BRANSON, MO – The Comfort Inn & Suites, Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills and the Comfort West of Branson have all been selected as three of the three finalists for Choice Hotels’ International 2012 “Inn of the Year” for the Comfort Inn brand. Two of these Myer Hotel properties were also recognized as finalists for 2011 and 2010 with the Comfort Inn & Suites winning in 2011 and 2009. These hotels represent the “best of the best” among over 1,400 Comfort Inn’s worldwide due to their outstanding guest satisfaction and consistent brand performance.

The Comfort Inn & Suites, Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills and Comfort Inn West have also been also been recognized as Choice Hotels Platinum properties for 2012. The Choice Hotels Platinum Award exemplifies exceptional service, facilities and hospitality. “Only three percent of properties in the Choice Hotels system reach this standard” stated Gail Myer, Vice President of Operations. Chris Myer, Vice President of Marketing noted, “It’s a huge honor to be finalists for “Inn of the Year”. I don’t think any one company has ever had three properties in the finals at the same time. Our team does an incredible job of taking care of customers. This recognition speaks to their high commitment of providing quality service and product on a consistent basis.”

“These hotels represent the strongest, most consistent performers in our global system,” said Steven Joyce, Chief Executive Officer of Choice Hotels. “To receive this recognition is a great accomplishment and the owners, general managers and staff of these hotels should be proud. I know we certainly are.”

The Comfort Inn & Suites, Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills and Comfort Inn West are owned by Myer Hotels of Branson. In the lodging business for over 44 years, the Myer family has actively contributed to Branson’s hospitality market for over 28 years and received numerous national awards. Myer Hotels also includes the Best Western Center Pointe Inn, Best Western Music Capital Inn and the Holiday Inn Express Green Mountain. For more information about these hotels please visit www.myerhotels.com.
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WASHINGTON, May 02, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) — The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) is proud and honored to salute Mayor Raeanne Pressley and the Board of Aldermen, Branson, Missouri on the occasion of proclaiming Branson as the first Purple Heart City in the State of Missouri.

The public is invited to attend the Proclamation ceremony that will take place at 7:00 PM, Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at City Hall Council Chambers, 110 W. Maddux St., Branson, MO. Already regarded as “The most veteran friendly city in the United States,” by proclaiming itself a “Purple Heart City,” Branson pays special tribute to the almost 2 million dedicated and brave servicemen and women who have either been killed or wounded in combat, and honors not only Missouri’s Purple Heart recipients but all veterans across the nation.

Receiving the Proclamation on behalf of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, will be Everett Kelly, Commander of the MOPH Department of Missouri. Also participating in the ceremony will be Past Department Commander Carl Dietrich and numerous other members of the MOPH from throughout the State of Missouri. In honor of this occasion, Commander Kelly will present the City of Branson a Military Order of the Purple Heart flag to be flown each year on Purple Heart Day, August 7.

The organization now known as the “Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc” (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all combat wounded veterans and active duty men and women who have received the decoration. Chartered by the Congress, the MOPH is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all of its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal.

With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America’s military history. Most Importantly, through veteran service, they provide comfort and assistance to all veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance. Through the VAVS Program, MOPH volunteers selflessly provide assistance to hospitalized veterans at VA medical facilities and State Veterans Homes.
SOURCE: Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH)

American Idol® Finalists will soon be arriving at the Branson Airport. Andy Williams Moon River Theatre will host a total of fifteen entertainers this summer from the popular television show, American Idol®, to perform in “The Finalists Live”. On Monday, May 7th, the first group of five former Idols will step off the plane at Branson Airport to begin the fifteen week tour in Branson, Missouri. The first group includes: Lee DeWyze, Season 9 Winner; Blake Lewis, Season 6 Runner-up; Elliott Yamin,3rd in Season 5; plus Thia Megia, from last year’s show; and Kimberly Caldwell from Season 2, and host on Oxygen and TV Guide network. For additional show information visit www.andywilliams.com.

