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Guest from Israel shares insights with area audiences
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
On Friday, October 4, Branson area audiences received a unique perspective on the conflict in Israel from guest lecturer Omer Eshel, who lives with his family on the west side of Galilee, near the Syrian border. Following a presentation to the Branson Christian Businessmen’s luncheon, held at Golden Corral, an evening meeting was held at Branson First Presbyterian Church. The visits
were coordinated by Monna Stafford, Regional Manager for Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas for Bott Radio Network, which includes Branson’s KBCV 1570 AM and 103.9 FM.
Omer Eshel was formerly stationed in Chicago as the Consul for the Israeli Ministry of Tourism for the American Midwest, where Stafford became acquainted with him. After leaving that position, Eshel became director of a Jerusalem-based company, “The
Bible Comes to Life.” Born and raised in Israel, Omer is an archaeologist, historian, guide and diplomat. His recent U.S. visit included lectures in Portland, Oregon; Chicago; Dallas; Oklahoma City; Memphis; and Kirksville and Branson in Missouri. In addition to his acquaintance with Stafford, he is familiar with visits to Israel hosted by Sherry Herschend of Herschend Family Entertainment/Silver Dollar City.
Since October 7, 2023, Eshel and his family have seen the war up close and
personal, having seen mis-
Second school district summit pairs school leaders with community leaders
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
The Branson School District recently held their annual Community Summit.
This event—the second conducted by the Branson Public Schools—offered an opportunity for the school district to engage with community leaders from a variety of sectors, as well as parents, as District leaders provided updates on the
state of the school, and welcomed input from those in attendance.
Brad Swofford, Superintendent of the Branson School District, presented an in-depth update of the school district, including the Portrait of a Pirate, a compilation of input gathered from a series of Portrait of a Pirate community meetings. Swofford also discussed the district’s strategic plan
for the years 2020-2025, outlining Student Successes and Organizational Excellence.
Following Swofford’s words and a delicious breakfast, each table complete with at least one Branson School District leader, held lively table discussions, as those attending offered input into the future of the school district.
The morning event,
held at the Hilton Convention Center, involved a number of Branson High School students. The Branson High School Air Force Junior ROTC presented the colors. The Branson High School Chamber Choir performed the National Anthem, and members of the GoCaps program greeted and welcomed those attending.
“We are thankful for the supportive community of Branson,” explained a representative of the school district. “If you are a Branson community member and would like to submit any feedback about the district, please take a moment to fill out our Community Feedback Survey on our website, https://branson. k12.mo.us/departments/ communications/community_feedback_survey.”
Just in time for Halloween, this Jeep full was caught in the drive-thru of McDonald’s. By all reports, they were chilled to the bone by the ice cream they ordered! (Photo by K.D. Michaels)
Jack and Sherry Herschend, Omer Eshel, Tom Willcox (Photo by George Kurland)
SEE ISRAEL, PAGE 4A
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writ-
er | silver.hogue@hck2.com
A powerful experience for young people has returned to The Track Family Fun Parks. After a fiveyear hiatus, Life on Track, a program for junior high and high school students, was again offered at The Track.
Baylor Hodges is a self-proclaimed “doer of all things” at The Track. Hodges, who has worked with The Track Family Fun Parks for 10 years, was tasked with reviving the program.
“After about a fiveyear break, we were able to get Life on Track back on track,” explained Hodges. “Life on Track is an event that started in 2009. We partner with the Missouri Highway Patrol and are able to offer an educational experience to students in Stone and Taney counties on drinking and driving and distracted driving.”
Hodges continued, “We use our facilities. The Highway Patrol brings drunk driving goggles. We
have phones donated from Russell Cellular, so the kids are able to participate and do very interactive lessons. After doing the physical side of it, driving the go-karts with the phones and the drunk driving goggles, they then sit through an educational portion with Sergeant Mike McClure, where they learn about the dangers and some of those things that come along with distracted driving.”
“The Missouri State Highway Patrol is delighted to be part of the Life on Track program, which provides this unique opportunity for students and helps them understand the importance of safe driving behavior,” McClure said. “We have an alarming number of statistics that show half of all teens will be involved in a traffic accident before graduating from high school. Traffic crashes are also the leading cause of death among teens. The Life on Track experience teaches teens what to do to prevent these things from happening.”
Titanic observes Breasts Cancer Awareness Month
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
You will notice a sea of pink at the Titanic Museum attraction during October, as the popular attraction observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Dozens of pink flamingos line the sidewalk along 76 Country Boulevard, outside the ship, and a giant pink ribbon adorns the
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
A special election rally is set for November 2.
The Prayer - Praise - Pro Life Election Rally is presented by Proclaim Ministries. The rally is in honor of Brian Seitz, who is seeking reelection for Missouri State Representative, District 156,
Titanic, as the attraction pays tribute to those affected by the disease of breast cancer.
Of those surviving the Titanic tragedy, 49 passed away from cancer. Seven of the survivors died of breast cancer.
For seven years the Titanic Museum Attraction has recognized these
as well as other conservative and pro-life candidates in the November election, Featured speakers and performers will include Russ and Bev Eugenio, Rich and Anna Watson, Larry and Sandra Barnette, Jerry Presley, Deanna Duggar, Tammy Rodgers, Nyla, Shay and Brayla, Ani-
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Branson’s hottest night spot has now been in business one year. Wranglers Honky Tonk, one year after opening, is busier than ever.
Managed by Tonya Newman, with help from one of Branson’s most wellknown musical families— Melody Hart, Wayne Massengale and sons Garrett and Dillon—Wranglers Honky Tonk offers something for everyone.
Wranglers celebrated their one-year anniversary with special guests, specials on food, and drink specials all night. But the fun didn’t stop there. The management and staff of Wranglers don’t need an occasion to have a good time—there is always something fun to do at Wranglers.
“We have line dance lessons every Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30,” explained
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Members of local law enforcement agencies celebrated National Coffee with a Cop Day on Wednesday, October 2. Coffee with a Cop is a day
Melody Hart. “Live music starts at 7:30. Thursdays, we have the Jukebox Winos from 5 to 7, then we start on stage at 7 p.m. Fridays we have Mel and Kim Barber from 5 to 7, then our band on stage at 7 pm. Happy hour is from 5 to 7. Saturday, the live band starts at 7:30 and happy hour is from 5 to 7. We have a music dance mix from 11 to 1 on weekends.”
The band that Hart refers to is Melody Hart and the All Star Band, featuring Hart and her family and some special friends.
“My husband Wayne Massengale on fiddle, our son Dillon Massengale is the bass player and featured vocalist, and son Garrett Massengale is our drummer and featured vocalist,” Hart explained. “We have Dino Strunk on guitar and Robby Springfield on steel. We play a variety of mix with
set aside to encourage communication and positive interactions between the public and the community’s law enforcement agencies. An annual event that be-
special men and women whose lives were claimed by cancer in such a significant way, with 49 pink flamingos—one with the name of each Titanic survivor who died of cancer—and a 15-foot pink ribbon on the bow of the boat. Inside the attraction, on the Survivors’ Wall, the names of those survivors who succumbed to cancer will be acknowledged with a pink ribbon beside his or her name throughout the month of October.
ta Cerce, Don Ford, Howard and Leanne Bailey, Tony and Brenda Krukow, Pastor Tom Wilcox, Pastors Ken and Pam Rensink, Jessica Orsak and The Sons.
Branson’s Titanic Museum Attraction is located at 3235 West 76 Country Boulevard, at the intersection of Highway 165. For tickets or more information, call 800-381-7670.
The public is invited to attend to encourage, pray for, and rally behind Seitz and all conservative Christian candidates.
The Prayer - Praise - Pro Life Election Rally is set for Saturday, November 2, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the God and Country Theater, 1840 West 76 Country Boulevard, in Branson. For more information, call 417-598-3413.
Prayer - Praise - Pro-Life Election Rally set Wranglers Honky Tonk
our songs. We take requests and try to play what they like to dance to.”
In addition to great music, Wranglers Honky Tonk is also known for delicious food, prepared by Dowd’s Restaurant of Lebanon, Missouri. Wranglers specializes in catfish, steaks, shrimp and burgers. A well-stocked bar offers a variety of beer, specialty drinks and more.
Wranglers often hosts special events.
“We have the Heart of Texas Show this Friday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.,” explained Hart. “The 26th we have Jason Pritchett doing a concert and that night, we still have only the $5 cover charge. We have plans to be open on Thanksgiving and are taking reservations for the New Year’s extravaganza.”
The Heart of Texas Road Show Hart spoke of features Barbara Fairchild,
gan in 2016, Coffee with a Cop is celebrated nationwide on the first Wednesday of October, as a way to bridge the gap between the community and the law.
tour guide and founder of Heart of Texas Country. Another special event is set for October 29, when the Hopeful Hilarity Comedy Show takes the stage at 7 p.m., featuring several talented comedians.
Located at 625 State Highway 165, Wranglers is open Wednesday through Saturday, beginning at 5 p.m. Theirs is one of the few night spots open late, after the Branson shows end. Said Melody, “Get your boots on and make your way over to Wranglers where we have the largest dance floor, live music, the coldest beer and the best food around!”
Locally, several area eateries hosted law enforcement officers for Coffee with a Cop gatherings. Chick-fil-A and 7 Brew hosted the Branson Police Department, while McDonald’s in both Forsyth and Branson hosted the Taney County Sheriff’s Department. The morning event gave community members an opportunity to share any comments or concerns that they might have with members of local law enforcement agencies in a casual and informal setting.
Roy Morris, Tony Booth, Mary Lou Turner, Travis Scott and the Playboys. The Road Show is hosted by Tracy Pitcox of Brady, Texas, a well-known radio personality,
Sergeant Mike McClure of the Missouri State Highway Patrol gives local students a presentation on the dangers of distracted driving. (Photo by K.D. Michaels)
Board votes to ‘cash fund’ part of Branson RV Park expansion
BY GARY J. GROMAN, Independent Journalist
At a recent Branson Board of Aldermen meeting, the Board unanimously passed a resolution authorizing the transfer of $240,000 from the Tourism Fund to Capital Projects Expense Fund. This transfer will finance the cost of the road and utility infrastructure for the expansion of the city of Branson’s Branson Lakeside RV Park at 300 South Box Car Willie Drive, immediately south of the Branson Landing on the shores of Lake Taneycomo.
The Staff Report for the Resolution said, “Seventy-five percent of the tourism tax collected pursuant to the Branson Tourism Tax provided by §94.800 et seq. shall be used for constructing and maintaining infrastructure improvements. The proposed campground expansion is a key development aimed at enhancing our community’s appeal to tourists. The funds will be used for construction of infrastructure improvements to the new campgrounds for roads and utilities. In a May article in this pa-
per, Branson Parks & Recreation Director Cindy Shook said that construction is well underway and, absent weather and unforeseen circumstance delays, anticipates that the $1.2 million expansion will “officially open” in the spring of 2025. The staff report for resolution indicates that the “cash funding” of the $240,000 transfer is not in addition to the $1.2 million but will be subtracted from it reducing the total amount of debt the expansion will incur.
Alderman Marshall Howden, who serves on the city’s
Park’s Board said, he’s “Super excited about the expansion” and “Our campground has so many aspects to it that make it an incredible facility.” He points out that the campground is “really is a business that the city operates and said that the Parks Board knows how crucial that is to the budget of the city’s Park Department.
The May article also reports that Shook said she was “excited about the expansion because of the enhanced experience it will provide campers and the in-
Nominations sought for Chamber’s Black Tie Awards
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
The Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau are seeking nominations.
The annual Black Tie Gala is set for December, and nominations are now being accepted for the prestigious Black Tie Gala Awards.
creased revenue it will bring to the city. She says that the Park operates profitably, and its profits support the city’s parks and recreation programs. Without that revenue, more funding would have to come from the city’s General Fund and increased user fees for the city’s parks and recreation programs.”
Shook said that the expansion will have 31 spaces of which 226 will be “pull throughs” and all of which will have a lake view of some sort. They are new, larger sites with a 16-foot
separation, a paved patio, a picnic table and an individual firepit. These premium sites will all have the expected
The Black Tie Gala is Branson’s most celebrated annual event, honoring Branson area residents, businesses and organizations in a special way.
The award will be presented at the Black Tie Gala, set for Friday, December 13, at Branson’s Chateau on the Lake Resort.
The awards are sponsored by Ozark Mountain Legacy,
Nominations are currently being sought for the Mary Award, Pioneer Award, Ambassador Award, Beautification Award, Community Spirit Award and the Care for Kids Award.
the Silver Dollar City Foundation and Myer Hotels. Deadline for nominations is 5 p.m. on Friday, October 25. For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce via email at info@bransonchamber. com or visit their website, bransonchamber.com.
Hollister’s Grape and Fall Festival this Saturday
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
The wait is over for the annual Grape and Fall Festival. The highly anticipated event is slated for this Saturday in Hollister.
The exciting event, which regularly draws near 10,000 attendees, offers something for everyone, including live music, arts and crafts, fun and games, food and more.
The one-day festival is a longstanding Hollister tradition. The Grape and Fall Festival includes the Color Me Grape 5K Fun Run, and
the Dogs Gone Grape pageant, as well as the event highlight—a live Grape Stomp.
The 27th Annual Grape and Fall Festival, presented by Triple Diamond Real Estate, is set for Saturday, October 12, on Hollister’s Historic Downing Street. The Color Me Grape 5K begins at 9 a.m. at Hollister’s City Hall. Live entertainment on the Triple Diamond Stage begins at 10 a.m., with the last act taking the stage at 6 p.m.
‘Dining in the Ozarks’ annual gala raises funds for The Brook
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
On Thursday evening, September 19, friends, supporters and clients of The Brook Wellness Center enjoyed “Dining in the Ozarks.” The nonprofit organization’s annual fundraising gala was hosted this year by Church 3:16 in Forsyth, and included delicious food specialties from several area restaurants. Nicole Hagen served as emcee for the evening; Pastor Jeramie Henson of Church 3:16 led in opening prayer, and gospel music was provided by LaVonne Parrott.
Director Rosie Robinson shared highlights of 2024, including the
opening of The Brook’s Forsyth location at 16519
U.S. Hwy. 160, which allows the mental wellness and substance abuse recovery nonprofit to better serve clients in central and eastern Taney County; the Branson West location serves Stone County and locations west of Branson from offices at 11016 W. St. Hwy. 76. Along with the new location, The Brook has added two of four planned new therapist positions, with all therapists now trained in trauma-informed therapy techniques, and has also added a Marijuana Brief Intervention program to serve area youth struggling with marijuana and
other addictions.
“Jesus is our CEO,” said Robinson, stating that although clients are not required to profess any particular faith, The Brook’s goal is to have the love of Christ evident through the caring staff.
Client testimonies shared at the dinner made it evident that goal is effective. One of those clients, now five years clean, said the daily text messages during a period of relapse helped him realize Rosie and the other staff weren’t giving up on him. “I just couldn’t do it on my own,” said another client. “I finally began a journey of recovery through redemption in
Christ, and now I’m 1,893 days clean!”
The Brook has served 326 graduates through their substance use disorder program, and has been privileged to see 125 family reunifications. The facility holds certifications through the Missouri departments of mental and behavioral health, helping many clients qualify for financial assistance through state programs and various insurances, and fundraisers help provide for anyone not covered through such sources so that nobody is turned away from getting help.
Goals for the coming year include a larger facility to accommodate addi-
tional play therapy and a drop-in center for youth.
“Many kids don’t realize they have a choice, that they don’t have to continue in what may seem like a family path,” shared Stan Robinson, who serves as clinical director and chaplain. The proposed new center will give such youth a safe place.
The evening wrapped up with drawings for some awesome raffle items donated by generous sponsors as part of the fundraising effort, and the opportunity for attendees to learn more and consider supporting The Brook’s valuable programs on a regular basis.
Follow The Brook
Wellness Center on Facebook or visit https://www. thebrookwellnesscenter. org for updates on exciting events throughout the year, starting with a Family Fall Festival at the Branson West location on October 26. Events planned for the rest of 2024 and 2025 will include Thanksgiving Dinner for clients and families; a Toy Drive helping with Christmas gifts for client children; an Esther Day of pampering and encouragement for women; the Walk for Recovery; Family Fun Day in June; a Fishing Day in September, and of course, next year’s banquet.
Veterans Week opening ceremony coming up November 5
The 2024 Veterans Week opening ceremony will be held November 5 at 10 a.m. at the College of the Ozarks Patriots Park. The posting and retiring of
siles fly over their home and spending a lot of time in their bomb shelter, which he de-
colors, wreath laying and rifle volley will be by the Branson Veterans of America 913 Honor Guard. Taps will be played by Sergeant Major (E9) Bob Smither, U.S. Army Ret. Branson
scribed as a room in homes that can take a direct hit.
