Branson Globe, July 28, 2023

White River Electric kicks off rural broadband project

BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer

On Thursday, July 20, White River Connect held a dedication ceremony to recognize the start of its expansive fiber project to rural areas in Christian, Douglas, Ozark, Stone and Taney counties. Members of White River Connect; its construction partner ITG Communications, LLC; and design partner National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) were on hand, along with community leaders, to answer questions about the project. The 10 a.m. ceremony took

place at the College of the Ozarks’ Hog Farm on Gobblers Knob Rd., Hollister, Missouri. In welcoming those present, President and CEO Chris Hamon of White River Valley Electric Cooperative, thanked C of O for hosting and shared that the location held personal memories for him because of boarding the school bus at that very spot as a child.

Non-recreational marijuana users will not pay the marijuana sales tax

BY GARY J. GROMAN, Independent Journalist

In the General Election on August 8, 2023, voters will vote on imposing “a sales tax of three percent (3%) on all retail sales of adult use marijuana.” Although all voters will get to vote on the issue, only those purchasing “adult use marijuana,” recreational marijuana, will pay the tax. Those not pur-

chasing recreational use marijuana will not pay the tax. The tax on the ballot does not apply to the sale of “medical marijuana.” It only applies to “adult use marijuana,” recreational marijuana.

During the Branson Board of Aldermen meeting, as they put the tax on the ballot, Branson Police Chief Eric Schmidt presented information that the legal sale of

recreational marijuana increases activity and costs for law enforcement and emergency services. An ad on the Branson Chamber of Commerce’s website sponsored by the “Taney County Backs the Blue” points out that while those not purchasing “adult use marijuana” will not pay the tax, they have a vested interest in voting for the tax to help meet the costs of these

additional services.

The ballot language for the tax in Branson, Forsyth, Hollister and Rockaway Beach specifically designates the tax proceeds to go to “public safety.” In these cities, the voters dedicate the tax to help pay for the enhanced law enforcement efforts and public safety initiatives necessary to meet the additional

Hamon introduced CEO Beau Jackson of the Cooperative’s fiber subsidiary, White River Connect. Comparing the connectivSEE BROADBAND, PAGE 12 SEE MARIJUANA TAX, PAGE 18

ANOTHER DANCE – Current Silver Dollar City Saloon Show cast welcomes former crew Marty Murray, Walt Fischer and Helen Williams SEE THE STORY on page 28. (Special to Branson Globe)

Chess tournament set for Saturday at Taneyhills

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

This Saturday offers you an opportunity to test your skills in chess. Chess coach Phil Thomas is holding a chess tournament on Saturday, July 29, for ages 10 and up. Thomas, a highly experienced chess coach who has most recently taught chess classes at the Taneyhills Library, is offering the opportunity for tournament play to his students and other interested chess players.

Seitz remains in good spirits as cancer treatment continues

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

Branson Globe readers have been following the progress of area resident Valerie Seitz in her cancer journey. Seitz, wife of State Representative Brian Seitz, recently gave the Branson Globe an update on her treatment.

“We are nearing the finish line regarding the breast bancer,” Seitz explained. “I have only one more Immunotherapy treatment in August.”

Seitz noted that her treatment has included surgery, chemotherapy and more.

“I underwent six rounds of chemo, then had a double mastectomy,

33 rounds of radiation, and one full year of immunotherapy,” said Seitz.

“I will take daily oral Anastrozole for five years.”

“Regarding the lung tumors, I recently repeated a CT of my lungs, and it showed the tumors are stable, with no growth,” continued Seitz. “I had a pulmonary function test done (required by the surgeon), and am now waiting to be scheduled with the surgeon to discuss our options.”

Throughout the lengthy treatment, Seitz has remained positive.

“My spirits are great,” Seitz said.

“I have a wonderful outlook for

SEE VALERIE SEITZ, PAGE 14

Check-in for the tournament begins at 8:30 a.m. and the day will include six rounds of play. The competition is open to those with varying levels of experience in the game. First, second and third place medals will be awarded.

Thomas recommends that those who do not have a chess clock should download a free chess clock phone app, such as Chess Clock by Chess.com or Chess Clock by

Merkmatics. Familiarize yourself with using the clock prior to the tournament by setting it for 30 minutes with a five-second delay.

The chess tournament will be held on Saturday, July 29, at the Taneyhills Library. Cost to participate is only $7 per person and includes lunch.

To register, call the Taneyhills Library Circulation Desk at 417334-1418.

Save the date: Music festival at Treasure Lake

BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer

Branson’s Treasure Lake RV Resort, located at 1 Treasure Lake Dr. just off Shepherd of the Hills Expressway in Branson, offers its guests much more than just a place to park their RV. Coming up in September, mark your calendar for the resort’s 4th Annual Bluegrass Music Festival, September 8 and 9, and the 4th Annual Gospel Music Festival, September 15 and 16.

The resort’s first bluegrass festival was originally planned for spring, 2020, but like many other events, was derailed by COVID-19 restrictions. Rescheduled as an outdoor event that fall, it was a huge success as people were glad to be out and about again. From there, it outgrew the park pavilion and is now hosted on a concert

stage and facilitated by Orchard Audio Visual of Branson. The gospel festival started later that same year, featuring local artists, and now includes both local and nationally-known gospel musicians.

This year’s bluegrass festival will include the groups Borderline Bluegrass, Little Roy & Lizzie, Tacie & the Sunshine Band, Route 3, Nu-Blu, the Baker Family, and Kari Garrison & Bluegrass Remedy. Gospel artists will include The Missourians, Carolyn Hill, Day 4, Dan Keeton, Foretold, GloryWay, The LeFevre Quartet, Voice of Truth, Divinity Trio, Soul’d Out, Mission IV, and Susan Heimbach.

You do not have to be a member or registered RV guest at Treasure Lake to attend the festivals; everyone is welcome!

There will be food trucks available on site, as well as vendor shopping. A golf cart parking shuttle will be available via the Treasure Lake app, both days of each festival.

To purchase tickets, visit www.tlresort.com or call activities director Rhonda Hull, 417331-2822, or assistant activities director Ashley Ammerman, 417-699-0839. A two-day pass is $50, with discounts available for early purchase and for Treasure Lake members.

Valerie Seitz, during her treatment (FILE)

City of Branson joins 46th Judicial Circuit in restricting devices

Submitted to Branson Globe

Beginning August 1, the City of Branson will join the 46th Judicial Circuit in no longer allowing cell phones or any other electronic devices into the Municipal Court courtroom at City Hall. If visitors arrive

with a device, they will be directed to return it to their vehicle or leave it in the possession of someone in their party as there will be no arrangements made for secure storage.

According to Municipal Judge Thomas Motley, who is responsible

for hearing cases brought before the Court by the Branson City Prosecutor, the only exception is for members of the Missouri Bar Association. For more information go to www.BransonMo.Gov/201/Municipal-Divison.

Drag queen shows at top of City Council agenda

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

During a long and intense meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen, the Board voted on a proposed ordinance to regulate drag performances in the city of Branson.

During the public comment section of Tuesday’s City Council meeting, many spoke both for and against the proposed restrictions, set up to preserve the family-friendly values that are important to the city of Branson.

Bill 6335 was submitted to the City Council by the city’s Planning Commission. Following much discussion among the Board of Aldermen, including two amendments to the Bill, the Board voted 3 to 2 to pass the proposal, with aldermen Cody Fenton and Chuck Rogriguez voting against the proposal, while council members Denham, Howden and LeBlanc voted for the Bill. Alderman Cooper was absent from the meeting.

Bill 6335 limits drag shows

to the downtown Branson zoning area. It will not allow drag shows within 600 feet of churches or religious institutions, schools, parks or other drag show establishments. Only those 18 and above will be allowed entrance to the drag shows, and no drag shows will be allowed without a special permit from the city.

Final vote on the proposed ordinance will be held at the August 8 City Council meeting.

City offers storm debris drop-off July 29

Submitted to Branson Globe

Due to the recent storms that downed trees and limbs across the region, the City of Branson is designating a storm debris dropoff location on Saturday, July 29, 2023, from 7 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the Cooper Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, located at 2855 Fall Creek Road. Please watch for City staff and community volunteers who will be greeting residents at the entrance to the facility to help direct to the drop-off site. This service is offered at no

charge and is for residents of Branson ONLY and not commercial vendors or properties. The drop-off is for the collection of brush, limbs and other vegetation. Please note that trash will NOT be accepted.

“This action plan provides for our City’s residents to bring debris to a controlled location,” said Branson Fire Chief Ted Martin.

“The City of Branson greatly appreciates the cooperation of our residents during recent road clearing following last weekend’s storm,” said Branson Mayor Larry Milton. “Our

priority is to clear roadways for fire, police and ambulance to keep our City safe. Thank you to our employees in the Public Works, Utilities, Fire and Parks departments who worked from Friday night well into Saturday,” concluded Mayor Milton. History: Severe thunderstorms affected the Branson community on the evening of Friday, July 14, causing widespread tree damage. To reduce risk caused by open burning across the community and rodent infestation in stacked debris, the City is taking this action.

BUTTERS: Male, DOB 3/13/2020 - Butters is a butterball. He’s a shy guy but very much likes to be petted. He would prefer a quieter household where he can be himself and get to know his new family.

JOE: Male Terrier/ Heeler mix, DOB 12/1/2018. This poor guy was owner relinquished. He is not good with other dogs, but he does like kids. He is just waiting for a forever home.

BY LINDA PAGE

Entertainment Writer

Last Saturday night I went to Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex to see Todd Oliver & Irving the Talking Dog in the Little Opry Theatre. For those of us who remember Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, ventriloquism has come a long way. Todd does have his ventriloquist characters (they don’t like being called “dummies”), but he also has his canine companion, Irving the Talking Dog. Irving is a 10-year-old terrier who is just as cute as he can be and he is not afraid to “speak his mind.”

Todd is also quite the magician and bunny rabbits and birds may appear at any time. The Little Opry Theatre is the perfect venue for Todd and his friends to get up close and personal with the audience. There’s good-natured audience participation and some lucky guests get involved with the magic action on stage. With Todd’s friendly, laid-back style and clean

Area Entertainment: Comedy, ventriloquism and magic

humor, this is a show that all ages can enjoy.

Todd stated that he watched ventriloquists on TV in the 1960s and ‘70s and he became hooked. He grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and found some great ventriloquism books at the Minneapolis library and from those books he learned the basics of ventriloquism. He received a wooden “dummy” for Christmas when he was 10 years old and that dummy helped him deal with the loss of his father three days later.

Todd performed volunteer shows in schools, nursing homes and hospitals to try to hone his skills. Years later he met a professional ventriloquist who taught and encouraged him, and at age 20 Todd became a full-time professional. He moved on to touring, performing in clubs and doing one-nighters around the states and around the world on cruise ships.

Todd was booked on the General Jackson Showboat in Nashville, Tennessee, from 1990 to 1996 which also got him booked on The Nashville Network TV shows.

Todd decided he needed to revamp his act and came up with an idea that would change everything for him. He looked at his Boston terrier and thought, “I bet you would have a lot to say if you could talk.” A few months later Todd premiered America’s real talking dog Irving and the first night on stage Irving was a big hit.

After that came Hollywood agents and national TV appearances. Todd and Irving appeared on David Letterman’s Ventriloquist Week in 2006 where he was one of the top five ventriloquists in the world to be selected to appear. He and Irving also made appearances on The Tonight Show, The Today Show, Craig Ferguson Show, two

Todd Oliver and friends (Photo courtesy of Todd Oliver)

OPINION

First Amendment to the United States Constitution

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishement of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

ROB DOHERTY Publisher (504) 583-8907 robd@bransonglobe.com

JANET STEINKAMP Editor editor@bransonglobe.com

GARY J. GROMAN Independent Journalist

KIM CHAPPELL Ad Designer gabbydor210@gmail.com

PATTY DOERPINGHAUS

Stone County Account Representative (530) 739-5560 pattyd.ads@gmail.com

MARK FEDER

Taney County Account Representative (805) 320-3746 shotgunart@yahoo.com

JOHN FULLERTON Area Historian

TIFFANY GRAVETT Staff Writer tiffanykgravett@gmail.com

KAREN HALFPOP

Digital/Production Manager production@bransonglobe.com

K.D. MICHAELS Staff Writer kdmichaelsbranson1@gmail.com

LINDA PAGE

Entertainment Writer lpage65@centurytel.net

CYNTHIA J. THOMAS Staff Writer cjthomas74@yahoo.com www.cynthiajthomas.com

DARYL WEATHER Weather Forecaster bransonwx@gmail.com

BY

Dave Says: Love them enough to teach them well

ey where our children are concerned. They are both 16, and I think they should have part-time jobs and be learning the value of work. He feels they’re only young once and wants them to enjoy being teenagers. He also gives them money anytime they ask. I want our kids to have fun, too, but this is beginning to cause tension in our relationship. I’d love your advice.

Kaytee Dear Kaytee, I understand your concern. I’m sure your husband has a good heart, but by doing this he’s acting like a friend instead of a par-

ent. In the process, he’s allowing them to be nothing but takers and consumers. He’s setting them both up for lifetimes of helplessness and ridiculous expectations without realizing it.

But, yes, kids should absolutely learn to work, make money and manage it wisely from an early age. My wife and I gave nice gifts to our kids from time to time, but they also worked and made money for themselves. And the nicer gifts we gave them were for special occasions. Even then we didn’t go crazy with things.

Still, the biggest problem you

and your husband are experiencing is a communication breakdown. Your husband should stop being so impulsive, and grow a backbone where the kids are concerned. You’ve recognized this—and you’re right about it— so it’s up to you to take the first step in finding a solution. Try sitting down with him, just the two of you, and sincerely explaining your feelings. Let him know you love him and how generous he is. But let him know, too, you’re worried this is having a negative impact on your children and why. Talk it out, openly SEE DAVE SAYS, PAGE 52

Stock Market Insights: Gas prices

dog” trick. Somehow that talent never came up on our first date. Maybe not walk the dog, but we have seen a yo-yo effect with gas prices in the last few years.

tional average regular price of $5.016 for regular unleaded on 6/14/22.

