Branson Globe, March 15, 2024

Join sensory journey through Holy Week

Submitted to Branson Globe

Have you ever wondered what happened in Jesus’ life during Holy Week, the week before Easter? Come experience Easter like never before at Faith Lutheran Church’s Journey to the Cross all sensory event. We are excited to present this event for the whole family. Everyone is invited to this one-day event. Join us rain or shine Saturday, March 23, and walk in Jesus’ footsteps as you travel through different stations. We will travel in small groups, so you’ll need to reserve the time that is best for you and your family. We are handicapped accessible to make it fun for all. Our tour guides will walk you through the different areas, while you participate in this authentic hands-on experience. Since the format is international travel, we will provide you with a passport to keep. You will receive a visa sticker for each area that is visited, along with

your picture, just like an actual passport.

Areas to be toured include the perfume where Mary Magdalene put perfume on Jesus’ feet, the palm branches that were waved on Palm Sunday and the donkey that he rode. Also, sample taste the Seder meal, or the Passover meal, and touch the 30 pieces of silver that Judas betrayed Jesus for. See the Garden of Gethsemane, the whip and thorns, hammer and nails, and the triumphant empty tomb, all suitable for children.

“We are encouraging adults, as well as children to take this opportunity to share in a sensory way, our Savior’s last week before his crucifixion and resurrection. We think this will make everyone’s Easter experience much more meaningful” said Faith Meinzen, event coordinator. “Smell, taste, touch, hear, see and experience Holy Week in new ways. For this real-life

SEE HOLY WEEK, PAGE 8A

Mix of sun and clouds,

BY GARY J. GROMAN, Independent Journalist Branson

Mayor Larry Milton said, “As I prepared and presented the 2024 State of the City address, I continually asked myself, ‘How did our City accomplish this much in one year?’”

“I realized the answer was simple: It starts with leadership. Our board of alderman is in harmony on the vast majority of topics and has put in countless hours representing the best interest of all of Branson. Cathy Stepp, our City Administrator, and Alex Girard, our Chief of Staff, are the catalysts of our city’s success.”

“Cathy’s leadership with our 250 city employees made a difference. She inspired and encouraged each of them to work together as a team and has created a work environment that is healthy, happy and challenging for our 250 employees, which results in synergy. That is why our city has accomplished so many large projects on time and on budget.”

Mayor Milton presented his 2024 State of the City address to a packed audience in the City Council Chamber on March 12, 2024. He gave his report

after welcoming community leaders, government officials, and residents and thanking city workers for their hard work in helping Branson grow and improve.

The year 2023 was a great year financially for Branson’s city government and businesses. So far, in 2024, city sales tax revenue is

Celebration of life for music great Buck Trent held Sunday

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

A celebration of life to honor a musical great was held on Sunday.

Buck Trent was remembered on Sunday with a special celebration at Wranglers Star-Studded Honky Tonk. In true Branson style, friends and peers of the musical legend paid tribute to Trent in both song and word.

many years in Branson. Several of Trent’s family members, as well as members of his wife Jean’s family, were on hand for the event.

Known nationwide, Buck was a legendary musician and instrumentalist and a two-time CMA award winner. Trent was well known for his appearances on television’s Hee Haw, as well as his work with such greats as Dolly Parton, the Oak Ridge Boys, and Roy Clark, just to name a few.

gin his own morning show, which was very popular with visitors to Branson. He was a versatile entertainer, best known for his banjo playing, Buck moved to Branson in 1990 and began his show shortly after. Buck has been credited as being a big part of Branson’s rise to success as the Live Entertainment Capital of the World.

Sunday’s event, hosted by Mike Patrick, featured dozens of Trent’s musical friends, sharing not only songs but their thoughts and remembrances of their friend. SEE CITY, PAGE 6A

Trent, who passed away in October 2023 was celebrated by his family and friends, who shared some of their favorite Trent tunes or music that they played, alongside Trent, during his

Trent was also the first nationally known artist to come to Branson and be-

Family, friends and fellow musicians paid tribute to Buck Trent this past Sunday afternoon. Mike Patrick was the MC and was joined by local entertainers including Barbara Fairchild, Doug Gabriel, Jamie Haage, Kenny Parrott, Mary Lou Turner, Jonathan Black and Melody Hart. (Photo by George Kurland)

Soldiers are shown observing as our travelers experience an authentic hands-on adventure while attaching nails to the cross. (Photo submitted)

Milton (FILE)

Stepp (FILE)

Hollister High School students learn impacts of distracted driving

BY K.D. MICHAELS,

Staff Writer A powerful presentation at Hollister High School recently reminded students of the impacts of distracted driving.

Students in grades 9 through 12 attended last week’s Traction Assembly, presented by the High School’s Traction Team.

“The assembly was entirely student-led, by our Traction Team and their sponsors, Mrs. Schiefelbein and Mr. Griessel,” explained HHS Principal Dr. Jarend Terry. “They found the guest speaker, contacted her to come, and created a vid-

eo of our staff and students. They attended a conference this summer in Kansas City, led by MODOT.”

The purpose of the Traction Assembly, according to Dr. Terry, was to share with students the importance of safe driving and the dangers of distracted driving.

The assembly included a guest speaker, a remembrance ceremony for students who lost their lives due to distracted driving, and videos of students and staff whose lives have been affected by distracted driving accidents.

“Students were very respectful and listening with

the guest speaker and student presentations,” said Dr. Terry. “I talked with multiple students after, who said the discussion really hit home and caused them to think about their driving habits.”

Dr. Terry shared his thoughts on the Traction Team that presented the assembly, noting, “I cannot say enough how proud I am of these students and their sponsors. They have worked hard to put this together and have been working on it since last summer. This is such an important discussion for our kids as they begin to drive.”

Communities of Recovery Experience fundraising event set for May

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

The biggest fundraiser of the year for CORE—Communities of Recovery Experience—is just around the corner.

CORE is a nonprofit, Christian-based ministry that serves the alcoholic and addicted members of our community. An outreach for both men and women,

CORE provides housing, instructional services and support to those in need. CORE has realized substantial growth over the past several years and has expanded their services as they strive to fulfill their mission of helping men and women find a new way of life free of the addictions of their past.

CORE relies on a variety of funding sources, including grants, tithes and offerings, and individual contributions. Additionally, the organization hosts a major fundraiser each year.

This year’s event is set for Thursday, May 16. The annual CORE Golf Tournament gets underway at 8:30 a.m.—a four-person scram-

ble—the registration fee is just $400 per team.

Presented by Ozarks Dynacom, the 2024 golf tournament also features a Flighted 18-Hole Contest, Longest Drive Contest, Longest Putt, Closest to the Hole, and a Hole-in-One contest.

Sponsors are needed for the golf tournament. Sponsorship opportuni-

ties include Event Sponsor ($2,500), Table Sponsor ($1,000), Corporate Sponsor ($500), and Hole Sponsor ($250).

The golf tournament will be held at Thousand Hills Golf Resort.

Following the golf tournament is the CORE pig roast and auction, beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the CORE

Campus.

All of the proceeds for the May 16 event will go to help individuals looking for a way out of their addictive lifestyles.

To register a team for the 2024 CORE Golf Tournament, or for more information on becoming a sponsor for this worthwhile event, visit www.core-usa.org.

Branson Fire Dept. announces new Captain of Fire Technical Services

Submitted to Branson Globe

Fire Marshal Darin Patterson is being promoted to the rank of Captain in the City of Branson’s Fire Department Technical Services Division. The Technical Services Division oversees many of the most important aspects of operating a safe and efficient City, providing fire and life safety inspections, fire investigations,

Thu:

community risk reduction educational programs and more. City officials, under the leadership of City Administrator Cathy Stepp, say City Hall’s ongoing and thorough work in reviewing all city codes and inspection processes led to Patterson’s promotion. “Since joining the Fire Department in June of 2023, Darin has earned

this step up by displaying excellent field work assisting contractors and developers with fire and life safety inspections at construction sites,” said Stepp.

Emphasizing Captain Patterson’s skills in interacting with the public, Fire Chief Ted Martin said, “Job duties include helping citizens, businesses and visitors on compliance with City standards, fire codes and regulations that help ensure safety and prevent fires and loss of life.” Chief Martin added that Patter-

son will also concentrate on plan reviews, guide the development of pre-fire incident plans for commercial properties, and assist the State Fire Marshal’s office on investigations. Patterson’s promotion exemplifies the City’s invigorated leadership succession plan, as the new Captain will take on responsibility for field inspections previously conducted by Division Chief Randy Fogle. Division Chief Fogle will shift his focus to other initiatives and projects.

“With many high-level initiatives moving rapidly under the direction of a new slate of strong leadership, we are experiencing accelerated momentum in our City. I congratulate Captain Patterson on his promotion that elevates him to an important part of senior leadership,” said Mayor Larry Milton. “We promised our constituents, visitors, business leaders and our entire community to better deliver City government at the speed of business -- we are grateful for all the positive

changes,” said Milton. For more information on the City of Branson, go to www.bransonmo.gov .

Patterson (Photo submitted)

Nationally known creator with ties to Library passes away

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

Creative genius Terry

Chase, Director of Chase Studio in Cedar Creek, passed away recently, following a long battle with cancer.

Chase was known for creating amazing natural history exhibits and stunning dioramas worldwide for such venues as national and state parks, many well-known museums and other nature-related public spaces.

Locally, Chase was credited with transforming the children’s space at the Library Center of the Ozarks (then the Taneyhills Library), by creat -

ing several outstanding displays that have caught the eyes of children and adults alike.

“Terry Chase and the Chase Studio created a wonder-engaging Children’s Library, where their imagination draws you in, with the oversized books. You know this is a special place you are entering. The Tree Room, with its tree entrance, sets aside an area of enhancement. It’s a sanctuary for adults and a magical room for impressionable young minds,” said Adele Groot, former President of the Board of Taneyhills Library.

Said Marcia Schemper-Carlock, former Taneyhills Library Director and current member of the Friends of the Library, “The Taneyhills Library Board applied for a grant from the Stanley and Elaine Ball Foundation to remodel the children’s library. The Ball Foundation Trustees were impressed and inspired by Terry’s project plan.

“We could not have accomplished this transformation without Terry’s vision and funding from

the Ball Foundation,” noted Schemper-Carock.

“Terry’s creativity clearly helped the Taneyhills Library achieve the goal of becoming a destination zone for children. The Children’s Library is a draw for local families. Much of the library’s growth in recent years is due to the excitement and energy children have when they see the giant books.”

A celebration of life for Terry Chase will be held later this spring.

Children’s kiosk featuring Wigglesworth. Created by Jerry Chase.

(Photo by K.D. Michaels)

Branson HS Senior named Breckenridge Scholar

BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer

Each year, Taney County Federated Republican Women sponsor a high school junior or senior girl from Taney County for a trip to the State Capitol in Jefferson City. The program was started over 20 years ago by Joanne Breckenridge, president of Missouri Federated Republican Women from 1992 to 1995, for the purpose of introducing young women from across Missouri to state government and how it functions. The annual Joanne Breckenridge Scholar Day continues to honor her vision for young women in Missouri.

This year, Branson High School senior Mia Pinkerman was chosen for the trip, planned for March 26. She will be accompanied to the Capitol by a member

of the Taney County Federated Republican Women, and a parent is invited to attend with their daughter if they so choose.

Mia, the middle of three sisters, said she is grateful for the stable and loving example she has been blessed to experience in her family, as they have helped foster her inquisitive nature and supported her pursuit of purpose through various activities during her school years. She is involved in GOCAPS career development at BHS, and she is section leader and first chair in the flute section of the band as well as participating in pit orchestra and theater. She also enjoys sports and has participated in soccer, track and field, and dance.

A two-year member of National Honor Society,

Mia also volunteers regularly at local charities Elevate Branson, Rylie’s Treasures, and Christian Action Ministries. After high school, she plans to attend college to pursue a career as a family lawyer or corporate lawyer.

“My goal will be upholding the laws of our nation while protecting my clients with wisdom and justice,” wrote Mia in her applica-

tion biography. Taney County Federated Republican Women are proud to set this day aside to recognize the potential of these young women as future leaders. The Branson Globe staff congratulates Mia Pinkerman, and we look forward to hearing about how her experiences at this special event encourage her in her future plans!

BIRDIE. Female, DOB 5-20-2023. Cute little Birdie is shy and sweet. She enjoys being petted, but being held is not her thing. Once she is comfortable, she comes out of her shell a little. She was found as a tiny kitten under a golf cart as a stray and came to us terrified. We are confident that once she’s in her comfort zone, she’ll make a great companion. Don’t let this little birdie fly away.

HUTCH. Male, Boxer mix. DOB 12-17-2020. He was owner relinquished. This guy is so wonderful. He doesn’t like cats and is picky about his dog friends. He is good with kids but doesn’t share his food. He is very observant and has the most beautiful blue eyes. He is part of our March special, so his adoption fee is discounted to $17!

What is this AFCI thing?

By Stephanie Callahan, Owner/Lightspeed Electrical Stephanie Callahan, Owner/Lightspeed Electrical

You may or may not be familiar with the term AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter). Unlike the GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter), the AFCI serves as a safety shut- off if it senses any arcing in your home’s circuitry. Arcing occurs when electrical current hops from one conductor to another, and it is dangerous because it causes extreme heat. The National Electric Code (enforced by municipal inspectors) now requires AFCI breakers in all common rooms and living spaces.

The AFCI breaker is often a source of frustration to homeowners, especially when a new circuit breaker panel is installed in an older home. Older homes have a greater possibility of loose connections (arcs) in switches, outlets, or at fixtures, which will trip the AFCI, requiring you to reset it. Also, older corded power tools that are plugged into AFCI protected circuits will often trip the breaker.

Many homeowners wish they could just re-

place these with regular breakers; however, AFCIs are your warning that arcing is occurring. It would be better to eliminate the problem (the loose connection) than to eliminate the protection (the AFCI breaker). If your AFCI breaker keeps tripping, the team at Lightspeed can trace out the problem and make it safe. Give us a call at 417-239-5050.

Community Easter fun set for Saturday, March 30

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

Saturday, March 30, will be a busy day in the Branson and Hollister areas, as children and their families prepare for Easter with fun and exciting events throughout the day.

Branson’s annual Easter Egg Hunt begins at 10 am. In a new location this year— Ballparks of America—the fun-filled event features a helicopter egg drop and over 16,000 plastic eggs.

Children in three different age categories will search for eggs, filled with candy

and vouchers to exchange for fabulous prizes.

Sponsored by The Grove Christian Church and Ballparks of America, the egg hunt is divided into three age groups: Ages 0 - 3 begin hunting at 10 a.m.; children 4 - 7 begin at 10:30; and youth ages 8 -10 start at 11 a.m.

Ballparks of America is located at 1000 Pat Nash Drive in Branson. Hollister will be celebrating Easter with their Great American Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30. Held from 11:30 a.m. to 2

p.m., the Hollister event will feature fun for all ages.

In addition to traditional Easter egg hunts, with children divided into appropriate age groups, the fun includes entertainment, games, booths and lots of candy and prizes for the children, plus an appearance by the Easter Bunny himself.

Hollister’s Easter Egg Hunt will be held at the Hollister High School football field.

Even the dogs can get in on the Easter fun with a special Easter egg hunt on Saturday, March 30.

Branson’s Stockstill Park is the site of the annual Doggie Easter Egg Hunt, where dogs of all sizes and breeds search for Easter eggs filled with treats or vouchers to exchange for great dog-related prizes.

A $5 donation registers your dog for the event. Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. on March 30, and the Doggie Easter Egg Hunt kicks off at 2 p.m. Hosted by Branson Parks and Recreation, the Doggie Easter Egg Hunt is a fundraiser for the Branson Humane Society.

Elevate Branson: Community prayer event

Submitted to Branson Globe

In January, we held our first Community Prayer Event. What is a community prayer event you ask? It was just that. A gathering of individuals in the community came together and prayed for different segments of our community such as our local police department, fire fighters, our local churches, and many more. We know God has the

power to transform these segments for the betterment of our community at large. The year 2023 was tough for many of our neighbors and we want to change that for 2024. We showed a video of how God has done that for other communities around the world. In the video we showed, one of the communities, Cali, Columbia, experienced a radical transformation. In

1995, the drug cartels were at their peak. There were murders and crime daily, up to 15 murders a day. They held a prayer event similar to what we are beginning here in Branson but on a much larger scale.

Sixty thousand Cali citizens joined in unity for an all-night prayer session in a soccer stadium.

Forty-eight hours later, the daily newspaper headlined

no homicides. It was the first time anyone could remember where Cali had gone an entire weekend with no murders. Ten days later the first drug lord fell. God had taken back Cali. For 2024, we are going to host these prayer events every 90 days with our next being Friday, April 26; July 26 and October 25 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. All are welcome to join us at 310 Gretna Road, Branson.

White River now signing up customers for high speed internet

Submitted to Branson Globe White River Connect, a subsidiary of White River Valley Electric Cooperative, is now signing up customers in parts of Kirbyville and Hollister for its high-speed

fiber internet service.

Construction began on White River Connect in June of 2023. The project will provide internet to rural areas of Christian, Douglas, Ozark, Stone, and Taney counties. It

is expected to take four years to complete and will cover over 4,200 miles of fiber. Visit https://www.whiteriverconnect.com to view the map of service availability and sign up for service in

those areas. People can also preregister for areas coming soon.