Branson Airport is holding a Meet the Idols Contest, where customers can enter to win 2 premium VIP seats and full backstage access passes with the Idols. Contest will begin May 7th. Participants can register on Facebook by visiting the Branson Airport Fan Page “FlyBranson” and clicking the contest tab or by visiting www.FlyBranson.com.

In addition to the contest, Branson Airport will also host a “Finalists Live Watch Party” where guests are invited to come out to the airport and meet and greet with their favorite Idols. The Watch Party will begin at 1:30pm. Guests are invited to create posters welcoming each of the artists. A poster contest will be held the same day where the lucky winner will receive a free ticket to The Finalists Live show. All local media is encouraged to attend.

The Branson airport has non-stop service to 9 markets, Chicago, Milwaukee, Houston, Atlanta, Denver, Orlando, Baltimore, Austin, Nashville, and over 100 one stop destinations. To make reservations or for more information regarding Branson Airport call toll free 1-888-FLY-BKG1 (1-888-359-2541) or 417-334-8857 or visit FlyBranson.com.

College of the Ozarks Students Win First Place at 2012 Missouri Academy of Science
By: Austin Plummer

Two College of the Ozarks students won first place awards at the 2012 Missouri Academy of Science meeting held on April 14 at the University of Missouri—Columbia. Matt Lawson won first place for Best Oral Presentation in the chemistry section, and Heather Hula won first place for Best Oral Presentation in the biology section.

The Missouri Academy of Science (MAS) is a meeting that provides undergraduates a chance to present their research in front of peers and compete against other schools. Research projects are presented orally or by poster.

College of the Ozarks was one of the many colleges and universities to present at MAS. C of O students competed against students from Lincoln University, University of Missouri-Columbia, Evangel University, Cottey College, Westminster College, Rockhurst University, Southeast Missouri State University, Northwest Missouri State University and many more.

College of the Ozarks requires all biology and chemistry majors to take three consecutive semesters of research. This entails each student choosing a research project provided by the professors. From there, they conduct a review of literature and perform an experiment. Students work countless hours on research to achieve their main goal. During the last semester, each research student gives an oral presentation at the Missouri Academy of Science.

Next year, the MAS meeting will be held at College of the Ozarks.

Dick Clark has been on many minds and in many hearts since his recent passing. But for Legends in Concert in Branson, Missouri, preserving his memory and amazing impact in music took on a whole different meaning weeks before his sudden death.
On the morning of February 29th, 2012, the storm sirens sounded across the rolling hills of Branson, Missouri. Sleeping soundly in their beds, the Branson residents were rudely awakened by the fury of the Leap Day Tornado. As the sun rose, the devastating images of destruction were shockingly apparent. Branson had a very long, challenging road ahead.
Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, home of Legends in Concert, suffered severe damage. The roof was peeled away like the top of a tuna can and the lobby was left in shambles. Seeing their home in such devastation left the Legends in Concert team heartbroken. But all was not lost.
As the team assessed the theater damage, they were immediately concerned about the priceless memorabilia that filled the lobby. Water and debris covered nearly every inch of the lobby. The tornado had sucked away items from floor to ceiling. Surely the tornado had swept away the glass cases that contained the memorabilia as well. But to their surprise, each and every piece of the memorabilia remained untouched. The priceless pieces include “Jailhouse Rock” sheet music autographed by Leiber & Stoller, stage-worn wardrobe pieces from Dolly Parton, Michael Jackson and Smokey Robinson, contracts signed by Dick Clark for stars such as The Jackson 5 to appear on American Bandstand, and many, many more. There is even a framed yellow sticky note from Michael Jackson to Dick Clark that reads: “To My Other Father Dick”…. “the nicest man in showbiz.” The legacy of Dick Clark could live on at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater and the memorabilia would still be available for all to enjoy. That is…if the theater could be repaired.
Six weeks of grueling work followed. Construction crews worked through the night. The Legends in Concert management team worked relentlessly to get the theater back open. The community outreach was absolutely amazing. This tornado was sure to bring the tightly knit community of Branson, Missouri even closer.
After what seemed a never ending round of meetings, difficult hours of hard manual labor, and insurance paperwork that stacked to the sky, Legends in Concert announced its reopening date of April 14th. But shortly following this joyous and much anticipated day, yet another tragedy would strike not only the hearts of the Branson community, but of the world.
On April 18th, the world lost a true legend, Dick Clark. The loss was felt most deeply at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, the only venue in the world that bears his name. A candlelight memorial was planned outside the theater. Fans left candles, flowers and signs as the world said goodbye to “America’s Oldest Teenager.” Legends in Concert performer Bucky Heard sang a beautiful accapella version of “Amazing Grace” and a special tribute to Dick Clark was included in the Legends in Concert show that night. American Bandstand was the show that launched the music careers of many of the iconic performers portrayed in Legends in Concert’s show in Branson and in its locations in Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Atlantic City, Foxwoods, Waikiki and Norwegian EPIC. For over 29 years, Legends in Concert has provided music lovers the opportunity to reconnect with the memories of music superstars past and present. And the man who gave us many of those memories was Dick Clark. Branson was truly saddened by the loss of such a legendary television and music pioneer.
Being faced with two heart wrenching tragedies in just a few months may have been challenging, but Legends in Concert is back and better than ever. The recovery from the tornado has brought the Branson community as well as the Legends Branson family even closer. With the death of Dick Clark, the world was reminded of the brevity of life and the importance of appreciating and honoring those who have contributed so much to this world. But they will not be forgotten, as their legacy will live on at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater. Both Branson and Legends in Concert has learned through all this that no matter how difficult the challenge, hard work and community will overcome all. And always remember….“The show must go on”.

