Open for Business: Republic Animal Control Center

Republic Animal Control Center
The $1.1 million Republic Animal Control Center opened Sept. 19 at 732 Highway 174. The new home for the city of Republic’s animal control division replaces its former center at 905 N. West Ave. City spokesperson Mike Landis said Christina Elmore is animal control officer for the two-employee center, which is aided by several volunteers. City officials said the former center was small and outdated, resulting in animals being transferred to other shelters at a cost of $55 per animal – a $15,000 tally per year, Landis said. Neosho-based Construction Services Group LLC was general contractor for the 4,150-square-foot center. It includes indoor and outdoor kennels for up to 20 dogs, a fenced-in dog run, veterinary care services, an adoption center, visitors lobby and staff offices. The work was funded by a quarter-cent capital improvement sales tax approved by voters in 2017. Landis said the center’s hours are not yet established, as more employees first need to be added.
Hours: By appointment
Phone: 417-732-3190
Web: RepublicMo.com

Hobby Lobby
Oklahoma City-based Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. on Sept. 18 opened its first Branson store, ahead of an initial February 2021 estimated opening date by the company. Evelyn Joy manages the Hobby Lobby at 1477 State Highway 248. Company officials declined to disclose lease terms or startup costs for the 61,000-square-foot store, which took over a former Kmart space in Cedar Ridge Plaza. Kmart’s lone Branson store shuttered in 2017. Hobby Lobby sells crafting and home decor products, including floral, fabric, needle art, custom framing, jewelry making, scrapbooking and paper crafting supplies. The Branson Hobby Lobby is the company’s 26th in Missouri, and it operates more than 900 stores nationwide.
Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Phone: 417-334-3198
Web: HobbyLobby.com

Allgeier, Martin and Associates Inc.
Civil and electrical engineering firm Allgeier, Martin and Associates Inc. on April 24 acquired Springfield-based White River Engineering Inc. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Officials with Joplin-based Allgeier, Martin and Associates said the firm has served the Springfield area from a branch office since 2017 and desired to grow within the local market. In the acquisition, former White River engineers Thomas Hancock and Richard McMillian work with Allgeier, Martin Senior Engineer John Forrester at the 600 W. College St., Ste. 104, office. With 16 years in operation, White River officials say they wanted a more robust range of services for larger projects. Allgeier, Martin provides engineering services for public entities, such as counties, municipalities and utilities, with additional offices in Rolla and Kansas City.
Hours: 8 a.m-5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Phone: 417-862-3355
Web: AMCE.com