March 27, 2012

For Immediate Release

Contact: Gary Groman
Phone: 417-294-0404
Email: [email protected]

Return of “Main Street Marina” to Lake Taneycomo Lakefront rekindles bygone era

BRANSON, MO, March 27, 2012 PCF, LLC, and its principals, the Milton family, announce the acquisition of the marina and cruise boat operation on the Branson Landing lakefront, from Gage Family Entertainment, LLC effective March 26, 2012. Justin Gage, spokesperson for Gage Family Entertainment, LLC, said that he has known and dealt with the Miltons for many years. “I strongly believe that they will be extraordinary stewards of what we built and what we took so much pride in,” he continued. PCF, LLC, spokesperson Larry Milton said, “Our family looks forward to continuing and building upon the Gage’s tradition of providing a quality Branson experience to its guests.”

Milton announced that the name of the marina, under its new ownership, will be the “Main Street Marina,” which was a historic Branson Lake Taneycomo lakefront landmark for decades. He said that the marina’s name is consistent with the nostalgic riverfront theme that will be an inherent part of the marina’s look and feel including its cruise line operation, “Main Street Lake Cruises.”

Milton was asked, “What connection there would be between the operation of ‘Main Street Marina’ and the ‘Branson Tourism Center,’ one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, also owned and operated by the Milton family?” His response was “They are two entirely different business operations. The Branson Tourism Center will continue to promote shows and attractions, including the cruises, and lodging in exactly the same manner as it always has and is completely separate from the marina and its operations.”

The cruise boat element, “Main Street Lake Cruises,” will operate two boats, the “Landing Princess” a 100 foot luxury yacht and the “Lake Queen” a modern day paddle-wheeler reminiscent of the grand riverboats of the past. Milton said that in addition to the name change to “Main Street Lake Cruises,” the hope is to build upon what the Gage Family had in place and explore even more ways of drawing visitors to Branson and all it has to offer. The General Manager of the entire “Main Street Marina” project is Steve Johnson.

In keeping with the heritage and history of the riverboats that have plied the White River in the past, Milton said that the operation of the “Lake Queen” paddle-wheeler will focus on a nostalgic narrated journey down Lake Taneycomo, an impoundment of the White River occurring when the Power Site Dam was completed in 1913. Passengers will also have the opportunity to experience the unique and beautiful natural Ozarks scenery with its vistas, carved bluffs and a spectacular constantly changing kaleidoscope of color, animals, birds, waterfowl, lake activity and a unique view of Branson Landing. The Lake Queen’s normal food service will consist of sandwiches, snacks and cold drinks etc.

Milton points out that the Lake Queen paddle-wheeler will be taken out of the water within a week or two for a major refurbishing and its required U.S. Coast Guard inspections. He said they hope to have it back in service by May 1st.

The Landing Princess will be used almost exclusively for dinner cruises, reunions, weddings and other special events. While aboard for its dinner cruise, passengers will have an opportunity to see the unique natural beauty of Lake Taneycomo; experience the spectacular performance of the “Branson Landing Fountains,” a $7.5 million spectacular attraction that synchronizes water, light, sound and fire from an on the lake perspective, and enjoy a wonderful full service dinner from the comfort of its two climate controlled entertainment decks.

Milton said that fishing will not be permitted from either the dock or any of their boats and that Main Street Marina will be working in conjunction with “Scotty’s Trout Dock” to assist those with fishing needs.

In addition to the cruises, the Main Street Marina also has 6,000 feet of restaurant space where Shorty Small’s was formerly located and a small retail space on the ground level, as well as 5,000 square feet of space, suitable for retail, on the second level available for rent. In terms of the restaurant space, Milton says that a franchise restaurant is “looking, but has not committed and we are interested in hearing from other restaurants.”

For additional information on the Main Street Marina project including the rental of restaurant or retail space at the marina please contact Steve Johnson at 417-239-3980.

Correction from College of the Ozarks On Jazz Band Date
The Army Jazz Band from Fort Bragg, N.C., will perform at College of the Ozarks TODAY, Tuesday, March 13, at 7 p.m., in the Royal Oak Forum of The Keeter Center. At 11 a.m. today, the band will host a free jazz clinic open to the public in the Gittinger Music Center.