For more information about White River Connect, visit https://www.whiteriverconnect.com.

Innovative lifestyle for blind, visually challenged introduced

Submitted to Branson Globe

Mary’s Braille Transcribing Services along with Mary’s Braille International working in partnership with

The Legends Project and The National Federation of the Blind - Springfield Chapter are proud to introduce an innovative, award winning,

technology system aimed at enhancing accessibility and creating a fully inclusive lifestyle for the blind and visually challenged at any age.

NaviLens and NaviLens

GO apps consist of two “free” mobile phone applications and multi-colored QR-style codes which empower people who are blind or have low vision. This allows them to independently navigate unknown places by translating visual signage into audio messages.

Museum on the Square began participating in a trial project to show the capabilities of NaviLens codes and in two weeks, empower:abilities will introduce their own trial project. Join us by experiencing what NaviLens can and will do throughout Springfield and beyond. Visit the History Museum on the Square and empower:abilities to learn how NaviLens stands out in its capability to improve lives.

Mary’s Braille International, with NaviLens, are working on a goal of making Springfield the first truly accessible city in the United States and a model for cities everywhere to do the same.

On March 7, The History

For more information, contact Frank Taylor, Project Coordinator or Mary Weber, President, Mary’s Braille International; 316722-9299 or 406-215-5130; info@marysbraille.org; www.marysbraille.org

BransonU

“I don’t do politics” is a common phrase with dangerous hidden meanings. Here’s why:

When you say “I don’t do” it often means “I don’t care about” or “I don’t have time for,” and the word “politics” would more correctly be replaced by “the future of our community.”

In a small town like Branson, the local candidates are truly running to represent you. Those representatives will shape the future of our community - with or without your input. Maybe you “don’t have time” to attend every city council or school board meeting, but you certainly have time -just once a year - to choose candidates who will represent you well all year long.

In a way, voting in your local election (coming up April 2) is the easiest way to help Branson! We’ve made it even easier for you to learn about your 2024 candidates by sending them a written survey. We are pleased to partner with the Branson Globe in bringing you those results!

To read each candidate’s response in full, please visit BransonU.org/info/vote. The following statements are in response to the question: What is the No. 1 issue you hope to address if elected?

Marshall Howden

Alderman, Ward 1: Code enforcement is always an area where conservative leaders feel a need for improvement. I am no different when it comes to maintaining a steadfast vigilance

Tri-Lakes REALTORS® endorse Jeff Long for Hollister Ward 2

Submitted to Branson Globe

The Tri-Lakes Board of REALTORS® is pleased to announce its official endorsement of Mr. Jeff Long for the position of Hollister Alderman Ward 2 in the upcoming 2024 General Municipal Elections.

Mr. Long’s candidacy stood out among all candidates during the recent Candidate Interview Forum conducted by the Legislative Committee. His commitment to the community, comprehensive understanding of local issues, and dedication to fostering positive growth aligns with the values of the Tri-Lakes Board of REALTORS®.

The Legislative Committee of the Tri-Lakes Board of REALTORS®, expressed their enthusiasm for Mr. Long’s candidacy, stating, “We are confident that Mr. Long’s leadership qualities and genuine concern for the com-

Long (Photo submitted)

munity will make a positive impact on Hollister’s future. His performance during the Candidate Interview Forum distinguished him as a top candidate for the position of Hollister-Alderman Ward 2.”

The Tri-Lakes Board of REALTORS® congratulates Mr. Jeff Long on this endorsement and wishes him the best of luck in the upcoming elections. The Board looks forward to supporting a candidate who shares its vision for a vibrant and thriving Hollister.

towards a pro-business governing style. For years, there was an impression that Branson was one of the toughest cities to do business in. That has changed under the current administration, but there is still room for improvement.

Bill Skains - Alderman, Ward 1: No response.

Glenn Schulz - Alderman, Ward 2: The lack of proper strategic planning has been highlighted in the recent “economic development” meetings of the board of aldermen... I will take a lead within the board of aldermen for the creation, before the end of 2024, of a strategic plan that highlights our top 10 development needs, that specifies the timeframe in which these should be completed, identifies the mechanisms

• CITY

Continued from page 1A

up 9.4% from 2023 and 31.3% higher than before COVID-19 in 2019. City tourism revenue is also very strong, up nearly 5% from 2023 and a 10% increase over our 2024 budget projection. In 2023, Branson completed major projects efficiently and on budget. A new fire station is well under construction in Ward 3 to improve response times. A huge flood wall protection project around the sewage treatment plant is “nearing 99% completion” using over $13 million in state/federal grants, saving Branson millions. The RecPlex sports fields are in the final stages of being upgraded with artificial turf and lights thanks to a $1.6 million grant. The new turf will make the fields usable for locals

by which these should be accomplished and names the city departments that are responsible for driving them to a successful and timely conclusion.

Chuck Rodriguez - Alderman, Ward 2: No response.

Ralph Leblanc - Alderman, Ward 3: To continue to push for sound economic development, to continue to attract quality business and quality employees.

Alex Williams - Branson School Board: Ensuring academic and vocational achievement is my top priority. I will focus on curriculum enhancements that emphasize core subjects, instill a strong work ethic, and prepare students for real-world challenges. A robust and well-rounded education is key to shaping

for more of the year and bring more sports tourism revenues to Branson. Milton said, “With a 50% city match, this improvement is expected to double our complex’s economic impact to nearly $36 million for our local economy.” Mayor Milton outlined many infrastructure projects happening across city departments, such as:

1. The engineering department is fully staffed and focused on repaving roads, designing downtown streetscape improvements, and beginning “construction on Segments 1 & 2 of the W. 76 Blvd. Revitalization Project to enhance tourism and attract increased visitation to Branson by late 2024.”

2. The utilities department is upgrading old water lines, especially in neighbor-

the leaders of tomorrow.

Brian Christian - Branson School Board: My top priority would be to keep Cultural Marxism out of the curriculum. This includes radical gender ideology, critical race theory, and other utopian ideologies. We seek equality of opportunity without guaranteeing equality of results.

Jason Pritchett - Branson School Board: Student involvement! If a student is involved in any way, shape or fashion, that student feels wanted/valued/ accepted in whatever program they are a part of. The overall absentee rate at the Branson school system is at a staggering high, especially with students who are not involved in extracurricular activities. If students are not in their

hoods like Hiawatha Heights, where they’ll add 20 new fire hydrants.

3. The planning department streamlined processes to be more business-friendly for new construction projects. The fire department added new trucks and is improving performance tracking. For the first time in decades, the police department has fully staffed patrol and the renovation of its new headquarters continues. Parks and Recreation is expanding camping at Lake Taneycomo, developing trails, and upgrading neighborhood parks.

4. The city administration upgraded technology for transparency, such as public data portals and e-newsletters.

seats during the school day, they are not progressing on an academic level that is sufficient for student improvement. If a student is involved in extracurricular activities, they will feel the need to be present at school during school hours, thus their scores organically rise to new levels.

Cole Currier - Branson School Board: I hope we can find ways to increase student engagement across our ever-widening demographic. Involvement in extra-curricular activities is a proven way to improve educational and social outcomes. We need to be sure that every child in our community has a strong connection to their school that will result in a brighter future for them individually and for our community as a whole.

They’re simplifying codes and regulations through a “Red Tape Reduction” effort. The mayor also mentioned updating Branson’s economic development plan to keep attracting business growth.

Overall, the mayor said Branson is stronger than ever financially. He proclaimed, “Branson’s future is now brighter than ever before. Branson’s focus is now clearer than ever before. Branson is serving our citizens more effectively than ever before.”

The full report is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rahV3rGNW_w .

DEATH NOTICES

Bender, Linda 76 Forsyth Snapp-Bearden Forsyth Chapel Gault, Everett (Ike) Eisman III 79 Walnut Shade Cremations of the Ozarks Hill, Minnie M. 85 Forsyth Snapp-Bearden Forsyth Chapel

• HOLY WEEK

Continued from page 1A

event, we will have Jerusalem themed presenters in period clothing, along with Roman Soldiers on horseback in the parking lot!”

So that you don’t travel hungry, there will be a free

pancake breakfast before your departure, along with an Easter egg hunt at the end of your journey. Tours depart in groups of eight every 10 minutes, beginning at 8:40 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Allow 30 minutes prior to your departure time for check-in

and enjoy your free breakfast.

This event will take place Saturday, March 23, between 8 a.m. – 12 noon, at the Faith Lutheran Church Life Center, located just off the roundabout by Cox Hospital. The entrance and plen-

Out of the mouths of babes...

COLLECTED BY TIFFANY

GRAVETT

I swapped my little commuter car for my son’s ultra-cool, lifted, off-road 4-Runner so I’d have the grandkids’ car seats to take them to the park while he took their mom to the doctor.

Charlotte, 5: Nana, can you drive Daddy’s car?

Me: Sure, most cars operate pretty much the same.

Charlotte: No, Nana, I mean, are you sure you can CLIMB IN to Daddy’s car? ***

8-year-old: What’s in this package?

Me: I ordered the book “What Do Illustrators Do?” I thought you may like it, in case you want to be an illustrator when you grow up. 8-year-old: I already AM an illustrator. I stand corrected. (inner-

childfun.com) ***

When our grandson was about 4 (he’s now 14), when he woke up, he’d stand up and spread his arms out wide saying, “It’s a new day and Gaaawd is everywhere!!” ***

Overheard from the living room one day: 4-year-old (piling stuffed animals on the couch):

Jenkins, Joan 84 Forsyth Snapp-Bearden Forsyth Chapel Morris, Lisa Marie 55 Reeds Spring Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory

Oddi, Joan Maria 82 Branson Cremations of the Ozarks Sisk, Wade Gayle 76 Reeds Spring Cremations of the Ozarks

ty of parking are in the lower parking lot, just look for the Roman soldiers on horseback! “It’s really a unique chance to open your heart and eyes while experiencing some of the sensations that Jesus went through” said Gina Brandt, music director

Come on, kids! It’s time to go to IKEA. Vrrooom… Vrrrroooommm! (innerchildfun.com) ***

Jeremiah: “I’m first, Samuel!”

Samuel: “No, the last are first, and the first are last! My brain remembered that.”

–Twins, Jeremiah and Samuel, age 4 ***

“You know it was a good

at Faith Lutheran Church.

There is no charge for the breakfast, sensory tours, or Easter egg hunt. Due to a limited number of tours, and the overwhelming success from last year, be sure and register early for this amazing Journey to

day if you didn’t hit or bite anyone.” –Nathaniel, age 4 ***

“What if the police lied and turned on the siren, but he was just going to get a taco for lunch?” –Jonah, age 8 (boredpanda.com) ***

Izzy wanted a snack. I gave her a spoonful of strawberry yogurt. She stood there for a second and said “No. It tastes like dog

the Cross event at https:// faithbranson.org , or call 417-334-2469 for additional information. Check out https://www.facebook. com/faithlutheranbranson page for video. We hope to see you and your family there!

puppy treats!” I don’t know how many times she’s tasted dog treats! –Izzy, age 3 ***

“It was fun being famous on my birthday.” –Ashlyn, age 6 (boredpanda.com) ***

“I better go to bed now. I have a dream locked up in my heart that I need to let out.” –Greta, age 4 (boredpanda.com)

Army Corps of Engineers plans prescribed burns on public lands near Table Rock

Submitted to Branson Globe

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began conducting prescribed burns on public lands surrounding Table

Rock Lake on March 5, and will continue conducting prescribed burns until April 17, 2024. Locations scheduled for

potential burning are Moonshine Beach Recreation Area, Aunts Creek Campground, and locations near the Cow Creek Wildlife

Weekend Weather

Management Area. Prescribed burns will be conducted when weather conditions are favorable and will include recreation ar-

dweather@bransonwx.com

eas, campgrounds and glade restoration for wildlife habitat purposes.

Moonshine Beach boat ramp, Table Rock Lake Peninsula, Aunts Creek Campground and Cow Creek WMA will be closed the day before, during and the day after the prescribed burn occurs. Area closed signs will be stationed at the entrance of these locations.

Prescribed burns improve

timber health, wildlife habitat and are one of the most effective tools we have in preventing wildfires.

For more information, contact the Table Rock Lake Project Office at 501-340-1950.

Recreation information can be found on the Internet at www.swl.usace.army.mil, on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/littlerockusace and on X (Twitter) at www. twitter.com/usacelittlerock.

BY JOSHUA HESTON StateoftheOzarks Media & Design

Writing is a funny thing.” I’ve been thinking that to myself all week while working on Writers Artists Night 2024. StateoftheOzarks’ longest-running event, Writers Artists Night curates writ-

Been thinkin’ about...Perfect punctuation

ers from across the Ozarks, then pairs their works with regional artists. The artists have two months to create pieces inspired in some way by the written word. Writers and artists then come together — often meeting each other for the first time — to share their works to the gathered public. This year’s Writers Artists Night will take place at 6 p.m., Saturday, August 10, at Vintage Paris Coffee Shop (just west of Hollister, Missouri, at the Highway 165 Scenic Overlook). Yes, you may submit your work online at StateoftheOzarks.net and

also sign up as an artist.

As a public writer, I’ve had individuals happy to correct my work, unsolicited. I’ve had plenty of cheap advice. I have also had individuals afraid to write or text me because “I was a real writer” and allegedly they were not.

Over the last 16 years or so, I’ve also trained journalism major and English major interns. Almost without fail at our first meetings, each have expressed fear about me judging them, grading their punctuation, their sentence structure, in short, their grammar. “Sometimes I get things wrong,” they say,

awaiting my response with some trepidation.

“Just don’t worry about that.” Trepidation turns to surprise. Apparently, I’m supposed to be a grammar Nazi. “You got in trouble for punctuation and that sort of thing in school,” I continue. “I don’t care. All you need is a good editor. What I need isn’t perfect punctuation. What I need instead? Good ideas.”

Even before the cursed promise of AI content, we as would-be writers had already been threatened and frightened into not taking chances. The result? Work that reads more like bad encyclopedia

entries than real stories. To anyone wanting to write but holding themselves back, what would I say? “Don’t write clinically, don’t write fearfully. Don’t make soulless work, for God’s sake! Don’t be afraid to breathe, to try, to fail, to fall, and sometimes soar.” Writing, once unleashed from our old, pent-up fears and anxieties, is powerful, life-changing, soul-changing.

I lie in the heat of the hot yoga room, relieved to have returned. I do my best thinking in this space. Branson’s Kom Hot Yoga was, accidentally, instrumental in the

creation of my first novel, “Plague Child’s Doctor.” Perhaps the mind wanders just to get away from the heat, I don’t know, but I mentally compose well here. Soullessness can give you blank facts, can aggregate others’ works in strange ways. Soullessness cannot make you feel, cannot share an otherwise inexpressible moment in time, captured in words like a snapshot. Soullessness will not convey the slushy hiss of a big blue 1965 Bonneville’s tires in a springtime snow beneath an overcast

BY GARY J. GROMAN a.k.a. The Ole Seagull

CROB 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 Co. Account Rep. (530) 739-5560 pattyd.ads@gmail.com

MARK FEDER

Taney Co. Account Rep. (805) 320-3746 shotgunart@yahoo.com

JOHN FULLERTON

Area Historian

TIFFANY GRAVETT Staff Writer tiffanykgravett@gmail.com

KAREN HALFPOP Digital/Production Mgr. 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

The

Branson’s Dodymeister and Branson Legal meet Lady Justice

going to reserve the right to call you as a witness.”

itor 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. The editors may refuse publication of any letter that is libelous, in poor taste, or that endorses a business or product. Letters are subject to editing.

[Last night’s 2024 State of the City report, the positive feeling around city hall, and the direction our city is heading reminded the Ole Seagull of his second most favorite column, written in 2006 when that definitely wasn’t the case.]

The Ole Seagull had a dream in which he was asked to leave the Taney County courtroom where the infamous “Olson Chainsaw Gang” was in the process of being prosecuted by the city of Branson for allegedly sawing a tree down in front of their business over two years ago. A huge 12-foot specter of the city attorney for Branson loomed over the Ole Seagull in the courtroom. With a big grin on its face the specter said, “Question the authority of the Dodymeister and the letters I write will you; you’re out of here because we are

BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS Staff Writer

Itry to keep this column encouraging to Christian believers of a variety of backgrounds, and generally avoid straying too far into the political weeds, but this week I couldn’t help seeing parallels between my Proverbs 31 study of Lamentations and the current political atmosphere.

The book of Lamentations, which most scholars agree was written by the prophet Jeremiah, is a poet-

BY PAT LAMB Columnist

We hear a great deal about children who have learning disabilities. There are children who have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Behavior Disorder, Dyslexia, and recently I heard of an instance where children were being diagnosed with obedience disorder. One has to wonder about the authenticity of many of these diagnoses.

With the wide use of drugs and alcohol during recent years, we have to consider the possibility that many babies have been born

As the dream continued, the Ole Seagull asked, “How can you do that, I wasn’t subpoenaed, I’m not on any witness lists, and I’m missing my nap so that I can observe and report, firsthand what is going on.” He just smiled, snapped his fingers and what looked like three foot munchkin replications of Branson’s Board of Aldermen, led by a shiny, red faced munchkin wearing a mayor pro tem button, came running out from under the city of Branson’s prosecution table. They ran up to me and without any further ado pulled me from the courtroom all the time saying, “Speak out against the Dodymeister and question the letter writing of our city attorney, bad Seagull, bad Seagull, no courtroom for you today.”

