for the Branson Area Tornado Relief & Recovery Fund. This fund will provide support to Taney County non-profits and municipalities for the economic and human services assistance needed following the February 29th tornado.

The Branson community showed their resilience and heart following this tragic event, and Legends in Concert is delighted to be able to give back to such a truly wonderful community. Celebrating its 17th season performing here, Legends in Concert is proud to call Branson home. It really is true….”There’s no place like home!”

Show times are 3 & 8 p.m. For more information, call 417-335-STAR or visit www.legendsinconcert.com.

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August
1

Creative Solutions Marketing, LLC announced today that they have been retained as advertising and marketing consultants for LUNCH with the BRADY BUNCH show at the Yakov Theatre.

The show is hosted by Barry Williams, the real Greg Brady and features the new Brady kids. Dressed in the groovy fashions of the day, six young performers that look very much like the original Brady kids, will sing and dance their way into your heart with popular Brady songs and show tunes from the 70’s. This full production, multimedia show includes the best qualities of the Brady Bunch and brings them to life on stage. A free meal is served during the show.

“This is my second year in town and I have found a professional that understands my vision of making Branson my home, both professionally and personally,” said Barry Williams.

Ann Reinke, owner was responsible for bringing the CBS Daytime Television Soap Opera “As the World Turns” to Branson, (netting more than $42 million of PR exposure for the city.) She has also represented many Branson shows and entertainers in the past including Grand Country Square, Dick Clark American Bandstand Theatre Complex, Starlite Entertainment, LLC- Lost in the 50’s, Stuck on the 70’s, The Kirby Van Burch Show, Country Tonite, The World Famous Platters, and featured stars including Mickey Rooney, Bill Medley, Paul Revere & the Raiders, Patti Page, Ed Ames, Carol Lawrence and Carol Channing.

“I am very excited to be representing an International brand and a star of his caliber. Barry is committed to Branson, making a permanent home for his family,” said Reinke.

Ann Reinke has a Bachelor Degree in Marketing and Business Administration from Lakeland College, Sheboygan, Wisconsin and brings eight years of Branson marketing experience to the project.

Creative Solutions Marketing, LLC services their clients with creative, copywriting, billboards, radio, television, rack cards and brochures, posters, group marketing, social media, web, press and public relations, and marketing management.

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July
3

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES ARRIVING IN BRANSON IN 2013

BRANSON, MISSOURI – July 3, 2012 – Southwest Airlines and its wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways confirmed today that Southwest Airlines will be officially arriving in Branson, Missouri in 2013.

Branson Airport and Southwest Airlines officials have amended their original agreement with AirTran Airways and signed a multi-year agreement with Southwest Airlines. Most likely in the first half of 2013, Branson Airport passengers will see the transition of AirTran Airways to Southwest Airlines. The airline’s fares and flights will be announced at a later date.

“We are thrilled with the news that we will have Southwest Airlines’ red-bellied aircraft touching down in Branson,” said Jeff Bourk, Executive Director of the Branson Airport. “Southwest Airlines presence in this region will do enormous things for the economic development of the entire Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas area.”

“We’re looking forward to extending the Southwest Airlines route map to Branson next year,” said Pete Houghton, Southwest Airlines Senior Director of Airport Affairs. “We look forward to announcing further details soon.”

The Branson Airport currently has 8 nonstop destinations and one stop connecting service to more than 100 major cities in the United States. Nonstop destinations include: Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington, Chicago, Houston and Orlando on AirTran Airways; Denver on Frontier Airlines; and Austin and Nashville on Branson AirExpress. For a complete list of destinations available at the Branson Airport, visit www.FlyBranson.com.

About Branson Airport
Known for the unique airport experience and unparallel customer service, Branson Airport LLC is the first privately developed and operated commercial service airport in the United States. Branson Airport is currently serviced by AirTran Airways, Frontier Airlines, and Branson AirExpress allowing passengers the ability to access over 100 destinations all on low cost carriers. Located in the heart of the Ozarks and centrally located in the Midwest, the airport also boasts a state of the art FBO, Branson Jet Center and a full service travel agency, FlyBranson Travel. For more information visit www.FlyBranson.com or call toll free 1-888-FLY-BKG1 (1-888-359-2541).

About Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines continues to differentiate itself from other low-fare carriers—offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the nation’s largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. Southwest serves 73 cities in 38 states and is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report(TM). Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,400 flights a day and has more than 46,000 Employees system wide.

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May
29

BRANSON, Mo., – Highway 165/265 across Table Rock Lake will be reduced to one lane from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursday while both spillway bridges undergo inspection.

If you are traveling in this area, please expect delays, obey the flagmen, and operate cautiously around inspection equipment and work crews.

Officials at the Army Corps of Engineers Table Rock Project Office said they regret any inconvenience this may cause, and they ask for public cooperation until the inspection is complete. The officials ask travelers to plan alternate routes and allow extra time to reach their destinations.

For more information about Table Rock Lake, visit the website at www.swl.usace.army.mil/parks/tablerock or contact Lake Manager Greg Oller at (501)340-1931.

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