View of fall foliage looking up Lake Taneycomo towards Table Rock Dam on October 14, 2024
BY GARY J. GROMAN, Independent Journalist
Branson, Missouri, is a great place to see nature’s beautiful autumn colors as the air gets cooler and the days get shorter. However, with the warmer fall we
have been having, this can be tricky. One source of advice is the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Fall Color Website at https:// mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/ fall-color.
Its last posting on Octo-
ber 10, 2024, says that the “Status” of the fall colors in southwest Missouri was “Beginning to turn and that the change has been mostly minimal from last week. Reds in black gum, sassafras, red maple and dogwoods are scattered throughout the region. Smooth sumac is the current standout with continuing reds. Yellows are showing on some hickories, many black walnuts (if they still have leaves at all), silver
maple and sycamore. These, too, are scattered and not widespread. Green is still the dominant color, but many oaks are going directly to brown.” We suggest clear days and
Former ‘first daugher’ and news personality speaks at C of O convocation
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
A former “first daughter” was the speaker at the College of the Ozarks’ Fall Convocation last week.
Jenna Bush Hager is a journalist and television news personality. She is the co-host of Today with Hoda and Jenna, a part of the NBC News program The Today Show. She is a published author, and along with twin sister Barbara, has the distinction of being
the daughter and the granddaughter of former United States Presidents. Jenna is the daughter of George W. Bush, the 43rd United States President, and his wife Laura Bush. She is also the granddaughter of George H.W. Bush, who served as our country’s 41st President.
Married with three young children, Bush shared her thoughts with those present at the convocation last
Thursday. Bush spoke on her memories of living in the White House, including the love and support she and her sister received from their parents and their grandparents.
Bush Hager recalled that she and sister Barbara were upset when their father told them he planned to run for President, noting that she and Barbara burst out in tears, telling him he was ruining their lives. The twins
Has the news of the heartbreaking aftermath of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton left you wondering what you can do to help? As stated in a recent KY3 On Your Side report, it can be difficult to know the best ways to get aid to those who need it, but one Branson area resident is currently coordinating an
opportunity for Branson and surrounding communities to contribute through reliable groups with “boots on the ground” in the hardest-hit areas.
Mona Miller, known around the area for her work coordinating the Convoy of Honor in connection with Veterans’ Homecoming Week and coordinating meals for first responders who have Thanksgiving
duty, is putting together the response effort. She is working with trucking company owner Vince Siblin, who is providing vehicles and drivers, and with Chaplain Y.G. Nyghtstorm, who currently serves with the chaplain organization On Your Six. Steve Spurgeon, the songwriter/musician who performed in Branson during the 2023 Convoy of Honor Hoote-
nanny, is also involved.
On Wednesday, October 9, Miller hosted local media and volunteers for an online meeting with Siblin and Nyghtstorm. On that call, Nyghtstorm stated that the most desperate needs are for diapers, wipes, emergency kits (such as would be taken on a camping trip), hygiene items and new clothing items of all sizes. Displaced families
can also use tents, blankets, household goods, flashlights, clean five-gallon buckets and lots of shelf-stable food. Miller said she hopes that in addition to individuals, perhaps some of the area’s many thrift stores can contribute household things from their inventory. Underfoot Flooring of Branson has offered tempo-
(Photo by Gary J. Groman)
were 16 at the time. By the time Bush geared up for a reelection campaign, then
Moderator Erin Hayes-Dennis and Jenna Bush Hager (Photo courtesy College of the Ozarks)
of College of the Ozarks)
• HAGER
Continued from page 1A
22-year-old Jenna and Barbara decided to help with their father’s campaign.
“We got all that time with our dad, which most adult kids don’t get,” noted Jenna.
Jenna spoke fondly of her grandparents, recalling their humble attitudes and constant support.
Bush Hager also spoke on the relationship she shared with her sister and how they were able to support each other, as first daughters, together.
Bush Hager was the most recent in a long list of family members who have visited College of the Ozarks. Both of her parents, her grandfather and grandmother have all visited Hard Work U for special convocations throughout the years.
Jenna was joined on stage by Mary Millben, who performed the National Anthem and God Bless America. She has a 15-year career of performing patriotic music for U.S. Presidents, foreign dignitaries and international royalty.
Bush Hager was introduced by College of the Ozarks President Brad Johnson, and the event convocation was moderated by Erin Hayes-Dennis, Professor of the
Practice of Journalism, who asked Bush Hager questions throughout the evening.
A special part of the convocation included C of O President Johnson and Bush Hager presenting The Legacy Award to General Terrence R. Dake, an alumnus from The School of the Ozarks. Dake had an outstanding 34-year career in the Marine Corps, serving as the pilot of the Marine One helicopter that transports the U.S. President. He also served as the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. Dake served on the College’s Board of Trustees for 24 years and currently serves as Trustee Emeritus.
The evening convocation included a performance by the College of the Ozarks Concert Band. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by C of O Senior Si Martin, and the invocation was given by senior Adia Lofgren. Students also presented Bush Hager with gifts, including a handmade basket, and stained glass pieces.
Bush Hager left the audience with this advice, “Go and live your dreams and don’t stay so married to one plan. Dream big. You can have an extraordinary life.”
Branson Parks & Rec to host FREE Halloween
Bransonmo.gov
The Branson Parks & Recreation Department is excited to announce its annual Halloween BOOnanza on Friday, October 25, 2024 from 6–8 p.m. This FREE event will be held at the Branson RecPlex ball field complex. Come prepared for a night of fun for the whole family,
including trick-or-treating, hay slides, bounce houses, kid’s costume contests and our returning BOO bus. New to BOOnanza this year is a free petting zoo, doggie costume contest, cake walk and more! Participants are encouraged to wear their costumes. Tacos #1 food truck will be on site selling
delicious food options. We are looking for community involvement for this event. Businesses may set up a booth along the ballfield walking path. There is no cost to have a booth; we just ask that you hand out candy to attendees. To sign up for a booth, fill out the online application at www.
bransonparksandrecreation. com/FormCenter/ParksForms-12/Boonanza-Sponsor-Signup-111. For any questions about this event, please contact the Branson RecPlex at 417335-2368 or visit our website at www.bransonparksandrecreation.com/734/ Halloween-BOOnanza.
Veterans Week opening ceremony is November 5
Submitted to Branson Globe
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 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 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, 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 Jackson 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, 417-294-0728.
Ministry kicks off weeklong convention in Branson
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Branson Mayor Larry Milton welcomed those in attendance at the opening night of the Country Gospel Ministries (CGM), formerly the Country Gos-
pel Music Association.
Mayor Milton addressed the convention goers, noting that the Country Gospel Ministries Convention is a good fit for Branson, a city that
celebrates Faith, Family, Flag and Fun.
The Country Gospel Ministries organization is holding their annual international convention this week at the presti -
gious Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center on Branson’s Green Mountain Drive. The hotel has been a long-time host of the CGMA conventions and events.
Animals of all faiths welcomed to special service
Submitted to Branson Globe
On the first Friday of October, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Kimberling City hosted the Blessing of the Animal Service to honor the Feast of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals and ecology. He gloried in the beauty of the world God created and had affection for animals and valued their trust in him. At this service we thanked God for the gift of this beautiful world filled with animals. We thanked God for his creation of all animals including those in the air, in the sea, on land and especially those in our own homes. We thanked God for this abundant and vast tapestry of life to which we are all interwoven and prayed for God to make us instruments of good stewardship for all
creation. We thanked him for the gift of our own animal companions, for the joy and unconditional love they bring to us, and we asked God to help us to be better caretakers as they give us so much. Usually, the fur babies attending this service are very quiet and calm during the sermon. Once our Priest, Anne Cheffey, begins the service it is like they have been attending church all their lives and know how to behave. This year was just a little different. We had more puppies than we usually have. They were big pups as they were larger breeds, but still just puppies and not all of them were able to contain their excitement when hearing something in the service that moved them. So, every
listens intently to Priest
once in a while, during the sermon we would hear a loud “AMEN!” barked out. They were just feeling the joy! At the end of the service Mother Anne went to all 27 fur babies and humans to give individual blessings
while Darrel Croy provided another blessing with his musical talents on the organ. After everyone was blessed, the fur babies were told that they could now take their humans home and water and feed them.
Fall fun, bargains at Eastern Taney County Farmers Market
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer The Local Harvest Farm-
ers Market of Eastern Taney County is excited to present their seventh annual Fall
Festival this Saturday, October 19. From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., come and join the fun with hayrides, games for all ages, and a chili cook-off. There will also be live music throughout the event; and with lots of vendors joining
the market’s regular amazing selection of locally grown produce and meat, crafts and baked goods, it’s a great time to shop for Christmas!
The market is located at 11048 E. St. Hwy. 76 in Forsyth. Don’t miss it!
President Johnson, along with Jenna Bush Hager, present The Legacy Award to General Terrence R. Dake, a distinguished alumnus of The School of the Ozarks. (Photo courtesy
Gizmo
Anne Cheffey. (Photo submitted)
Join the prayer, praise and pro-life rally November 2
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff
Writer With the November election just a few short weeks away, area faith leaders are urging Christians to pray, do their research, and be sure to get out and vote. A great way to spend time in prayer is in community with other believers, and on Saturday, November 2, residents and guests of Branson and surrounding communities have an opportunity to do just that, at the Prayer, Praise, Pro-life Election Rally from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The rally
‘Our
will be held at Jerry Presley’s God and Country Theater, 1840 W. 76 Country Blvd. in Branson. The rally is sponsored by Proclaim Ministries, an area ministry led by Russ and Bev Eugenio. Bev Eugenio shared that as she personally prayed about the upcoming election, she kept thinking someone should do something to bring people together in prayer and worship, and the thought kept coming, “What about you?” Although at first hesitant, Eugenio started reaching out to
a few people, and as details began falling into place, she felt even more certainty that the rally would be the right thing to do. For many Missourians, amendments to the state Constitution are a key issue, particularly Amendment 3 which would enshrine abortion as a Constitutional right with no restrictions and no safeguards in place. A featured speaker at the rally will be State Rep. Brian Seitz, who will share more details about the amendment’s language that will
not only strip away Missouri’s current protections for the unborn, at any stage of development, but also endanger parental rights, women’s sports, and much more. Seitz will also explain problematic aspects of the initiative petition process that makes it possible for a numeric majority rather than a true representative majority to force such issues onto the ballot. There will be prayer specifically addressing the deception causing some people to think the amendment simply deals
with women’s healthcare. Along with Rep. Seitz and the Eugenios, community and faith leaders leading prayer or worship will include Rich and Anna Watson; Larry and Sandra Barnette; Jerry Presley; Deanna Duggar; Tammy Rodgers; Nyla, Shay and Brayla; Anita Cerce; Don Ford; Howard and Leanne Bailey; Tony and Brenda Krukow; Pastor Tom Willcox; Pastors Ken and Pam Rensink; Jessica Orsak; and “The Sons.” Come join with friends, or make new ones, to praise
and worship God and agree together in prayer for our state and nation during this pivotal time. Come for the entire rally, or stay for as much as you can and join in prayer from wherever you can. Admission for this important and powerful event is free, but donations will be accepted and patriotic jewelry and gifts available for purchase to help cover direct expenses. For any questions or for further information, call 417-598-3413 or email bev.proverbs31@ gmail.com.
best contest yet:’ HOOKED! Songwriting competition names winners for 2024
ence and celebrity judges.
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
A winner has been selected in the Hooked! Songwriting Contest of 2024. Amy Geis of Spanish Fork, Utah, was the first place winner in the prestigious competition. Geis received a $1,000 cash prize and a six-month subscription to Inside Pitch Club.
Fraser Armstrong of Springfield, MO, was the recipient of a $500 cash prize for second place and Chip Boyd of Colleyville, Texas, in third place, received a $300 cash award.
The Hooked! Songwriting Contest annually receives thousands of submissions, which are all reviewed by submission judges. Those submissions are narrowed down to ten finalists, who competed on stage in front of a live audi-
This year’s celebrity judges included Garon Brett, Katie Peterson and Dean Z.
More than just a competition, this event also serves as a fundraiser. Proceeds from this year’s ticket sales
Junior Auxiliary Grocery Grab set for November
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
It is nearly time for one of the Junior Auxiliary of Taney County’s most unique fundraisers of the year.
The JATC is now selling tickets for their annual Grocery Grab.
were presented to the Branson Veterans Task Force.
“This was our best contest yet,” said Brydon Brett, one of the founders of the Hooked! Songwriting Contest. “We are reaching songwriters from across the country and artists of a higher caliber. Hooked! is gaining recognition as a contest. We were able to include Inside Pitch Club in the prize package. We are going to keep growing and be able to offer even better prizes and opportunities to our finalists in the future.”
We can help you with your rent, groceries and gas. Please call to get the details
A limited number of tickets will be sold, and one lucky winner gets four minutes to put as many groceries in their cart as possible, with the Junior Auxiliary paying for those groceries.
Tickets may be purchased from a JATC member, or via
This year’s Grocery Grab will be held at 7:15 a.m. on November 23 at the Rhodes Family Price Chopper in Branson.
phone at 417-986-3381. Tickets can also be ordered by email at jatcmo@gmail.com.
The deadline to purchase tickets is November 15. Drawing for the event is November 18 at 7:15 a.m., when the Grocery Grab winner will be announced.
A second and third place winner will also be drawn,
receiving a $100 Rhodes Family Price Chopper gift card and a $50 gift card to Rhodes Family Price Chopper, respectively.
The Grocery Grab is sponsored by Doug Baker State Farm Insurance.
All proceeds benefit the Junior Auxiliary of Taney County.
Salvation Army seeks bell ringers for holiday season
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
A long-standing tradition during the holiday season is the sight of red kettles and bell ringers in front of your favorite shopping venue.
The Red Kettle Campaign is the Salvation Army’s biggest fundraiser of the year. The campaign began in 1891 when Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee, was searching for a way to pro-
vide for the hungry in San Francisco. He was praying for a way to feed 1,000 of the city’s poorest on Christmas Day. He remembered a time, in his days as a sailor, that a large kettle known as Simpson’s Pot was used to collect coins for the poor. McFee located a similar pot, placed it at the Oakland Ferry Landing, and began collecting money to help feed the needy.
Now the Salvation Army’s biggest fundraiser of the year, the Red Kettle Campaign is about to begin, and this is the time to register to ring the bell to help those in need.
The Salvation Army offers many opportunities to help with the Red Kettle Campaign.
“The Yuletide is around the corner, when peace and
goodwill stir the heart of mankind all over the globe,” said Stephen Roberson, Salvation Army Envoy. “Some of those have bells and stand beside kettles. And we would like you to join us!”
You can register as an individual bell ringer, register a group, or sign up as a virtual bell ringer.
SEE BELL RINGERS, PAGE 4A
Reader’s Corner: ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’ many ways
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
I’ve been thinking about John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress.” This may be due in part to checking my calendar to attend the excellent production by Arise Collective Theatre, coming soon to Freedom Encounter Theater in Branson (see recent Globe article).
I also thought about Bunyan’s classic, though, when a family text thread deteriorated into some hilarious memories about things
my husband and I did well, or not so well, in our parenting. Without wasting space on that time, I let a friend’s husband give my son a haircut with a FlowBee, I’ll skip to the part where all three young adults shared fond memories of our family reading together, and one mentioned Helen Taylor’s “Little Pilgrim’s Progress.”
Practically a classic in its own right, that book helped facilitate conversations of amazing spiritual depth when our older kids were
about 12 and eight, and even Luke, age two at the time, remembers role-playing “Little Christian” with his brother. For anyone wondering whether their kids are ready for the depth of Bunyan’s story or the stage production, this book can help give context in advance or revisit scenes afterwards. It parallels the challenges faced by Christian, using situations and language children will better understand but not shying away from the tough parts. Even
College of the Ozarks announces the release of
BY DR JERRY C DAVIS, President Emeritus
College of the Ozarks proudly announces the release of the expanded edition of “Miracle in the Ozarks: The Story Continues, The Rise of ‘Hard Work U.’ to National Prominence,” authored by Dr.
Branson
Jerry C. Davis, President Emeritus
of College of the Ozarks. The new edition, now available, traces the remarkable history of the College and its journey to becoming a nationally recognized institution. Davis, who first published “Miracle in the
Ozarks” in 2006 during the College’s centennial celebration, spent close to two years writing this updated edition. The expanded version covers the College’s history from 1906 to 2022, with new insights, student success stories, and engaging updates, including previously unseen photos and historical facts.
“This project has been a labor of love,” Davis said. “When we released the first edition, we had just celebrated 100 years of Hard Work U. In the nearly two decades since, the College has continued to achieve national prominence. I wanted this updated version to reflect those accomplishments and to honor the students, alumni and veterans who have played such a significant
at 50-plus years in print, it’s still popular on several online retail sites. Also on the “progress” theme, I grabbed a book at the recent Senior Adult Ministries Conference held in Branson. “The Dream Train” borrows the “Pilgrim” concept as it narrates a hesitant not-yet believer’s journey in what begins as a simple dream but escalates into a fascinating ride aboard the Ecclesia Express, a train that transports passengers to Calvary and
ultimately to the Shining City.
While other writers have done similar projects, this one is unique in that author Terry Tramel, a minister for over 45 years, weaves the story around passengers who describe their experiences and love for the Lord using words the reader may find familiar because of having sung those same words. For example, a fellow passenger who attributes her ability to remain positive despite blindness to “Perfect submission, all is at
rest; I in my Savior am happy and blessed,” turns out to be, of course, Fanny Crosby. A nostalgic trip down memory lane for people who grew up in church, the book sheds light on the circumstances, good and bad, that inspired many beloved gospel songs and hymns. Tramel’s book is available on Amazon, GoodReads, and Barnes & Noble. Check out one or both of these books or see the show at Freedom Encounter—it’s amazing how a classic lives on!
‘Miracle in the Ozarks: The Story Continues’
role in shaping the College’s legacy.”