DR. RICHARD BAKER, AIF®, is the founder of and an executive wealth advisor at Fervent Wealth Management. https://www.facebook.com/Dr.RichardBaker

As a child, my gorgeous wife couldn’t hit a softball, but she did master the yo-yo “walk the

In the spring of 2020, gas prices dropped to their lowest levels in decades because of a lack of demand during the pandemic. Shortly after, oil and gas prices rose sharply through the economic recovery and shipping problems in 2021.

In early 2022, production problems and the war in Ukraine pushed prices even higher because there were more buyers (demand) than sellers (supply). According to AAA, this led to the highest recorded na-

Thankfully, oil prices, the main ingredient in gasoline, have dropped this year by roughly 40% from last year’s peak. The current national average for regular unleaded is $3.58, a significant improvement from the $5 a gallon in mid-2022.

The lower gas prices aren’t because of a lack of demand. JPMorgan says oil demand is about the same, but the oil supply has increased considerably, leading to lower prices at the pump. There is more oil flooding the market, mainly coming from the U.S.

Though Saudi Arabia and Russia

are trying to drive up oil prices by reducing their oil exports, the strong increase in U.S. production is ruining their plans. The OPEC nations hate that the U.S. oil producers are uncontrollable and market-driven.

In the long run, oil and gas prices should continue dropping as increasing inventories continue to drive down the market. This should be considered good news for most of the market, as fuel prices are a major part of shipping expenses and inflation.

Shockingly, my sweet little wife wasn’t always so wholesome with a yo-yo. Her grandparents caught

The comments on opinion pages are the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily those of the Branson Globe, or its staff. Want to weighin? Have something to say? Share it with us in your own Letter to the Editor. Letters to the editor sent via e-mail and fewer than 400 words are given preference. Published or unpublished letters become the property of the newspaper and will not be returned. All letters must include, name, address, and verifiable phone number.

DAVE RAMSEY, CEO, Ramsey Solutions, and an eight-time No. 1 national best-selling author, and host of The Ramsey Show

DearDave, My husband and I are having arguments about mon-

SEE STOCK MARKET INSIGHTS, PAGE 52

BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS Staff Writer

I’ve followed with interest the discussion of whether or not censorship is something the government should be involved in. With the rise of social media, it’s

Reflections: Have a good offense ready

easy to express an opinion but hard to do so without somebody becoming “offended.” Find something offensive? Just file a lawsuit, or report it as “violating community standards.”

Recently, I’ve also realized the social and cultural landscape may distract people from remembering there are perfectly acceptable times to “offend” somebody. For example, most team sports events would be pretty boring without a good offense, defined by Merriam-Webster online as “a means or method of attacking or attempting to score.” In a more serious ex-

ample, entering Word War I and World War II to counter evil dictators was considered necessary for good reasons.

Which brings me to Ephesians

6:10-18, the Apostle Paul’s discussion of the armor of God. Spiritual warfare, and the schemes of Satan and his evil forces, are a real thing, out to deceive and destroy followers of Christ. We need to be prepared to counter-attack.

Much of the armor listed is defensive: The breastplate of righteousness to protect the heart; the gospel of peace as protective footwear; the shield of faith to extin-

guish Satan’s burning arrows; and the helmet of salvation to protect the head; with the belt of truth to hold everything in place. Those are vitally important. One item in the list, though, is clearly offensive: “The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” We aren’t just to cower and from Satan’s shots; we must go on the offense and counter his deceit with God’s word, just as Jesus did when Satan tempted him in the wilderness. A sword is useless if one hasn’t practiced its use; and taking a stand against the enemy only happens through making a conscious decision to study the

Bible and use it.

This decision may come at a cost nowadays. While I don’t feel led to enter every argument on the social landscape, some things are worth fighting for—for me, that would include the many attacks on the hearts, minds and even bodies, of children. Even though I don’t have a large platform, my comments aren’t always popular. Some people have more visibility, and choose to use it for biblical truth even if it affects their ratings or their livelihood—or their life. People don’t consider a good

SEE REFLECTIONS, PAGE 52

Been Thinkin’ About... The summer goat water buckets

BY JOSHUA HESTON StateoftheOzarks Media & Design

Ithink I was about 10, if memory serves. Maybe nine, and that summer heat was scorching. Cracks appeared in the dry clay and the snakes started showing up

near the house, looking for water. Interminable blue sky, crisscrossed by commuter flights to Chicago twice a day, showed no threat of rain. The giant young cottonwood tree in the front yard shivered against the prairie wind and a wide river breeze, roots deep enough to be fed by ancient spring waters. The leathery leaves never lost their luster until turning ashen in autumn when they tumbled to the grass, leaving an earthy, spicy scent in the air.

We had kept the air conditioning turned off as long as possible. It was a game my mother and I

played, seeing how long we could last against the heat, relying on cross-breezes and box fans, replicating my mom’s Iowa farm childhood of no air conditioning whatsoever. We had called defeat early however, closing windows before noon, and clicking the little plastic knob on the round thermostat in the hallway. Compliantly, the big metal aquamarine box outside the bathroom window — the box ringed with spearmint and flag iris — rumbled and hummed distinctively. Breezy summer curtains blocked the sun beating against southern and western windows. I

would have retreated to the cool of the basement except for one thing. The goats needed water.

I still remember the creaky sound of the faucet out front. Two white five-gallon buckets, discarded to our farm after being emptied of Kroger bakery frosting, waited to be filled and packed off to the barn. It was hard work, especially for me. I wasn’t that strong yet. “You don’t have to do that now?” The question was from Carrie, a childhood friend. Recent conversations with my mom flashed through my head. “You have to learn responsibility, Josh.” “Just

because you don’t want to do something doesn’t mean you get to not do it.” I shook my head at Carrie. “No, the goats need water.” I filled the buckets. I packed the buckets. And the goats did indeed need water. Truth be told, I didn’t really mind the work. I always loved our animals. I would have felt terrible if they had been thirsty in the heat. And I’d like to say I developed responsibility overnight. I did not. There were countless more conversations, more fights over homework, more moments when I pushed my mom’s patience

SEE BEEN THINKIN’, PAGE 52

Breakfast at Tiffany’s: The Ministry of Presence

BY TIFFANY GRAVETT Staff Writer

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” Romans 12:15

There was a man who had recently been widowed. He felt like

his whole world was crashing down around him. The pain of losing his best friend was raw and deep. Each day was a challenge as he learned to live in the “new normal” he hadn’t asked for. He recounts that there was a well-meaning couple who had given him a small token of their sympathy. He unwrapped the package to find a coffee mug that read, “Choose Joy.” In a time when he could barely choose to get out of bed in the morning, the gift felt like a cold reminder of his overwhelming sadness. He appreciated the gesture, but joy seemed like a distant memory, and he didn’t even like coffee.

There have been times when I found myself in the shoes of the well-meaning couple: observing someone else’s pain and wishing that I had some advice that would fix their situation or at least make them feel better. Looking back, I realize that in my desire to help, all I gave were platitudes that over-simplified painfully complex situations and probably added salt to open wounds. Some circumstances cannot be fixed easily, quickly, or even at all. Those times require something called the Ministry of Presence. When words fall short, sometimes the most helpful thing we can do for

others is just be there. Dr. Carol Peters-Tanksley discusses three levels of “being there”:

• Physical presence. There’s a certain benefit to just being in the same room with someone. Sitting with someone who’s sick or old. Going to your child’s recital or sports event. Showing up at an event to prevent domestic violence or honor the memory of one who’s died.

• Focused attention. This goes beyond physical presence. It means turning off the TV and listening to your spouse talk about their fears. It means leaving your cellphone

at home and spending an evening doing nothing but what your family wants to do. Your attention is valuable, and they’ve got it.

• Shared suffering. There may be no greater Being There than sharing in the suffering someone is experiencing. At that moment not only is your body and your mind present, but your soul is present also. That means not only listening but crying along with, feeling their pain, understanding their burden enough to feel its weight on your own shoulders.

(1) Jesus offers us the Ministry of

SEE BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S, PAGE 52

.

From our readers...

...an unreplaceable jewel of great value to all of us...

This article is regarding the Taney County Library, along with their thrift store and book store.

I, JoAnn Siegel, have now been a resident of Branson six years and found Branson to be the best place I’ve lived, which have been numerous, Mexico, Israel and pretty much all over the U.S.

Nevertheless, I have now been informed that there is the dire possibility that the Taney County Library, along with the thrift store and book store, can now be closed, lost, to all we citizens of Branson and to the sad fact, all the little children of every age. What a horrible, sad tragedy this could be, an unreplaceable jewel of great value to all of us that have received help, learning, kindness, beauty, affordable shopping from the thrift store and great learning and joy of the book store. I personally go to the library and thrift store approximately one to two times a week for over six years.

Sincerely, JoAnn Siegel, Branson

***

..we simply cannot add to citizens’ tax burden...

Public funding for a Taney County library center will be on the ballot Tuesday, August 8, 2023. Citizens should VOTE NO on this ballot question. A NO VOTE will avoid additional taxes on real es-

tate and personal property located in the Branson/Hollister Library Subdistrict, including residents and businesses in not just Branson and Hollister but also some in Rockaway Beach, Walnut Shade, Merriam Woods, Ridgedale and Kirbyville. With the rising cost of food, housing, gas and other essentials we simply cannot add to citizens’ tax burden to fund the estimated 12 million dollar cost of the library project. The elderly who live on a fixed income and home schoolers who typically live on one income will be particularly affected by this increased tax. Of special concern is that the tax levy would be perpetual without a sunset clause, and as the assessed value of real estate rises, so will the tax that citizens will be forced to pay to sustain the new library. Additionally, a publicly funded library would have to give equal access to any outside groups who might want to use a community room designated for public use. This means that if the library allows a Christian home schooling group to use a room for an event, then they must also allow drag queens to reserve a room to read stories to children. Those in favor of taxing the citizens of Branson and Hollister to fund this enormous and costly project claim that the new library will retain control over what events they allow and that they would not host those that the Branson

community would not approve of. But by not allowing drag queen story hours the library may be opening itself up to being sued by the ACLU, as has happened to multiple libraries across the nation. In this situation, the library would be left with two choices – allow the drag queen story hour or spend countless taxpayer dollars defending the right to deny the event. This is not theoretical either. It is not a question of if this will happen, but a question of when this will happen. And with a group of drag queens already establishing a presence in the Branson Meadows Shopping Plaza, predictably it won’t take long.

Tax increases and adult sexual performers reading stories to children are not the only cause for concern, however. The Friends of Taneyhills Community Library are institutional members of the Missouri Library Association, which is an affiliate of the infamous American Library Association (ALA). The ALA is an activist organization leading the charge to insert highly sexualized content in book collections for minors in public libraries. And when concerned parents and stakeholders voice their opposition, the ALA says that they are trying to ban books. A publicly-funded library will attract the attention of the ALA and increase pressure to implement children’s programming that does not fit with the family values of Branson.

Why do we want to put an addition-

al financial burden on the backs of the elderly and families working to keep their heads above water in a stagnant economy by taxing them further for this massive library project?

Drag queens are adult sexual performers. Not child educators. Why would we create a situation that would invite expensive litigation for protecting impressionable children from sexual performers seeking to be role models for them?

Why would we open ourselves up to activist groups like the ALA to wield its influence over our patriotic and God-fearing community?

If the current Taney Hills Community Library is truly in danger of closing at the end of the year if the public funding measure does not pass, then the members of the community in favor of an expanded library along with the newly appointed library board should organize a capital campaign to raise funds to keep its doors open. In fact, it begs the question why wasn’t an effort expended in that direction before asking the taxpayers to foot the 12 million dollar bill? There are too many unanswered questions and vulnerabilities surrounding this measure. Citizens of Branson should VOTE NO on the tax to fund the library expansion project.

Mary Ellen Siegler, Branson Haven Howard, Branson

Concerned Citizens of Branson

EDITOR’S NOTE: To make

an informed voting decision and to clarify a few statements in the letter about drag queens and ALA involvement, please read information on the Library’s website at these links: https://www. voteyestaneycountylibrary.org/; frequently asked questions are found at this link, https://www.voteyestaneycountylibrary.org/faq.

The following questions and many others are answered on the Library’s website:

“Will you offer drag queen storytime? Absolutely not.” Again, the local library board and staff will assure that community values are represented in the materials and programming at a Taney County public library. In addition, anyone working or volunteering at the library, especially those dealing with children, are all carefully vetted. Everyone reading to children must meet strict qualifications, including education and professional credentials in childhood education.”

“Does ALA (American Library Association) control public libraries? No. The ALA is just an association without any authority or control over any library. Taneyhills Library is not a member of ALA, and the new Taney County library does not expect to join either. Very few small libraries are willing to pay the fee required for ALA membership.”

Source: https://www.voteyestaneycountylibrary.org/faq

BY GARY J. GROMAN

a.k.a. The Ole Seagull

In an Ole Seagull’s opinion, “Yes, for both quality of life and economic reasons.”

The Branson Board of Aldermen (Board) passed an ordinance regulating drag shows on its first reading at its July 25 meeting. Its passage came after hours of debate by folks, who, mostly, The Ole Seagull believes, had yet to even read the proposed ordinance.

How anyone can construe the city’s reasonable attempt to regulate a particular type of show as hatred toward our LGBTQ+ community is beyond an Ole Seagull’s understanding. Straights said that the Bible trumps [get the pun] the Constitution was equally discombobulating. Doesn’t Romans 13:1-2 say, “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.”

In an Ole Seagull’s opinion, the proposed drag show ordinance is an attempt to preserve all that is “good” about Branson for both the LGBTQ+ and straight members of our community and its visitors.

