Joplin Hope Center provides blueprint for communities recovering from natural disaster

JOPLIN, Mo. – Joplin officials are working on a digital information storehouse with source material from the tornado recovery plan, which has received national recognition.

The Joplin Hope Center for Disaster Recovery is a partnership between MSSU, Joplin Schools, and the City of Joplin. It’s designed to provide a blueprint for other cities recovering from a natural disaster. State Farm Wednesday made a donation to the project.

“Well it’s just good to remember how far we’ve come,” said State Farm Agent Jerry Sitton. “It’s bad to remember what it was. It’s good to remember what we can do and going forward.”

Officials say the donation will go towards equipment maintenance and new fiber-optic cables.

Red Cross/MSSU partnership proved invaluable after the tornado

JOPLIN, Mo. – Ahead of the 2011 tornado, Missouri Southern and the Red Cross formed a partnership, and it proved to be vital when disaster struck.

That partnership designated Missouri Southern as a shelter for people to use following a natural disaster. After the tornado hit, Chris Harmon with the Red Cross says officials quickly took action.

“Wait a minute we got this,” said Harmon recalling the moments after the tornado. “I pulled out of the agreement, I’m looking at the facility and Debbie is like I’m going down there. She was immediately able to open up doors and people were able to show up. That university became the focal point and the reason that response was so successful.”

The agreement between MSSU and the Red Cross has expired but officials say they’re working on another one.

Neosho discusses performing arts center partnership with the school district

NEOSHO, Mo. – The City of Neosho, Missouri and the Neosho School District are looking into a partnership regarding the construction of a new performing arts center at the school.

The city will waive some project fees in exchange for the school district handling construction features including: two crosswalks and sidewalks, rerouting hill street north of the high school and improving storm water handling at the site.

“I appreciate their willingness to work with us, said Neosho School Superintendent Jim Cummins. “It’s one of those situations where we are all kind of here to support our kids and our town. They got to think about their bottom line, and we’ve got to think about ours.”

The Neosho City Council Tuesday considered initial approval of the agreement. The council also voted to accept a $2.5 million grant to address flooding issues.

The city is contributing $150,000 to that effort.

New partnership provides Arvest Bank customers discounts for Silver Dollar City

BRANSON, Mo. – Arvest Bank customers can  save some money when buying tickets for Silver Dollar City thanks to a new partnership.

Arvest Bank customers who use their Arvest debit or credit card when purchasing one-day tickets on-site to Silver Dollar City, White Water or the Showboat Branson Belle will get $7 off each one-day regular admission ticket during the entire 2021 season, with a limit of six tickets per day.

Additionally, as part of the Star-Spangled Summer, Arvest Bank customers who purchase a regular admission, one-day ticket at Silver Dollar City with their debit or credit card in June will enjoy savings of $10 per ticket on up to six tickets per day. Savings for Arvest Bank customers will be announced prior to the season annually.

It’s all part of 10-year, multi-tiered collaboration between Arvest and Silver Dollar City. Arvest Bank will become the “Official Sponsor of Family Fun” at Silver Dollar City Attractions, and will be the presenting sponsor of Silver Dollar City’s Star-Spangled Summer and Echo Hollow amphitheater.