Helping Oklahoma Tornado Victims

Hollister, MO…In an effort to provide relief to the victims of the tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore and its surrounding area on May 20th, Connell Insurance is organizing an immediate relief effort drop-off point at its office in Hollister, MO.

Anyone wishing to donate non-perishable food items, and/or bottled water, can bring them to the collection point at the Connell Insurance office at 1691 South Bus. 65 in Hollister, MO between the hours of 9AM and 4PM.

All donated items will be delivered by Connell Insurance on Wednesday, May 29th to the Red Cross facility in the devastated area.

For more information, call (417) 334-2000.

College of the Ozarks President Jerry C. Davis will autograph copies of his latest book, The Four Generals of Hard Work U.: Extraordinary Lives of Ordinary Men, during a book signing/reception event on May 27, 1-3 p.m. in The Keeter Center. The public is welcome to attend the book signing/cake and ice cream reception. Copies of the book will be available for sale on site.
Upon learning the inspirational stories of School of the Ozarks alumni Terrence R. Dake, Gary H. Hughey, Jerry W. Ragsdale, and Tommy I. Bell, Dr. Davis set out to write the book.
Recounting each man’s journey from humble beginnings as teenagers attending the work school located in Point Lookout, MO, to the rank of general in the United States Military, The Four Generals of Hard Work U., as General Peter Pace describes in the book’s foreword, “reveals how the same values led four alumni to the very pinnacle of their success.” General Pace, the 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, served in the U.S. Marine Corps with two of the four general officers, General Dake and General Hughey, profiled in the book.
“The fact that such an Ozarks school provided the gateway to prominence for such a level of leadership has always been intriguing,” explains Davis. “It has been an especially meaningful experience to trace the lives and accomplishments and service of four alumni who rose to such high ranks.”
Generals Dake, Hughey, Ragsdale, and Bell assumed heavy leadership responsibilities. General Dake rose to the position of Assistant Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps in 1998. Lieutenant General Gary H. Hughey served as Deputy Commander, United States Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Major General Jerry W. Ragsdale was named Commander of the Texas Air National Guard, Hensley Field in Dallas, Texas, 1987. The late Brigadier General Tommy I. Bell, who was buried with full military honors at the Arlington National Cemetery in August 2011, started out as a fighter pilot with the 71st Fighter-Inceptor Squadron and eventually served his country in the Headquarters of the U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.
Davis tells each general’s life story through either their own words or those of individuals who know them well. “The purpose of this book is to relate the extraordinary lives of a few leaders,” said Davis. “Indeed, one does not have to be a general in the U.S. military to serve with honor. In fact, the four generals of ‘Hard Work U.,’ would be the first to point this out, for they know the sacrifice of alumni such as Roy Hopper (former POW), Earl Woodard (Army Air Corps), Kaney Willbanks (former Japanese POW), and countless others who gave their lives in service to America.”
The 234-page book does more than simply tell a story. It is dedicated to Veterans of the Vietnam Era who answered their country’s call and served with honor. All proceeds from the book go toward the College’s Patriotic Education Travel Program, wherein the College sends students to accompany Veterans back to their fields of battle in order to learn about history and sacrifice from the men and women who lived it.
To purchase a copy of the The Four Generals of Hard Work U.: Extraordinary Lives of Ordinary Men priced at $17.95, including tax and shipping, please go to contact www.cofo.edu or call (417) 690-3395.

About the Author:

Jerry C. Davis is President of College of the Ozarks. After graduating from the Berry Schools in Mount Berry, GA, he attended Truett McConnell College in Cleveland, GA, before receiving his B.S. degree from Mars Hill College, Mars Hill, NC; an M.S. degree from the University of Tennessee; and a Ph.D. from Ohio State University. Prior to coming to College of the Ozarks, Dr. Davis served as President of Alice Lloyd College in Pippa Passes, KY.

BRANSON, MO (May 9, 2013) 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 2013 “Hotel of the Year” for the Comfort Inn brand. All three hotels were “Hotel of the Year” finalist in 2012 with the Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills winning the award in 2012. 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.

