Southwest Missouri News

Branson

Branson tax revenue up from last year

The city of Branson's sales tax revenue is up 5 percent for the first six months of its fiscal year (October 1999 to March 2000) compared to the same period a year ago. The sales tax is 1.5 percent, with 1 percent going into general revenue and 0.5 percent used for transportation improvements. The city's tourism tax is also ahead by 8 percent for the first six months of the new fiscal year. Seventy-five percent of the tourism tax funds water and sewer projects with the remaining 25 percent funding marketing and advertising.

Four commercial projects under review

The city's planning and development department is reviewing plans for four projects in the Branson Meadows development on Gretna Road. These include Comfort Inn, Mitchem Tire and Wheel Center and the relocation of Beverly Healthcare.

Postal seminar to be held in September

The Branson Lakes Area Postal Council has announced its fall 2000 seminar to be held Sept. 27 at the Branson Tri-Lakes Daily News in Hollister. The cost is $10 and includes lunch. The seminar will provide information sessions and discussions, industry updates, vendor displays and a tour of the Branson Tri-Lakes Daily News. For more information call the Branson post office at 336-4014.

Oak Ridge member to hold book signing

Joe Bonsall, a member of the Oak Ridge Boys, will sign copies of his new book, "Brewster," the fourth book in his "Molly The Cat" book series, 11 a.m.-noon June 10. The book signing will be at T. Charleston's at The Grand Village in Branson. The Oak Ridge Boys are performing limited engagement dates throughout the 2000 season at The Grand Palace in Branson. Their two shows begin daily June 10 and continue through December.

IMAX theater adds films, food court

Branson's IMAX Entertainment Complex added three new films to its summer schedule: "Michael Jordan to the Max," "Adventures in Wild California" and "Dolphins." In addition, the films, "Ozarks Legacy & Legends" and "Alaska: Spirit of the Wild," and the new "Legends of Magic," a fast-paced show of classic illusions, will be featured at the complex. Also new to the complex is a food court featuring the franchises Quizno's Subs, Breadeaux Pizza and Baskin Robbins 31 Ice Cream & Yogurt Store.

Police to offer fifth Citizens' Academy

The Branson Police Department will hold the fifth Citizens' Police Academy beginning July 11. The purpose of the academy is to educate residents and businesspeople on the day-to-day operations of the police department. For more information, contact Cpl. Ron Ginn at 337-8557.

Sixth annual dance event coming June 16

The Downtown Branson Mainstreet Association will sponsor its sixth annual '50s & '60s Street Dance 8 p.m.-midnight June 16 at the Taneycomo Lakefront in downtown Branson.

Jasper, Newton Counties

Area unemployment rate drops

The jobless rate for Jasper and Newton counties fell to 2.3 percent in April. According to the Missouri Department of Economic Development, the figure means that 1,291 people in Jasper County were actively looking for work, and 640 people in Newton County were seeking jobs. The total eligible labor force for both counties was estimated at 82,744 for the month. The April rate is down from the 3.5 percent reported for the same period a year ago and coincides with Missouri's overall jobless rate of 2.3 percent, a 20-year low.

Joplin

Internet provider sold to Joplin-based firm

Jasper and Newton Information and Communications System Inc. has a new owner. JANICS, established in 1995 as a not-for-profit company, has 4,300 users and was sold to John Cruzan for $200,000.

The cost of using JANICS as an Internet provider is $100 a year or $60 for six months. For this price, a user can log on for a 90-minute session without interruptions. For $159 a year, a user has unlimited access to the Internet. This program also includes two e-mail addresses. Prices are not expected to change under the new ownership.

The Internet provider is now a part of Joplin.com, a city-focused Web site run by Cruzan. It will be operated out of Computerland in Joplin, which Cruzan also owns.

On May 4, the Jasper County Commission joined four other charter members in approving the sale. JANICS needed the approval of at least of five of its seven charter members to clear the sale with the Missouri Secretary of State's Office. Joplin, Carthage, Crowder College and Newton County had previously approved the sale. The other two members are the city of Neosho and Missouri Southern State College.

The seven entities joined in 1995 to bring Internet access to the area.

JCT Title owner heads campaign

Nancy Good was recently appointed chairwoman of the 2000-2001 United Way of southwest Missouri campaign. The fund-raising goal has been set at $940,000, compared with the 1999-2000 goal of $902,000.

Good, owner and president of JCT Title Services Inc., has worked with United Way for 10 years. She has served on the United Way Board for five years and was board president in 1998.

This year's theme is "United Way: the Way Southwest Missouri Cares Community by Community."

Campaign divisions will be headed by: Ron Pence, Arvest Bank, campaign vice chairman and chairman of the Industrial Division; Gary Sandy, KSNF-TV, and Christine Brixey, The lnsurancenter, campaign communications; Crystal Harrington, Home Builders Association of southwest Missouri, and Carol Ferguson, The Pillsbury Co., pace setters; Hal Hoofnagle, Missouri Gas Energy, and Gayle Tuck, Hook Up, EXTRA; Chris Schafer, the Empire District Electric Co., and Justin Suarge, First State Bank, Day of Caring.