The Joplin Globe
December 19, 2006 12:40 am
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By Wally Kennedy
Globe columnist
The Sinclair service station was torn down last year, and Travetti's restaurant was razed this summer. The long-awaited project to redesign and straighten the intersection at 20th Street and Range Line Road is about to begin.
The Missouri Department of Transportation has awarded a $3.6 million contract to APAC Inc. to overhaul the intersection, one of the busiest on the strip.
The contractor could begin some preliminary work in mid-January, but don't expect to see much activity until the weather warms up in the spring. You'll know when the work is getting serious. The orange barrels will be out in force.
Most of the work will be done overnight to minimize traffic congestion and optimize worker safety. That has become the rule with most recent highway projects on Range Line. The completion date is Nov. 1.
In 2001, a traffic count on Range Line showed that 51,700 vehicles passed through the intersection on a daily basis. A traffic count on 20th Street showed that 17,400 vehicles passed through the intersection on a daily basis.
Money and toys
During the month of November, Continental Auto Mall, 3111 E. 32nd St., earmarked a portion of the proceeds from each vehicle sold as a donation to the Children's Center.
In addition, customers of Continental Auto Mall donated toys, games and stuffed animals in exchange for a free oil change.
Greg McCoy, general manager of Continental Auto Mall, presented a check for $2,175 to Chad Adams, director of the center, at the conclusion of the fund-raising drive.
"We got an actual pickup load of toys," said Kathi Olson, assistant director of the center. "They put a pickup on the main showroom floor, and it was overflowing with toys, stuffed animals and games.
"Any child that comes to the center at any time throughout the year will receive one of these toys. It's just wonderful to be able to give them a gift, especially when they come to the center at this time of year."
This is the third consecutive year that Continental Auto Mall has helped the center, which provides assessment and treatment for physically and sexually abused children in Southwest Missouri.
To learn more about the Children's Center, visit www.childrens-center.org.
Holiday music
Northpark Mall may be the center of Joplin's retail universe, but it strives to be a community-based place - a hometown mall, if you will.
In that vein, the mall has opened its doors to allow local groups and organizations a place to perform this month. While you're doing your holiday shopping, you can enjoy a variety of free entertainment in the Old Navy Court.
Today, Renaissance will perform at 5 p.m., and PlayGroup Preschool will perform at 7 p.m. On Wednesday, Martin Luther School will perform at 11 a.m., and the St. John's Christmas Choir will perform at noon.
The Calvary Baptist Choir will perform at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Covenant World Outreach Church will perform at 6:30 p.m. Friday.
If your group is interested in setting up a performance time, contact the mall office at 781-2121.
If you have news about something that's happening on Range Line Road, dial 623-3480, Ext. 7250; or send an e-mail to wkennedy@joplinglobe.com; or send a fax to Wally Kennedy at 623-8598.
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