Springfield Journal Economic Impact Award Winner's 2007

Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce President Jim Anderson was honored with the Lifetime Achievement in Business award. He joins past recipients Stack, John Q. Hammons, Ralph Manley, Charlie O'Reilly, Larry Wallis, Edwin C. Rice Jr. and Tom Finnie. Butler, Rosenbury and Partners Inc. took home the award in the architecture category. Other finalists were Creative Ink Architects LLC and H Design Group. In the banking category, Commerce Bank was honored, among fellow finalists Guaranty Bank and Ozark Mountain Bank. Council of Churches of the Ozarks was named Charitable Organization of the Year. Ozarks Area Community Action Corp. and United Way of the Ozarks were other nonprofits up for that award. Green Circle Shopping Center, led by Matt O'Reilly and sister Lindsey, was named Innovator of the Year for its use of green-building techniques. Other finalists were 1984 Arcade and U.S. Photonics. Downtown art-house theater Moxie Cinema and its owners, Dan and Nicole Chilton, took the Entrepreneur of the Year honor. JT Restaurant Group – led by Tom Dapp – and Hammer Collections – owned by Mike and Charlotte Dawle -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Blunt Presents Grant to Protect Children from Internet Predators in Southeast Missouri

POPLAR BLUFF–Gov. Matt Blunt today presented the SEMO Cyber Crimes Task Force with a check for $48,168.93 to help protect Missouri's children from Internet predators. "The safety and security of all Missourians, and particularly our children, is a high priority for my administration," Gov. Blunt said. "The Cyber Crime Grant Program will ensure that dangerous predators who use the Internet to prey on our children will be held accountable for their heinous acts." Gov. Blunt's leadership has ensured that Missouri has one of the toughest sex offender laws in the country. Missouri's version of Jessica's Law mandates a lifetime sentence with a minimum of 30 years for serious sexual crimes that are committed against young children and calls for certain sex offenders to be monitored their entire lives. One provision of the law gives the Department of Public Safety the authority to create the Internet Cyber Crime Grant program to assist law enforcement officials in investigating dangerous Internet crimes, especially sex crimes exploiting children. The Cyber Crime Grant Program distributes funding to support detectives' salaries, training and computer forensic personnel who focus on preventing and controlling Internet cyber crime ultimately improving public safety. The state budget for fiscal year 2008 provides a total of $1.25 million for the cyber grant program including $250,000 in grants for equipment purchases. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Branson Landing Marina to open in September

Marina to open in September Construction work at Gage's Branson Landing Marina & Shoppes is expected to be completely finished by next spring. BDN photo by Brandon Cone By Brandon Cone BDN Staff Writer bcone@bransondailynews.com Cruises up and down Lake Taneycomo will be making a return in a few months. Rhonda Hartzell, director of marketing for Gage's Branson Landing Marina & Shoppes, said the first cruises will set off by mid-September in the paddle-wheeler, christened the Branson Lake Queen. "That will be our soft opening," Hartzell said. "We're going to begin opening in sections, so there will be more to come." The new Lake Queen is named so to pay respect to the original Lake Queen, which was a major attraction on Taneycomo in the 1950s, '60s and '70s. "Those cruises were originally started in the '50s by (Gage's Branson Landing Marina & Shoppes owners James and Justin Gage's) grandfather Fred Stewart," Hartzell said. A second boat, Branson's Landing Princess, will begin giving cruises of the waterway as well in November. Hartzell said visitors will have an opportunity to take one of two cruises on both boat. One cruise will last one hour and the other will last an hour and 45 minutes to two hours. She said both cruises will start at the marina, which is currently under construction, and go south past the Branson Landing Fountains, turn around just before the Taneycomo Bridge and head north up the waterway. "The longer of the two tours will go to Rockaway Beach, which is where the