Southwest Missouri News

Branson

Water usage up 9 percent for May

Water production in the city of Branson increased 9 percent in May, compared to water production for the same month in 2000, according to a release from the city.

In May, more than 123 million gallons of water flowed through Branson's two water treatment plants. By comparison, 115 million gallons of water went through the treatment plants in May 2000.

The main source of water for the city of Branson continues to be Lake Taneycomo. The city got 81 percent of its water from the lake in May, compared to 77 percent of its water from the lake in May 2000.

The city of Branson's annual Water Quality Report for 2000, which is required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has been released. In 2000, the city of Branson had no violations. The report contains information for Branson residents about the chemicals in their water and the water's quality.

The reports must mention any violations of water quality standards for the year. Copies of the Water Quality Report for 2000 are available at the city's Public Works Department.

Corps of Engineers performs testing

The Army Corps of Engineers in June tested minimum flow releases from dams on Beaver, Bull Shoals, Greers Ferry, Norfork and Table Rock lakes.

A news release from the city of Branson said corps officials are monitoring test releases to determine the impact on three main categories fishermen and boating, the generating turbines and water temperature.

Golf course landscaping completed

Branson's Parks and Recreation Department recently completed a landscaping project on the Don Gardner Pitch N Putt Golf Course. According to a news release, three landscaped berms filled with flowers and shrubs have been added to enhance the beauty of the course.

Several tee box areas have been re-seeded and improved.

The course is located on Compton Drive next to the Branson Community Center. The nine-hole course charges $5 for a round of golf.

Joplin

Joplin Manufacturing cuts 35 jobs

Joplin Manufacturing Inc. has announced that it will discontinue production at its Joplin facility, resulting in the loss of 35 jobs.

The company, which is the leader in the production of commercial explosives, said that layoffs began in June and the majority will be completed by September. All employees will be laid off by January 2002.

The workers will receive severance packages and will be assisted in finding other employment.

Eagle Picher names interim CEO

Philip Schultz has been named interim president and chief executive officer of Eagle Picher Industries Inc., pending an appointment of a permanent CEO.

Eagle-Picher Industries is the parent of Eagle Picher Technologies in Joplin.

Schultz was formerly senior vice president and chief financial officer for the privately held company, which is based in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Homes tour supports LifeChoices

The auxiliary of LifeChoices is making plans for its "The Sounds of Christmas Homes Tour." Open since 1989, LifeChoices is a women's medical clinic and pregnancy resource center.

The tour, scheduled for Nov. 16-17, will feature four Joplin area homes that will be professionally decorated.

Area businesses and individuals will underwrite the event.

Connection offers resources

Kathe Copeland and Pearl Copeland have opened the Education Connection.

The business offers teaching resources for churches, teachers, day-care pro-viders and parents.

Kathe Copeland has 30 years experience in the teaching profession and Pearl Copeland has 21 years of business experience.

Neosho

ALPS open at ex-Heilig-Meyers

A new grocery store recently opened its doors in Neosho.

ALPS, or Always Low Price Store, is located in the former Heilig Meyers Furniture Store. Heilig Meyers closed its Neosho store in the summer of 2000.

Owned by Kevin Gerard and managed by Robert Wolfinbarger, ALPS differs from conventional supermarkets in that the floor space, and food selection, are smaller and more compact.

Library receives Gates grant

The Neosho/Newton County Library recently received a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant. The grant is part of the Microsoft billionaire's effort to help libraries "bridge the digital divide."

The Neosho/Newton County Library plans to use the grant money to purchase five computers for the Neosho branch and two for the Seneca branch. One of the five computers that will be added will be for Spanish-speaking patrons.

Webb City

Special Olympics honors shop

The Southwest Missouri Area Special Olympics has named Brian Christmas' Dugout Sports Shop the Outstanding Business of the Year.

Dugout has supported Special Olympics locally and statewide for several years.

Statewide

Funds going to Missouri farmers

More than $1.6 million is headed to more than 2,000 Missouri tobacco farmers, according to a news release from the Missouri Department of Agriculture. The funds are the first payments from the 1999 settlement between tobacco-producing states and the tobacco industry.

Missouri's burley tobacco farmers will receive about $22 million each year for a 12-year period from the $5.15 billion National Tobacco Growers Settlement.