Southwest Missouri News

Branson

Mayor reflects on 2001 growth

According to Branson Mayor Lou Schaefer, 2001 was a good growth year for Branson.

"We started the process of redeveloping and revitalizing the downtown lakefront," Schaefer said in a city press re-lease.

"With (the) city purchasing the lakefront properties, we have laid the groundwork for the construction of the Branson Landing project, which should occur in mid-2002," he added.

In addition to the convention and exhibition center, the public portion of the development is to include a boardwalk, as well as town square and downtown street improvements.

The private portion of the development includes a hotel, retail and restaurant es-tablishments.

The 2000 Census showed that Bran-son's population increased 63 percent, from 3,706 in 1990 to 6,050 in 2000.

City sales and tourism tax revenues increased from the previous year in spite of recession and the impact of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Public improvements to the city in 2001 included continued elimination of older septic tanks in residential and business areas and the addition of a new park and playground at 611 S. Sixth Ave.

In 2002, the city will begin straightening Roark Valley Road between Gretna and Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and add right turn lanes at Roark Valley and Gretna, and at Roark Valley and Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.

The city has set aside $1 million in a special project fund to build a new recreation center with swimming pool, gymnasium and activity rooms, and the city is requesting proposals for a feasibility study and needs assessment in the Parks and Recreation Department.

Meanwhile, in the public safety arena, Branson experienced no homicides in 2001, robberies decreased 50 percent and assaults dropped 13 percent.

Carthage

Dos Amigos opens on Grand

A new restaurant will soon be opening in Carthage.

Dos Amigos, a Mexican restaurant, has leased 2,400 square feet of space at 2440 Grand in Carthage. The restaurant is scheduled to open in February.

Joplin

LaBarge receives preferred status

Northrop Grumman Corporation's El-ectronic Systems sector has awarded Preferred Supplier status to LaBarge Inc.

Northrop Grumman uses its Preferred Supplier program to develop strategic relationships with high performing suppliers. Northrop Grumman has selected fewer than 200 out of 2,000 production suppliers for its Preferred Supplier Pro-gram.

To achieve that status, LaBarge, which has a plant in Joplin, had to exceed specific performance ratings in quality, delivery, advanced quality practices, technology, cost, stability and leadership.

MedSourceOne gets accreditation

MedSourceOne Inc. has been given a three-year accreditation with commendations from the continuing medical education program of the Missouri State Med-ical Association.

MedSourceOne provides education to physicians and other health-care pro-viders in Missouri and neighboring states.

Neosho

Crowder teacher receives award

Dr. Herb Schade, instructor of physics and physical science and chairman of the mathematics/science division at Crowder College, was given the Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award was presented during the 2001 Governor's Conference on Higher Ed-ucation held in December in Jefferson City.

The awards were presented to faculty members of Missouri colleges and universities who have displayed a commitment to excellence in education.

In recommending Schade for this award, colleagues at Crowder cited his "dedication to students and to education," including his ability to challenge students without overwhelming them.

Webb City

City adds online information

Webb City community information is now available on the World Wide Web.

A site created by the Webb City Public Library includes community events and links to the Webb City Chamber of Com-merce, the Webb City Farmers' Market and Webb City Junior High School.

The bulletin board can be accessed through the library's Web site at www.webbcitylibrary.com.