original Lake Queen went," Hartzell said. The original Lake Queen will also have a part in the marina and shopping center as well. "After it is finished being restored, she will be floated down the Lake for the last time and made the centerpiece of the marina," Hartzell said. She said inside the original Lake Queen will be exhibits paying homage to the original sight-seeing tours on Lake Taneycomo. The marina, when complete will also feature retail shops such as a Ben and Jerry's ice cream parlor, a Denny's Harley Davidson shop and a Shorty Smalls restaurant and pub, which will have a unique menu from its other Branson location. A 300-seat banquet room known as the Fountain Room and 18 boat slips will also be on the marina. The Fountain Room as well as space on both the new Branson's Lake Queen and yacht will be available to rent for private receptions, and customers will be able to rent pontoons at the marina. Shorty Smalls is slated to open by the 2007 Christmas holiday season, and the marina is planned to be in full operation by spring 2008. Source

The Real Dennis Miller

Tuesday, July 31, 2007 After 30 years, the Real Dennis Miller At 53 years of age and after 30 years in show business, comedian Dennis Miller is comfortable in his own skin.  And it's for the first time in his life, so he says.  Making his national debut in 1985 as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, hitting the Las Vegas live act circuit, hosting a television news talk show and co-anchoring Monday Night Football, Miller says that if his current daily radio gig ends, things will be different. "This time, if I'm fired, they will be firing the real Dennis Miller," he recently told a invitation-only Chicago audience while in town to raise funds for military families.  It took a national trauma, not the typical religious experience, for Miller to finally discover himself.  He hasn't been "born again," he irreverently jokes.  "I'm just arrogant enough to say I did it right the first time." But there's no doubt the Pittsburgh native has made a dramatic transformation, at least politically.  Once left-leaning, Miller's act remains tough and biting, although now he pokes at both conservatives and liberals.  He describes himself as a "pragmatic libertarian." The five-time Emmy award winner made his mark in show business with his long, verbose passages dubbed "rants," usually intellectual critiques on political news.  But the 9-11 assault on America changed him and his perspective on the world, he says.  The way in which President George W. Bush and New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani handled the crisis awed Miller.  He continues to hold both Bush and Giuliani in high esteem, despite the vitriolic criticism they face from Miller's Hollywood friends. "After 9-11, it was a different world.  One where crazies strap a bomb to their kids in the name of religion," Miller said.  "Bush and Giuliani were fearless leaders during the national crisis.  Thank God Bush chose to stay on the offense." Bush and Vice President Cheney are respected internationally because they face terrorism and don't flinch, despite the American public's opinion. "Those terrorists have to be afraid of Dick Cheney," Miller smirked.  "If he'd shoot his best friend in the face, they have to ask themselves 'What would he do to us?'" Miller's act is merciless in his rants aim at a wide array of targets, from the French people and Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla to overweight Midwesterners who hangout in Branson Missouri and Wal Marts to liberal colleagues who obsess about global warming. Conservative audiences are still not real comfortable with Miller's transformation, though, and it's likely because Miller doesn't accept the far right's stance on everything. Most notably, he holds a more liberal position on abortion.  "I'm not a Christian, but I believe in God.  Whether or not someone is pro-choice is none of my business.  That's God's business. It's in His job description, not mine."  That particular jab was met with silence by the live conservative Chicago audience.  Read More

Branson Aldermen want city's input on liquor license process

