News briefs from around the region

CITY OF BRANSON AWARDED GRANT TO SUPPORT ARBORICULTURE TRAINING (BRANSONMO.GOV)The City of Branson Parks and Recreation Department has been awarded grant funding to support advanced professional training in arboriculture. The funding will allow Laura Perry, Landscape & Trails Supervisor, to attend the 2026 MCFC Conference in Springfield, MO. “Families, visitors and neighbors all rely on our parks and trails as places to connect,” Perry noted. “With this training, we’re better equipped to maintain healthy trees for future generations.” For more information, please contact the Branson Parks and Recreation Department at 417-335-2368.

REEDS SPRING SCHOOLS OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE (SUBMITTED) Open house at all Reeds Spring Schools will take place on Thursday, August 20. SchedulePrimary School: Thursday, August 20 from 5-6:30 p.m.Elementary School: Thursday, August 20 from 5-6:30 p.m.Intermediate School: Thursday, August 20 from 5-6:30 p.m.Middle School - Thursday, August 20 from 5 – 7 p.m.High School - Thursday, August 20 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. All HS students and families should attend Table Rock Career Center, Thursday, August 20, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The first day of school is Tuesday, August 25.

BE ALERT FOR MODOT CREWS (SUBMITTED) The Missouri Department of Transportation urges motorists to use caution when encountering tractor mowers near roadway shoulders. To safely pass mowers on two-lane roads: Be alert for slow-moving vehicles; slow down; be prepared to stop; only pass when you can see far enough ahead. For more information, see modot.org.

TCHD RESPONDS TO FOOD RECCALLS TO PROTECT COMMUNITY (SUBMITTED) This summer’s rise in cyclosporiasis cases, caused by consuming contaminated food and water, is linked to several food recalls. The Taney County Health Department is responding at the local level to protect the community. Prevention from getting sick includes avoiding food and water that may have been contaminated and cooking foods to proper temperatures.