Overheard

Turns out the $33 million ballpark Springdale, Ark., voters barely approved bond financing for was a near project of Springfield businessman John Q. Hammons. Hammons told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette before the city vote that several years ago he considered building the park on his tab. On July 12, Springdale citizens approved – by a mere 17 votes – $50 million in bonds for park construction and accompanying infrastructure. The 6,000-seat park could be home to the Wichita Wranglers of the same Double A league of the Springfield Cardinals. The Cardinals’ 6,750-seat Hammons Field cost developer Hammons $32 million in 2004. The city of Springfield leases the land for $1 a year to Hammons and lent the developer $6 million in construction bonds.

Hot Job: Commercial Street Coordinator

Urban Districts Alliance has received 60 applications for its Commercial Street coordinator position, another good sign for the street’s latest redevelopment plan. “It speaks to the enthusiasm for the Commercial Street area and its future,” said Rusty Worley, UDA director. For 15 years, city officials and private parties have made attempts to improve the once-bustling business strip. Worley said six candidates will be interviewed, and someone will be in place in August. The mixed-use plan calls for live music and restaurant/pub spaces joined with retail, art/creative and general businesses. UDA also reports that 95 percent of the street’s 37 lofts are occupied; another 32 lofts are under construction. Commercial space is 53 percent leased.

Little Theatre 2006–2007

Springfield Little Theatre released its 2006–2007 lineup. The season kicks off Sept. 15–Oct. 1 with “The Full Monty,” followed by: “The Mousetrap,” Nov. 9–19; “Cinderella,” Feb. 2–25; “Tuesdays with Morrie,” March 15–25; “The Taffetas”, May 11–27; and “Godspell,” June 15–July 1. The Family Series features “School House Rock!” Oct. 13–22; “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” Dec. 1–10; and “Pippi Longstocking,” April 5–15. Season tickets are on sale. Also, a fund-raising campaign to purchase larger seats is under way. Nameplates of donors will be installed on the chairs; single-seat sponsorships are available for $250, while a row of six seats is $1,250. More information is at www.springfieldlittletheatre.org. Contact the box office, 311 E. Walnut St., at 869-1334.

‘It’s Your Business’

Tom Dapp, owner of Business Financing Solutions Inc., has reached a deal to host a radio talk show on KWTO 560 AM. “It’s Your Business” is a one-hour show, designed to “inform, instruct, involve and inspire” business owners, according to Dapp. It airs at 10 a.m. every other Monday; it began July 3. Discussions with guests are intended to advise on decisions and operations of a successful business. Those committed to appear are Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce President Jim Anderson, ACR-Nally Communications co-owner Lisa Nally, Joplin Chamber of Commerce President Rob O’Brian and Drury University Breech School of Business Director Robert Wyatt.[[In-content Ad]]