Southwest Missouri News

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Branson|ret||ret||tab|

Branson Fest 2000 set for April 5-9|ret||ret||tab|

Many of Branson's entertainers will kick off their spring season with Branson Fest 2000, to be held April 5-9 at the Mel Tillis Theatre. |ret||ret||tab|

Along with attending the daily line-up of concerts from local performers, visitors can browse through activity areas including the Kid's Main Street Jamboree, the Taste of Branson Food Tent, That's Entertainment Tent and the Hospitality, Business and Arts Expo. |ret||ret||tab|

For more information or tickets, call the Mel Tillis Theatre at 335-6635. Proceeds will benefit the National Tourism Foundation Yellow Ribbon Scholarship Fund and Habitat for Humanity.|ret||ret||tab|

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Shriners to return to Branson in 2003|ret||ret||tab|

The Central States Shrine Association plans to hold its fall ceremonial session Sept. 3-7, 2003, in Branson according to the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. |ret||ret||tab|

It's anticipated that 15,000 to 20,000 Shriners and their wives will attend the fall 2003 ceremonial. Central States Shrine Association comprises 70,000 members in 23 Shrine chapters in seven states. The association also held its 1998 convention in Branson. |ret||ret||tab|

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Area unemployment jumps in January|ret||ret||tab|

Monthly figures from the state Division of Workforce Development show that unemployment rates jumped considerably in January for Stone and Taney counties. The January unemployment rate for Stone County was 17 percent, compared to 5 percent in December 1999. The rate was 16.3 percent in January 1999. |ret||ret||tab|

For Taney County, the unemployment rate was 15.9 percent, compared to 2.8 percent in December 1999 and 17.5 percent in January 1999. The state unemployment rate increased slightly from 2.7 percent in December 1999 to 2.8 percent in January of this year. |ret||ret||tab|

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Carthage|ret||ret||tab|

ICI Explosives employees lose jobs|ret||ret||tab|

About 45 people will lose their jobs at ICI Explosives USA in connection with the sale of its primary manufacturing plant to Orica USA Inc. |ret||ret||tab|

Arrangements are being made to find new jobs for the displaced workers. Others will be offered early retirement packages.|ret||ret||tab|

Under terms of the deal, Orica will assume ownership of the majority of the manufacturing assets at the Carthage plant. It will also acquire most of the 1,800-acre site.|ret||ret||tab|

The explosive-waste incinerator operated by ICI Explosives Environmental Co. is not part of the deal, and will continue to operate under ICI.|ret||ret||tab|

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Joplin|ret||ret||tab|

Chamber elects board execs, directors|ret||ret||tab|

Dan Chioclo, president and publisher of The Joplin Globe, has been selected chairman of the board for the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce for 2000-2001. Jim Fleischaker, of Roberts, Fleischaker, Williams, Wilson & Power, is chairman-elect; and Fred Laas, of Spencer, Scott & Dwyer, is treasurer.|ret||ret||tab|

Six new directors also will be seated: Bill Gipson, of The Empire District Electric Co.; Karen Shaffer, of Granny Shaffer's; Lee Anne Howsmon, of Howsmon's Office Supply; Steve Chenault, of Steve's Frame & Body; Steve Beimdiek, of Beimdiek Insurance Agency; and Morris Glaze, of Standard Transportation. |ret||ret||tab|

Gary Row, of St. John's Regional Medical Center; and Charlotte McClure, of CableOne, have been appointed to one-year terms.|ret||ret||tab|

Scott Rosenthal, of Southwest Missouri Bank, has been appointed to fill the term of Rick Hobart; and Scott Fields, of Baird, Kurtz & Dobson, has been appointed to fill the term of Troy Hill.|ret||ret||tab|

The new chamber year begins April 1.|ret||ret||tab|

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