As the munchkins threw the Ole Seagull out the door, the mayor pro tem munchkin said, “You don’t get it do you, Seagull, just like Monday night, we, and the Dodymeister, can do whatever we want, anyway we want, to whomever we want, and whenever we

Reflections:

ic lament about the destruction of Jerusalem and Israel’s exile. Not only is the writer grieved by the rubble of the city and the suffering of fellow Israelites, but he also realizes God has brought those things about, just as He said He would if Israel failed to keep His laws. Except for brief interludes when a few godly kings tried to turn things around, Israel repeatedly disobeyed God and eventually paid the price.

Lamentations 2:14 says, “Your prophets have said so many foolish things, false to the core. They did not save you from exile by pointing out your sins. Instead, they painted false pictures, filling you with false hope” (NLT). Many of Israel’s prophets simply said what they thought

want.” As the Ole Seagull lay withering on the floor he said, “Forgive me, I’ll kiss the ring, please just this once do the fair and right thing and let me back in.” There was simultaneous laughter as they slammed the courtroom door.

In dream time, about an hour and a half later, the courtroom doors burst open and someone came out and said, “It’s over; they have been acquitted because the city couldn’t even establish corpus delecti.” Even in a dream, to an Ole Seagull, that’s the Armani, Gucci, and Prada way of saying that the city could not even prove that a crime had been committed. All in the hallway were abuzz that the defendants had been acquitted without even having to present their case and were asking the rhetorical question, “How embarrassing to the city is that?”

All of a sudden, as the doors to the courtroom slowly opened and a 12foot Lady Justice walked through the doors, a hush fell over the crowd. Tears were streaming from under her blindfold as she dragged a three-foot munchkin

Leaders

replica of the Dodymeister through the doors as it repeatedly yelled, “I’m Teflon, nothing sticks to me, and I was hidden. How did you know I was in there?”

Without a word and with a gentle heave, she tossed the Dodymeister into the air as one would do when they were about to hit a ball with a bat. She drew her sword back and, with a mighty full swing, hit the Dodymeister right out of the courthouse with so much force that the general consensus of opinion is that his next public appearance will be as a fireball coming out of one of the tubes in a performance of the fire and light show at Branson Landing.

Next she turned to the 12-foot specter of the city attorney. Everyone present could feel her eyes just staring into his from behind her blindfold and could sense the question she was silently asking of him, “What does the way the city of Branson has handled this case over the last two years have to do with ‘the fair and equal administration of the law, without corruption, avarice, prejudice, or favor’ that I symbolize?”

As he blurted out the words, “Very little - but the Dodymeister wanted it this way,” he shrunk in size down to about six feet, towering above the three-foot munchkin replications of Branson’s Board of Aldermen who came through the door next looking lost and confused. For the first time, Lady Justice spoke as she patted each little munchkin on its head and, pointing to the attorney said, “Don’t fret little ones, just follow him back to Branson, and play your little games by your own rules in your own little sandbox. Just remember that when you come into my house justice rules!”

With that she looked over at the director of planning and development for the City of Branson, the city forester, and the detective, all who had testified for the city of Branson, shook her head sadly, turned, and started back into the courtroom. As she passed the Ole Seagull and entered the courtroom she lifted her blindfold, looked him in the eye, winked, and said, “The city couldn’t pull a rabbit out of the hat after all.”

Wow, what a dream!

must speak truth

the people—or the king— wanted to hear. Prophets who actually conveyed God’s warnings were often ignored or even persecuted.

An example is found in 1 Kings 22, some years after the Israelite kingdom divided, leaving Judah to carry on the Davidic line. King Ahab of Israel asks King Jehoshaphat of Judah for help going to battle against an invader. Jehoshaphat asks if Ahab checked with the prophets, and Ahab says they told him to go for it and expect success. Not convinced, Jehoshaphat asks for a prophet “of the Lord,” to which Ahab replies that he doesn’t like that prophet because he never tells him any good news, only bad. Sure enough, that prophet warns against the campaign, but

they proceed anyway and Ahab is killed. How might things have gone better for Ahab, or for Israel in general, if they had asked for truth, even if it wasn’t pleasant, and heeded God’s message?

The parallels with our nation, particularly during election season, seem pretty clear. The recent State of the Union message sounded, to me and a lot of other people commenting, like an attempt to make things seem a LOT better than they are. It was hard to listen to how wonderful the economy is when grocery prices have doubled since 2020. Or a vow to restore Roe v. Wade as the standard for law, as if we should feel good about slaughtering the unborn. Or being told “we built back better,” while

mental health issues skyrocket. The list goes on. Reading that Scripture passage the morning after SOTU seemed more than coincidental. Do we want leaders who avoid truth and gloss over defiance of God’s Word? What if, instead, our leaders prayerfully sought His guidance? I’m not talking about promoting a specific denomination, but rather a return to Judeo-Christian principles on which this nation was clearly founded. I’m truly thankful for the elected officials we do have who use the Bible as their guide, and I pray this election cycle brings even more who acknowledge God, admit they’re not Him, and study what He says in His Word about how to achieve a just and prosperous society.

Train Up a Child: Children and learning disabilities

carrying the effects of the usage of these substances by their parents. No doubt, there has been some effect upon the ability of those children to cope with life. On the other hand, one can’t help but wonder if many children are labeled with the terms mentioned simply because those working with the children can come up with no way to deal with the needs the children have. In addition to the effects of substance abuse, children are also affected by nutrition and inherent interests.

I had occasion several years ago to visit a neonatal ward in a hospital that specialized in babies born with problems. It was horrible to watch little babies, so small you could hold them in your hand, shiver and shake with withdrawal symptoms from drugs because their mothers had used drugs while carrying them. When my husband and I worked on the Navajo

reservation, we learned that some parents would put alcohol in the baby bottles on the weekend to put them out while they had a good time. Now, I know of homes where children are constantly with cigarette smoke and they are getting the effects of the secondhand smoke. This affects their health and possibly they have withdrawal symptoms needing “a smoke” during school hours. Research shows that a large percentage of retardation is caused by mothers using alcohol while they were pregnant. There is much evidence to indicate that substances affect a child’s behavior and learning ability.

When I was teaching GED classes, I had a student enroll in my GED class who told me that he drinks two 2-liter bottles of Mountain Dew and smokes two packs of cigarettes each day. He couldn’t understand

why he was having a difficult time sitting in class and concentrating on studying! Although this sounds extreme, it is not an isolated incident. Caffeine is not a good thing for children and too much caffeine and sugar is not good for adults. (Four grams of sugar equals one teaspoon. One large Mountain Dew has about 23 teaspoons of sugar.)

Many adults allow children to drink a great deal of soda with caffeine, give them large amounts of sugar, and do not watch the diets of their children. What a child consumes certainly affects learning and behavior.

When God created us, He didn’t create us with the idea in mind that all were to fit in a mold of behavior expected by the educational personnel in today’s schools. I’m not sure that our ideas of how children are to respond to our teaching are how God intended all children to

respond. Children are born with dominance in three or four intelligences. Children who have the “body” intelligence will naturally find it more difficult to sit quietly and pay attention in school. There is probably no person alive who does not have some difficulty at some time or another in learning something. We have to find ways to work with ourselves to cope with the difficulties we have in order to learn what we need to survive. As parents and teachers, we need to help children learn to cope with their challenges. Unfortunately, labeling a child with a disability name often enables a child to feel excused for lack of accomplishment. Children grow up thinking they can’t do some things and they simply stop trying. We need to use common sense in working with children when they have challenges to learning.

BY EVANGELIST TIM KIDWELL, Branson Church of Christ

Many religious groups are numerically “bursting at the seams” while others dwindle or remain stagnant. Why the difference? Some churches have changed the atmosphere of worship into that of a show. Elaborate light systems are utilized. Concerts are performed by professional singers and bands. “Christian” comedians are

BY HEATHER HAYGOOD Columnist

Iadore my husband. He’s not perfect, but he’s perfectly suited for me. He loves me well, he challenges me, inspires me and overall being with him makes me want to be a better human.

The thing is though, that we are still just that…humans. We get on each other’s nerves. We can be childish, selfish and conduct ourselves in ways that we aren’t particularly proud of. While these moments of discord may last longer than either of us would like, we are both internally navigating laying our egos down so that we can get back to loving. He’s my person and I am his.

Our love story is beautiful, and I appreciate all the seasons. The truth is that none of these seasons are private. Our children are watching. If you have intuitive children as we do, even when you try to hide, you will inevitably hear someone say, “Mama is everything ok with you and Dad?” This is a solemn reminder and a testament to the atmo -

What must the church do to be effective in the future?

invited to speak. Preaching is assisted/replaced by dramatic productions. Sometimes prizes are awarded to lucky members. Coffee and doughnuts are served. Children are separated from the regular assembly to worship/be entertained so that the adults may “worship” God without distraction or disruption.

Their buildings are full. People are being converted. But to what are they being converted? Will this emotional, entertaining religion sustain them during periods of trial? Is this “worship” pleasing to God (Jo. 4:23-24)?

Some argue: “Times are changing, therefore in order for the church to be relevant it must change also.” This

may be true in the business world, but the church is not a business. It is God’s family. Concerning change God said, “I change not” (Mal. 3:6). The writer of the book of Hebrews affirms this truth; “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8).

What does God allow man to change concerning His word? God in the Old Testament said, “You shall not add to the word which I commanded you, nor take from it” (Deu. 4:2). God in the New Testament says, “Do not add or take away from My words” (Rev. 22:18-19). What has changed concerning God’s command to obey His instructions? Nothing!

The first century church was the fastest growing religious organization in the world. What were they doing to achieve such rapid growth? On the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) Peter preached a sermon that emotionally moved the hearers in a desire to obey God (Acts 2:37). What type of “feel good, win friends and influence people” lesson had Peter presented? Peter had proclaimed, “You murdered the son of God” (Acts 2:36). And on that day about 3,000 souls became Christians (Acts 2:33-41). Within a short period of time the number of Christian men grew to 5,000. What was the motivation? The message of Christ crucified (Acts 3:1415). It was not long before

Love and parenting: How you treat each other matters

sphere he and I create together when we are in harmony. Our family is our children’s proving ground and where they will learn about love, respect, communication and forgiveness. Dominic and I both want to fill their relationship toolboxes with useful tools. Our children are watching us live and what we ARE, shouts louder than anything we say. -Wilfred A. Peterson I’m not worried about my children seeing my character flaws. What worries me is the possibility of them never seeing me overcome my flaws. When I honor my husband, my daughters learn that taking care of your man is important and my sons learn that they should be with a woman who treats them with honor. When my husband loves me, my daughters learn that they should be cherished by their husbands and my sons learn to conduct themselves with honor. When we

apologize to each other or to them, they learn that loving is more important than one-upping. This topic isn’t something profound, but most of us need to be reminded that little eyes are looking at us to learn how to live. Parents are teaching their children value with the way they are living their lives. Whether we like it or not our children will more than likely become what we do, not what we say. The same is true of divorced parents. I know that some situations are very difficult. When I think of my own childhood, I remember how abusive my father was to my stepmom. I did not need anyone to sugar coat what happened to make me feel good. Truth matters. However, in most circumstances, speaking ill of your child’s other parent hurts them. Navigating divorce is confusing especially to children. It is worth seeking counsel to help traverse the

difficulties for the sake of your child.

Have you already made mistakes? So have I! Let our children watch us learn from our mistakes. When they think of Dominic and I, I hope they remember that we were in love. I hope they remember that we challenged each other, sometimes annoyed each other, and maybe that we were childish…but mostly that we chose to love over being right, forgiveness over annoyance and joy over discord.

If you have been enjoying my articles, please visit hshaygood.com and click The Love Journey tab to order your copy of my new book and sign up for my inspirational emails. I keep emails fresh and different from my weekly Globe articles. “Love is a journey not a destination.”

proclaimers of God’s word were arrested (Acts 5:28) and plots to persecute and kill Christians began (Acts 5:33; Acts 8:3). But the number of Christians continued to multiply (Acts 6:1 & 7; Acts 8:6). What would provide people with the courage and determination to obey a teaching that would cause them physical suffering and even death? Lights? Performances? Entertainment? Only the gospel of Christ had the power to give such strength (Rom. 1:16).

The apostle Paul told the young evangelist Timothy; “I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:

Remembrance

BY HAVLIN

Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (2 Tim. 4:1-4).

So, what must the church do today and in the future in order to attract the lost? The same thing the first century brethren did. What did they do? Preached God’s word! The power to save is only available through the proclaiming of the gospel (1 Cor. 1:18-21).

Our lives are blessed with those we love And those we meet from day to day. Friends that come and then must go Moving on along their way.

And though we feel great sadness

When friendships must pass through. The happiness they brought Will be long remembered, too.

Pileated Woodpecker

BY DON HOLLAND

The Pileated Woodpecker, Stabs at suet in the feeder, Looking savage and comical, Glaring at the petite titmice

Who retreat to a nearby branch.

A flight of Finch is diverted, To the denuded Redbud tree. Awaiting a place at the feast, The Starlings swoop in, then recoil.

The Woodpecker savors his meal, Playing peek-a-boo and keep-away.

The feeder pole shakes and vibrates

Spilling seed and flecks of suet. Satiated and roundly fed, He flies away in garish hues, Dappled gray, black and vibrant. Red.

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

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

Iasked my high school baseball coach what we needed to do to win, and he said, “We need more Eddies!” Our baseball team consisted of Eddie, who was amazing, two above-aver-

BY HEATHER TANKERSLEY, REALTOR®, provides services for residential, commercial, land and lake properties in the Branson Tri-Lakes area.

No matter how you slice it, buying or selling a home is a big decision. And when you’re going through any change in your life and you need some guidance, what do you do? You get advice from people who know what they’re talking about.

Moving is no exception. You need insights from the

Dave Says...Well-meaning, but misguided

Dear Dave, Our son will be graduating from high school in May and then heading off to college in August. He will also be working during the summer to save up money for school. When classes begin, do you think he should continue working a part-time job, or would it be better for him to focus solely on his studies?

-Brenda

Dear Brenda, There’s really nothing wrong with either approach, especially during a kid’s first semester in college. As a parent, though, I’d urge you not to fall into the trap of thinking his grades will go down if he holds a job while in school. Research actually shows that, on average, kids who work while in college carry higher grade point averages than

those who don’t.

The reasons for this differ, depending on who you ask, but I think a lot of it has to do with them having to learn to manage their time—and their lives—more effectively. Lots of kids could pay their way through school, and not have to worry about student loans, if they just used some of the time they spend watching television and on social activities at a job.

We never required our kids to work during the school year, but they were self-starters. And when they came home for the summer, there was no such thing as just lying around the house all day. They had jobs, and they made money. Of course, some of it went toward having a little fun during their time off. But we made sure they set some aside for the next school

year, too. Long story short, the philosophy of not wanting kids at college to work so they can spend all their time studying is well-meaning, but misguided. For the most part, kids who work while they’re in school will make better grades and develop into more mature and well-rounded individuals.

I hope this helps, Brenda! —Dave

Stock Market Insights: The lopsided S&P 500 – Magnificent 7 vs. the rest

age guys, and the rest of us, who wouldn’t make the team at many other schools.

Coach was right; our baseball skills were lopsided, Eddie and then the rest of us. That is a perfect picture of the lopsided S&P500 these days.

This year’s most popular investment discussion so far has been about the S&P 500’s Magnificent 7, which consists of Apple, Microsoft, Google, Tesla, Nvidia, Amazon, and Meta. Often, investors speak of the S&P 500 as “the market.” If the index is that important, what about the other 493 stocks?

These Magnificent 7 stocks gained 70% in 2023,

while the remaining 493 stocks in the index were only up 6%. These are pretty lopsided returns for an index that’s supposed to represent such a broad part of the stock market. Should we be concerned?

Market strategists often discuss the benefits of a balanced market where the majority of the market concentration isn’t focused on a handful of companies. The reason is that when so few stocks (like these seven were last year) are responsible for up to two-thirds of the S&P 500’s performance, it could leave the market susceptible to a strong pullback if the few “big guys” stumble.

The S&P 500 going up is usually good news, but when just a few horses are leading, it could be masking some weakness with the rest of the index; but I don’t think it is this time. This isn’t the first time the Standard and Poor’s index has been lopsided. In the 1980s, IBM, Exxon and General Electric dominated and the index made it through just fine, and it will again this year.

On the positive side, many believe the remaining 493 could start to catch up this year, showing another gear for the market. For one, they are of better value. Looking at the price-to-earnings ratios (the lower the P/E ratio

is, the better the value), the 493 as a whole has a P/E ratio of just 19, whereas the Magnificent 7 has a P/E of about 50. Secondly, since the 493 are smaller in size, they will benefit more from the falling dollar and lower interest rates and have more room to run than the big 7.

While I anticipate the Magnificent 7 will continue its strong performance this year, I also see potential opportunities in sectors that faced challenges last year, such as industrials, materials and transportation. These sectors, which struggled in the past, could present intriguing prospects for investors and market strategists.

Why you want an agent’s advice for your move

pros to help you feel confident in your decision. Freddie Mac explains it like this:

“As you set out to find the right home for your family, be sure to select experienced, trusted professionals who will help you make informed decisions and avoid pitfalls.”

And while perfect advice isn’t possible – not even from the experts, what you can get is the very best advice out there.

