Property Tax Task Force Moving Toward December Completion of Mission

from Missouri News by info@missourinet.com It's been a little over a month since the creation of the Missouri Property Tax Task Force to analyze property tax rates. The panel - made up 18 legislators, assessors, senior citizens' representatives, and ordinary citizens - has held one meeting in Jefferson City, and is looking forward to meetings in October in Springfield and Kansas City, and a final gathering in November in St. Louis to get input on how to deal with various concerns. Task Force Chairman Dick Roehl says on one hand there are concerns from senior citizens who are on fixed incomes and are unable to keep up with property tax rate hikes ... and on the other there are school officials who depend on property taxes to pay for public education. One of the proposals being discussed would implement caps on property tax rate increases. Roehl says that's the kind of thing that would benefit property owners, but might be harmful to schools, emergency services, and other public entities that depend on property taxes to operate. The information collected will become part of a report the Task Force plans to submit to House Speaker Rod Jetton sometime in December so that it can form the basis for legislation during the upcoming session of the General Assembly. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Blunt Pledges to Abide by Campaign Financing Rules

Missourinet.com Governor Blunt pledges to abide by whatever campaign contribution limit rules come out of a Supreme Court ruling and rejects suggestions by Democrats that big donors have led to his big fundraising lead. Democrats have been harsh in their criticism, saying that Governor Blunt, a Republican, has built his $4.5 million dollar war chest by taking advantage of the lifting of the campaign contribution limits by tapping rich donors to write big checks. Blunt states flatly, "You know that's not true." Blunt tells the Missourinet, "You know that's not an accurate statement; that one party here has taken large contributions and the other hasn't. That's not accurate, obviously." A July 19th Supreme Court ruling reinstated campaign contribution limits. Later, it made the decision retroactive. The Missouri Ethics Commission will determine how to carry out the ruling. The commission is scheduled to meet Thursday to discuss the issue. Blunt says he's not fazed by the possibility of having to return perhaps as much as three million dollars in donations. He says his campaign has broad support across the state. Blunt says his campaign will abide by whatever structure exists. Another quarter of campaign fundraising has closed. We'll see those figures soon. As it stands now, prior to any refunds, Blunt has raised more than twice the money of his likely 2008 opponent, Attorney General Jay Nixon. Blunt has $4.5 million dollars. Nixon has about $2 million. Blunt will most likely have to return $3 million, Nixon $1 million. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Nixon: MoHealthNet Has Big Loophole

from missourinet.com Missouri has a law that lets people steal tens of thousands of dollars but avoid criminal prosecution if they admit doing it at the right time. Missouri's new Medicaid program, MoHealthNet, says that a person who "discovers"----that's the word in the law---he or the company have taken money they were not entitled to get cannot be prosecuted as a criminal if they admit it before the theft becomes public knowledge or before the Attorney General finds out about it. Attorney General Jay Nixon says that is a huge loophole. He says, "Bank Robbers are not allowed..to come in a year after they rob a bank...and get immunity from prosecution." Nixon says he and his staff are working with the Department of Social Services Department to get around that provision by making sure the department gives the Attorney General an early heads-up so criminal charges can be filed before the thief "discovers" what has happened and self-reports. But even if Nixon cannot put a thief in jail, he can get that person in court with a civil suit to make sure that person does not get to take the money and run. Nixon says Missouri should not allow someone defrauding the government to make a phone call and escape criminal prosecution. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Ozark Mountain Rowing & Kayaking Club Meeting 10-11-07

General Membership Meeting Thursday, October 11, 2007 @ 7:00 p.m. Branson Community Center, 201 Compton Drive Please attend if you are a member or if you have an interest in rowing and/or kayaking.  Our Club promotes safe recreation through paddlesports in the Tri-Lakes area. We will make a short presentation about our activities including a recap of the development of the Club over the last year together with our plans for a fun and exciting 2008!  After a short business meeting, we will be treated to a video that was produced locally about the use of the Upper White River by paddlers before the construction of Powersite and Table Rock Dams. If you or someone you know has an interest in either rowing and/or kayaking, please come to this meeting.  For more information, contact Eric Farris at 417-334-7278 or by e-mail at eric@farrislawgroup.com . -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Branson 12 Month Rolling Stats

Branson's 12 month rolling stats give us insight to the largest TIF in state history.The numbers are viewable at Branson Edge

Dir. Scott Names Faith-Based Liaisons, Carries Out Governor’s Directive to Build Stronger Ties with Faith-Based Organizations

