News briefs from around the region

Application period open for oversight committees – SUBMITTED The Branson/Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District (TCED) is accepting applications for volunteers to serve on the Financial Oversight Committee and the Marketing Oversight Committee for 2027. The application period closes October 31, 2026. Three Marketing Oversight Committee seats are available (3-year terms) while nine Financial Oversight Committee members are appointed annually. If you are interested in serving on either committee, please complete our application online at www.blatced.com or request an application form from Angela Leist at angelaleist@blatced.com. 

Rx take back day is Oct. 24 – submitted Saturday, October 24, local law enforcement and prevention coalitions will host prescription drug take-back sites in Stone and Taney counties during the DEA National Rx Take Back Day. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., unused drugs can be dropped off at Walgreens in Branson and Hollister, Lakeland Pharmacy, and Kimberling City Police Department. See DEATakeBack.com for more information.

TOWN HALL MEETING OCT. 9 TO DISCUSS ISSUES IN OUR AREA – K.D. MICHAELS  Branson will be the site of a community town hall event, organized by Empower Missouri on Friday, October 9, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., at the Library Center of the Ozarks, 200 South 4th Street in Branson. Empower Missouri is a nonprofit organization that strives to make advances in both economic and social justice, and create conditions to help Missouri residents to thrive. Empower Missouri works with communities throughout the state to identify challenges and advocate for solutions that can improve the lives of Missourians. Meetings across the state will include leaders and residents, discussing issues facing the community and region, solutions to those issues that may already be in place, and how additional resources could help.