BRANSON, Mo. (AP) – At least two fatalities and dozens of injuries along with significant damage have been reported after tornadoes moved across the region Tuesday night.

Especially hard-hit early Wednesday were areas in southwest Missouri, including Branson, Lebanon and Buffalo.

In Branson, Taney County Sheriff Jimmie Russell says searchers are going house to house looking for casualties and helping folks still trapped in their homes. At least 12 people were hurt in Branson.

National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Griffin says the apparent tornado moved through downtown Branson, heavily damaging the city’s famous theaters. Also damaged were a Walmart, a Taco Bell, a pizza shop and at least one hotel.

Griffin says at least a dozen injuries and at least one fatality have been reported in Buffalo, where the storm passed through a mobile home park.

In Tushka, Oklahoma, 135 miles south of Tulsa, a tornado has killed at least one person, and injured several more.

Elsewhere, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback declared a state of emergency and KDOT closed two highways after a tornado passed through Harveyville in Wabaunsee County west of Topeka.

The head of the chamber of commerce says the economic recovery is gaining strength in Saint Joseph in spite of uncertainties at the federal level. Ted Allison says we have a lot to be excited about. He says several business owners have told him they’re hiring, Snorkel is recalling laid-off workers, and our unemployment rate remains below the state and national averages.

Allison says it’s very encouraging. He says if the economy is improving even with continuing political and healthcare uncertainty, imagine what it could do when everything settles down after the election.

It didn’t come as any surprise to Buchanan County Sheriff Mike Strong when his former second in command filed as a candidate against him.

That’s because former Undersheriff Bill Puett asked for and received a demotion last month so he could seek Strong’s job at the ballot box.

“I requested a demotion to be in compliance with state and federal lawss concerning the election of public officials,” Puett said.

“It’s not about Mike. Everyone has his own ideas about how they want to run things, and I found the only way I could get that done was to seek the office. To say that I’m upset with the current administration would be incorrect.”

Puett has been with the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office for 25 years, rising to the rank of Colonel and Undersheriff. In January he was demoted to captain, and currently works in the Support Services Division.

Strong has not yet named a new Undersheriff. Currently Captain Ted Markt has assumed the role of administrative captain and sits at Puett’s old desk.

Both Strong, a Democrat, and Puett, a Republican, filed as candidates on Tuesday, the first day candidates could file. Strong will face a challenge in the Democratic primary from Ron Fisher, a former St Joe Police detective currently working as marshal with the Buchanan County courts.

Also filing for the office was Republican Patrick J. Grove, a retired Kansas City police officer from St Joe. That sets up primary battles in both parties in August.

St Joseph Police and U.S. Secret Service are investigating after a string of local businesses accepted counterfeit currency over the past few days.

Detective Richard Shelton of the St Joseph Police Department Financial Crime Unit says eight businesses have been defrauded with counterfeit $20 bills.

One business received a bogus $10 bill.

“All businesses and financial institutions should have employees checking their currency as they receive it,” Shelton said in a news release.

“Personnel should watch for the color shifting ink on the bottom right of the notes. The ink should go from bronze to green. The bills should also contain a security thread and a water mark.”

For more information on how to check for legitimate notes please go to: http://www.secretservice.gov/know_your_money.shtml

This site was developed and set up by the United States Secret Service. The St. Joseph Police Department Financial Crime Unit works closely with the Secret Service on investigations in the passing, manufacturing or possessing of counterfeit US Federal Reserve Notes.

Serial numbers to watch for are:
* JJ91572229 A Series 2009 $20
* JJ77046053 A Series 2009 $20
* JC13189374 A Series 2009 $10

Tuesday was the first day for candidates for county offices to file with the County Clerk’s Office.

Before the day was over, a surprise or two emerged.

Sheriff Mike Strong, a Democrat, will face a challenge from one of two Republicans who filed.

One of those Republicans is Strong’s second in command, the Undersheriff, Colonel Bill Puett.

The other GOP candidate to file Tuesday is Patrick J. Grove, a retired Kansas City police officer from St Joe.

Candidates for all county offices except Treasurer filed for office Tuesday. The primary election is August 7, and the general election is November 6.

Incumbent County Assessor Scot W. Van Meter, a Democrat, filed for reelection Tuesday. Republican Frank Still also filed for the office.

So far, incumbent Eastern and Western District Commissioners Dan Hausman and Ron Hook do not have any opposition. Both filed for office Tuesday.

Buchanan County Public Administrator Bill McMurray filed for reelection and doesn’t yet have anyone on the ballot to oppose him.

By mid afternoon Tuesday, no one had filed as a candidate for County Treasurer.

“Destination St. Joseph” is the 2012 Apple Blossom Parade theme.  Executive Director Michelle Wolfe says the theme coincides with the Sound of Speed Air Show on Apple Blossom weekend.

The grand prize for the float that best represents the parade theme will be $300, with second place receiving $150, and third place $75. In addition, non-cash recognition plaques for units will be given in the following categories: Best of Parade, Best Vintage Vehicle, Best Walking Unit and Best Band.

Parade entry forms are now available by calling 816-261-0422 or by going online to the updated Apple Blossom website at www.appleblossomparade.com.