Jefferson City  - Speaking at the statewide faith-based conference, Social Services Director Deborah Scott today announced liaisons who will work to coordinate enhanced cooperation between the department and faith-based and charitable partners. The formal liaison positions were created when Gov. Matt Blunt signed the Faith-Based Organization Liaison Act. "By strengthening our ties with churches and other religious charities, we are ensuring that Missouri families who are in need of assistance get a helping hand from neighbors in their communities," Gov. Blunt said. "With partners in organizations of faith, we will make our state a better place for all Missourians." Gov. Blunt signed the Faith-Based Organization Liaison Act earlier this year requiring the director of the Department of Social Services to designate regional liaisons to faith-based organizations. The legislation states the liaisons will work to promote department and faith-based groups working together as a means of providing private community services to Missourians in need of assistance. The legislation also prohibits discrimination against any faith-based groups in carrying out the provisions of the law. The liaisons are employees from the Children's Division (CD), the Family Support Division (FSD), and the Division of Youth Services (DYS). The liaisons will also coordinate the involvement of faith-based organizations with the similar efforts of other state agencies and help them understand some of the rights and responsibilities they have under the law. "Our partners in the faith community are an invaluable resource and help us in our mission to serve Missouri citizens," Director Scott said. "I want to thank the legislature, especially the hard work of Senator Mayer and Representative Grisamore, for passing Senate Bill 46 that will allow us to continue to strengthen our relationship with the faith-based community and continue the good work that's being done." Those appointed to serve on the Advisory Committee are: Debbie Akright, Community Services Coordinator, DYS, Columbia Tracy Blue, Child Support Specialist, FSD, St. Charles Amanda Cowan-Johnson, Children's Service Worker, CD, St. Louis City Cynthia DeBey, Children's Service Specialist, CD, Chillicothe Misty Dixon, Children's Service Worker, CD, Independence Kristin Gentry, Lincoln County Manager, FSD, Troy Frances Gould, Field Support Manager, CD, Cape Girardeau Sherry Harris, Child Support Enforcement Supervisor, FSD, Kansas City Rosemary Hutson, Child Support Enforcement Supervisor, FSD, Jefferson City James Johnson, Community Services Coordinator, DYS, Cape Girardeau Carolyn Kirk, Children's Service Specialist, CD, St. Louis Wendy Metzinger, RSB District Supervisor, FSD, Sikeston Sharon Minoff, Correspondence & Information Specialist, FSD, St. Louis Ken Murray, Community Services Coordinator, DYS, Springfield Lisa Quick, Child Support Specialist, FSD, Cape Girardeau Marge Randle, Regional Field Liaison, FSD, Kansas City Rick Robertson, Phelps/Pulaski County Manager, FSD, Rolla Leslie Snyder, Children's Services Program Manager, CD, Springfield Karin Stuart, Children's Services Worker, CD, Columbia Marie Sulze, PFS Manager, FSD, Rolla Sheila Whittier, Benton/Morgan County Manager, FSD, Warsaw Vonnie Wilkerson, Eligibility Specialist, FSD, Lexington Marlo Williams, Community Services Coordinator, DYS, Kansas City Lisa Woodson, Trainer, DYS, St. Louis -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Herschend company acquires Georgia theme park

By SBJ Staff 9/26/2007 11:19:27 AM Herschend Family Entertainment Corp. is poised to become the sole owner of a Georgia theme park it recently acquired at public auction. HFE was the successful bidder for Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, Ga., according to a news release. The sale is expected to be finalized Thursday following a Chapter 11 bankruptcy approval hearing involving the park's former owner, Adventures Park Group LLC, also based in Valdosta, Ga. HFE's winning bid for the park and its assets was $34.5 milllion, according to company officials. The 166-acre park features 100 rides and attractions, including nine roller coasters, hundreds of animals and a water park. "I'm confident I leave Wild Adventures and (its employees) in good hands with the Herschend team," Kent Buescher, CEO and founder of APG, said in the release. "Herschend has a solid history of operating first-class, successful theme parks with a reputation for high-quality service and great guest value." Once the sale is final, HFE will assume day-to-day park operations, which includes managing more than 600 full-time and part-time employees. "We believe Wild Adventures aligns well with the Herschend philosophy of delivering great value for our guests while always maintaining a family focus," HFE CEO Joel Manby said in the release. "Our aim is to make the transition as seamless as possible for our new employees and as transparent as possible to our guests. … We expect to announce plans for the 2008 season shortly." HFE owns, operates or partners in 17 properties in seven states, including Silver Dollar City and Celebration City, both in Branson. The company has dual headquarters in Branson and Atlanta. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Up in the Air Branson will build its airport, but some people—including the mayor—aren't sure if the deal was a good one for the city. By Tiesha Miller 417 Magazine Illustration Leah Long The rumors of a Branson airport circulated for so long that as the years passed it seemed like a pie in the sky. No more. After a seven-year fight on the behalf of Aviations Facility Co., Steve Peet, president and CEO of Branson Airport LLC, broke ground on July 17 for the privately financed and operated airport just south of Hollister and east of Highway 65. The opening is planned for May 2009. The biggest hurdle in securing the airport was securing funds. Citigroup has underwritten $113 million in revenue bonds that were purchased by institutional investors, and the equity portion, $26 million and the land was donated to Taney County by magazine mogul Glenn Patch and is now leased back to the development company. But even though it's the country's first privately developed and operated commercial airport, the City of Branson will still be contributing. In 2006, then-mayor Lou Shaffer signed a pay-for-performance agreement. For every inbound passenger, the City of Branson is to pay $8.24—an amount that was calculated using the projected tax revenue generated by each visitor. Annually, the amount cannot exceed $2 million, and the city is more or less locked into the agreement for 30 years. Taney County declined a similar deal. On the surface, the city's agreement makes sense. In general, the consensus on the airport is pretty unified. Most everyone seems to see it as a great thing for Branson's economy. People coming into Branson bring revenue, including that of the tax variety. Everyone wins. But it's not the airport that concerns Mayor Raeanne Presley. She's in full support. It's the deal the city made that concerns her. "It's not specific enough to who we'll pay for," Presley says. "We don't know if [the inbound passengers] are new to the area. If I get on an airplane, and I fly back, then the city has to pay $8.24 for me. But I'm not growing the economy." She also points out that while this sort of deal isn't rare, she thinks the per-passenger dollar amount is too high. The deal also begs the question, what happens if Branson isn't the main attraction? Today, it seems unlikely that anything else in the area will draw more visitors than Branson, but there's no guarantee the situation will stay that way. What happens if everyone heads south? "I don't want to dream what things will be like in 30 years," Presley says. "You don't know what will be built. A big destination resort might go up next to Big Cedar." The idea of a new major attraction coming into Branson isn't a big pie in the sky either. Stephen Critchfield is with Commercial One Brokers, the commercial real estate firm that landed the new Branson Convention Center and hotel. Because of confidentiality agreements, Critchfield says he cannot release the names of the companies he's working with, but he says one in particular is looking to build a major attraction in the Branson area, and it's in part due to the access the airport provides. "Basically, [the market they were shopping] was in a day's drive of Branson," Critchfield says. "Now with the airport, Branson makes additional sense to them as well. Obviously, coming years will tell." There's no saying for sure yet whether the attraction would fall within the city limits and if the incoming visitors would take their money into the city proper. The concern is that the city will end up paying for inbound passengers without reaping maximum benefit. The argument can go in many directions. On one hand, $8.24 per passagner may be a small trade for the low-risk option of having a privately funded airport from which the city's economy gains. Peet also says the agreement was hugely influential in securing the bond investors because they could guarantee a source of revenue. The city won't take a loss if the airport fails because it only pays if people actually fly into the airport. Should Branson officials have been more specific on which inbound passengers qualified, and was $8.24 the ideal magic number? The question still remains whether the city's move was business-savvy. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