ANDY WILLIAMS MOON RIVER THEATRE
announces 3rd Group of Artists for The Finalists LIVE!

BRANSON, MO—April 2012— You saw them on TV and you voted to make them famous… Now see them live in Branson this Summer! The Finalists Live! Branson’s hottest summer show features 15 Top 10 Finalists from American Idol®, all to perform live on stage at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre, May 14-August 18.

We are now announcing group three, performing July 23- August 18. This group includes Ruban Studdard, Winner in Season 2, as well as Bo Bice, Runner-Up to Winner Carrie Underwood in Season 4. Also performing is Vonzell Solomon, 3rd Place in Season 4 and Katie Stevens from Season 9 and RJ Helton from Season 1. The show will be hosted by Pete Peterkin, a 2009 Finalist from Americas Got Talent®.
The previously announced first group includes Lee DeWyze, the 2009 Winner of American Idol®; Blake Lewis, the Beat Box performer who was runner up in 2007; Elliott Yamin, who finished at the number three slot in 2006; Branson’s very own Kimberly Caldwell, from 2003 and host on the Oxygen and TV Guide Channels; and, even Thia Megia from last year’s show. They will be performing May 14-June 16. The 2nd group performs June 18-July 21 and includes Diana Degarmo, runner up in 2004 and current actress in the CBS program “The Young and the Restless”; Scott Savol, fifth place from season 4; Siobhan Magnus, who placed 6th in season nine; Ace Young, from season 5 in 2006; and Alexis Grace, who performed in season eight.

The Finalists Live! is the hot new show you won’t want to miss!
For more information, contact Kathe at 417-334-1800 or [email protected]

Initial planning is currently underway for Christian Action Ministries’ 4th Annual Gospel Sing Off on Sunday, September 2nd. CAM today announced that Sight & Sound Theatres will again be the hosting theater for this year’s event, as it has been since the first Sing- Off. “We’re extremely grateful to have the continuing support of Sight & Sound for our food ministry in Taney County,” said CAM Board Chairman Jack Burke. “Sight & Sound has proven to be one of our greatest benefactors since they moved into the Branson community.”

Burke also said that support for this year’s Sing Off has been off to a fast start. “SIX and Branson Tourism Center have already signed on as our Key Sponsors, which covers the costs of the prize purses for the winners and printing of programs and promotional material. Additionally Silver Dollar City has committed to providing our winner with three half-hour shows the following day during closing festivities for the Country Gospel Picnic on September 3rd.”

