Southwest Missouri News

Branson

Osmonds revise Branson schedule

Jimmy Osmond announced that he has concluded negotiations with a Las Vegas production company regarding the sale of the Flashback Revue Show, which was originally scheduled to open the season as the Osmond Family Theater on March 22.

The theater will instead open its 2001 season Sept. 12, according to a release from the theater. The restructuring of the show schedule was necessary because of the extensive schedule Flashback had at the Osmond venue. Flashback, which premiered in summer 2000, features the magic of Anthony Reed and Veronica.

Commission seeks members

The executive board of the Branson Convention Commission is soliciting rsums from area businesspeople who are willing to fill one of the open seats on the commission, according to a release from the city of Branson.

The 12-member commission was appointed by the Branson Board of Aldermen and the Taney County Commission to facilitate the development of requests for proposal and contracts relating to the design, construction, operation and marketing of a convention center.

The seven-member executive board seeks a representative from each of the business categories of attractions, retail, lodging, restaurant and theater.

"Members of the Convention Commission must be willing to make a major commitment of time because, for the next several months, we may have to meet as often as twice a week," said Branson Mayor Lou Schaefer, in the release.

Rsums should be sent to: Communications Department, c/o Branson City Hall, 110 W. Maddux, Branson, MO 65616.

Carthage

CHS students shoot for moon

Carthage High School students enrolled in an alternative energy vehicles program are planning to build two moon buggies and a retrofitted solar car for competition.

In the spring of 2000, the Carthage team placed third in the high school division at the annual NASA Moon Buggy competition in Huntsville, Ala. The 15-member team plans to return to Alabama in 2001.

Students on the moon buggy team will design and build two-person vehicles.

Each vehicle must have a simulated control panel and a simulated antenna. Students must carry the vehicle 20 feet, assemble it and drive it over a three-quarter-mile obstacle course. The course simulates the surface of the moon.

Students are being assisted on the project by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers from Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kan.

Golden City

Cooky's featured in Missouri Life

Cooky's Restaurant, a long-time mainstay in Golden City, is featured in the latest edition of the travel magazine Missouri Life, in a special section, "Best of Missouri Our People and Places, Past and Present."

The family-operated eatery is best known for its pies, with 40 to 50 pies baked each weekday, and as many as 60 on the weekends.

"Cooky's has been a feature in Golden City for 57 years and is known for its down-home cooking," the article says. "The little caf on the main street of this town of 790 people is the main draw for visitors."

Joplin

State approves obstetrics unit

State approval has been granted to St. John's Regional Medical Center to launch a $4 million construction project that will upgrade the hospital's obstetrics program.

The Missouri Health Facilities Review Committee approved St. John's certificate of need request Nov. 20.

Construction is expected to begin in January 2001, with the new unit to open in September.

St. John's, which reopened its obstetric program in 1994, stated that it is delivering about 700 babies a year.

Harrington workers receive aid

The state's Rapid Response Team has been activated to help workers who have lost their jobs because of the closing of Harrington Benefits Services.

The Rapid Response Team, made up of representatives from the Department of Economic Development's Division of Workforce Development, the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and the Joplin Career Center, responds to the needs of workers who have lost or will lose their jobs by providing special training and re-employment services.

Trewit Inc. has purchased Harrington Benefits, and as a result, approximately 100 people will be laid off when the company closes Dec. 29