Readers will find numerous unexpected twists in the story of Hard Work U., one of which is the overwhelming success of the College’s students. From humble beginnings to thriving alumni, the stories of personal achievement stand out. Another surprise is how the College has become almost self-sustaining, an institution that has thrived for nearly 120 years. Additionally, the campus has evolved into a tourist destination, drawing thousands from across the nation who come to witness the College’s commitment to excellence, its scenic beauty, and its patriotic landmarks.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the Col-
lege’s evolution, Davis noted, is its role as a haven for veterans. “Our campus has become a place where veterans can come to celebrate their life’s work, achievements and sacrifices,” Davis said. “It’s humbling to see how the College has embraced this cause.”
Dr. Brad Johnson, College of the Ozarks president, lauded Davis for recording the institution’s illustrious history: “I am so thankful that Dr. Davis has taken the opportunity to author this second edition of ‘Miracle in the Ozarks.’
The telling of the College of the Ozarks story, of the rise of this institution to become one of the most influential colleges in the nation, is best told by one who had a front row seat, watching it unfold. Dr. Da-
vis’ remarkable largesse will benefit the College decades into the future.”
The updated edition of “Miracle in the Ozarks” is available now for $19.95. Proceeds from the book will support The Helping Hand Fund, which provides assistance to College of the Ozarks students for needs ranging from medical expenses to clothing for job interviews.
The book is available online at store.cofo.edu or by calling 833-267-1985. It will also be sold at each performance of the patriotic play “Breaking the Silence” at The Keeter Center, running from October through November 2024. Visitors to the College’s iconic Keeter Center can also purchase the book in the gift store.
Veterans of America to host Veterans Week Opening Ceremony at C of O
Submitted to Branson Globe
On Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 10 a.m., Branson Veterans of America 913 will host the Veterans Week Opening Ceremony at College of the Ozarks Patriots Park to honor those who have served and sacrificed for our country
The public is invited and encouraged to attend the ceremony.
The ceremony will be held at College of the Ozarks Patriots Park located next to the Welcome Center on the College of the Ozarks campus.
The ceremony will in-
clude a welcome by Dr. Brad Johnson, president of College of the Ozarks; a posting of the colors by the Branson Veterans of America 913 Honor Guard; a reading of proclamation by Larry Milton, Branson Missouri mayor; a Missouri Vietnam memorial sto-
ry by Dr. Jerry C. Davis, president emeritus College of the Ozarks; a keynote address by Brigadier General James Schreffler; and a wreath laying ceremony and rifle volley by the Branson Veterans of America 913 honor guard.
we honor Veterans every day. Last year, our mayor, Larry Milton, made a proclamation proclaiming Branson as the most patriotic city in America. That is very evident when you attend the many shows in Branson and when you enter Hard Work U.”
serve our local communities through Memorial Day services, college scholarships, Veteran parades, and color guard and honor guard presentations.
“I feel the presence of patriotism every time I enter the gates of C of O and pass by The Empty Cross™,” said Robert Sarver, College of the Ozarks associates chairmen and member of BVA 913. “Veterans Day is the one day a year that our nation pays tribute to the many men and women who served this great country. Here in Branson,
More About Branson Veterans of America 913
The Branson Veterans of America 913 (BVA 913) is a 501-C organization in Branson with the goal of sustaining the history of service to the community, Veterans, and their families. Their special programs support all of America’s Veterans and
More About College of the Ozarks Patriots Park The Patriotic Pillar at College of the Ozarks is to encourage an understanding of American heritage, civic responsibility, love of country, and willingness to defend it. Patriots Park at College of the Ozarks is a recent addition to the College, which encompasses Veterans Grove and other memorials built by the College to honor those who have served and sacrificed for this country. Guests are welcome to visit Patriots Park daily, from sunrise to 10 p.m. The memorials on campus were made possible by the generosity of Johnny Morris, founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, and the Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf at Big Cedar Lodge golf tournament. The College was one of the charitable beneficiaries of this tournament.
An individual bell ringer can be placed alone or with a few
and/or multiple times. If you elect to be a virtual ringer, you are agreeing to ask your friends and family members to donate to an online fundraiser to support your local Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. To register to help with this year’s Red Kettle campaign to help raise money for those in need in the Branson area, visit registertoring.com
(Photo courtesy College of the Ozarks)
Birdies Fore Scholarships event helps first responder kids with education
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
The Carter family want to thank the community for their amazing support of the first Birdies Fore Scholarships event, held October 8 at The Social Birdy in Branson. The event raised nearly $4,600 for the Carter Fam-
ily Hero Scholarship Fund, whose goal is to help offset the financial burden of higher education for children of area first responders.
“We’re so grateful for the support from our participants, donors of silent auction items, our board, our family and friends, and our sponsors,” said Darin and Julie Carter in a social media post following the event. Participants and sponsors were also grateful to be blessed with a beautiful fall day for golf and fellowship. Sponsors included the following area businesses, nonprofits and individuals: Mezcal
• Swan Valley Coffee
J.B. and Susie Henderson
• Social Birdy Dream Vacations
• Brad and Renea Daniels
• In Memory of Glen Amundsen
• Country Mart Branson Bank
• Taney County Vet Services
• Branson Cerakote and Laser Brightwell Landscape and Excavations Ozark Mountain Attorney Joe Allen
• Church 3:16
Getting Floor’d
• Dust ‘n Dirt Property Maintenance
• Finish Line Performance
At the end of the competition, Joe Allen and My Branson Attorney won first place, after a tied score with Branson Police Department team play-
ing for In memory of Glen Amundsen; Joe won the resulting putt-off by one stroke. Closest to the Pin challenge was won by the Taney County Sheriff’s Office team. The Carters said they are delighted the event went well and plans are already in the works for getting next year’s event on the calendar. Want to get involved? Follow the Carter Family Hero Scholarship Fund on Facebook, where you can also learn more about The Social Birdy, a fun golf and game venue and sports bar located at 1250 Branson Hills Parkway and a great place to meet friends or plan your own special event.
The Social Birdy in Branson was the perfect venue for Birdies for Scholarships. (Photos from Carter Family Hero Fund Facebook page)
Silver Dollar City announces new spring festival, Plaza expansion and more for 2025
Submitted to Branson Globe
Silver Dollar City has a heap of new fun headed your way for its 65th season. From a new spring festival to a drone show and live tree lighting, a bundle of surprises unfolds all season long. Spring Exposition— A brand-new festival comes to life with new experiences to explore. Join master gardeners as they demonstrate techniques in raised beds, then grab a partner for an old-fashioned hoedown with the new Kinfolk Bluegrass Band on our oversized dance floor. Gaze up at the new Parasol Sky over Val-
ley Road as pops of color stretch two stories overhead or stop and listen to the new Ragtime Piano Showman on the Gazebo. The famed All That percussion dancers from America’s Got Talent will take the stage at the Opera House as part of the new Down-Home Clogging Jamboree. More musical treats are at Red Gold Heritage Hall’s new Fest House, which showcases cultures from around the country with three new bands playing traditional Cajun, Dixieland and Polka music. Spring will bring new flavors to savor from across the nation! The feast
of America’s best eats includes jambalaya pasta, shrimp Po’boy sandwich, fried cheese curds, cornbread salad and an Ozarks’ fish fry!
Summertime Entertainment—Get ready for the debut of Night Sky, an allnew drone and fireworks spectacular. More than 100 drones flying overhead will dance and light up to a carefully choreographed show, sharing the sky with dramatic bursts of fireworks to tell the story of an Ozarks summer night. Plus, a laughout-loud Wild West Comedy Stunt Show in Red Gold Heritage Hall features slap-
stick stunts that will leave you in stitches! Another new, must-do with the family is the Silver Dollar Circus with world-class acrobats performing high-flying feats on teeterboards, spinning on Cyr wheels, hand balancing and chair stacking live from the Opera House stage. Plaza Expansion—The Plaza, a new happening hub of fun and entertainment, will double the size of The Grand Exposition in 2025. The redesigned space houses permanent shade structures, plus seating and a new entertainment stage and food booths. The Plaza is the place to catch dance
parties, new drone show and the new Christmas experience.
New Christmas Cheer Silver Dollar City’s season finale is An Old Time Christmas®, which will feature The Plaza’s new centerpiece, The Grand Plaza Fir. The living tree lighting ceremony will have all the feels of Rockefeller Center each evening with holiday cheer, music and the magical flicker of over 150,000 lights in a triumphant crescendo. An all-new stage production—The Heart of Christmas— is a must-see times two! The shows stars Lindley Creek through November 27 and returns after
Thanksgiving with music from the Queen of Bluegrass Rhonda Vincent. Free Preschool Season Pass—Children born in 2020 or 2021 will receive free admission to Silver Dollar City and White Water all season long with our Free Preschool Season Pass. Registration is required and opens on October 9 at www. silverdollarcity.com/preschool.
For hours, dates and more information on Harvest Festival, visit www.silverdollarcity.com, call 417-3367100 or download the free Silver Dollar City app on any mobile device.
Taste of the Ozarks: Featuring local restaurants, silent and live auctions and more
Submitted to Branson Globe Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks is rolling out the red carpet at our 22nd annual Taste of the Ozarks gala, on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Oasis Convention Center. This year’s event promises to be a star-studded affair with a glamorous Hollywood theme, all to support mentorship programs that positively impact the lives of local youth. Guests are invited to
sample tastes from over a dozen local restaurants and vote on their favorites.
From gourmet bites to delicious desserts, attendees will experience a variety of what the Ozarks has to offer while mingling in a fun, elegant atmosphere.
One of the highlights of the evening is the silent auction, featuring a wide variety of items that can be bid on virtually. Even if you’re unable to attend, you can still participate and win these sought-after
prizes. In addition, guests will have the opportunity to bid in the exciting live auction lineup, which includes exclusive experiences and unique items.
Following the tasting hour, we are shining a spotlight on our Matches of the Year and highlighting the life-changing impact that mentorship has on the youth in our community.
As a special part of the event, Big Brothers Big Sisters is offering a
$20,000 cash raffle. Tickets are available for $100 each, with only 500 tickets being sold. The winner will walk away with a $20,000 cash prize, and you do not need to be present to win.
“The Taste of the Ozarks is one of our most anticipated events, and we are so excited to bring the community together for a night of food, fun and giving back,” said Lizzie Vigneaux, Development Associate at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks.
“Every ticket sold, and every auction bid supports mentorship programs that help children in our community reach their full potential.
Tickets and sponsor-
ships
Tickets for Taste of the Ozarks are on sale now.
For more information about the event, silent auction, raffle tickets, or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.TasteoftheOzarks.com.
About Big Brothers Big
of the
is dedicated to creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Through the guidance of caring adult mentors, children in the program achieve measurable outcomes such as educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, and greater confidence in their future.
For more information, visit www.bigbro.com.
The ultimate guide to fall foliage viewing at Big Cedar Lodge
Submitted to Branson Globe
As fall sweeps across the Ozark Mountains, there’s still time to experience the breathtaking beauty of Big Cedar Lodge! Cedar Fest runs through the end of October, offering numerous picturesque spots and seasonal events. Grab your coziest flannel, bring your family, and embrace the crisp autumn air while enjoying all the fall fun and unforgettable moments that await you at America’s Premier Wilderness Resort.
To help you make the most of the season, here are some of the best places and events to soak in the stunning fall foliage.
Lady Liberty Fall Foliage Cruise: Dine on the water as the wondrous Ozark Mountains pass from rich greens to fiery reds and golds. This elevated dining experience is the perfect way to experience the best of fall! Open to the public
Location: Long Creek Marina
Cost: $120/Adult, $70/ Kids (4-11) Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail: Hop aboard an electric cart for a 2.5-mile journey through the Ozark Mountains that gives guests a front-row seat to the magnificent fall scenery. The winding trail will also take through a marvelous cave where you can purchase refreshments at the Bat Bar as well as the scenic overlook where you can step out onto our skybridge for a breathtaking view of the Ozarks. Open to the public
• Location: Top of the Rock Welcome Center
• Cost: Variable rates –purchase online early to save Goin’ Jessi Fall Lake Cruise: Step aboard the Goin’ Jessi, an exact replica of a 1934 Chris Craft, named after Waylon Jennings’ wife, Jessi. All you
have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy an hour-long cruise of Table Rock Lake. This scenic cruise on Table Rock Lake is perfect for enjoying the vibrant foliage from the water’s edge. Open to the public
• Lake Cruise: Monday –Thursday $199. Friday – Sunday $225. $15 per additional person, max 6. Fall Tram Rides: Relax as you’re guided through some of the most picturesque landscapes showcasing the stunning autumn transformation of the
Ozarks. Guests will take a ride out to a lakefront site featuring a fall themed setup for photo opportunities. After our stop, the tour will continue around Big Cedar property with views of the gorgeous Ozarks landscape. Trams will cross the Devil’s Pool bridge and travel up a portion of curvy road and finally make a stop at Falls Lodge where guests can take exclusive photos from the balcony. Open to the public
Location: Swimmin’
Hole Lawn Cost: $15 per person
Sunset Celebration Dinner at Top of the Rock: Savor a delicious family-style four-course meal and wine while taking in panoramic views of Table Rock Lake and the iconic End of the Trail statue. End the evening by enjoying Top of the Rock’s signature sunset ceremony with a cannonball cocktail in hand. Perched at the highest elevation in Taney County making it the ultimate backdrop for a perfect autumn evening. Open to the public
• $138 per person for adults over 21 (includes dinner, house wine pairing and sunset cannonball cocktail)
• Plus $35 optional premium wine pairing upgrade
• $96 per person for attendees between 10 and 20 years old
While you’re here, don’t forget to explore the numerous activities during Cedar Fest at Big Cedar Lodge. Every Saturday in October, our fall festival opens up to both public and overnight
guests. Take a guided tram tour to our pumpkin patch, try your hand at pumpkin decorating, or unleash your creativity with pottery painting and tie-dye. As the sun sets, gather around the bonfires for s’mores, sing along with the jack-o-lanterns, and on select nights, get lost in the new Ozarks Lost Soul Maze. *Open to the public, tram tours run on a loop. See www.bigcedar.com for even more seasonal activities!
Sisters of the Ozarks Big Brothers Big Sisters
Ozarks
Dear
BY RAMSEY SOLUTIONS
Sincerely, No one ever.
The rules, options and dates around Medicare are crazy! Especially enrollment. But it’s important to know this stuff. Seriously, understanding and getting enrollment right is super important because if you get it wrong, you could end up paying penalties the rest of your life. Yeah, the stakes are that high!
So, we’re going to do our best to make it simple. Key takeaways
There are six different enrollment periods for Medicare, but only three for first-time enrollees. People already receiving Social Security benefits before they turn 65 will be enrolled in parts A and B automatically.
You can sign up for the first time during your Initial Enrollment Period (three months before your birthday month through three months after) or during a Special Enrollment Period with no penalty.
If you miss both of those, you can still sign up during the General Enrollment Period (January 1–March 31), but you will likely pay a penalty in the form of higher premiums for the rest of your life.
You can enroll in Medicare parts A and B through Social Security by going to their website, calling or visiting a local office.
To enroll in Medigap, Part D or Medicare Advantage, you’ll need to contact the insurance company offering the plan. Brief overview of Medicare
Before we get started, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page. Medicare is health insurance for folks over 65 (or people who have a disability and certain diseases) that’s run by the federal government.
It comes in a few different parts—kind of like the Stooginfloöginfluuugenfläffer from Ikea comes in “a few” different parts:
• Part A is hospital insurance. Part B is medical insurance. Part C is also called Medicare Advantage and rolls parts A, B and often D into one plan through a private insurance company.
• Part D is prescription drug coverage.
Parts A and B together are called Original Medicare.
People usually have either Original Medicare with Part D and a Medigap Plan added, or they have a Medicare Advantage Plan. Original Medicare gives you more options and control while Medicare Advantage locks you into a specific network of providers. Eligibility for Medicare
You must meet one of the following basic eligibility criteria for Medicare: Be 65 years or older
• Have a disability status (qualifying for Social Security disability insurance)
• Have end-stage renal disease (requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant)
• Have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS (aka Lou Gehrig’s disease) How to enroll in Medicare
Let’s (en)roll!
If you’ve been receiving Social Security payments since at least four months before your 65th birthday, you’ll automatically be enrolled in Original Medicare (parts A and B). The government will send you a welcome packet along with your Medicare cards (don’t expect cookies or anything—it’s the government). At that time, you’ll be given the
option to add on Part D and a Medigap Plan or switch to Medicare Advantage.
If you’ve decided to wait to receive your Social Security benefits until later, you’ll need to sign up on your own.
Enrollment periods
Okay, the first thing to understand is enrollment periods. You have three opportunities to enroll in Medicare for the first time— but one of them comes with a penalty, so pay attention!
There are six different enrollment periods in total:
Initial Enrollment Period
• Special Enrollment Peri-
od
General Enrollment Period
Open Enrollment Period
• Medicare Advantage
Open Enrollment Period
Medigap Open Enroll-
ment Period
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is your first opportunity to sign up for Medicare. It starts three months before your 65th birthday month and runs through the three months after (total of seven months).
To begin, you can sign up for parts A and B. Once you have those in place, you can also sign up for Part D and a Medicare Advantage Plan (if you choose) during this period.
You can enroll online, over the phone, or by contacting your Social Security office.
When you want to use this: If you plan to use Medicare as your health insurance coverage immediately
When you don’t want to use this: If you are currently covered by health insurance that’s of similar value to Medicare (this most often happens when you’re still working and have employ-
er-sponsored health coverage or you’re covered by your spouse’s insurance)
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
Sometimes people qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) because they have special circumstances like living overseas or something (living in Portugal would be pretty special).
Circumstances that trigger SEPs: Your comparable coverage ends (like you leave your job and lose your employer-sponsored health insurance).
• You move back to the U.S. after missing your IEP while living overseas.
• You lose comparable drug coverage.
• Your coverage changes and is no longer creditable (an industry term that means “as much coverage as” Medicare).
• If you experience any changes to your coverage outside your control that mean you need new coverage.
• You move to a new address and your plan isn’t available in that area (this one only applies if you have Medicare Advantage).