Solicitations for sponsorships has already begun and within a few weeks entries will be accepted from gospel groups and singers that wish to compete. The top ten will be selected to perform before a panel of celebrity judges at the Sing Off. Tickets will be available closer to the event through both Sight & Sound and Branson Tourism Center.

According to Burke, “The demand on our pantries in both Branson and Forsyth has increased dramatically over recent years and the Sing Off is our only annual operational fundraiser. I’m praying that we’ll be able to fill every seat in the house as we raise our voices in praise of God and in support of the needy in our area.”

For more information, contact the CAM offices at 417-334-1157 or visit www.christianactionministries.org.

Contact: Jack Burke, 1-800-451-8273, [email protected]
Pat Davis, [email protected]

BRANSON, Mo (4/16/12) You saw them on TV and you voted to make them famous… Now see them live in Branson this Summer! The Finalists Live! Branson’s hottest summer show features 15 Top 10 Finalists from American Idol®, all to perform live on stage at the Andy Williams Moon River Theater, May 14-August 18.

The first group was announced last week and includes Lee DeWyze, the 2009 Winner of American Idol®; Blake Lewis, the Beat Box performer who was runner up in 2007; Elliott Yamin, who finished at the number three slot in 2006; Branson’s very own Kimberly Caldwell, from season 2003 and host on the Oxygen and TV Guide Channels; and, even Thia Megia from last year’s show. They will be performing May 14-June 16.

Performances for the 2nd group of singers begin June 18 and ends July 21. This group includes Diana Degarmo, runner up in 2004 and current actress in the CBS program “The Young and the Restless”; Scott Savol, fifth place from season 4; Siobhan Magnus, who placed 6th in season nine; Ace Young, from season 5 in 2006; and Alexis Grace, who performed in season eight. The show will be hosted by Pete Peterkin, a 2009 Finalist from Americas Got Talent®.

Plus, later this summer, don’t miss Ruben Studdard, the 2003 Winner of American Idol and Bo Bice, Vonzell Solomon and many, many more. The Finalists Live! is the hot new show you won’t want to miss!

For additional information or tickets for The Finalists Live! or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Celebrated tribute artist production “Legends in Concert” announced today that with roof repairs now complete, the restoration of its home at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater will be finished in less than two weeks. The resumption of “Legends” 2012 performance schedule will commence on April 14, following the impact of the tornado that touched down in Branson on February 29. A gala fundraising event, benefitting victims of the tornado, will be held at the theater on April 20. The gala will feature an 8pm performance by Legends in Concert and special guest performers soon to be announced. All previously scheduled performances in the theater will resume 6 days a week through the end of December.

“The repair team has been amazing, working rapidly and diligently,” said Jeannie Horton, General Manager for Legends in Concert. “We are delighted that the comprehensive completion of the repairs to the theater is just around the corner. We are extremely pleased to see strong advance ticket sales already for the coming months and are excited to be reopening this state of the art facility, that millions of our fans have always enjoyed during their visits to Branson. The pleasure of working closely with Jim Morris, the theater’s owner, and Jerry Carroll, his general manager, assuring that the theater will be better than ever, has certainly taken away much of the sting from the tornado’s fury.”

Mr. Morris said he is “grateful for the dedication of those working on the repairs to reopen the theater so quickly. I am thrilled our Highway 76 and Fall Creek complex, including the Ramada Hotel, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater featuring Legends in Concert and all its activities, the Midtown Cafe, and the brand new REEL CARS Automobile Museum under the theater will all be open and working together in harmony in less than two weeks.” Morris added, “We are pleased knowing that the fundraising event being held on April 20 will benefit the portion of the Branson community that was most adversely affected by the tornado. I’m pleased to announce my support of this worthy special event.”

Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, the ultimate Branson rock n’ roll complex, was built in 2006 and boasts 900 seats. Its innovative design creates an intimate concert space with great sight lines to the stage, cushy comfortable seats with generous leg room, a dance floor, state of the art projection screens, and a brand new million dollar spectacular stage set. Fascinating memorabilia from Dick Clark’s American Bandstand archives, recalling the historic roots of rock n’ roll and country is also featured in the lobby of this world class facility.