The Power of Expert Advice

For example, let’s say you need an attorney. You start off by finding an expert in the type of law required for your case. Once you do, they won’t immediately tell you how the case is going to end, or how the judge or jury will rule. But what a good attorney can do is walk

you through the most effective strategies based on their experience and help you put a plan together. They’ll even use their knowledge to adjust that plan as new information becomes available.

The job of a real estate agent is similar. Just like you can’t find a lawyer to give you perfect advice, you won’t find a real estate professional who can either. That’s because it’s impossible to know everything that’s going to happen throughout your transaction. Their role is to give you the best advice they can.

To do that, an agent will draw on their experience, industry knowledge, and market data. They know the latest trends, the ins and outs of the homebuying and selling processes, and what’s

It wasn’t that long ago that a person could just invest in an S&P 500 index fund and have good diversification. These days, with the index’s lopsidedness, investors need to add specific small-caps and emerging market positions to broaden their exposure to the whole market.

Eddie went on to get drafted by the Chicago Cubs, and the rest of us, who never played baseball again, became professionals at other things. I’m hoping the 493 other companies hit their stride this year and start playing at the Magnificent 7 level. Have a blessed week!

www.FerventWM.com

working for other people in the same situation as you. With that expertise, a real estate advisor can anticipate what could happen next and work with you to put together a solid plan. Then, they’ll guide you through the process, helping you make decisions along the

way. That’s the very definition of getting the best – not perfect – advice. And that’s the power of working with a real estate advisor.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking to buy or sell a home, you want an expert on your side to help you every step of the way.

Let’s connect so you have advice you can count on. It’s Your Move! Getting you where you need, is my promise to you.

Heather Tankersley REALTOR®, ABR®

Keller Williams TriLakes D: 417.332.5130 O:417.336.4999

• BEEN THINKIN’

Continued from page 1B

afternoon world turned pink from an unseen sunset, baby on the way. Mechanical writing will never light a dark-paneled, cheap wood past, not like the warm incandescence of a memory, a hand-me-down green couch, of moments remembered but never spoken, the indiscretion of youth.

The hurts, the pains, the joys, the beautiful, terrible, sad and melodious music of this something strange called life, a thing that is always here, but always, instantly, agonizingly lost in the past. Yes, writing is a funny thing. It is time to take the chances you owe your own soul — and write! Leave the punctuation to me. We can talk about it later over coffee. You may submit your work on StateoftheOzarks.net from now until Memorial Day for entry into Writers Artists Night.

BY JODY JOHNSON GODFREY Wellness Design Specialist

In the last twenty years, or so, there has been an upsurge of “freaky disorder/ dysfunction eruptions” that have been termed “diseases.” I have a few theories and the “how’s and whys,” but that will be the result of a research project that will culminate into a book if I’m ever afforded the luxury of retirement.

Addison’s is one of these peculiar anomalies and it is truly a strange one. How, on earth, is it possible for our bodies to cease the production of cortisol, which is crucial to life? What would cause this to occur and how do we fix it or change the outcome for the patient who is diagnosed with this bad boy? This is a condition which is often “mis” or “un” diagnosed simply because it defies logic and simply doesn’t resonate easily whether one is a professional in the medical field or just a layman (non-medical individual).

The symptoms are varied and unseemly, so, here goes. We will start with a working definition of Addison’s Disease. The adrenal glands (also known as the suprarenal glands) are a vital part of the Endocrine System. The adrenal glands play a significant role in the body’s fight or flight response. They produce stress hormones that activate physiological enactments or adaptations necessary to fight external environmental changes.

What is Addison’s Disease, actually? It is adrenocortical insufficiency as defined when 90 percent

Addison’s Disease

of the cortices are either dysfunctional or destroyed.

Thomas Addison (not to be confused with Thomas Edison…) first described the clinical presentation of this disease/disorder in 1855 in his classic paper: “On the Constitutional and Local Effects of Diseases of the Supra-Renal Capsules.”

Signs/symptoms of Addison’s:

Hyperpigmentation (you look like you have been tanning, but with more of an orange hue…)

Vitiligo (white patches sporadically scattered over the body)

• Weakness

• Fatigue

Poor appetite (you fill up after just a few bites…)

• Weight loss

Nausea

Vomiting

• Occasional diarrhea

Dizziness with orthostasis

Myalgias with flaccid muscle paralysis

• Joint pain

Exaggerated sense of smell, taste and hearing Impotence for males

• Absence of menstrual cycles for females

Acute Addison’s symptoms would be pronounced nausea with projectile vomiting and vascular collapse, can be shocky, confused and cyanotic. Abdominal symptoms may take on features of a distended abdomen and patient may have hyperpyrexia with body temperatures reaching 105 degrees or more and can become comatose. These symptoms can be categorized as being in “Adrenal Crisis.” In acute adrenal hemorrhage the patient is usually in an acute care setting and deteriorating with sudden collapse, abdominal/flank pain and nausea with or without hyperpyrexia.

How do we diagnose Addison’s?

• Comprehensive metabolic panel

Complete CBC

• Check thyroid stimulating hormones

• Thyroid and/or adrenal auto-antibodies may need to be checked

• Prolactin testing: Modest hyperprolactinemia has been reported in Addison’s and also in secondary adrenocortical Insufficiency.

Needed imaging studies would be a chest radiograph along with a complete CT (full body) scan. Prognosis and management of Addison’s Disease

If the cortisol in your blood is low or you have many of the other symptoms connected to Addison’s (another of which is blurred vision in the mornings and evenings, I learned this while in conversation with an Addison’s sufferer), it is advisable that you have a Synacthen Stimulation Test which can confirm the diagnosis (also called an ACTH Stimulation Test). If you have Addison’s, after the injection of the “manmade” ACTH, your body will have little or no increase in the cortisol levels. It is possible that this test may not be accurate for people who have had secondary adrenal insufficiency for a very short time as their adrenal glands haven’t shrunk and can still respond (adequately) to the ACTH.

Your doctor may do an Insulin Tolerance Test if he/she wasn’t 100% satisfied with the ACTH results. This would happen if the doctor suspected a problem in the pituitary. A healthcare official would give you a shot of insulin, which lowers your blood sugar.

The dose is high enough to cause hypoglycemia, which is the result of your blood sugar dropping too low. The hypoglycemia causes stress which triggers the pituitary to make more ACTH. Your blood will be drawn “pre and post” testing and on the half hours for the next couple of hours. If your cortisol levels are too low, this means your pituitary isn’t working by making enough ACTH (meaning your adrenals aren’t producing enough cortisol).

Another testing option is the Insulin Tolerance Test. This can be risky and generally dangerous for people with known heart disease, seizure disorders and various other illnesses. The healthcare professional must remain present to make certain that blood glucose levels don’t drop too low.

The CRH Stimulation Test is another option to a lot Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency if the ACTH results weren’t clear.

There can be multiple causes of adrenal insufficiency. A blood test can find antibodies that are present in Addison’s Disease. Antibodies are proteins made by your immune system to protect your body from bacteria or viruses. In Autoimmune Addison’s Disease, the antibodies mistakenly attack the adrenal glands. Also, a CT scan can be done on the abdomen and can detect changes in your adrenal glands. In Autoimmune Addison’s, the glands are small or normal size without viable abnormalities. Corticosteroid medicine is

Hyperpigmentation, as seen in a woman with Addison’s Disease (Shutterstock)

used to replace the hormone “cortisol” and “aldosterone” that the body no longer produces. It is usually taken in a tablet form two or three times a day. Hydrocortisone is usually in a tablet taken two or three times a day to replace the cortisol. If you are under any emotional or physical stress (even the onset of a simple cold or sinus infection), then it becomes necessary to triple your regular dosage each day. This cannot be neglected or you wind up in Adrenal Crisis which is life threatening.

It is imperative that all Addison’s patients wear an “alert bracelet” as if you fall into adrenal crisis, the paramedics don’t waste precious time trying to figure out what is wrong, since Addison’s is fairly rare.

Symptoms of adrenal crisis include but may not be limited to:

• Abdominal or flank pain Confusion or hallucinations

• Dehydration

Dizziness

• Severe weakness; lethargy

• Loss of appetite, nausea and projectile vomiting

• High fever The cause of adrenal crisis is Addison’s Disease (again I want to research this as I believe system failure can cause this but I want to go beyond and learn what triggers “system failures” as this is the key to cure!) It can also be due to the pituitary gland where it can’t release ACTH, untreated Addison’s disease, sudden interruption of cortisol intake or not enough cortisol consumption, dehydration or infection. All the above can trigger adrenal crisis, which is life threatening.

Branson School District opens 2024-25 kindergarten registration

Branson Public Schools kindergarten registration is now open for the 2024-2025 school year. To be considered for placement, children must reside within the boundaries of Branson School District, turn five years old on or before July 31, 2024, and complete a free developmental screening through the Branson Parents as Teachers program.

Screenings will be held at Buchanan Elementary on March 25 and 26 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., and at Cedar Ridge Primary on March 27 and 28 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Families should bring proof of residency, proof of age, immunization records, and the parent or legal guardian’s ID to the screening. If you are unable to attend a screening on the dates offered, please call the building your student will attend to make an appointment.

To sign up for a kindergarten screening and for more information please visit our district website at www.branson. k12.mo.us.

Branson Schools celebrate School Social Worker

Week, March 4 - 8

The Social Work team shows our school families immense care throughout the year. They see a need and meet it, which directly impacts student success. “In the tapestry of education, school social workers are the threads of compassion, weaving empathy, support and understanding into the fabric of students’ lives.

National School Social Work Week is a canvas to celebrate their profound impact – a masterpiece of care, advocacy and transformative influence,” said Dr. Terriyln Rivers-Cannon, Board President for the School Social Work Association of America. Branson Public Schools is thankful for the servant hearts in our Social Work Department. Martin named Assistant Principal at Cedar Ridge Elementary Cedar Ridge Elementary will gain a new assistant principal for the 2024-2025 school year.

Stephanie Martin has been named the new Assistant Principal for Cedar Ridge Elementary. Martin replaces Kendra Scott, who has accepted a position with the Ozark School District. Martin

has been with the district since 2018 and currently serves Cedar Ridge Elementary as a special education teacher and team lead.

Martin received both her undergraduate and master’s degree from Ashford University, and a specialist degree in educational leadership from Northwest Missouri State University. In 2023, Martin received the McDonald’s Educator of the Year award for the Southwest Missouri region.

“I am truly honored to join the Cedar Ridge Elementary administrative team. I am committed to cultivating a positive and equitable school environment for all students and staff. I am dedicated to meaningful collaboration with our team of educators and supportive families to provide engaging and memorable learning experiences for our students,” says Martin. Martin will begin her new duties July 1, 2024.

C of O guest artist recital features award-winning clarinetist

On Thursday, March 21, guest clarinet artist Thiago Ancelmo will perform in the Newman Recital Hall, located in Gittinger Music Center at College of the Ozarks, at 7:30 p.m. as part of the College of the Ozarks Guest Artist Series.

The concert is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“I am thrilled to collaborate with Thiago Ancelmo,” Associate Professor of Music, Dr. Luke Carlson said. “His concert will feature solo works for clarinet and electronics including the premiere of Render, a new work that I composed for him. The piece utilizes live electronic processing of the clarinet and explores a variety of electronic colors and musical soundscapes. I intentionally want each listener to form their own perspective through the listening experience.”

C of O to display ‘We Are Together’ exhibition, March 19 - April 23

College of the Ozarks will be displaying the “We Are Together” exhibition, which will be showcased in the Boger Art Gallery on the first floor of the Jones Learning Center.

The gallery will be open to the public, Mar. 19 – Apr. 23, Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Guests from the community are invited to attend this event, and no tickets will be required upon entry.

The “We Are Together” exhibit is comprised of two parts.

The first part is an invitational exhibition titled “We Are Together: Icons of Hope.” This will feature the work of prominent Christian artists. The art pieces will first be exhibited in the Boger Art Gallery and then sent to Ukraine to be exhibited in the city of Lviv. There, they will be sold to raise money for

a benevolence fund for the artist community in Lviv, Ukraine.

The second part of the exhibition is titled “Called to Serve: We Are Together.” This exhibit will feature artwork completed by students, staff, or faculty members. These art pieces are meant to showcase community support for suffering brothers and sisters in Ukraine and will be shown just outside the Boger Art Gallery. Selected community pieces will be sent to Lviv, Ukraine for display in the Lviv National Academy of Arts, alongside the professional works from the Icons of Hope exhibit.

Hollister School District educators nominated for National LifeChanger of the Year Award

Alisha Favazza have been nominated for National Life Group’s 2023-24 LifeChanger of the Year award. Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, LifeChanger of the Year recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 educators and school district employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.

“Dr. Wilson has had to make many hard decisions throughout his career; however, he has always kept students in the forefront,” said District Principal, Vickie Daniels. Favazza was nominated by an anonymous colleague. She has revamped an entire program with special education students to help them reach new levels of achievement and allowed them to learn real-world lessons outside the classroom.

“Alisha’s commitment to seeing the kids go beyond the classroom and learn valuable skills extends well into the summer with her personal finance class,” said the nominator.

To view Dr. Brian Wilson and Alisha Favazza’s LifeChanger of the Year nominee profiles, or to nominate someone from your school community, visit www. LifeChangeroftheYear.com.

Hollister School recognizes Jon Sullivan

The Hollister R-V School District presented Jon Sullivan of Johnstone Supply 80 with its March Community Spotlight Award at the recent board of education meeting for his support over the last few years of Hollister families during the holiday season. Superintendent Dr. Brian Wilson presented the award on behalf of the district.

Branson School District QR codes for Chalk Talk, social media

Chalk Talk Facebook

Sullivan with BOE member Renae Daniels (Photo submitted)

Martin (Photo submitted)

Dr. Wilson shared that Mr. Sullivan is like someone with a bright candle in his hand and as he lights other people’s candles, his candle doesn’t go dim, other people’s candles just glow brighter. “Over the past three years during our holiday assistance program, Mr. Sullivan has provided Christmas presents for over 80 Hollister students,” Wilson said. “And by doing so, he has made many little kids’ candles grow brighter on Christmas morning.

Hollister singers qualify for State

Two Hollister High School students will be singing at the state level on April 27. Julia

Gardner-Pickens and Lucy Stillman each received an Exemplary rating for their solo performance at the District Solo and Ensemble Contest, qualifying them to compete in the State Solo and Ensemble Contest.

Holllister’s March teacher of the month

The Hollister R-V School District recognized Mrs. Holly Neal at the March board of education meeting as the teacher of the month.

Mr. Mark Waugh, PreK5 Principal, presented the award on behalf of the district.

Mr. Waugh shared that when we think about an individual helping the district, that is Mrs. Neal. “I could go on and on about all the ways in which Mrs. Neal helps the district, from Techbrarian to Esports,” he said. “We are grateful for all she does.”

Hollister recognizes March students of the month

The Hollister R-V School District recognized four students at the March board of education meeting as students of the month for March. Students recognized were:

Hollister Early Childhood Center: Kylie Gibbins (Kindergarten)

Hollister Elementary School: Ireland Hamil (Fourth Grade)

Hollister Middle School: Sofia Ortega (Sixth Grade)

Hollister High School: Kingsley

Tiefry-Morlang (Twelfth Grade)

Registration is now open for Hollister’s summer school fun

The Hollister R-V School District is looking ahead to Summer School Fun which is scheduled to be held from May 29 through June 25 and is excited to announce that enrollment is now open. School will begin at 7:50 a.m. and dismiss at 2:30 p.m. each day. There will be free transportation, breakfast and lunch. Tiger Academy summer enrollment is open as well. You do not have to live in the Hollister School District to attend summer school.

Students can enroll online for summer school fun, free transportation, free meals, fabulous fun, unforgettable experiences and nutritious breakfast and lunch at https://www. hollister.k12.mo.us/58510_1.

Donkey basketball game at Reeds Spring Schools

This is not an April Fools’ Day joke. On Monday, April 1, Reeds Spring Schools will host a donkey basketball game at the high school. Teams of students, parents, staff and community members will take part. District administrators will clean up the messes on the court!

The game begins at 6:30 p.m. in the high school gym. Tickets cost $7 in advance or $10 at the door. You can purchase tickets at Reeds Spring Primary School.

Reeds Spring High School to host Winter Guard Competition

On Saturday, March 23, Reeds Spring High School will host a Winter Guard competition. Winter Guard is like the color guards you see perform with marching bands, except it is held indoors. Thirty-one groups from Missouri and Arkansas will show off their skills with flags,

rifles, dance and interpretive movements.

In addition to the color guards, there will also be Indoor Percussion and Indoor Winds performances. The festival will begin at 10 a.m. and awards will be announced around 3:45 p.m. Admission is $9. Anyone under 5 gets in free.

Reeds Spring Robotics teams qualify for World Championship

Nine teams of students from Reeds Spring Schools competed in the VEX IQ Robotics State Tournament. VEX IQ helps young people build lifelong skills in innovation, teamwork, time management and problem-solving.

The Reeds Spring students who participated in the State Tournament range in age from fourth grade to eighth grade. Students build their robots and first compete in regional competitions. At the state tournament, teams are judged on teamwork, driver and autonomous skills, interviewing, and their team journal is evaluated.

