On the Street

Temperatures nearing triple digits and surpassing them July 21–22 caused record electrical use in Springfield. On July 21, CU’s systems broke a two-year-old one-hour electric usage record with 740 megawatts. CU customers set a new record the next day, as usage levels topped 760 megawatts in the hour ending at 5 p.m. Meanwhile, water usage also is up as near-drought conditions spread throughout the region. Water usage this summer has been approaching the system record of 52.47 million gallons pumped on July 29, 1999. The year-to-date high is 50.86 million gallons, pumped on June 29.

Workers’ comp law

New Missouri workers’ compensation laws go into effect Aug. 28. To help businesses learn how to comply, the Springfield Contractors Association, Brittney Inc., ABC Alcohol and Drug Testing and the Tri-State Area Contractors Association are co-sponsoring classes Aug. 16 in Springfield and Joplin. Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation Director Pat Secrest will lead two-hour classes at 9 a.m. at SCA offices, 1313 N. Nias in Springfield, and at 1 p.m. at Joplin’s Board of Realtors office, 712 S. Florida. The fee is $10 a person, except for clients or members of the sponsors. For reservations, call (417) 862-1313 in Springfield or (417) 627-9392 in Joplin.

Treasurer’s performance

State Treasurer Sarah Steelman last month released her office’s year-end performance overview. Through June 30, the investment division’s average portfolio book value was $2.89 billion, with an average yield of 2.3 percent; interest earnings were $66.6 million. The unclaimed property division returned 60,828 accounts valued at $20.7 million. And its banking division reported receipts of $13 billion and disbursements of $12.6 billion.

Come Out and Play

The annual Ozark Empire Fair runs through Aug. 7. The 2005 installment is dubbed Come Out and Play and features a new KidZone in addition to the usual rides, vendors and games. Other fair favorites such as the Birthing Center for newborn calves, Coca-Cola’s petting zoo and Missouri Department of Conservation’s aquarium return. The music roster includes country artists Sawyer Brown, Deana Carter, Aaron Tippin and Trace Adkins; rockers John Kay and Steppenwolf; and Christian/pop artists ZOEgirl. Fair admission is $8 for adults and $2 for children ages 6–12.

Slice of Nice

Angela Miner won a trip for two to Las Vegas during Downtown Springfield Association’s first Ladies’ Day Out July 23. Her name was drawn to win the grand prize, which includes airfare and accommodations provided by Allegiant Air. There were 36 participating businesses handing out door prizes and goodie bags and offering discounts and coupons during the day-long event to boost interest and sales at downtown businesses. At least one retailer, Shae Belle, reported near-record sales for the day.