Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. – John 5:24
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INSIDE: • Around Town.... 12A • Churches.......... 11A • Classifieds......... 10B • Education........... 8A • Fun & Games.... 12B • Pets for Adoption �� 3A • Obituaries........ 10A • Food.................. 8B • Weather........... 10A
PLUS:
Amateur radio has field day – SEE PAGE 6A
February 14, 2025 • Volume 6, Issue #6
Night to Shine was special for guests, volunteers BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer College of the Ozarks was the site of a special event on Friday night. For the ninth year, the College hosted Night to Shine, a prom-type event for those in our community with special abilities. Held in the Silver Dollar City Parlor of The Keeter Center, Night to Shine welcomed more than 100 guests from Taney and Stone counties. Created by the Tim Tebow Foundation, Night to Shine is a nationwide movement, where churches or other organizations around the country host a special event for anyone with special needs. Night to Shine is traditionally open to persons age 14 and over, and each location’s activities are unique. The College of the Ozarks’ Night to Shine featured a red carpet entrance, hair and makeup stations, music and dancing, and a crowning ceremony where each guest was honored as a king or queen. More than 200 College of the Ozarks students, staff and faculty members volun-
teered for the event. Volunteers helped students with hair and makeup, shined shoes, cheered the special guests walking the red carpet and served as “buddies” or chaperones for the evening event. Dr. Justin Carswell, the College’s Vice President for Christian Ministries and Student Development explained that hosting the event, and having students and employees volunteer, fits well into the College’s desire to demonstrate the character of Christ by serving and loving others. Said Dr. Carswell, “Night to Shine is an event that enables our students to embody the hands and feet of Christ to our honored guests.” The evening was memorable, not only for the special guests, but also for the volunteers. “There are so many sweet things that happen and amazing stories to tell throughout the course of the evening,” explained Valorie Coleman, Director of Communications and Public Relations for College of
Brothers Andrew Majors and Tim Majors, pictured with their parents, Tom and Rachel, enjoyed Night to Shine. (Photo submitted)
the Ozarks. “Four of the students from my work station worked as volunteers. I could see it in their eyes, as we talked, that they were thrilled to be a part.” For Will, a C of O sophomore, volunteering for Night to Shine was an unforgettable experience. “I never thought I would get the opportunity to do
something as big as I did tonight—which is making someone else’s night,” said Will. “There is nothing else that I could have been doing that would have been better than being here.” Lori Simmons, C of O’s Community Service Coordinator shared, “For many of our guests, this night was a first - a moment where they felt seen, cher-
ished and celebrated as the unique and beautiful individuals God created them to be. As we poured into their lives, we were also profoundly impacted. This event transformed the hearts of our students at College of the Ozarks and gave them the privilege of serving others and experiencing the deep joy of putting love into action.”
Area schools to host social media safety presentations A Valentine for all – PAGE 1B.
SEE
Elevate Community (Photo via Facebook)
Elevate housing project underway
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer Anyone who commutes along Gretna Road just off 76 Country Blvd. in Branson has likely noticed lots of activity and equipment. Elevate Branson is excited to announce that infrastructure is being put in place for
Elevate Community, a tiny home development to help meet the huge need for affordable housing in Branson. The process leading to actual construction has not been a quick or easy one. Grant approvals were initially announced in 20202021, including federal
funding through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines and a Community Block Development Grant (CBDG) from the Missouri Department of Economic Development for infrastructure such as water, sewer and roads. The state funds SEE ELEVATE, PAGE 6A
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer January is over, but there is still much to be done in the Ozarks in terms of awareness and prevention of human trafficking. During Human Trafficking Awareness Month in January, several Missouri groups held focused events to increase public knowledge of this horrific crime. Pathways Project Coalition of the Ozarks is continuing the work in Stone County by partnering with the Stop Trafficking Project, with assistance from Skaggs Foundation and Helping Hands of Stone Soup, to bring social media safety presentations to two area school districts in February. On Monday, February 24, Russ Tuttle will present “Technology and Life Online” at Reeds Spring Middle School auditorium,
3609 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson, MO 65616 • 417-332-1499
345 Morrill Lane in Reeds Spring. From 6 to 7:30 p.m., caring adults are invited to learn practical tips to keep kids safe online. Crane R-III School District will host Tuttle’s presentation on Thursday, February 27, in the Library and Media Center, located at 209 Pirate Lane in Crane. Many adults do not realize that at least 43% of kids ages eight through 13, when asked, report talking to strangers online via social media and online gaming platforms. People tend to think of creepy vehicles and kidnapping as the way people become trapped in the sex industry; but social media has become the primary entry point. Traffickers watch for vulnerabilities youth unwittingly share about their life at home or school, and then target those SEE SOCIAL SAFETY, PAGE 3A
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