Help Still Available
Despite significant tornado damage to the building’s roof and windows, the Salvation Army’s Branson Corps at 1114 Stanley Blvd. is open from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to help those in need. The emergency food pantry is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon. The storm also destroyed their passenger van. If you need help, call 417-339-4434 or Maj. Robert Meyer at 417-331-0280. If you can provide help, call 800-725-2769.

Christian Press Donates Book Profits to Damaged Library
Sheaf House, a Nashville, Tenn. small press that publishes Christian titles, announced that through April 5, Oak Ridge Boys’ vocalist and author Joe Bonsall is donating royalties from direct sales of his book, “From My Perspective,” to the Taneyhills Community Library, which was damaged by the recent tornado. The library will receive $6.54 for each book sold directly. Books sold through retailers are not part of the program. Go to http://www.sheafhousedirect.com/inspirational.html.

Veterans Memorial Museum Open
Although the tornado lifted the P-1 airplane off the roof, the museum is open for business with no damages to the building and its collection of artifacts. It’s open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. They’re now working to restore the airplane. www.VeteransMemorialBranson.com. 417-336-2300.

Art Demonstration at Mount Pleasant Winery Saturday
Mount Pleasant Winery will host a live art demonstration from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 17. Watch Denver artist Don Barnes demonstrate his technique with palette knives to create stunning artistic effects in a work titled “Beautiful Sunrise.” Barnes’ work has been shown at galleries in Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming and Texas. Wine will be sold by the glass. The Winery is at 3125 Green Mountain Dr. 417-336-9463. www.MountPleasant.com.

Storm Chasers Star at The IMAX
Sean Casey, popular star of The Discovery Channel’s Storm Chasers, will make a special appearance with the Tornado Intercept Vehicle from 1 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 16, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 17, and Sunday, March 18. For each ticket sold to “Tornado Alley” during the three-day event, the IMAX Entertainment Complex will make a donation to Convoy of Hope. 417-335-4832. www.bransonimax.com.

Junior Auxiliary Trivia Event
Reserve a table now for this popular fund-raiser scheduled for 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, at the Pointe Royale Clubhouse. This year’s theme is “Guess Who’s Turning 100?” There will be heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts including birthday cake and a cash bar.
Trivia consists of ten rounds of ten questions each with prizes for the top three table scores. Tables seat eight. Entry fee is $50 per person. JA’s services include scholarships for Taney County high school seniors, Santa’s Gift House, Prom Dress, Family Fun Walk and other projects to benefit children and families.
There will be door prizes, a silent auction and a raffle including two round-trip tickets on Air Tran and a $750 gift card. There also will be a “Wine Pull.” For $10 “pull” a bottle of wine from a selection ranging from $6 to $40 per bottle values. For reservations, contact Linda Lewis at 417-527-3963 or [email protected].

YMCA Weight Loss Challenge
Register before March 23 at the Ozark Mountain Family YMCA for the 12-week Weight Loss Challenge, and get a free t-shirt. Winners will be announced on June 22. Register at the Y or contact Monica Morris at [email protected] 417-337-9622.

Ride The Train
The Branson Scenic Railway has opened for the season with rides at 9 and 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Dinner rides on Saturdays begin April 7. Trains leave from the 1905 depot in downtown Branson. Each restored car has a lot of history including the 60-seat “Silver Eagle” from the 1949 Texas Pacific Railway. The Railway also offers a 10-percent discount for AAA members. 417-334-6110. www.BransonTrain.com.

Easter Bunny Photos
Lori Larrimore with Branson Photo has a unique offer for Easter photos. Call for an appointment through April 7, and she’ll take a photo of your child with one of her pet bunnies, and the photos may be purchased in time to give at Easter, April 8. Cost is a $10 donation to Mothers of Preschoolers, an organization of the Branson First Baptist Church in Branson. 417-337-5747. www.BransonPhoto.com

Register To Win At Live Radio Broadcast from IMAX
Join KRZK 106.3 from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 17, as they broadcast live from the IMAX Entertainment Complex. From 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, register in person to win the “Dream Trip of a Lifetime” to the Academy of Country Music awards in Las Vegas on April 1. You also may register by listening to 106.3 for an invitation to call during a certain qualifying time period. 417-334-6003. www.KRZK.com.