First, the ordinance regulates nothing as a drag show, unless it meets the definition of drag show,

as defined under the ordinance. The proposed ordinance defines a drag show, as “a live entertainment performance in which characteristics of men or women are exaggerated by an in-person adult or group of adults who impersonate male or female characters while wearing extravagant costumes, which may include clothes, accessories, makeup, or removable prosthetics, excluding prosthetics for limbs or eyes; and the performance is intended to subvert gender stereotypes.” In addition, the performance must “includes jokes, references, dancing, singing, or any other conduct that depicts, describes, or relates to specified sexual activities, as defined herein.”

The Ole Seagull saw Cathy Rigby performing as “Peter Pan,”

in Branson and performances by Branson entertainers such as Terry Sanders, Matt Gumm, and Jamie Haage. In his opinion, no one with half an ounce of brains could say any of them met the ordinance’s definition of drag show.

The drag shows regulated under the ordinance are the shows, drag or otherwise, that, in the opinion of an Ole Seagull, both members of both the LGBTQ+ and straight communities should want to be regulated for the “good” of Branson. That “good” includes the deterioration of the morals, values and characteristics that are the basis of what makes Branson our home and, of equal importance, Branson’s economy.

An Ole Seagull believes that Branson’s “brand,” of family, flag, fun and faith makes it an in-

‘What Do I Believe About Love and Why?’

ing it. – Ken Keyes Jr.

BY HEATHER HAYGOOD Columnist

EXCITING NEWS!!

I will be having a drop-in book signing at Sugar Leaf Bakery, August 5 from 11-2. I will have books available to purchase as well. You are not responsible for the programming you picked up in childhood. However, as an adult, you are 100% responsible for fix-

The first chapter of the Love Journey is titled, “WHAT DO I BELIEVE ABOUT LOVE AND WHY.” Lingering childhood trauma can put a chokehold on your life. There must come a point in time where you put that away. I wanted to write a chapter that lovingly walks the reader through their own childhood experiences with love. Firstly, so that they can understand why they are behaving in certain ways and secondly, because I know firsthand the weight of carrying your parent’s unhealed baggage.

As parents, what we refuse to look at on earth hangs around for our children to work out in their adult lives. I don’t know about you, but I

don’t want my children cleaning up my messes after I die. The way I see it, if I want my children to go farther than I did, then I need to love them, nurture them, and DO MY WORK so that I leave them with the opportunity to nurture their gifts as adults, not heal from my mistakes. No one is perfect. If you are reading this and you feel like you’ve already missed that mark; remember that this is what grace is for.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of

need.” – Hebrews 4:15-16

If you are reading this and feel resistance in your heart, I would encourage you to ask yourself why you are resisting. How long will you let the lingering effects of your childhood experiences influence the

viting, inclusive destination for both members of the LGBTQ+ and straight lifestyles. That same inclusiveness is the case for many travel destinations. Still, within that, some primarily appeal to one or the other.

An Ole Seagull would opine that Eureka Springs would primarily appeal to those of the LGBTQ+ lifestyle while Branson more to those of the straight lifestyle. In fact, he would bet the farm on the fact that the same reason many of us moved to Branson is the same reason the vast majority of the tourists making up the economic foundation of Branson come to Branson.

Branson’s “brand,” which attracts businesses, residents and tourists, differs from that of Eureka SEE OLE SEAGULL, PAGE 49

outcomes of your adult life? When will you build a life for yourself instead of despite someone else?

I wrote the first chapter to help you reflect, understand, discard what does not serve you or your

SEE HEATHER HAYGOOD,

PAGE 48

Shouldn’t both Branson’s LGBTQ+ and straights support the drag show ordinance?

BY LAURI THOMPSON, Columnist

When I was 53, I bought a burger, fries and a drink

at a McDonald’s. Glancing at the receipt, I noticed I had not been charged for the drink. I dutifully walked back in to tell them.

“Oh, we give free drinks to seniors,” the chipper young gal said. “Seniors?” I gasped. “I’m not a senior!”

I was both livid and insulted, and the experience led to much examination of my face in the mirror.

Well, now (twenty years later) there’s no denying my status. I’m happy these days when I’m given

my senior discount automatically so I don’t have to tax my brain to remember to ask for it.

Most days I can joke about growing older -- but on other days I don’t find it so funny.

“Most of us will probably resist getting older because it does not have a good reputation,” says Alice Fryling in her book “Aging Faithfully.”

She hastens to provide us with this warning, saying it is possible to age well but “we will not age well

if we drift along, assuming life will not change. There will be changes in our lives that we do not like.”

She also says “Here’s what will not work – denial, resisting change, dropping out or whining.”

Billy Graham in his excellent book “Nearing Home” concurs.

“When you find you cannot do everything you did before (and you can’t), beware of getting resentful,” Graham warns.

“He (God) did not make our bodies to last forever. Wear and

Train Up a Child: Young children need rules to live by C

hildren who have no rules to live by are like ships without anchors. They are insecure and rest-

less. They are not successful in life and always seem to be seeking satisfaction and never finding it. They are

not happy children and do not make happy adults. There is no certainty in their actions and they are somewhat like a ship without a steering mechanism and seem to be tossed here and there. Parents, teachers, grandparents and others are doing children no favors by letting them get by without obeying rules.

Rules must be appropriate and fair. There are rules that are non-negotiable, rules that are negotiable, and rules that are self-imposed.

Non-negotiable rules need to be instilled in children early, so they can be taught at a very young age that certain ways of behaving are not open for discussion or de-

tear, aches and pains, weakening and waning of strength, this is natural. Dispel the thought ‘not fair!’”

If I could add my two cents worth, I’d say that comparing yourself to others is also a bad idea. We. All. Age. Differently. At different speeds, and in different ways.

If I allow myself to wallow in jealousy of a friend several years older than me who can still do Zumba while I sometimes struggle to walk across the room, I’ll make

BY PAT LAMB Columnist

bate. Parents must determine these rules. In our house one of those rules was that children were never to hit a parent as many babies are inclined to do when they don’t get their way. Even at that young age, a parent can hold a child’s hand and firmly say, “Do not do that!”

Of course, a baby will continue to SEE TRAIN UP A CHILD, PAGE 49

Not a young’un anymore? [This is part one of a three-part series.]

SEE LAURI THOMPSON, PAGE 48

• BROADBAND

Continued from page 1

ity project to the transformation

of rural communities through electrification over 80 years ago, Jackson outlined some of

the major benefits to providing better online connectivity in the rural areas served by WRVECC: More work-from-home opportunities, better resources for rural

schools in the area, and potential lives saved by faster access by rural clinics to medical records.

The White River Connect project began in 2021 with a fea-

sibility study to consider costs, needs, terrain, technology and funding sources. In 2022, membership was surveyed to solidify the need, and White River Technologies was established; 2023 brought the name White River Connect, along with grant funding from Missouri’s Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program, and field data collection and construction prep began. The goal is to have over 4,000 miles of fiber cable serving all of the Cooperative’s rural customers within five years, with the first customers connected in early 2024.

Jackson concluded his remarks with thanks to all the partners involved in the planning, analysis, engineering and construction, along with local county and community leaders whose pledge of financial support helped secure the state grant funding. The ceremony concluded with everyone present participating in a countdown as the first fiber cable was raised, by a service truck parked and ready on site for the historic moment.

White River Valley Electric Cooperative is a Touchstone Energy Cooperative dedicated to safe and reliable service for homes and businesses under the motto “Fast, Reliable, Local.” For more information about the fiber connectivity project, visit https://www. whiteriverconnect.com.

Community members and White River employees and partners shared their anticipation of the project with one another. (Photo by Cynthia J. Thomas)

Attendees counted down as the truck bucket went up to connect the project’s first cable. (Photo by Cynthia J. Thomas)

Continued from page 2

the future, a fantastic husband who loves me, children who support me, grandchildren who mean everything to me and most of all, I continue to trust God and His timing.”

Branson Globe readers held a card shower for Seitz following her surgery. For those wondering how to help her now, Seitz noted, “Readers can continue to pray for me and for others who are fighting cancer. Prayer is huge! The love and sup-

port I’ve received from friends and total strangers has truly helped me get to where I am today. With God, all things are possible!”

Seitz added, “My motto remains ‘Either way, I WIN!’ If my story has helped one person who is fighting cancer or struggling with their faith

and in need of encouragement, then it was worth my fight. I can’t say I’m a survivor yet, but I’m getting closer each day!”

Words of hope for those facing trials

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

When one is going through illness or other trials, it is easy to lose faith. Pastor Dave Hamner shared some words of encouragement for those facing such difficulties.

“The Scriptures give us, as believers, so much hope in times of trouble,” noted Hamner.

“1 Peter 4-12-14 says, ‘Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange things happened unto you; but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s suffering; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy’”

“Also, Romans 8:35 -39 says ‘Who shall separate us from the

love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution or famine, or nakedness or peril, or sword? As it is written, for thy sake, we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.

For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, or principalities, or powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’”

Hamner continued, “As Christians, we all understand the concept of suffering. Jesus was the

man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, the suffering servant.

If He suffered, we know that we all will suffer in this present life –sickness, physical and emotional pain, loss and death of loved ones, and eventually our own selves.”

“But, even through all of this, Christ is with us and loves us,” Pastor Hamner continued. “Our friend Valerie has suffered greatly through her fight with cancer, but we know that through it all, Jesus is right there, holding her hand, helping her through this because He gets us. He loves us, right into heaven itself.”

“God bless and be with all of you who are suffering today,” added Pastor Dave, “Remembering that Jesus loves us and He’s got this!”

Thompson Coach and Bus2Casino branching out

ADVERTISEMENT – Exciting news! Our Bus2Casino program is branching out again! We are adding new routes, new casinos and even overnights!

Speaking of overnights: The very next one is an exciting trip to FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing complex (formerly Fairmont Park) in Collinsville, Illinois, for their afternoon of live horse racing and pari-mutuel betting. After the races are

over, our motorcoach will travel to Hollywood Casino and Hotel in St Louis for the overnight stay. Hollywood Casino is offering our riders a $20 food voucher to be used at any of their six on-site restaurants! The cost for this trip is $225 per person based upon double occupancy (single rooms can be arranged but will result in a higher cost). The cost includes transportation to the venues and back to the cities which we picked up.

August also finds us with steak night at Riverbend for a later day trip, Sunday brunch buffet at Downstream, a trip to High Winds Casino (which offers $15 in free play) and a trip to the beautiful Indigo Sky in addition to our Horserace/Casino overnight.

Keep an eye on our Facebook (Bus2Casino) page and our ads in the Globe for all the other exciting happenings!

Built in the early 1920s as a country retreat for Frisco Railroad executive, Harry Worman, The Worman House has been expanded and meticulously restored to its original beauty. With stunning views of the lake, custom-themed cocktails and gourmet food, you will enjoy an unforgettable evening.

Dinner: Tuesday-Saturday, 5-9:00 PM

Cocktail Hour: Friday & Saturday, 3-5:00 PM

Historical museum set to open soon in Branson West

BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer

Anyone who enjoys a trip through history or down memory lane by way of historical artifacts is sure to enjoy visiting to Faith, Family, and Country Heritage Museum, scheduled to open soon at 15025 Business Hwy. 13, Branson West. An open house will be held Monday, August 14, from 12 noon to 6 p.m., with a ribbon cutting by Table Rock Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at 4 p.m. and dedication at 5:30 p.m.

Museum founder and director Jim Zbick says his collection “started with Civil War-era artifacts and just grew from there,” now containing memorabilia from World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, Korean conflict, and Vietnam eras. The museum’s front display area will house a historical overview with stations for different segments of 20th-century history, and the museum also has

a dedicated “baseball room” including wartime baseball, a World War II home front room, and a holocaust/concentration camp room. Items range from toys, to sports, to military items and more.

For Zbick, foundational principles of faith, family and country were instilled at a young age while growing up in the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. He was introduced to the power of the written word and oratory when his cousin, Charles Hodges, gave the valedictory address at Mount St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Also addressing graduates that day was President Dwight Eisenhower, who called Hodges’ speech the best student valedictory speech he had ever heard. Eisenhower’s comment was reported in the national press, including Time Magazine.

As America rose to superpower status during his presidency, Eisenhower established “In God We Trust” as the national motto and added the words “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance.

Those experiences helped inspire Zbick to a 40-year newspaper career, along with using his writing skills and his passion for history to help grow and curate two military museums in Southwest Florida. Working with those museums helped lay groundwork for the establishment of the Faith, Family & Country Heritage Museum, LLC, in 2022, and he looks forward to sharing his collection and love of history with Branson area residents and visitors.

After the August 14 kickoff, regular museum hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily except for Sunday and Wednesday.

Faith, Family & Country Heritage Museum exhibit of World War II leaders (Photo courtesy Jim Zbick)

Brook Wellness Center’s Heart for Recovery Gala planned for September 9

BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer

The Brook Wellness Center is excited to present the 5th Annual Heart for Recovery fundraising gala, planned for Saturday, September 9, at Sanctuary of Hope, 1790 Bee Creek Rd., Branson. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for this festive evening including dinner, a live auc-

TAX

Continued from page 1

costs associated with the legal sale

tion, and silent auction.

A variety of sponsorship levels are available; visit https://www. thebrookwellnesscenter.org/2023events.html for more information. A sponsorship provides exposure for your ministry or business while helping support The Brook’s mission of empowering people to discover their strengths and help-

of recreational marijuana.

The ballot language for the Taney County tax reads, “Shall Taney County, Missouri impose a county-

ing them rebuild their lives with tools for overcoming substance abuse and mental health disorders, through the faith-based concept of “Renew your mind; Transform your life.”