There are many little nuances to what triggers an SEP. If you need Medicare and already passed your 65th birthday, talk to a licensed Medicare advisor. This is what they’re trained for! They can look at your situation and figure out if you qualify for an SEP.
When you want to use this: You missed your IEP because of special circumstances or you had other coverage that ended.
When you don’t want to use this: When you already signed up during your IEP or you need to switch (or make changes to) your existing plan.
General Enrollment Period (GEP)
If you missed your IEP or SEP, maybe you should deal
with your procrastination problem. Kidding. Mostly. (But seriously—you can still get Medicare!) You do get another chance to enroll for the first time during the General Enrollment Period (GEP) which runs from January 1 to March 31. You can sign up for Original Medicare, with the option to add Medigap or Medicare Advantage, as well as drug coverage.
Heads up though. Using the GEP to enroll usually comes with a penalty in the form of higher premiums—and they last for the rest of your life.
When you want to use this: Pretty much never! Remember to sign up during your IEP or SEP. But if you forget, then sign up during the next GEP.
When you don’t want to use this: When you already signed up during your IEP or SEP, or when you want to make changes or switch plans.
Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
Don’t be fooled. The name sounds awfully similar to regular health insurance’s open enrollment period, when anyone can sign up for health insurance—but this is not (repeat not) a time for you to sign up for Medicare for the first time. Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period (OEP) runs from October 15 to December 7, and it’s a time for folks who already have Medicare to make changes to their existing plan or switch plans.
For example, if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan but get annoyed having to use in-network providers, you can drop your Advantage Plan and switch back to Original Medicare.
When you want to use this: If you already have Medicare and need to make changes to your current plan (including Part D) or switch to or from Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare
When you don’t want to use this: If you want to sign up for Medicare for the first time
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period Yep, there’s more. This one runs from January 1 to March 31 (yes, same dates as the GEP) and also within the first three months you get Medicare. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is, you guessed it, just for people with Medicare Advantage plans. During this period, you can: Switch to a different Advantage Plan Drop your Advantage Plan and go back to Original Medicare Add or drop drug coverage When you want to use this: If you have Medicare Advantage and want to make changes or switch back to Original Medicare When you don’t want to use this: If you want to sign up for Medicare for the first time, or if you have Original Medicare and want to sign up for Medicare Advantage Medigap Open Enrollment Period Last one, we promise. If you decide to go with Original Medicare, you’ll most likely want to get a Medigap policy to help cover your out-of-pocket costs. The best time to buy a Medigap policy is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which runs for six months starting the first month you have Part B coverage. During this period, insurance companies are required by the federal government to cover you—so you can’t be denied a policy because of preexisting conditions. If you wait until later, there are no laws forcing insurers to sell you a policy, so you could be denied. Plans often cost a lot more if you wait. But you can technically buy a policy any time of year— provided you can get an insurance company to actually sell it to you.
Enrollment process for Parts A and B
You sign up for Medicare parts A and B through Social Security. They make sure you’re eligible and have paid into Social Security long enough to qualify for premium-free Part A. There are a few ways to sign up for Medicare parts A and B:
• Online (sign up through the Social Security website)
• By phone (call Social Security)
• In person (visit a local Social Security office)
• Automatic enrollment Applying online through the Social Security website is the easiest and fastest route. But no matter which way you decide to do it, you’ll need these documents to apply:
• Proof of age (like your birth certificate)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (like your passport or green card)
• Record of employment (like a W-2) Any marriage or divorce information Any military service information Any past Social Security benefit claims We touched on this earlier, but there is one instance where you won’t have to apply for parts A and B. This is called automatic enrollment, and it happens only if you’ve already been receiving Social Security benefits for four months prior to your 65th birthday. In next week’s edition of The Globe, we’ll discuss Medicare Advantage and more.
The Branson Auction fall event set for this weekend
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
This week is one that car enthusiasts have been eagerly anticipating—the Branson Auction’s Fall 2024 event.
Set for this Friday and Saturday, the Branson Auction is held twice per year, in April and October, and is one of the area’s best and a favorite of car collectors throughout the state and
Size
it up
By Stephanie Callahan, Owner/Lightspeed Electrical
Have you ever wondered why there are so many sizes and types of wire? Each type of wire is rated for a specific load of electricity, and some circuits require very specific loads to protect appliances. That is why correctly sizing the wire for an electrical install is crucial.
Wires are made in different diameters (thickness) measured in gauges. Thicker wires, like 6- and 8-gauge wires, carry greater amounts of power for larger appliances, like HVAC equipment and water heaters. Medium sized wires (12-gauge) are designed for regular electric loads to power lights, televisions and other low amperage devices.
Most people do not have to think about choosing the right size wire to prevent an overload, thanks to building codes and inspections. But the use of extension cords is an area where people use the wrong size wire all the time, setting themselves up for appliance damage and fire. When an extension cord (16-
across the region. As of press time, a total of 230 vehicles are set to be auctioned off, as well as a large amount of memorabilia, including 25 antique arcade games.
Some of the more unique vehicles include a 1968 Plymouth GTX Hemi, 2002 Ford GT40 with only 2,000 miles, a 1971 Jaguar XKE Convertible, a 1970 ‘Cuda
gauge wire) is plugged into a power-hungry device like a space heater, too much electricity will be pulled through too thin of a wire. When that happens, the wire heats up (like the red coils in your toaster) and will melt through
the cord, causing a fire. The most dangerous DIY mistakes are made by assuming that any size wire will be right for any job. If you are preparing to purchase a new appliance, remember that you may need to change the wiring to match. If you need help, call the team at Lightspeed Electrical: 417-239-5050.
Convertible, a 1966 Cushman Silver Eagle and a 1963 Lincoln Convertible, just to name a few.
“This is our 45th year operating the Branson Auction,” noted Roger Napper. “We will again have the Thursday night charity auction to benefit the Taney County 100 Club, and we have a 2009 Mercedes Benz CLS550 to be auctioned off. We also have a 1967 MG Midget that 50% of the proceeds will go to the charity, as well. The proceeds from the 2002 GT40 will be split between three veterans’ charities upon its sale, also.”
The Branson Auction will also once again offer online bidding.
Said Napper, “We have online bidding set up through Proxibid, and we have had a large amount of online sign-ups for this sale because of the consignment for this sale.”
Napper continued, “We welcome all locals to come and be a part of this event
Taney County 100 Club to benefit from charity auction
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
A special tradition of the Branson Auction is the charity auction, held on the Thursday evening prior to the beginning of the auction on Friday. This fall’s charity auction is set for Thursday, October 18.
The beneficiary of funds from the charity auction will once again be the Taney County 100 Club.
“Thanks to the generosity of Jim and Kathy Cox, the Taney County 100 Club will again be the beneficiary at the October 2024 Branson Auction charity auction,” said Cory Roebuck of the Taney County 100 Club.
“We were introduced to the Branson Auction at the April 2022 auction and are
as they do not have to register to bid. Spectators are more than welcome to see the collection of vehicles in the sale.”
proud to have partnered with them ever since.”
This fall’s charity auction will feature many collectible and memorial items, gift baskets, tickets to local attractions and more.
Said Roebuck, “Of note are a $1,000 gift certificate towards a Caribbean vacation, a ride-along with a Branson PD K-9 Unit, a 40 Caliber Glock 23 with a custom Cerakote and a 2008 Mercedes Benz CLS550.”
The spring 2024 charity auction raised just over $14,000 for the organization, between the auction itself, gun raffle, memberships, and merchandise sales from the Taney County 100 booth, set up throughout the Branson Auction.
The Branson Auction is set for Friday and Saturday, October 18 and 19. Friday’s auction begins at 11:30 a.m. and the Saturday event gets
“While the money we raise with our gun raffle and merchandise sales will be used for things like memorial street dedications, the money from the auction and memberships is guarded and held to financially support the surviving spouse of an emergency worker killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty.”
Roebuck added, “Jim and Kathy (Cox) may never know the spouse they are financially supporting, but their generosity is encouraging to the family of our area first responders. We can’t thank them enough for their continued support of those that risk their lives on a daily basis.”
Out of the mouths of babes, election edition
COMPILED BY TIFFANY
GRAVETT
“Has Trump said anything about kids in car seats? If he says that kids who are 7 years old don’t have to ride with a car seat anymore, I’m voting for him.” -Drew, age 7 ***
Bella: Mom, I wouldn’t vote for either candidate.
Mom: Oh yeah?! Who would you vote for?
Bella: Tom Cruise -Bella, age 9 ***
Harrison: Maybe Donald Trump should be president.
Mom: Oh, I don’t know about that.
Harrison: Why?
Mom: Well, he says a lot of things he shouldn’t say.
Harrison: You mean like “butt”?
-Harrison, age 4 ***
Talking to Mommy….
“If you were running for President, I would say NO WAY because you would probably make a rule that people had to play educational games.” -Dexter, age 7 ***
“If I was the President, I would just sit in the White House and command everyone to feed me and bring me drinks.” -Isaiah, age 4 ***
O: Is he Donald Trump?
Mom: Yes, why do you ask?
O: Because I like him better than the lady-one who speaks in the microphone.
Mom: …
-“O”, age 4 ***
“Mommy, if I was President, I’d make it so people could marry whoever they want, they could jump on the trampoline whenever they want, and parents could take a shower whenever they want.” –“L”, age 3 ***
Vera: You should vote for Donald Trump, Mom.
Mom: Why?
Vera: I’ve always wanted to play the trumpet. He might give everyone lessons.
-Vera, age 5 ***
“Donald Trump has funny colored hair. It’s grayish, golden.” -Everly, age 4
This week’s kid quotes are compiled from littlehoots. com
underway at 10 a.m.
The Branson Auction will be held at the Hilton Convention Center, located in downtown Branson.
Stephanie Callahan, Owner/Lightspeed Electrical
DEATH NOTICES
Allen, John T. 74 Reeds Spring Cremations of the Ozarks Baker, Gary 75 Branson Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory Campbell, Deborah A. 72 Branson Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory
• ASSISTANCE
Continued from page 1A
rary warehouse space at 165 Warehouse Rd. in
• FALL COLOR
Continued from page 1A
cool nights since that report will trigger the peak of some of the best fall foliage we will see this year.
Branson has many places to view some fabulous fall foliage. Here are a few of our favorites.
Ruth and Paul Henning Scenic Overlook: The beautiful Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area is perfect for those wanting a breathtaking view of the Ozarks’ fall foliage. The Missouri Department of Conservation manages this area, which covers over 1,534 acres. There are nature trails where you can experience the fall foliage up close and personal.
Taney County Highway 165 Scenic Overlook: On Taney County 165 just north of its junction with State Highway 265, Taney County 165 offers a panoramic view of the rolling Ozark Hills filled with fall foliage along with a spectacular view of the foliage up Lake Taneycomo to Table Rock Dam and down the lake towards Branson Landing.
Table Rock Dam Over-
for storage of donations until the trucking team can pick them up each trip; items can be dropped off during their business hours of 9 a.m. to 4
look: For a magnificent view, go to the Table Rock Dam Overlook located off the south end of Table Rock Dam. This spot gives you an overview of Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo’s headwaters, and the beautiful fall foliage along their shorelines. While there, enjoy the close-up view of Table Rock Dam.
College of the Ozarks Point Lookout Overlook: Sitting on a bluff overlooking Lake Taneycomo on the grounds of the College of the Ozarks, it provides a panoramic view of fall’s bright colors along the Lake Taneycomo shoreline and across the valley that is amazing. While you are there, see and shop at the college’s Stained Glass and Candle Shop, Edwards Mill & General Store, eat a delicious meal at the Keeter Center, or visit the inspiring Patriot’s Park containing the official State of Missouri Vietnam Memorial.
Branson Ferris Wheel: Try the Branson Ferris Wheel at The Track Family Fun Parks for a unique view. This famous ride is not just fun; it gives you a great
p.m., Monday through Friday. Watch for local news updates or connect with Miller via Facebook (millerm573@facebook.com) or
panoramic view of miles of Ozark’s foliage. From 150 feet high, you can see the surrounding area changing into its bright fall colors. When the sun sets, prepare for a unique, breathtaking display as the fading light filters through the colorful Ozarks mountainsides. An added benefit is a unique overhead view of Branson’s Entertainment District.
Inspiration Tower:
at 417-239-4320 for more details or with questions. Another good way to give is by visiting the DonorBox site for On Your
Perched high in the Ozark Mountains, the Inspiration Tower at Shepherd of the Hills gives you amazing views of Branson’s colorful fall foliage. As you go up to the top, you will see beautiful displays of leaves showing shades of gold and red. You will enjoy wide-ranging views of Table Rock Lake and the rolling hills below. This spot is perfect for taking in the fall colors and seeing
Six at https://donorbox. org/oy6-relief, where you can donate to help provide fuel for the trucks currently hauling supplies and which
panoramic fall landscapes. Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area: The Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area in the center of Branson offers a pleasant getaway surrounded by bright fall colors. It’s a great place to connect with nature and enjoy the fall foliage. While there, you can also enjoy “a nature playground and pavilion near the entrance and a picnic area...”
will be hauling the Branson donations.
Table Rock Lakeshore Trail: This 2.2-mile (4.4-round trip) trail is near the Dewey Short Visitor Center. It goes along the edge of Table Rock Lake and offers fantastic lake views. In fall, the trail becomes a paradise for those who love to experience the leaves changing color. The trail is easy to walk and is wheelchair and stroller-friendly, making it great for everyone.
Frangkiser, Susanne 76 Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory Keohan, Geraldean 91 Kimberling City Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City Olsen, Timothy 60 Billings Stumpff Funeral Home, Crane Rehwoldt, Lawrence J. 90 Reeds Spring Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City
Branson
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS Staff Writer
T
his week wraps up the First5 study of exile that I’ve found so im-
Reflections: Obedience during exile
pactful, and as I review the scriptures from the past few weeks, one thing that stands out is this: Exile is not an excuse for disobedience.
This concept is evident throughout Scripture. Israel was exiled in Egypt until God raised up Moses to deliver them, but they were to remain faithful and not be influenced by Egyptian worship. Then they disobeyed God’s command to enter the Promised Land, resulting
in an additional 40 years of wandering, and then another warning not to mix with idolatry and paganism when they did enter the Promised Land. Failure to obey resulted in exile once again, but the covenant promises didn’t change. We see in the life of Daniel the continued importance of faithfully obeying God’s commands. As Babylonian captivity stretched into decades, the Israelites were told to build homes,
plant gardens and work for the good of the land they lived in, but to avoid listening to false prophets (Jeremiah 29:4–11).
The theme continues through the New Testament, starting with Jesus’ words recorded in Acts 1:8. After the resurrection, the disciples wondered if it was finally time for Jesus to assert his authority through an earthly kingdom, but the answer was,
not yet. Instead, they would be empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue the Great Commission. They weren’t given a time frame, and for most of them, it wasn’t easy. John, the last living apostle, experienced exile in a penal colony, where he recorded Jesus’ words we know as Revelation. Paul, converted from persecuting the early Christians to become a prolific evangelist and author of much of the New Tes-
tament, experienced shipwreck, imprisonment, beatings and more, but again, his writings emphasize the need to remain obedient. The concept continues into the modern era. Richard Wurmbrand, founder of The Voice of the Martyrs, whose testimony is shared in “Tortured for Christ,” is just one of many faithful believers who kept, or continue to keep, their eyes on Je-
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.
ROB DOHERTY Publisher (504) 583-8907 robd@bransonglobe.com
JANET STEINKAMP Editor editor@bransonglobe.com
GARY J. GROMAN Independent Journalist
ROSE BUCKLES Freelance Writer/Bilingual Rosebuckles1999@gmail. com
KIM CHAPPELL
Ad Designer gabbydor210@gmail.com
THIS POSITION IS OPEN! SEE OUR AD IN THE CLASSIFIEDS Stone Co. Account Rep.
MARK FEDER Taney Co. Account Rep. (805) 320-3746 shotgunart@yahoo.com
JOHN FULLERTON Area Historian cowboyclub1994@gmail.com
LUANNA FULLERTON Entertainment Writer bransonglobeluanna@ gmail.com
The comments on opinion pages are the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily those of the Branson Globe, or its staff. Have something to say? Share it with us in your own Letter to the Editor. Letters to the editor sent via e-mail and fewer than 400 words are given preference. Published or unpublished letters become the property of the newspaper and will not be returned. All letters must include, name, address, and verifiable phone number. The editors may refuse publication of any letter that is libelous, in poor taste, or that endorses a business or product. Letters are subject to editing.
There was much concern last week that FEMA was diverting funds from Helene Disaster victims to help illegal aliens in the United States. Subsequent news reports, however, indicate that FEMA’s assistance to illegal aliens comes from FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program (SSP). News reports suggest that SSP is a separate program administered by FEMA but with funding completely separate from FEMA’s Disaster Relief Funds. In April of this year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through FEMA and the U.S. Customs and Border Pro-
BY JOSHUA HESTON StateoftheOzarks Media & Design
The setting sun this time of year takes on a different hue, especially from the Arkansas ridges, especially through the canopies of southern yellow pines. October has long been my favorite month, what with the closing of the season and the spookiness but southern autumns hit differently and always have.
History matters and long-established cultural boundaries (as well as our
BY TIFFANY GRAVETT Staff Writer
It is tempting to despair when we consider the failing morals of king and country which, like a wrecking ball, have nearly crumbled the structural integrity that made us “one nation, under God.” I have heard it said many times of late, “This isn’t the America I grew up in.” In the past, there was a general reverence for God and a respect for authority. Now, God is blasphemed over every airway, biblical principles are openly mocked, and parental rights are being
• REFLECTIONS
Continued from page 1B
sus and his promises as they suffer for their faith and even witness to their captors. Current culture doesn’t make it easy to live in exile from our promised destiny.
tection (CBP), announced $300 million in grants to cities and counties serving undocumented aliens through the Shelter and Services Program. The program was authorized by Congress to help communities that provide services to undocumented aliens. An initial allocation of $275 million was distributed initially, with the remaining $25 million later this year. The fund is available to provide grants to cities and counties for temporary shelter and other eligible costs associated with undocumented aliens awaiting the outcome of their immigration proceedings. The report indicates that FEMA has over $80 billion in its Disaster Relief fund.