FBI’S Top Ten News Stories For the Week Ending September 28, 2007

1.  Operation Raw Deal Nets 124 Arrests Nationwide An international investigation targeting the illegal manufacturing and trafficking of anabolic steroids and its raw materials, mainly from China, resulted in the arrest of more than 124 individuals in the US.  These law enforcement operations were the result of "Operation Raw Deal," the largest steroid enforcement action in U.S. history. Full Story 2.  Anchorage:  Former Alaska State Speaker of the House Convicted on Public Corruption Charges Former Alaska State representative and former Alaska State Speaker of the House Peter Kott was found guilty of bribery, extortion, and conspiracy.  In exchange for casting votes to benefit a major Alaska oil company, Kott received cash, checks and the promise of a future job with the company. Full Story 3.  Miami:  Three Defendants Sentenced in $826 Million Securities Fraud Conspiracy Raquel Kohler, Ameer Khan, and Stephen Ziegler were sentenced to five years imprisonment followed by three years supervised release and were ordered to pay $826 million in restitution for their conspiracy to commit securities fraud. Full Story 4.  New York:  Extradition of Accused Terrorist From Czech Republic Oussama Abdullah Kassir has been extradited from the Czech Republic for conspiring to provide material support and resources to al Qaeda.  Kassir operated several terrorist websites as well as participated in the effort to establish a jihad training camp in Oregon. Full Story 5.  San Francisco: Two Indicted for Economic Espionage Lan Lee of Palo Alto, CA, and Yuefe Ge of San Jose, CA, were indicted on charges of economic espionage, theft of trades secrets, and conspiracy.  While employed by NetLogics Microsystems, the two allegedly conspired to steal trade secrets related to computer chip design and development from their employer and from another company, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation.  They sought funding from the Government of China for their company, SICO Microsystems, Inc., which they created to develop and market products derived from and using the stolen trade secrets. Full Story 6.  Chicago:  Manhunt for Fugitive Brothers Intensifies The Chicago Division of the FBI is seeking public assistance locating fugitives Ismael Saucedo, Jr. and his brother, Lionel Saucedo.  The two are wanted for drug conspiracy in connection with the operation of a massive drug distribution business that supplied cocaine from Mexican drug cartels to Lake County, IL, street gangs.  The two failed to appear at trial in 2006. Full Story 7.  Los Angeles:   Water District Board Member Charged With Lying About Receiving Congressional Medal of Honor Xavier Alvarez, a member of the Three Valleys Municipal Water District Board of Directors, was charged with falsely claiming to have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Full Story 8.  Memphis:  Two Indicted on Conspiracy and Bribery Charges Related  to Issuance of Fraudulent Driver Licenses Tennessee Department of State driver license examiner Latoya Cooper of Nashville, and Terry Biles of Murfreesboro were indicted on conspiracy and bribery charges related to the issuance of fraudulent driver licenses.  Biles and Cooper are both charged with conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds.  Biles is also charged with offering and giving bribes concerning programs receiving federal funds, while Cooper is charged with accepting and agreeing to accept bribes. Full Story 9. Sacramento:  Russian Man Pleads Guilty to Participating in Identity Theft and Fraud Ring Roman Karelov pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport goods obtained by fraud in connection with his participation in a scheme to defraud businesses in the U.S. by purchasing items with stolen identity information and sending the goods to confederates in Russia.  Karelov is the second Russian citizen convicted in the case. Full Story (pdf) 10. New Haven: Six Charged as a Result of Operation Phony Pharm Using several sophisticated techniques, Operation Phony Pharm has targeted web sites and individuals who are selling anabolic steroids.  Operation Phony Pharm has focused on raw material manufacturers/suppliers, underground laboratories and numerous websites distributing materials.  Operation Phony Pharm and Operation Raw Deal provide mutual assistance in their investigations. Full Story -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Branson Landing Restaurants

