You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. – Psalm 16: 11
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Monday morning brings beautiful snow, ugly commute to Tri-Lakes
INSIDE:
• Around Town...... 9B • Churches.......... 10B • Classifieds......... 11B • Food.................. 8B • Fun & Games.... 12B • Pets for Adoption �� 3A • Obituaries........ 11A • School News........ 8A • Features/Voices �� 1B • Weather........... 10A
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer A snowfall on Monday morning made for a difficult commute to work for many. What started as a beautiful snow shower in the early morning hours soon became inches of accumulation on area roads, bridges and overpasses. The result was slick roads, dan-
PLUS:
Chiefs fans sound off after big game – SEE PAGE 2A.
February 16, 2024 • Volume 5, Issue #7
gerous intersections, and several mishaps during the hours of Monday morning. Several minor and non-injury or minor-injury accidents were reported, and police, fire and rescue, ambulance and first responders realized a busy morning. In true Branson manner, many were seen helping out
those in need, stopping to push stuck vehicles up hills and getting drivers on their way to work. Various locations in Taney and Stone County recorded between one and four inches of snow during the winter weather event. By Monday afternoon, the snow had ceased and most roads were again clear.
The bald eagle at the Veterans Memorial Garden is a beautiful site, covered with snow...while just below the garden, 76 Country Boulevard, along with most area roads, were slick due to Monday morning’s snowfall. (Photos by K.D. Michaels)
Water main replacement project to begin in August
Thankful for...what?? – SEE PAGE 1B.
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WEEKEND WEATHER: Fairly uneventful this weekend and into the work week, at least weather-wise. Chance of rain on Friday. Highs peaking at 57 on Sunday, and lows 22 - 34.
Submitted to Branson Globe A project that will systematically replace old, aging water mains and service lines throughout the City is currently in the design phase with construction expected to begin around August of 2024 for the Hiawatha Heights subdivision. This project will drastically reduce the number of water main breaks within the City. The existing water system has passed its life expectancy. Due to construction practices at the time of installation, there is inadequate bedding material around the piping which is the main cause of the numerous water main breaks in the Hiawatha Heights Subdivision. Not only will this project reduce the number of water main breaks but it will also provide better fire protection. The existing water mains will be replaced with a larger size which will supply more water volume for firefighters. It will also extend the longevity of the system. “This isn’t a new challenge to communities across the country. It’s a massive undertaking and something we’ve been planning for and working on for some time now,” said Utilities Director, Kendall Powell. “I’m excited that we are at the stage where our residents will be able to start seeing some improvements. We will also
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coordinate with our Public Works team to reduce the disruption as much as possible from any road repairs or paving that will be needed as part of this project. We will do our best to limit the negative impacts but do ask for patience,” Powell said. The City of Branson’s Utilities Department took the number of water main leaks and compared that to the total footage of the water main within each subdivision along with other variables to come up with high-priority areas. Besides Hiawatha Heights, the City has plans to do this work throughout the City, including the following areas: • Lakeview Terrace/Eiserman and Parnell area (Design Work 2024) • Lucia Ridge • Murphy Addition • Gateway • Downtown • W. Branson Heights • Branson North • Cantwell The first phase of the project at Hiawatha Heights is expected to cost $6.6 million for construction of the improvements and will be paid for with the Tourism Tax revenue, a tax residents passed in 1997 to improve and maintain infrastructure and to market Branson’s tourism economy. The City will also use federal grant funding when available.
ABOVE: The crew at Branson Springfield Roof Company enjoyed the Home Show. BELOW: Ozark Window Tinting and Lightspeed Electrical greeted customers. (Photos by K.D. Michaels and George Kurland)
More than 1,200 attend annual Home Show BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer The annual Tri-Lakes Building and Home Show, better known as the Branson Home Show, was held last weekend at the prestigious Chateau on the Lake. A popular winter time event, the Home Show offered attendees an opportunity to visit with vendors and learn about products that would aid in home building, remodeling, repair and upgrades. Vendors marketed such things as windows, flooring, roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, pools and hot tubs, and much more, to aid with planned home projects. In addition to a plethora of information, many booths offered giveaways, drawings and fun for those in attendance. “This year’s Home Show
was great,” said Scott Earls, owner of the Tri-Lakes Building and Home Show. “We had over 80 vendors, and 105 booths—and a lot of attendees. Everyone really enjoyed being at the show.” This year marked the 38th year for the much-anticipated February event. This year’s Home Show featured many repeat vendors—and several new additions. Said Lisa Earls, “We had 15 new vendors this year.” Scott Earls noted that plans are already underway for next year’s event, although the exact dates have not yet been confirmed. “Our website is bransonhomeshow.com,” said Scott. “All the vendors that were at the show will be on that website for a year, so it’s easy to look them up. All the information about
the show, including the exact dates for next year will be on the website.”
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