Board held meeting to vote on next step. Kathryn Buckstaff News-Leader Published July 31 Branson — Though the city is studying the liquor license process, Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said she does not believe the Board of Aldermen intend to restrict the number of businesses with licenses. "I don't hear that from anyone," Presley said Monday. However, the board does plan to examine how much control the city can exert and get citizens' input on the issue, she said. At a special meeting Monday, the board unanimously approved a step in the process that could net licenses for Hillbilly Inn, Ernie Biggs Dueling Piano Bar and the White River Fish Co. Alderman Jack Purvis was not in attendance. In the current process, city officials certify the business has met health and building department requirements. After licensing from the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco, the city issues a business permit. Currently, there are 157 businesses with state licenses including convenience stores and restaurants. The city collects a fee of 1Ï times the state liquor license fee, amounting to $49,987 for 2007 licenses. Many cities impose regulations over liquor including limiting the number of establishments, the hours of sale and the age of people inside, said Joe Hodgin, alcohol division district supervisor. "They cannot be prohibitive, but they can regulate," Hodgin said. Branson ordinances currently contain 11 categories of restrictions including the number of convenience stores that may sell liquor. Sunday sales are prohibited between 11 a.m. and midnight. Alderman Bob McDowell said the city has issued a request for proposals for a citizens' survey on a variety of topics including liquor control. The goal, McDowell said, "is to really get to the heart and soul of the community." There's a history of complaints about liquor sales in Branson. After Purvis was elected for his first term in 2003, he opposed allowing restaurants that serve liquor to become tenants in Branson Landing. The $420 million lakefront lifestyle center that opened a year ago is on property leased from the city. Purvis could not be reached for comment. At that time, Purvis said, "I'm very concerned about the wholesale destruction of the Branson image. In my opinion, enough is enough, and the more we have, the more of a party group we're going to have." Also in 2003, there was controversy over the sales of liquor in four of Branson's 46 theaters. The Taney County Board of Commissioners passed a non-binding resolution opposing it. Four theaters are still licensed. Al Moon, a former Branson alderman and then chair of the county's Industrial Development Authority, opposed the resolution. "This discussion does nothing but drive business away," Moon said at the time. "If people think we don't want people here who drink or who want to sell alcohol, you might as well close the gates and bar Highway 65." Moon, who was at Monday's meeting, said he still opposes a liquor ban. "I don't think they're headed in that direction," Moon said. "I think there's some concern to try to control more than limit." This summer, Alcohol Control conducted checks in Taney County, sending in a minor to buy liquor. In at least seven instances, the minor - hired by Alcohol Control for the role - was able to buy liquor, Hodgin said. The sites included two nightclubs, three convenience stores and three restaurants on Branson Landing: Garfields, Joe's Crab Shack and Sullivan's. In each case, the person who sold the liquor was arrested, Hodgin said. Statewide, he said, 48 percent of businesses selling liquor fail compliance checks. "Criminally, the only responsible person is the one who actually supplied the liquor," Hodgin said. "But the business is cited and has to appear before the state supervisor of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, and they can get a fine or have their license suspended or revoked. It's not to say it's not a reputable establishment. It's just at that time on that day, an employee did sell liquor to a minor."

Branson Citizen Request Line Calls Jan - June 2007