The possibility of that is something Israelis are living with every day; families cannot plan an outing
Mayor Larry Milton will read his proclamation, proclaiming Branson as the most patriotic city in America. Dr. Jerry C. Davis, President Emeritus, College of the Ozarks,
or allow children to play outdoors without rehearsing where the nearest shelters are. His presentation included several points not likely to be heard via
will explain the Missouri Vietnam Memorial story, and the keynote speaker will be Brig. Gen. James Schreffler, VP for Patriotic Activities, College of the Ozarks; Asst. Adjutant
General MOARNG.
The invocation and benediction will be led by Sierra Smith, C of O senior, and the Nation Anthem and God Bless America will be performed by Jack-
son Collins, C of O senior. The Pledge will be conducted by Sgt. First Class Ernie Bradley, U.S. Army Ret. For more information, call Bob Sarver, 417-2940728.
mainstream media. As an example, he pointed out the contrasting numbers of Muslim nations, mostly Arab, with over 1.8 billion people as compared to 8 million Jews in one small nation, located on land with which it has over 3,000 years of history, asking, “How can Israel be the oppressor here?”
Those historical roots, according to Eshel, are foundational to the conflict but not in ways many people think. Israel is literally the land where the Bible
happened; from his home, Eshel and his family are within sight of where several key events in the Gospel accounts took place. He showed slides and video of numerous archaeological finds verifying biblical events. “Satan hates Israel because it validates the Word of God, something the enemy has tried to destroy from the beginning,” he said.
Regarding the October 7 massacre, Eshel said Israel, while prepared to defend themselves, was
not fully cognizant of the scope of evil of which their enemies are capable. He compared it to the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor that forced the United States into World War II, saying that people with a generally biblical worldview have trouble processing the extreme evil it takes to carry out such an attack; the only two nations that have warned civilians of an impending attack are Israel and the United States, which dropped warning leaflets prior to the use of the atomic bomb.
Key takeaways for many on Friday evening audience included the significance of the names of people and places in the Bible, as Eshel pointed out many locations now thought of as Muslim were originally Christian, having been evangelized by the early apostles. Other attendees had not previously realized that the Nazis developed the concept of fake news, intentionally propagandizing citizens to believe wrongly about Jews and other groups. He then tied that to a warning about Chinese-based TikTok, with algorithms targeting American youth, and urged families to study historical truth and teach it to their children. To start or boost such study, attendees received resources including maps, charts and historical notes. If you missed Friday’s lecture, visit The Bible Comes to Life online at www.tbctl. com and check out the “educational toolbox” section. While many resources are free, there is also an option for donating to help provide supplies and equipment for Israeli fire departments helping protect key biblical and archaeological sites. Additional information is at https://www.standwithus. com. You can also visit www.bottradionetwork. com to find faith-based factual programming to add biblical perspective to the news we hear each day.
Submitted to Branson Globe
• ISRAEL
Reader’s Corner: National World War II Museum offers great resources
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
As we approach Veterans Homecoming Week in Branson, and Veterans Day, November 11, it’s time for this column’s regular mention of the many great resources available through the National World War II Museum. Located in New Orleans, the Museum offers not only a variety of in-per-
son experiences (which I hope to visit before too much longer!), but also some wonderful resources available online or by catalog order. The currently available podcast series seems particularly timely: “Antisemitism: The Fight in WWII America.” This five-part series hosted by historian Stephanie Hinnershitz, Ph.D., explores the battle
against antisemitism preand during World War II as well as the legacy of these efforts continuing today. The following episodes are available on Apple, Spotify and other podcast platforms:
• Episode 1: “Broadcasting Hate”
• Episode 2: “Nazis at Madison Square Garden”
• Episode 3: “We Will
Never Die”
Episode 4: “Those Terrible 18 Months” Episode 5: “Liberation”
The museum store also has a variety of ways to help families remember and honor their own World War II veteran heroes and teach the next generation. Resources include books, not only by historians and scholars but also by people who were there or
JATC: Volunteer your time to help our community
Submitted to Branson Globe
Junior Auxiliary of Taney County (JATC) is part of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries Inc. or NAJA. Our mission statement is as follows: JATC is a group of women dedicated to improving the lives of children in Taney County. Our projects are designed to
fulfill the virtues of Charity, Youth, Health, Community Service, and Leadership in members and those we serve. We believe that by caring today we build character for tomorrow.
Junior Auxiliary is a national nonprofit organization that encourages members to render charitable services which are benefi-
cial to the general public, with particular emphasis on children. We are a group of women united by a single cause and dedicated to helping the children of Taney County. That’s the magic of JATC.
We are having a membership informational meeting, where you can come see how you could fit into our
organization. We have and do so many projects, that we’re sure you would fit right in. We have a lot of fun doing them together!
For more information, call our membership chair Paula Gillispie at 417-2942745 or email jatcmo@ gmail.com; check out the website at https://www. jatcmo.org
Drug Take Back Day collects unwanted medications
Submitted to Branson Globe
Did you know that over 50 percent of misused prescription medications come from family and friends?
The source of those prescription medications is often the home medicine cabinet.
Saturday, October 26, local law enforcement and prevention coalitions will host four prescription drug take-back sites in Taney and Stone counties during the DEA National Rx Take Back Day.
The Taney County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Team (ADAPT) and Drug Free
Ozarks have partnered to promote safe medication disposal as a part of the event. Coalition volunteers will be on site during the event handing out free medication safety information and medication destruction packets.
“Each Rx Take Back event gives community members the opportunity to rid their homes of potentially dangerous expired and unused prescription medications,” says Marietta Hagan, CoxHealth project coordinator and member of the ADAPT coalition.
Rx Take Back Days are a great alternative to flush-
ing medications, which is discouraged. Rx Take Back Days and the use of the permanent drug drop boxes protect area waterways from contamination from medications. City and county sewer systems and private septic systems are designed to treat biological waste and do not remove medications that are flushed down the toilet or dropped down a sink.
During the Rx Take Back Day, medication drop-off locations will be set up from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, at the following locations:
Walgreens Pharmacy –210 State Highway 165,
Branson • Lakeland Pharmacy - 1232 Branson Hills Pkwy., Branson
• Walgreens Pharmacy – 101 Industrial Park Drive, Hollister Kimberling City Police Department – 34 Kimberling Blvd., Kimberling City
Over-the-counter medications, pet medications and prescription medications are accepted in pill form, liquid form, patches and creams. No inhalers or needles/ syringes accepted.
To locate an Rx Take Back Day location near you, visit DEATakeBack.com.
House of Hope to benefit from blanket drive
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
A blanket drive will provide warmth for those in need during the upcoming winter months. The blanket drive, sponsored by Crazy Craig’s Cheeky Monkey Bar, Crazy Craig’s Tree House and Crazy Craig’s Sports Bar and Grill will benefit the House of Hope, providing blankets for use in their warming center or to give out to those without shelter in the cold winter months.
New or gently used blankets can be dropped off at the House of Hope, 217 Veterans Boulevard in downtown Branson. House of Hope has also created an Amazon Wish List for the blankets. Amazon purchases can be shipped directly to House of Hope.
As a way of saying “thank you,” show your receipt from purchasing a blanket at any of the three sponsor locations and receive a $10 gift certificate to that establishment.
“We are super thank-
ful for this community and businesses like Crazy Craig’s,” said a House of Hope representative.
“This is a pretty sweet idea, and we are excited to hand out new blankets in the coming months.
incorporating the stories of veterans, as well as videos featuring those stories. There are also games, puzzles, clothing, commemorative mugs and much more. There is so much to be learned from looking back at this pivotal time in 20th century history, so why not spend some time checking out some of the available resources, perhaps as a family activity
or part of a homeschool or supplemental curriculum. The museum also partners with Arizona State University for an online master’s degree program in WWII studies, as well as an annual Conference on WWII; at this writing, in-person registration was sold out, but virtual registration for the November conference was still showing available.
BRANSON HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE AND CAREER FAIR ATTENDED BY MANY – More than 80 businesses and organizations were represented in the recent Branson High School College and Career Fair. Presented by the Branson High School Counseling Team, the annual event provided an opportunity for students to learn about options and explore opportunities available to them following high school. The event included representatives for various colleges and trade schools, as well as businesses and local or regional organizations. The College and Career Fair drew more than 500 attendees, setting a new record for the event. – BY
Join in the fun. Grab some great food and make sure someone has warmth this winter.”
The blanket drive runs through November 1.
K.D. MICHAELS
Branson Bank hosts flagpole dedication with Veterans of the Ozarks
Submitted to Branson Globe
On October 1, 2024, Branson Bank held a ceremony to dedicate the bank’s newly built Branson West location’s flagpole. At 9 a.m., bank associates gathered with
representatives of the Veterans of the Ozarks of Kimberling City’s Color Guard to perform its first, flag raising. The flagpole celebrates the patriotism upheld throughout the community and honors
our country and its veterans.
Eric Simkins, Vice President and Commercial Lender of Branson Bank welcomed those attending and introduced guests. Simkins introduced Bill Jones, CEO and co-founder of Branson Bank, who provided an invocation, expressing thanks while reaffirming the bank’s commitment to country and community.
“We are truly blessed to have the resources entrusted to us to serve and invest in our community,” said Bill Jones. “Branson Bank remains committed to honoring our country
and its veterans. This flag is a powerful reminder of the freedoms we enjoy and the service of those who protect them.”
Jones introduced David McAllister, President of Veterans of the Ozarks.
“Each year, civilians recognize June 14 as Flag Day, but for those of us veterans who have served, every day is flag day,” said McAllister. “I challenge each of you who drive by this beautiful flag each morning to take a minute to remember those who are serving, those who have served and those who paid the ultimate price. Freedom does not
come free.”
Eric Simkins then presented the flag to the color guard, and as the flag made its first ascent, Cassandre’ Haygood provided beautiful vocals for the National Anthem.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all, and appreciation was given to those who were in attendance.
About Veterans of the Ozarks Veterans of the Ozarks is a Kimberling Citybased organization dedicated to serving veterans and their families.
Through community outreach and support, they honor the service of veterans and foster camaraderie among those who have served. For more information, please contact David McAllister, president at 417-230-1283.
About Branson Bank Branson Bank is committed to serving and hon -
oring veterans. In 2009, the community bank began their Veteran of the Quarter Program to honor men and women living in Stone and Taney counties who have served in the United States military. Nomination forms are accepted year-round and are available at each bank location and online. Chosen veterans are selected by a committee comprised of past Veteran of the Quarter honorees. For more information about Branson Bank’s Veteran of the Quarter Program or to nominate a local veteran, please visit, www.bransonbank.com.
Branson Bank is a $371 million asset community bank, locally owned and controlled, state chartered financial institution with three locations in Branson, one location in Forsyth, and one location in Branson West.
Bill Jones shares about Branson Bank’s commitment to country and community. (Photo submitted)
Veterans of the Ozarks raise the flag while Cassandre Haygood sings the National Anthem. (Photo submitted)
Veterans of the Ozarks Color Guard pause for a photo with Bill Jones and Eric Simkins. (Photo submitted)
Irvin,
DEATH NOTICES
Dixie Lee 78 Lampe Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City
Graves, Barbara Taylor 85 Forsyth Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory
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Life on Track is available for students in grades seven through ten.
“We have five different schools represented this year,” noted Hodges. “There is Forsyth, Galena, Reeds Spring, Taneyville and Branson.”
The 2024 Life on Track program will reach approximately 300 students.
“The Track has been a wonderful community part-
ner, not only to us, but to all the school districts in the surrounding area,” said Brad Swofford, Superintendent for the Branson School District. “We have partnered with The Track Family Fun Parks for more than a decade to provide this amazing educational exercise for our students. It is an invaluable and impactful way for them to learn about the life-altering consequences of driving impaired and while distracted.”
According to the Under-
age Drinking Prevention Coalition of the Taney County Health Department, the average age of first use of alcohol among our youth has decreased to age 12. Nearly 50 percent of adolescents have had at least one drink by eighth grade. Someone is killed or injured in an alcohol-related crash every 2.7 hours in Missouri. Preliminary statistics indicate alcohol was involved in 181 fatal crashes in Missouri in 2023. Drunk drivers killed 183
68
75
people and seriously injured 755 in Missouri traffic crashes last year.
Eighty percent of crashes involve some form of distracted driving, such as texting, eating, talking, or changing the radio. Inattention continues to be the leading cause of all traffic crashes. Missouri Law prohibits anyone from texting while driving; however, 50 percent of Missouri teens say they text while they drive.
“One of our greatest mis-
sions as a company is to give back to our community, and we have the unique opportunity to offer a safe environment where youth can learn some very important lessons,” said James Dodds, General Manager of The Track Family Fun Parks. “Our goal is that students participating in the Life on Track program will understand the dangers and potential life-threatening effects that distracted and/or drunk driving could have on
themselves and those around them.”
“We’re really hoping that, after this program, these kids are able to learn some of the dangers of being distracted while driving,” Hodges added. “Obviously cell phones are easily woven into our daily lives and if we can get even one of these kids who sit through this to not pick up their phone and not get into an accident where they are injured or worse, then that is worth it for us!”
C of O offers free book, ‘Vietnam 101,’ for first showing of ‘Breaking the Silence’
Submitted to Branson Globe
The College of the Ozarks will present its annual, free patriotic play, October through November, on select dates. Back by popular demand, “Breaking the Silence: Stories of Vietnam Veterans,” tells the stories of five heroes, all who have connections to the College (see the story on page 9B).
The play is based on the book “Vietnam 101,” by Dr. Jerry C. Davis, retired chancellor of College of the Ozarks, and adapted for the stage by Mark Young, M.F.A., professor of theatre and playwright. Guests in attendance for the first showing on Oct. 15 will receive a free copy of the book.
This true story chronicles
the lives of five Veterans: Army Nurse Lou Eisenbrandt; Army Colonel Tony Nadal; 1st Marine Colonel Bill Duncan, otherwise known as Texas Pete; Colonel Donald “Doc” Ballard, Navy corpsman with the 4th Marines and Medal of Honor recipient; and Sergeant John Ligato, Marine platoon leader. Each of these individuals have traveled with C of O through the Patriotic Education Travel Program. The showing of a patriotic play is a fall tradition at College of the Ozarks. Performances take place in the Royal Oak Forum, located in The Keeter Center, and are free and open to the public. Tickets are not required; seating is first-
come, first-served. All performances are open to bus tour groups. The duration of the play is approximately one hour and 15 minutes. For more information and for reservations, call 417-690-2929.
Garrison,
Hamilton, Betty Lou
Nixa Cremations of the Ozarks
Nancy C. Randall 79 Kimberling City Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City Isaacs, Kathleen “Kathy” 77 Indian Point Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City Law, Thomas L. “Tom” 76 Branson Cremations of the Ozarks Maggard, James T. “Jim”
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Branson West Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City
BY HEATHER HAYGOOD
Columnist
“What lies before us and what lies behind us are small matters compared to what lies within us. And when you bring what is within out into
You are a miracle
the world, miracles happen. -Henry David Thoreau What is a miracle? I once heard someone say: “We live on a blue planet, that circles around a ball of fire, next to a moon that moves the sea…and you don’t believe in miracles?”
Einstein said, “There are two ways to live your life. One is though nothing is a miracle, the other is though everything is a miracle.”
I happen to believe in miracles…great and small.
Miracles are an extension of perfect love. I overcame very adverse circumstances because of an abundance of grace on my life. The grace to overcome was a miracle. If we humans are relational creatures and I believe that we are, then it can be reasoned that every one of our gifts are meant to be used in relation to one another. Grace, insurmountable grace is one of the greatest gifts God has given to me.
MIRACLE, PAGE 3B
BY TIFFANY GRAVETT Staff Writer
Irecently heard a supposed pro-choice Christian pastor call unborn babies “potential humans.” His lack
Breakfast at Tiffany’s: Rights vs. righteousness
of biblical knowledge on the subject of life within the womb left me dumbfounded. You don’t need a degree in theology to understand that the words “pro-choice” and “Christian pastor” are in juxtaposition rather than an accurate title for a minister of the gospel. Consider the following scriptural references.