Three Reeds Spring teams earned the right to compete against the world’s finest at the VEX IQ World’s Tournament in Dallas in May. All of the qualifiers are part of the Reeds Spring C4 Program (gifted education), coached and taught by Mrs. Robin Verheyen. Several more teams are part of an afterschool club coached by Mr. Keith Kramer.

Teams include:

• Nate Waters, Gracie Colon, Jameso Staugaard, and Nathan Dysart (Sixth Grade)– Qualified for Worlds

• Jax Ratliff, Zoey Viola, Edie Jones, and Adi Pate (Fifth Grade) – Qualified for Worlds

• Abri Climer, Wren Stever, Elliott Linegar, and Madden McFarland (Fifth Grade) – Qualified for Worlds

• Baya Clifford and Pearce Birlew (Middle School) –Won the Innovate Award

JonBailee Vandine, Kaan Sahin, Kaiden Toolen, and Lucas Welton (Fifth and Sixth Grade) – Won the Energy Award

• Alexis Lanham, Ava Schneider Behn, Jessie Cloud, Katiri Gray, and Kiersten Kincaid (Fourth-Fifth Grade)– Won the Judges Award

• Ethan McKinney, Hailey Barber, Taylor Lanham, and Will Carpenter (Middle School) – May also qualify for Worlds.

Gardner-Pickens, Stillman (Photo submitted)

Neal with BOE member, Jae Jones (Photo submitted)

Left to right: Hamil, Ortega, Gibbins, TiefryMorlang (Photo submitted)

Track star: The heart and soul behind The City’s iconic coasters

Submitted to Branson Globe

Don’t you dare let Rob Eutsler tell you he’s not a good story.

The truth is, he’s a great story. The heart and soul of our maintenance and construction team for more than four decades was a baby-faced boy when he joined our family as a welder at 17. He was working on a water park the company owned in Texas when he got a bit homesick. His boss called Silver Dollar City to see if it needed a welder.

“There was one job that was only for one month helping build the park’s new Echo Hollow Amphitheatre,” he recalls. “I took it! Who would have thought those 30 days would turn into 44 years? Landing a full-time job here was a big deal back then.

It’s also a big deal to reflect on his career that’s spanned four decades and has seen Silver Dollar City “grow up” in front of his eyes.

“We’ve still got that sense of family I felt all those years ago but I’m starting to feel old,” he chuckles. “I’ve outlived some of the rides I helped build. Things like that remind me how long I’ve been here.”

While he’s proud to play a part in past icons like Lost River of the Ozarks and the Wilderness Waterboggan, Fire In The Hole has a special place in his heart. For more than a decade, he was the fix-it guy on a ride that carried more than 25 million guests in its 51 years.

“I can’t lie, it was really sad to see it go,” he smiles. “This new one, though, is going to be something else!”

For Rob, the new $30 million Fire In The Hole represents months of work and countless hours with his crew making sure everything is perfect for guests. The track itself was made by Rocky Mountain Construction, but the rest of the ride was created by Silver Dollar City’s own team.

“Our folks were in there swinging hammers and putting this all together,” he says. “We know that all of our time and headaches will turn into lots of smiles. Building something like this from the ground up and getting through all of the trials and tribulations will be worth it when we see riders enjoy what we’ve made.”

Rob, who doesn’t like to talk about himself, always pushes praise towards his crew.

“I appreciate these guys a bunch—a whole bunch,” he smiles. “They are go-getters

who just keep going until the job gets done. We’ll all be ready for a nice, relaxing break once this ride is opened. We’ve been at it around the clock for so long now.”

Rob says building roller coasters is like a childhood dream, tinkering with a giant-scale erector set.

“When I started working on the rides all those years ago, I never thought I’d see the day that I’d outlast them,” he says with a pause. “I know for certain the new Fire In The Hole will outlast me! But, what a joy to be part of a project generations will enjoy long after I’m gone.”

It’s hard to tie a bow on such a stellar journey. He made his best friends here. He met his bride here—visuals manager Kelly Eutsler—the creative mind behind our festivals. You might say Rob is the quieter one in Silver Dollar City’s “power couple.”

“Kelly keeps me going,” he smiles. “It works because she understands the long hours I pour in here because she works them, too. You don’t mind working hard for a place like this. It truly is family, and I’ve still got work to do!”

Rob always said he’d retire at 62. That’s only two years away.

“I’m not going to be one of those guys who says I’m going to retire and then slacks off during the countdown,” he laughs. “I want to be helpful even on my very last day. And then? Well, then I’m going fishing!”

Silver Dollar City’s track star: Rob Eutsler’s career began with a 30-day temp job, and has lasted 44 years. ABOVE: Rob, today. AT RIGHT: Rob, just a few years ago. (Photos submitted)

Enjoy some nature on the Gateway Trail

BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer

The City of Forsyth and the Forsyth Area Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the opening of the Gateway Trail, a new opportunity in Forsyth to experience the Ozarks up close through hiking and mountain biking. A ribbon cutting and

grand opening were held Saturday, March 9, for the 5.6-mile trail, which starts at 501 Panther St., behind the Forsyth Schools campus and near the Forsyth Boys and Girls Club. Community leaders and outdoors enthusiasts of all ages, including representatives from Howler Bikes, enjoyed the cookout celebration.

The Gateway Trail is intended for mountain bikers and hikers of various skill levels, including green, blue and black levels of difficulty, so it is suitable for families and casual weekend hikers as well as more serious adventurers. The contractors, Rock Solid Trails, have shared photos via their website of different parts of the trail experience, saying it “showcases the natural Ozarks

terrain with a bit of fun.”

Forsyth Mayor Missi Hesketh has been an enthusiastic backer of the trail project and was excited to celebrate its completed status with Saturday’s grand opening. “We are hopeful the Gateway Trail will provide area families with a recreation opportunity close to home, as well as appealing to potential visitors seeking new trails to blaze,” she said.

Caylor Creek boutique opens in downtown Branson

BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer

Visitors and local area residents who enjoy boutique shopping now have a new one to visit in downtown Branson. A grand opening and ribbon cutting were held

Thursday, March 14, for Caylor Creek Clothing & Gifts, located at 128 Veterans Blvd. (Bus. Hwy. 65).

Owners Labeth and Dewayne Warren weren’t really thinking of opening a business when they visited the Ozarks in December, 2023, for a “late honeymoon” to Eureka Springs. While there, they wondered if Branson, which they had heard great things about, might offer more of the atmosphere they were looking for, and decided to visit. Entering town on U.S.

65, they took the business route and landed in downtown Branson. Walking around after enjoying lunch at the Farmhouse, they noticed a “For Rent” sign at a building already set up to accommodate a boutique/ clothing store. At that time, the Warrens owned a successful business in Granbury, TX. “This looks like Caylor Creek,” Labeth said to Dewayne about the building. They also loved the location— handy to great restaurants and snacks, close to Liberty Plaza, with easy access ramps for the uphill side street. They called the owner and, after prayer and conversation, decided they could open a second clothing store in Branson. Only a month later, however,

they learned the building that housed their Granbury business would no longer be available. “God had already gone before us and was making provision,” says Labeth. In January, the Warrens closed their Texas store and made the move to the Ozarks—a complete life change in just two months.

Labeth, who spent 20 years as an educator, says that over her four-and-a half years as a business owner, she has learned that if she takes care of people, God will take care of her. Using that philosophy, her goal is to provide quality men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, gifts and accessories at reasonable prices. “We understand how hard people work

making a living,” she says. “We are appreciative of their support, and we want them to feel good about their purchase.” Toward that end, she plans to offer special appreciation events as the business grows. Discounts are available to teachers and military, and also to widows, based on the Bible’s instruction to honor them.

Along with the boutique selections, Labeth offers custom hat bands for ladies, working with each client to select just the right embellishments for a special occasion, or to update a classic or keepsake. The Warrens also try to be purposeful in selecting merchandise, especially if it supports an organization that helps others. They look

forward to building connections in the community, especially since Dewayne is a retired Air Force veteran. Daughter Anna, who graduates from high school this year, will also be joining them in Branson.

Find Caylor Creek Clothing and Gifts on Facebook or @caylorcreekbranson on Instagram, and stop by

soon to get acquainted. The boutique is presently open 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 days weekly, as they get a feel for the tourism season; check Facebook for updates.

“We are so very thankful already for all of the wonderful people we have met!” said Labeth. “Branson is a very special place!”

The Gateway Trail (Photo courtesy Forsyth Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page)

Beautiful and unique custom hat bands are created by Labeth at Caylor Creek Clothing and Gifts, a new business in Downtown Branson. (Photos submitted)

BY COWBOY JOHN FULLERTON, a native of Taney County, and a member of the Sons of the Pioneers.

It was March 14, 1923, when word got out that Anna Ross, better known as Aunt Mollie, passed away at her home here in Garber at the age of 77. Several from my Mom’s family— her grandparents as well as aunts and uncles—knew Mrs. Ross very well. It was Aunt Pearl’s momma, Libby Fronaberger, who assisted Ross with her daily needs in the final years of her life.

Harold Bell Wright’s bestselling novel “The Shepherd of the Hills” in 1907 changed many lives around here. As the Aunt Mollie character was introduced to readers, it was very rewarding for many to have the chance to meet her and her husband (Old Matt) in those years after the book was released, when the train made its daily stop at Garber enroute to Branson. This couple would take on a celebrity status as book characters, making an effort to visit with all fans, pose for hundreds of photos, agree to interviews from the press, you name it. Through it all, Mr. and Mrs. Ross remained down to earth and were real; never once did they express disgust with the fans/tourists. The fan

Memories from the Homestead: Celebrating a beloved Shepherd of the Hills character, ‘Aunt Mollie’

mail they received was overwhelming, yet they handled it all in a humble manner.

Not a lot is known about Mrs. Ross, especially her beginnings. I’ve been researching her for well over twenty years, but thanks to census records and other documents found at Ancestry, I’ve uncovered a few interesting details.

So check this out: Her marriage to Mr. Ross was her second. She was listed as divorced on the 1880 census, under the name of Anna Willis, living in Goodland, Indiana, as a servant for a family by the name of Burgess. Anna was a native of Garrod County, Kentucky, born in 1846. She lost her mother when she was young and was raised by an uncle. She would later make northwest Indiana her home. Nothing is known about her first marriage or how she arrived in Indiana.

J.K. Ross, a carpenter, a native of Pennsylvania, was working near Goodland in 1880 there in Newton County, Indiana, and was a widower raising a young son, Charles, who was four. J.K. was twenty-eight.

Anna was running a seamstress operation at this time, known for her sewing skills; it was a rather large business. The Burgess family also offered boarding and child care so Mr. Ross and his little boy occasionally would stop in for extended stays. In a short time Anna not only showed an interest in young Charles, but an interest in his father was apparent as well. Their courtship led to

marriage. J.K. and Anna were married on July 1, 1880. They built a home but would soon leave northwest Indiana. It was 1884, Charles was now eight, and the Rosses would move to Springfield, Missouri. J.K. continued as a successful carpenter and building contractor. They rented a large house and opened it up as a hotel. As Charles grew up he expressed interest in more of a rural lifestyle and by the early 1890s, they moved ten miles south of Springfield to a forty acre farm. The year 1893 was extremely difficult, banks we’re closing, a lengthy drought took place, things were uncertain.

Avoiding foreclosure, they sold their 40 acres and came to the Garber community here on the Taney County line. Ross submitted a Homestead Application for 160 acres. A beautiful piece of land with a tall mountain view on the southwest corner, they built a lovely log cabin in 1895 that overlooked Mutton Hollow. Readers of “The Shepherd of the Hills” in 1907 would discover this cabin location as “low gap” since it was situated between two hilltops. The Homestead patent was received in October 1903.

Mr. Ross and his grown son Charles would continue in the carpenter business and run a saw mill on Fall Creek, south of their property. Anna worked hard keeping the garden and tending to all housework. Their well-built cabin was considered fancy; it truly showed J.K.’s skills as a craftsman.

In April 1907, J.K. took the postmaster position at Garber and helped get the town relocated from the banks of Roark at the Fronaberger farm to a new site along the railroad tracks, a short distance from the county line. In late 1910, J.K. and Anna sold their farm and moved permanently to Garber in 1911 as the two-mile commute was too much over a cow trail path. So it was here where J.K. and Anna handled all the visitors in those early times of tourism in our community. Everyone asks about Charles! He was the “Young Matt” character in Wright’s novel. I can tell you that he experienced no celebrity status whatsoever, for he married and moved to California in early 1908.

In the late teens, Anna

began experiencing health issues. She was now in her early seventies, and almost every winter would go through a long battle with pneumonia, and her body continued to weaken. She would agree to only a handful of public photos and did one last professional photo shoot in front of their little frame home in 1919.

It was around 9 a.m. on the morning of March 14, 1923, when Anna would pass away. She was laid to rest at the Evergreen Cemetery. Incidentally, a number of Wright’s characters from “Shepherd” are laid to rest there. J.K. had been sick from complications of pneumonia also, and would never fully recover. He died exactly four months later to the day.

Out here at the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead and

Adventure Park it’s a true honor to help take care of the Ross cabin and conduct frequent tours of the property.

By the way, that will be returning here in April in about a month. I’d love to show it all to you. The cabin still contains many of the Rosses’ personal things, items dating back to the Civil War era.

It’s a great honor to preserve this valuable area history and tell the facts to all who want to know.

For more information, go to Facebook and like the detailed history page on the Garber community. Go to Life In Garber, Missouri 1895-1956. Look through the posts, and you will find the story I did a year ago on the Rosses, compete with a great collection of photography that I’ve had much fun in collecting.

Happy trails, everyone!

New organization welcomes local mothers, grandmothers, holds first meeting

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

A local organization for mothers held their first meeting this week.

Moms for America in Branson is led by Rose Buckles. It is part of a nationwide group of mothers and grandmothers—a national organization that recently celebrated their 20th anniversary.

“It’s wonderful to have strong organizations like Moms for America that have gathered a lot of educational information on national topics and current events that we as moms and grandmas can utilize locally, at home. I believe Moms and Grandmas will be interested in coming to our monthly, one-hour meetings,” Buckles noted.

“You’ll be surprised with all the wonderful information that’s on the website that moms and grandmas can use to share with their children, grandchildren and families,” Buckles continued. “We need to be informed. Taking a few minutes a day, each week, or month, will help us understand what’s going on and what our rights are.”

Buckles invites each mother or grandmother who loves our country, our values, principles and constitution to at-

tend one of the organization’s one-hour meetings, which are both informative and entertaining. For more informa-

tion, visit www.momsofAmerica.s or call Rose Buckles at 417-551-3615.

Said Buckles, “Our children and grandchildren need our help to find the

truth and where to find it. Moms of America support this worthy cause.”

J.K. and Anna Ross pose for a photo at Garber in 1919—a real picture postcard. When they would meet their many fans from Harold Bell Wright’s bestselling novel, “The Shepherd of the Hills,” they were known by their character names of Old Matt and Aunt Mollie. (Photo courtesy of John Fullerton)

Senior Resource event provides valuable information

help keep seniors in the homes they love. And as anyone 65-plus knows, navigating the Medicare scene can be scary; Local Insurance Advisors representatives can help sort out the options.

BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer

Area senior adults recently were invited to learn about valuable resources available to them, while also enjoying some fun and fellowship. The Senior Adult Resource Fair was held on February 28 in Branson, followed by a similar event on March 6 for Stone County.

Many seniors unfortunately find themselves unable to continue living safely and independently with their needs met, but this doesn’t have to happen. State and county agencies and many nonprofits can help, and a recently-formed nonprofit, 4OzarksSeniors, wants to connect senior adults to such assistance.

At the fair, representatives from local fitness

centers reminded attendees that most Medicare Advantage programs, as well as some employee insurance plans, cover the cost of membership. Faith Community Health Center presented information about their income-based health services, including Neighbor’s Pharmacy, an alternative to the high cost of the prescriptions many seniors need. A certified fitter from ALPS Pharmacy presented information on specialized diabetic footwear and how to get insurance coverage for it.

Another relatively new nonprofit, Medical Blessings, helps provide mobility equipment for those who cannot afford it; In-Home Solutions answered questions about home care to

A Health Department representative spoke about the importance of Narcan. Although expensive, the overdose-reversal medicine is recommended for anyone regularly taking certain medications. It is available for free at several locations, including health departments, Faith Community and The Brook Wellness Center.

Safety is another big concern for senior adults. Sheriff’s offices in both Taney and Stone County have information about protecting oneself from physical harm and financial scams, and local fire departments were on hand with smoke detector information and to demonstrate how to use a fire extinguisher. The University of Missouri Extension also addresses safety concerns, through their fall prevention classes.

Some senior adults simply aren’t able to stretch a fixed income to comfortably cover basic needs. Those people can turn to nonprofits like Christian

Action Ministries and Elevate Branson for assistance.

Also, OACAC can help low-income citizens apply for grant-funded housing and utility assistance.

Even for those with adequate income, financial planning helps prevent trouble down the road. Cremations of the Ozarks and Ozarks Elder Law were on hand to discuss planning for final expenses and making sure assets are distributed per one’s wishes.

Since some seniors are not tech-savvy or lack reliable internet access or transportation, friends and caregivers are encouraged to check out the websites and social media pages of all these participating organizations for more details.