In order to be a finalist, The Comfort Inn & Suites, Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills and Comfort Inn West were recognized as Choice Hotels Platinum properties for 2013. 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 “Hotel of the Year” and to also to earn the Platinum status. Our team members do an incredible job of taking care of customers on a consistent basis. This recognition speaks to their high commitment of providing quality service and a great lodging product. In our eyes each hotel is a winner just to get to this level.”

“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 award will be given at Choice Hotels’ International convention in May in Los Angeles. Staff members from Myer Hotels will be attending the event.

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 45 years, the Myer family has actively contributed to Branson’s hospitality market for over 29 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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TOGETHER. SHAPING THE FUTURE. ONE JOB AT A TIME.

What is a champion and what role does a champion play?

A champion is a volunteer mentor who is willing to enter into a relationship with one of the JfL students in which the champion helps the student reach his/her God-given potential. The champion will encourage the student during the class and maintain that support once the student is employed.  Ideally, the champion and the student will develop a lifelong relationship with one another so that each will be blessed by experiencing life’s journey together.

To learn more about becoming a “Champion” please attend our

Jobs for Life orientation/information night Wednesday, April 17th at 7pm.

Jesus Was Homeless is located directly across from Wal-Mart on Hwy 76 in the Vista Plaza shopping center on the backside.

Please bring a friend you would love to co-mentor with or just bring yourself.

Jobs for Life classes begin Wednesday, May 1st.  For more information please visit www.jesuswashomeless.org or contact Ashley Lauer at 417.337.8103 or email [email protected].

The Second Annual Fans for Charity Facebook contest has started!  Liberty Bank will donate a total of $14,000 to local charities!!  Here are the details of this exciting event:

Nominate:
From Monday April 8 – Thursday April 18, anyone can go to the Liberty Bank Facebook page, “Like us” and NOMINATE Jesus Was Homeless as their favorite SOUTHWEST MISSOURI CHARITY.  In 350 characters or less, they can tell Liberty Bank why Jesus Was Homeless charity deserves $10,000!   On April 19, the TOP 10 NOMINATED CHARITIES will be posted on the Liberty Bank Facebook page!

Vote:
From April 19-April 29, anyone can go to the Liberty Bank Facebook page, “Like us” and CAST YOUR VOTE for Jesus Was Homeless to receive the $10,000 grand prize!

Win:
The top 4 charities will receive prizes.  The winners will be posted on Facebook on April 30.
1st place:          $10,000
2nd place:         $2,500
3rd place:          $1,000
4th place:          $500

The person who nominated the Grand Prize winner will receive an iPad mini and get to present the check to the charity!

JESUS WAS HOMELESS
417.335.9915 – BRANSON, MO 65616
[email protected]
www.jesuswashomeless.org

“Changing lives, one meal at a time!”

Reeds Spring, MO – April 9, 2013 – The EarthWise Recycling Center, a community-supported non-profit organization located on the Reeds Spring High School campus, will celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 20 by expanding their standard recycling services to include electronic waste and rechargeable battery disposal, as well as glass recycling.

EarthWise—which was started last fall by the Ozark Mountain Legacy Catalyst team in Stone County—is a single-stream recycling facility, which means that all common recyclables—mixed paper, magazines and phone books, steel/tin/aluminum cans, and plastics #1-7—can be co-mingled in one container. Conveniently, recyclers do not have to sort these items prior to donation. Donated cardboard and paperboard (like cereal boxes) are baled separately and sold to help fund the operation. EarthWise is open every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until noon.

“Over the past six months, EarthWise has diverted over two tons of recyclable material from our landfill – and that is only being open on Saturday mornings,” said Sue Noel, Legacy Catalyst Team member. “The community has definitely shown its enthusiasm for recycling! We are growing fast and are thrilled that we are able to expand our collection services starting on Earth Day.”