“Well, Seagull, that must give you comfort knowing that no money is being taken from FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to be used by cities and counties for temporary shelter and other eligible costs associated with undocumented aliens.” “Not
obvious latitude) seal the deal: The Ozark Mountain Plateau is part of the American South and no amount of Yankee incursion can change that (though I may build a little fort of cornbread and stewed tomatoes just out of spite).
Hallmark autumns are a time of fashionable flannels and hearty pumpkin carving, chilly, cozy nights and crisp, sunny afternoons. While we may have a plethora of pumpkins, Ozark afternoons are, more often than not, a searing 90 degrees as we sweat straight through illthought-out flannel shirts. I know better than to carve a pumpkin for my front porch. The poor thing would rot by the end of the week.
Nonetheless, the season is changing and you can feel it in your bones. Even in the
in the slightest. Not while we have homeless Veterans and other American citizens without adequate shelter or money for whatever the term “eligible cost means!”
“Well, what do you think it means?” “Could it be things like food, clothes and medical care, etc.?”
What kind of a country doesn’t control its borders and not only lets illegal aliens enter but provides incentives for them to do so? That was a rhetorical question because, in Ole Seagull’s mind, he believes it’s a country about to fulfill an admonition expressed by Abraham Lincoln. He said, “At what point then is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer, if it ever reaches us, it must spring up amongst us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time or die by suicide.”
Lincoln asks, “At what
heat, the sky looks more like winter than summer. Far, high up cirrus clouds shimmer in the gray, scudding out patterns like the sand on a wind-swept beach. The crows call differently, the jay birds are louder. Black and furry wooly worms are out and about and more than a few big Ozarks tarantulas can be spotted crossing roads and rocky glades. The persimmons are ripe and social media photos are being posted of the split seeds (a “spoon” inside the seed is said to represent heavy snows, a “knife” sharp and icy winds). Wasp nests are close to the ground this year, which is said to denote a mild winter. I can only hope. Geese are seen flying in V formations and impending change is in the air. Even for the uninitiated, there is a
point then is the approach of danger to be expected?” An Ole Seagull suggests at the point where America does not enforce its borders and permits virtually unlimited access of illegal aliens into our country. Time means nothing to America’s enemies. It took Israel years to patiently put the exploding pagers and phone attack in place. Can any reasonable person doubt that America’s enemies are coming across Her borders with plans to do Her harm? Look at the impact that just 19 attackers had on America on September 11, 2001. He said, “if it ever reaches us, it must spring up amongst us. It cannot come from abroad.” In Ole Seagull’s opinion, it is “coming from abroad” and becoming amongst us because we are permitting it to do so by not controlling our borders, and we are transporting it all over within the country. An aside, but the Ole Seagull, who was born in this country 83 plus years ago, has had top secret
sense of magic and lore.
Humans are constant contradictions. “For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do — this I keep doing,” wrote the Apostle Paul in the Book of Romans. We nod approvingly from a staid and padded Sunday morning pew, knowing full well we live out that truth. Somehow in the South, the sacred and the profane have always existed side by side better than elsewhere, perhaps because the sacred is less cloistered in a rural landscape. Perhaps because the profane is closer as well. Survival has always taken prominence here in this mountainous and beautiful pile of rocks. Mountain culture is all its own, kind but harsh, and rarely suffers fools.
And so, as the sunlight warms the afternoons un-
clearances, served on principal protect details for presidential candidates, and spent almost ten years serving his country as a United States Marine has to have, can’t even board a plane without a “Real ID or passport yet undocumented aliens are transported by air and deposited to numerous destinations all over the country.
Lincoln warns, “If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time or die by suicide.” From Ole Seagull’s perspective, particularly with the terroristic ways “wars” are fought in this day and age, “we,” by permitting uncontrolled entry across our borders, are the “authors,” be it as “freemen,” of our own “suicide” as a Nation.
“But Seagull surely you can’t believe that!” “From both a security and economic impact on the lives of Americans how could a person feel otherwise?”
comfortably and the twilight sky heavies with Oklahoma dust turning each evening a weird shade of apricot pink, it is easy to question our place in a world gone heavy with loss and seeming chaos of disagreement and inconsistency. In such moments, I am reminded of times past and loved ones long gone, of black walnuts hulled on a quiet evening front porch and fiddle music haunting and profane. I think of all the life and light even in the darkness, and the contradictions without and within. It is in such moments I can believe there is a reason we are here, even now, most especially now, as the sassafras leaves redden, the shadows lengthen, and a hot and flaming sun drops just beyond the ridge.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s: ‘This isn’t the America I grew up in...’
ripped away in the name of individual expression and social justice. If your heart is deeply grieved over these deteriorating times, you are not alone.
The psalmist expressed a similar concern over his own cultural decline:
Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us (Psalm 2:1-3).
Their utter contempt for God and disregard for moral restraints sounds so like our current cultural climate. Was there hope for them then? Is there hope for us now? Without a doubt! The answer was the same then as it is now, and it is revealed in the next few
Within the last year, a teacher in Ireland was jailed for refusing to use “preferred pronouns” that affront the biological reality of God’s creation; many Christians have prayed for Jack Phillips as his refusal to use his
verses of Psalm chapter 2:
Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare and decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession (Psalm 2:6-8).
Did you catch that? Despite the state of the world when this passage was written, God had a holy king in mind who would come without a political agenda or false promises. This king’s dominion would expand to the uttermost parts of the earth, not by force or selfish coercion, but by the shedding of his own blood. He would rule with compassion and mercy, bringing healing to the nations.
And Jesus went about all the cities and villag-
artistic cake-baking skills for a gay wedding went to the top courts; questionable language in Missouri’s current Amendment 3 question could force God-fearing teachers, health professionals and others to take a stand.
es, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest (Matthew 9:35-38). Jesus was the answer then, and He is the answer now. In a world that seems ridden with evil, we have a King who offers salvation, protection and healing to all who will receive Him, and a joint inheritance in His kingdom. That offer extends not only to the upstanding and upright of
Believers then and now live in the “already, but not yet, as we have spiritual blessings detailed by Paul in Ephesians 1, yet experience such challenges. We must look to biblical history and inspirational testi-
society, but to the poor, helpless, addicted, abused, lonely, confused and utterly sinful who have mocked Him, spitting in the face of all He stands for. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Will you answer His call today? Will you not only receive His offer of salvation, but partner with Him in laboring for the harvest? He simply pleads, “Ask of me.” If ever there was a call to prayer, the time is now. But don’t let your prayer closet be a place to hide from your responsibilities as a Christian. Like Jesus, let your grief over the state of the world provoke you to action. Pray, then do. Pray, then speak. Pray, then vote. Pray, then stand…and having done all, to stand (Ephesians 6:13).
monies, stay in fellowship and community with other Christians, and most of all, depend on the Holy Spirit for the power Jesus promised as we stay obedient and work for him even during our exile.
BY HEATHER HAYGOOD Columnist
Anyone who has followed my articles and/or social media knows that I love autumn. The temperature drops, the leaves begin to turn, the smell of the air changes, the trees release leaves
BY EVANGELIST TIM KIDWELL, Branson Church of Christ
T
he world has coined the phrase, “Honesty is the best policy.” However, this policy falls short of what God commands. With the world, honesty may be the best policy, but it is not the only acceptable policy. According to man there may be
Reflect, release, renew
preparation for winter’s sleep, and my creative endeavors are driven by luminous inspiration. I have been this way as long as I can remember. When I was 9, I remember saying to my grandmother, “Ain’t I so lucky that my birthday is at my favorite time of year?” “Aren’t I so blessed?” she replied. She was always one for speaking with proper grammar. When I was younger, I loved autumn for all the beautiful colors, the cozy nights in watching my favorite shows, and the rain
that often came with the change of season. Now that I’m older I still enjoy those things, but I also appreciate the reflection that comes with autumn. I begin to think towards the new year ahead and reflect on what I’ve accomplished so far. The slower mornings and shorter evenings also give me more time for reflection and in keeping with the season, letting go of things that no longer serve me.
Autumn is the eternal corrective. Autumn carries more
gold in its pocket than all the other seasons. Autumn is more the season of the soul than of nature.
--Jim Bishop Release and renewal are constant companions in nature. We see evidence of this powerful duo all throughout the plant and animal kingdom. Ecclesiastes 3:1 from the Bible says, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven”: In my opinion, autumn is given specifically to encourage reflection, release and renewal. I for one am
The home should instill honesty
times, based upon the circumstances, that dishonesty may be acceptable.
A Christian home should be a refuge from the deceitfulness of the world. It should be a place where no one ever doubts the integrity or honesty of a statement from a sibling, child, or parent. It is a place where no one has to “promise” or “swear” to be taken seriously. In the Christian home “Yes” should mean “Yes” and “No” should mean “No” just as Jesus instructed (Mat. 5:37).
Why might lying be a problem with your children? It may be because your chil-
dren see dishonesty in your example. Have you ever explained away a false statement by saying that it was just a “white lie?” Friend, you can give it any color you want to, but it is still a lie! Have you ever made statements that caused people to draw a false conclusion, but defended yourself by saying, “I did not lie!” Have you ever gone outside your house so that your spouse or children would not be “lying” when they told someone on the phone that you were not home?
A casual approach towards keeping one’s word
does not foster honesty in the home. Some people are quick to volunteer but slow to produce. Children notice this behavior and will surely imitate it. When you say you will do something by a certain time in a certain way, then, if it is at all possible, do it! And if you cannot, apologize.
Not doing what you say should be the exception not the rule. Yet all of us know someone who is always late. They tell you they will be somewhere at a certain time but almost always are tardy. This type of behavior teaches children that it is not import-
thankful for the opportunity to let go of things that no longer serve me so that I can make room for new opportunities, blessings, relationships and experiences.
In closing, here are a few ideas to help you engage the autumn season and take advantage of this opportunity to reflect, release and renew in your own life: Get up thirty minutes earlier to journal and to pray, take walks in nature and soak up all the smells and vibrant colors while making a mental list of all the things you are thankful for,
ant to be honest in all things. In my home our children quickly learned that lying was an offense that guaranteed swift and painful punishment. Based upon their confession, they still may have been punished after telling the truth. But they knew the punishment would have been even greater if they lied. Lying should never be tolerated and should warrant strict disciplinary measures.
Christian parents should stress the importance of being truthful all the time to all people. They should teach and be an example of hon-
The State of Personal Finance in America Yearly Report
Ramsey Solutions
The state of personal finance in America is full of anxiety and uncertainty. With prices rising and personal budget margins shrinking, Americans are struggling to adjust to what’s happening to their household’s bottom line— which has led to some not-so-optimistic outlooks about the future.
In this edition of the Ramsey Solutions State of Personal Finance report, we’re going back to basics to really get a pulse on where Americans are with their money. This includes looking at overall financial health as well as Americans’ difficult relationships with savings and debt.
Executive Summary
32% of Americans said they’re either struggling or in crisis with their personal finances—a slight decrease from the spike of 37% from the previous quarter. Even though the number of Americans in crisis is going down, the overall trend continues to tick upward from the second quarter of 2021when the fewest people (21%) said they were struggling or in crisis with their money.
• 53% of Americans are happy with their current financial situation.
Over the last three years, the percentage of Americans who have said they’re spending more on groceries has steadily increased from 31% at the start of 2021 to 59% in the fourth quarter of 2023.
• About 44% of Americans said they are happy with the amount of money they
have saved.
Most Americans (61%) don’t feel like they’re making meaningful progress with their retirement savings goals.
Just over half of Americans (55%) said they’re very confident in the future of the stock market.
40% of Americans said they had an unexpected money emergency come up in the last three months, and of those, 25% said it was an expense over $1,000.
The top cause of unexpected money emergencies is car issues (41%), followed by medical bills (37%) and home repairs (34%).
• Americans in debt are more likely to feel overwhelmed, worried and stressed than those without debt.
• 73% of Americans have had debt at some point in their lives.
• The median age at which people go into debt for the first time is 23, and twothirds of U.S. adults are in debt by age 30. Over one-third of Americans (37%) said they owe more money on their credit cards than they have in retirement savings.
Americans’ Overall Financial Outlook Has Improved . . . Slightly
It’s true that statistically fewer U.S. adults are struggling with money compared to the previous year, but that might only be a temporary reprieve.
The Number of Americans Struggling With Finances Is Down When asked about how they feel about their personal finances, 32% of
Americans said they’re either struggling or in crisis— about 83 million people. It’s a decrease from the spike of 37% in the previous quarter. However, a pattern has emerged from the data over the last twelve quarters. Americans seem to be on an emotional roller coaster with their finances each year—with negative emotions peaking in the third quarter and bottoming out in the first.
The third quarter of any year brings financial challenges such as back-toschool spending, college tuition payments and the like. Another possible cause? Built-up anxiety from overspending during summer vacations and other fun-inthe-sun activities.
The new year has historically been a time of optimism. According to Pew Research, of the people who make New Year’s resolutions, 61% resolve to improve their finances.
Even though the number of Americans in crisis went down quarter to quarter, the overall trend continues to tick upward from the second quarter of 2021, when the fewest people (21%) said they were struggling or in crisis with their money. Over Half of Americans Are Happy With Their Finances
Despite the financial roller coaster, 53% of Americans are happy with their current financial situation, with men much more content than women (63% vs. 44%). Millennials and Gen Z are tied for the happiest generation (60%)—which is interesting because both generations, in the popular culture, are often depicted having a harder time getting ahead financially. Meanwhile, Gen X takes the bottom spot (44%), followed by baby boomers (51%).
Americans’ Budgets Squeezed As Prices Rise
According to the responses from our survey, the main driver of personal finance-related stress appears to be rising costs thanks to rapid inflation. The cost of groceries, in particular, has gone up 25% since 2019. And over a third of Americans (38%) are finding it financially difficult to provide food for their household.
The evidence is in the long-term percentages. Over the last three years, the percentage of Americans who have said they’re spending more on groceries than the previous year has steadily increased from 31% at the start of 2021 to 59% in the fourth quarter of 2023—an overall increase of 90%.
The Current Challenge of Saving Money
With almost 60% of Americans saying that the cost of everyday life is going up, it’s no surprise that savings has suffered. Increasing prices have made margins in budgets smaller and smaller, which makes putting money away for tomorrow harder. When someone is faced with the choice of putting money away or eating, there really isn’t a choice.
Less Than Half of Americans Are Happy With Their Savings
The pinch to make ends meet has left many Americans less than satisfied with their savings. About 44% of Americans said they are happy with the amount of money they have saved— be it for big savings goals like retirement or short-term goals like an emergency fund or sinking fund. This number coincides with only half of Americans (53%) having at least $1,000 on hand in savings.
The generation most happy about their current savings amount is Gen Z, but even that’s just over half (52%). Gen X is the least happy, with about 35% satisfied with their savings. Breaking with the stereotypes of younger generations, perhaps Gen Z is optimistic because they have more years left in the SEE FINANCE, PAGE 5B
listen to a podcast on the topics above, review your list of goals for the year, and use the remaining time you have left to mark some of them off your list.
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.”
esty, for God hates dishonesty and will punish all liars with eternal fire (Pro. 6:17; Rev. 21:8). Understanding this should help both parents and children to realize the seriousness of always telling the truth.
Come to me, all you who are burdened and stressed, and I will give you my rest In times, such as these, be a faithful, not a fearful, generation. Seek first my heavenly kingdom and I will heal your land and provide you with a peace that surpasses all human understanding. You are in the world, but not of the world Trust me. Be obedient and abide in my Word Be anxious for nothing and remember I am in control. I will never leave you nor forsake you. Stand firm and keep on the full armor of God. Be still. All is well. Amen & Amen
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 just finished paying off all my consumer debt in
Dave Says: Spend, save and give
Baby Step 2. It took a long time, but I finally did it. Now, it’s time to grow my $1,000 beginner emergency fund to a full-funded emergency fund. I’ve been working on this for a while, and I’m glad I’m doing it. But I was wondering at what point can you spend, and have a little fun, when you’re following the Baby Steps plan.
Mark
Dear Mark, Congratulations, buddy! The first couple of steps
can be the hardest. I’m really proud of you for sticking with it and making it happen.
I recommend completing the first three Baby Steps before you start thinking about spending money on fun stuff. In my mind, that positions you on pretty solid ground, financially speaking. So, at that point it’s okay to have a little fun going on a vacation or buying something—reasonably priced, of course—that
you’ve had your eye on.
Like you said, Baby Step 1 is saving $1,000 for a starter emergency fund. Baby Step 2 is where you pay off all debt—except your home—using the debt snowball method. In Baby Step 3, you go back and fully fund your emergency fund with enough cash to cover three to six months of expenses. But don’t have so much fun that you forget about the other Baby Steps. Baby
Stock Market Insights: Balancing acts
JOE SHEARRER, is Vice President and Wealth Advisor at Fervent Wealth Management.
Since mid-August, my son and I have spent several nights and weekends going to football and baseball practices and games. My daughter doesn’t play sports and is currently in a season of fewer activities. During times like these, I’m constantly trying to be proactive in ensuring my daughter gets my attention. They both deserve my attention, but if I’m not careful, one of them may feel like they don’t matter as much. The Fed matters, but has it been getting too much attention? Since the Fed’s announcement, the 10-year yield has risen, not fallen. This move reflects the fact that the bond market had
Tri-Lakes area.
N
ow that you’ve decided to buy a home and are ready to make it happen, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for the costs that are a typical part of the homebuying
already priced in an aggressive rate-cutting cycle. Unless a recession drags rates lower, which we don’t expect anytime soon, the boost to the economy from lower borrowing costs may be mostly behind us.
On the stock market front, volatility persists. The S&P 500 and NASDAQ have experienced fluctuations driven by uncertainty surrounding corporate earnings, global economic growth, and geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East. Tech stocks, which had a strong rebound earlier this year, have been under pressure due to profit-taking and concerns over higher interest rates impacting future growth. While sectors like healthcare and utilities have been more resilient, growth
stocks have been more volatile, reflecting the market’s risk-off sentiment.
