On the Street

Fair record

The 2004 Ozark Empire Fair, held July 30-Aug. 8, drew a record number of visitors. During the 10-day event, 238,815 people took in the sights and sounds of the fair. The previous attendance record was 234,503, which was set in 1994. General Manager Pat Lloyd attributes the high attendance to unseasonably cool temperatures, good entertainment and the fact that his predecessor, Marla Calico, left the operation well-organized and with a good team in place.

Warrant progress

The Springfield Police Department's Warrant Task Force is making progress in settling municipal warrants in the city. During July, when the task force started, there were 415 warrants served, representing an increase of 83 percent, and 582 warrants recalled, representing an increase of 61 percent. Warrants date back to the 1980s, according to a news release from the department. Local cable channel TV23 is broadcasting 100 names of people who have municipal warrants every Wednesday. Individuals who suspect they have warrants should call the Municipal Court at 417-864-1890. For those who have warrants, the court will explain how those can be taken care of without arrests being made.

Stockton's new post

With its July 26 passage of a new ordinance, the Stockton Board of Aldermen created the office of city administrator for the city of Stockton. The city of Stockton is accepting applications for the position, with plans to name an administrator in October. A May 2003 tornado destroyed many businesses and homes in Stockton, and millions of dollars have been invested in rebuilding and recovery efforts. Key projects under way include a new sewage treatment facility, a community center and library, and infrastructure improvements on the town square. "The Board of Aldermen and I recognize the need for a city administrator to manage the number of community projects under way and/or proposed in support of recovery from the tornado, as well as the projects under way to address (unrelated) issues and problems," said Stockton Mayor Ralph Steele, in a news release from the city.

Slice of Nice

Spots for singers, dancers and actors are available for "Box Office Revue," the featured show for Fabulous Follies presented by Carol Jones, Realtors. The event, to benefit the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, will be held at 8 p.m. Nov. 12-13 at Landers Theatre, with official auditions to take place in October. Christopher Allen Productions will provide a director, costumes and script. The show will feature song and dance numbers and skits with a movie theme. Help is needed for prop and set construction, ticket sales, stage crews and ushers. For information about auditions or sponsorship, call BCFO at 417-862-3838.