Bar Louie - Suite 801 Phone (417-336-2700) Opening soon - This hip neighborhood restaurant and bar specializes in oversized sandwiches and artfully created jumbo martinis but also offers an extensive selection of appetizers, pastas and entrees; plus wide assortment of interesting beers, microbrews and wines by the glass or bottle. Warm surroundings with an urban feel include nightlife photography, signature hand-laid tile artwork, hardwood floors, and exposed brick walls. Service is speedy with a smile. Open for lunch, dinner, after-work or late night dining.   Cantina Laredo - Suite 1001 Phone (417-334-6062) Cantina Laredo serves authentic Mexican dishes in a sophisticated atmosphere. We offer daily fish specials, grilled chicken and steaks complimented by signature sauces such as chipotle-wine with portobello mushrooms or sauteéd artichoke hearts and roasted red bell peppers.   Charley's Grilled Subs- Suite 331 Phone (417-337-7334) Best known for its Award-winning Philly steak sub, Charley's specialties include Philly steak, chicken, and deli subs, gourmet fries, and old-fashioned flavored lemonade. NOW OPEN FOR BREAKFAST - Charley's Grilled Subs is also serving savory breakfast sandwiches, scramblers with bacon, ham or sausage, toast, juices and omelete platters between the hours of 8:30am - 11:00am - Monday through Saturday and 9:00am - 11:00 am on Sunday. Everything is made-to-order, fresh, right in front of you. At Charley's, it's the grill that makes the difference ? You won't find any microwaves, warming tables of pre-packaged food. But, you will find 95% fat free Sirloin steak, all-white meat chicken breast, real dairy cheeses, and Authentic French buns. Stop by Charley's today and discover why our Philly Steak was VOTED BEST SUB.   Ernie Biggs Chicago Style Dueling Piano Bar and Grille - Suite 505 Phone (417-239-3670) Ernie Biggs Chicago Style Dueling Piano Bar is your Classic Sing-along Piano Bar. At Ernie Biggs the show revolves around your requests and audience participation is a must. If you don't think we can play your type of music; just try us. These "walking juke-boxes" hate being stumped and hit the stage every night with an "if you can say it, we can play it" attitude. From Oldies and Classic Rock to the 80's and songs still on the charts today; these guys are here to play the songs that you want to hear and some old favorites that we bet you've forgotten. There is no better place for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, reunions or just a great night out. Don't worry; with a full menu including appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches and "Chicago-style" pizza we can handle any appetite. LIVE ENTERTAINMENT NIGHTLY Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday 11:00 am - 1:30am Sunday 11:00 am - 12:00 am Click here to download Ernie Biggs Menu   Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que - Suite 1201 Phone (417-334-4858) Twenty five years of tastin' and cookin' make Dave's 'Que the best ever. Dave's ribs are classic, St. Louis-style spareribs, hickory smoked to perfection, and Dave's award-winning Rich & Sassy sauce is made from a secret recipe - even his mother doesn't know!   Garfield's Restaurant & Pub - Suite 1221 Phone (417-335-3701) Garfield's Restaurant / Pub is a place where you can go with family and friends for Great Times & Great Tastes! We pride ourselves on outstanding service and a wide variety of great tasting menu items, full bar, kid's menu, etc. We feature a diverse choice of cuisine including steaks, seafood, chicken, fajitas, pastas, salads, kid's items, and our exclusive Fire String Sandwiches.   Joe's Crab Shack - Suite 717 Phone (417-337-7373) It's so simple, we should have thought of it sooner. Build a restaurant with the feel of a Gulf Coast fishing camp and serve all different kinds of crab - cooked in all sorts of ways as well as savory sandwiches, colorful salads, pasta, steaks and more. Let us host your event. Most Joe's Crab Shacks have private rooms for group parties or banquets. We can accommodate up to 50 people for birthday parties (child or adult), office parties or meetings.   Liberty Tavern (Hilton Promenade Hotel) Phone (417-336-1112) All-American favorites and regional specialties. Liberty Tavern serves up casual dining with an innovative flair. Classic dishes handcrafted from the freshest local ingredients. Diverse wines. A setting that's warm and contemporary. Liberty Tavern brings you home cooking with style.   Piztros Pizza Bistro Bar - Suite 1111 Phone (417-348-0330) NOW OPEN - Piztros Pizza Bistro Bar! Piztros will feature an abundant menu with specialty pizzas, pastas and Bistro classics. The Daiquiri Bar willl offer the Original Fat Tuesdays Frozen Daiquiris as well as micro brew beers, martini's and private label wines.   Sullivan's Steakhouse - Suite 915 Phone (417-337-8200) Sullivan's is 1940's styled steakhouse featuring the finest steaks and seafood, unparalleled martinis, and great live jazz! Our bars boast live entertainment seven nights a week and are graced with beautiful baby grand pianos, as well as high-end cognacs, single malt scotches, an incredible wine selection and a fully stocked cigar humidor.   Mama Milano's Italian Restaurant - Suite 601 Phone (417-243-7700) Mama Milano-Authentic Neapolitan Cuisine. Pizza, Pasta, and Great salads.The best of the Best of Southern Italy comes to the Ozarks for the first time! Opening in 2008. Don't Miss it!!   Waxy O'Shea's Irish Pub - Suite 235 Phone (417-348-1759) "To be sure, To be sure"! It's the latest and greatest of all the things around the town. It's a truly Irish pub wonderful food, wonderful people, and wonderful Irish music in authentic Irish surroundings. "May you come back more than you leave and may the luck of the Irish be with you!" Click here for our "Music in September " schedule.   