19th Annual IMAX FilmFest
Through May 10, the 2012 FilmFest includes “To The Arctic,” “Rescue,” “Titanic – Ghosts of the Abyss,” “Tornado Alley” and “The Living Sea.” A different film shows every hour from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. 417-335-4832. www.bransonimax.com.

Fund-raisers Planned
The Vietnam Veterans of America Ch. 913 of Branson plans two fund-raisers this year. The first is a Pig Roast on May 19 at the Lions Club Community Building on Mount Branson. The second is the Benefit Show on May 21 at the Hamner Barber Theater. For more information or to reserve tickets, call Ron Simmons at 417-251-0174 or President Bob Sarver at 417-294-0728.

Zumba And Swim Programs at the YMCA
The Ozark Mountain Family YMCA will host a Zumbathon from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on March 24. Cost is $10 with funds going to find a cure for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease.) Contact Janice at [email protected].
Also, register now for group and private swim lessons. Group lessons will be March 20 through May 8. Private 30-minute lessons also are offered for ages three through adults. Lessons are held at Oakmount Community Pool. Register at the YMCA or contact Monica Morris at [email protected] 417-337-9622.

Branson Community Connection
The local talk show about what’s going on in Branson airs at 6:30 p.m. on The Vacation Channel, Ch. 6 on the local cable network. March 15 through 28, guests include Ross Summers, President of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau; Peggy Golden, Ozarks Area Community Action Corp.; Nancy Town, Branson Professional Tour Guide Association and First Class Maid Jaynee of the Titanic Museum Attraction, previewing the new Unsinkable Molly Brown Gallery.

Branson Chamber Chatter is a free news service for members of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. Email news to Kathryn Buckstaff, membership public relations manager. [email protected]. www.ExploreBranson.com. 417-334-4084.

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

(Follow MoDOT’s Southwest District: www.facebook.com/MoDOT.Southwest or www.twitter.com/MoDOT_Southwest

MODot has announced “Round the Clock Lane Closings” on Route 65 Underneath Route 248 starting at 7 a.m. Friday and lasting into the week of November 7 so that the bridge girders underneath the Route 248 Bridge can be painted.

CBS Moneywatch.com Ranks College Of Ozarks As One of “Top 25 College With The Best Professors”

By: Chelsea Kliethermes and Matt Farmer

This week, CBS MoneyWatch.com released the top “25 Colleges with the Best Professors in 2011” based off of Forbes magazine’s 2011 college rankings. College of the Ozarks ranked #15 out of 650 superior schools for outstanding professors.

According to the CBS MoneyWatch.com article written by Lynn O’Shaughnessy, “None of the Ivy League schools, for instance, crack the list of the top 25 schools with the best professors. Princeton came the closest at 57th best.”

Forbes determines the rankings through information provided by the Center for College Affordability and Productivity, which uses RateMyProfessors.com to assess the quality of teaching at schools. The website asks students to evaluate their professors in three categories: easiness, helpfulness and clarity. Forbes also uses schools’ freshmen retention rate, graduation rate, student debt levels, graduates’ salaries and more.

“College of the Ozarks has always focused on effective teaching, but it’s great to be recognized for what we do,” says Professor of Education Dana McMahon.

Eager parents of seniors and aspiring college scholars dash to the local bookstores and scan online to see which schools top the list, and Forbes is acclaimed for its “top” lists.

For more information or to see the MoneyWatch.com’s “25 Colleges with the Best Professors in 2011,” please visit http://bit.ly/qSUVMI.

Perfect Storm Hits Christian Action Ministries (CAM)

September 20, 2011… When all of the forces of nature come together to wreak havoc in New England, they call it a “perfect storm”. Today in Taney County, Christian Action Ministries is wrestling with the forces of economics and scarcity in the distribution of food through their two pantries and mobile outreach.

CAM relies on several factors to keep the food shelves stocked.