1. God creates, sees, knows intimately, and has a purpose for each unborn individual— even before conception: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret,
SEE RIGHTEOUS, PAGE 3B
pinion
First Amendment to the United States Constitution Congress shall make no law respecting an establishement of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
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EDITORIAL
POLICY:
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BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS Staff Writer
The current First5 study, exploring the theme of exile, has led me to ponder how my life has paralleled the types of exile described in the Bible. I hadn’t thought of some situations as exile—an unexpected job change and move, although not easy, didn’t seem quite as dramatic as Noah’s or Abraham’s. And as I navigate life on this earth, while looking forward to Jesus’
BY JOSHUA HESTON StateoftheOzarks Media & Design
The red fire burned low and hot and I could see its redness far down in the valley, far down near the railroad tracks and the creek, far down, red in the evening dark, flames framed by old hickory trees. Something was burning down in town and for the life of me I can’t remember what it was, an old shed or barn or abandoned house, perhaps. We gathered there in my grandma’s welllit kitchen, peering over the sink, past the spider plants in the window, past the little ceramic elf planter, past the barometric weather predictor with the evil yellow witch who appeared through a tiny
Reflections: Finding good in all things
eternal kingdom, have I considered what it cost him to come to earth on our behalf?
This week, looking back on a couple of times when I felt alone and uncertain, I thought about Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Thanks to Facebook memories, I realized several of those challenging times have occurred during October. In my mind, I returned to 2011, when I spent anxiety-filled days sitting by my son as he battled a mysterious virus with fevers of 105plus degrees, hallucinations, pain and weakness. After rounds of testing, including a spinal tap that hurt
just to watch, he was diagnosed with a vicious case of West Nile virus. “If he lives through this,” said one doctor, “he can probably fight off anything.”
IF??? Well, he did survive! And over a decade later, he gets only mild symptoms, if any, of whatever virus is going around. But God also used that hard time in another interesting way. After missing several weeks of school, his teachers graciously gave him extra help, but he just couldn’t get caught up with his chemistry class. When the counselor recommended he drop the class, the only thing he could enroll in so late in the year was a drama class. Guess what—he had the lead role in the school musical that year and the
next, added to his music resumé for college and beyond, and learned skills he still uses today. (And he did pass a different science class to graduate!)
In October 2021, I spent a long day at my dad’s bedside watching him fight what would be his last physical battle. I had already quit working full time to help care for him, leading to flexible work as a freelance writer; but that day, the Holy Spirit showed up in a powerful way. As I prayed and played and sang Dad’s old favorite hymns, the feelings of inspiration were almost tangible. I had dreaded the thought of soon being the “last one standing” in my original family, but as I felt God’s presence and sensed Dad’s trust in
Him, thoughts and ideas began to flow that I am still writing down now. Those ideas have led to opportunities to share with others, helping some to strengthen their own faith walk, and I’m pursuing new avenues of ministry I might not otherwise have done. As followers of Christ, we live in physical exile from the eternal kingdom we look forward to at His return. As I follow that theme through with my Bible study, I pray I will be found faithful and continue to trust that promise that all things DO work together for good—not always for my comfort, but to inspire me to obey the Holy Spirit and to do my part in the Great Commission, as we draw closer and closer to that glorious day!
Been Thinkin’ About...the warmth of the night
door if impending weather was severe.
Grandpa and Grandma’s house was high on a hill, old Lucas Hill, and the hickory grove was thick. Only the lateness of the season and the falling of leaves meant we could even see that something was on fire. Someone turned off the lights in the house and we stood there in the dark, trying to see better. I remember my grandpa’s rough voice, his thoughts trailing onto a story of some sort, of another fire, another time, a time when Lucas was a bustling coal mining town and not the dusty shadow I came to know it as a child.
The kitchen was dark, the evening uncharacteristically warm and blustery for so late in the season. Not a good night for a fire, even if it was just an old farm shed in the night. I shivered. The kitchen suddenly felt all wrong, the people in it, my people, suddenly felt very solitary, very fragile.
The walls of my grandpa’s house seemed thin indeed, little separation from the night, little separation from the great dark that seemed to reach out to consume everything and everyone. I was wearing a little white shirt and I felt my mom’s hand on my back. She did that often, feeling for any possible congestion since my bout with pneumonia. I still coughed on occasion and she worried. Someone flipped the kitchen lights back on and life — my life — returned to the safe and familiar. Threats of the unknown, of “ghouls and ghosties and long-legged beasties,” threats of mortality and solitary fragility, fled back to the fantasy world in which we keep them. The fire far down in the valley burned itself out by morning, leaving a dull and mortal heap of ash and old twisted wire in its stead. Life returned to normalcy, that false sense of fantasy in which we lie
to ourselves that everything will remain the same forever, for our minds just can’t comprehend soul-crushing loss until it happens.
Something like 40 years have come and gone since that night. Most folks who were in that kitchen with me are dead and gone. I could not, in my childlike wonder, imagine a world in which they were not always going to be there for me. The very idea felt, not only tragic, but also unimaginably terrifying. No one to turn to for advice, for security, for help. I could not imagine such a world even as I would yearn for independence and a life of my own. The guilt comes temptingly — that I didn’t appreciate them as much as I should have — and that strange sense of free fall of the soul that no one tells you about when you are young. I didn’t cherish them enough, listen to them enough, soak up each moment as I should have, and
now they are gone, lost in the ether and I am left, taking each new and plodding step, often still overlooking the magic of life.
Another Halloween season has come. The October air was warm Friday night, the breeze again uncharacteristically blustery. I stood downtown, looking up a dark hill, through branches of sweet gum trees, hearing the friendly and loving voices of friends, neighbors and those whom I have come to know as family. Up through the leaves and the dark and silhouetted trees, up past the dark and shining railroad rails, up past a thousand memories not my own streaming like ghosts in the night, was a lighted window. For a moment I stared back, back at myself as a child, a child surrounded by love in the dark. For a moment, the night stopped and I shivered again, uncharacteristically cold against the warmth of the night.
Dave Ramsey interviews Trump about his economic plans
Ramsey Solutions
This election season, economic issues top the list of voters’ concerns—no matter where they stand politically.
Unfortunately, there’s been way more mudslinging so far in this election than any real discussion of the issues that are affecting people’s lives. If you’re sick of that, we’re right there with you. And we did something about it.
We reached out to both Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign and former President Donald Trump’s campaign and invited each of the candidates to a oneon-one interview with Dave. The opportunity: Share your ideas for the economy and how you’ll make things bet-
ter for the American people if you’re elected president.
Trump’s campaign was the first to accept, so Dave and our team headed to Trump Tower in New York City to take everyday Americans’ questions about the economy, small businesses and taxes to Trump in a real-talk interview. No spin. No hype. Just answers.
Inflation Is a Big Deal
Dave got to the heart of the issue with his first question. He explained that The Ramsey Show has millions of listeners who are concerned about $8 eggs, $5-a-gallon gas, 7% interest rates and homes they can’t afford because wages aren’t increasing as quickly as house prices.
“In the first 90 days, the strokes that you make to change the economy if you’re elected are a big deal,” Dave said. “What are some of the first things you’re going to do?”
Trump agreed inflation is a huge pain point, saying he believes the country has experienced the highest inflation in its history over the last few years. And his solution begins with lowering energy costs.
“The first thing you have to do is get the energy [costs] down,” Trump said. “If you get the energy down, other things are going to follow.
“I believe I’ll be able to get energy down to 50% of what it is now in a period of less than a year,” he said,
adding that to reach this goal, he would remove regulations around oil drilling and fracking to take advantage of the oil reserves in America.
“If we do that, all those inflated prices are going to come down,” Trump said. Heating Up the Economy
Dave and Trump next tackled the topic of taxes, specifically how tax cuts can spur small business and fuel economic growth.
“I’m a small-business guy,” Dave said. “If you lower my taxes, it doesn’t mean I put it in my pocket. It means I hire people. Talk about lowering taxes in the first year of your administration.”
“What we’re doing has sort of two phases,” Trump explained. In his first administration, Trump worked with Congress to lower the corporate tax rate from 39% to 21%. If he’s reelected, he plans to lower the rate again. “I’m bringing [the tax rate] from 21% to 15%, but you have to manufacture your product [in the United States].”
Dave pointed out that Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton both used the strategy of lowering taxes to create government revenue through the resulting economic growth.
“And you saw it with me,” Trump agreed. “At 39% and then down to 21%, you’d think we’d do half or much less [revenue]. But in the first full year we did much more revenue in the United States than we did at 39%.”
The next phase of Trump’s plan involves placing tariffs—essentially an extra tax—on foreign goods sold in America that he believes will help American companies remain competitive.
Watch the Full Interview
These are just a couple of the highlights from Dave’s interview with Trump. You can watch the full interview for free on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and in the Ramsey Network app. But here’s the real takeaway: What happens in the White House will never be as important as what happens in your house. Sure, the president’s economic policy can create an environment that makes it easier or more difficult for you to reach your money goals. That’s why it’s good to know about their plans so you can make an informed decision. But it’s a waste of time to wait for a politician to save you. If you want to change your economic outlook, it’s up to you.
BY EVANGELIST TIM KIDWELL, Branson Church of Christ
I recently made a quick trip to the “essential” store to replenish some much needed items. The store had announced that many of their shelves had been replenished overnight. While there, I saw Jesus. He was rapidly filling his shopping cart with as much toilet pa-
I saw Jesus at the supermarket
per as would fit, and then he began to fill a second cart. Jesus then proceeded to play tug of war with a woman over the last package of tissue. About that time stockmen began to roll pallets of toilet paper, still boxed, onto the sales floor. Jesus immediately began to rip into the boxes forcing the workers to back away in fear for their physical wellbeing. After Jesus had satisfied his “need” for tissue paper he passed out Bible tracts and invited everyone to attend church services with him this coming Sunday. You are probably already shaking your head
and saying, “There is no way you saw Jesus at the store, and if you had, he would not have been involved in such behavior.” And you would be correct. But, during Covid of 2020, I did see people at the store behaving in such an inappropriate fashion who claim Jesus lives in them. If Christ lives in us, He controls our EVERY thought and action. The apostle Paul wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave
Out of the mouths of babes...
COMPILED BY TIFFANY
GRAVETT
She came into our room after she was supposed to be in bed for the night…
Mommy: You’re supposed to be sleeping.
Kenna Grace: I’m sorry, but I had a question.
Mommy: *Sigh* What is it?
Kenna Grace: (Snuggling up next to me) So, how was your childhood? -Kenna Grace, age 5 ***
• MIRACLE
Continued from page 1B
Every time I choose to walk in grace and love toward another human being, I operate in the miraculous. What strengths have you gained through your hardship? What do you have to give to the world? Do not think for one second that you have nothing to give, because everyone does.
• RIGHTEOUS
Continued from page 1B
intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them” (Psalm 139:13-16).
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5).
2. God hates the shedding of innocent blood:
“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers” (Proverbs 6:16-19).
“You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13).
3. God will not only hold
The bride and groom stood up to say their vows.
“Here comes the cheesy part.” –Callum, age 11 ***
“C’mon, Elsa! Get it together!” –My almost 3-yearold said this to her doll who kept falling over. ***
“I so essited I go to school. Maybe a friend doesn’t have a friend and I can be their friend.” –Mattie, age 4 ***
Talking about Adriana’s
Even in the scientific community conception and a healthy pregnancy are considered miraculous. Did you know that the chances of conceiving for an optimal, healthy, fertile couple are only about one in five every month? One statistic estimates that somewhere between 60%-80% of embryos are simply flushed out unnoticed in a woman’s
every person accountable for evil deeds, but will also hold accountable everyone who approves of evil deeds:
“And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,
upcoming birthday…
Rachel: So, what are some big girl things you can do when you’re five?
Adriana: Oh, you know… sleep in a big girl bed and hold knives. –Adriana, age 4 ***
On the way home from preschool.
Kara: What did you learn today?
Anna, nonchalantly: Oh, everything. –Anna, age 3 ***
menstrual cycle because of complications to implant in the uterus. Believe it or not, YOU are a miracle! Stop judging yourself so harshly. Your past…your history…are just that…history. Over and gone. You cannot go back and as you know, there are no re-dos. What you can do is move forward one step at a time and one day at a time. You can
slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them” (Romans 1:2832).
Given this evidence, how should Christians vote regarding the subject of abor-
Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20). Paul is saying that when a person becomes a Christian his, words, his thoughts, his actions are then under the control of his constant desire to imitate Jesus (Eph. 5:1). Did you imitate Christ during the health concern? Would Jesus respond as you did? Or, did you panic along with the world? Paul taught the brethren at Philippi to “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplica-
“Daddy, I’m going to whisper I love you in your ear so it will go down into your heart.” –Zac, age 4 ***
“Mom, you said this was going to be “real quick.” I thought “real quick” was a LOT shorter.
–random 5-year-old at Target ***
After requesting a bandaid be placed on a very small scratch on his leg.
“I can walk again!” –
choose to NEVER GIVE UP! That is also a miracle. Be realistic you say? I am being very realistic. I live on a blue planet, that circles around a ball of fire, next to a moon that moves the sea, and I expect to see miracles made manifest in my life and in the lives of my loved ones. I choose love when it feels like it’s too hard, hopeless, scary, frustrating and
tion in the coming elections? I strongly implore you to make your decision based on what is righteous
tion, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:4-7). Is Paul saying that we should “rejoice in the Lord, be gentle in our treatment of all men, be anxious for nothing, be thankful to God and have peace that passes understanding” unless we are dealing with the coronavirus? Are there times of exception to God’s instructions and promises? Again, I ask, “Are you imitating Christ even during a health concern?
Blake, age 2 ***
Jonas: Are you sad you have to go back to work?
Mommy: Ummm, a little.
But I really like my job. I like making kids feel better.
Jonas: Yeah. But you also like naps. ***
We picked a tiger lily from the yard.
“Is there a tiger in there?”
–Holden, age 3 ***
6:58 a.m., as he throws
even when I’m no good at loving. My choices to love despite what is going on around me creates fertile soil for miracles to grow and gratitude is the rain that waters the little seedlings of the miraculous inside my soul. I beat the odds. I am not “statistically” what I should be. I made it. If I can make it, then so can you.
according to God’s word rather than on so-called “rights” created by man. For more information,
Has your attitude and behavior proclaimed to the world that Jesus controls your EVERY thought and action? Do you truly believe the promise of God that He “will never leave you or forsake you” (Heb. 13:5)? Do people marvel at the peace in your life while chaos abounds in the world? Do people see your response of gentleness and goodness toward others and come to understand, “To God be the glory” (Matt. 5:16)? Are you “Standing on the promises of God?” or “Sprinting in panic with the lost?”
himself in frustration across my bed.
“But I haven’t had-ed
Cheetos ALL DAY!” –Isaac, age 5
This week’s kids quotes compiled from littlehoots. com
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.”
visit https://missourilife. org/the-battle-to-keep-mopro-life/
BY DAVE RAMSEY, CEO, Ramsey
Solutions, and an eight-time No. 1 national best-selling author, and host of
The Ramsey Show
Dear Dave: I’m getting married
DR. RICHARD BAKER, AIF®, is the founder of and an executive wealth advisor at Fervent Wealth Management. https://www. facebook.com/Dr.RichardBaker
Dinner was just okay.”
After almost thirty years of marriage, I realized this was never the correct
BY HEATHER TANKERSLEY,
REALTOR®, provides services for residential, commercial, land and lake properties in the Branson Tri-Lakes area.
Even though affordability is improving, buying a home can still feel tough right now. But here’s some good news: builders are focusing their efforts on building smaller homes, and they’re offering key incentives to buyers. And both of these things can be a big help if you’re worried about finding a home that’s right for your budget.
Dave Says: A different situation than most
next month, and my fiancé and I are both following your plan. I’m on Baby Step 3. I make $65,000 a year and have $14,000 in my emergency fund. My fiancé made $90,000 a year, and he’s on Baby Step 2 paying off his car loan. He has his beginner emergency fund in place, and we already have $3,000 set aside for a honeymoon trip. I said he “made” $90,000 because the company he was work-
Stock
Market
answer to my wife’s question about whether I liked dinner. That being said, October is usually an okay month for stocks. While “just okay” doesn’t win me any points with my wife, that is the best way to describe October markets. Unless, of course, it is an election year.
In non-election years, the S&P 500 average return in October over the last ten years has been almost 2%. October is quite middle-ofthe-road. Unless, of course, it is an election year. Looking back to the pres-
ing for just went out of business. He’s an experienced heating and air technician, and he has already had a few companies reach out with offers or interviews. Do you think we should still go on a honeymoon, or wait until he officially finds another job and things are a little more stable?
