Southwest Missouri News

Joplin

Empire reports earnings drop

Empire District Electric Co. reported a drop in second-quarter earnings compared with those of the previous year, though operating revenues rose slightly.

In addition, the utility's board of directors declared a 32-cents-per-share dividend on common stock payable Sept. 15 to shareholders of record as of Sept. 1.

In a press release, the company said, "The decrease in earnings for the second quarter of 2001 was primarily the result of significantly increased natural gas and purchased power costs."

Operating revenue totaled $58.4 million for the three-month period, compared with $57.4 million for the same period a year earlier.

Net income fell from $3.6 million for the second quarter last year to $741,000 this year. Earnings per share fell from 21 cents a year ago to 4 cents for the same period this year.

The company said a reduction in pension plan income also contributed to the decrease in earnings for the first two quarters of this year.

Empire has asked the Missouri Public Service Commission for a 19.4 percent rate hike that would raise an additional $41.5 million in yearly revenue.

United Way adds Big Brothers

Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Jasper and Newton counties will be included in the United Way 2001 roster of agencies.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters places mentors with children 6 to 14 years old who are from single-parent or extended family homes. The mentors work with the children to develop positive life skills and social values.

The organization will join 18 other agencies that receive donations from the drive, which will begin on Jan. 1, 2002.

United Way will kick off its annual campaign at 7:30 a.m. Sept. 12, at Joplin's Memorial Hall.

CMN donates CPR mannequins

Children's Miracle Network and the Freeman Foundation have donated mannequins to the Freeman Screen Team for use in teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other lifesaving techniques to area high school students, prenatal class participants and the general community.

CMN purchased eight child and eight infant mannequins, in addition to the necessary airway packs and extra faces.

The Freeman Foundation purchased four adult mannequins, airway packs and extra faces from funds raised through the second annual 4044 MASH fund-raiser, which raised money for health screenings in Newton and McDonald counties.

The Screen Team has set a goal to teach CPR and other lifesaving techniques to all high school students in Joplin as well as in Newton and McDonald counties. In addition, they will be teaching these techniques to members of prenatal classes and will be offering a monthly class to the Joplin community.

Lamar

County Chamber sets slogan

The Barton County Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee has selected a new slogan to help market Lamar and Barton County.

In a theme and slogan contest, with more than two dozen slogans submitted from area residents and business leaders, the committee selected "Where It All Comes Together" as the final choice.

Lon Frieden, owner and operator of Lamar's Super 8 Motel, submitted the idea. The slogan will serve as the theme for economic development marketing projects conducted by the chamber.

Marketing projects under way include production of a tourism video highlighting local attractions. Chamber officials also plan to update the Barton County visitors guide brochure, which was last published in 1996.

Neosho

Chamber election under way

The Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce has sent out election ballots to all members who must choose five names from the eight listed.

The new board of directors will serve the chamber from Jan. 1, 2002, through Dec. 31, 2004.

Names on the ballot are:

Bobby Bryant, American Family In-surance;

Chuck Crossno, CableNet Advertis-ing Services;

Cheryle Finley, Bank of America;

Jeff Maxwell, Southwest Missouri Bank;

Billy Meyer, La-Z-Boy Midwest;

Dr. Mark Mitchell, Neosho R-5 School District;

Keith Poorbaugh, Freeman Neosho Physical Therapy; and

Philip Wilcoxson, Freeman Neosho Hospital.

The five individuals receiving the most votes will be elected. Ballots must be returned to the chamber office by Aug. 13.