White River Fish Company (Bass Pro Shops Marina) White River Fish Company Restaurant will have the greatest Seafood, Steaks and Pasta. Opening Fall 2007!   Auntie Anne's - Suite 203 Phone (417-335-3205) Auntie Anne's-at-The Branson Landing: Drop in and enjoy both the aroma and the taste of a soft pretzel that is "Better than the Best You Have Ever Tasted!". This franchise store represents all of what Auntie Anne's stands for: Fresh, hot, golden brown soft pretzels; friendly, courteous service; and a sparkling clean store. From its humble beginnings in Amish country in Pennsylvania to stores across the USA, Auntie Anne's offers gourmet pretzels, refreshing lemonade and other drinks, and always samples with a smile! Visit the store or the outdoor cart in Branson Landing!   The Big Popper - Suite 1205 Phone (417-335-3171) Indulge all your popcorn cravings, from savory classics like plain, butter, kettle corn or caramel, to cheesy favorites like yellow or white cheddar. Over 10 gourmet delights are cooked up fresh every day, including amazing flavor creations like jalapeno, bittersweet chocolate caramel, or kettle corn with coconut and white chocolate.   Northwoods Candy Emporium - Suite 103 Phone (417-332-1010) Journey into the Northwoods Candy Emporium and experience the soothing scent of the wild and the tastes from your childhood. The journey begins with a cascading waterfall. Hike further into the Northwoods and you will discover the wilderness is made of hand carved wood and stone. You will then see a quaint log cabin where you can order a chocolate lollipop with your photo printed on it. The train systems in the Northwoods stay busy. There are logging and passenger trains and also a train making chocolate deliveries from the cabin. Before leaving the Northwoods Candy Emporium, don't forget to gather your favorite caramels, licorice, and all the other sweet treats your family enjoys.     Chicago Gyros & Pizza - Suite 809 Phone (417-239-1471) Chicago style gyros and pizza.   The Fudgery - Suite 1203 Phone (417-335-4281) The employees who stir, turn and fold the fudge into a long loaf do more than whistle while they work. They're famous for fudging show tunes and coaxing smiles.   Gloria Jeans Gourment Coffee - Suite 307 & 1103 Phone (417-239-3066 and 417-332-3600) We now have two Gloria Jean's Gourmet Coffees at Branson Landing and coffee is our passion. We painstakingly select our arabica beans from only the most discriminating sources, with whom we share a commitment to bring you the highest quality coffee in the world. From bean to cup, nothing is compromised, making Gloria Jean's coffee the very finest you can buy.   Häagen-Dazs - Suite 335 Phone (417-336-9758) The philosophy of Häagen-Dazs is simple: find the purest and finest ingredients in the world and craft them into the best ice cream, sorbet and frozen yogurt available. It is a way of doing business that is as demanding as it is uncommon. And it is the reason why Häagen-Dazs has epitomized fine ice cream for nearly half a century.   It's A Wrap - Suite 337 Phone (417-336-9727) Themed after a movie production set, this healthy alternative to quick service restaurants provides market fresh wrap sandwiches, fabulous salads, homemade quality soups, and scrumptious baked goods. Choose from one of their Signature Wraps like The Main Feature (Asian Chicken Wrap), Show Tunas (White Albacore Tuna Salad Wrap) and Rodeo Drive (Marinated Steak Wrap) or be your own director and choose your own ingredients. For salad lovers, try The Grip, a Caribbean Pork Salad with just the right amount of spice or The VIP, one of the best Grilled Chicken Caesar Salads' you've ever tasted. For the kids, try the Kraft Mac-n-cheese wrap or a PB&J pocket, served on white bread without the crust. It's a Wrap offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as fresh baked pastries and desserts. Choose from either indoor or outdoor seating, wrapped to go or call 336-WRAP for delivery throughout Branson Landing.   Marble Slab Creamery - Suite 1107 Phone (417-243-2663) We love ice cream...it's as simple as that. We love the way it calls to us from the sugary confines of a light, crispy cone. We love the cold, creamy sweetness that tantalizes our tongue with every lick. In fact, we love ice cream so much that when you visit Marble Slab Creamery, we want you to enjoy more than just a sweet treat. We want to provide you with a unique and memorable ice cream experience.   Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory - Suite 403 Phone (417-337-7623) Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory produces approximately 300 chocolate candies and other confectionery products, using proprietary recipes developed primarily by its master candy maker. These products include many varieties of clusters, caramels, creams, meltaways, truffles and molded chocolates. Individual stores prepare a variety of caramel and candy apples, fudge, chocolate items and confections in full view of the customer using traditional cooking utensils such as copper kettles on gas-fired stoves and marble slab cooling tables.   Subway - Suite 109 Phone (417-239-0772) The SUBWAY® restaurant chain is the undisputed leader in the submarine sandwich category serving fresh, great tasting, made-for-you sandwiches and salads, many of which have 6 grams of fat or less. Offering a healthful alternative to traditionally fatty fast food has made the SUBWAY® chain a popular destination for health-conscious consumers. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

