Overheard

Bass Pro Shops has teamed up with Wal-Mart stores nationwide to distribute a CD with songs about fishing and fishermen. “All Gone Fishin’” debuted in Bass Pro and Wal-Mart stores Nov. 14. The compilation CD includes artists George Jones, Brad Paisley, Merle Haggard, Tanya Tucker and Mel Tillis.

Speaking of Bass Pro ...

The Springfield-based megaretailer has exercised a purchase option on 225 acres in Rossford, Ohio, with the intention of building a $50 million store on the site. The Toledo Blade reported the deal Nov. 16. It said the option was executed one day before it was scheduled to expire; the sales price will not be released until closing, which is expected by the end of the year. Bass Pro intends to break ground in the spring at the Crossroads of America development in northwest Ohio. The land acquisition follows an agreement giving Bass Pro 75 percent of Wood County’s 1 percent sales tax on store sales for 10 years or until the company has recouped its construction costs, according to the Toledo Blade. The Blade report said Ohio officials had been courting Bass Pro for 14 years.

Tapping Dapp

Drury University officials are working with Springfield-based TP Dapp and Associates to develop a business and operating plan for the newly created Edward Jones Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. TP Dapp owner Thomas Dapp is responsible for developing a budget, performing a financial analysis and completing market research for the school’s center, which will offer a Master of Business Administration beginning in fall 2007.

Slice of Nice

City officials are seeking volunteers for First Night Springfield, the family-oriented New Year’s Eve celebration that begins at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 31. Volunteers are needed to sell and collect tickets, work concessions and souvenir stands, help with children’s activities and on stage and handle security. The communitywide celebration utilizes 11 downtown venues and showcases more than 20 performing groups, culminating with a free fireworks show in Jordan Valley Park to ring in the New Year. Interested volunteers should contact Bob Horton at (417) 865-4774. For more event information, call (417) 831-6200 or visit www.springfieldarts.org.

Twice of Nice

Citizens Memorial Hospice is holding a special Lights of Remembrance service on Nov. 30 at Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar. The tree-lighting ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. near the cafeteria entrance at CMH with a reception following in the executive dining room of the CMH cafeteria. Individuals can make donations of $10 to $250 per light in honor of family and friends or in memory of loved ones. All monies raised through Lights of Remembrance go to fund bereavement programs, hospice volunteer recruitment and training, and public education about hospice care. For more information, call (417) 328-6010 or (888) 328-6010.[[In-content Ad]]