Even if recession risk is low, policy risk is high with the November election just a month away. The uncertainty around policy outcomes has historically caused market volatility in the weeks leading up to elections. Stocks did just fine this September, gaining 2% during the historically weak month. Investors should stay diversified and vigilant as conditions continue to evolve in the weeks leading up to elections.
Investors also closely monitor energy prices, as rising oil prices could fuel inflationary pressures, potentially impacting consumer spending and corporate profitability. As brewing
hurricanes veer towards the U.S. oil complex, infrastructure could be damaged, and WTI prices could move higher as disruption of supply concerns add to the Middle East geopolitical risk quotient.
Here are just a few of the key reasons why oil prices matter:
1. Inflationary pressure: When oil prices rise, the cost of producing and transporting goods increases. This can lead to higher consumer prices (inflation), which erodes purchasing power and may lead central banks to raise interest rates, potentially slowing economic growth.
2. Energy costs: Oil is a crucial energy source globally, so higher oil prices di-
What to know about closing costs
process. And while your down payment is probably the number one expense on your mind, don’t forget about closing costs. Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Closing Costs?
Simply put, your closing costs are the additional fees and payments you have to make at closing. And while they’ll vary based on the price of the home and how it’s being financed, every buyer has these, so they shouldn’t be a surprise. It’s just that some people forget to budget for them. According to Freddie Mac, this part of the homebuying process typically includes:
Title insurance
• Homeowners insurance
• Survey fees
Attorney fees
Some of these are one-time expenses that are baked into your closing costs. Others, like homeowners’ insurance, are initial installment payments for ongoing responsibilities you’ll have once you take possession of the home. How Much Are Closing Costs?
The same Freddie Mac article goes on to say:
“Closing costs vary greatly depending on your location and the price of your home. Typically, you should be prepared to pay between
2% and 5% of the home purchase price in closing fees.”
With that in mind, here’s how you can get an idea of what you’ll need to budget. Let’s say you find a home you want to purchase at today’s median price of $422,600. Based on the 2-5% Freddie Mac estimate, your closing fees could be between roughly $8,452 and $21,130.
But keep in mind, if you’re in the market for a home above or below this price range, your numbers will be higher or lower.
Tips To Reduce Your Closing Costs
If you’re wondering if there’s any way to inch that down a little bit, NerdWallet lists a few things that could help:
1. Negotiate with the Seller: Some sellers are willing to cover part or all of these expenses — especially since homes are staying on the market a bit longer now. Sellers may be more motivated to compromise, and you’ll find you have a bit more negotiation power. So don’t
Step 4 means putting 15 percent of your income into pre-tax retirement plans, like mutual funds and Roth IRAs. Don’t neglect saving for college if you have kids. That’s Baby Step 5. And Baby Steps 6 and 7 are paying off the house early and building wealth and being outrageously generous. Live like no one else, so that later you can live and give like no one else.
Everyone likes having fun. And there’s nothing
rectly affect energy costs for businesses and consumers, raising the cost of heating, electricity and fuel for transportation.
3. Geopolitical risk: Oil prices are often affected by geopolitical events, particularly in regions with significant oil reserves. Supply disruptions due to conflict, sanctions, or political instability can create market uncertainty, leading to price volatility.
4. Consumer spending: High oil prices can reduce disposable income, as people and businesses spend more on fuel and energy. This can result in decreased spending on other goods and services, slowing economic growth. In summary, while the
wrong with spending some cash if you can afford it. I just want people to make sure they have their finances in order first. Remember, there are only three things you can do with money. You can spend it, save it and you can give it away. Following my plan will allow you to do all three without putting yourself in a financial bind. Keep up the good work! — Dave
Fed’s decisions and upcoming elections are important, it’s crucial not to overlook the broader market dynamics, especially the impact of rising oil prices. Investors should remain watchful of how these factors affect the economy and financial markets. Staying diversified and adaptable is vital in navigating uncertain times. Just as in personal life, where balance is needed to ensure all areas receive the right amount of attention, a balanced investment strategy is critical to weathering potential market storms. In family and finances, thoughtful attention and proactive planning can make all the difference. Have a blessed week! www.FerventWM.com
hesitate to ask them for concessions like paying for the home inspection or giving you a credit toward closing costs.
2. Shop Around for Home Insurance: Since rising home insurance is a challenge in many areas of the country right now, take the time to get a clear picture of all your options. Each insurance company offers their own policies and coverage, so get multiple quotes and see how they compare. Choosing a policy that provides reliable coverage at a competitive rate can make a difference.
3. Look into Closing Cost
Assistance: Just like there are programs out there to help with your down payment, options exist to get support with closing costs too. While they’ll vary by area, there are programs for various income levels, certain professions, and specific towns or neighborhoods too. If you want to learn more, Experian says: “Your real estate professional should be able to steer you toward applicable programs, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) maintains a helpful resource for finding homebuying assistance programs in every state.” Bottom Line Planning for the fees and payments you’ll need to cover when you’re closing on your home is important –and it doesn’t have to be a big surprise. With the right experts on your side, you can make sure you’re prepared. Let’s connect so you have someone you can go to for more tips and advice.
It’s Your Move! I believe every family should feel confident when buying a home.
BY HEATHER TANKERSLEY, REALTOR®, provides services for residential, commercial, land and lake properties in the Branson
BY JODY JOHNSON GODFREY Wellness Design Specialist
Nearly half of breast cancer patients (those with low level HER2 protein) targeted treatment options have always been limited. Palliative chemo has been (up ‘til now) “the gold standard.” Dr. Shanu Modi, who is the lead researcher of a groundbreaking trial, proved a drug that combines antibody with a chemotherapy—trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) can control cancer cells AND extend survival in Stage 4 HER2-low breast cancer patients. More good
workforce to save compared to other age groups. Or conversely, they might also underestimate the amount of savings they should have, as only 33% of Gen Z said they have at least $1,000 socked away.
Most Americans Feel Behind on Their Retirement Savings
Whether they’re happy about the current state of their savings or not, most Americans (61%) don’t feel like they’re keeping up with their retirement savings goals.
Breaking the data down further, more of the younger generations feel anxious about retirement—even though they’re further away from retirement and still have time to save. A majority of both Gen Z and millennials (70% for both) said they feel behind on their savings. Young people feel that, with the cost of living going up and with many of them saddled with student loan debt, setting aside money for retirement is extremely difficult. However, this might also be a question of not having their spending priorities in order.
Half of Americans Are Confident in the Future of the Stock Market
Historically, the S&P 500 shows the stock market averages about 10–12% growth over the long term. In other words, though the stock market does experience short-term ups and downs, the overall trend remains consistent. And yet, only 55% of Americans said they’re very confident in the future of the stock market.
Older generations are less likely to trust the stock market, with only 46% of baby boomers and 49% of Gen X expressing confidence. There’s a similar but higher level of confidence between millenni-
New breast cancer treatment/accessibility for the middle class and poor
news is that the TDXd has been FDA approved to be tested on other cancers and morphing oncology treatment, in general. There is a cancer treatment podcast called “Cancer Straight Talk” from Memorial Sloan Kettering that brings together patients and experts showing straightforward evidence-based conversations. Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes hosts for purposes of educating and empowering patients along with their family members. If any of you have questions, feedback or topic suggestions for upcoming episodes, please email: MSKPodcast@mskcc.org
HER2 status (in breast cancer) means that the cancer has a lot of this protein on the surface of its cells which makes the cancer behave more aggressively. Targeted therapies that are
als (67%) and Gen Z (64%).
Unexpected Money Emergencies Are Real and More Common Than We Think
Savings challenges aren’t just impacting Americans’ long-term savings goals like retirement. They’re also impacting people’s ability to handle financial emergencies.
Saving for emergencies is a must because emergencies eventually happen—whether that’s a car repair, a leaky roof, a medical bill or even a job layoff. Having 3–6 months of expenses stocked away gives you peace of mind that life’s little mishaps will be just that and not a catastrophic event that can turn your whole world upside down.
40% of Americans Had an Unexpected Money Emergency in the Past 3 Months
Over one-third of Americans (40%) said that they had an unexpected money emergency come up in the last three months.
Getting more into the data, annual household income doesn’t appear to be a factor in how often a household experiences an emergency. People of all income demographics were just as likely to experience an emergency (around 40%
extremely active against the HER2 driven cancers haven’t been that effective.
HER2-negative cancers make up a large variety of cancers, many of which have a low level of HER2 protein, so we refer to them as HER2 low. To date, most excellent targeted therapies have NOT been effective against these HER2-low breast cancers and because of this they have taken on the name of HER2-negative, which means, basically, there have been no targeted therapy options.
HER2-low is expressed on nearly half of all breast cancers, so it is a large population of patients who now have the potential to benefit from T-DXd!
The reason the T-DXd works is because it can bind to very small amounts of HER2 expression on cancer cells. It is made up of an antibody trastuzumab or Herceptin (brand name) and its
in each income category). It just goes to show that unexpected money emergencies happen to everyone.
25% of Americans Had an Unexpected Money Emergency Over $1,000
Of those U.S. adults who experienced a money emergency in the last three months, 25% of them said it was an expense over $1,000. One in 10 said that their emergency expenses were over $5,000.
Breaking up the data by generation, Gen Z was the most likely to have a money emergency over $1,000 (75%). But millennials weren’t too far behind, with 70% saying the same. More men than women had expensive money emergencies as well (71% vs. 56%).
Car Trouble Is the Top Cause of Money Emergencies
As we said in the beginning of this section, the causes of unexpected money emergencies can vary widely depending on income and lifestyle. But the most common emergency for all Americans is car issues (41%)—followed by medical bills (37%) and home repairs (34%).
Cars being at the top of the money emergency list
job is to findHER2 and attach to it on the surface of the cell. The T-DXd antibody is linked with six, seven or eight molecules of a very potent chemotherapy drug, deruxtecan. When trastuzumab or Herceptin binds to its HER2 target on the cells, the entire complex including the deruxtecan becomes internalized. It dumps the chemo right inside the breast cancer cell!
T-DXd can target and combine successfully with cancer cells with even the lowest levels of HER2. This is the first HER2 targeted therapy that works on HER2-low breast cancer!
Subsets of stomach, lung and colorectal cancer and other cancers are known to express the HER2, as well, and T-DXd is already approved for a subset of patients with advanced gastric cancer and is under testing for its benefits in other tu-
makes sense considering that the average age of cars and light trucks in the U.S. is 12.6 years—and older cars often mean more maintenance issues.
Debt Continues to Hin-
der Financial Peace
All the data points we’ve highlighted in this study have one big thing in common (besides being about personal finance): the issues they reveal are made worse by debt.
For example, 38% of those with debt said they’re struggling or in crisis with their finances, while only 22% of those who are debtfree said the same. In another example, 37% of people with debt said they’re happy with their savings as opposed to 56% of those who are debt-free.
3 in 4 Americans Have Been in Debt at Some Point in Their Lives
In today’s culture, debt is pervasive—seeping into just
mor types to treat people who have HER2-expressing or HER2-altered tumors.
TDXd has the potential to significantly improve treatment outcomes for a large population of patients with cancer. It opens up a whole new avenue of research which is great news for all cancer patients. Now onto an even more important issue. How do regular people afford this treatment? The reason I’m so keen on this aspect is because a lady with breast cancer who lived in my mom’s condo had a treatment which worked very well (it may have been the drug touted in this column?), but cost her $30,000 per month. She easily afforded it, but this scenario won’t work for the masses, so what is available?
For those who cannot afford cancer drugs, access is often facilitated via a combi-
about every monetary transaction. More and more retailers (even grocery stores) are offering buy now, pay later (BNPL) programs for purchases. Car payments are considered a normal part of life. And credit card offers seem to drop into our mailboxes daily.
Because the culture promotes debt as a means to get ahead, 73% of Americans have had debt at some point in their lives (credit cards, auto loans, student loans, mortgages, etc.). Americans today owe $1.13 trillion in credit card debt, $12.61 trillion in mortgages, $1.61 trillion in car loans and $1.6 trillion in student loans.
Unfortunately, Americans’ relationship with debt begins very early in life. In fact, the median age at which people first go into debt is 23. And two-thirds of U.S. adults are in debt by age 30.
37% of Americans Have
nation of public and private entities that offer financial assistance including PAPs (patient assistance programs) run by pharmaceutical companies, government health insurance plans like Medicare, nonprofit organizations and family foundations, charitable donations, allowing individuals to receive treatment even if they can’t fully cover the cost themselves. However, this system still faces challenges with affordability and access for many patients, so, until this part can be fully repaired, the bottom line and bad news are that only the rich can afford treatment. As always, the key is “prevention” and what ALL cancers need to thrive is “glucose and glutamine,” so if we can keep both of these to a minimum in our diets, we will have a great chance of escaping cancer!
More Credit Card Debt Than Retirement Savings Debt is easy to get into, but Americans find saving for retirement much more difficult. Over one-third of Americans (37%) said they have more credit card debt than retirement savings— that’s more than 90 million U.S. adults.
Conclusion Getting out of debt remains the key to achieving financial stability. Once all those unnecessary payments are gone, it’s easier to save for both the emergencies of today and the retirement plans of tomorrow. Americans also must learn to live within their means and break the habit of spending money they don’t have on things they don’t need. All this begins with a good plan—specifically a monthly household budget that makes the most of each family’s income.
Become a 2024 Christmas Assistance Sponsor
For over two decades, our community has supported Branson students through the Christmas Assistance Program, and we are looking forward to helping families again in 2024. We will be accepting monetary donations only in order to provide gift cards to families in need. The gift cards provided to families do not allow the purchase of alcohol, tobacco, lottery or firearms.
College of the Ozarks hosts Family Weekend 2024
College of the Ozarks recently hosted Family Weekend 2024. Family Weekend provides students the opportunity to share their college experience with their families by having them join for a convocation, community and student events alongside them.
“Family Weekend is a great way for students to share their college experiences with their families,” said Dean of Students Ryan Knight. Family Weekend gave students and families a chance to make life-long memories on the College campus. On Friday, the weekend started with students and registered family members attending a convocation featuring “America’s Got Talent” winner, Dustin Tavella.
Families visited dorm rooms, enjoyed meals prepared at the Pearl Rogers Dining Center, and attended numerous sporting events throughout Saturday. The college also featured CatChats where students and their families could hear from faculty and staff on how to discover students’ vo-
cational callings. Dr. Brad Johnson, College of the Ozarks president, presented “Light the Way,” a 10-year plan for the College. Saturday evening ended with “breakfast for dinner” featuring live music, smore’s and a drawing for prizes. Sunday, students and their families attended chapel in the morning and had one more chance to walk around campus before saying good-bye.
“Family Weekend is an exciting experience for students to share College of the Ozarks with the people they love most,” said junior public relations major Micah Jacobs. “It is a blessing to be enrolled in a school, and assisting with an event, that puts such an emphasis on the value of families. I loved being on the convocation team and having the ability to assist with Family Weekend. I had the opportunity to promote the convocation speaker and set up the meal with the administrators. It was a special experience to be part of the student body as we made memories together.”
Hollister Tiger Pride marching band excels at Branson Marching Invitational
The Hollister Tiger Pride Marching Band delivered a standout performance at the Branson Marching Invitational on Saturday, October 12.
Competing in the preliminaries, the band secured first place in their class and swept all caption awards,
including Outstanding Color Guard, Percussion, Visual, General Effect and Music.
In the finals, Hollister placed fifth overall among schools of all sizes, demonstrating their talent and dedication as they performed at the highest level.
Next, the Hollister Tiger Pride Marching Band will compete at the Missouri State Music Association 3A State
Championships on Saturday, October 19. The band will perform in the preliminaries at 3 p.m.
Hollister School District recognizes Skaggs Foundation as Community Spotlight of the Month
The Hollister R-V School District is pleased to announce the recognition of the Skaggs Foundation as the district’s October Community Spotlight of the Month. The foundation was honored at the October Board of Education meeting for its outstanding contributions and commitment to supporting the health and wellness of students and families in the Hollister community. Nyssa Berhorst, Skaggs Legacy Grant Administrator, accepted the award on behalf of the foundation.
The Skaggs Foundation has been a longtime partner of the district, funding important initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of students and providing valuable resources to the Hollister R-V School District including providing Vision Screening Devices, ensuring early eye care for students and generously donating water bottles, promoting healthy habits and hydration for students to thrive. They’ve also supported Night of the Tiger by providing hygiene kits for families, enabled partnerships for mental health, offering vital resources for student wellbeing, and funded the Resources to the Rescue initiative helping to create a community resource hub.
“We are deeply grateful for the Skaggs Foundation’s commitment to our mission of putting family at the heart of Hollister,” said Kim Connell, Hollister Communications Director. “Their commitment to the health and wellbeing of our students is unmatched, and they have been instrumental in providing programs and services that positively impact our community. The partnership we have with the Skaggs Foundation is a true example of what makes Hollister special.”
The Community Spotlight of the Month recognition is a district initiative aimed at celebrating the contributions of local organizations, businesses and individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment
Chalk Talk
Stay in Touch with Hollister Schools
(Photo submitted)
Color guard captains and drum majors with preliminary awards. Left to right: Caroline Bell, Ben Stevens, Shareka James, Chloe Wagner, Baylee Sanders (Photo submitted)
Berhorst and BOE President Andy Penrod (Photo submitted)
to enhancing the educational experience and supporting the community.
Reeds Spring High School to host marching band festival
Reeds Spring High School will host the Ozark Mountain Marching Festival on Saturday, October 19. This event features 19 high school marching bands from across the region.
“Each marching band has dedicated countless hours to perfecting their routines, making this event a must-see and hear for music enthusiasts,” said Wolf Pride Marching Band Director Josh Garoutte.