FBI's Top Ten News Stories for the Week Ending September 28, 2007

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Blunt Announces Grants to Support Volunteer Organizations Committed to Protecting Missourians

JEFFERSON CITY - (PR) Gov. Matt Blunt announced 22 Missouri jurisdictions will receive a total of $200,000 in Citizen Council grants to involve community members in emergency preparedness.            "The safety of Missourians is a top priority for my administration.  By planning ahead and anticipating emergency needs, we can minimize the damage and negative impact to families, businesses and communities across our state," Blunt said. "I am pleased to announce these grants to help expand Citizen Councils to help Missourians find training and volunteer opportunities to support our first responders in an emergency."           Citizen Councils work to educate citizens on emergency preparedness measures, including supplying emergency kits and developing a family communications plan. State and local Citizen Councils localize the personal preparedness message and offer training and volunteer service opportunities to support local first responders. The 22 jurisdictions receiving grants are: • Adair County Ambulance District • Ava/Douglas County EMA • Barton County Sheriff • Buchanan County Sheriff • Bollinger County Health Department • Camden County • City of Cameron • Cape Girardeau Fire Department • Christian County • Cole County • City of Joplin • Marion County • Morgan County • Phelps County • City of Portageville • Saline County Health Department • Scott County EMA • Springfield/Greene County • Stoddard County Health Department • Texas County • Washington County Health Department • City of Willard           Currently, Missouri has 87 Citizen Councils, 13 Medical Reserve Corps teams, and 116 organizations providing Citizen Emergency Response Training. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Gaming Commission Says Loss Limit Makes Casinos Uncompetitive

Gaming Commission Says Loss Limit Makes Casinos Uncompetitive from Missouri News by info@missourinet.com The state gaming commission renews its suggestion that Missouri's casinos are at a competitive disadvantage with others states because Missouri has a loss limit. But this time the stakes are higher.   The gaming commission will not actually recommend eliminating loss limits, saying that's the prerogative of the legislature. But the annual report tells lawmakers and others that Kansas and Ilinois are making changes that could threaten the casinos in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas. Gene McNary, the head of the gaming commisison, says 35 percent of gamblers at Kansas City casinos come from Kansas. He worries they won't cross the state line if there's a casino in Kansas without a loss limit. . He says Illinois also is making changes in its gambling laws and regulations that will make its casinos more attractive.   McNary says he is surprised at the aggressiveness of Kansas's plans for a casino in the Kansas City area--although he understands the plans are under a strong court challenge. He undestands a loss limit repeal will be offered in the legislature again next year. But he says he also undestands it will fail because it will be a controversial subject in an election year. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

AREA ARTISTS INVITED TO SUBMIT PAINTINGS FOR WHITE RIVER PAINTING CELEBRATION, DEADLINE NOV. 12

The White River Centennial Painting Celebration Exhibit and Sale will take place in conjunction with the culmination of the College's 100-year anniversary and will be displayed in Edwards Art Gallery Nov. 13 - Dec. 12, 2007.   The Museum proudly hosts this annual exhibit as a way to honor and to preserve a unique heritage and as a way of expressing the Museum's continued mission of providing rich learning experiences about Ozarks culture and people through the arts.     Artists throughout the Ozarks region are invited to submit paintings that reflect their personal views of what is important to them about the Ozarks.  Paintings might reflect an artist's feelings about the environment, the beauty of the region, lakes, landscape, history, fishing, agriculture, tourism, community, education, architecture, transportation or entertainment.    A limit of three paintings may be submitted at the Ralph Foster Museum Nov. 1 thru Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The entry fee is $5 for one painting, $7.50 for two and $10 for three.  Artists are asked to bring their paintings (acrylic, oil, watercolor, mixed media) ready to hang, with the information for the labels attached to the back of the painting. Museum hours are 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday thru Saturday.   There will be an artist's directory handout available to museum visitors throughout the exhibit that will include the price of the painting or a NFS and will include the artist's contact information.   For further information, please contact Jeanelle Ash at the Ralph Foster Museum 417-334-6411 ext. 3570. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Gov. Blunt Unveils Faith-Based Missouri

