bransonglobe.com LOCAL Submitted to Branson Globe BRANSON, Mo – The City of Branson Utilities Department has agreed to participate in a statewide program to sample the City’s wastewater for COVID-19 indicators that could help monitor trends and provide an early warning of new COVID-19 outbreaks. This program is grant-funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and run by the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and the Missouri Department of Natural • COFFEE Continued from page 14 spending time with the customers. Zurn explained, “The guys love to socialize. So, if you want to play cards, or a board game, they’ll do it. They’ll sit down and play or just hang out. They just love talking to the customers, and getting to know people in the community. And that is one of our main purposes, to integrate them with the community and to let people get to know them. They really are amazing!” Zurn’’s clients feel that New Hope Development is amazing, as well, and are quick to share what the program has done for them. One client, Brian, was 18 when he began living in one of the original group homes, and began working for Cedar Creek in 2012. Brian is proud that the New Hope program has taught him responsibility and independence. He stated that he enjoyed baking Kolaches, and loves to teach. In fact, he teaches many classes to his fellow clients, including Life Skills, Independence, Food Safety, and most recently math to help them in running the cash register at the new coffee shop. Another client, Dylan, is a talented entertainer, who enjoys acting, and participates in the Branson Regional Arts Council’s many productions. Dylan is also working on his own variety show, to open soon in Branson. He credits New Hope DeResources (MDNR) as well as the University of Missouri – Columbia. Raw wastewater samples are collected by communities across the state, including Branson, and then are submitted via courier to the University of Missouri. There, a team of scientists conducts a molecular analysis that looks for genetic markers of the virus. “Not only is participating in this program cost-effective since the samples will be taken in conjunction with our normal sampling velopment with helping him learn proper behavior. Dylan also works at the new Cedar Creek Coffee and Creations. “I work at the Kolache station sometimes. I work serving drinks, and sometimes I work as a cashier,” Dylan explained. “The cashier is my favorite position, because i’m very good at counting back change.” The opening of Cedar Creek Coffee and Creations is truly a dream come true for Raeanne Zurn, her staff, and her clients. But, like with most businesses in our area, Covid-19 has presented some problems. The business did a soft opening on June 25, and is currently open three days a week, Thursday and Fridays from 8:00 am until 1:30 pm, and Saturday from 9:00 to 1:00. They are located at 310 Gretna Road, on the campus of Elevate Branson. “Our goal is to be open Monday through Saturday, but we really need the community to come in, to step up and give us their business, so we can stay open” urged Zurn. “The Kolaches are amazing, we can sell them individually, by the dozen, or in party trays, and we’re working on trying to get some curbside service going if you’re not comfortable going inside. It really is a great, quiet spot for a coffee date, or a little Bible study, or just to hang out and visit. We really encourage everyone to come by and see us!” process but it will also provide important data to state officials that has the potential to protect the health and well-being of our community,” said Branson Utilities Director, Mike Ray. While wastewater is not a significant transmission pathway for the virus, sewage surveillance is a proactive effort to inform the public and mitigate any virus spread. Sewage testing has identified the presence of the Coronavirus in areas where no cases have been reported. July 24 - 25, 2020 • 15 City of Branson agrees to test wastewater for coronavirus This gives those communities an early warning and potentially provides earlier notice for implementing prevention measures. The City of Branson plans to conduct this monitoring for at least a year.
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