Charlotte Dear Charlotte, I’m not generally a big fan of spending when some-
Insights:
one loses a job. But honestly? I think your situation is a little different than most. I also think you two are different than a lot of folks I talk to. Here’s why. First off, you’re both serious about dumping debt and getting control of your finances. That’s the big thing. Plus, you make good money, and he will again very soon, based on his prospects and the line of work he’s in. On top of all that, you’ve
got a nice pile of cash in the bank. This tells me you’re both wise enough and mature enough to know the importance of being on stable ground financially.
Your guy will have another job in a couple of weeks, considering his experience and the fact companies are already reaching out to him. If he’s lucky, he might even be able to work a deal that would allow him to start a new job right after the hon-
eymoon. So, I like the future you two are looking at, Charlotte. You have some financial padding, he’s in a field that pays well and I’m pretty sure his income is about to be restored.
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, and God bless you both. Go have a great time on your honeymoon. I hope you two will have long and happy lives together! — Dave
October markets – a pause before the election
idential election years since 1950, stocks in October have averaged a negative return of almost 1%. Only one October market (2004) in the past six election years has finished with a positive return. This is because stock markets don’t like uncertainty, and in the weeks leading up to the presidential elections, there is a lot of negativity in the media, and investors feel uncertain.
It isn’t surprising that markets fluctuate and get more volatile in the last weeks of a major campaign.
So far this year, stocks
have followed the historical election-year cycle by being overall positive with a summer dip. If 2024 follows a similar pattern, we could see stocks struggle through October until the election. In election years, stocks often find a bottom a few days before the election, which usually leads to strong November and December markets.
This presidential election year is feeling a little more uncertain than usual because: The campaign is very contentious. There is a strong chance of a widening war in the
Middle East. • China’s economy is struggling so badly that it is implementing the greatest stimulus in its history, which will affect global markets. Lastly, there is a major dockworker strike at American ports.
With all these backdrops, it would not be surprising to see stocks slide some in October as markets take a breath ahead of the election.
I am staying neutral on stocks, but I am especially watching the Middle East and how an escalating war
could affect oil. All that said, things are lining up favorably for stocks immediately after the election and in the fourth quarter.
I am a pretty picky eater, having grown up with consistent meat and potato fare. Then, this cute city girl came along and made me eat vegetables, rice, and a whole lot of baked chicken, which was “just okay.” Like October stocks, sometimes you have to just smile and endure it because something better is just ahead.
Have a blessed week!
www.FerventWM.com
The latest builder trend: Smaller, less expensive homes
Builders Are Building Smaller Homes
During the pandemic, homebuyers were looking for larger homes—and many could afford them. Builders responded to that demand and created bigger spaces to help people with things like working from home, setting up home gyms, and having extra rooms for virtual school.
Now, with affordability as tight as it is, builders are turning their focus to smaller single-family homes. Data from the Census shows how significant this trend toward smaller new homes has been over the last couple of years (see graph at right).
But why would builders want to build smaller homes right now? At the end of the day, builders are going to focus on building homes that meet current
market demand – because they want to build what they know will sell. And the number one thing homebuyers are looking for right now is better affordability. Since smaller homes typically come with smaller price tags, both buyers and builders have shifted their focus to homes with less square footage. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports:
“. . . home buyers are looking for homes around 2,070 square feet, compared to 2,260 20 years ago.”
And according to Orphe Divounguy, Senior Economist at Zillow:
“Not only are cashstrapped buyers continually seeking out lower-cost options, but developers are changing what type and size of home they’re producing to try and meet that need.”
How a Newly Built Home Can Help You Achieve Your Homebuying Goals
So, if you’re having a hard time finding something in your budget, it may be time to look at brand-new homes that have a smaller footprint. When you do, you may get a few other fringe benefits that can help on the affordability front – like price reductions or mortgage rate buy-downs.
According to the most recent data from Zonda, more than half of builders are offering incentives, some
of which are mortgage rate buydowns. And those perks could help lower your future monthly housing payment too. John Burns, CEO of John Burns Research & Consulting, shares:
“The monthly payment matters more than anything else and builders have responded with smaller, more efficient homes.”
Not to mention, with new home construction, you’ll also get brand new everything, have fewer maintenance needs, and get some of the latest features available. That’s worth looking into, right?
We can help you with your rent, groceries and gas. Please call to get the details 417-337-3772.
Bottom Line
With builders focusing on smaller homes, you may have more budget-friendly options when it matters most. If you’re thinking about buying a home soon, let’s connect and see what’s available where you want to live. It’s Your Move! I believe every homeowner should feel confident when selling their home.
Heather Tankersley REALTOR®, ABR® Keller Williams TriLakes D: 417.332.5130 O:417.336.4999
BY JODY JOHNSON GODFREY Wellness Design Specialist
G
od only knows staying on top of prostate health is about as much fun as having pelvic exams and root canals. All this, however, would fall into the category of “pay me now… or later!” My father, always the picture of health, did not confront his doctor (family practitioner) about the absence of a PSA test for two or three annual checkups, and due to this, we lost him
Prostate health: Don’t ignore it
many years too early. I hope (beyond hope) that I am 200% wrong in this supposition, but have heard it from several people that we now with some doctors (offices), that we now have to request that a PSA screening be included in a regular checkup blood panel. My dad was of the generation that had “blind faith” in the doctors and hospitals. You could in the times when I grew up as the medical care wasn’t dictated by the corporations; they run the show now, with profit as the driving force, or population control being a “close second!” Dad was very non-confrontational and even though mom told him to be sure to get the PSA test, he didn’t want to come off as telling the doctors their business. So sad!
Tanger Outlets
Submitted to Branson Globe
Tanger Outlets Branson will host Pink Party and Boot Drive on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event is FREE and open to the public and features a permanent tattoo artist, reflexologist, hair glam, photo booth, raffles, food truck and much more. All pro-
About 85% of prostate cancers are detected during early screening prior to the patient developing symptoms. If you catch it early, it is quite easily treated. If you develop symptoms such as having to routinely urinate multiple times, nightly, AND if the urine flow becomes stop and go (not a stream), you need to immediately visit your doctor to
1. Ascertain that the prostate is enlarged and by what percentage
2. Do a PSA test to determine how elevated the prostate specific antigen is increased.
3. Depending on the PSA number, they may do a biopsy and possibly surgery, if indicated.
4. Laser treatment is an option rather than surgery.
5. Transurethral resection of the Prostate (TURP) is used to treat urinary problems that result from an enlarged prostrate.
6. Rezum Therapy (originated in Japan) is a minimally invasive treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) that supports great long-term results. It involves a special instrument that uses vapor steam to shrink the enlarged prostate.
There are many scary emotions connected with prostate surgery, and it is no wonder that men remain in denial about their symptoms, but there are new options available now that are viable.
Also, please let your significant other weigh in and
make any treatment decision with you. You may just experience a serendipity discovery made during this process and learn that she loves you more than you thought and prefers to have you around her longer and that the great sex life you have enjoyed for years is no more than an “extra” gift and not the “mainstay” of your relationship! And, of course, this would only be the result of neglecting testing or symptoms for a good while.
Here are some suggestions for staying on top of prostate health and preventing a health crisis and needing surgery:
1. Adapt an anti-inflammatory diet low in red meat, processed sugar and dairy products.
2. Be active and get lots of exercise.
3. Watch your calcium intake as cancer thrives on it. Get your calcium from plant derivatives.
4. Swap red meat for plant based protein and fish. Saturated fat in red meat causes inflammation and inflammation is the base of the cancer pyramid.
5. Incorporate cooked tomatoes (cooked in olive oil) along with broccoli and cauliflower into many weekly meals.
6. Don’t smoke and minimize alcohol.
7. Insist on the PSA test twice a year if you are over 65. This can be avoided by changing some lifestyle habits and always being on time with your PSA testing!
Branson hosts Pink Party, Boot Drive with Skaggs Foundation
ceeds from the event will be donated to Skaggs Foundation, supporting their vital work, and making a real impact on breast cancer awareness and research.
Shoppers are also encouraged to donate a minimum of $10 to receive a special voucher with curated offers from more than 30 leading retailers, including Coach, Crocs, HEYDUDE, Co-
lumbia, J. Crew and more. All proceeds from Tanger’s online donation campaign directly benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF), the largest private funder of breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer research in the world and the highest-rated breast cancer research organization in the country. At Tanger centers across
the country, 100% of donations from both local and national fundraising efforts will go toward breast cancer research and programs.
The annual TangerPink campaign has raised over $18.9 million since 1994 in support of breast cancer efforts. Through our partnership with the BCRF since 2011, Tanger has funded over 92,000 hours
of life-saving research. As TangerPink marks its 30th anniversary supporting breast cancer research and awareness, the Missouri community is invited to make a lasting impact by joining the events at Tanger Branson, 300 Tanger Blvd., and donating online through Oct. 31 for exclusive shopping deals.
For more information on
Skaggs Foundation visit skaggsfoundation.org.
Donate directly to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation® at tanger.com/ pink to receive exclusive offers from Tanger Branson retailers.
Connect with Tanger Branson on Facebook and Instagram. For more information, visit tanger.com/ branson.
Imagine Technology Institute announces CoxHealth Training Program
Submitted to Branson Globe
Are you ready to enter the competitive workforce?
Enrollment is now open for our CoxHealth Vocational Training Program for adults with disabilities. This course is part of our Health Care & Social Assistance Support curricu-
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Branson is home to a relatively new business that offers some unique services.
Laser and Liposuction Center, an anti-aging and aesthetic medical center, opened in November 2023. Their goal is to create a friendly and professional atmosphere that their clients can rely on for all of their cosmetic needs.
Laser and Liposuction Center is operated by Robert W. Poe and Cynthia Frazier, MD.
“We relocated from North Carolina recently,”
lum and is accredited by the MO Department of Higher Education. Total tuition funding is available. This six-week program teaches students the skills to successfully pursue competitive, integrated employment as Food and Nutrition Services team members.
said Dr. Poe, who grew up in Springfield, Missouri, and attended Parkview High School and SMSU.
“Dr. Frazier grew up in Van Buren, AR, and obtained a degree in pharmacy,” noted Dr. Poe. “We both obtained our MD degrees at UAMS in Little Rock, Arkansas.”
Dr. Poe continued, “We
It meets Monday through Friday for four hours a day. Upon completing the program and all other pre-hiring requirements, students can apply for full- or part-time positions that pay $15.25 per hour plus benefits. All training will be held on-site at Cox Medical
perform liposuction, skin tightening procedures, fat transfer, RF micro-needling, threading, fillers and Botox.”
Laser and Liposuction Center is open daily, and patients are seen by appointment.
Laser and Liposuction Center is located at 915 State Highway 248, Suite
Center in Branson. Students will learn food prep, cart delivery and pickup, and stocking condiment stations. In order to earn a job offer, students must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and flu, complete a TB test, be able to stand for eight hours
each workday, successfully complete the program and meet all pre-hiring requirements.
CoxHealth is the region’s only locally owned, notfor-profit health system. It is the area leader in health care and community involvement with six hospitals, more than 80 clinics, five ERs and nearly 14,000 employees throughout southwest Missouri. To learn more or enroll today, phone 417-2407630; andy@imaginejobs. org; visit our website imaginejobs.org; or 101 State Dr., Suite 240, Hollister.
B, in the lower level of the Vision Clinic. For more
U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America performs with BHS, Pride of Branson Bands
BHS and the Pride of Branson Bands hosted the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America Shades of Blue Concert. The concert provided an opportunity for Branson band members to hear professional players live. (Photo courtesy Branson Public Schools)
First Pirate Proud recipient of 2024-2025 named The first Pirate Proud honoree has been named for Branson Schools 2024-2025 school year. For the month of September, we are proud to recognize Danae Glidwell, Special Education teacher at Buchanan Elementary. Mrs. Glidwell has 15 years of service.
A parent shared the following about Mrs. Glidwell: “She is so loving and caring towards our entire family. Mrs. Glidwell is always there
to support us as parents to help our kids be successful in the classroom and in the community.”
Buchanan Elementary students and staff recently celebrated Mrs. Glidwell with a surprise building-wide morning assembly.
We want to hear from YOU! Which Pirate should be honored next month? To nominate an outstanding employee, please complete the form through this link: https://bit. ly/3AytT1S
We look forward to celebrating our staff through your nominations!
Cedar Ridge Elementary hosts Good Dads Strong Schools breakfast, next breakfast October 24
year’s event hosted approximately 700 guests.
Cedar Ridge Elementary recently hosted the first Good Dads Strong Schools breakfast of the 20242025 school year. CRE welcomed over 300 positive male role models eager to engage in ways that strengthen the family unit. The next Good Dads event is October 24 at 7:15 a.m. at Cedar Ridge Elementary. College of the Ozarks hosts Bobcat Days for prospective students
College of the Ozarks hosted its annual Bobcat Days for prospective students, juniors and seniors in high school, transfer students, and family members on Sept. 17 and 18.
Bobcat Days is a time for prospective students and their families to learn about the unique program at College of the Ozarks, its mission, vision and goals, and to interact with faculty, student services and to explore campus. Bobcat Days allows attendees to learn about the superb, debtfree education that College of the Ozarks provides.
The Bobcat Days Itinerary for Sept. 17 and 18 included meeting professors, touring resident halls and visiting academic departments. This
“Bobcat Days is one of my favorite events on campus,” said Lauren Moore, admissions office manager. “We truly enjoy the opportunity to showcase our amazing campus to prospective students and their families. All staff and faculty have some part to play in making sure this event is a success, and I love seeing everyone come together to create such a fun experience for our guests.”
Jones breaks Hollister Volleyball record for career aces
Junior setter Gracyn Jones has made history for the Hollister Tigers Volleyball program by breaking the school record for career aces. The previous record, set by Jordan Pierce, stood at 140 aces. Gracyn secured her 141st ace during a match against Niangua at the Cabool Tournament on September 21, officially surpassing the record.
In recognition of her remarkable achievement, Gracyn was honored with a golden volleyball before Hollister’s home match against Forsyth on September 26. At the time of her recognition, Gracyn had already amassed 154 career aces. She continued to add to her total during the Forsyth match, finishing with four additional aces, bringing her new record to 158.
Gracyn’s success is another highlight in this year’s Hollister Tigers Volleyball program.
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Branson School District QR codes for Chalk Talk, social media
Stay in Touch with Hollister Schools
Glidwell (Photo submitted)
(Photo submitted)
College of the Ozarks hosts its annual Bobcat Days for prospective students, juniors and seniors in high school, transfer students and family members (Photo submitted)
Jones with Mom Ivy Jones, and Dad Dave Jones (Photo submitted)
Hollister School District honors teacher and staff members of the month for October
The Hollister R-V School District is proud to announce the recognition of outstanding staff members at the October Board of Education meeting. Each month, the district celebrates the hard work and dedication of its teachers and staff members who go above and beyond to make Hollister a great place to learn and grow. For October, the district proudly recognizes: Teacher of
the Month: Tim Lewis, kindergarten/first grade Special Services Teacher at Hollister Early Childhood Center
Staff Members of the Month: Jose Melendez and Kent Vanderpool, bus drivers for Hollister R-V School District
Tim Lewis was recognized for his unwavering commitment to providing exceptional support and care for his students at the Early Childhood Center. His dedication to meeting the unique needs of each child has made a significant impact on the lives of his students and their families.
Jose Melendez and Kent Vanderpool, both bus drivers, were celebrated for their outstanding service and professionalism.
“As we were preparing to start the school year, these gentlemen became aware of a student who had lost the ability to walk over the summer,” said Transportation Director, Mike Plante. “Jose and Kent went above and beyond to support this student and family, to ensure that the student was able to start the school year with the necessary supports and transportation needed for this student to be successful.”
Tiger Band triumphs at Ozarko Marching Band Competition
The Hollister High School Tiger Band delivered an outstanding performance at the Ozarko Marching Band Competition, held at Missouri State University on Saturday, October 5. Competing against some of the best bands in the region, the Tiger Band secured a first-place finish in their preliminary division, earning top honors in color guard, percussion, visual and general effect.
Advancing to the finals, the Tiger Band repeated their success, placing first overall and dominating the competition across all 1A, 2A and 3A divisions. They once again swept the caption awards for outstanding color guard, percussion, visual and general effect. By the end of the day, the Tiger Band
had earned a total of 10 trophies, cementing their status as a top-performing marching band.
The Hollister Tiger Band will next compete at the Branson Marching Invitational on Saturday, October 12, with their performance scheduled for noon.
Reeds Spring Cheerleaders qualify for state
Wolf Pack Foundation awards 27 grants
The Wolf Pack Foundation approved 27 grants for Reeds Spring School District staff, totaling $13,000. That’s a record number of grants and funding for the foundation.