“The remarkable teamwork and leadership demonstrated by both Jerry and Jeannie, ensuring all the necessary repairs to this fabulous entertainment facility are complete has truly been a wonder to behold.” said Brian Brigner, chief operating officer for “Legends” producer On Stage Entertainment. “We’re really proud of everyone pulling together in this highly coordinated effort.”

“I am so grateful to Jeanne and her team, everyone on my crew and the dedicated Branson city officials having together accomplished so much in so little time,” said Jerry Carroll, manager of Morris Branson Theatre LLC, and other properties of Mr. Morris. Carroll added, “We continue to all work side by side towards the April 14 reopening of the theater.”

Legends in Concert will soon announce more details about its April 20th fundraiser. Performances will resume 6 days a week through the end of December as previously scheduled. For tickets to performances beginning on April 14, information about exchanging or obtaining refunds for tickets previously purchased for cancelled March and early April performances, or for the current line-up, please call 417-339-3003 or visit legendsinconcert.com.

About Legends in Concert
Celebrating its 29th year, “Legends in Concert” is a live musical celebration featuring the world’s greatest celebrity tribute artists. The product is owned and operated by Las Vegas based On Stage Entertainment, Inc. Widely recognized in the entertainment industry as the original celebrity tribute show, “Legends in Concert” has not only performed throughout the United States, but the show has traveled to 15 countries on five continents, entertaining more than 25 million fans. It currently operates numerous fixed-based, touring, limited-term and private engagements of “Legends” throughout the world. In addition to Las Vegas, “Legends” is presented year-round in numerous cities including Myrtle Beach, S.C., Branson, Mo., Atlantic City, N.J., Foxwoods, CT, Waikiki, HI and on the high seas onboard the Norwegian EPIC. For more information: www.legendsinconcert.com

About Jim D. Morris
Morris Branson Theatre LLC is wholly owned by Jim D. Morris. He continues to own and operates Morris Oil Company in addition to the Quality Inn and Ramada Inn in Branson and other business throughout Missouri. Mr. Morris is recognized for his many community, charitable and humanitarian achievements.

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Dutton Theater Shows – Week of April 9 – Performances Monday Through Friday then On the Road Again!

Another Week of Great Shows!: If you didn’t get a chance to catch our opening weekend last Thursday, Friday and Saturday, hang on tight because we have a week of great performances for you.

Duttons are on this week Monday – Thursday at 8pm and George is on Tues and Thurs at 2pm with an 8pm show on Friday. All kinds of things going on here. Both shows have been met with RAVE reviews for the new season, so be sure to get your piece of the action and come on over for some GREAT entertainment! Do it soon or you will have to wait a week to catch The Duttons. Heck, since The Duttons are going out of town on Friday, lets throw in a preview here of the wee, of April 16, so you will know what is coming….

On the Road Again

Duttons go EAST: Just when the dust had settled in Branson from our arrival, The Duttons get to take off for the wilds of the East Coast. Do you have a tour company or a travel agent you would like to see the show? Give us a call and we will see what we can do about getting them tickets. The tour schedule is as follows:
Sat April 14, Charleston, WV
Tues April 17, New London, CT
Wed April 18, Warren, OH
We figured since we have been out west all Winter, it was time to give the east coast a try. Watch out New England, here we come!

Another Stylin’ Season at Abby’s Tourist Trap
Branson Souveniers, Ice Cream and MORE!: I don’t know about everyone else, but when I travel I HAVE to have a t-shirt from the location I visit. It is sort involved with that smug look you can give people that says, “Oh yeah, I’ve been there.” and the shirt does it for you! What better place to pick up your shirts, postcards, and other Branson paraphenalia then Abby’s Tourist Trap, located right next to the Dutton Family Theater. She has t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, toys, keychains and souveniers GALORE. Plus, just this week Abby added fresh baked cobbler to her snack menu joining the scrumptious selections of cookies brownies and the best soft serve ice cream money can buy! Come on over and let your inner tourist SHINE and get that t-shirt so everyone knows where you have been.