• The federal commodity program is a monthly delivery from Ozarks Food Harvest of specific items generated through federal programs. These normally include about 8 to 9 different items such as frozen meat, canned vegetables and fruit, 32- ounce cans of fruit juice, peanut butter, and more.
• Purchasing of food that has been collected by Ozarks Food Harvest at a very nominal cost per pound, generally ranging from 14 to 24 cents per pound. From cereal to canned meats and meals, this accounts for a significant amount of the food distributed within Taney County.
• Purchasing of food from local grocery stores at a quantity discount to supplement the food supply.
• Food donated through local food drives.
• Local cash donations enabling CAM to purchase food and cover operational overhead.

The current problems impacting CAM include reduced receipt of federal commodities, reduced availability of food to purchase through Ozarks Food Harvest, and decreased cash contributions. Compounding all of this is dramatically increased demand for CAM’s services as executive director Pat Davis explained, “We haven’t been able to catch our breath before the winter demand this year. Over 1,400 hundred families requested help in August and that’s about 1,000 more than normal.”

Federal Commodities

No one at CAM is aware of the specific reasons, but the monthly federal commodity delivery has been reduced to just three items for the last two months. Board treasurer Dave Hoy said, “This month we’re only receiving frozen chicken, pasta, and pasta sauce. So in order to provide balanced nutrition we are forced to purchase canned vegetables and fruit to help supplement our inventory. And since supplies are low at Ozarks Food Harvest, we’ve had to purchase these items from local retailers at a higher cost. This is becoming extremely costly for CAM.”

The Food Bank

Ozarks Food Harvest, the regional food bank, is normally the primary resource for CAM’s purchases with warehouses full of food. Due to the demand of this year’s disasters and reduced donations from national sources, their shelves are pretty bare.
When CAM needed vegetables this past week, the food bank didn’t have any on hand. As a result CAM spent $649 to buy a pallet of 1,100 cans of vegetables from a local grocer. If it had been available through Ozarks Food Harvest, those vegetables would have only cost about $200.

The problem becomes even greater when you look at CAM’s purchase credits at the food bank. Board chairman Jack Burke explains, “We knew that demand was going up and donations were going down, so we were extremely excited at a grant opportunity that enabled us to double our money. Every dollar committed to Ozarks Food Harvest was doubled through this opportunity. As a result, we now have over $20,000 in food credits at the bank, but their supplies are so low we can’t really utilize this credit. Plus by committing those donations to the program, we have limited the money available to make purchases from outside retailers.”

Donations

Burke also said that cash donations for the year are down about 25% from last year with the biggest drop being in donations from businesses due to the sluggish economy.

According to Davis, “At this point in time we desperately need cash donations to enable us to continue purchasing food and we’re spending about five time the normal amount each month. But we also need more food drives, which will help decrease the amount of food we need to purchase. Hopefully the businesses that have had to cut back on their cash donations might be able to spearhead more food drives instead. We have faith that our community will rally to provide the support we need to balance our inventory and cover our overhead in God’s name.”

Christian Action Ministries operates food pantries in Branson and Forsyth, as well as a monthly mobile outreach to eastern Taney County communities. Year to date through August, CAM has already distributed nearly 160 tons of food to Taney County residents. Anyone wishing to organize a food drive, donate cash, food, or time, can call Pat Davis at 334-1157 or visit the CAM website at www.christianactionministries.org.

KCOZ Radio Station Changes To Christian Format

By: Chelsea Kliethermes

College of the Ozark’s radio station 91.7 KCOZ transitioned from broadcasting light jazz to contemporary Christian today.

C of O junior Jacob Poole, who serves as the KCOZ program director as his college work education assignment, will oversee the Christian music selection. Fifteen other KCOZ student workers will aid Poole in the transition.

KCOZ also will broadcast live chapel services being held at the College’s Williams Memorial Chapel every Sunday beginning at 11a.m.

For further information please contact KCOZ General Manager Jae Jones at 417-690-3279 or [email protected].

Legends In Concert Announces Fall Line-Up

BRANSON – Legends In Concert announces their fabulous fall line-up of stars! Starting September 8, see Bette Midler, Alan Jackson, Johnny Mathis, The Blues Brothers and Elvis Presley rock the house at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater. The lobby of the theater is filled with priceless and unique memorabilia from Dick Clark Productions. Take a step back in time and enjoy pieces from Frankie Avalon to Tina Turner….and much, much more! You receive this added value to your experience at no additional charge.