Starting April 20, EarthWise will begin accepting the following recyclable items: electronic waste such as TVs, cell phones, iPods, tape players, radios, computers, copy machines, digital cameras, etc.; media items such as DVDs, CDs, VHS, and cassette tapes; rechargeable batteries (lead-acid batteries not accepted); glass used as food or beverage containers (please rinse). These items must be sorted separately, as they are not accepted in single-stream recycling. Donations are appreciated for handling and recycling rechargeable batteries and electronic waste.

In celebration of Earth Day, all Stone County residents are invited to visit EarthWise on April 20 from 8:00 a.m. until noon and are encouraged to bring their recyclable items. EarthWise volunteers will be on hand to give tours of the facility, and local businesses and student groups will have booths set up for visitors to enjoy.

“Earth Day is a great reminder of the importance of taking care of our planet, and recycling is a simple way that each person can make a difference in our community,” said Korina Branson, Legacy Catalyst Team member. “We hope that this Earth Day, Stone County businesses, schools, city / county offices, not-for-profit organizations, and residents will bring their unwanted electronic or media waste, and other recyclables, to EarthWise Recycling Center. It’s a win-win for the community.”

EarthWise would like to thank their generous sponsors: Brokate Janitorial, GreenStick, Greenway Recycling, Republic Services, Reeds Spring High School, and Silver Dollar City. Please contact Sue Noel at 338-8108 for sponsorship opportunities or exhibitor space at the Earth Day celebration on April 20, or for more information on how to get involved with EarthWise Recycling Center.

(Branson, MO) – Joey Riley, a 43-year-old, Wylie native and nationally-known comedian, has been diagnosed with Stage IV Colon Cancer and will soon begin chemotherapy. This devastating news, which has put his career on hold, comes just ten months after his mother lost her long and difficult battle with cancer.
Riley was born and raised in Wylie and got his start in his parents’ music venue, the Wylie Opry, which they built so he and his brother, Scott, could have a family-friendly environment in which to perform.
Riley started high school at Wylie High School and then moved to Nashville where he went to school his junior and senior years.
“I was working in Nashville and going to school at the same time,” he said.
However, he wanted to graduate with his class at Wylie, so his school in Tennessee sent his records to Wylie, and he graduated with the WHS class of 1989.
Riley was successful from a young age. Before he was 17, he toured with Capitol Records artist Gene Stroman and Suzy Bogguss playing the steel guitar and fiddle. He then toured with the Warren Stokes Country Revue out of Eureka Springs, Ark. and added “comedian” to his talents.
After a couple years, he found his way to Branson, Missouri where he joined the Texas Goldminors. Country music legend Mickey Gilley happened to be in the audience one day and asked him to join his show. Riley stayed by Gilley’s side for over 20 years and loved every minute of it.
In 2012, Joey ended his tenure with Gilley and joined up with longtime friend and fellow Wylie native Clay Cooper. He performed nightly as part of “Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express” and in his own show at Music City Centre on Branson’s famed Highway 76 strip. Joey’s tumor was unable to be surgically removed. The new plan is after his recovery from the surgery he will undergo Chemo and Radiation treatments to shrink the tumor. Riley plans to return to Clay Cooper’s show and will open his show in the fall.
Joey, a steel guitarist, fiddle player and comedic sidekick has been sharing laughs and entertaining audiences of all ages with comedy, singing and musical talents for more than 20 years.
Joey does not have health insurance to cover these costs so a benefit show will be held Saturday, April 20 at 2 p.m. at Clay Cooper Theatre to help Riley and his wife, Kelli with overwhelming medical expenses. Tickets are $25.
Donations can be made in the name “Benefit of Joey Riley” at Bank of Missouri, 800 Highway 248, Suite C, Branson MO, 65616. Prayers, donations and well wishes are greatly appreciated by the Riley family.
“The music industry has been real good to me throughout the years,” Riley said. “I’ve been blessed. But I’m not ready to give up yet.”
Letters, cards and well wishes for Joey Riley can be sent to Joey Riley, c/o Chuck Landry, 904 Hawthorn, Branson MO 65616.
For ticket information on the Joey Riley Benefit Show, call 417-332-CLAY.