The Brook Wellness Center is fully certified by the Missouri Department of Mental Health and Department of Behavioral Health,

wide sales tax of three percent (3%) on all tangible personal property retail sales of adult use marijuana sold in Taney County, Missouri?” It contains no requirement that the tax proceeds be used for public safety purposes. Western District Taney County Commissioner Brandon William said that the Taney County ballot language is consistent with Amendment 3 and gives the county the flexibility to use the tax proceeds where they are most needed.

Voters in Branson, Forsyth, Hollister and Rockaway Beach will vote twice on the tax. Once for its

and works with several corporate and governmental insurance programs; however, a strong sponsorship and donor base helps to not only cover general operating expenses but also ensure that nobody needing services is turned away, regardless of whether they qualify for an insurance program.

Individual tickets for Heart for

imposition in their respective cities and once for the Taney County tax. If both are approved for any city, those purchasing recreational marijuana in that city will pay a total tax of six (6) percent, three (3) for the city and three (3) for Taney County. The tax in the unincorporated area of Taney County will be just three (3) percent.

The “Taney County Backs the Blue” ad points out that the tax revenue generated from this initiative will implement various programs and initiatives aimed at bolstering public safety and addressing the

Recovery are $40 per person; visit the website or call 417-527-8877 to register or learn more. Also, you can find ways to get involved in The Brook Vision Board, and check out upcoming online learning opportunities for National Recovery Month, including Let’s Chat on September 15 and Learning with Stan on September 26.

challenges that may arise from legalizing recreational marijuana. This includes developing resource officer education programs equipping law enforcement officers with the tools and knowledge to educate children about the potential risks and consequences of marijuana use. It will also provide for the implementation of increased officer patrol and traffic enforcement to ensure the safety of residents and tourists on the roadways and the hiring of additional officers tasked explicitly with combating the illegal selling, purchasing and trafficking of marijuana.

X-rays, Exam, and Cleaning

$149

LOCAL MAYORS ENDORSE

TAXING RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA 3% TO SUPPORT PUBLIC SAFETY

VOTE YES

AUGUST 8

Lamar Patton Hollister Mayor

Missi Hesketh Forsyth Mayor

Larry Milton Branson Mayor

PAID FOR BY: TANEY COUNTY BACKS THE BLUE | BOB HUELS, TREASURER

Reader’s Corner: These books can offer encouragement for tough times

BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer

Several years ago, while living in Mansfield, Missouri, our family met a wonderful family serving with New Tribes Mission, now called Ethnos 360, at the mission organization’s Mansfield facility. I had the privilege of teaching piano to Joshua and Joanna Harris, and have kept in touch over the years with their mom, Jan, who continued missionary work even after being

widowed and now writes and edits Bible study curriculum as an active retiree.

After growing up as a missionary kid, Joanna graduated from Southeastern Bible College and served as a missionary herself in Mexico for two years, but her term was cut short and her life plans derailed by more than a decade of chronic illness. Instead of griping and complaining about the turn her life took, Joanna has allowed

God to teach her more about His character, love and grace. She has experienced God’s grace through healing, restoration and transformation, using a variety of healing techniques, traditional and alternative medical interventions, and changes of environment to manage her illness and regain health, but never giving up.

Now Joanna’s passion is to encourage and equip others through her writing and speaking, and I’m so excited to introduce you to her books!

“Grace in Time of Need,” Joanna’s first book, contains 52 devotions, sharing many of the things Joanna learned while spending most of

five years of her young adult life in bed, weakened and missing out on many things most young women enjoy and take for granted. She assures readers that “it’s okay not to be okay,” because as she has learned, Jesus will pick you up and carry you through these hard times if you let yourself collapse at His feet and ask Him. If you are, or have ever been, overwhelmed by painful circumstances, I encourage you to let these devotions speak to you. The theme is continued in Joanna’s second devotional book, “Strengthened by Grace.” She has also written a study of Job, drawing on her own experiences

and truths from both the Old and New Testament to explore and learn from how Job arrived at a deeper knowledge of God. “Seeing God Through the Storm” is a study question/journal format, and includes a discussion guide for small group use. All of these titles would be great gifts for someone going through difficulty, or even to help readers become more insightful as they pray for and encourage friends.

God has also led Joanna into writing children’s books. More about those in the future! In the meantime, though, check out her encouraging books on Amazon or via her website, www. gracepossible.com.

EVERYTHING TO SEE, DO AND EXPERIENCE

YOUR SOURCE FOR IN BRANSON

Duttons say thanks a year after fire: ‘It was wonderful to have so many supporters’

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

The popular musical family the Duttons held a VIP event at the Dutton Family Theater last week. In addition to the tremendous talent on stage, the event was special for another reason. It was a celebration of a year of hard work and diligence.

Just over a year ago, in July 2022, the Duttons suffered a fire

at the Dutton Family Theater. Beginning in a trash can outside, the blaze was contained to the marquee and roof area of the box office and lobby. However, the entire theater realized smoke damage and the Duttons were displaced for the remainder of the 2022 season. In true Branson spirit, another Branson entertainer opened his theater to the Duttons.

“We are so grateful to Yakov and his staff,” said Judith Dutton. “Yakov was actually the first theater in town to call us after the fire and offer us a temporary home, and it was perfect! He and his staff went above and beyond to accommodate us while our theater was under construction and we had such a wonderful experience there. Thank you, Yakov!”

The Duttons returned to the stage of their own theater on April 19.

“The city was very kind to allow us to get back to work under a construction permit, and our contractor, Jim Weber, has been great to work with, making sure we had room for people to get in and out, moving the cranes and pausing on noisy work until the show was over,” Dutton explained. “His whole crew was amazing.”

Construction continues on the

outside of the theater, according to Dutton.

“We are almost to the end of phase one of three phases. This current phase should be completed in just a couple more weeks, then we will look at the next phase, which will include a facelift to Abby’s Tourist Trap, a music staff that will curl all the way across the front of the buildings and a giant violin at the end,” Judith noted.

Plans are to begin the third phase

The work continues on the outside of the Dutton Family Theater more than a year after last summer’s fire. (Photo by K.D. Michaels)

SEE DUTTONS, PAGE 33

Today I’d like to give a final look at George Hall’s 1909 Shepherd of the Hills Series of picture postcards, and here’s another fine one, Hall No. 340, The Mail-Carrier at the Forks. Many of you will recognize this as Uncle Ike’s Post Office at Notch, originally located just three miles down the trail from the homestead here at the Shepherd of the Hills. Today this building stands proudly at its new

Memories from the Homestead: A closer look – Hall Photo No. 340

home on the Shepherd property, fully refurbished in April 2022, and it’s included on the historic farm tours that I conduct here. I invite you to join me for an in depth look at the building!

Uncle Ike (Levi Morrill) is seen in the image, standing in front of the doorway. At the time of this 1909 photo, Morrill had been postmaster since it was commissioned in November of 1895. He would remain in that position until his death in the summer of 1926 at age 89. Here’s a biographical look at Levi Morrill.

Levi was born in Portland, Maine, August 21, 1837. The young man excelled in schooling, graduating college at age fifteen. It was in 1852 when Levi became a newspaper printer apprentice under Horace Greeley at the New York Tribune newspaper. Within eight years, Levi would be in Kansas.

Moving to Hiawatha, Kansas, in 1860, Morrill established the Brown County Herald. His news-

paper career proved extremely successful and through 1875 he was involved in establishing five more newspapers in Colorado, Texas, and Missouri.

In 1875 Levi established his sixth and final newspaper, the Lamar Advocate in Lamar, Missouri. At age 43 in 1880, he married Lamar native Jennie Dickerson (age 23) and their son Oscar was born in 1881, followed by their daughter Susie in 1884. Ready for retirement and looking forward to raising his children, the Morrills moved here to the Forks in 1893, building a fine two-story home on a 160-acre homestead. Levi saw the need for a post office and was able to get it commissioned, opening in the parlor of their home near the end of 1895. Later in early 1906 the new post office and store building, seen in the photo, opened next to their home and that’s where it would continue until it was decommissioned in the 1930s. Harold Bell

Levi Morrill, Notch postmaster, stands on the porch of the post office building in this 1909 photo known as The Mail-Carrier at the Forks. The building was moved to its new home at the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead on March 10, 2022. (Photo courtesy of the Morrill family)

Wright and the Morrill family became close friends, becoming acquainted in the late 1890s. In his novel “The Shepherd of the Hills,” Wright was inspired to include Levi as the Uncle Ike character and Susie as the inspiration for Sammy Lane. They became immediate celebrities with the fans who came in

large numbers to meet them. In May 1926 at age 88, Levi was honored to participate in a historic event, a visit to Kansas City to conduct the christening of the “Miss Kansas City” plane which was the first aircraft to provide air mail services from Chicago to

SEE HOMESTEAD, PAGE 31

BYCOWBOYJOHN FULLERTON, a native of Taney County, and a member of the Sons of the Pioneers.

Another Dance: Original Silver Dollar Saloon girls reunite 50 years after show’s debut

Submitted to Branson Globe

Their kicks may not be as high as they used to be, but the sassy saloon girl spirit shines brighter than ever in the hearts of these 70-somethings.

The feisty four recently stepped into our saloon for a step back – a mini reunion to reminisce about their showbiz debut five decades ago.

“We were definitely a hoot,” says Helen Williams, a member of

the original show. “The costumes, the lights, the people. We were family!”

Helen has remained lifelong friends with Marty Murray who joined the show in its second year, the original bartender (Walt Fischer), and Cyndi Strecky who joined the cast years later.

“We were tight then and we’re tight now,” Murray says. “When you do 14 shows a day, the cast is who you lean on. We’re all youngat-hearts who have just as much fun today as we did then.”

That youthful zest for life was clear when the crew giggled their way into the saloon this week, talking over each other like friends often do. They brought along envelopes of photographs to share with the current cast.

“Look at our wigs,” Marty jokes as she points to a picture of her-

Current members of the Saloon show cast join former members for a trip down memory lane. (Special to Branson Globe)

Up for another dance? Marty Murray, Helen Williams, and Walt Fischer enjoy their Saloon show reunion. (Special to Branson Globe)

PATRICK O’NEIL ROHRBACK, 75, GALENA

Patrick O’Neil Rohrbach, Galena, MO, was born on August 29, 1947, and departed this life on July 20, 2023, at the age of 75.

Patrick served his country in

Continued from page 28

self. “So much hair! Just look at us! We were babies!”

When Marty was younger, she never really sought to be a saloon girl. She had her eyes on a different avenue at the City.

“I was a flight attendant at the time but just really wanted to make pottery,” she remembers. “So, I went to find a craft job at Silver Dollar City. The HR lady told me I looked like a saloon girl

the U.S. Navy and had lived in the area for the past forty years coming from California. He was an electrician at Silver Dollar City until his retirement.

Patrick was preceded in death by his wife Kathy Pauline Rohr-

and they were putting a show together. I told her I couldn’t dance or sing but I somehow got the part! Looking back, I’m so glad I did!”

Marty may have stumbled onto her gig, but becoming a high-kicking, feather boa-wearing saloon girl had always been a childhood dream of Helen’s.

“When I was 10 years old, we were visiting family in Alaska,” she recalls. “We came upon an old saloon and knew I wanted to be a saloon girl one day! I was raised in

bach; parents Francis Efrum and Rhuedell Rohrbach and a brother Don Rohrbach.

Survivors include four children: Ian Rohrbach and his wife Sirena of Camp Connell, CA; Heidi Butz of MI; Amber Dawn

the Ozarks and went to Silver Dollar City all the time. Years later, I learned they were putting a saloon show together so I auditioned on Main Street. The rest is history!”

Walt Fischer also happened across his saloon role all those years ago when he saw in the newspaper that Silver Dollar City was hiring. “They asked me if I could sing, and I told them only in the choir,” he laughs. “They encouraged me to try out for the Saloon bartender. That’s how my story goes.”

Rohrbach and Byron Rohrbach and his fiancé Sarah Stewart of Willard, MO; sister Diamond Morningstar; eleven grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation was held on Tues-

That story came full circle this week as the group spread out their photos across the bar to connect with current cast members.

“Girls, look at this one,” Cyndi says as she smacks her hand on the bar in laughter. “Gosh. We were born with our young hearts but the Saloon sure enhanced it. Boy,

day, July 25, 2023, at Stumpff Funeral Chapel, Crane, MO, with graveside services following visitation in Galena Cemetery, Galena, MO. Burial was under the direction of Stumpff Funeral Home, Crane, MO.

what a time we had!”

The Saloon will host a formal reunion later this summer for more than 100 former cast members. The current 50th celebration show runs for the remainder of the year and is a must-see for family fun. You can find show times on the free Silver Dollar City app.

Cost and facts about the proposed Library Subdistrict Tax

BY GARY J. GROMAN, Independent Journalist

Among the three taxing issues on the August 8, 2023, Special Election ballot, only one will affect The Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes of residents and businesses within the Branson and Hollister School Districts. It will be a “Yes” or “No” vote on whether there “Shall there be a tax of eighteen cents ($0.18) on each one hundred dollars assessed valuation on real estate and personal property located in the Branson/Hollister Library Subdistrict for library services?” Here are some questions and answers for voters to consider in deciding which way to vote. What is the difference between “Appraised Value” and “Assessed Value?” According to information received from Susan C. Chapman, Taney Counter Assessor on July 17, 2023, “The assessor only measures your property to find the Appraised Value. The Appraised Value x Class (Agriculture = 12%, residential = 19%, commercial = 32%) = Assessed Value.