The Ozark Mountain Marching Festival schedule is as follows:
Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024; Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Location: Reeds Spring High School
General admission tickets are available at the following prices: $10 for adults; $7 for senior citizens; $7 for students (with valid student ID)
The money raised from the festival supports the Wolf Pride Marching Band. Wolves’ homecoming king and queen reign over festivities
At Reeds Spring High School’s recent homecoming celebration, students selected Reese Phelps as Homecoming Queen and Landon Irvin as Homecoming King. Reeds Spring School creating ‘sense of safety and school family’ with help from Silver Dollar City Foundation
Behavior is one of the biggest challenges educators and parents face these days, but one local school isn’t looking to increase punishment to control behavior, rather they are taking a comprehensive approach to the issue.
With the help of a grant from Silver Dollar City Foundation, Reeds Spring Primary School is in the process of implementing Conscious Discipline. Conscious Discipline an emotional intelligence program that helps children and adults respond thoughtfully to conflict and life situations rather than react impulsively.
“We are teaching at a time when the social-emotional needs of children are a top priority,” explains Reeds Spring Primary School Principal Adria Simkins. “Children have to have basic needs like a sense of safety and connection met first before great learning can take place.”
Simkins said the program emphasizes building safety, connection and problem-solving skills among students, fostering a positive learning environment. For teachers, it provides practical strategies to manage classroom behavior and respond to students’ emotional needs effectively.
For the third year, the school has received a Hope Grant from Silver Dollar City Foundation to support Conscious Discipline training, teacher resources and coaching. Since the program began, the foundation has awarded the school $42,700 to support the work.
“Much of our work this far has been focused on learning about the different brain states, the impact of trauma and strategies for working with students from trauma backgrounds,” Simkins said. “We have also focused our learning on implementing practices and strategies within our classrooms that create the sense of safety and school family.”
Simkins said a lot of what educators are learning is about themselves, and how to regulate their own emotions and brain state. She explained that a child will never be at a higher brain state than an adult, so it is vitally important that adults learn to self-regulate, as well.
“The main result I have seen with Conscious Discipline is that educators are more aware and willing to try new strategies,” she said.
Grant funding this year provides funding for a Conscious Discipline trainer to be in Reeds Spring two times this school year for all-day training with staff and then for a parent event. The funding will also provide for additional training and materials.
“Utilizing the Hope Grant to continue this work potentially can result in lowering teacher burnout, enhanced learning environments, children who are learning to identify and self-regulate their emotions, and parents who feel confident in supporting their children,” Simkins said.
Table Rock Career Center Professionals of the Month
Table Rock Career Center recognized two students as the Professionals of the Month for October.
Hailee Blair is a Branson High School senior enrolled in TRCC’s Early Education Careers program.
Libby Louviere is a Spokane senior also enrolled in Early Childhood Careers. Table Rock Career Center provides career and technical training to juniors and seniors from 11 schools in Stone, Taney, and Christian counties.
Wolf Pride Marching Band (Photo submitted)
Phelps, Irvin (Photo submitted)
Blair (Photo submitted)
Louviere (Photo submitted)
Reeds Spring Primary School Principal Adria Simkins with several students (Photo submitted)
GO CAPS Tri-Lakes adds Fire & Rescue and Law Enforcement programs
Submitted to Branson Globe Branson High School juniors and seniors have the opportunity to join GO CAPS, or Greater Ozarks Centers for Advanced Professional Studies, and spend half of their high school day engaging in authentic learning experiences alongside community professionals. Participants choose a strand they are most interested in pursuing a career, such as Medicine and Health Care, Business and Entrepreneurship, or Human Services. New for the 2024-2025 school year is the Fire & Rescue and Law Enforcement programs, which join the Education strand, all housed under the Human Services umbrella. These students will learn hands-on skills from our Branson firefighters and
police officers, exploring what it takes to be on the front lines of emergency response.
“In GO CAPS, students are able to explore careers firsthand discovering what is and is not the right fit for them, while developing durable skills needed for success after high school,” says GO CAPS Human Services Facilitator, Kristen Mills.
All GO CAPS associates spent the first part of the fall semester completing Professional Bootcamp. Learning a proper handshake and how to tie a tie are just some of the skills these students have acquired. “During Professional Bootcamp, students learn soft skills to prepare them for going out into our community and representing themselves, GO CAPS, and
Branson Schools,” says GO CAPS Business & Entrepreneurship Facilitator, Alisa Cornelison. GO CAPS associates heard from many community leaders about the importance of networking and traits of highly successful teams. Students also had the opportunity to practice their 30-second elevator pitch showcasing what they bring to the workforce table.
“The soft skills learned in Professional Bootcamp give students confidence to speak to adults and awareness of strengths and weaknesses they can use to be better students, employees and coworkers,” says GO CAPS Medicine & Health Care Facilitator, Christina Rowe. “My former associates always tell me that GO CAPS helped them narrow down
their career interests, as well opened doorways and made networking connections to help them as they navigate post-graduation career paths and job opportunities.”
GO CAPS students will soon begin job shadowing local area businesses. If you or your organization would like to partner with our GO CAPS ambassadors, please connect with one of our facilitators: Business & Entrepreneurship - cornelisona@ branson.k12.mo.us
• Medicine & Healthcare - rowec@branson.k12. mo.us
• Human Servicesmillsk@branson.k12. mo.us
Follow Go CAPS TriLakes at https://www. facebook.com/GOCAPSTriLakes
Hollister School District announces retirement of key staffers
Submitted to Branson Globe
The Hollister R-V School District announces the retirement of two esteemed leaders, Superintendent Dr. Brian Wilson, and Communications Director Mrs. Kim Connell, effective June 30, 2025. Both have been integral in shaping the district’s success and fostering a close-knit community of support, growth and innovation.
Dr. Brian Wilson is retiring after dedicating the past 30 years to public education. He has served as the superintendent of the Hollister R-V School District since 2013. He has been instrumental in guiding the district through significant achievements, including the expansion of academic programs, financial stability, enhanced infrastructure, and a commitment to fostering a positive working environment for staff and a positive learning environment for all students. Under his leadership, the district has consistently put the needs of students first and established a clear vision for the future, anchored in the core values of the Hollister community. Dr. Wilson’s impact on both students and staff will leave a lasting legacy of excellence.
“As I reflect on my career, I feel incredibly blessed to have served in a community that values education and prioritizes the well-being of its students,” Wilson said. “The passion and dedication of our faculty and staff have been nothing short of inspiring. Together, we have created an environment that fosters growth, learning and success for every child.” Wilson shared that while he is excited about what lies ahead, he will always cherish his time in Hollister. “I have every confidence that Hollister Schools will continue to achieve outstanding accomplishments in the future,” he said. “I look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of our students and staff as they reach new heights.”
Kim Connell began her career in Hollister as a kindergarten teacher in 2012 before transitioning into her role as communications director. Her leadership in communications has strengthened the district’s connection with parents, students, staff and the community. Through her tireless work on key initiatives, including the development of the district’s strategic communications plan and fostering community engagement, Connell has ensured the district’s message of unity and collaboration has reached all corners of the community.
“While I look forward to the next chapter in my life, it is incredibly bittersweet to close this current chapter, as Hollister has been my home for so many years,” Connell said. “My commitment to the Hollister R-V School District and its community is strong, and although I am looking ahead with excitement, I will always carry with me the pride of being a Hollister Tiger. This district and community have meant so much to me, and I will continue to support and give back to the place that has given me so much.”
Dr. Sean Woods, current Assistant Superintendent of District Operations, who will assume the role of superintendent on July 1, 2025, praised both Dr. Wilson and Mrs. Connell for their service:
“Dr. Wilson and Mrs. Connell have dedicated their careers to ensuring the success and well-being of our students and staff. Their commitment to our district’s mission has positioned Hollister as a leader in both education and community engagement. We will carry forward their vision, ensuring a seamless transition and continued focus on innovation, growth and the core values that define the Hollister Family.”
Board of Education
President Andy Penrod
also expressed gratitude for the years of service:
“We are incredibly thankful for the leadership of Dr. Wilson and Mrs. Connell. Their unwavering dedication has helped build a district that reflects the heart of this community—one of collaboration, family and student-centered success. As we look to the future, we are confident that the strong foundation they’ve laid will allow Hollister to continue thriving.”
As the district prepares for this transition, the Board of Education and district leadership are committed to ensuring the continued success of Hollister Schools through comprehensive succession planning. The focus remains on cultivating a district where every student can achieve success, preparing for future opportunities while honoring the legacy of those who have contributed to the district’s growth.
GO CAPS (Photos courtesy Branson Public Schools)
Connell (left), and Wilson (Photo submitted)
Retired educator campaigns for office of State Representative District 156
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Dr. Janis Beacham, Ph.D. is asking for your vote for State Representative for District 156 in the November election.
Beacham, a retired educator, is vying for the office currently held by State Representative Brian Seitz, who is seeking his third term in office this year.
Beacham, a native of Missouri, was born in St. Louis and raised in the Jefferson City area.
“I am a retired educator with experience in all levels of education, as well as in business and industry training,” explained Beacham. “I began my professional career teaching junior and senior high math in Creighton, Missouri. I developed two national exemplary programs serving disadvantaged and handicapped students in career and technical education. I finished my Ph.D. with my
graduate studies in Adult Education, Research and Statistics, Career and Technical Education and Public Administration.”
Beacham served as the St. Louis Area Construction Training Tech Prep Consortium Coordinator, where she helped to connect area school districts to the Carpenters, Laborers, Iron Workers, Operating Engineers, Floor Layer and Cement Mason Union Apprenticeship programs.
“My business, Beacham Associates, Performance Improvement Systems gave me the opportunity to work with Fortune 500 companies all over the United States and Canada, including Coca Cola, Nissan, Thermo King and Bank of Nova Scotia,” said Dr. Beacham. “We worked with waste management to develop their leadership training that went out to over 62,000 employees,
internationally. I’ve served as President of the Missouri Vocational Special Needs Association, and received the Skills USA National Education Team 10 Year Service Award.”
Said Beacham, “When I retired, I chose Hollister for my home. We’ve lived here for eight years and enjoy the lakes, the access to nature and the busy vacation destination area of Branson. I was married to my first husband for 32 years and I have been with my current husband eight years. I have a large blended family, including members in a same-sex marriage, members with severe hearing loss, a member who is developmentally disabled and a member with a severe mental illness.”
When asked what she felt were the biggest issues facing Missouri, Dr. Beacham responded, “We need to get government out of reproductive health care.
My opponent, Brian Seitz, introduced one of the most restrictive abortion bills in the nation. His bill, HB 2810, would have banned all abortions, even those involving ectopic pregnancies, which are life-threatening. Also, our public education system needs to be fully funded. My opponent supported Senate Bill 727, which expands unaccountable charter schools and vouchers in cities with a population of 30,000 or more. This has absolutely no benefit to our rural school districts, and, in most instances, benefits the wealthy few. The money allocated to support SB 727 should be used to fully fund public education.”
Dr. Beacham shared her plans to address these issues, if elected. Said Beacham, “As State Representative, I would fight for reproductive health care. I would also fight against un-
Josh Hawley visits Branson: Fighting for Missouri
BY ROSE BUCKLES, Freelance Writer
It was a cool and sunny 70-degree Monday afternoon. By 2 p.m. over 100 folks had gathered at Cakes-n-Cream Fifties Diner on Hwy. 76 to welcome Senator Josh Hawley. Folks came from Branson and Taney County looking forward to listening to their Senator. Some of the general public wore Josh Hawley T-shirts, held USA flags, wore stickers, held banners and posters showing support for Senator Hawley. Lots of pictures and videos were taken as well. While waiting for Senator Hawley’s Fighting for Missouri tour bus to arrive, some folks were asked why they support Senator Hawley.
Jodi and James Wobser
from Branson said: “I want to thank him for being a voice of reason. For saying things we want to hear said and not letting liberals get away with not answering questions. James said, “He asks the hard questions and holds them accountable. He continued, “hoping he puts a stop to the farmland being bought by the Chinese.”
Terry Eddie from Kimberling City said, “He’s the only Republican that represents us that’s standing up for the people and putting pressure on those who are against this country and against us.” He continued: “He appears and has the fruit of being a constitutionalist, and that’s what I admire.”
Todd Vourzikas from Ridgedale, Missouri said,
“He’s been for Social Security and wants to fix that. He’s for securing the borders and Donald J. Trump. And, his past performance is that he goes for it. He goes for what he believes in.”
Haven Howard from Branson said, “I’ve been following Josh Hawley for many years now, and I just believe he is the best candidate for our Senate in Washington, D.C. He has proven himself faithful to the Pro-Life community. He has proven himself faithful to the Constitution in defending our Constitution. He is young, vivacious and is not afraid to speak up in what he believes. And, I think he will represent Missouri the best.”
Susan Jones and Sue
Jackson from Branson said they support Josh Hawley because “He is pro-life and he’s for closing our borders. He’s for not letting our minors get transgender surgeries. And, he’s a true conservative and I’m a true conservative.”
When Senator Josh Hawley arrived, there were handshakes with the public, media interviews, pictures and then Senator Hawley introduced his family. Senator Hawley’s wife spoke about his dedication he has to serve. Then Senator Hawley spoke about important policies and goals he has worked on and planned on “Fighting for Missouri” such as securing the border, the cost of gasoline and grocery prices being high by Kamala Harris,
accountable charter schools and vouchers, fight for fully funding our public education system and addressing our mental health and illegal drug use. I would fight for good-paying jobs and support systems to ensure all of my constituents have the opportunity to thrive in an economy that works for all of us.”
Beacham continued, “I bring a new perspective. I am not a politician. With my experience in all levels of education, as well as business and industry, I bring a knowledge base that will be valuable, as we work to make Missouri, especially HD 156, grow and prosper.”
If elected, Beacham promises to fight for those in her district. Said Beacham, “I will be a fierce advocate for health care, especially mental health and reproductive health care. I will fight to fully fund public education and pay our teach-
ers what they are worth. I will fight against public funds needed to fully fund public schools, being used to support private charter schools and vouchers. I am passionate and hard-working. As a lifelong learner and a good listener, I will be seeking your ideas on how to make Missouri, especially HD 156, a better place to live and raise our families.”
Dr. Beacham shared that she has no political ambitions beyond being the Missouri State Representative for District 156, adding that she will be working for her constituents and not to advance her political career. Anyone wishing to reach out to Dr. Beacham with additional questions may do so via email at beachamassociates@gmail.com.
“We can chat over the phone or over coffee,” said Dr. Beacham. “I would be happy to meet with individuals or groups.”
standing with law enforcement. The other side wants to give criminals the right to sue cops. Senator Hawley spoke against guys in women’s locker rooms, guys playing in women’s sports, or sharing bathrooms with girls and transgender approval without parents’ consent. He engaged the audience with a brief line that says “It’s nuts, but it’s Kutz” which was a fun way to describe his opponent’s position. For example, Josh Hawley said Lucas Kutz wants no border wall and amnesty for 15 million illegal aliens. “It’s nuts, but it’s Kutz.” The crowd went along with it. There were
Hawley speaks to Branson area residents (Photo by Rose Buckles)
SEE HAWLEY, PAGE 11B
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several other topics stated by Senator Hawley where he used the same line.
Josh Hawley’s closing remarks were about the importance the next 21 days are to the future of America. He wants to make sure 20, 30, 40, 50 years from now we did everything we can and quoted Winston Churchill saying: “During the depths of World War II our decisions mattered.” “Give thanks for living in a time when we took a stand for America.”
Senator Hawley was gra-
cious to sit with me and answer my questions about his goals and plans if he is elected. He said “number one we need to close the border. We’ve got to stop the flow of illegals, of drugs, of violence into our state and into the country. We’ve got to reopen up America’s energy production. We can’t be dependent on China, we can’t depend on these foreign nations. We’ve got to rebuild American energy and American jobs right here in the state of Missouri, bio fuels. We’ve got to reprioritize
that. Get rid of the woke garbage, clean it out of our government. Clean it out of our schools. We’ve got to make sure girls’ sports are protected. My opponent is terrible on all these issues. We’ve got a short window of time. We’ve got to save our country. To me that’s what this election is about.”
When asked about senior citizens he said, “I’m glad you brought that up; we’ve got to save Social Security and Medicare, and we cannot put 20 million illegal immigrants on Social Security and Medicare. Kamala and
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
my opponent want to give them all Medicare and Social Security. Then he wants to give them amnesty. That will absolutely bankrupt those programs. My view is people have paid into those programs. They depend on them, they deserve it. And that starts with making sure illegal immigrants aren’t put on Social Security or Medicare. “I’m a Trump supporter all the way, and I’m going to proudly vote for him in November. I believe he’s going to win and look forward to working with him again for four more years.”
I asked him if he was excited about working in Taney County and Missouri. He said “It’s been a privilege these last six years, but there’s so much more to do. Democrats have tried to destroy this country. Whether it’s the drugs they brought in here or the migrants they brought in here. It’s absolutely crazy, it’s destroying the fabric of our nation.” “Making us dependent on foreign countries, jobs. We have got to turn all that around.”
Last question I presented was about our kids. He said, “Number one, we’ve got to make sure that our kids are not getting taught they need to be a different gender, that they need to have a different identity. Whatever that means. I don’t want men playing women’s sports. I don’t want men in women’s locker rooms in schools. I don’t want some crazy person telling a kid behind a parent’s back that they need to transition to a different gender. My opponent wants to permit gender transition for minors without parental consent.”
• HAWLEY Continued from page 10B
Around Town: Here’s what’s going on in the Tri-Lakes
OCTOBER
• 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, 417-2396069.
• 17 Library Center of the Ozarks: Children’s Storytime, 10:30 a.m. Miss Lia will be treating kids to a fun, interactive program. Plan on singing, listening to a story, crafting and much more. Babies to children age six are welcome. This event happens every Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. excluding library closures and holidays. Library Center of the Ozarks, lower level program room, 200 S. 4th St., Branson.
• 17 Wranglers Honky Tonk: Jukebox Winos
LIVE music, 5-7 p.m., NO COVER. Enjoy Dowd’s catfish and tonight’s dinner special: half price steak night! Also enjoy tasty pies, cobbler, while we play favorite covers and original music. From 7-11 p.m.: Melody Hart and the All Star Band for dancing, $5 cover. 625 Hwy. 165, Branson. For more information, visit www.jukeboxwinos.com
or call 417-544-1405.
