Southwest Missouri News

Branson

Branson ranks in top 10 tours

The National Tour Association and Group Leaders of America recently announced the top 50 tours as selected by group leaders, and Branson was the only destination with two tours among the top 10, according to a release from the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.

Branson Christmas was ranked sixth and Branson/Ozarks was ranked 10th.

Some of the other top tours were types other than destinations, with riverboat cruising ranked second and grandparent/grandchild tours ranked ninth. Others in the top 10 were Las Vegas at No. 1, Central Florida at No. 3, Hawaii at No. 4, Alaska cruise and tour at No. 5, Caribbean cruise at No. 7 and Cape Cod at No. 8.

"This is a great testament to the continued popularity of Branson as a group travel destination," said Randy Fiveash, president and chief executive officer of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau.

"Anytime we receive one of these accolades, we recognize the commitment of the entire community in achieving this success."

Branson ranked 16th among overnight leisure destinations in the country.

Snyder to speak at NAIA event

Quin Snyder, University of Missouri-Columbia head basketball coach, will be the keynote speaker at the third annual National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Tournament Sponsor Luncheon scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Oct. 1 at Dixie Stampede in Branson, according to a release from Dixie Stampede.

The luncheon honors sponsors of the NAIA Men's Basketball Tournament and will benefit the American Cancer Society's "Coaches vs. Cancer" campaign.

"Coaches vs. Cancer" is a partnership between the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the American Cancer Society. The program is dedicated to reducing the risk of cancer in youth, using fan contributions to assist the research, patient services, advocacy and prevention programs of the American Cancer Society.

At the luncheon, a special prize drawing of Mizzou and NAIA memorabilia will benefit the Coaches vs. Cancer campaign.

Jasper County

MoDOT funds to aid three cities

Three towns in Jasper County will benefit from more than $400,000 in special funds through the Missouri Department of Transportation.

Funding will go to the city of Webb City, Jasper County and Main Street Joplin Inc.

The money comes from a provision of federal law that designates 10 percent of MoDOT's Surface Transportation Pro-gram budget for transportation needs not normally associated with roads and highways. These needs can include walking and bike paths, historic sites, landscaping and scenic beautification.

Webb City funding totaled $116,243 for use on the King Jack Park Pedestrian and Bike Trail. Jasper County received $61,475 for the Frisco Greenway Trail. Main Street Joplin Inc. received $240,000 for lighting and landscaping.

These projects are three of 31 funded across the state. The 31 projects funded in this group are the last Missouri enhancement projects to receive support under current federal transportation law. Since 1992, MoDOT has worked with communities to fund 485 enhancement projects.

Projects are submitted by cities, counties and state agencies and reviewed by a committee of federal, state and local organizations.

The committee includes representatives from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Missouri Muni-cipal League, the Missouri Association of Counties, the Federal Highway Administration, metropolitan planning organizations and MoDOT.

Joplin

Rotary presents $10,000 to RMH

The Daybreak Rotary Club of Joplin recently presented a $10,000 check to the Ronald McDonald House of the Four States.

This is the sixth year that members of Daybreak Rotary have adopted the house as the primary recipient of the organization's Shrimpfest proceeds.

Since 1996, the group has donated $40,000 to the charity.

Ronald McDonald House of the Four States is a home away from home for families with seriously ill children receiving treatment at Freeman Health System or St. John's Regional Medical Center.

Monett

Jack Henry declares dividend

Jack Henry & Associates has declared a regular quarterly dividend of $.03 per share on its common stock, par value $.01 per share, payable to stockholders of record as of Sept. 6, 2001.

Jack Henry & Associates provides integrated systems and ATM and debit card transactions for banks and credit union. Jack Henry markets and supports its systems throughout the United States and has more than 2,800 customers nationwide.

Neosho

Library installs security system

The Neosho Newton County Library has installed a new security system from Ozark Protection Systems, of Spring-field.

The system provides monitors throughout the library, offering surveillance of its entrances and contents.