How much real estate tax will I pay if voters approve the Library Tax? It will be the Assessed Value times $.18 per hundred. Using that example, a “residential” condo, Appraised at $92,552.00, would have an Assessed Value of $17,584.88. Suppose the voters approve the

“eighteen cents ($0.18) on each one hundred dollars assessed valuation on real estate and personal property located in the Branson/Hollister Library Subdistrict for library services” on August 8. In that case, the resulting increase in the real estate tax paid on the condo will be $31.65 per year. If, instead of “residential,” the condo was “commercial,” the Appraised Value would still be $92,552. However, the Assessed Value would go up to $29,616.64 and the real estate tax to $53.31 annually. Other examples of the impact on “Residential” real estate would be as follows. The tax on real estate Appraised at $125,000 and Assessed at $23,750 would be $42.75, Appraised at $150,000 and Assessed at $28,500 would be $51.30, Appraised at $175,000 and Assessed at $33,250 would be $59.85, and Appraised at $200,000 and Assessed at $38,000, would be $68.40.

Will I also pay the $.18 per hundred on the Assessed Value of my Personal Property, and how much will that be? Yes, at $.18 per hundred of the “Assessed” Value. If the person owning the $92, 552.00 condo “classed” as residential and having an Assessed Value of $17,584.88 also had a car and/ or other Personal Property Assessed at $7,930.00, it would add another $14.27. The total SEE LIBRARY TAX, PAGE 31

TAX

Continued from page 30

Library Sub District Tax tax for the Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes will be $31.65 in Real Estate Taxes and $14.27 in Personal Property Taxes for a total tax increase of $45.92.

Marcia Schemper-Carlock, the Library Director, answered the following questions by email this week.

Is it fair and accurate to say that the voters, whether the ballot tells them so or not, are not

HOMESTEAD

Continued from page 24

Kansas City to Dallas. He dumped a fruit jar filled with water from his home over the nose of the plane! His health declined quickly after this event. A community birthday party was held on August 21, 1926, and Levi passed the following day. He had just turned 89. He was laid to rest near his daughter at

just voting on “services” but building an estimated $12 million facility? Yes, the levy funding will allow the construction of a Public Library Center that will better serve our community, creating space for meetings, new technology, and other programming and resources. The Taney County Public Library Board will make all decisions about the use of this funding, but we don’t expect a new library building immediately, as the levy may not be collected until December 2024, and rev -

the Evergreen Cemetery, a property that he gave the land for.

It’s a true honor to show off the famous Notch Post Office here at the Shepherd property; the collection of memorabilia is beautifully displayed with the desk, mailboxes and Uncle Ike’s chair displayed exactly the way they were described in the book.

This particular Hall Photo, No.

Family Fun since 1967!

Summer Special

$67

Family Pack

enues will need to accumulate before any new construction is initiated. Current cost estimations for a library building are based on an approximate size and general price per square foot building costs in our area. The levy can fund the building, land, materials, technology, administrative and operational costs.

Is it fair and accurate to say that once the tax is approved, the Library Board may raise the level of the levy without any further voter involvement

340 is like all the others, considered very valuable and quite rare. It’s been fun to look back at these fabulous images that assisted greatly in the marketing of the Shepherd of the Hills Country. Next week, we’re heading north to Greene County to discuss the legacy of the Springfield Wagon Company. It’s time to saddle up and ride.

to meet any increased costs for “services?” No, the levy is set at $0.18 per $100 assessed value and only district residents may increase the levy, with voter approval.

The five-member Library Board appointed by the Taney County Commissioners is Jeff Gerken, Mindy Honey, Anne E. McGregor, Debbie Redford and Garrett Vanderpool.

Continued from page 23

of the rebuilding in the off season, with a redesign of the entrances to the parking lot from 76 Country Boulevard, to better accommodate incoming motor coaches and other vehicles.

Said Judith, “The final phase will also include a beautiful fountain in front that was conceptualized by our project manager, Mr. Billy Ong, who also designed this whole new look for our theater.”

The Duttons recently held a special VIP show as a way of saying thank you to all who have supported them, especially during this last year.

“The VIP event was amazing! It was wonderful to have so many supporters there. We invited all of the people particularly who we wanted to thank for all their help over the last year,” Dutton said. “The fire and police departments, naturally. All our contractors that have been working so hard at putting the building back together like Missouri Neon and Edifice Contracting and Trifecta Restoration. Folks from the city, the Chamber of Commerce, representatives from our insurance companies and businesses around town. The ticket sellers that have been support-

ing us through this—the list goes on and on.”

The audience was wowed at the VIP event, as the Duttons 2023 show is phenomenal.

Judith explained, “We have a lot of new sections in the show this year. Our youngest brother Joshua and his family, who haven’t been in the show for several years, are back performing with us and we are delighted to have them. And, our great friend Jay Osmond is doing a cameo number every night. It is so fun to have him on stage with us! We are constantly updating and changing the show, making improvements and shaking things up. We like to stay on our toes and keep the audience guessing.”

The Duttons are currently performing Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturdays. Additional shows will be added in October, November and December. For a complete show schedule, please visit their website, www. theduttons.com. The Dutton Family Theater is located at 3454 West 76 Country Boulevard in Branson.

“Come see the show,” said Judith. “We would love to have you drop in and catch a performance and see what we have done to the place!”

School personnel and teachers share how they spent the summer

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

Most children eagerly anticipate summer vacation—that amazing three months off of school, where they can play, swim, spend time with friends, or simply rest and relax.

But, what about the adults? What do teachers and other school personnel do during the months that school is not in session?

With the beginning of the school year just a few short

weeks away, the Branson Globe recently questioned several teachers and employees of local schools to see what the summer months have included.

Said Anna, “I did some studying the first part of the summer

and took a test later in June to get my teacher certification in Mild to Moderate Special Education. I have done quite a lot of research, but have also slept, rested, cleaned my house, and done things I just didn’t have

the time or energy to do during the school year. I took a short trip to Dallas. Now I’m getting my materials and mind ready for school to start.”

Melinda has enjoyed some

Casey, who teaches in Branson, found a summer job at White Water this year. (Special to Branson Globe)

SEE SUMMER, PAGE 35

Continued from page 34

down time, noting, “As a bus driver and bus aide, we spent our summer at Treasure Lake and being a tourist. After 25 years working in Branson, we were trained by the best!”

Said Susan, “Very few teachers I know do not have some sort of ‘summer job’ to supplement income. Typically, it is those with a two-income home that allows a teacher to not work summers. There is also mandatory curriculum work. We do fit in appointments that can’t be made during the school year. The rest of the summer is lake time, reading, vacations,

sleeping, Netflix, yard work and fun!”

Casey is one of the teachers that opts for a summer job. Casey shared, “This summer I’ve been working at White Water! I’m about to start my 18th year at Branson, and I teach sixth grade.”

Carlie told of her summer activities. “Binge-watching, family vacation, spending time with family and making memories, cleaning all day every day, appointments I didn’t get to during the school year, planning things for next year, buying new supplies for next year, watching mandated videos for the district, home renovations, maybe a pool day here and there, crafting to relax and de-stress. Some days

I struggle to leave my bed because I am still exhausted. I am a mom and a teacher. It doesn’t stop. I teach Special Education for kindergarten through third grade. I am often already working on an IEP due in the first month of school.”

Said Alexis, “I worked four weeks of summer school. [The person who handles] my daycare had a baby, so I’ll have both of my kids for two weeks until she returns. I’ve been doing some lesson prep but not much. Mostly decompressing from the previous year. I had kindergarten art and high school art. I’m also pregnant, so lots of napping. Groceries, cleaning, deep cleaning when I can.”

Mickey has had a busy summer. She explained, “I had summer school and softball for most of June. July was for appointments, reorganizing and deep cleaning my house, redecorating and working on my classroom and catching up on some relaxation time. I am one of the student council sponsors this year, so I worked on our back-to-school event. This week, I started looking at and working a little on stuff for this next school year.”

Missy and her husband are both teachers. “I’ve been teaching for 26 years. My husband is a teacher, too. Here’s what our summers consist of: Appointments (annual doctor appoint -

ments, dentist, etc.) for the whole family and pets, as well as vehicle and home; big home projects that we didn’t have time to do or put off; thorough cleaning/decluttering; family time and vacations; binge reading (I only have time to read in the summer because I cannot put a book down to sleep.) Also, ice cream, long bubble baths, Netflix binge, useless time wasting and making things for my classroom and kids. That’s about it. This week is usually our last week off. It’s bittersweet. We’re sad to see our free time go away until next summer, but we’re always anxious to get back to the kiddos and what we love to do!”

Breakfast of Champions: Ice cream breakfast fundraiser set for Saturday

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

The Branson Humane Society will be the site of a fun, family-friendly fundraising event.

An ice cream breakfast is set for Saturday. Ice cream and a variety of toppings will be available to make your own ice cream sundaes.

The dogs will get in on the fun, too, by enjoying their own Pup Cups. Those attending are asked for a $5 per person donation, with all

proceeds to benefit the Branson Humane Society.

The ice cream breakfast is set for Saturday, July 29, from 10 to

11 a.m., at the Branson Humane Society Adoption Center, 2837 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Branson.

Summer reading program a huge success

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

The summer reading program at the Taneyhills Library was a huge success this year.

A total of 327 children, 124 adults and 75 teenagers registered for the six-week event.

Children visited the Library

each Tuesday, where they enjoyed story time, a craft, STEM projects and hands-on fun, as well as received tickets to go into a drawing for some fabulous prizes.

Teenagers and adults participated in a bingo-type game that also gave them an opportunity to win

prizes for books read over the sixweek period.

Summer reading is just one of the many programs offered at the Taneyhills Library. To learn more about what the Library has to offer, visit their website at www.thlibrary.org.

AT LEFT: Having fun with Play-Doh in a STEM activity. BELOW LEFT: Pin the eye on the monster. BELOW CENTER: Enjoying crafts. BELOW RIGHT: SUmmer reading is fun for all ages. (Photos by K.D. Michaels)

Branson Police Department K9 Unit receives donation

Unit receives donation (Special to Branson Globe)

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

The Branson Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association held a recent fundraiser to benefit the Branson Police Department K9 Unit.

The BCPAAA teamed up with a local business for the event, raising just over $1,300. A check was presented to the Branson Police Department.

Funds raised at the event will be used by the K9 Unit for training and equipment.

In a Facebook post, the Branson Police Department expressed their thanks.

“We are extremely grateful that our community continues to show their love for our employees, to include our furry ones,” the Facebook post read. FREE FOOD, GROCERIES, $10 GAS ON 1ST VISIT CALL 417-337-3772

Rogue Mud Cookie

BY CHEF JEFF WOODWARD

Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 2 dozen cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 C Espresso Chocolate Morsels

• 1C Butter

• 2 C Sugar

• 8 Large Eggs

• ½ T Vanilla Extract

• ½ T Baking Powder

• 3 C AP Flour

• 1 tsp Salt

• 2 C Toasted Chopped Pecans

• 1 C Milk Chocolate Morsels

• ¾ C Mini Chopped Marshmallows

• 2 T Cocoa

Instructions:

1. Melt semi-sweet chocolate and set to the side.

2. Cream butter and sugar together until well blended but not whipped and airy.

3. Add eggs slowly to the butter and sugar mixture; mix until all eggs are incorporated.

4. Add in the vanilla and melted chocolate.

5. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, cocoa, and salt.

6. Gradually mix the flour into the

chocolate mixture.

7. Fold in chopped toasted pecans, chopped mini-marshmallows, and milk chocolate.

8. Drop 2 T of batter onto paper lined sheet pans.

9. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. GO ROGUE by toasting the marshmallows before adding to batter.

If you’d like Chef Jeff to make these cookies, or any other foods for you, please contact him at www.TheRogueChefBranson. com.

Whipped Cream Frosting

BY KERRY DAWN GREEN

Cake decorating is a passion of mine. I love this recipe from 12 Tomatoes. It’s so yummy.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (1 pint) heavy whipping cream, chilled

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 4 teaspoons cold water

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin

Instructions:

1. Add cold water to a small bowl and sprinkle gelatin over the

top. Let sit 5 minutes. Once set, microwave briefly, 10 seconds, to turn gelatin to a liquid.

2. Meanwhile, add cream, powdered sugar and vanilla to a medium bowl and beat with an electric mixer on low for 1 minute. Turn mixer to high and slowly pour the gelatin mixture in.

3. Continue beating until medium-stiff peaks form and desired consistency is reached. Spread on a cake, cupcakes, or over berries, and enjoy!

Thursday

Saturday 10am-6pm

Monday 10am-6pm

Tuesday 10am-6pm

Homeschool parents attend open house, presentation at Taneyhills Library

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

A group of home school parents met at the Taneyhills Library Tuesday for an open house event to learn more about what the Library has to offer.

Library Director Marcia Schemper-Carlock, along with

LaDella Thomas shared with those in attendance all of resources that Taneyhills Library currently has to offer home school families, as well as the many benefits a publicly funded library could provide.

The open house included a tour of the library and used book

store for interested participants and a question and answer session where Schemper-Carlock and Thomas listened to concerns and ideas from those in attendance, as well as additional resources the Library might obtain to help in their homeschool journeys.

Library Director Marcia Schemper-Carlock addresses a group of home school parents. (Photo by K.D. Michaels)

CoxHealth names Heather Swearengin

as VP of Consumer Experience

Submitted to Branson Globe

Heather Swearengin has been named as CoxHealth’s first Vice President of Consumer Experience. In her new role, she will be responsible for the Office of Patient Experience and contact centers, as well as designing and implementing a comprehensive training program for all customer-facing employees to promote a patient-centered approach.

“Our customer experience strategic pillar places the customer and caregiver perspectives front and center in all of our consumer interactions,” says Amanda Hedgpeth, CoxHealth’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “I am confident in Heather’s abilities to ensure our organization achieves our ambition of a frictionless consumer experience from end to end.”

The VP of Consumer Experience is a new role, created to meet

the evolving needs of our customers. In recent years, health care has seen a monumental shift in customer expectations. CoxHealth has created this role to prioritize, centralize and strengthen our customer service efforts. The new role will ensure that our customers and caregivers remain the top priority in everything we do.

Swearengin will lead the development and execution of strategies to enhance the digital consumer experience across various platforms, while analyzing data and customer feedback to drive systematic improvements.