April 2, 2013 (BRANSON, MO)—Think iconic Hollywood actor Steve McQueen, The King of Cool, The Magnificent Seven and car collector enthusiasts immediately think of McQueen?s 1946 Indian Chief motorcycle.
Next Friday and Saturday, they will also think of Branson, MO.
Long known as the live music capital of the world with more shows than Broadway or Nashville, Branson is also widely known as home of one of the top ten car auctions in America.
Friday and Saturday, April 12-13, at the Branson Convention Center, The Branson Auction will feature more than 250 sports, muscle, vintage, classic, custom and antique automobiles.
Jim and Kathy Cox have been presenting this bi-annual event for more than
23 years. Last year 5,000-6,000 collectors, consigners, bidders and car enthusiasts gathered for the live auction.
The Branson Auction will also feature story cars like the 1923 Rolls Royce
20 Roadster and The Gotham Cruiser. In fact, the consignment list is updated daily. Car owners can consign cars up to the day of the sale or can consign in advance by visiting www.bransonauction.com and clicking on the consign tab.
Bidders are encouraged to pre-register by calling in advance on visiting Branson auction?s website.
Starting on Friday at 10 a.m. and Saturday at 8 a.m. tickets for preview and the auction may be purchased in the upper level or in atrium of the Convention center for $10 daily or $15 for a two day pass.
Friday evening, bidders and consigners who have registered in advanced along with other special guests are hosted by Jim and Kathy Cox in the Taneycomo Ballroom for a private reception and charity auction to benefit the Autism Society of America.

BRANSON, MISSOURI – March 11, 2013 – The Andy Williams Moon River
Theatre announced today another one of the stars to headline this Fall’s “Moon River Weekends” with national entertainers each weekend in September and October.  Country Superstar and Grammy winner, Clint Black returns to Branson and will perform this October on Friday the 4^th and Saturday the 5^th. Both shows begin at 8pm and tickets are on sale now.

“Clint Black is a talented, outstanding performer and we’re excited to have him back at Andy Williams Theatre. The positive reaction from our audiences last year and Clint’s appreciation for our theatre made it an easy decision to have him back”, stated Lynn Meredith, General Manager of the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre. “The Moon River Theatre will continue to be a legacy for our founder, Andy Williams and be the home of world class singers and entertainers.
Additional performers will be announced in the coming days.

About Clint Black
Prolific singer-songwriter Clint Black has long been heralded as one of Country music’s brightest stars. His many talents have taken him even further, as Black has transcended genres to become one of the most successful artists in all the music industry. To date, Black has written, recorded and released more than 100 songs, a benchmark in any artist’s career. An astounding one-third of these songs eligible for major single release also achieved hit song status at Country radio, while more than 20 million of his albums have been sold worldwide. While it’s well-known that Black is an accomplished singer and guitarist, people may be surprised to learn that he is also proficient on drums and harmonica.

Black’s continued success can be attributed in part to his deep sense of Country music history, and his humble gratitude in being an important part of it. The 1989 debut of his critically acclaimed fan favorite, the Triple Platinum Killin’ Time, marked a shift in the industry, with a return to the more traditional sounds of the genre. CMT lists this album as one of the 100 Greatest Albums in Country Music.
Released while Black was still an unknown Texas-based artist and writer, Killin’ Time boasted five #1 hits – unprecedented from a debut album in any genre – and won Black a collection of awards that included: Country Music Association Horizon Award, Country Music Association Male Vocalist of the Year, American Music Awards Favorite New Male Country Artist, Academy of Country Music Best New Male Vocalist, Academy of Country Music Best Male Vocalist, Academy of Country Music Album of the Year (Killin’ Time), and Academy of Country Music Single of the Year (“A Better Man”).

For Black, Killin’ Time was only the beginning. Put Yourself in My Shoes followed in 1990, and quickly went Triple Platinum. Since then, Black has had nearly two dozen #1 hit singles, and almost as many Top 5 and Top 10 hits – all of them his original compositions, which is itself a notable rarity in popular music. The overall number of his awards, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, surpasses the number of his hit records, while he has performed for a staggering number of dedicated music fans in concerts through the years.