• Taney and Stone County fire departments and Sheriff’s departments

• Stone and Taney County Health Departments

• The Brook Wellness Center

• Medical Blessings

• In-Home Solutions

Cremations of the Ozarks Faith Community Health Center

University of Missouri Extension (fall prevention and SNAP assistance)

• Elevate Branson

• Main Street Health

Ozarks Elder Law

• OACAC Ozark YMCA

• Christian Action Ministries

Tanner Rambo of 4OzarkSeniors expressed thanks to all the participants, as well as to Debbie Dance Uhrig,

former culinary instructor at Silver Dollar City, who catered a delicious soup bar for lunch. Rambo said he hopes to plan more such events and continue helping build more connections. Learn more at www.4ozarkseniors.com or at 417-5275580.

County Health Department representatives shared about the importance of Narcan, available for free at several locations in Taney and Stone County. (Photo by Cynthia J. Thomas)

Some of the Branson attendees enjoying a chat over lunch (Photo by Cynthia J. Thomas)

Debbie Dance Uhrig and her helpers welcomed attendees to sample several delicious soups for lunch. (Photo by Cynthia J. Thomas)

The University of Missouri Extension offices coordinate classes about fall prevention and other important senior wellness topics. (Photo by Cynthia J. Thomas)

Tanner Rambo of 4OzarkSeniors coordinated the event and looks forward to helping connect more seniors with the resources they need. (Photo by Cynthia J. Thomas)

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer Sue Desmarais

“We opened the boutique in Hollister in October 2019,” said Desmarais. “We have been in our current location since June 2020. I am the founder. The ministry is under my name, with Roger, my husband, as the vice-president or vice-founder.”

Answers to Prayers is a boutique that provides clothing, personal hygiene items and food to the less fortunate residents in Taney County, at no cost.

“The ministry is currently servicing about 100 clients per month,” said Desmarais. “The clients are able to receive two complete outfits per month, per family. More than 85 percent of

Food distribution is always on an ‘as needed’ basis. We do a food drive-thru every second and fourth Saturday of the month, between 11:00 and 12:00. They must be in line before noontime. In order to receive help from us we need proof of identification and residency. We mainly help residents of Taney County and nearby Omaha, Arkansas. For the Saturday food drives, the residents must have a refrigerator and cooking stove, as the fixings for several meals are given out, along with fresh fruits and veggies. If the clients are homeless or living in a hotel room, they usually do not have a way to store or cook the food provided.”

In addition to clothing, hygiene products and food, Answers to Prayer Boutique provides shoes, household cleaning supplies and various other needed items,

when available.

Some needs are not tangible, but instead spiritual. Said Desmarais, “Some come in to visit with us and share what is happening in their lives, asking for prayer. We try to meet whatever they are needing help with. We are connected with other ministries, so if we cannot help, we can lead them to others that may be able to help.”

The holidays provide even more of an opportunity to help, according to Desmarais, who explained, “In the past we have provided the fixings for Thanksgiving dinners from cooked chickens to pumpkin pies with Cool Whip. Last year we did about 150 area families. For Christmas, we have grown from 57 children in 2019 to over 150 children in 2023. Each child receives two to three gifts, coloring books with crayons, home-

made cookies and milk, along with a picture of their visit with Santa.”

Answers to Prayers Boutique operates in conjunction with Prayer Mountain of the Ozarks.

“Prayer of the Ozarks ministry provides the building that our ministry is located in,” Desmarais explained. “We are a ministry in our own right. Prayer Mountain helps allow us to bless people with items they need, as I do not have to worry about paying rent or the electric bill. We are also the local outreach for individuals who request help from Prayer Mountain of the Ozarks ministry concerning food or clothing.”

Sue shared a little bit of her background, noting,” I am a degreed mechanical engineer with a master’s degree in teaching. I worked as a mechanical engineer for over 20 years before chang-

ing over into the classroom. I taught here in Missouri for 20 years. I taught in public schools for five years, then transferred over to college level teaching. Roger worked as an electronic technician for about 20 years. Here in Missouri, he worked in a machine shop tool setting department, setting the cutting dies. Both Roger and I are now retired from the secular world, working only for our Lord.”

Both Roger and Sue work tirelessly to help those in need through Answers to Prayers. They do so with the help of some special volunteers.

“We have one couple that helps us on a weekly basis inside the boutique, mostly on Fridays,” Desmarais explained. A mother and her teenage daughter do the bi-monthly food drive. When it comes to our major events we have about

10 to 12 individuals that we can count on to help. We have three major events a year—our annual fundraiser dinner/dance, Thanksgiving Outreach and Christmas with the Kids.”

Answers to Prayers Boutique is currently open Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. They are located at 144 First Street in Hollister, and can be reached via phone at 417-543-0840. Their website is www.answerstoprayers.org or you can find them on Facebook at Answers to Prayers Ministry.

“We do not get any state or federal help for our ministry,” Desmarais explained. “We rely on private donations. We buy much of the ‘stuff’ we give away. We never sell anything. If anyone finds it in their hearts to help us, please contact us directly.”

College of the Ozarks students attend Missouri Governor’s Leadership Forum Feb. 16 - 18

Submitted to Branson Globe

Four College of the Ozarks students attended the 39th Annual Missouri Governor’s Student Leadership Forum on Faith and Values, held Feb. 16-18, 2024, in Jefferson City, Missouri. The students who attended were Aubrie Fewin, senior video production major; Jackson Daniels, senior criminal justice major; Josiah Dagerath, senior business management major; and Jada (Wade) Williams, senior family studies and social services major.

The Missouri Governor’s Student Leadership Forum provided a platform for college students statewide to engage in a weekend focused on leadership within academic and prospective career domains. The event

started in 1986 under the leadership of former Missouri Governor and 79th U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft. For over 30 years the conference has distinguished itself through its environment of professionalism and servant leadership.

Governor Mike Parson welcomed students of the Forum with a meet and greet in his office, followed by an inspirational message from Rebecca Welsh, Founder and CEO of HALO, a mission that provides housing, healing and education to atrisk and homeless children. Students ended their time at the Capitol hearing from Missouri State Senator Travis Fitzwater.

Students were accompanied by Rebecca Drury, administrative assistant for

Dr. Sue Head and event planner for The Keeter Center for Character Education office, who traveled with the students as their sponsor. A group met to pray over the attendees before their departure Friday morning.

“The Missouri Governor’s Student Leadership Forum offers college students from around the state a chance to come together for an engaging weekend of small group connections and discussions, along with hearing from speakers.” Drury said. “Speakers offered wisdom and reflections from their professional and personal experiences, applicable to any area of pursuit.”

The Forum encourages students’ character development by challenging

them to reflect on their own decision-making skills, values and belief systems. Students learned about how to reconcile relationships, stand for truth, and love others as they love themselves. The Forum’s guiding principle is teaching students to embrace altruism rather than egotism. Based on the belief that the future prosperity of our state depends on dialogue about the faith and values that guide a leader’s actions, the Forum allows students to meet with leaders in politics and business to discuss servant leadership. Participants of all faiths are invited to join the dialogue to create a diverse experience for all attendees.

“The forum was on faith and values but not necessarily the Christian faith,

so there were many people from different religions there,” Fewin said. “It was insightful to hear from them. We had the chance to share our testimonies with our small group, and that was an outlet for me to share my faith and how God has impacted my life. We laughed and cried together. I plan to use these skills of expressing vulnerability in all my leadership roles in the future!”

“One part of the trip that I enjoyed was getting to hear about the personal experiences of those who serve in government and charity work,” Dagerath said. “Governor Parson shared how he came from a very humble upbringing, never had anything given to him, and now gets to serve the state of Missouri. We also

heard from Rebecca Welsh and her experience of suffering from a stroke and being told her life would never be the same.”

The students visited the Jefferson City Correctional Center and heard firsthand testimonies from inmates, some of whom are serving a life sentence.

“I really enjoyed learning about the rehabilitation programs offered to them,” Fewin said. “I especially enjoyed learning about the program that allows prisoners to learn media skills — how to film and edit videos. This stood out to me because I am learning those same skills here at C of O as a video production major. It was awesome to see how they used it to give back to the community, by making PSA and short news casts.”

Taney County 100 Club: Heroes Way street dedication, March 26

Source: Taney County 100 Club newsletter

March 26, 2024, marks thirty-four years since the late Western Taney County Battalion Chief James David Straub lost his life at 33 years old while serving his community as a volunteer firefighter with Western Taney County Fire. On the afternoon of March 26, 1990, two Springfield

men, aged 18 and 20, had gone to the 150-foot bluff on Baird Mountain to do some rappelling, apparently without realizing that their rope was only 75-feet long. When one rappelled halfway down and ran out of rope, the other man ran down to the nearby fire station to seek help.

Fire high angle rescue team, decided to rappel down to attach a rope to the stranded man. When Straub was about six feet above the stranded man, his rope apparently became severed on a rock and Straub fell about 100 feet. Straub was taken to St. John’s Hospital by helicopter where he died enroute.

Sami, daughter Mandy and son Colt. “My dad was a humble man, but I have to think he would be very honored by this” said daughter Mandy Straub Stauffer. “Our family is so beyond grateful for how you are honoring Dad and can’t thank you enough for all your support.”

membered in a public way. Trophy Run Road at the entrance to Baird Mountain will be designated a Heroes Way on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 11 a.m. with a special dedication ceremony. With the support of the Straub family, the Taney County 100 Club sponsored the sign. The event is open to the public. Straub (Photo submitted)

David Straub, who led the Western Taney County

Straub left behind his wife

Silver Dollar City Foundation: Investing in Crane’s future

Submitted to Branson Globe

A project that expanded Crane School District’s preschool last year from parttime to full-time for about 40 children is already paying dividends.

In January 2023, with the help of a grant from Silver Dollar City Foundation, the district was able to offer fullday preschool for 4-year-old students preparing to go into kindergarten.

Superintendent Dr. Kelli Rogers said off the bat, the expansion made it possible for some parents who had been staying home with their children to have the

available time to seek fulltime employment. What gets Rogers most excited though is what the expanded hours does for the students both now and long-term.

“Having children in a structured class for a full day where they are learning the skills they need to be successful in kindergarten, that is huge,” Rogers said. “When students start kindergarten and they are not prepared, and they don’t have the skills they need, it slows down that learning process.”

Rogers said preparing kiddos for kindergarten im-

pacts more than just their first year though. It sets them on a path for future success.

“Studies show that first grade reading success is a predictor for their entire school career,” she explained.

Data collected from kindergarten readiness screenings show that Crane is on the right path. Children who participated in the district’s first semester of full-time preschool and then started kindergarten last fall showed to be more prepared for kindergarten than those who didn’t attend.

Crane can accommodate up to forty 4-year-olds at the preschool – all of which is available at no cost to the parents. That means the district will be able to accommodate about 80 percent of incoming kindergartners. Children whose families qualify for free and reduced lunches can even take advantage of that benefit as well. She hopes to eventually be able to expand the three-year-old classroom to full-time in order to accommodate more students.

The Silver Dollar City Foundation grant helped fund needs vital to the ex-

Reader’s Corner: Letters still matter

BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer

Over the weekend, we visited our youngest son near Kansas City to celebrate his birthday. Entering his apartment, a display of birthday cards, including one from me, caught my eye. When I commented, Luke replied, “I enjoy getting real cards! It means people took time just for me!”

Taking time for personal correspondence has been the norm for centuries. The early Christian epistles of the New Testament were just that, letters intended to bring encouragement or correction to the early Church, the messengers traveling by boat or on Roman-built roads. My mom regularly

exchanged letters with several family and friends, and her scrapbook is filled with birthday and holiday cards, as well as V-mails from soldiers serving in World War II. I myself had a couple of “pen pals” and kept in touch by letter with friends from summer camp.

While graduates and newlyweds still enjoy congratulatory cards, and people find a sympathy card meaningful after losing someone, letters or cards just to keep in touch are becoming a thing of the past. As my son’s comment shows, they are still appreciated, but actually taking time to write and mail them is not taught as a necessary social skill the way it used

to be. (Anyone else’s mom make you write thank-yous before playing with the gift or spending the cash?) And the postal service has apparently cut back on employees in response to reduced use of snail mail. There were serious delays at Christmas, and a Pony Express rider could have outpaced the USPS on my son’s recent card without breaking out of a trot.

A couple of years ago, though, an innovative entrepreneur came up with a great way to remind people of the importance of letters over the years, and the Academy Awards for the movie “Oppenheimer” reminded me of it.

For Christmas 2022, I received a gift of “The Flower

Please join us as this true public hero will be re-

pansion, including cafeteria tables, a warming cart for meals, and even nap mats.

“The monies from The Silver Dollar City Founda-

Letters.” During the oneyear subscription, I received a snail-mail letter each month, gradually building a story narrative the way it would have been received back in the day. The “Audrey Rose Letters” were based on real people in a World War II setting, so my mail sometimes included a Rosie the Riveter poster, real postcards I could mail, or a letter written in code. And an episode about the development of the atomic bomb happened to coincide with the release of “Oppenheimer” last year! The story was fascinating, and I eagerly awaited each letter. It made my mom’s keepsakes a lot more relat-

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tion were the catalyst which helped us make this change from half-day to full-day four-year-old preschool,” Rogers said.

able, as I realized how families in the 1940s had to wait for news of their soldiers.

I highly recommend “The Flower Letters” to help incorporate history, and the skill of putting thoughts on paper, into homeschool curriculum, or to supplement school history and language

classes. In addition to World War II, story setting choices include Regency England, the American West, and a myth-chasing fantasy. Check it out at www. theflowerletters.com. And think of someone you could surprise with a snail-mail card or letter, just because!

Crane Preschool Teacher Sidnie Blevins reviews a worksheet with 4-year-old Archer Chapman. (Photo submitted)

Johnny Morris’ Top of the Rock reimagines ‘Nature at Night’ light tour for spring season

Submitted to Branson Globe

We are thrilled to announce that our evening light tour at Top of the Rock’s Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail, Nature at Night, is being reimagined for the spring season.

Now through April, from sunset to 10 p.m., guests can journey through the lights and sounds of the North American wilderness.

During the Christmas season, our Nature at Night tour was enjoyed by guests, and we listened. A new, revamped version of this inspirational illuminated event takes visitors on a journey through the wonders of the woods.

Guests are surrounded by twinkling lights and awe-inspiring displays while they venture on a golf cart along a 2.5-mile trail. Stories are told

throughout this evening light tour to help enhance their experience, encouraging them to look through the lens of conservation and why our lands should be carefully preserved.

Reserve your tickets now. This limited world-class event is only available for the spring season. More information is available at https://bigcedar.com/activity/nature-at-night-spring/.

Ticket information is as follows:

Adult price range: $39$44; child prices start at $19.

Admission to Top of the Rock for Nature at Night requires a $15 parking fee (credit card only), paid upon entry.

(Photo submitted)

For safety reasons, weather may impact tours. Ice on the trail develops frequently during lower temperatures and may delay or cancel tours. Please check our website two hours prior to your tour time for updates.

Easter eggstravaganza awaits: Join the fun at Big Cedar Lodge

Submitted to Branson Globe Spring has sprung in the Ozarks and the Dogwoods are blooming. Hop on over to America’s Premier Wilderness Resort, Big Cedar Lodge, for an unforgettable Easter adventure! Our eggstravagant events, from thrilling egg hunts to delightful bunny hop-ins, promise joy for the entire family. Join us in creating cherished memories this Easter at Big Cedar Lodge, the ultimate destination for springtime celebrations!

See below for Easter dining offerings and activities: Kids Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt & Festival: Join us on Saturday, March 30, for Big Cedar’s Annual Easter festivities and an egg scavenger hunt! Check in at the Grandview Conference Center lawn to collect your egg hunt clue sheet that will lead you on a fun scavenger hunt across the property finding yummy, filled eggs the Easter Bunny hid with the help of our friendly Big Cedar staff! Families with little children can ride our Big Cedar Trams to each

C of O theatre and music students to stage ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ April 12, 13, 14 and 16

Submitted to Branson Globe College of the Ozarks theatre and music departments will present “Beauty and the Beast” as its spring musical. The Theatre and Music department’s production at College of the Ozarks will present “Beauty and the Beast” April 12-16, in Jones Auditorium. The musical will begin at 7:30 p.m. on April 12, 13 and 16. The Sunday matinee on April 14 will begin at 2:30 p.m. The 15th is a student convocation only. The costs for performances are as follows: adults, $15; senior citizens, $13; students (non-College of the Ozarks), $13; children (12 and under), $10. College Associates will be admitted free upon showing Associates card. Associate guests are $5.

To make reservations, call the theatre department box office at 417-690-2626.

clue while other families can enjoy the hunt on foot. After you complete the egg hunt, you can enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of face painting, a petting zoo, and crafts at the Grandview Conference Center. Appropriate footwear is strongly recommended.

Time: Festival 12p.m. – 4 p.m. | Egg hunt 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Prices:

Big Pass (unlimited festival attractions) – Overnight guests $10 and public $15 • Egg hunt – Overnight guests complimentary and public $5 Photos with the Easter Bunny – $25 per photo purchase

Easter Bunny Meet & Greet: The Easter Bunny and Bo Peep will be visiting Fun Mountain with bunny snacks, cookies, and spring cheer! Your reservation includes 10 minutes of exclusive interactions and a professional photo with our special guests. ($25 per reservation). Open to the public and overnight guests

Bunny Bowl Tournament: Hop, drop and bowl in our annual Fun Mountain Bunny Bowling Tournament! This is not just a regular bowling tournament! Each frame will be a new challenge such as granny-style bowling, opposite-hand bowling, and backwards bowling. This underwater-themed bowling tournament is sure to be a blast for the whole family! Hop to it and reserve your spot today! ($20 per person/ reservations required). Open to the public and overnight guests

Easter Bunny Hop Ins: Let the Easter Bunny visit your little ones on Easter Eve or Easter Morning. The Easter Bunny will hop in for a surprise visit and deliver a special Easter basket full of goodies to your children. ($65/plus tax and fees per basket with visit).

