Southwest Missouri News

Branson

Theaters announce new shows

The entertainment lineup in Branson for the 2001 season includes new shows and new attractions, according to the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Gatlin Brothers will return to Branson this year. While Larry, Steve and Rudy Gatlin are now pursuing separate careers, they reunite once each year in Branson during the holiday season for the "Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers Christmas Reunion Show."

The show will be presented at the MGH Performing Arts Center on Highway 248 beginning Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, and will run through Dec. 9 for a total of 25 shows. Comedian Royce Elliott also will be featured.

"Mississippi Love," a new musical comedy, debuts Sept. 8 and runs through Dec. 15 at the Mark Twain Playhouse, formerly the Kirby Van Burch Theater on Highway 248. Debby Boone will perform the lead role of Aunt Polly during September and October and Jerry Van Dyke will star in the lead role of Duke Nov. 1-Dec. 15.

"Ripley's Believe It or Not! Live" is a live musical stage extravaganza that combines "incredible one-of-a-kind human wonders with state-of-the-art theatrical techniques," special effects, modern dance choreography and elaborate costumes.

The show, produced by On Stage Productions, premiered May 24 at the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Theater, formerly the Osmond Family Theater, and will continue through Sept. 30. In 2002 the show will run from March through October.

Roy Clark will perform in the mornings along with Doug Gabriel at the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Theater on selected dates from April through October.

The Majestic Theater, formerly known as the Thunderbird Theater, has completed a facelift and reopened with two shows, magician John Gabriel and comedian Gregory Popovich. Illusionist Gabriel is joined by comedian Mike Bliss during his show. Popovich, who has appeared on "The David Letterman Show" and "The Tonight Show" will present his Comedy Pet Theater, coming to Branson from the Moscow State Circus.

Meanwhile, Kirby Van Burch, the 1999 International Magician of the Year, returned to the Remington Theater in May, and he will appear there through September.

Among the area's newest attractions is The LumberJack, a wooden go-kart track that offers riders a roller-coaster experience at The Tracks. The three-story, spiraling track allows drivers to maneuver along an elevated track system. The LumberJack comprises 36 go-karts, 28 single-rider karts and eight double-rider karts on a 20-foot-wide, 1,200-foot long track. The attraction is set to open this month.

Another new attraction, announced earlier this season, is Silver Dollar City's largest ride ever, Wildfire, a high-tech roller coaster that reaches speeds of up to 66 miles per hour.

Upcoming special events in the Branson area include A Veteran's Homecoming, to be held Nov. 4-11, and Silver Dollar City's An Old Time Christmas, held Nov. 3-Dec. 30.

Chamber honors small businesses

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held its third annual Small Business of the Year Award ceremony June 7 at the Radisson Hotel Branson.

The winner had not been announced at press time, however, 19 area businesses were nominated for the honor based on their staying power, business or management philosophy, response to adversity, innovative products or services, and community-oriented contributions.

Nominees for the 2001 award are Amish Country Store, Blakemore Lure, Branson Pet Resort, Chateau on the Lake, Compton Ridge Campground, Dick's 5 & 10, Digital Design, Dimitri's, Equivest at Thousand Hills, Hometown Radio, Incredible Acrobats of China, McDonald's, Mountain Man Nut & Fruit, Mr. Bug Killer, R&H Plumbing, State Park Marina, Stone Hill Winery, Vaskens International Market and Waltzing Waters.

Stars Galore!' benefits safe house

"Stars Galore! Big Show!," benefiting the Hiding Place Ministry, will be presented at 8 p.m. June 11 at Jennifer's Americana Theatre in Branson.

The show features Jennifer Wilson; the Grand Ladies of Country Music Shepard, Helen Cornelius and Margo Smith; the Incredible Acrobats of China; Sons of the Pioneers; Buck Trent; Ronnie Prophet; The Platters; JoAnn Castle; Jim Owen; Steve Warren; Delene; Kirby Van Burch; Barry Crees; and Lisa Hann.

The Hiding Place Ministry is a nonprofit organization that provides a safe place for victims of domestic violence.

Joplin

Orica USA Inc. cuts 28 positions

Orica USA Inc. has announced that it will cut 28 production jobs at its Joplin plant.

Cluny Randell, vice president of Orica USA, said a declining market demand for the company's product is the cause.

Randell said workers have been given a severance package and the company will assist them in trying to find new jobs.

Orica USA is part of Orica Ltd., based in Melbourne, Australia, which is the world's largest supplier of commercial explosives and related blasting services. Orica USA is based in Denver.

Manpower survey predicts gains

According to the latest quarterly survey by Manpower Inc., steady gains are expected in the Joplin area job market, but not at the same pace as in the summer of 2000.

Thirty percent of Joplin companies interviewed by Manpower plan to add to their work forces between July and September, the survey found, while 10 percent plan reductions. The rest expect their payrolls to remain steady.

Last year, for the same quarter, 40 percent planned increases and 7 percent planned decreases.

Nationwide, 27 percent of employers plan to increase staff and 9 percent plan reductions, compared with 35 percent planning to expand during the same period last year and 5 percent expecting declines.

City among Best Small Places

Forbes magazine recently reported that Joplin ranked 34th among 94 small metropolitan areas in a recent survey of the "Best Small Places" for businesses and careers.

The ranking was based on a variety of economic data, including relative wage and salary growth since 1994, relative wage and salary growth since 1998, relative job growth since 1995, and relative job growth since 1999.

Communities also were ranked in several technology areas. The Milkin Institute collected the data from government and other official sources.

St. John's names board members

St. John's Regional Medical Center in Joplin recently announced the appointment of two new members to its board of directors.

Robert Walkenhorst, president of Frank Evans Distributing Company, was elected to serve a three-year term. Christy Herrin-Hamilton, a certified financial planner with Edward Jones, will serve a one-year term on the board.

Reappointed to three-year terms were Steven P. Carlton, Russell G. Smith II; Sr. Jeanine Salak, RSM; D. Mitchell Stinnett, MD; and R. Robert Hatlelid, MD

Officers elected to one-year terms are: Steve Carlton, an attorney with Carlton Law Firm in Carthage, board chairman; Russell G. Smith II, Missouri division president of May's Drug Inc., vice chair; Bennie Crossland, of Crossland Construction, Columbus, Kan., treasurer; and Jane Cage, owner/partner in Connecting Point Computer Center, secretary.

The new board members join other community leaders, physicians and hospital officers on St. John's board, including Gary L. Rowe, president and chief executive officer of St. John's Regional Medical Center; Michael G. Pence, Electric Motor Supply; Joe Newman, Stifel, Nicolaus Inc.; Sr. Karlanne Hanna, RSM, Omaha, Neb.; Jim Kaskie Sr., vice president of Catholic Health Initiatives; Bernard Bettasso, MD; Frank Shagets, MD; and Mark Skelley, MD.

Neosho

Chamber welcomes new teachers

The Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce will welcome new teachers to the Neosho R-5 School District with a tour of the Neosho community.

All new teachers and administrators to the Neosho R-5 School District and Crowder Community College will be invited to take part in the tour scheduled for Aug. 8.

Participants will tour the Neosho Industrial Park and the town.

Every participant will receive a gift bag of promotional items from local businesses.