“All district staff members were eligible to apply. The foundation focused on projects that align with its key goals: student enrichment and unique classroom experiences,” said Foundation board member Ben Fisher.
Congratulations to the following grant recipients:
Primary school: Megan Arnall, Stacy DePriest, Tennile Lee, Amy Moler, Laurie Orr, Samantha Phillips, TariLyn Rau, Lori Ray, Kristal Schaefer, Rebecca Thomas
Elementary school: Xann Boyd, Liz Enochs,
Intermediate
Middle
High
Table
Reeds
Reeds Spring Elementary Learners of the Month
Nichole Moschner, Jeanne Sadler, Nick Wilson
school: Cheryl Gibson, Maggie Martinez, Jessica Robinette and Nicole Rantz, Malissa Sullivan
school: Rob Marshall, Jennifer Mayfield, Katie Wilson
school: Derek Cook, Crystal Seiler, Cyndi Trimble, Terri Wilson
Rock Career Center: Shannon Lasiter
Spring High School Students of the Month
Reeds Spring High School Artist and Athlete of the Month
Lewis with BOE treasurer Nic Nelson (Photo submitted)
Vanderpool and Melendez, center, with BOE Secretary Renae Daniels and BOE member Jae Jones (Photo submitted)
Color guard captains and drum majors with their finals awards: Caroline Bell, Ben Stevens, Shareka James, Chloe Wagner, Baylee Sanders (Photo submitted)
The Reeds Spring High School cheerleaders recently placed third at the Missouri Cheerleading Coaches Association regional competition in St. Louis and qualified for state. They also placed fourth at the Kansas City Regional. (Photo submitted)
TOP: Second grade – Reighlynn Mease, Willow Kasper, Aveline Emerson, Finley Hardcastle, Logan Oum, Zelda Lear, Harper Owens. MIDDLE: Third grade – Cash Mease, Kenyan Peyton, Jesse Hill, Jules Schneider-Behn, Annabelle Miller. BOTTOM: Fourth grade – Naykia Vonspreecken, Madelyn Healy, Booth Fletcher, Theia Neumeier, Elsie Jones. (Photos submitted)
Pictured left to right: Lucas Wattenbarger, Macie Funk, Ciera Davis, Landon Munhollon (Photo submitted)
Every month, Reeds Spring High School recognizes one fine arts student and one athlete. The Artist of the Month is Hannah Williams. She won two awards at an art show and designs the student banners for home football games. The Athlete of the Month is Connor Love. He has medaled in three cross country races this year and has been the team’s highest finisher in each race. (Photos submitted)
College of the Ozarks students to perform free patriotic play October and November
Submitted to Branson Globe
The College of the Ozarks will present its annual, free patriotic play, October through November, on select dates. Back by popular demand, the play is “Breaking the Silence: Stories of Vietnam Veterans,” which tells the stories of five heroes, all who have connections to the College.
This true story chronicles the lives of five Veterans: Army Nurse Lou Eisenbrandt; Army Colonel Tony Nadal; 1st Marine Colonel Bill Duncan, otherwise known as Texas Pete; Colonel Donald “Doc” Ballard, Navy corpsman with the 4th Marines and Medal of Honor recipient; and Sergeant
John Ligato, Marine platoon leader. Each of these individuals have traveled with C of O through the Patriotic Education Travel Program.
The showing of a patriotic play is a fall tradition at College of the Ozarks. Performances take place in the Royal Oak Forum, located in The Keeter Center, and are free and open to the public. Tickets are not required; seating is first-come, first-served. All performances are open to bus tour groups. The duration of the play is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. For more information and for reservations, call 417-690-2929.
Play synopsis
When the Vietnam sol-
diers returned home, they were not met with parades, explosions of confetti, striking up of bands, cheers of joy, honoring ceremonies … nothing. “Breaking the Silence” is a play which tells these true stories with the hope that younger generations will recognize the sacrifices of their grandparents, the heartbreaking way American soldiers were treated as they returned home from Vietnam, and the disillusionment of anti-American philosophy which has pervaded our country.
“Out of the darkness of political misguidance from Washington surrounding the Vietnam War are the stories
of the men and women who admirably served, shining like the setting sun,” said Mark Young, M.F.A., professor of theatre and playwright.
The play is based on the book “Vietnam 101,” by Dr. Jerry C. Davis, retired chancellor of College of the Ozarks, and adapted for the stage by Young.
“We focused a lot on the students in class and their interactions with the Veteran characters. The students are able to witness firsthand how impactful their performance is to the Veterans who came to see the show,” Young said.
Play dates
Performances will take place in The Keeter Cen-
ter’s Royal Oak Forum. The play’s duration is approximately one hour and 15 minutes.
Performances are:
College of the Ozarks to host Homecoming 2024: ‘Grateful hearts gather here’
Submitted to Branson Globe
College of the Ozarks
will host the Homecoming for 2024, themed “Grateful Hearts Gather Here,”
Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 31-Nov. 3. Homecoming
weekend will consist of several events for each day such as the Miss Hard Work U. honors ceremony, alumni golf game, a celebration picnic, alumni breakfast and a C of O homecoming parade.
The event welcomes alumni to return to the College to celebrate their legacy as part of the history of the institution. The alumni will participate in many different events alongside current students.
Alumni registration is available online at https:// forms.cofo.edu
Schedule of events
Thursday, Oct. 31
• 8 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Alumni Registration, Alumni & Archives Center
Lawn
7 p.m. Miss Hard Work
U. Honors Ceremony, Jones Auditorium
Friday, Nov. 1
• 8 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Alumni Registration, Alumni & Archives Center
Lawn
10 a.m. Alumni Golf
Game, Pointe Royale
4 p.m. Alumni Council Meeting & Dinner, Lakeside Dining Room, Pearl Rogers Dining Center
7 p.m. Lady Cats Volleyball vs. Wayland Baptist University, Keeter Gymnasium
• 8 p.m. 1980s Remix, Main Level, Plaster
Business Building
Saturday, Nov. 2
• 8 a.m. Alumni Breakfast, Dobyns Dining Room, The Keeter Center. The Alumni Association Annual Meeting will immediately follow the breakfast at 9 a.m.
• 9 a.m. Alumni Registration, Alumni & Archives Center
• 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Student Activity Booths, Lunch & Alumni Registration, Activities Field
• 10:30 a.m. Alumni Me-
morial Service, Williams Memorial Chapel
• 11:30 a.m. 1960s Reunion, Christian Ministries Lounge
12 p.m. Lady Cats Volleyball vs. Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Keeter Gymnasium
• 1 p.m. Class Reunion Photos, Chapel Lawn. Class Reunion Years will report at designated times for photos.
◊ 1:00 – 1944, 1949, 1954, 1959 HS, 1959 JC
◊ 1:10 – 1964 HS, 1964 JC, 1969, 1974, 1979
◊ 1:20 – 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999
◊ 1:30 – 2004, 2009, 2014, 2019
2:15 p.m. C of O Homecoming Parade
3:15 p.m. Bobcats vs. Culver-Stockton College, Keeter Gymnasium
6 p.m. Alumni Meritorious Awards & 50th Reunion Celebration Dinner, The Hook Activities Center Sunday, Nov. 3
11 a.m. Chapel Service, Williams Memorial Chapel Student events
The candidates for Miss Hard Work U will be facilitating a women’s’ event for students on campus on Oct. 12 titled “What Not to Wear.” The time will include brunch, worship, a devotion, DIY salt scrubs and essential oils, and tips on how to dress and respect the body God gave us. They will submit an essay to determine who places in the top five. To host this year’s honors ceremony is Sarah Williams, College of the Ozarks Vanek Center for Vocation and Callings administrative assistant, and Josh Williams College of the Ozarks radio station manager. The top five Miss Hard Work U candidates will answer a question on stage that will determine their final scores. After each of the requirements are met, the C of O student body will vote for who will be crowned as Miss Hard Work U.
The honor ceremony for the title of Miss Hard Work U. will be held at the Jones auditorium at College of the Ozarks on Thursday, Oct. 31, at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
College of the Ozarks will announce the winners via press release following this event.
To see a complete list of events, visit the College of the Ozarks website.
The play is based on the book “Vietnam 101,” by Dr. Jerry C. Davis, president emeritus of College of the Ozarks, and adapted for the stage by Mark Young, M.F.A, professor of theater and playwright. (Photo submitted)
Congressman Eric Burlison: U.S. Service Academy application deadline is Oct. 11
Submitted to Branson Globe
As a Congressman, I have the great honor of nominating promising young men and women from Missouri’s 7th Congressional District
to attend our nation’s incredible service academies. There is only one week left to submit applications. If you know a student interested in attending a service academy,
please encourage them to apply as soon as possible.
For more information on the service academy nominations process: https://burlison.house.gov/services/
service-academy-nominations/service-academy-nominations-faq
To submit an application https://burlison.house.gov/ services/service-acade -
my-nominations , download and complete the document, and send it back to my Springfield office (3232 E. Ridgeview St., Springfield, MO 65804, via
mail or in person. You can also return the application via email to sonya.anderson@mail.house.gov. Application deadline is October 11, 2024.
Preparing for winter: Winter weather drill, maintenance and equipment workers needed
Submitted to Branson Globe
The cooler temperatures and changing leaves are a telltale sign that winter is on its way. In preparation, the Missouri Department of Transportation will hold its annual winter operations drill on Thursday, Oct. 10. Motorists may notice an increased number of MoDOT trucks on state routes during the drill, which will begin at 8 a.m. in rural areas and 9 a.m. in urban areas. The exercise should be completed
by 3 p.m. With turnover rates and many positions still open, driver training on this day is more critical than ever.
“Going into this winter season, nearly 19% of our snowplow operators have less than one year of experience and more than onethird will have less than three years of experience,” said MoDOT State Maintenance Director Darin Hamelink. “The past three years did not include many significant winter storms,
making this training more critical than ever. All snowplow operators will drive their routes to get familiar with the details of the road without any snow and ice.”
MoDOT has approximately 3,000 employees across the state involved in work to clear roads and bridges when winter weather hits. During the drill, MoDOT employees will react to a simulated forecast of significant snow for the entire state. The depart-
ment’s emergency operations centers will be active, and all employees involved in winter operations will be deployed to their trucks. Emergency communications systems will also be tested.
“Safety is a priority at MoDOT. The drill ensures that proper equipment, plowing techniques and safety measures are used by every MoDOT employee,” said Hamelink. “In addition, every piece of equipment—every truck,
motor grader, snow blower and tractor—is inspected and calibrated to conserve materials and operate efficiently and safely.”
MoDOT spent $38 million on winter operations last year and used 81,000 tons of salt; 928,000 gallons of salt brine; and 134,000 gallons of beet juice.
MoDOT is several hundred employees short of having full staff to plow two 12-hour shifts. Applicants are being accepted now for full-time main-
tenance workers and for emergency equipment operators. “If you’re a service-oriented individual who is at least 18 years old and can successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening, we want you to consider a career to keep Missouri moving during the winter season and beyond,” said Hamelink. More information and how to apply is available at www.modot.org/opportunities-maintenance.
Department of Social Services warns Missourians of surge in EBT card fraud
Submitted to Branson Globe
The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) Family Support Division (FSD) is alerting all SNAP participants about a
concerning increase in theft related to skimming and cloning of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
Many Missouri residents have reported their benefits
being stolen, with most incidents occurring in stores outside the state.
To safeguard their benefits, participants are strongly encouraged to use the ebtEDGE app on their mobile devices, which offers the following features:
• Block Out-of-State Transactions: Ensure that benefits can only be used within Missouri.
Change PIN: Easily and quickly change their PIN, enhancing the security of their card.
Unlike other third-party apps, the ebtEDGE app
• Freeze benefits: Temporarily disable their benefits when not in use, preventing unauthorized spending.
provides these essential protections. It is the only application that allows users to block out-of-state transactions, freeze their benefits, and change their PIN. The ebtEDGE app can be downloaded in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
DSS recognizes the impact these crimes can have on families who depend on their benefits. If SNAP benefits have been stolen via skimming, cloning, or phishing, individuals may submit an Electronically
Stolen Benefit
Replacement Request form within 30 days to determine eligibility for replacement benefits. Please note that funding for the replacement of electronically stolen SNAP benefits will end on December 20, 2024. FSD will continue to process claims for benefits stolen through these methods if they occurred on or before December 20, 2024. For more information on protecting your benefits, please visit the DSS website.
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
Around Town: Here’s what’s going on in the Tri-Lakes
OCTOBER
• 10 TOPS: Take Off Pounds Sensibly, weight loss support group. Meeting, weekly programs. 9:30 a.m., Thursdays. Light City Church basement, 1621 Bee Creek Road, Branson. Very affordable. Go to www.tops.org for more information, or call Joan, 417-239-6069.
• 10 Wranglers Honky Tonk
LIVE music: Jukebox Winos, 5-7 p.m. No cover. Enjoy the best steaks in town and tonight’s dinner special: half price Dowd’s catfish plates. Also enjoy tasty pies, cobbler, while we play favorite covers and original music. From 7-11 p.m.: Melody Hart & The All Star Band, $5 cover. 625 Hwy. 165, Branson. For more information, visit www.jukeboxwinos. com or call 417-544-1405.
• 10 Big Cedar Lodge: Masters of Bourbon series is back at Big Cedar Lodge, 6 p.m. Throughout this event, guests are welcome to savor exquisite bourbons and top-notch cuisine prepared by Big Cedar Lodge culinary team. Big Cedar Lodge and Top of the Rock.
• 11 Wranglers Honky Tonk: Heart of Texas Roadshow, 2 p.m. Tony Booth, Barbara Fairchild, Mary Lou Turner. $20 per ticket. 625 State Hwy. 165, Branson. Phone 417-544-1405.
• 11 Big Cedar Lodge: Masters of Bourbon se-
ries is back at Big Cedar Lodge, 6 p.m. Throughout this event, guests are welcomed to savor exquisite bourbons and top-notch cuisine prepared by Big Cedar Lodge culinary team. Big Cedar Lodge and Top of the Rock.
• 11 TableRock Tattoo: one-year anniversary flash event. 2461 St. Hwy. 165, Branson. Giving back to the community for supporting our business and celebrating one-year anniversary. Tattooing is from noon until 9 p.m. Flat Creek Food Truck while you wait for your tattoo. $40 for 2x2 tattoos; $60 for 3x3 tattoos. Line work and black and grey shading only. LIVE MUSIC from 6-8 p.m.
• 12 Big Cedar Lodge: Masters of Bourbon at Big Cedar Lodge, 4 p.m. Guests are welcomed to savor exquisite bourbons and topnotch cuisine prepared by Big Cedar Lodge culinary team. Big Cedar Lodge and Top of the Rock.
• 13 Big Cedar Lodge: Masters of Bourbon farewell brunch from 10 a.m.1 p.m. at the Worman House.
• 13 Malt & Barrel Brewing Co: Paint with a Pint October Art Class. Join Malt & Barrel Brewing Co., 2 p.m. for paint with a pint-starry night pumpkin painting while enjoying a brew, 225 Cross Creek Blvd., Suite G, Branson. No prior painting experi-
ence is necessary. Tickets are $35. Space is limited. Reserve your spot today. More information on Malt & Barrel’s Facebook page. 14 Story Time: Books, games, songs and crafts at Kimberling Area Library, 45 Kimberling Blvd., Kimberling City, 10:30 a.m., for ages 7 years and younger, but all are welcome.
• 16 Shelley Hampton
Shape Shifters Pilates. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows, 4562 Gretna Rd., inside Dance Branson, 4:30 p.m. Small vessels? Big health risk. Vessels smaller than a hair affect sleep, stress, aging, brain. Dr. Richard Corey, Professor Health Sciences, Baylor U, Waco, TX, studied cell biology over 35 years: “The basic function of all cell is nutrition in, waste out.” Shelley Hampton, 40 years certification instructor, physical therapist, owner of two Pilates studios, independent medical technology distributor. Clinics in 17 states at fitness centers, military bases, corporate wellness, universities.
• 17 TOPS: Take Off Pounds Sensibly, weight loss support group. Meeting, weekly programs. 9:30 a.m., Thursdays. Light City Church basement, 1621 Bee Creek Road, Branson. Very affordable. Go to www.tops.org for more information, or call Joan, 417-239-6069.