Swearengin has worked at CoxHealth for 21 years, in a variety of roles where she served as a liaison between our consumers and CoxHealth. For the last 13 years, she has served as Administrative Director of Business Development. Swearengin will step into the new role effective Sept. 1.

A prescription for a healthier community

Submitted to Branson Globe Neighbor’s Pharmacy opened in February of this year, giving working uninsured individuals access to prescription medication for a single, $10 a month fee.

“The pharmacy was established to fulfill a need in the community for access to affordable medication,” explained Henry Irvin, executive director and pharmacist-in-charge. “We help people who don’t have insurance, who aren’t able to afford their medication.”

Irvin explained that since Faith Community Health opened its doors in 2010 in Branson, the nonprofit healthcare clinic has provided low-cost healthcare to the working uninsured and underinsured in the community. An important piece of that work included providing prescription medication to their patients through medication room. As the years went on and more patients from other healthcare providers were referred

to Faith Community Health for help with prescriptions, the need for a charitable pharmacy became apparent.

“About four years ago, it started with legislation,” Irvin said. “For the state of Missouri, there were no rules or regulations for what a charitable pharmacy was, even though charitable pharmacies have been in operation for years in other parts of the country.”

When legislation changed in 2021, it paved the way for Faith Community Health to move forward with fundraising and eventually opening the pharmacy in Branson this year.

“The main benefit of having a pharmacy over a med room like we had at Faith Community Health is that we are now able to reach the entire community, not just Faith Community Health patients,” Irvin said.

To qualify to become a member of Neighbor’s Pharmacy, individuals must be uninsured or underinsured and not make more than three times the federal poverty limit.

“We used to say it was low income, but actually, when you look at the numbers it is the majority of our community,” Irvin said.

To meet the income guidelines, an individual would need to earn no more than $43,000 annually. For a

family of four, their income could not exceed about $90,000 annually.

Through a three-year, $180,000 Skaggs Legacy Endowment grant, Skaggs Foundation is helping the pharmacy become a permanent part of the community.

“Skaggs Foundation really helped us put together a development team with grant writing, data analytics, and a development director so that we could go out into the community and do donor relations because our income is based on donations and grants,” Irvin said. “That grant writer piece, that director of development piece, it is super important for us because that is how we are going to keep our doors open. Skaggs Foundation helped tremendously.”

For many patients, a pharmacy that provides prescription medicines for a single, $10 a month membership fee would be quite the surprise, but Irvin said that is not all patients are happy to learn.

“What surprises people the most is that we don’t sell anything,” he said. “All of our medications, all of our services, all of our testing supplies that we offer (including over-the-counter medications), we don’t charge for those.”

Since opening on Feb. 23, Neighbor’s Pharmacy has served more than 350 unique individuals, SEE PHARMACY, PAGE 43

Neighbor’s Pharmacy Tech, Lynn Downing, left, and Angie Musehl, right, work with Executive Director and Pharmacist Henry Irvin (Special to Branson Globe)

•

PHARMACY

Continued from page 42

filling more than 4,500 prescriptions. The value of those prescriptions is nearing $1 million.

“I think the biggest thing I want people to know about the pharmacy is that we are here to serve the uninsured in the community and we want people to understand, this is not a charity,” Irvin said. “We

are a charitable pharmacy but we are operating as a normal community pharmacy and the only thing is, we are here for those who are uninsured.”

To learn more about Neighbor’s Pharmacy, visit MyNeighborsCharitablePharmacy.org.

To learn more about Skaggs Foundation and Skaggs Legacy Endowment grants, visit SkaggsFoundation.org.

Tanger Branson celebrates students with Back-to-School Bash, Aug. 12

Submitted to Branson Globe

The Ozarks shopping destination welcomes the community to enjoy family-friendly festivities while stocking up on fresh looks for fall.

Tanger Outlets Branson, 300 Tanger Blvd., invites shoppers to kick off the start of the school season in style with its Back-toSchool Bash on Aug. 12 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. While shopping the

latest looks and best deals from their favorite brands, families can celebrate with an array of fun-filled activities, including games, face painting, princess/ super hero meet and greet, and more! This event is FREE and open to the public.

For a complete list of sale offerings, please visit tanger.com/ Branson/Deals.

School of the Ozarks hosts Founders Academic Leadership Conference

Submitted to Branson Globe School of the Ozarks faculty and staff hosted the Founders Academic Leadership Conference, from June 5-8, at The Keeter Center.

Eighty-five Founders Classical Academy educators from Texas and Arkansas gathered for a three-day conference focused on expounding administrators’ skills surrounding classical edu-

cation. Founders Classical Academy is a collection of public charter schools, serving 14,000 students, that operates with the goal of providing “hope for students through educational options that promote a free society and cultivate moral and academic excellence.”

Susan Provenza, head of Founders Classical Academies in Arkansas, connected with School of the Ozarks because of her children who attend College of the Ozarks. After hearing about School of the Ozarks, Provenza brought teachers and co-administrators to tour the facilities and began the process of hosting an event for training classical educators. Through this process, the Founders Academic Leadership Conference was created.

Guests of the conference were welcomed at a dinner hosted by The Keeter Center that introduced them to College of the

Ozarks and School of the Ozarks before the beginning sessions.

Dr. Sue Head, vice president for cultural affairs and dean of character education, welcomed the group during the meal.

“I am grateful for Dr. Head’s participation in our opening dinner,” said Michael Terry, superintendent of Founders Classical Academy. “She made us feel welcome and did a wonderful job telling the story of both the School of the Ozarks and the College. The entire experience left many of us thinking that Hard Work U. would have been a great place to attend college ourselves and about the great benefit the college might have for our children and students.”

“It is an honor for School of the Ozarks to serve our fellow classical educators through this conference,” said Brad Dolloff, dean of School of the Ozarks. “Getting to offer the same guidance that was offered to us over 10 years ago when we opened our doors is an incredible blessing, and we are honored to help Founders Classical Academy pursue excellence.”

College of the Ozarks and School of the Ozarks faculty members spent the week training attendees on a variety of topics pertaining to leadership and understanding classical education. The conference included sessions on integrating the Trivium into instructional design, seeking unity through the pursuit of virtue, and thinking classically about science. The Trivium is used in classical education as a term that encompasses the three pieces of classical education, grammar, dialect and rhetoric.

Presenters from C of O and S of O included Dr. Andrew Bolger, dean of mission advancement and strategic initiatives; Dr. Kyle Rapinchuk, S of O assistant professor of Christian Worldview; Dr. Brian Polk, S of O associate professor of science; and Dr. Brad Dolloff, dean of School of the Ozarks.

“These sessions were substantive, actionable and well-organized,” Terry said. “I cannot praise School of the Ozark’s team enough for their investment of time and energy into my school leaders.”

Founders Academic Leadership Conference at School of the Ozarks (Special to Branson Globe)

Get ready to party with discount tickets at WonderWorks Branson’s Back 2 School Bash

Submitted to Branson Globe

WonderWorks Branson is offering all locals discount tickets during their Back 2 School Bash

WonderWorks Branson is saying “Goodbye, Summer” with a fun-filled celebration during their Back 2 School Bash. Locals are invited to attend the party with a discounted admission rate, offering families the perfect opportunity to soak up summer fun before school is back in session. The event will be held August 11-20, 2023, with All-Access admission tickets offered at only $15 for locals. Guests will have a chance to explore, play and engage before summer break comes to a close.

“We love our locals here at WonderWorks Branson, and we’re excited to offer this great ticket deal to all the families gearing up to head back to school!” says Brenda Dent, general manager at WonderWorks Branson. “Come have some fun at the upside-down house to end the summer on a high note.”

During the Back 2 School Bash, local guests can score discount ad-

mission tickets by texting “B2SBR” to 73028. They will receive a mobile coupon to show at the ticket window to get the discounted rate. They will also need to show their local identification to get the discount. This event discount is open to all Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas residents.

The fun event gives families an excellent opportunity to finish summer break by making memories as they keep the learning going. Guests will have access to a wide range of hands-on exhibits that focus on science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM). Additionally, they can take on the challenges of playing laser tag, exploring senses and sounds, feeling hurricane-force winds, and getting up close and personal with space exploration.

To enhance the learning experience for young guests, WonderWorks Branson keeps learning fun by offering a scavenger hunt that challenges guests to find answers to STEAM questions and use their skills to uncover a hidden message. The property’s scaven-

ger hunt, as well as other STEAM programs, help expand the company’s mission of making learning fun. WonderWorks is committed to enhancing the learning experience for all by regularly adding new programs, working with local community partners and gauging guests’ feedback to make the educational experiences at WonderWorks valuable ones.

“WonderWorks offers tons of opportunities to learn while having fun. We love working with our local students and community to bring STEAM to life in the Branson area!” says Faith Bovo, education sales manager at WonderWorks Branson.

WonderWorks Branson offers unique event and outing experiences for a variety of groups. Opportunities include event spaces for birthday parties, family gatherings, team-building events,

educational field trips, corporate events, scout troops and more. There are numerous event packages and group rates available with advanced reservations. WonderWorks Branson offers over 46,000

square feet of family-friendly, engaging activities. The park is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. To get more information or purchase tickets, visit the site: https://www. wonderworksonline.com/branson.

Get ready to party with discounted tickets at WonderWorks Branson! (Special to Branson Globe)

Sandwich’ world tour comes to Southern Missouri Arts Connection in Hollister

Submitted to Branson Globe

British contemporary artist Stuart Semple has announced a series of spontaneous art happenings which will take place in over 30 locations around the globe this July including Hollister. The Southern Missouri Arts Connection (SMAC) is de-

lighted to be a part of the worldwide happenings, together with a group of local participants that will bring the event to life on July 28, 6-7 p.m. at the SMAC Art Center at 7 Downing Street in Hollister.

Visitors will be able to participate in this one-of-a-kind art moment.

“It’s a fun way for the community to come together to participate in this performance art,” SMAC board member Lacey Finchum said. After kicking off the project at this year’s Glastonbury Festival, Semple is collaborating with global communities like ours in over 30 places. The project is taking place across galleries and museums, hackspaces, coffee shops, public spaces, tattoo parlors and university campuses. ‘JOY SANDWICH’ will happen throughout the world in locations including London, Los Angeles, Texas, Montreal, Brussels, Vancouver, Las Vegas, Sao Paulo, Missouri, Cincinnati, San Juan, Cabanatan City, Glasgow and Mexico City, among others. See the full list at www.stu-

artsemple.com/happenings.

These new ‘JOY SANDWICH’ Happenings will wrestle with recurring themes in Semple’s work – ideas of technological isolation, physical community, connection and the impact of art on societal mental health. And in the spirit of the golden age of happenings, these

spontaneous works will erupt and be led entirely by the participants.

Semple’s theme is one of coming together, union and imagining a possible future built for communities where art and joy coalesce to form new physical bonds.

With several communities around the world still failing to reconnect after Covid, the artist hopes that these Happenings might be a small way to bridge the gap between our connected digital lives and the real world.

The artist used his online community to meet a diverse global group of participants, and so far, has orchestrated the organization of these happenings entirely via email and video chat. Each group that wished to host a happening was included—from people wanting to host one in their house or back garden, to major museums and cities. At this moment in time, the specific nature of the happenings is top secret to allow for spontaneity. The groups themselves don’t even know what the action will be, with the artist set to send them a set of instructions shortly before their performance.

Anyone can participate in the happening at the SMAC Art Center, it’s totally free and you can find out more here: www.StuartSemple.com/Happenings.

Southern Missouri Arts Connection (SMAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit local center of creativity, art education, innovation, and community partnership, strives to improve the quality of life in southern Missouri by connecting individuals with the arts, for the benefit of all.

‘Joy

SMAC will host the solo exhibit ‘Missing the Mark’

Submitted to Branson Globe

In its upcoming art exhibit, Southern Missouri Arts Con -

nection (SMAC) will be featuring the art of Olof Pierson for his solo exhibit Missing the Mark. The exhibit will run from August 4-26 in the SMAC Art Center gallery on historic Downing Street in Hollister. The opening reception will be held in conjunction with the First Friday Art Walk on Friday, August 4, from 6-9 p.m. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. Attendees may view the exhibit, tour the private studios and enjoy complimentary refreshments. Pierson will talk about his work and answer questions at 8 p.m. The Vintage Paris Coffee kiosk will also be on site.

Missing the Mark is a series of paintings and sculptures made from wood, stone and steel. “The pieces I created are rooted in the lifelong internal dialogue regarding the ever-unbalanced scale of who we want

to be and who we actually are,” Pierson said. His large-scale painted pieces are abstract expressionism as it relates to his theme. And his sculptural pieces are highly symbolic. This is an exciting exhibit meant to stir the soul.

Each month during their exhibits, SMAC highlights one of the many local nonprofit organizations that serve the area. This month SMAC is drawing attention to the Christian Ac -

tion Ministries (CAM), which opened its first food pantry in 1985 at 2400 State Highway 165. It has since opened a second food pantry in Forsyth and a mobile outreach to Bradleyville, Cedarcreek, Protem, Rockaway Beach, Merriam Woods, Hollister and Branson. Last year, CAM assisted more than 40,000 residents of Taney County and distributed more than two million pounds of food.

Olof Pierson (Special to Branson Globe)

Olof Pierson exhibit (Special to Branson Globe)

Continued from page 10

myself miserable.

Graham also agrees with Fryling about complaining. Instead, he recommends, find things you are still able to do and be thankful for each one of them.

“The Bible tells us in I Thessalonians to joyfully give thanks in all

circumstances, and that applies to your twilight years too. If you don’t, you will whine and no one will want to be around you!” he writes.

Billy Graham, by the way, writes on page one of his book on aging “All my life I was taught how to die as a Christian, but no one ever taught me how I ought to live in the years before I die. I

wish they had because I am an old man now, and believe me, it’s not easy.” He was 92 when he wrote “Nearing Home.”