Date Received                    Citizen                           Concern                    Responded   1. Jan 2, '07   Roberta Franks, Omaha, Neb, 402-464-4252 Wanted phone number of MO Attorney General as she has time share issues w/Grand Crowne Resorts in Branson. 1/3 Called her with Attorney General numbers.               2. Jan 4, '07 Don Blazek, 334-3881 Wants bigger "Entrance Ahead" and "School Bus Stop" signs at entrance to FoxPointe where Wal-Mart Superecenter construction occurring   1/12   A standard intersection ahead warning sign will be installed             3. Jan 4, '07 Visitor from Rhode Island, 401-467-1474   Wants Rockaway Beach to be included on city maps. 1/5 Informed her maps produced by city only includes city road information.       4. Jan 5, '07 Anonymous Called to say recycle center not open as advertised.  He was there on Thursday at 2:30 p.m.   1/5 Recycle center Thursday hours are 8a-12p and 4p-6p.   5. Jan 9, '07 Louise Brown, 131 Parkside, Hollister, 334-3816   Shrub growing out into street at corner of Iserman & Malone blocking vision   1/16  Shrubs on public right-of-way.  Trimmed back by city public works   6. Jan 10, '07 Mary Svestka, 141 Columbus Tr, 336-4195.   Mattresses dumped along Fall Creek Rd near Meadows Water Plant 1/17 Mattresses picked up by public works     7.  Jan 11, '07 Jeannette, Branson North, 334-7313 Who replaces lights that shine on Branson North entrance sign?   1/12 Informed her that was private property and to contact property owners assn.         8.  Jan 11, '07   John Johnson, 1015 Highland, 337-9461     Wanted someone from police dept. to call him about speeders along Highland.     1/12  Referred to Cpl. Kinsbury who will contact Mr. Johnson about rectifying situation.     9. Jan 24, '07 Clark Harris, 334-6801   Graffiti under new 65 overpass between Alexander & Sunset parks   1/31  Public works will paint over when weather warms.  Need at least 3 days of 40 degree temp or above     10.  Jan 24, '07 Stan Kerr, 130 Estate Circle, 348-0800   Six to 10 wild cats running loose.  He's trapped 2.  Wants help in getting rid of them.   1/29  Animal control cannot dispose of animals trapped by private citizens.     11.  Jan 24, '07 Evelyn Terry, 335-4567   Wants potholes on Bus 65 Taneycomo Bridge fixed.   1/25  Gave her  number for MoDOT and told her MoDOT owned bridge.     12.  Jan 25, '07 Joe McDowell, 601 Sunset, f334-5790   Streetlight burned out at Kingsway and Sunset.   1/25 Gave him number for Empire Electric Construction Office.   13.  Jan 26, '07 Roy Wall, 195 Garner Dr. 336-5211   Right turn only striping on Wildwood at Gretna needs a straight ahead arrow also to access White House Theater   1/31  Intersection has been re-striped with straight-ahead arrow.   14.  Jan 30, 07 Paul Neumann, 339-4455   Wanted to know where to drop off bags of leaves   1/31  Informed him recycle center still takes bagged leaves.     15. Feb 1, '07 Oneida Simpson, 530 Quail Rd, 339-4770   Wanted hours of recycle center 2/1  Called her with hours information   16. Feb 2, '06 Sarah Bailey, 431 Grand Ave, 334-3549   Needed street cleared of ice.  Just brought husband home from hospital.   2/2  Street cleared that day. 17.  Feb 9, '07 Toby Parton, 294-7343 Local businessman who said he had signs along the street removed.  How can he get them back?     2/9  Referred to P.D. for follow-up. 18. Feb 9, '07 LaVonne Sawyer, 239-0307   Wanted to know if city had handbook on regulating condos.   2/9 Referred her to the state. 19. Feb 19, '07 Pauline Raymond, 335-4489   Trashy house along Lakeshore Dr. needs cleaning up   2/20  Informed her house not in city.  She needed to contact county.   20.  Feb 19, '07 Ruth Conway, Forsyth, 546-9063   Wanted to know where she could get her taxes done for free.   2/20  Gave her number of  location in Hollister that will do returns at no charge   21. Mar 1, '07 Dana Odom, Wisconsin, 920-229-8973   Wanted to know if recycle center anywhere close that will pay for cans.   3/1 Informed her that S & S Salvage on Hwy 86 near Ridgedale buys cans. 22. Mar 4, '07 Mary VanBebber, 404 Neihardt, 334-9032   Trench across Neihardt between Truman & Rose O'Neil getting deeper   3/7  City crews dug out base rock and filled with cold patch 23. Mar 5, '07 Lindsey from Tanger Outlet Mall, 337-9328   Wanted traffic count on Highway 76 and U.S. 65.   3/6  Told her to contact MoDOT. 24.  Mar 5, '07 Sarah Seitz, 203 Francis, 336-3336   Wanted to know when lights on Landmark Tower would be on again. 3/6 Told her we hope to have lights on by April 1.   25. Mar 9, '07 Chris Myer, 337-1822   Bridal show signs still up around the city.  Need to be removed.   3/9 Contacted P&Z who contacted sign owners. Signs removed 3/11.     26.  