JEFFERSON CITY (PR) – Gov. Matt Blunt today unveiled Faith-Based Missouri, his new initiative to increase cooperation between state government and faith and community-based groups in providing services to Missourians in need.             "The most powerful sources of charity, virtue, and shared prosperity in our society are not found in government, but in families, churches, charities, and free markets," Blunt said at a Faith-Based Conference held today in Jefferson City. "If we really desire effective government, we must engage these well-springs of charity, virtue, and shared prosperity.  If we really want services that do more than feed a man for a day, or provide temporary shelter, we must cooperate more often with faith and community-based organizations. If we really wish to transform lives and empower Missourians to make lasting positive change for the future, we must find a way to help get more people of faith involved in our state-administered social programs."              Blunt announced the first step of Faith-Based Missouri, a five person team he charged with studying how we can improve relations between state government and religious and secular charities.             The team will include three Missourians with life-long ties to faith-based communities and state employees who share the governor's commitment to building Faith-Based Missouri.  The community team members will travel the state to meet with leaders in Missouri churches and charities to learn:             1) what we are doing right             2) what we are doing wrong             3) what we can do to encourage greater cooperation Remaining members will work closely with state agencies to find answer to the same questions.   The team's charge and Faith-Based Missouri's goal is to find ways to partner with religious charities to make Missouri a better place for all Missourians.  The governor and agency directors will rely on the Faith-Based Missouri team for guidance and suggestions as to how the state can better transform lives and empower Missourians.             The governor announced the following Missourians have agreed to serve on the inaugural Faith-Based Missouri team: Dr. Reynaldo Anderson, of St. Louis, is an assistant professor of education at Harris-Stowe University. Dr. Anderson has published numerous articles regarding the African American experience. His life has been varied with involvement in the United States military, grassroots political activity, church and academic research and study. He is a dedicated member of Saint Peter AME Church in St. Louis. Rev. Andrew Rollins III , of Kansas City is an ordained Itinerant Elder in the AME Church whose family has a long history of ministry and community service. As a youth he was nurtured on the civil rights movement and at an early age he became concerned about the state, future and destiny of his community.  He believes the mission of the church should be holistic ministering to the spirit, and soul and body. Sheriff Greg White, of Cole County, is an ordained Baptist minister with a lifetime of experience in serving his fellow Americans. He understands how to bridge religious and cultural divides, and has some innovative ideas on how faith-based organizations can serve Missourians through disaster response coordination. Ed Martin, of Jefferson City, serves as Gov. Matt Blunt's Chief of Staff.  Martin was the Father McGivney Fellow for Rights of Conscience with Americans United for Life and is an active member in the Catholic Church. He previously served as director of the Human Rights Office for the Archdiocese of St. Louis and as chairman of the Papal Visit Committee for Social Concerns for Pope John Paul II's visit to St. Louis. Angel McCormick Franks , of St. Louis, is the Director of the Office of Supplier and Workforce Diversity and has traveled the state working to promote diversity within the state government and improve the opportunities for women and minorities to access state employment opportunities and state contracts.             Several state agencies already have successful partnerships with faith-based organizations.   The Department of Corrections cooperates with dozens of faith-based groups in drug counseling, anger management, parenting classes, job training, and the Missouri Re-Entry Process, which Blunt started two years ago to cut down on recidivism.           The Department of Health and Senior Services works with faith and community-based organizations to provide child care, food banks, health care, and the Alternatives to Abortion Program. The Department of Mental Health works with several groups to stem alcohol and drug abuse and with charities for psychiatric services. The Department of Social Services has more than 2,300 contracts with faith and community-based organizations to provide services to Missourians in need.             This year Blunt signed the Faith-Based Organization Liaison Act that will strengthen existing partnerships.   The law calls on the Department of Social Services to designate regional liaisons to faith-based organizations. The liaisons will work to promote department and faith-based groups working together to provide private community services to Missourians in need of assistance. The legislation also prohibits discrimination against any faith-based groups in carrying out the provisions of the law.             "I care about results. We should all care about results. We should all want social programs that actually work, that do more than just salve consciences. We should all want programs that really do transform lives and empower people," Blunt said.   -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

History of the Economic Development Tax - by Tax Lobbyist Donna Clevenger

By Donna Clevenger BDN Staff Writer dclevenger@bransondailynews.com TANEY COUNTY — Taney County officials have been looking at transportation needs in Taney County for more than a year. Recently they decided to develop a county-wide transportation plan, which would serve the entire county, accommodating the need for private citizens who travel from distant parts of Taney County to allow their children to participate in sports and other recreational activities at facilities in Branson. Those same residents proposed a county-wide parks system with a variety of opportunities to benefit all Taney County residents. A group of citizens interested in preserving Taney County's historical documents artifacts and buildings, documenting cemeteries and historical sites were also seeking, at the same time, a consistent source of funding for these projects. Taney County's economic development needs are currently being addressed by the Industrial Development Authority that realize it needs a consistent source of funding for the long-term development projects that will ultimately provide solutions to affordable housing, the workforce shortage currently at issue as well as new business development and year-round economic stability provided by successful employers who have access to physical resources for entrepreneurship. These three groups of citizens together proposed a one-sixteenth cent sales tax to be divided between them. Shortly after this tax was proposed, the county commission and municipal officials began searching for an answer to the critical need to repair the existing Taneycomo Bridge after the Missouri Department of Transportation gave it a poor rating, advising the bridge would need to be closed for a year to rehabilitate it. MoDOT stated that their funds were limited, declaring it needed an answer within three to five years to prevent it being closed permanently, leaving the solution in the hands of county officials. The only logical solution was a new bridge. The sales tax proposal already being considered by the county commissioners was expanded to one-half cent to include revenue for a new bridge and possible renovation of the old, historically significant bridge and later to address the other transportation needs in the county. Click Here f -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Nixon, other Attorneys General look to improve product safety; more recalls announced

September 27, 2007 One of twelve Kolcraft play yards, or portable play pens, that have been recalled due to strangulation hazard. Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon is working with his counterparts from across the nation to address the recent problem of massive recalls of toys due to lead content. Nixon and other Attorneys General are looking into the safety practices, regulations and other factors that may have allowed unsafe levels of lead to be undetected and sold in millions of children's toys. Many of those products were sold by American companies but manufactured in China. "Many American parents are now thinking twice about the toys they buy for their children, and casting a worried eye at toys they already own," Nixon said. "Lead and other safety hazards are issues we thought were long behind us, but all these recent recalls show there is much more work to be done." The formation of the national partnership comes during a week when nine new recalls of children's product have been announced: Twelve different Kolcraft play yards, or portable play pens, due to strangulation hazard. TOBY & ME jewelry sets, due to high levels of lead in the jewelry. This is an expansion of a recall announced in late August. Children's Spinning-Wheel Metal Necklaces, made by Rhode Island Novelties, due to high levels of lead in the clasp. Floor Puppet Theaters, made by Guidecraft Inc., due to high levels of lead paint. Children's Toy Rakes, sold exclusively at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft stores, due to high levels of lead paint. Britain's "Knights of the Sword" Series Toys, due to high levels of lead paint. Happy Giddy Gardening Tools and Children's Sunny Patch Chairs, sold at Target stores, due to high levels of lead paint. Various Thomas and Friends Wooden Railway Toys, due to high levels of lead paint. This is an expansion of a recall announced in mid-June. Single Post Swing Sets, made by BCI Burke Company LLC, due to construction hazard involve a top beam that could fall. For more information on these and other recent recalls, visit Nixon's Web site, ago.mo.gov. The online recall clearinghouse covers items recalled by several different federal agencies, including toys, medicine, cars, food and other categories. The site has received nearly 15,000 visitors since its launch in mid-August. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