Reservations required; overnight guests only.

Glow in the Dark Egg-mazing Race Egg Hunt: Grab your teammates and race others around the Big Cedar prop-

erty for glowing Easter eggs filled with prizes. This is not your traditional egg hunt, but more like an amazing race! Each team will have to complete fun tasks before receiving their next clue and eggs. After your scavenger hunt is complete, enjoy s’mores by the fire and lawn games! ($20 per person/ reservations required). Open to the public and overnight guests

Garden Chapel Easter Service: Begin the special Easter Sunday by attending a nondenominational Easter Service in the gorgeous Garden Chapel at Big Cedar Lodge. (Complimentary; limited seating with reservations required.)

Teen Archery Tag Egg

Hunt: Teens ages 13-17 are invited to compete in a friendly game of archery tag. Teams will compete to find their team’s eggs for bonus points. The team with the highest points and the most bonus points found in eggs will win prizes! ($15 per teen). Open to the public and overnight guests

Bunny Hop 5K Run: Enjoy the natural beauty of the Ozarks during our Bunny Hop 5K Run that winds through Big Cedar. Prizes will be awarded to our fastest runners and participants will receive a complimentary water bottle and headband. Complimentary for overnight guests, no reservations required Easter brunch offer-

ings:

• Osage Restaurant: Enjoy our signature Easter brunch buffet while looking over the breathtaking, spring landscape of the Ozarks at Top of the Rock. ($94 adults, $45 children). Devil’s Pool Restaurant: Experience the rustic charm and laid-back atmosphere of Devil’s Pool Restaurant this Easter. ($72 adults, $29 children). Big Cedar Lodge is located at 190 Top of the Rock Road, Ridgedale. For more information on Easter eggstravaganza activities, visit our website at bigcedar. com.

Around Town: Here’s what’s going on in the Tri-Lakes

MARCH

• 14 LIVE MUSIC 6-9

p.m. TAPS on Downing. Songs and stories, singer-songwriter round featuring Sundi Jo Graham. 260 Birdcage Walk, Hollister. https://www.jukeboxwinos.com.

• 15 LIVE MUSIC 5-8

p.m. Bear Creek Wine Company and Brewery 1320 Keithly Road Walnut Shade. https://www. jukeboxwinos.com.

• 16 Master Gardeners of the Ozarks Spring Workshop “Swing Into Spring” at the Faith Lutheran Church, 221 Malone Drive, Branson. Doors open at 8 a.m. just in time to shop the MG Plant Sale and visit the vendors. Tickets: $25 per person. Register online to ensure a seat at https://mgozarks. org/spring-workshop/ Speakers, continental breakfast and lunch, gardening program 9 a.m.– 3 p.m., MG marketplace, plant sale and raffle. https://mgozarks.org/ spring-workshop/

• 16 LIVE MUSIC 5

– 8

p.m. Outback Steak & Oyster Bar 1914 W Hwy 76 Country Blvd., Branson. https://www.jukeboxwinos.com.

17 Come to the 15th annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration on Sunday, March 17, at Waxy O’Shea’s Irish Pub, 235 Branson Landing Blvd. All-day entertainment starts at 9 a.m., featuring St. Patrick’s Day Holley. Don’t forget to wear that favorite Irish color!

• 17 LIVE MUSIC 3-5 p.m., Ozark Hills Winery 601 State Hwy. 165, Branson. https://www. jukeboxwinos.com.

19 LIVE MUSIC Tuesday Tunes, 6-8 p.m. Landry’s Seafood House 2900 W. Hwy 76, Branson. https:// www.jukeboxwinos.com

21 Representative Travis Smith, candidate for state senate, will be speaking at the Taney Country Federated Republican Women’s meeting at Oaxaca Mexican Restaurant, 15920 U.S.-160, Forsyth, at 6 p.m.

(1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter OURLADY to schedule.

• 22 The Village of Indian Point Business Summit at 5 p.m. Meet local business owners, Village staff, Police, and Board of Trustees. More information about business licenses, Chamber of Commerce Event Services, and inspections will be presented, along with a survey to provide feedback for the future. Refreshments will be served and there will be giveaways. Bring your business cards or flyers.

This event is free to attend and weather dependent. Limited seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis; however, guests are welcome to bring their own seating. Park gates open at 7:30 a.m. for entrance to the park. Trams will be available before and after the service for Hope Chapel transportation to and from the gift shop. Park admission is required if you plan to stay in the park after the service. https://dogwoodcanyon. org/event/easter-service/.

Contact: reservations@nftrl.org before March 29 to register or with questions.

• 13 Indoor rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 1p.m. at the Lake Taneycomo Elks Lodge, 12951 U.S. Hwy. 160 Forsyth. Vendor booths availablecontact Terri Williams, terri6536@gmail.com or 417-230-6200.

• 22 Red Cross Blood Drive at the Lake Taneycomo Elks Lodge 2597 on March 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - 12951 U.S. Hwy. 160 Forsyth. Please call 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and enter Forsyth to schedule an appointment. https:// www.redcrossblood.org.

• 22 American Red Cross Blood Drive at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church parish center, 202 Vaughn Drive, Branson; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Please call 1-800-RED CROSS

23 Journey to the Cross! at Faith Lutheran Branson One day only: March 23 - rain or shine! There are live animals, interactive stations, food tasting and more! Estimated time for your “Journey” experience will be about 60 minutes. FREE pancake breakfast before your departure and an Easter egg hunt for the kids at the end of your journey! Please sign today as time slots fill up quickly! Tours depart every few minutes, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Register at FaithBranson. org, call 417-334-2469, or click here https:// faithbranson.churchcenter.com/registrations/ events/2169609.

• 31 Join us at 8 a.m. for an Easter Sunrise Service on the Hope Chapel lawn! Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, 2038 West State Hwy. 86, Lampe. Enjoy the beauty of nature and the season in a one-of-a-kind setting to start your Easter Sunday.

• 31 Hop on over to our rustic Mill and Canyon Grill Restaurant for an Easter breakfast for the whole family! Easter Breakfast will be served from 9-11 a.m. Our menu features a variety of options including strawberry shortcake waffles, a classic breakfast platter, sweet and savory crepes, and much more. Enjoy your meal all while soaking in the early signs of spring in the canyon. Walk-ups only; no reservations. Park admission is required for dining. Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, 2038 West State Hwy. 86, Lampe. https:// dogwoodcanyon.org/ event/easter-breakfast/.

APRIL

8 Neighbors and Friends of Table Rock Lake (www.nftrl.org) will meet on Monday, April 8, 2024, 10 a.m., at Our Lady of the Cove Catholic Church, 20 Kimberling Blvd., Kimberling City. The program this month will be the annual fashion show. A meal will be available for a fee.

• 18 Representative Brad Hudson, who is a candidate for state senate, will be speaking at the Taney County Federated Republican Women’s meeting on April 18 at Golden Corral Restaurant, 3551 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Branson, at 6 p.m.

• 27 Elks Lodge will host the first Ironclad Classic Strongman Competition, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Forsyth during the Spring Fling Festival. Outdoor event, rain or shine. The Strongman Contest is an exhilarating showcase of strength, athleticism and determination. Contact Andrea McCotter for more information, 417-353-9660 or use this link: https://www.forsythmissouri.org/strongman-competition.

• 27 2024 American Cancer Society Relay for Life Fundraiser will be held during the Forsyth Spring Fling on April 27 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This is a new look and location for us. We will have a scavenger hunt, cupcake walk and more, plus our luminaria and survivor celebration. We are looking for teams and sponsors. Survivors can register at www. relyforlife.org/branson -

mo. Contact Lisa Wilfong: lfong52@hotmail. com or Terri Williams terri6536@gmail.com. https://www.relayforlife. org/bransonmo.

MAY

• 9 Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks 24th Annual Golf Tournament – Branson Hills Golf Club. Registration starts 8 a.m. Shotgun starts 10 a.m. Lunch will be on carts. Reserve by April 26. https://www. bgcozarks.org

• 13 Neighbors and Friends of Table Rock Lake (www.nftrl.org) will meet on Monday, May 13, 2024, 10 a.m., at Our Lady of the Cove Catholic Church, 20 Kimberling Blvd., Kimberling City. The program this month will be Adopting an Attitude of Adventure with Amanda Hoenes, author of “Digging Deeper.” A meal will be available for a fee. Contact: reservations@nftrl.org before May 2 to register or with questions.

JUNE

• 8 Liberty Rally, 10 a.m., Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Big Cedar Lodge. 190 Top of the Rock Rd, Ridgedale.

AUGUST

• 10 Flo Rida set to electrify the Black Oak Amp stage Saturday, August 10 with guests special guests D.J. Skribble and NicDanger. Courtyard: 4:30 p.m.; gates open: 5:30 p.m.; showtime: 7 p.m. Black Oak Amphitheater, located at 1728 State Hwy. H in Lampe. https:// blackoakamp.com

ble oil to the pan. Once hot, add the marinated beef slices in a single layer. Cook for 2-3

minutes on each side until caramelized.

6. Remove from heat and set aside.

7. Bring water to a boil in a separate pot.

8. Gently add the eggs to the boiling water and cook for exactly six minutes. After six minutes, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, carefully peel the eggs and set aside.

9. Serve the bulgogi over cooked rice, topped with a six-minute egg.

10. Garnish with additional sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

GO ROGUE by making Light Tacos with ingredients wrapped in Butter Lettuce.

Strawberry Upside Down Cake Banana Cream Supreme

BY KAREN HALFPOP, Production Manager

An easy dessert idea that my mom taught me as a pre-teen; it makes a pretty presentation.Very light and delicious, this is one of the first desserts I make in the spring.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, crushed 2 - 3 oz. boxes of strawberry gelatin 3 cups miniature marshmallows 18 oz. boxed strawberry cake mix, batter prepared according to package instructions

• Refrigerated whipped topping

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Stem and clean the

strawberries, then crush with a fork

2. Grease a 9x13 baking dish well

3. Pour the crushed strawberries in the prepared dish, and spread out evenly.

4. Sprinkle the dry gelatin mix over top of the strawberries.

5. Sprinkle the marshmallows over the gelatin mix.

6. Prepare the prepared strawberry cake batter over all.

7. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 - 50 minutes, or until the cake portion tests done with a toothpick or cake tester.

8. Let it set for 15 min-

utes, and then run a knife around the edge of the cake to loosen it.

9. Flip the cake on top of a serving tray or platter, and refrigerate.

10. When you’re ready to cut and serve, top with chilled whipped topping.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

JANET STEINKAMP, Editor

BY

This luscious, light dessert also serves well as a salad. Sets up quickly. A spring form pan is recommended, but I use a deep, clear trifle bowl. Use the type of large bowl/pan that you prefer.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/4 cups crushed graham crackers (approximately 16 2 ½ inch squares) 1/4 cup butter, melted

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup cold milk 1 (3.4 ounce) box vanilla instant pudding 1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

• 3 medium bananas, sliced

• 2 tablespoons pecans, grated (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Crush graham crackers. Place in large bowl and add butter and sugar. Mix well.

2. Press crumb mixture onto the bottom of a spring form pan, large bowl, or cake pan.

3. Whisk (or use electric mixer) sour cream and milk until well blended.

4. Add pudding mix; mix again until pudding is dissolved.

5. Add whipped topping, mixing until fully blended.

6. Spread half of filling over crust.

7. Slice bananas. Arrange over filling. Spread remaining filling over bananas. Grate pecans over top.

SERVING:

If using spring form pan: To serve, remove collar from pan; cut into wedges. Garnish with fresh fruit, if desired.

SOURCE: The Pampered Chef

How do I...? A guide to living in the Tri-Lakes

Register to vote

The easiest way to register to vote in the state of Missouri is to use the following link: https://www. sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/register. You can update your name and address, or register to vote for the first time. In many locations, you may also register to vote when you renew your driver’s license. Get a driver’s license

• In Branson and Hollister, go to Branson License Bureau, 1447 Hwy. 248,

Branson; phone 417-9428054.

In Forsyth, go to 210 Shadowrock Dr., Forsyth; phone 417-546-3085.

In Reeds Spring and Branson West, go to 11016 Hwy. 76, Reeds Spring; phone 417-272-8815.

In Crane, 103 South Street, Crane, 417-723-8552. The driver examination office is at 120 N. Commerce St., Crane; phone 417942-8029.

Register my vehicle

Complete information on

Missouri residents’ vehicle registration titling is available at https://dor.mo.gov/ motor-vehicle/titling-registration/

Reach my legislators

Find your legislators by entering a valid Missouri mailing address and using the legislator lookup on this site, https://www.senate. mo.gov/legislookup/ In the Branson TriLakes, we are served by: Senator Josh Hawley (Hawley.senate.gov)

Senator Eric Schmitt

(Schmitt.senate.gov)

• House Representative for District 7, Eric Burlison (burlison.house.gov). At the state level, we are represented by:

• Senator Karla Eslinger (senate.mo.gov/senators/ member/33), House Representative Brian Seitz, District 156 (brian.seitz@house.mo.gov) House Representative Travis Smith, District 155 (travis.smith@house. mo.gov) House Representativve

Brad Hudson, District 138 (brad.hudson@house. mo.gov) Reach my alderman

Branson Aldermen may be contacted through the City’s Administration Office, 110 West Maddux Street, Suite 210, Branson, MO 65616 or by telephone at 417-334-3345. Current Branson Aldermen are:

Marshall Howden, Ward 1

• Clay Cooper, Ward 1 Chuck Rodriguez, Ward 2

• Cody Fenton, Ward 2

Ralph LeBlanc, Ward 3

• Ruth Denham, Ward 3. In Hollister, aldermen are: David Honey, Ward 1 (dhoney@hollistermo. gov)

• Don Jones, Ward 1 (djones@hollistermo.gov)

Phil Carman, Ward 2 (pcarman@hollistermo. gov)

• Jeff Long, Ward 2 (jlong@ hollistermo.gov) In Forsyth, your aldermen are: Scott Novak, Ward 1

• Mark Moore, Ward 1 Dennis Winzenried, Ward 2 Dustin Krob, Ward 2. Contact the City of Forsyth at 417-546-4763. Aldermen in Rockaway Beach are: Jane Peck, Ward 1 (jane@ rockawaybeach-mo.org)

Kyle Hinkle, Ward 1 (kyle@rockawaybeach-mo.org)

Russell Anderson, Ward 2 (russell@rockawaybeach-mo.org)

• Richard Murray, Ward 2 (hwymbc@yahoo.com). In Branson West, your aldermen are: Gary Brant, Ward 1

• Michael Brown, Ward 1

Penny Lonsway, Ward 2

• Carrie Rogers, Ward 2. Contact the city at 417272-8669.

Kimberling City Aldermen include:

• Christian Martin, Ward 1 Virgil Moore, Ward 1

• Tim Weyers, Ward 2

• Philip Korem, Ward 2. Contact the city at (417) 739-4903. Register my child for school

• Branson Public Schools: Begin registration by bringing required documentation to building your student will be attending. For grades K-6, check the Attendance Zone for information about attending school building, using this link: https://www.branson. k12.mo.us/parents/enrollment, clicking on New Student Enrollment Page, and to Attendance Zones. Please contact your school with questions or additional information at 417-334-6541. Main office is at 1756 Bee Creek Road, Branson.

• Hollister R-V School District: Families new to Hollister should visit their building office to set up their parent portal and begin the enrollment process. For help with enrollment, contact your building office. HECC office (PK-1): 417-2434015; HES office (2-5): 417-243-4025; HMS office (6-8): 417-243-4035; HHS office (9-12): 417243-4045.

• Reeds Spring School District: Register at the building your child will attend or fill out the online registration by contacting your child’s school office for more information.

Primary School: PS-1st grade, 417-272-3241; Elementary: Gr. 2-4, 417272-1735; Intermediate: Gr. 5-6, 417-272-8250; MS: Gr. 7-8, 417-2728245; HS: Gr. 9-12, 417-272-8171; Gibson Technical Center: 417272-3271.

Recycle

Taney County Recycle: Phone 417-546-7226 for hours and what we accept. Email recycle@taneycountymo.gov for information; website: taneycounty.org, or Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/TaneyCountyRecycle/

Get help with necessities

• Salvation Army Branson, 1114 Stanley Boulevard, 417-339-4434.

• Christian Action Ministries (CAM), 417-3341157.

• Elevate Branson, 310 Gretna Rd; website, https://elevatebranson. org; email: Info@ElevateBranson.org. Phone: 417-335-9915.

Find/adopt a pet

• Branson Humane Society, 2837 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Branson. To contact: 417-337-7387; Facebook www.facebook.com/ ShepherdofTheHillsHumaneSociety; or email at sohhs417@gmail.com. Information is on their website, http://www. bransonhumanesociety. com

• Come look at the animals for adoption at Taney County Animal Control, 255 Critter Trail, Hollister. Hours: Mon.Sat. noon – 4 p.m. Closed Sundays and holidays. Phone 417-332-0172. Email: tcac255@gmail. com; website: taneycounty.org.