During the Legends In Concert show, the charisma of two locally known talents, Bucky Heard and Justin Clark, combine for a high energy, highly entertaining Blues Brothers performance. They are mainstays at the Legends In Concert show along with Elvis Presley. Portrayed by Dean Z, this act is sure to bring you a rock-a-billy good time! Experience the energy of sensational showgirl Bette Midler, have a “Good Time” listening to the country classics of Alan Jackson, and relax with the romantic songs of Johnny Mathis. Don’t miss this fabulous fall line-up September 8 – October 31 ONLY! You have to see it to believe it!

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

Legends in Concert
Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater
1600 W. Hwy. 76, Branson, MO 65616

College of the Ozarks Announces New Deans

College of the Ozarks recently named Dr. Eric Bolger as Dean of the College and Dr. Sue Head as Dean of Character Education.

Dr. Bolger taught philosophy and religion courses at the College as a full-time faculty member from 1992-2010. He served as the Division Chair of Humanities from 2001-2010 and coordinated two Higher Learning Commission self-studies for the College. Additionally, Dr. Bolger has been the College’s Director of Strategic Planning since 2001.

He received his B.A. in chemistry from the University of California, San Diego, M. Div. and Ph.D. (Old Testament) from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a Doctor of Worship Studies from The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies.

Prior to becoming the academic dean, Dr. Bolger served as Assistant Dean of the College for one year. He officially began his position as Dean of the College on June 1, 2011, replacing long-time Dean, Dr. Marilyn Graves, who now serves as the Special Assistant to the President for Athletics.

Dr. Bolger’s duties include overseeing the College’s academic programming and ongoing strategic planning process, the Registrar’s office, college library, and the Child Development Center.

Dr. Sue Head has served as the Executive Director of The Keeter Center for Character Education since 2004. In that position she spearheaded the character education initiative First PLACE!, developed the S. Truett Cathy Poverty Summit, and helps oversee the Patriotic Education Travel Program. Dr. Head also coordinates the Spring Forum and Community Convocations, as well as The Keeter Report publication.

Dr. Head received a B.A. in communication from Vanderbilt University, an M.A. in organizational leadership from Evangel University, and an Ed.D. in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania.

As Dean of Character Education, she will continue overseeing her current duties. Additionally, Dr. Head will conduct a feasibility study for a proposed college preparatory lab school.

FRONTIER AIRLINES INCREASES DENVER NONSTOPS AT BRANSON AIRPORT
Now offering two options on Friday flights

BRANSON, MISSOURI – Frontier Airlines announced today a second nonstop Friday flight to Denver (DEN) at Branson Airport (BKG) beginning September 9, 2011. This is in addition to the recently announced nonstop service to Austin (AUS) and Phoenix (PHX), making a total of four nonstop markets served by Frontier including Milwaukee (MKE).
The new Friday flight will depart Denver at 3:15 PM and arrive in Branson at 6:02 PM, then depart Branson at 6:45 PM and arrive in Denver at 8:01 PM. The existing Denver flight departs daily at 11:20 AM and arrives in Branson at 2:05 PM, then departs Branson at 2:56 PM and arrives in Denver at 3:57 PM.
“We are thrilled that Frontier continues to increase its service in Branson,” stated Jeff Bourk, executive director at the Branson Airport. “Low fares and convenience are important to us, and now we’re able to offer even more options to travel to and from Branson and around the country.”
Along with the additional nonstop Denver flight, nonstop service to Austin begins September 16, 2011 operating Monday, Wednesday and Friday and nonstop Saturday service to Phoenix begins September 17, 2011.
Branson Airport offers a total of 10 nonstop destinations with one stop connections to over 100 destinations; on Frontier Airlines to Austin, Denver, Milwaukee and Phoenix; on AirTran Airways to Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington, Chicago, Houston and Orlando, and on Branson AirExpress to Dallas.
FlyBranson Travel Services, located in the Branson Airport, can assist with everything Branson and more, including airfare, lodging, shows, attractions, golf with select vacation packages, shows and attractions at up to 50% off. For more information visit FlyBransonTravel.com.