On the Edges

Nixa

Town mural unveiled downtown

An unveiling ceremony conducted by the Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce took place on Jan. 28 at the site of Nixa's new town mural downtown.

The mural was commissioned by the chamber and painted by artist Anne Hubbard. Keith Roberts, past president of the chamber, came up with the idea several years ago and the chamber put the mural in its five-year plan. It depicts scenes from more than 100 years of Nixa history. The mural's theme is "Stability and Progress for the Future."

Modern Neon built the framework for the mural and allowed Hubbard to paint the mural in its warehouse space. The mural is 14 feet high, 28 feet long and is located at the southwest corner of an historic building at Highway 14 and Main Street.

Roberts said he hopes the mural will be a unique attraction for visitors to Nixa and at the same time create an appreciation for the town's history among newer residents. "We don't want to lose that history. It's a way to educate new people and get them interested in the history of downtown, the Nixa community and the county," Roberts said.

Chamber honors leaders at banquet

The Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce handed out individual and company honors at its annual banquet Jan. 29. Jami Dressler of Manpower was awarded Member of the Year, sponsored by Micro Innovations. The Nicholas Award, given for outstanding community service, was given to Keith Roberts of Empire Realty and was sponsored by Southwestern Bell. The Community Spirit Award was presented to Jennie Haymes of Southwestern Bell, sponsored by Fire It Up!

The Beautification Award, sponsored by Bit O' Heaven and Lace, was presented to Enchanted Cottage. Retiring board members Jerry Bryant and Stacy McNeill were recognized, sponsored by Enchanted Cottage and Jafra Cosmetics. There were 98 people at the banquet at Riverside Inn.

Republic

Re-enactment to attract up to 80,000

Up to 80,000 spectators are projected to converge at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield June 16-18 for what organizers hope is the largest Civil War re-enactment west of the Mississippi. Dan Keeslar, of Mid America Battle Re-enactments in Springfield, is organizing the event for the North/South Alliance, the largest national Civil War re-enacting organization, according to Keeslar.

In addition to the spectators, 8,500-10,000 Civil War re-enactors are expected to attend the event. Many of the soldiers will bed down in primitive camping on a privately owned site near the battlefield, but hotels and restaurants from all around the Republic and Springfield area will feel the effects of the gathering, Keeslar said.

A three-day pass for the event will cost $18.61 plus tax and can be purchased at Ramey and PriceCutter stores. A Web site has been established at

http://dabear.tzo.com/wilsonscreek

to provide further information.

Missouri's contributions to the war effort will be recognized, with the re-enactment of the Springfield area's Dug Spring Battle June 16 and portions of the Battle of Wilson's Creek June 17-18. Other attractions will include dances, church services, period craftspeople and Civil War-era music and drama. In addition, sutlers will display and sell items used by re-enactors.

"This is the national event for 2000. It will be somewhat smaller than most national events because it is west of the Mississippi and not as many from the East Coast will travel this far. Most national events attract 10,000 and up, but we will be pleased to get 8,500 to 10,000 reenactors," Keeslar said.

The Republic Area Chamber of Commerce will be at the event and has a committee working on ways to help, said Christy Hermansen, executive director.