Tri-Lakes Humane Society, 102 Washboard Hollow Rd., Reeds Spring; phone 417-2728113, website: https:// www.tri-lakeshumanesoc.org/; Facebook, https://www.facebook. com/trilakeshumane/

Find a healthcare provider

• CoxHealth Center, 890 State Hwy. 248, Branson, 417-335-2299. More information at coxhealth.com

• Faith Community Health, 1232 Branson Hills Pkwy, Suite 104, Branson, 417-336-9355; more information at https://faithcommunityhealth.org/

Contact the health department

Contact the Taney County Health Department at 417-334-4544, visit their website at www.taneycohealth.org, or like their Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest pages. Contact the Stone County Health Department at 417-357-6134 in Galena, or 417-272-0050 in Branson West. Visit their website at www.stonecountyhealthdepartment.com

Get counseling

• Branson Counseling Center LLC, Northside Professional Plaza II, 574 State Hwy 248 # 2, Branson, 417-239-1389.

• Restoring Wellness Counseling, Nikki Pinkley, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor. For information, https://www. restoringwellnesscounseling.com/. Call or text 417-429-1889 to set up appointment or submit information on website. In urgent situations, please call the Emergency Hotline at 1-800-494-7355, available 24 hours a day. If it is an emergency, please go to your local hospital or dial 911.

Reuben Smith, Licensed Professional Counselor, Faith Community Health, 417-261-5845.

Donate blood Go to https://www.redcrossblood.org/give. html/find-drive, enter ZIP code, Find a Drive. Additional information at https://www.redcrossblood.org/.

BY ERIC BURLISON, Member of Congress representing the 7th District of Missouri

My “no” vote on the spending package

Last week the House passed a package of six funding bills that continues Nancy Pelosi’s spending levels and does nothing to rein in the Biden administration’s terrible policies and overreach.

I voted against this massive, bloated bill which re-

Burlison Brief

moved provisions that were included in the House’s bills to stop Biden’s anti-second amendment rules, prohibit federal agencies from censoring Americans, prevent agencies from promoting Critical Race Theory and Diversity Equity and Inclusion programs, and prohibit federal funds from going to other far-Left policies and programs. Instead of including conservative wins, this bill continued the status quo.

It is another massive spending bill that funds wasteful and leftist anti-American programs and will continue to grow our national debt.

Biden’s State of the Union

Last Thursday, President Biden gave his annual State of the Union address. Unsur-

prisingly, Joe Biden spewed nonsense and lies. He refused to take accountability for his actions that have left America and Americans worse off. Instead, he took the easy way out and pointed the finger at Republicans on the other side of the aisle.

It was Joe Biden who signed 94 executive actions that created the current invasion we are under at the southern border. It was Joe Biden’s policies that allowed the illegal alien who murdered Laken Riley to be in the United States.

To Joe Biden, it is always Americans last – look no further than how he started his State of the Union Address, talking about Ukraine.

Unlike Joe Biden, I believe in putting Americans

first which I why I voted with my fellow Republicans of the House to pass the Laken Riley Act this week. This legislation requires the Department of Homeland Security to detain illegal aliens who are charged with theft, like the illegal alien that killed Ms. Riley. It also ensures that states have standing to sue the federal government for failing to uphold and enforce the law. Unfortunately, 170 Democrats voted against this bipartisan bill to protect Americans.

Upcoming virtual town hall meeting

My next virtual town hall will be held on Thursday, March 21 at 5:30pm CDT. To RSVP and submit a question, visit burlison. house.gov/rsvp. To watch

live, visit burlison.house. gov/live. I’m looking forward to hearing directly from you and answering your questions! Meeting with constituents I recently had the privilege of meeting with several groups including Missouri Parent Teacher Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Missouri Broadcaster Association, Missouri Credit Unions, Jordan Valley Community Health Center, and Missouri Enterprise.

It’s always such an honor to meet with fellow Missourians and hear more about their concerns and priorities. Need help with a federal agency?

If you are having a problem getting a timely answer from a federal agency or

feel like you’ve been treated unfairly, my office may be able to help.

My office helps constituents with issues involving the VA, the IRS, Social Security, the State Department, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and other federal agencies. To request help, go to this link: https://burlison.house.gov/ services/help-federal-agency.

And that’s it for the Burlison Brief!

To subscribe to my newsletter to get the latest news and updates from my office, go to Burlison.house.gov; click on Subscribe.

Best, Rep. Eric Burlison

Member of Congress

Representing the 7th District of Missouri

State Rep. Brad Hudson files Border Security Enhancement Act

Submitted to Branson Globe

State Representative Brad Hudson is taking a decisive step forward to address the growing concerns surrounding illegal immigration with the introduction of HB 2844, also known as the Border Security Enhancement Act. The proposed legislation comes in response to the surge in illegal immigration, which has seen over 7 million individuals entering the United States in the past three and a half years.

“Many of these illegal crossers are single men with criminal records in their home countries, some of whom have also committed

crimes in the United States, and are entering for a second or third time,” Hudson, R-Cape Fair, said. “The cautionary tales of illegal immigrants committing violent crimes against innocent Americans are becoming innumerable, and we have to act now with proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of our citizens.” With a focus on enhancing border security, Representative Hudson’s HB 2844 aims to address the pressing issues surrounding illegal immigration through a three-pronged plan:

1. Creation of the offense of trespass by an

illegal alien:

The Border Security Enhancement Act defines trespass by illegal aliens, making it a class E felony for individuals aged eighteen or older committing a qualifying act of a class C misdemeanor or higher on public or private land without proper immigration documentation. Exemptions are provided for individuals with federal government authorization, presuming authorization for those with valid Missouri or other state-issued government identification.

2. Establishment of an offense for trafficking

an illegal alien child: Section 566.216 outlines the offense of trafficking of an illegal alien child, covering actions such as recruitment, harboring, transportation, or provision of a person under the age of twelve for participation in illicit activities. The offense is classified as a felony, carrying a potential sentence of life imprisonment without parole until serving at least twenty-five years.

3. Modification of employment verification provisions:

The bill introduces modifications to employment verification provisions, ex-

State Rep. Brad Hudson’s HB 1518 designed to protect ‘belief-based student associations’

Submitted to Branson Globe

In a move aimed at safeguarding the rights of religious student groups in public universities, the Missouri House has approved HB 1518 this week. This legislation, which clarifies key terms like “adverse action,” “belief-based student association,” and “benefit,” seeks to prevent discrimination against such groups and guarantee their fair treatment.

HB 1518 bars public higher education institutions from taking negative actions or implementing policies that withhold benefits from belief-based student associations available to other groups. Additionally, it explicitly prohibits discrimination against these associations based on their requirements for leaders to adhere to sincerely held beliefs, practice standards, or codes of conduct.

Representative Hudson emphasized that the bill isn’t solely about religion but rather about upholding First Amendment rights. He stressed its potential to shield any belief-based group, whether liberal, conservative, or otherwise, from being compelled to compromise its convictions for recognition on college campuses.

“The passage of HB 1518 signifies a significant stride in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of belief-based student associations in Missouri,” stated Representative Hudson of Cape Fair. “By ensuring fair access to resources and benefits, we ensure that universities cannot discriminate against Christian students or students of any religious affiliation.”

Under HB 1518, belief-based student associations are empowered to pursue appropriate recourse through legal or administrative channels if they believe a public institution of higher learning has violated the bill’s provisions.

“The passage of HB 1518

shows our unwavering commitment to protecting students First Amendment rights of belief-based student groups within Missouri’s public universities. By clarifying terms and preventing discrimination, we uphold the principles of fairness and religious liberty

essential to our students attending educational institutions,” House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, said.

This legislative achievement underscores Missouri’s dedication to upholding fairness, equality and religious liberty within its educational framework. The

support for HB 1518 reflects a commitment to championing belief-based student associations and ensuring their dignified treatment.

The bill now proceeds to the Senate for further deliberation.

tending the requirement for enrollment and participation in a federal work authorization program to private employers in Missouri with fifty or more employees.

Effective January 1, 2025, private employers must verify the employment eligibility of every employee hired after enrollment in the federal work authorization program, with non-compliance potentially resulting in license suspension.

“The Border Security Enhancement Act is a preemptive step to make Missouri less attractive to those coming into our country illegally,” Hudson said. “By enhancing penalties for those in our state illegally and requiring large employers to verify the status of their employees, Missouri can ensure that we are closed for business to anyone who wants to come here illegally and commit further crimes.”

Worship Directory

You are encouraged to worship with us!

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.– Hebrews 10:25

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

FREE ESTIMATES AND TIMELY RESPONSE. Full remodels, decks, pole barns, garages, fencing and small projects. Call 417699-1635

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.

OPEN POSITION EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

1

2

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

of the Hills Estates www.soheapts.com

FOR SALE HELP WANTED

GRIEF SHARE SUPPORT

GROUP: A new class for Grief Share will begin Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, at the Branson UMC. This is open to people from our community, surrounding areas and our own church family at BUMC. We welcome both new and returning participants. Gather at 1 p.m. for “social time” and class will begin promptly at 1:30 p.m. For questions call Peggy at 641-919-1533. All are welcome!

FOR SALE: 2020 THOR 27-FT. DAYBREAK CLASS C MOTORHOME. Customized with king size bed and two recliners. Full-length bump-out, sleeps 6, equipped with all upgrades. Excellent condition and ready to roll. Asking $68k. Call 417-693-5318.

NEW HOME WANTED –

GUMI DOG: This is Gi Gi. She is four years old and needing a forever home. There is no fee but a donation to the veterans CAMP is greatly appreciated! GUMI CAMP (GUMI stands for Glad U Made it) is a healing retreat for American Veterans. Suggested donation is $500. Please check out our website: gumicampusa. com.

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!!

CELEBRATE RECOV-

ERY 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 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

SERVICES OFFERED

PIANO LESSONS: All ages. Acoustic or digital Ridley: chord progression method. ANYONE can learn how to play. Call Johnny at 417-527-6288.

MASTER ELECTRI-

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

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

WEEKLY MOTEL ROOM RENTAL: Family friendly. Deposit and rule agreement required. Cable/WiFi, fridge and micro included. $189/ week. Colonial Mountain Inn, Branson West 417-272-8414.

FOR RENT: 1 bedroom, 1 bath condo for rent. Safe & secure location, in Hollister, in 45+ community in unit, W/D included, $650 month, $300 deposit. Call 417-3373285.

TWO APTS READY! Hollister 1 bed in duplex with new paint & carpet, $595/ mo. Branson 2 bed/1.5 bath in 4-plex. W/D, AC, all appliances, walk-in level. Manager on site. $750/mo. 417-231-7129.

HOME TO SELL OR ROOM TO RENT? Let the Globe help you get the word out. Reach thousands of readers each week with an ad just like this for only $17.75!

HELP WANTED: Hospitality Management

Solutions Inc. d/b/a Orange Hospitality Group

50 Kitchen Helpers from April 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. Worksite located at 399 Silver Dollar City PKWY Branson, MO 65616. Assist kitchen staff with daily operations. Washing, slicing, chopping, mixing and storing of food products. Maintain supply of dishes, bowls, cooking utensils and condiments. Portion, plate and expedite food service; clean kitchen, including washing dishes, silver, stainless, pots and pans, kitchen equipment and floors. Adhere to resort standards and procedures as they relate to cleaning the kitchen wares. Must be able to lift 40 lbs. Minimum 35 hours per week, up to 35 hours per week. Open 7 days a week. Multiple 8-hour shifts throughout each 24-hour period. Shifts: 5 am – 1pm; 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.; 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; 9 a.m-5 p.m.; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 11 a.m.7 p.m.; 12 p.m.-8 p.m.; 1 p.m.-9 p.m.; 2 p.m.-10 p.m.; 3 p.m.-11 p.m.; 11 p.m.-7 a.m. Hours and shifts may vary with occupancy. Basic rate of pay: $12.57 per hour and the overtime premium rate is $18.86 will be paid when required by Federal, State, or local law, including at time-and-a half after 35 hours per workweek. A single workweek will be used to compute overtime wages due. Pay received bi-weekly. Potential applicants should inquire about the job opportunity Hospitality Management Solutions Attn: Jesus Medina, 2525 McGill St, Suite 201, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 or by email to: jmedina@ orangehospitality.net or inquire at Apply Branson Job Center 2720 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Ste B Branson, MO 65616: Phone:417-334-4156 or 1-888-728-5627; Fax:417334-4159; Email: branson@ded.mo.gov.

Operates equipment to perform construction, maintenance, and repair of streets, water, sewer, and wastewater systems, and other infrastructure and projects.

Skill and experience in the operation of heavy equipment required. www.hollistermo.gov

417-334-3262 EOE Closes Friday, March 22, 2024 5 p.m.

BRANSON SCENIC RAILWAY

– ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Are you ready to ride the rails? Part-time Onboard Train Attendant needed to graciously assist our passengers. Concession Attendants with great customer service skills needed to kindly serve our passengers. This is a SMOKE FREE – NON-TOBACCO USE business with pre-employment drug screening. Apply in person 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., 206 E. Main Street, Branson, MO 65616

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. EOE

SHO-ME CLEAN & SHO-ME FLOORING: WANTED – PART-TIME SHOWROOM SALES HELP. Do you have some knowledge of flooring products, or have you installed flooring? Ready to take your experience to another level? Our showroom is the perfect place for you! Inquire at 417-263-1963 for more info.

MR. GILBERTI’S PLACE. Now pasta cook, hostess, and servers. Fun, working atmosphere. Come in and fill out an application. 1451 Acacia Club Rd., Hollister.

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.

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT EMPLOYEE? A classified ad in the Branson Globe reaches thousands each week. Run at ad just like this for just $21.25!

Add a little color to your advertising, and watch readers take notice! Run an ad like this one for $25/wk.

On this date in history...

1892 New York State unveils automatic ballot booth (voting machine)

1913 First U.S. Presidential press conference held by Woodrow Wilson

• 1933 NAACP begins coordinated attack on segregation and discrimination

• 1941 Blizzard in North Dakota kills 151 people

• 1954 “CBS Morning Show” premieres with Walter Cronkite and Jack Paar 1955 U.S. Air Force unveils self-guided missile

• 1968 U.S. Mint stops buying and selling gold

• 1977 “Eight is Enough” premieres on ABC-TV

• 1989 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs officially established as a Cabinet position

• 1991 Four officers of the Los Angeles Police Department are charged with excessive force over the

beating of Rodney King 2018 Toy chain Toys R Us announces it will close all its stores after filing for bankruptcy 2020 U.S. Federal Reserve slashes interest rates to near zero to support the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic 2022 Hong Kong amid its

Famous Bicycles

Word find from Beck Museums of Branson

worst COVID-19 outbreak, records over 4,000 deaths in a few months, largely due to low vaccination.

• 2023 Another atmospheric river creates a storm across California, bringing widespread flooding and power outages, with Monterey County issuing a 25-mile evacuation order

• ORANGE KRATE APPLE KRATE

• STINGRAY LOWRIDER

• CRUISER

JC HIGGINS

• SCHWINN

• BANANA SEAT

• COLUMBIA MURRAY

• BMX MONGOOSE

• THUNDER TRAIL PHANTOM

• CHAMELEON • HUFFY

• DIAMOND BACK SILVER STREAK

• TOURING BIKE RALEIGH

• MARK IV JAGUAR LEMON PEELER

Family Crossword

Solution: onlinecrosswords. net/1151 Across

1. Tear companion

5. Strongbox

9. “Get lost!”

14. Symbol of goodness

15. Org. founded in 1920

16. Leather strip

17. “Cunning hunter” of the Bible

18. Impolite glance

19. Disorderly disturbances

20. Patti Page hit

23. CSI identifier

24. Danny of “White Christmas”

25. Moves abruptly

28. Tolerate

30. Overwhelm

33. Turkish leader

34. Azov is one

35. Scorching

37. Beach Boys hit

40. Bowling alley head

41. Move aimlessly

42. Word with bar or area

43. X-ray unit

44. Name names

46. Pendant feature

47. Greek cheese

48. Fez, e.g.

49. Ferko String Band tune

56. Word of praise

57. Moby Dick pursuer

58. Temporary calm

59. South Pacific tourist site

60. Miner’s pursuit

61. Opera offering

62. Prepared for action

63. Observed

64. Intuitive ability Down

1. Sharpen, as a blade

2. Alleviate

3. Football Hall-of-Famer

Page

4. Like some tickets

5. Latin American music

6. Experts

7. Cut and run

8. “I’ve found it!”

9. Part of a pound?

10. Santiago’s country

11. Tooth part

12. Animated movie of 1998

13. Booker T. and the ___

21. USN officer

22. Classified blurb

25. Style of furnishing

26. Kenmore competitor

27. Rubbed the wrong way

28. Sun. deliverance

29. Ham operator’s letter

30. Keyboard symbol

31. Playwright Oscar

32. Collectible flop

34. Beethoven’s “Moonlight ___”

36. Baked potato alternative

38. Dockside flame fighter

39. Fleming of fiction

45. Cornhusk-wrapped edible

46. Certain punch

47. Take after

48. Diced

49. Diminishing sea

50. Type of duck

51. On-board shout

52. Green ornamental stone

53. Angler’s decoy

54. Nobelist Wiesel

55. Israeli airline

56. Youth org.

Sudoku

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