On a personal note, I read the book when I first retired to Branson almost ten years ago at age 64 and determined I would try to apply his wise counsel. I think it has served me well.

“While the Bible doesn’t gloss over the problems we face as we grow older,” he wrote, “neither does it paint old age as a time to be despised or a burden to be endured with gritted teeth.

“Nor does it picture us in our latter years as useless and ineffective, condemned to spend our last days in endless boredom or meaningless activity until God finally takes us home.”

“Most of us associate age with loss,” Fryling writes. “The loss of hearing, eyesight and muscle tone. The loss of a fulfilling job.”

Fryling explains that we’ve all had youthful losses, but in old age the losses multiply over time, one layering upon another. Our parents die. We lose touch with former work colleagues.

Hiking and pickleball fall off the list of things we can do. Volunteering was fulfilling – until the physical demands became too much for us. Our children’s lives become busier and busier. Our spouses die.

Check. Another loss. Check. Another loss. Check. Another loss. In modern parlance, we may be tempted to say “Really, God?”

Fryling feels that grieving our losses is helpful. Grief, she says, is not just

for when we lose a person we loved. It also applies to any type of loss.

“Grieving gets a bad rap,” she writes, “because it implies being unhappy.” However, she says, if we deny our losses and refuse to embrace grief, we may be much more unhappy in the long run because we never come out on the other side.

Yes, aging has its challenges, but for the Christian, every day we are one day closer to the joys of heaven. Author C. S. Lewis wrote to a friend, “We must both, I’m afraid, recognize that, as we grow older, we become like old cars -- more and more repairs and replacements are necessary. We must just look forward to the fine new machines, (the latest Resurrection model) which are waiting for us in the Divine Garage.”

Think about these encouraging words from Ruth 4:15a in the Bible: “He (God) shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age.” (NKJV)

Believe it or not, there are some positive things about retirement and aging. I’ll give you between now and the next column to think about what those might be!

Continued from page 9

future and keep what is valuable and necessary for your life. I think that by the time we are 30, our focus should shift from what was or is wrong to what we can do and build. There was a time in my early 30s that I would obsessively ruminate over what was wrong or had been wrong in my life. I knew that it was not serving me, so I made a commitment to God and to myself to replace every negative thought with one of two phrases: “God, I trust you” or a verbal list of what I was thankful for in the moment. Truthfully, it was exhausting in the beginning, but after practicing this for a couple weeks it became much easier until I no longer found myself dwelling on the past and my mind was geared toward creating the future.

To learn more, please visit hshaygood.com.

• HEATHER HAYGOOD

• TRAIN UP A CHILD

Continued from page 10

try to have its way, but repeated and consistent rebukes will eventually stop the baby from trying. In addition to not hitting or sassing parents, our children grew up knowing that the family attended church regularly and that was just something we did and it was not open for debate. Other non-negotiable rules should include not stealing, always telling the truth, not tearing up things, using proper manners at the table when eating, being polite to other people. Each set of parents will have its own set of rules. Parents can simply tell children, “There are certain things we do and certain things we do not do at our house.” It is necessary to follow up with consistency and not allow misbehavior to go unnoticed even once according to the rules that are set.

After the “absolutely must” rules are in place, other rules need to be made for the day-by-day activities. It is much easier for children to obey this type of rule when they have had a part in crafting it.

• OLE SEAGULL

Continued from page 9 Springs, yet both are inclusive in all areas. The proposed drag show ordinance is an attempt to preserve that “brand,” and all that is “good” about Branson for both the LGBTQ+ and straight members of our community and its visitors. From a purely economic position, what would do more harm to Eureka Springs’s economy, a boycott by LGBTQ+’s or straights? What would do more harm to Branson’s economy a boycott by LGBTQ+’s or straights?

“But Seagull, that’s about dollars and cents, not hate, exclusion, fear, or the Bible.” “There you have it Grasshopper, there you have it.”

Ideally, adults and children express problems and discuss ways to correct the problems. The rules are written down and placed in a prominent place for reference. If the rules deal with chores, a chart can be made for children to check off the chores as they are completed.

Many parents feel that they don’t have time to have a meeting and discussion with the children. Actually, in the long run a family meeting saves a great deal of time as well as frustration. It becomes unnecessary for the parents to keep reminding the children if the rules are written down and the chart has been checked. Whenever the parent glances at the chart, he/she can simply say, “Johnny, I see that you haven’t done your chore. When do you plan to do it?” Allowances can

be withheld if chores are not completed or rules are not followed.

Patterns set in the home for rules are carried over in the personality of the child, and that child becomes a person who imposes rules on self. Children, who are accustomed to rules, understand that rules are important and they make their own rules for getting homework done or managing their relationships. Our granddaughter once told me, “You know, Nana, I always do the hard stuff first to get it out of the way and then I don’t mind doing the easy stuff.” This was a self-imposed rule that worked for her. As children do each task, they do what is called “self-talk.” This “selftalk” often includes self-made rules that they follow.

Knowing to follow the rules

eliminates the uncertainty of what to do. Children who know and follow rules don’t have to wonder if they have done the right thing. They know that they have done the right thing, and the fact that they have acted correctly helps in building self-esteem. There is an inner peace and assurance of rightness. Not only does the child

feel good about himself/herself, that child will probably receive many compliments from adults and children alike, and that adds to self-esteem as well. When parents are fair and rules are fair, children learn to live by the rules in society. I have never seen a child who seemed really happy who didn’t know how to follow rules.

ELITE Cinema

Around Town: Here’s what’s going on

JULY

• Thru 7/30 Ballparks of America 2023 Summer Tournaments, through Aug. 31 ballparksofamerica.com

• 23 - 29 Princess of America Pageant, The Mansion Theatre for Performing Arts. princessofamerica.com

• 27-29 Branson Fly Fishing Expo 2023. Thursday, July 27: noon-5 p.m.; Friday, July 28: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, July 29: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Branson-Hollister Lions Club, 1015 East State Hwy 76, Branson. Free admission. For information,

contact Ron Leggins, 912-9800766, ronleggins@gmail.com; or Howard Hawkins, 417-2346806, pdgpcc@yahoo.com. Website: MTFA-Springfield. org; Facebook: MTFA Branson Chapter.

• 28 Red Cross Blood Drive, noon - 5 p.m., Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church Parish Center, 202 Vaughn Dr., Branson. www. redcrossblood.org

• 28-30 Vacation Bible School: “Pets Unleashed VBS” PreK5th grade at Faith Lutheran, 221 Malone St., Branson, July 28: 5-8 p.m.; July 29: 8:30 a.m.-

11:30 a.m.; July 30: 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Register at FaithBranson. org, or call 417-334-2469 by June 15 for free summer fun gift bag or register before July 4 for free VBS t-shirt.

• 29 Farmers Market, Branson Landing, south end, each Tuesday, 3 – 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through October 31 loveyourfarmer.com

• 29 Matt Gumm & Company, 2 p.m., Clay Cooper Theatre. claycoopertheatre.com

• 29 Car Cruise In, Wild Bill’s Travel Center, 4 – 8 p.m., Ridgedale

• 29 Music on the Lake 2023 featuring Table Rockers (rock & roll), 7 p.m., Kimberling City Shopping Center veteransoftheozarks.com

• 31 - 3 American Junior Golf Association Tournament, Buffalo Ridge Golf Course, Hollister. ajga.org

TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. BRANSONIMAX.COM BRANSONMEADOWSCINEMA11.COM

HAUNTED MANSION E 12:45, 3:20, 6:40, 9:10*

BARBIE E 1:30, 4:10, 7:10, 9:30*

OPPENHEIMER R 2:30, 6:00, 9:25*

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE DEAD RECKONING E 12:30, 3:40, 6:50, 9:50*

THE SOUND OF FREEDOM E 1:00, 4:10, 7:10, 9:45*

INSIDIOUS: THE RED DOOR E 1:20, 4:20, 7:20, 9:40*

INDIANA JONES & DIAL OF DESTINY E 12:30, 3:30, 6:40, 9:40*

SPIDER-MAN ACROSS THE SPIDERVERSE W 1:00, 4:00, 6:50, 9:50*

NO HARD FEELINGS R 1:10, 3:20, 7:10, 9:30*

ELEMENTAL W 12:45, 3:00, 6:50, 9:30*

THE BAKER R 1:30, 4:00, 7:00, 9:30*

TALK TO ME R 1:30, 4:00, 7:00, 9:30*

• 31 - 4 Branson UMC Heartland Day Camp for K-6th grade. (All campers must have completed kindergarten to come to camp.) Branson United Methodist Church, 1208 W. 76 Country Blvd. Five days of Christian camp led by experienced counselors. 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Sign up in June and received 25% off regular price. Register online at https://www.heartlandcamps. org/branson-umc or call the church office: 417-294-7948.

AUGUST

• 1 Farmers Market, Branson Landing, south end, each Tuesday, 3 – 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through October 31 loveyourfarmer.com

• 5 Farmers Market, Branson Landing, south end, each Tuesday, 3 – 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through October 31 loveyourfarmer.com

• 5 EquipmentShare Summer Concert Series: Cinderella’s Tom Keifer Band with Winger & John Corabi (Live Loud Tour). Black Oak Amp, Table Rock Lake, 1728 State Hwy H,

* LATE SHOWS ON FRI & SAT ONLY

Lampe. Doors: 6 p.m., show: 7:30 p.m. Free parking. For more information, to buy tickets: Blackoakamp.com.

• 6 Spaghetti Sunday Lunch at Branson Masonic Lodge, 100 Chiefs Ct., Branson, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

• 8 Farmers Market, Branson Landing, south end, each Tuesday, 3 – 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through October 31 loveyourfarmer.com

• 9 August Christian Women’s Connection luncheon, 11:30 a.m. at the Pointe Royale Clubhouse with Convoy of Hope representatives speaking about their outreach, and speaker Desiree Smedley addressing how choices change the direction of our lives. Sponsored by Stonecroft Ministries. Cost is $17 per person; call 417- 294-1287 by August 7 for reservation.

• 11 - 12 Cool Yule Bazaar, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Kimberling Area Senior Center, 63 Kimberling Blvd. Homemade gifts, crafts, direct sales and food trucks. To be a vendor, fill out the application at www.kimberlingareaseniorcenter.com

• 11-12 Big Names in Firearm Industry and free ‘Stop the Bleed Training’ at Branson Public Expo. Friday, August 11, from 1 p.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, August 12, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Located at the Branson Convention Center Exhibit Hall B. Expo tickets can be purchased ahead for $8 at https://www. awaconference.org/awa-expo; $10 at the door (credit card only).

• 12 Farmers Market, Branson Landing, south end, each Tuesday, 3 – 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through October 31 loveyourfarmer.com

• 15 Farmers Market, Branson Landing, south end, each Tuesday, 3 – 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through October 31 loveyourfarmer.com

• 18 EquipmentShare Summer Concert Series: Justin Moore and Scotty McCreery with

Avery Anna. Black Oak Amp, Table Rock Lake, 1728 State Hwy H, Lampe. Doors: 6 p.m., show: 7:30 p.m. Free parking. For more information, to buy tickets: Blackoakamp.com.

• 19 Farmers Market, Branson Landing, south end, each Tuesday, 3 – 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through October 31 loveyourfarmer.com

• 19 EquipmentShare Summer Concert Series, Show Me Fest: Nelly with Kassi Ashton, Murphy Lee and Nic Danger. Black Oak Amp, Table Rock Lake, 1728 State Hwy H, Lampe. Doors: 6 p.m., show: 7:30 p.m. Free parking. For more information, to buy tickets: Blackoakamp.com.

• 22 Farmers Market, Branson

Landing, south end, each Tuesday, 3 – 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through October 31 loveyourfarmer.com

• 25 Elevate Entrepreneurs Business Workshop Resources for Small Businesses. Build momentum for your start-up.

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Elevate Branson campus, 310 Gretna Road, Branson. Lunch provided. $15 admission for attendees; $10 admission for Elevate Entrepreneurs graduates and current students. Register by August 18. Contact Chris Hunter, 417-335-9915 or Chris. Hunter@ElevateBranson.org.

• 26 Farmers Market, Branson Landing, south end, each Tuesday, 3 – 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through October

31 loveyourfarmer.com

• 29 Farmers Market, Branson

Landing, south end, each Tuesday, 3 – 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through October

31 loveyourfarmer.com

• 31 Pickleball Party @ the Park. Stockstill Park (625 Stock-

still Ln), 6-9 p.m. Open to the public. 12 courts: 3 hours. Beginner courts, organized open play, challenge courts. Bring your chairs. Branson Pickleball Club and Branson Parks Dept. - https://www.bransonparksandrecreation.com/778/Pickleball

• ENTERTAINMENT

Continued from page 5

Walker Texas Ranger episodes and in 2012 Todd and Irving were

• DAVE SAYS

Continued from page 6

and honestly, and try to agree on

a Top-4 finalist on America’s Got Talent. I first saw Todd and Irving on the Showboat Branson Belle where they performed for 13 years.

some changes together. There’s a middle ground here, but it’s going to take some time and effort from both of you to reach it.

Todd is still living his childhood dream and making families laugh in theaters across the country during the off season and at the Little Opry Theatre on Tuesday,

Most of all, it means you two will have to communicate with each other like mature, caring adults, and pull together for the

• STOCK MARKET INSIGHTS

Continued from page 6

her swinging it above her head and almost hitting her sister, leading

• REFLECTIONS

Continued from page 7

offensive football play a reason to file a lawsuit, if the play doesn’t violate rules of the game. But insert an effective scripture-based comment that Satan’s flunkies can’t answer, into a situation and see what happens: Most of the

• BEEN THINKIN’

Continued from page 7

to the frayed edges. She constantly

Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. You can call 417335-4832 or go to littleopry.com for more information and tickets.

