Kimberling City
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
Kimberling City was one of several area communities celebrating National Night Out on Tuesday, October 1. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Kimberling City area residents gathered to enjoy live music, meet various first responders for the city and Stone County, and enjoy food and fellowship together.
National Night Out is all about building and strengthening community-police partnerships, helping create a sense of community by giving residents and business owners familiarity with those who work to help keep us safe and well—hopefully before that help is actually needed in an emergency situation.
Nonprofit organizations focused on health, safety and security also participate in the special night, which is celebrated in communities across the nation.
Special highlights of the Kimberling City event included the National Anthem sung by Cassandré Haygood, music by Resurrection Band sponsored by Veterans of the Ozarks, and a presentation by Reeds Spring High School cheer squad. First responders available for conversation and resources included Kimberling City Police Department; Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Seat Belt Convincer Simulator; State Water Patrol; the Stone County Sheriff’s Office S.W.A.T. and D.A.R.E. teams; Indian Point, Crane, and Reeds Spring Police Departments; Southern Stone County Fire Protection District; and Mercy and Cox Ambulance and Mercy Life Flight. Attendees were able to take a close look inside both an ambulance and a Life Flight helicopter.
Event organizers with the City and Police Department also thank the many nonprofit vendors who brought valuable resources and information:
● Kimberling City VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service)
● Kimberling City Park Board
● Stone County 100
● Ozark Shoot - Don’t Shoot MILO Simulator
● Veterans of the Ozarks
● Drug Free Ozarks
● Fordland Clinic
● Pathways Project Coalition
● Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks
● Special Olympics of Missouri
● Stone County Developmental Disability Board
● Kimberling City Elks 2505 - Drug Free Ozarks
● Stone County CIA (Citizens in Action)
● Our Lady of the Cove
● State Farm
● Wellness for Warriors Quilting Group
● Al-Anon Family Groups
● Stone County Library
● Kimberling City Masons - MO CHIP (Child Identification Program)
● Reeds Spring High School Project Graduation (iced tea booth)
● St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
● The Brook Wellness Center
Generations Bank/Harter House provided freshly grilled burgers, free to the first 500 registrants. Additional tasty food options were available from Duckees, Funky Twig, Domina’s Pizza and Ghiotto Eatery and Catering.
If you missed attending a Night Out in your area, many of the organizations, including the Kimberling City Police Department, maintain an active presence at other community events and on social media, and encourage you to reach out and get acquainted. Stronger communities are created as we all work together!
Branson
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Branson recently celebrated National Night out with parties in many neighborhoods throughout the city.
Held on October 1, this was Branson's sixth annual National Night Out.
National Night Out is an opportunity for members of a community to come together for an evening of fun and friendship—and often, food! It provides a chance to get to know or strengthen relationships with neighbors. It also affords local residents the opportunity to meet or interact with local law enforcement and first responders.
Members of the Branson Police Department, Branson Fire Department, City of Branson employees and many first responders attended National Night Out parties, visiting with Branson residents.
National Night Out parties were held on Eiserma Street, Blue Meadows Road, Villas at Branson Hills, Redwine Circle, Branson Park Apartments, Gateway Branson Church/Plato's Cave, Shady Drive, Branson North Park, Rock Ridge Apartments, Pointe Royale Clubhouse and Park Place Apartments.
Any neighborhood not represented but wishing to host a party next year should contact Officer Darold Donathan at the Branson Police Department, via email at ddonathan@bransonmo.gov, in preparation for National Night Out 2025.
Communities throughout Branson are encouraged to participate in National Night Out, as the Branson Police Department works to make Branson a safe and more caring place to live, one neighborhood at a time.
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