• 18 American Legion
Post #220 fundraiser at Fuddruckers , 1615 W. 76 Country Blvd., Ste. A, Branson, from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., to support America’s veterans, their families, our
military and our communities. Thanks to donations, we can devote our time to the mutual helpfulness of our local veterans. You can also donate directly on our website, if you are unable to visit us at Fuddruckers: https://bransonhollisterlegion220.com
• 18 Jukebox Winos: LIVE Music, Outback Steak & Oyster Bar, 5-8 p.m. Gather at the original veteran owned and operated Outback. They serve the best steaks, catfish, pork chops and desserts in town. We play favorite covers and original music. Family friendly. 1914 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson. For more information, www.jukeboxwinos.com
• 18 Merriam Woods Betterment Association: ‘50s at the Hop live music and potluck, 7 p.m. Community event of local live entertainment. Fundraiser for upkeep of center. Del Showers Community Center, 4385 Hwy. 176, Merriam Woods. Dance to your favorite ‘50s song, wear a costume and compete for a prize. Potluck, first, third and fifth Friday nights. Games, root beer floats. Families welcome. No alcohol. Sodas and bottled water available for purchase. No cover charge but donation welcome for band.
19 Branson United Methodist Church: Trunk Fest 2024. Outdoor fest is 1:30-3:30, followed by Branson Chorale concert indoors at 3:30. Fall celebration for local families including decorated automobile trunks, candy treats, outdoor games, free
hotdogs, balloon animals, face painting, songs and a bounce house. No admission charge. Outdoors in the church parking lot at 1208 West Hwy. 76 Country Blvd., Branson. Hosted by Branson UMC and Branson Chorale singers. Children must be accompanied by adult. All ages are welcome; need not be members of the church.
• 19 Jukebox Winos: LIVE Music, Turkey Creek Brewery, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Gather in historic downtown Hollister for house-crafted, award winning beer, local wines, wood fired pizza, nachos, pretzels and wings. We play favorite covers and original music. 1865 Bus. 65, Hollister. For more information, www.jukeboxwinos.com
• 20 Faith Lutheran Church: Oktoberfest, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Annual award winning Oktoberfest celebration, open to the community. Free admission, family friendly, live polka band, games, bounce houses. Famous authentic German cuisine, German marketplace, gift basket raffles, silent auctions and more. Faith Lutheran Life Center, 221 Malone Dr., Branson. For more information, phone 417334-2469 or visit FaithBranson.org. Follow us and watch for updates on https://www.facebook. com/BransonOktoberfest
• 21 Baby & Me Story Time: Nursery rhymes, short stories, songs, bubbles and bounces. Kimberling Area Library, 45 Kimberling Blvd., Kimberling City, 10:30 a.m. for ages 0-23 months; older siblings welcome.
• 26 Jukebox Winos: LIVE Music, TAPS on Downing Street, 6-8 p.m. Gather in historic downtown Hollister and enjoy 24 craft beers and cider on tap plus local wines and Hook & Ladder’s pizza truck. We play favorite covers and original music. 260 Birdcage Walk, Hollister. For more information, www.jukeboxwinos.com 26 Branson Dance Club
monthly dance. Branson ballroom dancers have a dance once a month at the Branson Community Center, 201 Compton Drive, Branson, from 7-9:30 p.m. Open dance for everyone. $10 admission. Coffee, tea and water are provided; please bring snack or appetizer to share on the food table. Dances include two-step, foxtrot, cha cha, waltz, line dancing, swing and more.
• 28 Story Time: Books, games, songs and crafts at Kimberling Area Library, 45 Kimberling Blvd., Kimberling City, 10:30 a.m., for ages 7 years and younger, but all are welcome.
• 28 Ozark Women’s Association monthly meeting for members and those interested in learning about O.W.A. 11:15 a.m., Golden Corral, 3551 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Branson. Cost is $13 for buffet. Text or leave message at 417-230-6561.
• 29 Branson’s Song of Hope: “Hopeful Hilarity” stand-up comedy show, for charity, 7 p.m., Wranglers Honky Tonk, 625 Historic Hwy. 165, Branson. Incredible event to feature top comedians like Joey I.L.O and Corbin LeMaster, supporting a great cause. Proceeds go directly to benefit House of Hope Warming Center. “Hopeful Hilarity” is part of bigger movement to bring more stand-up comedy to Branson.
NOVEMBER
• 2 Christian Action Ministries (CAM): Mobile food distribution. There is also a free lunch buffet provided by the church. Join us from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for lunch and take home some groceries. Praise & Worship Church, 9138 E. State Hwy. 76, Branson West. This is our Stone County distribution on the first Saturday of each month. When you come, please let us know how many are in your household and show photo ID before getting your groceries.
BY LUANNA FULLERTON Entertainment Writer
Area Entertainment: Struggle Jennings kicks off tour in Branson
The grandson of leg-
endary icons Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter has been nothing short of a true outlaw from a long line of gangsters, outlaws and rockstars, making his family lineage proud. Struggle’s message of strength, determination and courage in the face of adversity continue to connect and resonate with people around the world.
I had the pleasure of visiting with Struggle about his upcoming start of the El Camino Tour. He wanted Branson to be the kickoff, due to so many fond memories that he has for Branson. He told me, “I remember coming to Branson as a youngster to see my grandpa Waylon Jennings perform. Shooter and I would go to all the water
parks and we had so much fun. We all stayed out at the Big Cedar Lodge.” He said,
“You know that’s where Jessi Coulter and Waylon renewed their wedding vows.” I said, yes, I had actually had heard that!
“I had just got off a tour with Brantley Gilbert and a festival in Okeechobee, FL, and I’m going to be home long enough to have some studio time re-
cording some songs and finishing up some other projects and spending some time with my daughter before hitting the road for this tour.”
I said to him how happy and ironic it was that I was able to do this interview with him because my dad just loved his grandpa Waylon’s music and, on this trip, we encountered his uncle James Jennings in Texas. He said to me, “There
is no coincidence, only what is meant to happen!” Struggle said to me, “I want people to attend, have a great long lasting time and memories. This show will be like attending church on a Friday night. It will be a roller coaster of emotions. It will be a concert for those that have been through a lot and to continue pushing SEE STRUGGLE, PAGE 3C
Jennings (Photo courtesy Sebastian Marbury)
BY COWBOY JOHN FULLERTON, a native of Taney County, and a member of the Sons of the Pioneers.
While out on our Sons of the Pioneers road trip, it’s been wonderful to have some time in between performances to do some exploring. Luanna and I, along with Tommy Nallie and Miss Judy decided a few days ago to drop by a property that was a wonderful venue for the Pioneers for nearly 30 years, Cactus Pete’s, in Jackpot, Nevada.
I had been long familiar with this northeastern Nevada community because of my involvement with the Pioneers. Located along the Nevada/Idaho border, the famous Cactus Pete’s was founded by Peter Piersanti in 1954 along Highway 93. This led to the forming of the community of Jackpot.
While doing some exploring in this little neighborhood, I have discovered that Piersanti was born in Superior, Wyoming, on November 3, 1916. A son of Italian immigrants (Harry and Santina Piersanti), Pete was the youngest of nine children. The family later moved to Ogden, Utah. Pete married Ogden resident Faye Marshall in 1937. They would have two sons and a daughter together.
While in Ogden, Pete began a career in the restaurant and gaming business, opening a bar and grill with a card room and pinball machines. Pete served in World War II in the U.S. Army.
After the war Pete and Faye relocated to Island Park, Idaho, and in 1947 they opened Island Park Lodge, and introduced several casino slot machines.
In 1954, things took a sudden change when Idaho outlawed all forms of casino gambling and gaming. Pete and the family packed everything up and moved south down Highway 93 just inside the Nevada line in Elko
County and began Cactus Pete’s Motor Lodge. This led to the founding of Jackpot, Nevada. By 1958 the lodge was so successful with its gas station and slot machine operation, an additional fifteen rooms were added to the lodge. An aircraft runway was also built nearby.
Another Idaho businessman and friend of Pete’s, Mr. Don French, opened another casino operation across the street, opening it as the Horse Shu Club. By 1959, Jackpot was well on its way, with large numbers of visitors from the southern Idaho area. Jackpot’s population went from 70 residents to over 400 by 1960.
In 1964, Pete purchased the Horse Shu Club from French, and in 1971, Pete sold his interests completely. Ameristar Casinos purchased both properties and continue to run them today. In recent years, two more independent casinos have opened, the Four Jack’s Casino, and Barton’s Club 93. Jackpot’s economy thrives today on these businesses as well as a golf course, camping, restaurant
and hotel accommodations.
Cactus Pete would move to Las Vegas in 1971 for a brief stay. He would then purchase the Senator Club in Carson City, Nevada. It was renamed Cactus Jack’s Senator Club. Pete would remain very active in the Lake Tahoe area up to his retirement in 1989. He would be a Carson City and south Lake Tahoe resident for over twenty years. Pete passed at age 77 on February 14, 1994, and is laid to rest at the Lone Mountain Cemetery in Carson City.
In recent years, the Jackpot community honored Cactus Pete by naming Piersanti Drive after him. As of 2020, the population here was a little over 900.
Cactus Pete’s continues to offer a fabulous entertainment line-up. The Oak Ridge Boys have played here often, as well as Clint Black, Willie Nelson, and Confederate Railroad.
The Sons of the Pioneers played here for years during the 4th of July festivities, and we are hoping to get back on the roster for concerts here again. Stay tuned.
Where do we go next?
We just did performances in Boise and Rupert, Idaho. We’re wrapping up a performance in Carson City and at the end of the month our annual visits to Chattanooga,
Branson’s largest Oktoberfest celebrating over 30 years of German festivities
v isitor BRANSON
Submitted to Branson Globe
Where can you find a little bit of German culture in Branson? At Faith Lutheran Church’s annual Oktoberfest on Sunday, October 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Oktoberfest was voted two years in a row for the “Best of Branson Special Event!” We’re ready to have a good time and share the taste of Germany at this year’s annual event!
It all began as a church dinner for the community at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, called the “German Sausage Dinner” featuring bratwurst, kraut and homemade potato
salad. In 2009, in celebration of St. Paul’s Lutheran and Our Savior Lutheran’s 10th year anniversary coming together as Faith Lutheran Church, the name of the event was changed to Faith Lutheran’s Oktoberfest, and it has grown into a fun festival for everyone.
“Oktoberfest is a great place for families to connect and have fun” said Joel Kruger, pastor at Faith Lutheran.
“From the live polka music to bouncy houses, it’s a lively place to get together.”
“Our Oktoberfest celebrates culture, preserves customs and promotes a
whole lot of family fun” said Gina Brandt, festival organizer. Enjoy live music and dancing with “Happy John’s Polka Band.” The kids can have a good time too at the bounce house, as well as outdoor games in the kinderpark. Tractor- driven wagon rides will also be available this year, weather permitting. Easy and friendly games are planned for the adults that include the stein holding contest and cake walks! The popular gift basket raffle and silent auction have exploded this year with many generous items that will be available to bid on. The drawing for these will be at 3 p.m., and you need not be present to win. “With so much German heritage in our congregation, great detail has been used to keep this as authentic as possible, styling it after the ‘Haufbraus Haus’ décor and atmosphere for the whole community to come enjoy” Brandt smiles as she shares that “it takes many hours and much effort from our church volunteers to bring so much detail to this annual event that we love, and each year we can’t wait to share it with our friends and neighbors!” “Oktoberfest would not SEE OKTOBERFEST, PAGE 4C
Tennessee, and Blairsville, Georgia, will take place and wrap with a November 1 performance in Kearney, Nebraska. We hope to see you on the trail or at the home corral.
Cactus Pete’s in Jackpot, Nevada (Photo courtesy of John Fullerton)
BY BOB FORD, Writer, history buff
and regular visitor to Branson. You can find more of Bob’s work including his historical podcasts on his website bobfordshistory. com, and on YouTube at Bob Ford’s History. Bob can be reached at robertmford@aol.com.
The bootheel of Missouri is a different kind of place. If you walk out into a field at a certain time of year you would be standing in tall cotton.
New Madrid was named after the Capital of Spain but if you pronounce it as such, you will raise the ire of the locals.
New MADrid was the epicenter of the largest earthquakes ever recorded east of the Rockies. On December 16, 1811, and for the next few months, a series of “intraplate earthquakes,” decimated the area. It is estimated that over 1,000 quakes ravaged the region ranging from 6.8-8.6 on the Richter Scale.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been able to understand the Richter Scale. Why couldn’t they just give us a 1-10 on how
• STRUGGLE
Continued from page 1C
through to overcome all the obstacles. It will be a beautiful night of redemption, reflecting and healing.
“I have such beautiful, fond memories of Branson, that I’m excited and looking forward to coming and performing in Branson. I’m very glad that Branson will be my official kick-off start to the El Camino Tour. I’m so excited to see Branson and all its changes since I’ve been there.
“Branson has a special piece of my heart, and I’m just ready to be there on stage myself getting to perform for the first time with my music, new and old, some songs off my new full-length country album and new songs that haven’t yet been performed or heard by anyone. Performing country music has been a lifelong dream of mine and starting this tour with the new album available, there is no better way than to do it in a memorable, meaningful place like Branson, MO.”
So, I, this author of this article, say to you the readers: Do yourself a favor and get your tickets immediately. This will be a memorable night for sure! I know it’s going to be outstanding and fun! Call your friends and bring them to this concert. They have
New Madrid: It is your fault!
bad it was? Well, the three big ones in the bootheel back then, were all 10s on my scale.
Missouri was part of the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase Territory and sparsely populated, says Jeff Grunwald, head administrator and chief bottle washer at the New Madrid Historical Museum.
At 2:15 a.m. on the morning of December 16, 1811, the first quake hit, the effects of the initial earthquake and the two major aftershocks to follow, rang church bells in Boston! The shaking woke up President Madison and his wife Dolly in the White House, 900 miles away.
The earthquake was a once in a century plus occurrence that created some very odd happenings and coincidences.
The Mississippi ran backwards
After the February 7, 1812, aftershock, boatmen on the river reported the Mississippi folded back on itself and ran backwards for several hours. The uplift of land was so great the water reversed, flowing down the uplift. Try being in a boat on the river that day!
After collecting huge amounts of water, the river would find a new path bank over the uplift creating several waterfalls. Swamp lands and lakes were formed from the backflow that still exist today.
different level of tickets. The VIP gets you some great benefits, so don’t miss it! Check out Struggle’s website at: strugglejennings.com
Because of the shaking of the ground, the soil liquified creating great holes and boils sucking in water, houses, boats, trees and any other pieces of debris that caved into the water.
The fault crisscrossed the Mississippi River in three different places creating those dams and waterfalls at each crossing.
There were several eyewitnesses that survived the quake and described those harrowing months in journals. Towns and native villages were destroyed including New Madrid. It is estimated 1,000 people were lost. “The earth would shake like never before for 20 seconds and then stop.”
“You didn’t know when the next shock would come.”
“Tame animals became wild and wild animals tame.”
Think of one’s reaction; confusion, terror, then panic. You would instinctively enter survival mode. The scale of destruction was incomprehensible; people thought the world was coming to an end.
Maiden voyage of the Steamboat New Orleans
Steamship Lines wanted people to realize that the way to travel safely to the frontier was by river. The New Orleans became the first steamship to try and venture from Pittsburgh, PA, to New Orleans by the country’s river system. The ship left Pittsburgh on
To purchase tickets:The Star Concert Hall, 3750 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson, MO. Phone 918-863-7052; website: starconcerthall.com
October 20, 1811, heading straight towards the epicenter of the most powerful earthquake in American history.
In between shock waves, native Americans seeing a steamship for the first time thought the “great canoe” was the cause of the destruction and attacked the vessel. Escaping and eventually making it to New Orleans, the trip set back the promise of safe travel on the Mississippi for years.
Tecumseh/Napoleon’s Comet
Just to add another bit of oddity to the equation, a comet appeared previous to the earthquake but was visible for seventeen months. The fireball was at
its brightest, you guessed it, during the earthquake period.
In North America the comet was named after the great leader of the Shawnee people, orator and warrior Tecumseh whose name means “Shooting Star,” no kidding, in Europe, Napoleon got the honor.
Tecumseh was a visionary who fought the takeover of millions of acres of land by the white man. He organized a confederation of tribes to combat the invasion, joining the British and fighting against the United States in the War of 1812. Killed in battle, he is well thought of throughout the Indian nations and considered a national hero in
Canada.
The New Madrid earthquake was felt throughout the eastern United States with church bells also ringing in Charleston, NC, and ice cracking on lakes while people were skating in Maryland.
There are many more strange happenings and mysterious flukes from the quake to be heard. A trip to the bootheel for any earthquake buff is a must, and Jeff will be glad to fill you in...if he’s in the mood.