Mar 22, '07 Walt Stone, 902 Canal, 334-6704   Junky car at 903 Canal; one-lane sign missing at bridge trestle; Branson Landing Blvd very rough on west side of RR tracks at Long St.; Vandals painted black on stop and street signs at Christopher & Shore and sign for one-way bridge on Lake St side      3/30  Junk at 903 has been removed.  Branson Landing Blvd to be repaired when money available.  Signs repainted and replaced.             27. Mar 23, '07 Bob Rose, Michigan City, IN   Visiting Branson in May.  Wanted tourism info.   3/23  Sent him vacation packet from Chamber   28. Mar 26, '07 Robert McKinney, 339-4693   Wanted to know new minimum wage 3/26 Called him w/info $6.50 29. Mar 30, '07 Francis Kauth, 509 W. Hensley, 335-8045   Homebuilder next door keeps pulling onto and damaging her property.  Can city do anything?   3/30  Informed her it was a civil matter and she would have to contact an attorney. 30.  Mar 30, '07 No name, but left number - 336-1215   Wanted to know if batteries can be recycled at our recycle center   3/30  Informed her that batteries can be accepted. 31. Mar 31, '07 Bob Warlick, 593-4750   Why isn't Larry Taylor's name on Landing plaque?   4/2  Referred to T. Dody who contacted Warlick.   32.  Apr 2, '07   Mary Kakowski, 115 Grand Summit Point, 336-1995   Wanted to know hours of recycling center. 4/2  Called her with the hours.   33. Apr 3, '07 Tim Buckles, 334-8285   Wanted to know when more bike trails would be built in city.   4/3 Referred him to city engineering dept. who sent map and timetable   34.  Apr 4, '07 Hal Dewell, 334-4815   Had a question about sewer easements on E. Hwy 76.   4/4 Referred him to county sewer board. 35. Apr 13, 07 Clark Harris, 334-6801   Graffiti on outside of restrooms at Stockstill Park.   4/16  Building repainted and graffiti covered. 36. Apr 15, '07 Jack Simonsen, 247 Buckingham, 335-4612   Big pothole in south lane on Fall Creek Rd bridge by former Fall Creek Inn restaurant.   4/16  This is a state highway, MoDOT has been notified.   37. Apr 16, '07 Ann Murray, 699-0690   Dates for city's annual Spring Cleanup       4/16  Called her with dates of Apr 16-20.   38. Apr 23, '07 Chris Myer, 157 Country Bluff Dr, 337-1822   Traffic signal timing off at 65 & 76 4/24 New lights being installed.  Will be retimed when done. 39. Apr 24, '07 Scott Winslow, 527-3974   Traffic lights at Hwys 65 & 76 only stay green for 5 sec for north-south traffic. 4/24  New lights being installed by MoDOT. Will retime when done   40.  May 2, '07 Robert Moser, 417-249-0800, 130 Birchwood Circle   Wanted to know when health dept. will spray for mosquitoes in his neighborhood.   5/3  Informed Moser that he lives outside city and needs to contact county health. 41.  May 2, '07 Chris Myer, 157 Country Bluff Dr, 337-1822   Concrete & asphalt dumped at Wildwood & Oak Creek Dr. 5/9  Health dept inspected.  Nothing being illegally dumped.   42. May 7, '07 Beverly Hovey, 348-3116   Grass growing over sidewalk on Wildwood between Green Mtn Dr. and Fall Creek Rd   5/9  Property in violation of city code.  Letter sent to property owner to mow within 10 days. Property mowed on 5/14.   43. May 9, '07 Jeff Hurst, 1809 Miller, 334-9177 Weeds need trimming at Truman & Roark Valley Rd; water line ditch needs repairing on Miller Dr.   5/10  Weeds  mowed in intersection. Water line ditch to be repaired week of 5/14. 44. May 11,'07 Kathryn Milliron, 1537 Neihardt, 214-906-4595   Lot next to her needs mowing. Very high weeds.  5/14 Lot inspected by city code enforcer.  Lot in violation.  Letter sent for owner to mow in 7 days.   45.  May 14, '07 Bill Fullerton, Boswell Edition, 334-3306 Feels like dynamiting at SuperCenter site getting out of hand   5/15 Got Mr. Fullerton in touch with asst. fire chief Ted Martin 46.  May 14, '07 Pat Rose, 2115 Hwy 76, 334-1919   Had many questions about new development along Forsyth 5/15 Set up meeting with Ms. Rose and city engineer David Miller   47. May 15, '07 Amber VanBolton, 130 Hickory, 417-224-9996   New Resident. Wanted to know how to get water hooked up to her home   5/15  Called her with information.  Water hooked up May 16.     48.  May 18, '07 Mrs Don Moore, 1808 Neihardt, 335-5173 (through Alderman McDowell)   Tree limb from property behind hers is hanging over telephone line in her backyard. Wants it cut.   5/18 Determined it was on Empire Elec. easement. I contacted Empire who will look into situation.  