www.cityofbranson.org 1CITY OF BRANSON 110 W. Maddux Branson, MO 65616 417-334-3345 Public Information Department jadams@cityofbranson.org News Release September 27, 2007 CONTACT: Mark Hartman, Hilton Hotels of Branson, 243-3410 Jerry Adams, city of Branson, 334-3345 New downtown parking garage to begin charging October 1 New system allows patrons to pay on foot rather than from car Motorists who pull into the new Pacific Street Parking Garage on Monday will have to pay to park. Following five months of free parking in the 500-space garage across from the Branson Convention Center that officially opened earlier this month, the city will begin charging fees to pay for the multi-level structure. Hilton Hotels, which now manages the two Hilton Hotels downtown and the convention center, will also manage the parking garage under an agreement with the city. The fees are as follows: free for the first 30 minutes; $2 for 30 minutes to two hours; $4 for two to four hours; $6 for four to six hours and $8 for the maximum daily rate or overnight parking. A limited number of monthly passes for the parking garage is available for businesses and individuals at a cost of $25, According to Mark Hartman, general manager of Hiltons of Branson, a new type of payment system has been installed at the garage that he says will eliminate long lines of vehicles at the exit gates. “People will pay on foot at kiosks located at the pedestrian exits of the garage,” said Hartman. When motorists arrive at the entrance to the garage, they will take a ticket from the arm gate. Upon returning to the garage, patrons slip their tickets into the kiosks set up at each of the pedestrian accesses on Sycamore and Commercial streets and pay for the allotted time before walking to their vehicles. The kiosk returns a card that they insert at the vehicle exit. “Paying before you get to your car will speed up the ability of cars to leave the garage in a timely manner,” said Hartman. Hartman said persons or businesses interested in purchasing monthly passes should contact Michel Scanlan at Hilton Hotels at 243-3560. More than 80 free parking spaces will still be available at other lots downtown including the upper level of the Reich Parking Garage next to the new garage and the Awbery Parking Lot on Commercial Street. The bottom two floors of the Reish Garage are private valet parking for customers of the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel.

A BYTE OUT OF HISTORY The ’63 Baptist Church Bombing

The crater and other damage caused by the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, which killed four African-American girls. AP Photo. A BYTE OUT OF HISTORY The '63 Baptist Church Bombing 09/26/07 It was a quiet Sunday morning in Birmingham, Alabama—around 10:24 on September 15, 1963, 44 years ago this month—when a dynamite bomb exploded in the back stairwell of the downtown Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. The violent blast ripped through the wall, killing four African-American girls on the other side and injuring more than 20 inside the church. It was a clear act of racial hatred: the church was a key civil rights meeting place and had been a frequent target of bomb threats. Our Birmingham office launched an immediate investigation and wired the FBI Director about the crime. FBI bomb experts raced to the scene—via military jet—and an additional dozen personnel from other offices were sent to assist Birmingham. At 10:00 p.m. that night, Assistant Director Al Rosen assured Assistant Attorney General Katzenbach that "the Bureau considered this a most heinous offense … [and] … we had entered the investigation with no holds barred." And we backed that promise up. Dozens of FBI agents worked the case throughout September and October and into the new year—as many as 36 at one point. One internal memo noted that: "…we have practically torn Birmingham apart and have interviewed thousands of persons. We have seriously disrupted Klan activities by our pressure and interviews so that these organizations have lost members and support. … We have made extensive use of the polygraph, surveillances, microphone surveillances and technical surveillances…" By 1965, we had serious suspects—namely, Robert E. Chambliss, Bobby Frank Cherry, Herman Frank Cash, and Thomas E. Blanton, Jr., all KKK members—but witnesses were reluctant to talk and physical evidence was lacking. Also, at that time, information from our surveillances was not admissible in court. As a result, no federal charges were filed in the '60s. It's been claimed that Director Hoover held back evidence from prosecutors in the 60s or even tried to block prosecution. But it's simply not true. His concern was to prevent leaks, not to stifle justice. In one memo concerning a Justice Department prosecutor seeking information, he wrote, "Haven't these reports already been furnished to the Dept.?" In 1966, Hoover overruled his staff and made transcripts of wiretaps available to Justice. And he couldn't have blocked the prosecution and didn't—he simply didn't think the evidence was there to convict. In the end, justice was served. Chambliss received life in prison in 1977 following a case led by Alabama Attorney General Robert Baxley. And eventually the fear, prejudice, and reticence that kept witnesses from coming forward began to subside. We re-opened our case in 1993, and Blanton and Cherry were indicted in May 2000. Both were convicted at trial and sentenced to life in prison. The fourth man, Herman Frank Cash, had died in 1994. In the near future, we'll be uploading more than 3,000 pages on this case—what was called the "BAPBOMB" investigation—on our Freedom of Information Act website. Stay tuned. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com