Southwest Missouri News

Ash Grove

Rendezvous scheduled for Sept. 17-19

Ash Grove's Nathan Boone Rendezvous is set for Sept. 17-19. The annual event will start at 6 p.m. Sept. 17 with "The Little Red School House," a skit by Carol Bills. Music and square dancing will follow at 7.

Sept. 18 events begin with a parade through town. Games, an antique car and tractor show, historic re-enactors, petting zoo and music will all be part of the Rendezvous. A bus tour to the Nathan Boone State Historic Site will be available.

The Family Fun Day Sept. 19 is an additional day this year. Gospel music and more free games start at noon.

More information is available from Terrill Harvey at 751-2759 or 751-2911.

Joplin

St. John's program receives recognition

The Outpatient Diabetes Self-Management Program at St. John's Regional Medical Center, Joplin, has received the American Diabetes Association Award of Education Recognition.

Those applying for the award must submit to a review process by experts who evaluate the program on its ability to provide patients with a comprehensive individualized education program.

St. John's offers the only American Diabetes Association recognized program in the four-state area, according to a hospital news release.

Cafe Santa Fe franchisee expands rights

Mike Booe has been awarded the rights to operate a Cafe Santa Fe in Neosho. Booe is owner and operator of the Cafe Santa Fe in Joplin. The CSF Franchise Group Inc., is also opening its first restaurants in Oklahoma, in Tulsa, Broken Arrow and Owasso. This brings the total number of locations CSF operates to 21.

Neosho

$5 million Family Y planned for Crowder

Plans for a $5 million Freeman Southwest Family Y to be built at Crowder College were announced Aug. 10.

Groundbreaking for the 40,000-square-foot building is scheduled for February or March. The building, to be located on 28 acres at the Crowder campus, will include an indoor pool, gymnasium, child-care center, walking track, weight machines, racquetball courts and areas for volleyball, softball and soccer.

"Having a Family Y makes our community more attractive to industries and retailers in Neosho and those considering Neosho as a possible place to do business," said Larry Neff, chairman of the board of directors of Freeman Neosho Hospital.

The Freeman Foundation and Freeman Health System have pledged $1 million toward the project. Gary Duncan, president of Freeman, noted that the hospital's responsibility is "not only to work for health care, but for the wellness of the community."

The Crowder College Board of Trustees has agreed to lease the land for $1 a year.

Three years ago, the Southwest Family Y was established at 403 S. Jefferson St. after a planning committee raised $300,000 in donations. That operation will move to the new location.

Campaign Chairman Rudy Farber said he will mak announcements in upcoming weeks regarding donations for the project.

Republic

Pumpkin Daze '99 gearing up

Republic will be an official weigh-off site for the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth. Growers are asked to bring their giant pumpkins, watermelons, squashes, tomatoes and cantaloupes to Republic 8-11 a.m. on Oct. 2. Cash prizes and ribbons will be given for largest pumpkin, watermelon and squash. For information, contact Jennifer Davis, 887-5855.