• 18 Library Center of the Ozarks: Building play day, 10 a.m. Put on your construction hat and try out some diverse building toys to create something truly amazing. Recommended for families of all ages. Library Center of the Ozarks, lower level program room, 200 S. 4th St., Branson.
• 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 Downtown Reeds Spring Swap Meet, 8 a.m. at 22595 Main Street, Reeds Spring. Vendors will set up in parking lot.
• 19 Branson United Methodist Church: “Trunk Fest 2024,” at 1:30 p.m. Celebration of autumn events for surrounding community and guests. Safe environment for families to Trick or Treat and enjoy other fall season activities. Free admission. Branson United Methodist Church parking lot, 1208 W. 76 Country Music Blvd., 1:30-3:30 p.m. Branson Chorale (singers) will present many activities and a concert in courtyard from 3:30-4:00. Activities include games, balloon animals, face painting, hot dog supper and bounce house.
• 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.
every Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. excluding library closures and holidays. Library Center of the Ozarks, lower level program room, 200 S. 4th St., Branson. 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.
of bigger movement to bring more stand-up comedy to Branson.
• 31 Library Center of the Ozarks: Children’s Storytime, 10:30 a.m. Miss Lia will be treating kids to a fun, interactive program. Plan on singing, listening to a story, crafting and much more. Babies to children age six are welcome. This event happens every Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. excluding library closures and holidays. Library Center of the Ozarks, lower level program room, 200 S. 4th St., Branson.
NOVEMBER
2 Reeds Spring Schools
PTO: Arts and craft show, 8 a.m. Free to the public. Meals provided by Walmart Branson West will be available all day and meal tickets will benefit Children’s Miracle Network. Booth fees will fund classroom needs and teacher/staff appreciation events in the primary, elementary and intermediate buildings at Reeds Spring Schools. Event at Reeds Spring High School, 20277 Missouri 413, Reeds Spring. Learn more about their programs and how to get involved at www.ptoreedsspring.com
Welcome: Dr. Brad Johnson, C of O
• Introduction to Posting of the Colors: Bob Sarver, BVA 913 Posting of the Colors: BVA 913 Honor Guard
• Invocation: Sierra Smith, C of O Senior
• Pledge of Allegiance: Sgt. First Class Ernie Bradley, US Army Retired National Anthem: Jackson Collins, C of O Senior
• Opening Remarks: Bob Sarver
Reading of Proclamation: Larry Milton, Branson Mayor
• God Bless America: Jackson Collins
• Introduction of Dr. Jerry C. Davis: Bob Sarver
• The Missouri Vietnam Memorial Story: Dr. Jerry C. Davis, President Emeritus, C of O Introduction of Keynote Speaker: Bob Sarver Keynote Address: Brig. Gen. James Schreffler, Vice President for Patriotic Activities, C of O; Assistant
JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX
IMAX R 7:30
OZARKS Q 10:00
IRELAND Q 11:00 TORNADO ALLEY Q 12:00
JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX R 12:30, 3:30
BEETLEJUICE
Adjutant General, Missouri Army National Guard
• Presentation of Remembrance: Bob Sarver
• Wreath Laying Ceremony: BVA 913 Honor Guard
• Rifle Volley: BVA 913 Honor Guard
• Taps: Sgt. Major Bab Smither, US Army, Retired Benediction: Seth Miller, C of O Senior Retire Colors: BVA 913 Honor Guard
• Closing Remarks: Bob Sarver
• 22 Library Center of the Ozarks: Beyond the Book –book club for fifth through eighth grade readers, 5:30 p.m. Local student, Sam W., is back this fall to lead an all new book club for fifth-eighth grade readers. RSVP to library at 417334-1418. “Spy School” by Stuart Gibbs. Library Center of the Ozarks, upper level tech room, 200 S. 4th St., Branson.
• 24 Library Center of the Ozarks: Children’s Storytime, 10:30 a.m. Miss Lia will be treating kids to a fun, interactive program. Plan on singing, listening to a story, crafting and much more. Babies to children age six are welcome. This event happens
• 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
2 Prayer – Praise – Pro Life Election Rally, presented by Proclaim Ministries. Rally is in honor of Brian Seitz, seeking reelection for Missouri State Representative, District 156, and other conservative and pro-life candidates in Nov. election. Public is invited to attend to encourage, pray for and rally behind Seitz and all conservative Christian candidates. Rally will feature several speakers and performers. Held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at God and Country Theater, 1840 West 76 Country Boulevard, Branson. For more information, call 417-598-3413.
• 2 Library Center of the Ozarks: Saturday Storytime, 10:30 a.m. At weekend story time with Miss Bobbi, kids will enjoy stories, activities and lots of fun. This is a regular event happening every first Saturday of the month at 10 a.m., excluding library closures and government holidays. Library Center of the Ozarks, lower level program room, 200 S. 4th St., Branson.
• 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.
Hollister goes grape
1
– Two participants in the Dogs Gone Grape competition; 2 – Yum! Kettle Corn; 3 – Welcome to Grape & Fall Festival; 4 – These young people were part of an excellent martial arts exhibition. 5 – Dogs Gone Grape winner: Jasper belongs to Eleni Poulos. He is a 2-year-old Whippet Terrier mix. She got him from Rescue One and he is now the No. 1 greeter at The Sign Man. 6 – Tasty lunch options were available;
7 – One of the many talented entertainers at the Grape and Fall Festival; 8 – A flower bar from The Stemmery; 9 – Putting for a prize (Photos 1 - 4 and 6 - 9 by K.D. Michaels; Photo 5 by Eleni Poulos)
BY COWBOY JOHN FULLERTON, a native of Taney County, and a member of the Sons of the Pioneers.
W
hile heading into Utah on our recent Sons of the Pioneers’ road trip we took a bit of time to look around Durango, Colorado, once again. They are still known for their amazing railroad operation, and of course, we had to check out the roundhouse facilities.
In 1880 the community of Durango, Colorado, was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway. In early August 1881 the rail line arrived in Durango and in a record setting nine months, the line was completed north 45 miles to Silverton. Freight and passenger service was the reason for the line, as well as hauling silver and gold ore from the beautiful San Juan Moun-
tains. Since the line opened in 1882, over $300 million in gold and silver have been transported. Immediately it was recognized as a scenic attraction, and that tradition continues today, as the railway hauls over 220,000 visitors a year!
Passengers today can take a trip in time and ride the historic narrow gauge railway with historic diesel locomotives or steam powered locomotives. In 1923, ten locomotives were delivered to Durango and put to work immediately. Two of them still operate today. Known as the K-28s, their tractive force is 28,000 pounds. These ten locomotives were numbered 470 through 479. They would become the pride of the fleet.
During World War II, seven of the ten locomotives were sent to Alaska for help in pipeline and highway projects. Durango kept locomotives 473, 476, and 478, which still operate today, with the exception of 478 which is now a museum display. These three units
without a doubt hold the title of “most profitable” steam locomotives in the United States. What I found interesting when viewing these units a couple of weeks ago was their small size.
I was told by the experts at the roundhouse that the K-28s only can pull ten cars on the line to Silverton, and their larger K-36 and K-37 units can pull thirteen cars. For a round-trip to Silverton, these locomotives use an amazing 10,000 gallons of water and between 800 and 900 gallons of fuel oil.
I’ve always been impressed by narrow gauge, which was first introduced in the U.K. in 1865. Introduced in the United States during the 1870s, narrow gauge rails are three feet apart, while standard gauge rails are four feet, eight-and one-half inches apart. It was William J. Palmer, the builder of the Denver & Rio Grande Railway, who chose the narrow gauge option for the line from Durango to Silverton. Because of the steeper grades and sharper curves, this was a much
better option for this mountainous region and overall would reduce the construction cost.
As locomotives 473 and 476 were getting close to their Centennial celebrations recently, fuel conversions were completed on both units. They no longer burn coal, instead they burn reclaimed fuel oil. With their frequent maintenance schedules, these awesome machines will keeping working for years to come.
You have very likely seen the famous K-28s in a number of Hollywood films over the years. Their first appearance was in the 1949 feature “Colorado Territory,” starring Joel McCrea. Later films such has “How the West Was Won” in 1963 as well as “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” from 1969 have brought the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad much popularity. Recently the Railroad starred in the 2022 release of “Hostile Territory,” which starred Matt McCoy. Today the Durango &
Silverton Narrow Guage Railway is owned and operated by American Heritage Railways, which recently purchased our famed
Submitted to Branson Globe A portrait lost in a fiery blaze 77 years ago recently found its way back to Bonniebrook Historic Home and Fine Art Gallery. Long ago famed artist and Kewpie creator Rose O’Neill painted a portrait of her beloved sister and business partner Callista O’Neill. The painting graced the mantle at Bonniebrook for decades until a blazing fire in 1947 burned down Rose’s family home and the portrait along with it.
The Bonniebrook family home was lovingly rebuilt in the 1990s by the Bonniebrook Historical Society to honor O’Neill and her legacy, and now the portrait of Callis-
v isitor BRANSON
www.durangotrain.com.
Lost to fire 77 years ago, Bonniebrook Historical Home and beloved portrait are reunited
ta has been lovingly recreated by talented Springfield artist Sonya Wise. After touring Bonniebrook and hearing the story of the lost painting, Wise began a journey to research the original portrait of Callista so she could lovingly paint it once again.
Recently, Wise and a group of her fellow docents from the Springfield Art Museum presented Bonniebrook with her beautiful
SEE PORTRAIT, PAGE 3C
Artist Sonya Wise proudly placed her portrait of Callista O’Neill where it once stood above the mantle. (Photo submitted)
Memories from the Homestead: Legendary locomotives still operate in Durango Channel 5
Branson Scenic Railway in September of this year. To find out more about this iconic Durango legacy, go to
Number 473, a 1923 model K-28 series locomotive, makes a water stop along the world famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. (Photo courtesy of American Heritage Railways)
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.
If you love history, we are seeking sponsors to continue this column, please contact Rob Doherty at the Branson Globe, 417-3349100, for details.
S
ince the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, allowing new states to choose at the ballot box whether to allow slavery or not, popular sovereignty, the Kansas Territory had been on edge. There was never a more divisive issue facing our country since we became a country.
John Brown was a religious zealot believing this country could only be cleansed of slavery through violence.
That led to my first question when I visited Grady Atwater, the Director of the John Brown Museum in Osawatomie, Kansas, “Was John Brown crazy?” No, Grady chuckled.
This museum is one of a kind. In the early 1930s Kansas built a solid limestone building encapsulating the 1854 Adair-Brown Log Cabin. That has kept the cabin in pristine condition. It’s as if John Brown could walk in today and stoke the cabin’s fireplace.
Brown felt slavery was
• PORTRAIT
Continued from page 2C
portrait of Callista which she proudly hung once again above the fireplace mantle. It was truly a homecoming for both Callista’s portrait and Bonniebrook, both destroyed but both carefully restored to continue to educate and honor the legacy of Rose O’Neill, a woman who was unquestionably ahead of her time. O’Neill, born in 1874, became a famed illustrator and artist during a time when women could only dream of such success. She also created her beloved Kewpies which became a cultural phenomenon. O’Neill was posthumously inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame because she was a key figure in the Suffrage Movement and securing women’s right to vote through the passage of the 19th Amendment. Consid-
John Brown: The man who started the Civil War
an abomination against humanity. God had instructed him to use whatever means to eliminate that scourge from the earth, and he tried. In 1837 he declared, “Here before God, in the presence of these witnesses from this time, I commemorate my life to the destruction of slavery.”
Born in upstate New York in 1800, Brown was a failed businessman who fathered 20 children, losing nine in their childhood. He continually moved, following his calling and seeking stability. In the early 1850s, three of Brown’s sons moved to Kansas, at the time, the frontier. As Kansas struggled to determine its future through the vote, the battle over slavery was taking shape.
Coaxed by his sons, John Brown moved to Osawatomie, Kansas, in 1856 to join the fight.
There were three basic factions in the territory. Abolitionists in which Brown was one, Free-Staters or Jayhawks soon to be led by Jim Lane and pro-slavers, many having moved in from neighboring Missouri.
Abolitionists wanted to abolish slavery outright. Free-Staters sought to end slavery but didn’t want freed blacks to live in the state and pro-slavers sought to extend the right to own slaves into the territory.
My grandfather Albert Long Bartlett, was born in 1852 and lived in Big Springs, Kansas, just west of Lawrence. His father, Dr. Josiah C. Bartlett, was a representative in the first legislative session of the state of Kansas. Albert went on to become a page in that session in 1861 and no doubt witnessed much of Kansas’ incredible history. He was
ered America’s first female cartoonist, O’Neill was also posthumously inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Industry Hall of Fame in 2022, and most recently she was inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of fame for her iconic Kewpie Doll creations.
68 years old when my mother was born; virility runs in the family! She passed on many of his stories about the times and events that went on from strife, to conflict and eventually war.
Albert would have lived through Bleeding Kansas, the Civil War, Industrial Revolution, World War I, the Great Depression and World War ll, then at the age of 91, he walked my mother down the aisle. What a life.
His early years were difficult times to be alive. I heard tales from my mother of slavery, wagon trains, droughts, disease, murders, election frauds and Indian uprisings. As tempers and violence increased, no stranger could be trusted and everyone was armed.
To John Brown, slavery was a biblical offense conquered only by the sword. He took the argument to the next level: open conflict.
After pro-slavers ravaged Lawrence, Kansas, on May 21, 1856, destroying buildings and killing one, that was enough for John Brown to seek a harsher retribution.
On May 24,1856, Brown with his sons and fellow zealots moved in on a slave holding enclave near Pottawatomie Creek in Kansas. They drug five men out of their homes and murdered them on the spot, in front of their families. To me, this date marks the start of Bleeding Kansas, which led to the Border War that ignited the Civil War.
Of course, the reaction from Missourians and others to Brown’s executions would be retaliation. People were shocked and disgusted by the abolitionist brutality. Back and forth for years, raids and savagery took place from all sides, and the violence got nastier with
Bonniebrook is located at 485 Rose O’Neill Road in Walnut Shade. To learn more about O’Neill and to view the newly installed portrait of Callista, Bonniebrook is open for tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and will close for the winter on October 26 and reopen April 1, 2025.
mutilations and barbaric acts erasing any hint of morality.
The Battle of Black Jack on June 2, 1856, was the first skirmish between two armed encampments. Pro-slavers had captured two of John Brown’s sons; the fight went on for five hours. A truce was won by Brown and his sons were returned. Both sides retired to fight another day but roving bands of men now prowled eastern Kansas and western Missouri seeking justice and vengeance; think “The Outlaw Josey Wales.”
Black Jack is only two miles from where I attended college - Baker University, in Baldwin City, Kansas. I have walked the field many times, contemplating that this small skirmish was a
catalyst in starting the nationally consuming Civil War. It’s an interesting hike, oddly the Santa Fe Trail with visible ruts goes right through the battlefield.
John Brown wasn’t through. “There will be no peace in this land until slavery is done for.” He had a higher calling, to take his zeal and followers east
to
raise an army, rebel and abolish slavery. (Next week, John Brown: From Harpers Ferry to the Hangman’s Noose.)
TOP: John Brown. BOTTOM: The limestone museum in Osawatomie, Kansas. (Photos submitted by Bob Ford)
BY LUANNA FULLERTON Entertainment Writer
Iam excited about this upcoming movie premier, “One By One” being shown at the IMAX on October 20 for two different times at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. You will not want to miss it.
This is a movie based on a true story, produced by an awesome company, Salty Earth Pictures, who strives to create, distribute and encourage entertainment and media that challenges minds, lightens hearts and strengthens souls,” as stated on saltyearthpictures.org.
Also according to salt-
Area Entertainment: ‘One By One’ movie premiere
yearthpictures.org, the movie is based on the life of David Rosenau, who explores the challenges of an undercover narcotics detective, who eventually becomes a pastor. Minds, Hearts and Souls are reached and lives are changed for all of time and eternity in “One By One!” I have listened to interviews, done interviews, watched the trailer, and even personally know some of the actors. In fact, one of the actresses, Peggy, was my bridesmaid at John and I’s wedding and her husband, Geoff, helped out at our wedding and they have been very good friends.
A meet and greet talk back will be held from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. with actors Lance Brown, Dale Norman Green, Peggy Lee Brennan and Geoff Hasting Harbere and also with director Steve Zambo and producer Beth Zambo.
Tickets are $10 per person and available at the Branson IMAX Entertainment Complex, 3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Branson. Phone 417-335-4832 or go to saltyearthpictures. myshopify.com. Click on the Branson IMAX tab for “One By One” tab for the 3 p.m. or 7 p.m. showing and complete your purchase.
Salty Earth Pictures is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that has been in operation since 2002. Gifts to their work are greatly appreciated and tax deductible. Let’s support them. Remember all of this excitement is happening this Sunday, October 20.
DON’T MISS OUT! And we need this good, wholesome work in our lives right now. So, pick a show time, your favorite person and have a date with them. Maybe, get a group together and share in the fun! I know you
won’t regret it! I will be doing follow-up interviews with the cast after the showing, so be sure to get next week’s paper!
November Branson Jammin’ for Jesus to benefit Jimmy Jack Foundation
Submitted to Branson Globe
Branson Jammin’ for Jesus concerts are every first Sunday of the month, April through December, at The Hughes Brothers Theatre located on the strip at 3425 W. 76 Country Blvd. These free concerts bring people together for a time of praise and giving. The music will begin Sunday, November 3, at 2 p.m. with
concert hosts Brian Pendergrass and Sheila Meeker. Featured this month are the wonderful music ministries of the very talented saxophonist, Gary Dooms; vocalists Donna Kilmurray, Angela Seng, Marlene Pelt; and the Trio Beautifully Broken featuring Donna Kilmurray, Kim Douglas, and Tammy Bogle. These vocalists
have wonderful music ministries you will want to experience. Each guest has a special calling to ministry and possesses a burning desire to share God’s unfathomable love and amazing salvation through song.