With such a long and productive career, Black still keeps his output as fresh now as when he was a hungry, up-and-coming artist. When he felt that his music was in danger of becoming a bit repetitive in the late ‘90s, Black took a brave risk and shook things up by leaving his label of more than a decade, and took a much-needed break to reevaluate where he wanted to take his career next. At that time, he and wife Lisa Hartman Black decided to start a family, and the birth of daughter Lily Pearl subsequently gave Black a new perspective and vigor that affected not only his personal life, but his professional and creative sides as well.

Clearly, Black’s devotion to family was the best thing for his career. In 2003, he boldly founded Equity Music Group, an especially artist-friendly record company that became home to his own recordings, as well as those of other like-minded artists. It was his company that launched Little Big Town’s career with their Platinum-selling album, The Road to Here. Black’s highly anticipated debut album for the label, Spend My Time, received great critical acclaim, and the label went on to earn Billboard’s #2 Independent Imprint of the Year and #4 Independent Label of the Year across all genres in 2006.

In addition to his established business ventures and various charity foundation efforts, Black branched out even further with an appearance on Donald Trump’s hit reality series Celebrity Apprentice. As a result of the friendship on the

show between Black and fellow contestant and Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton, the teammates are working to secure a total of one million dollars in matching fund donations for the International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF). Black currently serves as Honorary Chair for the IRSF’s “Research to Reality: Funding Progress” campaign, which helps to accelerate treatments and research to find a cure for the developmental disorder.

For Tickets to Clint Black and all the “Moon River Weekends” Shows at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre in 2013, call 800-MOON-094 or visit Andy Williams.com

(Branson, Missouri) – The Welk Resort Branson continues its legacy of providing legendary family entertainment by announcing the 2013 season schedule of “The Price Is Right Live!,” the on-stage, audience-interactive version of the longest running game show in TV history. The show returns to The Welk Resort Theatre for its second season.

Since 2006, “The Price is Right Live!” has packed-in audiences around the country, including runs in Atlantic City and Las Vegas, providing all of the games, excitement and fun of “The Price is Right” television show.  Starting March 2013, Branson contestants pulled right from the audience will have a chance to “Come On Down” to win appliances, vacations and even new cars by playing classic games from television’s longest running and most popular game show.  From Plinko to Cliffhangers to the Big Wheel, and even the fabulous Showcase, all the favorite games are played just like the TV show.

“The Price Is Right Live! tour offers the same quality production and excitement as the beloved TV show,” says Dathan Atchison, General Manager of The Welk Resort Branson. “We’re ecstatic to have this outstanding show returning to our theatre. I don’t recall experiencing a show that draws the audience in with such enthusiasm and delivers the energy and excitement like the Price is Right Live! Our guests and Branson visitors loved it and we look forward to another phenomenal season and hopefully many more to come!”

Playing to near sold out audiences for nearly nine years, The Price Is Right Live! has given away more than 10 million dollars in cash and prizes and sold more than 1.2 million tickets.

If you enjoy the rush of emotions experienced while watching the show on television, just imagine the possibilities if you were actually in the audience watching it live.

From March through November The Price Is Right Live will thrill audiences and provide Branson guests a unique opportunity to experience all of the fun that has made The Price Is Right the number one game show of all time.

The Price Is Right Live! schedule covers March through November. Performance times are 2 and 8pm.  Box Office price for adults is $31.95 + tax and a Child (17 and under) is $15.95 + tax. Tickets are available by phone at 800-505-9355 or on-line at WelkBranson.com.

The Price Is Right is produced by FremantleMedia North America and licensed by FremantleMedia International.

ABOUT “THE PRICE IS RIGHT”

The Price Is Right, the longest-running game show in television history, is hosted by Drew Carey and produced by FremantleMedia North America, The Price Is Right is broadcast weekdays (11:00 AM-12:00 Noon, ET; 10:00-11:00 AM, PT) on the CBS Television Network.