After a museum visit, be sure to take a stroll through the quaint streets of New Madrid. You surely will find some friendly souls, but good luck, because in that pursuit, I’m 0-3.
On the Mississippi (Photo submitted by Bob Ford)
‘Pilgrim’ returning to Freedom Encounter Theater
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
Branson’s Freedom Encounter Theater is excited to again partner with Arise Collective Theatre to bring “Pilgrim: The Musical” to Branson, with show dates November 15 through 24, 2024.
Conversations during and following the musical’s 2023 performance run indicated that Branson area audiences felt the powerful presentation of John Bunyan’s classic “The Pilgrim’s Progress” was, and is, important truth for our time. Testimonials shared by other attendees agree, with re-
views like these:
• “This message is so desperately needed both inside and outside the church!”
• “The struggle in the midst of trials was so clearly displayed, and the depiction of the King being ever present in the midst of the darkest valleys was palpable.”
Submitted to Branson Globe Halloween is quickly approaching, and we are excited to share the perfect spooky drink of the season from Mellow Mushroom. Available at participating Mellow Mushroom locations through November 11, the new Twisted Fang cocktail will feature a haunting mix of Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka, DeKuyper Triple Sec, freshly squeezed lemon juice and house-made fresh sour, all topped with Monin Strawberry Purée, garnished with a lemon twist and decorated with an on-the-nose
• OKTOBERFEST
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vampire fang stir stick. This eerily delicious play on a classic Lemon Drop is sure to make a scream!
Mellow Mushroom has been serving out-of-thisworld, stone-baked pizzas since 1974. Founded in Atlanta, Georgia, and now operating 160-plus locations across 16 states, the iconic pizza bakers are all about being high on pizza, people and passion. Elevating the dining experience with A Higher Order of Pizza™, Mellow Mushroom’s coveted secret dough recipe and red sauce have garnered a
be complete without the authentic German food. From our famous taste-tested bratwurst to the authentic German potato salad recipe from one of our members that has been used since the early years of the ‘German Sausage Dinner.’ This third-generation potato salad recipe is from the Schaefer family, which is homemade each year by the local cousins,” commented Sandy Wilkinson, Oktoberfest volunteer. “It would not be an official German meal without sauerkraut; it is even made from a 500-year-old Brandt family recipe from the Neidersachsen area in Germany.” Whether you delight in the complete meal that you can dine in or take
cult-like following over the years.
Mellow Mushroom’s menu of hand-tossed, stonebaked pizzas also includes calzones, hoagies, munchies, greens, sweets and more with plenty of gluten-free and vegan options. Behind the Mellow bar, guests can enjoy a selection of fun, specialty cocktails and mocktails, wines and a selection of local beers.
Each location is locally owned and operated, providing a local flare baked in with Mellow’s trippy vibes, high quality, fresh
out, or ala carte items, you will experience the taste of Germany.
This year we are going all out with the walk-through German Marketplace. Featured in the Marketplace will be an assortment of homemade baked goodies from famous Lutheran Ladies (and men, too). Cakes and cake walk, monster cookies and delicious goodies will
The group’s name comes from Isaiah 60:1-2 in the Bible, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you.”
Dates and performance times for “Pilgrim: The Musical” are as follows:
• Friday, November 15, 7 p.m.
• Saturday, November 16, 3 p.m.
Arise Collective Theatre was founded in 2019 by Rich, Mindi and Grace Garnaat, with the goal of offering inspiration and truth through creative performances with redemptive themes, positively impacting audiences and troupe members’ lives for the Kingdom of God.
Sunday, November 17, 3 p.m. Friday, November 22,
7 p.m.
• Saturday, November 23, 3 p.m.
• Sunday, November 24, 3 p.m.
Freedom Encounter Theater is located at 3220 Falls Parkway in Branson. Visit https://www.freedomencounter.com to learn more about the Freedom Encounter vision and mission of sharing truth about tyranny, faith and freedom, which aligns perfectly with the Arise Collective Theatre purpose. Reserve your seat for “Pilgrim” at https:// www.arisecollectivetheatre.com; general admission tickets are free, and donations will be accepted.
Introducing Mellow Mushroom’s Halloween cocktail: Twisted Fang
ingredients and psychedelic artwork. Touted for its cultlike following and counterculture essence, Mellow Mushroom blends the boundaries between art, music, high-quality ingredients and passionate standards for dining. Mellow out…
In Branson, Mellow Mushroom is located at 333 Branson Landing Boulevard. Phone 417-320-5082. For more information visit www.mellowmushroom. com.
(Photo courtesy Mellow Mushroom)
be available, along with an assortment of German products. And, of course, we cannot forget the Bavarian pretzels, a tradition in Oktoberfest for a snack, and the beautifully decorated ‘Leubkuchenherzen’, the individually heart-shaped gingerbread-like cookies that are sometimes worn around the neck and snacked on as the festival carries on.
The community is invited to come join in and experience the largest Oktoberfest in Branson! The event is Sunday, October 20, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 221 Malone Drive, just off the roundabout by Cox Hospital. Be sure and check out our newly remodeled sanctuary, along with our brand new Faith Lutheran School classrooms.
“We are proud to offer our school to our neighbors and friends,” said Joey Bluege, School Administrator and Associate Pastor at Faith Lutheran. Check out our Facebook page at Branson Oktoberfest, or visit FaithBranson. org. For more information, call the church office at 417334-2469. All are invited to attend.
Pilgrim (Photo courtesy Kerry, Arise Collective Theatre)
Hymn sings added to Mountain Grove Schoolhouse Jams
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
Starting in October, the Old-Time Music Jam at the Mountain Grove Schoolhouse has added a hymn sing, held at 6 p.m. on selected Thursday nights, just prior to the regular jam session at 7 p.m.
The hymn sing is being organized by Joshua Mifflin and Cori Webb, both of whom expressed thanks to Jeff Michel for the use of the facility and his dedication to facilitating the jam sessions as well as promot-
ing traditional music at oth-
er community events.
The first gathering was held on October 3, with attendees bringing hymnals and suggesting or leading some of their favorites, to the accompaniment of guitar, fiddle and banjo. Those present said they enjoyed the nostalgic but spiritually uplifting opportunity to revisit hymns and gospel songs that have been meaningful to them over the years. Persons interested in attending should feel free to participate as much as they are comfort-
able, whether leading a song, playing an acoustic instrument, or just sitting back to listen and sing along. Dates between now and Thanksgiving include the following Thursdays:
October 17
• October 31
November 14
For those who want to attend the hymn sing and then stay for the traditional music jam, the schedule also tentatively includes bringing snacks to share at approximately 6:45 p.m. For any questions about the hymn
night, reach out to Joshua Mifflin or Cori Webb via the Mountain Grove Schoolhouse Jam page on Facebook, where updates to the schedule or special events are also shared; alternatively, just drop by the schoolhouse off Hwy. T approximately seven miles east of Branson, and check it out. The words from the old song “Jesus, Hold My Hand,” written about prayer, can also apply to gathering around a shared love of traditional music: “I hope to meet you there!”
Chili Cook-Off brings southern Stone County together for a great cause
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
The Reeds Spring High School cafeteria was the place to be on Sunday afternoon, October 6, as area residents joined business owners and nonprofits for the Annual Chili Cook-Off to benefit the Southern Stone County Fire Protection District.
Organized by the SSCFPD Auxiliary and now going into its 20th year, the event featured over 30 different delicious chili recipes by local cooks representing different organizations. Attendees made the rounds to sample and vote for the “People’s Choice” award before adding toppings and fixings to a bowlful of their favorites for a delicious lunch! The event also included a silent auction and some fun raffle prizes, and the opportunity to chat with various business and nonprofit vendors.
The Auxiliary thanked judges Rachel Pryor, Alan Blankenship, Angela Davis, Steve Levingston and Mike Cooper for their time and effort in what all attendees agreed was a really tough decision. (They also received packs of Tums and Rolaids!) Trophies went to the following individuals and groups: Most unique chili: Nancy Akromis and Arvest Bank
Third place overall: Julie Carroll and the Reeds Spring Events Committee
• Second place: SSCFPD Fire Chief Keith Wolven
• First place: Kimberling City Police Department
Top People’s Choice: Dominic Hayward and Maureen Darby State Farm Insurance
Accepting the first-place trophy on behalf of KCPD, Chief Todd Lemoine thanked
everyone for their support and complimented the many ways in which the communities of southern Stone County work together. The department has been promoting their “confidential recipe” on social media, to be prepared by Corporal Billie Kregel and Lindsey Bray, and encouraging the community to come out and try it.
Our area fire protection districts are someone we hope and pray we never have to call, but are all grateful to know are available when we do have need of them. It was great to see the community come together and enjoy fun and fellowship while helping raise funds for the needs of these dedicated first responders!
Mountain Grove Schoolhouse where hymn sings and jam sessions are held (Photo by Cynthia J. Thomas)
Cooks with samples of their special chili recipes so attendees could choose their favorite (Photo by Cynthia J. Thomas)
National Night Out brings communities together in the Tri-Lakes
National Night Out in Kimberling City
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
Kimberling City was one of several area communities cel-
ebrating National Night Out on Tuesday, October 1. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Kimberling City area residents gathered to enjoy live music, meet various first responders for the city and Stone County, and enjoy food and fellowship together.
National Night Out is all about building and strengthening community-police partnerships, helping create a sense of community by giving residents and busi-
ness owners familiarity with those who work to help keep us safe and well—hopefully before that help is actually needed in an emergency situation. Nonprofit organizations focused on health, safety and security also participate in the special night, which is celebrated in communities across the nation.
Special highlights of the Kimberling City event included the National Anthem sung by Cassandré Haygood, music by Resurrection Band sponsored by Veterans of the Ozarks, and a presentation by Reeds Spring High School cheer squad. First responders available for conversation and resources
included Kimberling City Police Department; Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Seat Belt Convincer Simulator; State Water Patrol; the Stone County Sheriff’s Office S.W.A.T. and D.A.R.E. teams; Indian Point, Crane, and Reeds Spring Police Departments; Southern Stone County Fire Protection District; and Mercy and Cox Ambulance and Mercy Life Flight. Attendees were able to take a close look inside both an ambulance and a Life Flight helicopter.
Event organizers with the City and Police Department also thank the many nonprofit vendors who brought valuable resources and information:
Kimberling City VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service)
• Kimberling City Park Board
Stone County 100
• Ozark Shoot - Don’t Shoot MILO Simulator
• Veterans of the Ozarks Drug Free Ozarks
• Fordland Clinic
• Pathways Project Coalition
Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks
Special Olympics of Missouri Stone County Developmental Disability Board
• Kimberling City Elks
2505 - Drug Free Ozarks
• Stone County CIA (Citizens in Action)
• Our Lady of the Cove State Farm Wellness for Warriors Quilting Group
Al-Anon Family Groups
• Stone County Library
Kimberling City Masons
- MO CHIP (Child Identification Program)
Reeds Spring High School Project Graduation (iced tea booth)
• St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
• The Brook Wellness Center
Generations Bank/Harter House provided freshly grilled burgers, free to the first 500 registrants. Additional tasty food options were available from Duckees, Funky Twig, Domina’s Pizza and Ghiotto Eatery and Catering.
If you missed attending a Night Out in your area, many of the organizations, including the Kimberling City Police Department, maintain an active presence at other community events and on social media, and encourage you to reach out and get acquainted. Stronger communities are created as we all work together!
National Night Out in Branson
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Branson recently celebrated National Night out with parties in many neighborhoods throughout the city.
Held on October 1, this was Branson’s sixth annual National Night Out.
National Night Out is an opportunity for members of a community to come together for an evening of fun and friendship—and often, food! It provides a chance to get to know or strengthen relationships with neighbors. It also affords local residents the opportunity to meet or interact with local law enforcement and first responders.
Members of the Branson Police Department, Branson Fire Department, City of Branson employees and many first responders attended National Night Out parties, visiting with Bran-
son residents. National Night Out parties were held on Eiserma Street, Blue Meadows Road, Villas at Branson Hills, Redwine Circle, Branson Park Apartments, Gateway Branson Church/ Plato’s Cave, Shady Drive, Branson North Park, Rock Ridge Apartments, Pointe Royale Clubhouse and Park Place Apartments.
Any neighborhood not represented but wishing to host a party next year should contact Officer Darold Donathan at the Branson Police Department, via email at ddonathan@bransonmo.gov. Communities throughout Branson are encouraged to participate in National Night Out, as the Branson Police Department works to make Branson a safer place to live.
TOP: Mac McAllister and his buddy remind you that you could win a half hog and a freezer to put it in. AT LEFT: K9 Officer Zesta was on hand to make friends (Photos by Cynthia J. Thomas) BELOW: The RSHS cheer team gave a great presentation. (Photo courtesy Maureen Darby, State Farm Insurance)
Irish Whiskey Steak
BY CHEF JEFF WOODWARD,
The Rogue Chef Time: 35 minutes Servings: 4
INGREDIENTS: • 4 4oz
ley, chopped Salt & Pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
1.
2. Add onion and sauté for about 10 minutes.
3. Push onion to the sides of the pan.
4. Rub the garlic over each piece of steak and place into a skillet.
5. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook 5-6 minutes per side. 140°-medium; 145°-medium well.
6. Remove from the heat.
7. Slowly pour whiskey into the hot skillet.
8. Mix the onion into the whiskey and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.
9. Coat both sides of the steaks with the pan
sauce. 10. Sprinkle steaks with salt and pepper. 11. Garnish with parsley.
12. Serve steaks and enjoy! GO ROGUE by lighting the whiskey fumes on fire with a lighter and allow to cook for 1 additional minute.
Want Chef Jeff to make this delicious meal for you? Contact him at www.
TheRogueChefBranson. com .
BOO! Homemade delights to celebrate the Halloween season
BY JANET STEINKAMP, Editor
The countdown is on for the spooky Halloween season. Halloween is as much about the food as it is costumes and decorations. It’s time to plan Halloween snacks and treats that make the season fun, scary and tasty. Looking for ideas for children and adults? These recipes are sure to give everyone a ghostly good time! These not-so-scary treats are perfect for a Halloween party or dinner menu as well as a fun Halloween activity to do with kids.
Nutter Butter Boos
Chocolate, peanut butter and a cute face finish off these simple and ghostly cookies that take just three ingredients and no baking to create.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups white candy melting wafers
12 peanut butter filled oblong sandwich cookies. e.g., Nutter Butter
• 24 mini chocolate chips
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.
4. Transfer cookies to parchment paper, and place two mini chocolate chips on the coated cookie for eyes and one for mouth. (Mouth is optional.)
5. Let the chocolate harden. Store in airtight container with a layer of wax paper between each layer until ready to serve or, if making them ahead of time, store in the freezer for up to two months.
Ree Drummond, foodnetwork. com
Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Measure out Rice Krispies cereal and pour into a bowl. Melt butter in a 4-quart nonstick saucepan or pot over medium-low heat.
zel rod into the top center and reshape the pumpkin as needed. Transfer to a plate or dish sprayed lightly with cooking spray.
6. Beginning on one side of the airhead candy, cut out a leaf shape with clean scissors then use the remaining portion of the piece of candy to roll and shape into a thin rope shape; twist into a vine shape.
frosting or raspberry jam for a dramatic look. BY ANNA HELM BAXTER, today.com
White Chocolate Dipped Ghost Pretzels A super easy recipe to prepare.
BACK FOR THE 2024
SEASON: Best Bets of Branson Live Talk Show Weekly Podcast CEO, Owner & Live Talk Show Host, known as MediaChick Of The Ozarks, Carrie Anne Mitchell, is celebrating the 10 year anniversary, of the talk show, with a 2 day a week, live on Facebook podcast, from 10:45 AM-11:45AM, Tues & Fri. Each live podcast episode, is also shared on the talk show’s Twitter & Instagram pages. Twitter: OzarkMediachick. Instagram: OzarkMediachick24. Each live talk show podcast, is all about Branson & the Ozarks, and is done, from.a local perspective, with a fun, positive spin.
Brought to you by our 28 sponsors: Bliss Gas Services, The Branson Globe, The Branson Show Awards,Branson’s Tribute To Johnny Cash, Camping World, Cindy Gilley, Consignnent Clothing Exchange, Dolce Vita Italian Ices, Dragon Wiens Designs, Fuschia Flip Chronicles, GT Graphics LLC,The Great Passion Play,King’s Castle Theatre, Made In The USA General Store, MarieZ, Michael Mayo Comedy Hypnosis, Michele’s Floral & Gifts, Nashville Roadhouse Live, Peggy’s Rock Shop, Premier Dance Academy, The Red Garter, Signs NOW, Stevie Lee Woods, Sunfest Market, Sweet Shack Branson,Sweet Suzie’s Frozen Treats, The Rogue Chef Branson. *For more info, on being a guest, or, a sponsor, call Carrie Anne at: 573-795-1921.