5/25 Ms Moore's son cut limbs. 49. May 19, '07 David White, 1001 Canal, 334-5452   Wants stop signs on both sides of Boxcar Willie where it narrows to one lane under RR trestle by campground.   5/21 Both police and engineering depts concur that stop signs not needed there.  Not an accident-prone area. 50. May 28, '07 Kenna Brunner, 332-0131, 102 Sapling Grass on lot between Taco Bell and Walmart on 76 needs mowing   5/30  Owner mowed lot.  Will continue to do so. City will monitor regularly.  51. May 30, '07 Brenda McCann, 218 Old County Rd, 339-2058   House at1107 Old County Rd needs mowing. Very high weeds and unsightly.   6/1 City contacted owner who promptly mowed property that day. 52. May 30, '07 Bryan Altmiller, Searcy, AR, 501-473-9546   He & family enjoy walking Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area when here.     53. May 31, '07 Carol Lindley, Forsyth, 546-8133   Wanted phone # of Branson Housing Authority   5/31 Called her with number to Kent Wolven, BHA, 334-4236   54.  Jun 4, '07 Barbara Bridle, Classy Flea store, downtown, 332-1203   Men's public restroom downtown not working 6/4  Public works repaired toilet that afternoon. 55. Jun 5, '07 Patricia Pheasant, Forsyth, 546-5578   Wanted to know address of Taney County Health Dept.   6/5  Called her with that address on Rinehart Rd.         56. Jun 6, '07 Lonnie Berry, 420 S. Fifth, 335-5617   Lot next door to him needs mowing 6/11 Contacted owner to mow in 7 days.     57. Jun 7, '07 Sue Moser, Scranton, PA, 610-289-2757   Wanted vacation info. on Branson.   6/8 Called her with website address of Chamber, and sent her vacation guide.   58.  Jun 12, 07 Kim Johnson, 369 Bird Rd, 294-7326   Flooding issue in back yard due to runoff from an uphill mobile home park.  Can city do anything?   6/14  Not a city issue.  Problem between two private property owners. 59.  Jun 12, '07 Mrs. Daniel, 624 Parnell Circle, 335-8668   Has a groundhog problem in her yard.  Wants city to trap it and remove it. 6/12 Informed her city doesn't trap.  Contacted MO Dept. of Conservation who does and who will contact Mrs. Daniel.   60.  Jun 12, '07 Cindy Brewer, 939 Jasmine Dr, 527-3665   Problem w/speeding vehicles on her street. Wants police monitoring and signs.   6/12 Ms. Brewer not in city limits.  Her home is east side of Lake Taneycomo.  Told her to contact sheriff dept.   61. Jun 14, '07 Dana O'Kelly, Van Buren, AR, 479-883-3024   Visitor complaining about smoke from vegetation waste near Tanger Mall construction site.   6/14  I talked with fire dept. who visited construction site.  Contractor had too many burn piles going. Cut back to one pile.   62. Jun 14, '07 Ashley Luellen, 129 Richmond Heights, 231-3289   Sidewalks along Branson Hills Pkwy from RecPlex to Target need cleaning   6/15 A lot of construction going on there. HCW will clean up after construction.     63. Jun 18, '07 Robert Northcott, Osage Beach, MO 573-374-4411   His room at Mountain Music Inn very dirty. Insects and dirty underwear left in room.  Wanted number of our health dept. 6/18 Mr. Northcott got in contact with Mike Hill from health dept. Hill did follow-up inspections at motel.   64. Jun 18, '07 Judy Hartley, 337-0797   Wanted to know what was going in at Forsyth & Roark Valley; and improving landscaping at 65 & 76   6/19 I returned her call to inform her of development on Forsyth; and that city working w/state on 65 & 76 landscaping. 65. June 18, '07 Lonnie Berry, 420 S. Fifth, 335-5617 It's been 10 days and property next to him still not mowed.   6/19 According to city code enforcer, property owner has until 6/22 to mow.   66. June 21, '07 Alan Klein, 114 Walnut Ln, 334-5456 Wants to know when west end of Highland will be completed.   6/25  Work to complete street will begin July 25. 67. June 29, '07 Gary Scheer, 372 Elizabeth, 336-4008   High weeds on Skyview, just off Hwy 165   7/3 Owner has 10 days to mow or city will mow and bill owner. 68. Jun 29, '07 Jerry Leonardo, fire dept, 331-2790   Branson Landing sign at Bus 65 & Main vandalized.  Needs to be fixed or taken down.   7/1 Contacted HCW who will replace sign with new one by 7/9. 69. Jun 30, '07 June Tomlinson, Madison, Al, 256-656-4965   When is Bransonfest '08 scheduled?   7/2  I Contacted Chamber. Dates not set yet. Called June back and told her to watch Chamber website.