Todd’s final word is “Enjoy the

sake of your kids. It might be difficult at first, but it’ll be worth it in the long run. For you and them.

to the only spanking she ever got from her grandparents. She needed to play with it nicely like it was supposed to be used. OPEC also needs to play nicely and allow the

time they will either change the subject, or accuse you of being intolerant. Make your decisions about baking cakes or hiring employees based on God’s word, and look out—the other meanings of “offense” (the enemy’s “rules”) kick into high gear.

It’s important to hear from the

worried if I would ever grow up to be a responsible man. In the end, her efforts paid off. I became re-

unconditional love from your pets. Spend time with them and let them know you love them unconditionally, too.” He promotes spay/neuter and pet adoption.

Thanks, Kaytee!

— Dave

market to work like it should. Have a blessed week!

www.FerventWM.com

Holy Spirit about how and when to use our weapons. Jesus himself chose to disengage from some people who clearly were not open to truth. But he also told his followers to expect trouble as they shared the gospel, and he set the ultimate example by confronting Satan’s worst and defeating it.

sponsible. Tenacious. Hardworking. Occasionally focused. Just as she had hoped. I know the journey started long before that scorching summer afternoon. But for me, when the temperature climbs in the summer heat and working hard is something I’d much rather not do, my memory turns back to those summer goat water buckets. And — usually — I pull myself together. And get to work.

• BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S

Continued from page 7

Presence when we are hurting and alone. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 20:20). “You also have His undivided attention. He sees you, hears you, and knows you. He’s not distracted by anything else in the universe. And He shares in your suffering. He feels what you feel. He cries with you, rejoices with you, and fully senses the weight of all you carry. It’s even heavier on His shoulders” (Carol Peters-Tanksley).

(1) Peters-Tanksley, Carol. The Ministry of Presence: Being There. 2020, Dr. Carol Ministries. https://www.drcarolministries.com/ the-ministry-of-presence-beingthere/

Don’t miss the 2023 edition of The Best Bets of Branson Live Talk Show, featuring Carrie Anne Mitchell and Shelley Carroll-Drew, every Thursday at 11:15 a.m., inside the lobby of The Nashville Roadhouse Theater, and streaming live on Facebook and YouTube. During our 2023 show season, we are excited to be featuring; everything that is fun to share, and to talk about, involving info on the Branson & the surrounding Ozarks area, done from a 2 person, unique local perspective, and a fun, positive spin.

Brought to you by our sponsors: Affordable Insulation Service, Bliss Gas Services, Gaga For Glitter, The Branson Show Awards, The Consignment Clothing Exchange, Flaming Margaritas Restaurant The Great Passion Play, The Krafty Kitty Farm, LKS Lawncare, MarieZ, METAGOLF, Michele’s Floral & Gifts, Mintex Appliance Service, The Nashville Roadhouse Theater, and SignsNow. Contact Carrie @ 573-795-1921, or Shelley @ 417-593-9815 to find out how to become a sponsor of our live talk show.

Family Crossword

Solution: onlinecrosswords.net/77492

Across

1. Night twinkler

5. Florida seaport

10. Office furniture

14. Egg on

15. Unfriendly

16. Huron’s neighbor

17. Leave port

18. Not moving

20. Skin woe

21. Male descendant

22. Lifts

23. Deny

25. Dog docs

26. Spicy sausage

29. Greeting word 33. Alter slacks 36. Golf peg 37. Debt memo 38. Escape 39. Dashed 40. Concede

House addition

Roadhouse 44. Golf clubs 45. Fido’s rope 48. Paper fastener 50. Bottle part

52. Points of debate 56. Sweater material

59. School group (abbr.) 61. Break sharply 62. Fix 64. Margin 65. Pork or beef 66. Ballroom dance 67. Reign 68. Shade sources

69. Thoughts

70. Origin

Down

1. Actress ____ Sarandon

2. Small amount

3. Maturing

4. Set free

5. Hanging ornament

6. Choir member

7. Pained sound

8. Plant holder

9. Burning

10. Actress ____ Richards

11. Significant times

12. Beget

13. Florida islands

19. Vow 24. Gentle 25. Capital of Austria

27. In danger (2 wds.)

28. Intended 30. VIP’s car

31. Cut of meat

32. Ins and ____

33. Rod’s partner

34. She, in Bordeaux

35. Luau entertainment

40. Feels sick

41. Bureaus

46. Nasal sounds

47. Not there

49. Baby grands, e.g.

51. Desert plants

53. Excessive 54. National bird 55. Swiftness

56. Apex 57. Yule song

58. Weight unit

59. Yearn

60. Roman garb

63. Small bit

Sudoku

At the Picnic Word find from Beck Museums of Branson

On this date in history...

• 1858 First use of fingerprints as a means of identification is made by Sir William James Herschel of the Indian Civil Service.

• 1862 Confederate forces defeated at More’s Hill, Missouri.

• 1866 Metric system becomes a legal measurement system in U.S

• 1868 U.S. Secretary of State, William H. Seward, announces 14th Amendment ratified by states, grants citizenship to ex-slaves.

• 1900 Hamburger created by Louis Lassing in Connecticut

• 1914 Foxtrot first danced at New Amsterdam Roof Garden, in NYC, by Harry Fox

• 1947 Birthday of Sally Struthers, American actress, “All in the Family,” “Gloria,” born in Portland, Oregon

• 1951 Walt Disney releases animated musical film “Alice in Wonderland”

• 1957 Rock and roll piano player-singer Jerry Lee Lewis makes his first TV appearance with a raucous rendition of “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” on the Steve Allen Show.

• 1960 U.S. Republican National Convention selects Richard Nixon as candidate

• 1962 Mariner I launched to Mars falls into Atlantic Ocean

• 1965 LBJ sends 50,000 more soldiers to Vietnam (total of 125,000).

• 1973 600,000 attend the “Summer Jam” rock festival featuring The Grateful Dead, The Band, and The Allman Brothers Band, at Watkins Glen, New York; at the time the largest ever audi-

ence at a pop festival

• 1973 “Charlie’s Angels” actress Farrah Fawcett (26) weds “The Six Million Dollar Man” actor Lee Majors (34) at the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, California; divorced in 1982

• 1977 First oil through the Trans Alaska Pipeline System reaches Valdez, Alaska

• 1991 Dennis Martinez pitches the 13th perfect game in baseball history.

• 1994 Baseball players decide to strike on Aug 12, 1994.

• 1996 NY Yankee Darryl Strawberry hits his 300th HR.

• 2002 89th Tour de France: no winner (Lance Armstrong disqualified)

• 2002 Nine coal miners trapped in the flooded Quecreek Mine in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, are rescued after 77 hours underground.

• 2007 Comedian and actor Steve Martin (61) weds Anne Stringfield (35) at his Los Angeles home

• 2014 Linda Ronstadt receives the National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama in a White House ceremony.

Last week’s Sudoku solution

info@bransonglobe.com Newspaper, LLC

NOTICES

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Eliminate high heating bills with Central Boiler’s NEW, certified Classic Edge Titanium HDX OUTDOOR WOOD FURNACE. Call Ozark Stove and Chimney today. 417-201-6585

CELEBRATE RECOVERY is a place to heal from your hurts, habits, and hangups. We meet every Monday night at 6:30 PM at Music City Centre, 1839 West 76 Country Blvd., Branson. For more information call 417–320-2055 See you there!

IF YOU ARE A MILITARY VETERAN in need of a place to live, please call us and we’ll try to meet your needs. GUMI CAMP USA 417-559-3892

THE AMERICAN LEGION

POST #220 invites all former and current US Military friends to join us Monday mornings at 9 a.m. for coffee and pastries!! Come join us at Faith Lutheran Church, 221 Malone Dr., Branson, MO. We look forward to meeting you!! HOOAH!!

IF MY PEOPLE, WHICH ARE CALLED BY MY NAME, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

PASSED AWAY May 10, 2023, and left no signed will. The family is requesting any alleged creditors to estate to contact the family member acting as Executor of the Estate, Joe Simmons, at bettysimmonsestate@gmail.com. YOUR

WOULD LOOK GREAT HERE! CALL 417-334-9100

VETERANS & MILITARY COALITION OF THE OZARKS is an all-volunteer organization of veterans serving veterans. Contact us if you feel that you, as a veteran or veteran family, may not be receiving the benefits you deserve. Go to VMCO1. org and click on CONTACT at the top of the home page. VMCO meets monthly on the third Thursday of the month (no meeting in July or November) at the Golden Corral in Branson with 11:15 a.m. (optional) lunch buffet and 12-1 p.m. meeting.

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION SUPPORT GROUPS meet at location #1: Branson United Methodist Church, 1208 West 76 Country Blvd. Branson, the first Thursday of every month at 1:30 PM; and at location #2: Branson Hollister Senior Center, 201 Compton Dr., Branson, the third Friday of every month at 1:00 PM For more information about either support group, you may call 417-598-3122.

Add

CHRISTIAN WOMEN’S CONNECTION: Representatives from Convoy of Hope will talk about their outreach to victims of disasters at the Christian Women’s Connection luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 9. Plus, speaker Desiree Smedley will address how some choices change the direction of our lives. The event, called “Choices, Choices!,” sponsored by Stonecroft Ministries and held at the Pointe Royale Clubhouse, costs $17 per person; call 417-294-1287 by August 7 for a reservation.

GRIEF SHARE SUPPORT

GROUP: IN AUGUST, 2023 a new class of Grief Share will begin at the Branson United Methodist Church. This is a 13 week class of support for those who have lost loved ones. We welcome all ages from the community as well as our church family. For questions call Peggy at 641919-1533. The class will meet every Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.in the church library.

SERVICES OFFERED

MASTER ELECTRICIAN. No job too big or small. FREE ESTIMATES. Ph. 417-337-1747.

FREE ESTIMATES AND TIMELY RESPONSE. Full remodels, decks, pole barns, garages, fencing and small projects. Call 417-699-1635.

ACE HOME IMPROVEMENT:

Heating and air, HVAC service and repair, doors, windows, decks, fences, pressure washing, interior and exterior painting, siding, roofing, flooring, tile and drywall. Handyman work! Call Ryan: 417-335-1347.

DAN & KS PROPERTY

MAINTENANCE offers cut-in for driveways, clearing land, landscaping, removal and mulching. Call 417-559-9741

VEHICLE FOR SALE: 2005 GMC SIERRA PICKUP TRUCK. Very clean with extended cab. 350 V8 Vortex. Call for details. Asking $5,800 OBO. 417-327-5546.

RAZORBACK PROFESSIONAL WINDOW WASHING AND CLEANING. Businesses, hotels, some residential. Free estimates. Branson. Phone 870-421-9651.

CLEANING SERVICES OFFERED: Residential, commercial, resorts, cabins, new construction and hauling services. Serving Tri-Lakes area. FREE ESTIMATES. Call Tina or Randy: 417-824-3092 or 417-294-3104

Classified ads in the Branson Globe are super affordable! Take a look:

• Black & white line ads, 20 words or less...$15/week! Each word over 20 is 25¢

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Give us a call at 417-334-9100, or place your ad online at www.bransonglobe.com/advertise

3 PCS BROYHILL COUCH, chair & ottoman. Antique dropleaf desk, La-Z-boy rocker recliner, twin & full size bunk bed sets. Two Adirondack chairs. Branson Creek Blvd. area. Call 913-669-5327.

417-334-9100

OFFICE HOURS: 9am - 5pm

Monday to Friday

FOR SALE ROOMS FOR RENT COMMERCIAL SPACE

RENT TO OWN AUTOS: Low down payment. NO initial taxes & license fees. NO credit check. Free 1 year warranty on motor & transmission. Rent to own your auto today! 1119 E. Hwy. 76, Branson. 417-335-5400. renttoownautosbranson. com

ROOMS FOR RENT

BRANSON ROOM FOR RENT for an individual, $450/mo. Private bath, garage for parking only (not for storage). No pets. Mature household. Laundry off site. First & last months’ rent plus $300 security deposit, $1,200 total. Call 417-213-1927.

WEEKLY MOTEL ROOM

RENTAL. Family friendly. Deposit and rule agreement required. Cable/WiFi, fridge and micro included. Branson West 417-272-8414.

TO ENSURE THE BEST RESPONSE TO YOUR AD...

Please make sure your ad is correct in the first issue in which it appears. The Branson Globe is responsible for one day’s charge of the space occupied by the error. If your ad is not correct, call us immediately to have it corrected.

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

LOOKING TO SHARE a two-bedroom, one-bath rambler style home on Truman Drive with another woman who also appreciates peace and quiet. No live-in children or pets. $500 per month. $500 deposit. Front and back porches! Smoking outside only. References please. I’d love to hear from you with any questions! Phone 763464-1672.

1 BR STARTING @ $595/MO

2 BR STARTING @ $725/MO

Furnished Units, Carports & Lakeviews Available CALL 417-546-3334

Shepherd of the Hills Estates www.soheapts.com

FOR LEASE: OFFICE AND COMMERCIAL SPACE on Bus. Hwy. 13 in Branson West. Over 1,000 sq. ft. available. Various sizes and reasonable rates available. Call 417-248-0062.

GUMI CAMP, a healing retreat for American Veterans, is in need of a dog caretaker. Paying weekly. Please call Tim Hadler at 417-559-3892 if you are interested.

MR. GILBERTI’S PLACE. Now hiring all positions. Fun, working atmosphere. Come in and fill out an application. 1451 Arcadia Club Rd., Hollister.

POINT LOOKOUT NURSING & REHAB is excited to announce that we are currently hiring RNs, LPNs, CNAs, NAs, CMTs, housekeeping, and dietary staff. We are currently offering a great benefit plan. We acknowledge Covid-19 vaccination exemptions. For more information, call 417-334-4105 or apply in person at 11103 Historic Hwy. 165, Hollister, MO. EOE

SPRING SPECIAL: ALL NEW TENANTS TAKE $100 OFF/MONTH FOR 6 MONTHS!