2. Put the white chocolate candy melts in a microwavable bowl or mug and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir well and microwave for 10 seconds at a time, stirring in between each, until the chocolate is fully melted.
3. Lower cookies one by one into melted candy to coat. Lift each coated cookie out and allow excess to drip off. Repeat with remaining cookies. Cover all or part of the cookies with the white chocolate.
Tint Rice Krispies treats orange, shape into rounds and top with pretzel and green candies. Kids will love to help make this edible craft.
INGREDIENTS
• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 3 Tbsp. butter 1 (10 oz.) pkg. mini marshmallows
• Orange gel food coloring
3 pretzel rods, end portions broken off into 2-inch pieces (so you’ll have 6 pieces)
6 mini green airheads
• Nonstick cooking spray
2. Add marshmallows and stir, and as they begin to melt start adding in the gel food coloring until desired color is achieved. Stir constantly until marshmallows have melted.
3. Remove from heat, then immediately pour in Rice Krispies cereal and gently stir and fold with a spatula until cereal is evenly coated. Let mixture cool slightly (until it’s cool enough to handle with your hands).
4. Spray hands with nonstick cooking spray, then shape Rice Krispie treat mixture into balls about the size of a baseball;
5. Insert 1 piece of the pret-
7. Place candy on the sides of each pretzel on the pumpkin (as pictured). Repeat with remaining candy.
8. Store in an airtight container.
Sweet Dracula Doughnuts
INGREDIENTS & INSTRUCTIONS
1. Store-bought chocolate doughnuts are sliced open.
2. Decorate with mini marshmallows and candy corn to create Dracula’s mouth.
3. Add red buttercream
INGREDIENTS & INSTRUCTIONS
1. Microwave white candy melts and 1 tsp. coconut oil for 20-second increments, stirring until melted and smooth.
2. Dip the end of each pretzel rod two thirds of the way into the candy melt mixture, shaking off the excess.
3. Place them onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Let set until firm.
4. Use a black edible color marker/food coloring pen to create ghost fingers (available at Hobby Lobby, Walmart, etc. in the cake decorating/Wilton supply section)
Crescent Mummy Dogs
INGREDIENTS
• 1 can (8 oz.) refrigerated Pillsbury™ or other brand crescent rolls, (8 count) or 1 can (8 oz.) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Original Crescent Dough Sheet
2 1/2 slices American cheese, quartered 1 pkg. (10 count) hot dogs
• Cooking spray
• Mustard or ketchup, if desired
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat oven to 375°F.
1. If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough; separate at perforations, creating 4 rectangles. Press perforations to seal. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough; cut into 4 rectangles.
2. With knife or kitchen scissors, cut each rectangle lengthwise into 10 pieces, making a total of 40 piec-
LARRY DABLEMONT is an outdoor publisher, columnist, author, speaker, naturalist and outdoorsman.
In Canada next week I will take time from fishing to hunt ruffed grouse. Usually when I hunt grouse, I find a few woodcocks, but there are fewer each year. The odd little birds are migrators because they are primarily earthworm eaters, and of course they feed on other grubs and insect larvae under the leaf litter. So, when the ground freezes hard up north, they have to move south. With a small shotgun and light loads and a close ranging little birddog, I would have been elated to find a good flight of fall woodcocks in another time, when I was younger. But they, like grouse, are birds of fairly thick cover or timber where they can find the
es of dough. Slice cheese slices into quarters (1/2 slice cheese, cut in half).
3. Wrap 4 pieces of dough around each hot dog and 1/4 slice of cheese to look like “bandages,” stretching dough slightly to completely cover hot dog.
4. About 1/2 inch from one end of each hot dog, separate “bandages” so hot dog shows through for “face.”
5. On ungreased large cookie sheet, place wrapped
worms in soft ground. I haven’t often taken a full limit of woodcocks, never ever went out just to hunt them alone. The taking of woodcocks usually comes on quail or grouse hunts. But northern friends often spend a day just hunting the heavy north woods cover for a bird they sometimes refer to as a “timber-doodle.” Woodcock hunters are dog enthusiasts who once smoked pipes, wore tweed hats and carried 28-gauge doubles, which sold for more than my whole collection of shotguns would bring. In those days, years and years back, there were three or four times more woodcock than today.
Forty years ago in Arkansas, I dropped a limit of eight woodcocks in an afternoon of quail hunting along the Buffalo River in early December. That’s fairly late in the year for these little brown long-billed birds in the Ozarks. Brother, are they different to hunt than quail! You find one or two together, but not in a covey. Should a hunter and a good dog have plied those woodlands along a half-mile or so
hot dogs (cheese side down); spray dough lightly with cooking spray.
6. Bake 13 to 17 minutes or until dough is light golden brown and hot dogs are hot. With mustard, draw features on “face.”
Pillsbury.com Pumpkin Cheese Ball
This cute and clever pumpkin get its orange color from ground-up cheese puffs. The stem is from a bell pepper.
INGREDIENTS
3 cups orange cheese puffs
2 pounds cream cheese, at room temperature
• 3 cups shredded Cheddar 1/4 cup chopped chives (or minced onion)
of the river bottom, for a few afternoon hours, chances are there would have been several dozen to be found. Those numbers are not to be found today. But a hunter who goes after woodcocks has to get into the heavy cover, not typically the kind of place you’d look for quail until they are flushed and scattered.
Woodcocks are not much like a quail; they do not exhibit strong swift flight. They just sort of flutter up from beneath your feet and away, but there’s usually so much heavy growth that they are not easy to hit. They very often sit back down within 40 or 50 yards of the place they are flushed, but the flight gets longer and stronger when they have been shot at a time or two.
And they aren’t bad eating; the meat is dark, like that of a dove, but not as dry. You’d like it perhaps, if you could forget they eat grubs and worms. That’s not a problem for us grizzled, old outdoor veterans.
Woodcocks are beautiful birds, but without any bright color whatsoever. Their feathers are brown and buff and tan and black with a lit-
1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 bell pepper with a long stem
• Crackers, for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Put the cheese puffs in a food processor and process until finely ground. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet.
2. Combine the cream cheese, cheddar, chives (or minced onion), 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl and
tle white. They blend into a forest floor’s leaf litter carpet like a green caterpillar in a suburban lawn. You can’t see one unless it moves. Thirty years ago they nested in the spring near a little wet woodland spot on my land, where worms were plentiful. But I haven’t seen any here in 20 years. The woodcocks I flushed in the spring and fall on my place were easily seen though when they moved, bobbing along looking for worms before they flew. They are about the size of a quail…heavy, chunky little birds, but with big eyes set toward the back of the head, and bills longer than their legs, for reaching way down into the soil for worms. The last half-inch or so of the three-inch beak is hinged, so that the tip of the bill can probe, search, feel for and grasp any retreating earthworms. Their mating flight is something to see, with male birds flying high into the sky in a spiral, then gliding back to the ground to strut before a female.
I hope to see a woodcock while hunting grouse in Canada. But I will never shoot
mix to combine. Mold the mixture into a ball, pressing the top of the ball with your hand to flatten it.
3. With the tip of a butter knife, carve lines down the sides to resemble a pumpkin.
4. Roll the cheese ball in the ground cheese puffs.
5. Remove the entire bell pepper stem with a paring knife and put it on top of the cheeseball as the pumpkin stem.
6. Seed and slice the bell pepper. Serve the cheeseball on a plate with crackers and slices of bell pepper.
Foodnetwork.com
Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds After you carve your pumpkin, don’t throw away
another one. Those which come to the Ozarks come from Canada or Minnesota or somewhere up north in the advancing fall, then go on to the south when the ground freezes. Then we’ll have a few woodcocks return during the spring, coming back from the deep south, to raise young and spend the early summer. But most go farther north to nest. In the early spring, if you are lucky and spend a lot of time outdoors, maybe searching the woods for wildflowers or mushrooms, you may come across mating
the seeds! Toast them.
Delicious unseasoned but great with generous coating of ranch dressing, chili powder, or other favorite seasonings, added just before air frying.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 medium pumpkin (about 10 pounds), for about 1 cup pumpkin seeds
1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat a 6-quart air fryer to 360 degrees F.
2. Cut a 10-inch circle in the
woodcocks flying straight up into the woodland sky in that high spiraling courtship flight. And then in early summer you may come across a mother woodcock, leading her chicks through the woods, helping them to learn what a tasty morsel an earthworm can be. If you want to learn more about our October 26 swap meet, email me at lightninridge47@gmail.com or call 417-777- 5227. Read more about the event by reading the details at larrydablemontoutdoors.blogspot.com
top of the pumpkin and remove the top. Scrape out the pulp and seeds with a large spoon and transfer to a bowl.
3. Separate the seeds from the stringy pulp, then rinse the seeds in a colander under cold water.
4. Shake the seeds dry; it’s okay if they’re damp so don’t blot them with paper towels (they will stick to the paper).
5. Toss together the pumpkin seeds, olive oil and salt (and other seasonings as desired) in a clean bowl.
6. Transfer to the air fryer in a single layer and cook, shaking the basket every 5 minutes until lightly golden and crispy, about 15 minutes.
7. Cool before serving.
Step aboard the Goin’
Woodcock (Photo submitted by Larry Dablemont)
I WAS OUT WALKING, and I ran into my 80 year old friend named Smokey Bear. He was talking about the clean air. If you smell smoke look for the fire, because it may burn your house. Please don’t throw away your cigarettes outside and remember fireworks start fires. The weather is dry so don’t burn your house down and don’t burn my house either. Please pay attention.
lassifieds
GRIEF SHARE SUP-
PORT GROUP: A new class for Grief Share will begin Tuesday, Aug. 20, 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!
CELEBRATE RECOVERY is a place to heal from your hurts, habits, and hangups. We meet every Monday night at 6:30 PM at Music City Centre, 1839 West 76 Country Blvd., Branson. For more information call 417–3202055 See you there!
IF YOU ARE A MILITARY VETERAN in need of a place to live, please call us and we’ll try to meet your needs.
GUMI CAMP USA 417559-3892
VETERANS & MILITARY COALITION OF THE OZARKS is an all-volunteer organization of veterans serving veterans. Contact us if you feel that you, as a veteran or veteran family, may not be receiving the benefits you deserve. Go to VMCO1.org and click on CONTACT at the top of the home page. VMCO meets monthly on the third Thursday of the month (no meeting in July or November) at the Golden Corral in Branson with 11:15 a.m. (optional) lunch buffet and 12-1 p.m. meeting.
AMERICAN LEGION
POST #220 would love to invite all of our former and current U.S. military friends to join us Monday mornings, 9 a.m., for coffee and pastries, with the exception of the second Monday of the month and national holidays. Come join us at M. Graham Clark Downtown Airport, 491 Blue Sky Lane, Hollister. Monthly business meeting is the 2nd Monday of the month 6 p.m. at Denny’s, 2335 West 76 County Blvd., Branson. We look forward to meeting you! HOOAH!
IF MY PEOPLE, WHICH ARE CALLED BY MY NAME, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCATION SUPPORT GROUP meets at the Branson-Hollister Senior Center, 201 Compton Dr., Branson, the last Wednesday of every month from 1:30-3 p.m. For more information, call Mark Applegate at 417-955-2513 or email mark.applegate@senioragemo.org.
SERVICES OFFERED
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: 417335-1347.
FREE ESTIMATES AND TIMELY RESPONSE. Full remodels, decks, pole barns, garages, fencing and small projects. Call 417-699-1635
Deeded ownership at Wilderness Club, Ridgedale. 15,000 pts. Numerous benefits included. $28,000. 540849-5425
RENT TO OWN AUTOS: Low down payment. NO initial taxes & license fees. NO credit check. Free 1 year warranty on motor & transmission. Rent to own your auto today! 1119 E. Hwy. 76, Branson. 417335-5400. renttoownautosbranson.com
GARAGE SALE: Fall decor. Christmas decorations and lights. Clothes and lots of puzzles. Fri., 10/11, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sat., 10/12, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.. 111 Sawgrass #B at the Greens, off the Parkway.
HUGE GARAGE SALE: Wood splitter, household, holiday decor, sports cards and collectibles, Coca Cola, plus size clothes, furniture, 1999 Goldwing. Fri.-Sat. Oct. 11-12, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 229 Hilltop Lane on Indian Point.
ROOMS TO RENT
PETS
COMPANION DOGS NEED A HOME – We have German shepherd dogs that would be great companions. They are free to a good home. 417559-3892.
APTS/CONDOS
LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT full or part time employee? Place an ad in the Branson Globe, and fill that position FAST! An ad just like this one costs just $17.75/ week!
SCOTTY’S TROUT DOCK/ CAFE looking for help. Apply in person. 400 Boxcar Willie Dr., Branson. 417-334-4288.
MR. GILBERTI’S PLACE. Need P.M. pasta cook and prep cook. Fun, working atmosphere. Come in and fill out an application. 1451 Acacia Club Rd., Hollister. 417-334-9100
TWO PAINTERS NEEDED. Experienced, and must have your own tools and transportation for three to four months of work inside. Call 417712-4115.
We can help you with your rent, groceries and gas. Please call to get the details 417-337-3772.
HELP WANTED: BARTENDER wanted at the Eagles Club in Cape Fair, MO. If interested contact Jack at 660-216-4234.
STYLIST NEEDED: Fun environment. Lots of perks as in FREE tanning, discounts on all products and liability insurance. Commissions paid on sales. All About Me. 417-334-2151.
WORK FOR THE BRANSON
GLOBE!
Your newspaper needs a sharp, motivated sales person to serve customers in Stone County. Straight commission/1099 position. Join our fabulous team today! Contact Rob at 417-334-9100 or 504583-8907.
TO ENSURE THE BEST RESPONSE TO YOUR AD... Please make sure your ad is correct in the first issue in which it appears. The Branson Globe is responsible for one day’s charge of the space occupied by the error. If your ad is not correct, call us immediately to have it corrected.
“Damn Yankees” 54. Cars introduced in 1904
56. Hasty escape 59. Flintstone’s better half
61. Climbing vine 65. End of the pun
68. Sunday-meeting link
69. Turkish bigwig 70. Sacramento arena 71. Binary system elements 72. Like a newly planted lawn
73. Caustic solutions Down 1. Appended 2. Chancellor Helmut 3. Woodwind instrument 4. Woody, Fred or Steve 5. Santa’s helper
6. Dangerous places for ships
7. Plunderer’s take
8. Conclude 9. Least threatening 10. Kettle and Barker
11. Word with neck or belly
12. Prayer closing 13. Jam or pickle 18. --- nine, out by five
19. Enter forcibly, as a country 24. Sailor
On this date in history...
• 1887 Alexander Miles patents electric elevator
• 1890 Daughters of American Revolution founded
• 1906 San Francisco Board of Education orders segregation in separate schools of Japanese, Chinese and Korean children sparking diplomatic crisis
1929 JC Penney opens store #1252 In Milford, Delaware, making it a na-
tionwide company with stores in all 48 states
• 1939 President Franklin D. Roosevelt and advisor Alexander Sachs meet to discuss Albert Einstein’s letter warning of the possibilities of an atomic bomb
• 1984 First space walk by U.S. woman (Dr. Kathryn D. Sullivan)
• 1984 Vice Presidential
26. Whitney’s jet engine partner
27. Serenity spoiler
28. Liability’s opposite 29. It’s created in a snap
31. 2000 U.S. Open champion Marat
33. Earthy pigment
34. The ones right here
35. “What --- thou, Biondello?” (Shakespeare)
37. “...but to no ---”
39. Put up with
42. Permits
43. One way to learn
48. Upper crust
50. Without accompaniment
53. 1836 siege site
55. Plant fiber used for twine
56. Big name in building block toys
57. This company rings a bell
58. Distribute
60. TV’s talking horse
62. Out of whack
63. French Riviera resort
64. Andy’s radio sidekick
66. Anti votes
67. Do one’s best
candidates’ debate: Geraldine Ferraro (D) and George H.W. Bush (R) in Philadelphia, PA
• 1990 Oil hits a record
$40.42 per barrel
1992 First three-way
Presidential debate: George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Ross Perot
2002 Nobel Peace Prize is awarded to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter
Sudoku
See more fun puzzles at: https://www.puzzles.ca/sudoku/
Last week’s Sudoku solution
In Granny’s Attic
• CRIB