This month, the concert will benefit The Jimmy Jack Foundation. Jimmy Jack Whittaker will be blessing
us with his music ministry as well as sharing a little bit about his foundation. The JJF ‘helps kids reach their musical dreams’ by gifting new or gently used instruments. Jimmy Jack and his foundation present these collected instruments, free of charge, at various Jimmy Jack Foundation events across the country and
throughout the year. At this concert, we will be collecting used instruments that you, your friends or family may have lying around the house, in the basement, garage, or attic. Cash is also welcomed to help with repairs of and supplies for these instruments. NO CONCESSIONS ARE AVAILABLE during
concerts, but FEEL FREE TO BRING A SNACK AND BEVERAGE with you as you join us in a time of praise and giving at Branson Jammin’ for Jesus. A love offering will be taken. For more information email: bransonj4j@gmail. com or visit www.bransonjamminforjesus.com
Lights of Joy Christmas Drive-Thru announces all new displays for 2024
Submitted to Branson Globe
One of Branson’s most popular attractions, Lights of Joy Christmas Drive-Thru, announced that it will once again offer all-new displays in 2024. “Every major display, except our tunnel and video boards, will be replaced,” says manager Kurt Kysar. “Having extensive new displays is unheard of, and this is our fourth year doing this.”
This one-mile drive-thru attraction features over 250 dazzling displays, with new themes for this year’s visitors and locals to experience, such as Winter Woods, Western Christmas, Santa’s Mailroom, Pirate Christmas, Poinsettias, Twelve Days of Christmas, and Season of Joy. There’s something new and exciting for everyone to enjoy. Lights of Joy will also
feature numerous nights with Santa, with select appearances by Mrs. Claus. Santa will be present most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting at 6 p.m. for pictures and to hear children’s wishes.
Kysar takes pride in the event: “We know how important Christmas is to the community. Memories are made here. Whether it’s a family, motor coach group,
or friends, this is an annual tradition for thousands. We will have returning favorites, but they’ll still be new and different.” Work has already started on the new displays, some of which are over 20 feet tall. “In your car, you don’t always realize how big these displays are,” Kysar noted.
Voters awarded Lights of Joy the best Christmas drive-thru in 2023, 2022
and 2021, and in 2020, Bobvilla.com ranked it in their top 11 Best Drive-Thru Christmas Light Displays in America. Located just north of Sight & Sound Theatre, guests can enter at Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Expressway Lane. Lights of Joy will be open from 5-11 p.m. nightly, November 1 through January 5. Value nights are most Mondays through
Wednesdays for $25 per car and $30 most Thursdays through Sundays. There are also rates for minibuses, limousines and motor coaches. “Lights of Joy is easily accessible for motor coaches and limos, with no steep hills or sharp corners,” Kysar added.
For Santa’s schedule, pricing, and more info, visit www.lightsofjoydrivethru. com or call 417-336-2744.
RIGHT: Movie still from the trailer (via Facebook) BELOW: Left to right: Geoff Hasting Harberer, Peggy Lee Brennan, Lance Brown, Dale Norman Green (Photo credit: Peggy Lee Brennan)
‘Making Dreams Come True Award’ honors local tribute musician
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 9,
was a special day for Branson tribute artist Dan Wagner, whose Johnny Cash Tribute is a regular part of the show lineup at Jerry Presley’s God & Country Theater on 76 Country Blvd. in Branson.
A series of birthday surprises for Wagner wrapped up with the gift of a guitar, presented during the afternoon performance of the Carpenters Once More Show. The guitar was significant as it represents 300 consecutive guitars given during Wagner’s show as
gifts from his family and cast to “share music with the world” and “make dreams come true.” Several reviews of Wagner’s Johnny Cash tribute have mentioned the guitar giveaway as being a special moment or shared how the unexpected gift helped change a life and start someone on their own musical path.
Along with the guitar, Wagner was also presented with the “First Annual Cora & Ella Wagner Making Dreams Come True Award.” This award, slated to become part of the annual Terry Awards in Branson in 2025, honors the life of
Cora Wagner and the ongoing commitment of Cora’s sister Ella and other family members to sharing dreams and music.
In accepting the award, Wagner shared briefly but emotionally about Cora, who died tragically in an accident, and how she and Ella inspired him to follow his own dreams in pursuing the idea of the Johnny Cash Tribute Show. Wagner also expressed thanks to Diana Lynn, who performs as Karen Carpenter in the Carpenters Once More tribute and, together with her husband who performs as Neil Diamond, coordinated the sur-
prise and the presentation. The award was yet another tangible expression of the feeling of family among Branson performers as they often support one another and collaborate on special events, with the entire God & Country cast from several shows in on the surprise arrangements. Check out the remaining 2024 scheduled dates for Wagner as Johnny Cash, Diana Lynn and Wes Larson as Karen and Richard Carpenter, Keith Allynn in “A Neil Diamond Tribute” and several other excellent artist tribute shows, by visiting https://godandcountrytheaters.com.
Local author to launch two books on one magical evening
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
A well-known businesswoman-turned author is experiencing a dream come true. Angie Harris is launching not one but two books
on the same night.
Harris has planned a unique and fun-filled event to mark the occasion.
“We are excited to invite you and your family
to a special celebration, as we launch two magical children’s books: ‘Finding Fred Experiences an Ozark Mountain Christmas’ and ‘Papa’s Magic Day,’” Harris
explained.
The theme for the evening is Step into the Story.
Said Harris,” We have created an interactive experience for each book that will make you feel as if you’ve walked right into the pages. Special activities will bring each story to life in ways you won’t forget.”
“Each book will have its own story time area, complete with themed rugs, life-sized cutouts from the stories and special guests reading the books every 20 minutes,” Harris continued.
“ASL interpreters will be present to make the event inclusive for everyone.”
Each story will have a larger-than-life scene that you can step into for photo
opportunities. An assortment of delicious treats will be given out, and door prizes and giveaways are also tied to the two story lines.
“For fans of ‘Papa’s Magical Day,’ we’ll give away a large panda plush bear,
just like the one Baby Duck holds dear throughout her journey,” explained Harris.
“In ‘Finding Fred Experiences an Ozark Mountain Christmas,’ Fred receives a guitar for Christmas, and
Dan Wagner accepting a guitar from Diana Lynn, as Keith Allynn (“Neil Diamond”) and other God & Country performers look on (Photo by Cynthia J. Thomas)
Author Harris (Photo by K.D. Michaels)
After hitting huge milestone, Mochas and Meows set to celebrate anniversary
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Branson’s only cat cafe, Mochas and Meows, recently celebrated a tremendous milestone, with the adoption of the 300th cat from the facility.
“I am absolutely blown away by our hitting 300 adoptions,” said Mochas and Meows owner Mary Trexler. “When I first opened the cafe, the adoptions were my obsession. I truly believed that the measurement of ‘success’ would be how many adoptions we could facilitate. On this side of things, though, I know that each of those 300 adoptions went home to their for-
ever home, hand-picked and perfect for the cat, and that means so much more than just a tally on the board.”
Trexler continued, “We still get updates on cats who went home years ago, and that’s really the best feeling there is. Our adopters feel like part of the family, so we are thrilled to welcome 300 new family members.”
To celebrate their 300th adoption, Mochas and Meows spent the day raffling off amazing donations from local businesses, all leading up to their Mochas and Meows grand prize pack—over $100 in merchandise and gift
certificates from the cafe.
The adoption celebration concluded with a new event—Cat Bingo.
“We had a full house for the first night of Cat Bingo, and we expect to have at least one Bingo night a month, going forward,” Trexler explained. “Our next one is October 18.”
Mochas and Meows, which is currently home to 45 cats (three permanent residents and 42 adoptable fur-babies) has a unique setup.
“We have a side-by-side concept, with separate ventilation systems for the cafe and the cat lounge sides of
the building,” noted Trexler.
“On the main entrance side of the space, we have our café—a full-service coffee shop with a few food options to help satisfy the long vacation days. Currently we offer muffins, Purrfaits (fruit and cheesecake parfaits), and packaged treats round-the-clock, with Purrninis being available for order at 11:30 a.m. In the near future, however, we will be expanding our breakfast options to include BisCATS and Gravy—coming soon!”
The cat lounge side of the business allows visitors to
interact and play with cats in a comfortable and relaxing setting.
Mochas and Meows opened for business on November 1, 2019. An expansion in January 2023 added more than 3,500 square feet to the facility.
Of their upcoming anniversary, Trexler said, “Wow! I can’t believe we’re coming up on five years. We don’t have a firm plan in place for the celebration yet, but I’ve got some ideas in mind! Expect a long celebration with drink and lounge specials all week.”
Make plans now to cele-
brate Mochas and Meows upcoming anniversary. In the meantime, tell your friends and family to visit their location, at 3265 Falls Parkway, Suite V. Mochas and Meows is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“Come see what all the fur is about over at Mochas and Meows,” said Mary Trexler. “See how we elevate the mental health and wellness of cats, rehabilitate rescue cats to make them better candidates for adoption, and facilitate adoptions for the Branson Humane Society—all while sipping on a delicious beverage!”
Guaranteed Roofing: Service from someone you know and trust
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
Whether you have storm damage or it’s just time to update that old roof, it can bring peace of mind to know you’re dealing with local professionals who care about their neighbors and take time to provide quality, personalized service. In southwest Missouri, one such professional
is third-generation roofer Jack Ratliff of Guaranteed Roofing & Construction. Ratliff’s family visited the Highway Y area of Table Rock Lake in Stone County during his childhood and moved there when he was 16. Guaranteed Roofing & Construction was originally founded by his dad, so Jack learned the business early. After taking time off
to regroup following his father’s passing in 2006, he reestablished the company and takes pride in continuing his dad’s legacy of good service. In addition to roofing, the company offers siding, guttering and other construction services.
Asked about some of the things he likes to emphasize with his clients, Ratliff said he is always careful to point
out the importance of quality Class 3 shingles. “People don’t always realize how much that one choice will save them on insurance premiums, because those shingles withstand storms so much better,” he said.
Speaking of insurance, Ratliff is no stranger to the process of damage claims and paperwork, and can help customers sort through
Great shopping, meals and fun in Rockaway Beach
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff
Writer
As the fall season progresses in the Ozarks and leads into the holidays, head to Rockaway Beach! You’ll find some new shopping opportunities, great food and some fun family events coming up soon. Much has been happening along St. Hwy. 176 through downtown Rockaway Beach, right alongside Lake Taneycomo, in terms of revitalization and renewal. One of those locations is The Mercantile, a wonderful collection of gifts, crafts and unique finds where every purchase supports continued downtown
revitalization. As a for-profit project of Bridge of Faith Community Church, The Mercantile helps create jobs and support local artisans.
Many of the pieces available at The Mercantile are hand-selected by a team led by Jamie Polley, who serves as director of The Mercantile, but there are also many charming items donated by generous individuals who want to contribute. Antiques? Pottery? Furniture? Unique jewelry and gifts? Yes, and much more! There’s also a special cozy spot to pause for coffee, conversation and even Bible study during your visit. And the coffee, as well as
some of the items for sale, comes from a small-town market in El Salvador, so your purchase contributes to missions projects through Puente de Fe, a ministry in El Salvador.
“Some of our visitors have relished in our delightful store so much that they have blessed us with devotionals or created content on social media to promote The Mercantile,” said Polley. “We feel the love and support, and are committed to the continued economic growth of Rockaway Beach.”
That sense of community continues at the beautifully remodeled Cedar Restaurant down the street to the east,
where manager Alex, his wife Katie, and food designer Natalia have put together an amazing menu reflecting Russian, Slavic Polish, and Siberian influences. Savory crepes, butterflied garlic shrimp, Armenian shish kabobs, and an amazing burger with a special secret sauce are just a few of the choices, but save room for dessert—or plan a special stop just to check out the pastries! The restaurant is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through SEE ROCKAWAY BEACH, PAGE 9C AT RIGHT: Cedar Restaurant (Photo by Cynthia J. Thomas) SEE MANY MORE PICS WITH THIS STORY AT BRANSONGLOBE.COM
the maze and get the settlements they deserve. The company is fully insured, and Ratliff does his own estimating and personally supervises every job, saying quality control matters during the entire process. He is proud of his dedicated team of employees as well, including Frank Moreno who has been with the company for eight years.
for a discount and a manageable payment plan, very important for smaller or rural
Pastor Rich Bitterman of Cedar Ridge Baptist Church, also located on Highway Y in Stone County, is a recent satisfied customer who said he is thankful for Ratliff’s commitment to work with churches
congrega-
ROOFING, PAGE 9C
BY CHEF JEFF WOODWARD,
The Rogue Chef
Time: 3 hours
Servings: 12
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 lbs. stewing beef
• Salt and pepper to taste
2 large carrots, sliced into rounds
2 stalks of celery, sliced
• 1 red pepper, roughly chopped
• 1 green pepper, roughly chopped
1 medium onion, roughly chopped
12 mushrooms, roughly chopped
5 medium tomatoes,
INGREDIENTS: • 1 C Milk 1 C Stout Beer (any flavor)
Bacon and Beer Burger Buns
• 3 T Bacon Grease ¼ C Sugar
• 1 ½ tsp Salt 5 to 6 C Bread Flour
• 2 ¼ tsp Fast Acting Dry Yeast
1 Egg, beaten for egg wash
½ lb Fried Bacon, chopped INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Add bacon grease, milk, butter, sugar, and salt to a medium sized saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over low to medium heat.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool to 125°F.
4. Put 3 C flour and yeast into the electric mix-
ing bowl.
5. Add wet ingredients and mix with a dough hook on low speed until it comes together.
6. Add remaining flour ¼ C at a time until dough is no longer sticky.
7. Turn the mixer to medium speed for 6 minutes or until the dough has a smooth, elastic finish.
8. Put dough in an oiled bowl and cover with a wet kitchen towel for about an hour or until the dough has doubled in size (about an hour).
9. Punch dough down
The Blues Brothers™ Chili
roughly chopped
1 can of tomato pastethe small kind OR 1- 28 oz. can of diced and 1 - 28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. paprika
• 3 tsp. cayenne
1 tsp. coriander
• 3 tsp. chili powder
Pinch of rosemary
• 7 cloves of garlic, crushed
3-4 ghost peppers
Special equipment: 4- to 8-quart slow cooker
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Skewer the beef and season with salt and pepper to taste.
and divide into 12 equal parts.
10. Shape into rolls.
11. Place rolls on a pan covered with parchment paper.
12. Allow rolls to rise, until they have doubled in size, about 30 - 45 mins.
13. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
14. Brush each bun with egg wash and sprinkle with bacon crumbles.
15. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
16. Cut in half and add your favorite burger with toppings.
GO ROGUE by adding
&
CEO,
Bets of
Of
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. Preheat the grill to high. Sear the beef and ghost pepper(s) until the beef is browned on all sides, but not cooked through, and the ghost pepper has some fantastic grill marks. Remove the beef and pepper from the grill. Remove the beef from the skewers and put them into a 4to 6-quart slow cooker juice and all.
3. Chop the vegetables, starting with the carrots and celery because the tomatoes make a huge mess and you don’t to be cutting up hard veggies in a splishy splashy pool of tomato juice.
4. Add all the chopped veggies, then the spices. Turn on the slow cooker to low.
5. Then add the garlic.
6. Finally, wearing gloves and using a non-porous surface like a plastic or glass cutting board, remove the top of the ghost pepper and split it open for chopping. This is where your preference comes in. You can remove the seeds and membranes to cut down on the heat, or you can leave them in. The capsaicin is concentrated the most in these parts of the pepper, and do not forget that this pepper has a heat rating of over 1 million. So yeah. Mince the pepper and add that to the slow cooker.
7. Add the tomatoes, stir all this stuff together real good.
8. Let the chili cook for 6 hours on high, or 8 to 12 hours on low, stirring every once in a while.
9. It’s done when the beef shreds easily and the carrots are tender. Serve with some delicious sourdough bread and or a huge dollop of sour cream or cheese whiz – oh yeah, or mozzarella. Yeah. Or eat with two pieces of dry white toast like The Blues Brothers™ prefer.
Blues Brothers™: Performed by Clint Nievar and Justin Sassanella
legendsinconcert.com
Clint Nievar as Jake Blues
Clint Nievar takes the role of Jake Blues head-on with all the fierceness and intensity of the original man himself. Clint is a 17-year veteran
of the business with formal training in singing, acting and dancing. Clint hails from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where he took ballet, tap and jazz lessons since the age of 14 and moved to the Branson area straight
out of high school in 2001. He has graced the stage of many legendary shows in town including The WELK Show and Stuck on the ‘70s Show. Later in his career, Clint was hired at Silver Dollar City where he worked for 12 years in productions such as A Dickens Christmas Carol, Echo Hollow, The Silver Dollar
Saloon, and finished his run with the company with It’s a Wonderful Life.
Clint has also worked alongside Debbie Boone, Jerry Van Dike, Ed McMahon and even had the chance to be side-kick comedian to the one and only Yakov Smirnoff for whom he wrote comedy for over two years. There is no other role that
Clint would rather do than the role of Joliet Jake Blues at Legends in Concert. Justin Sassanella as Elwood Blues
Originally from Auburn, Indiana, Justin is no stranger to the Branson stage. He has performed in numerous fan favorite shows over the years such as The Twelve Irish Tenors, Shake Rattle and Roll, Magnificent 7 Variety Show, Broadway: The Star Spangled Celebration, A Dickens Christmas Carol, Christmas Wonderland and others. Other credits include being a featured vocalist for Carnival Cruise Lines and Oceana Cruise Lines throughout the world. Justin is also co-producer and co-owner of the award winning show “Forever Young,” which is currently touring the country and being performed on cruise ships around the globe. Justin is ecstatic for the role of Elwood Blues for Legends in Concert alongside his longtime friend, Clint Nievar, as Jake Blues.
LARRY DABLEMONT is an outdoor publisher, columnist, author, speaker, naturalist and outdoorsman.
Itook a recent trip to Jefferson City to interview the new director of the Department of Conservation, and it turned out to be the disappointment I expected. I was trying to get him to come to some venue in the Ozarks to meet with hunters, fishermen and outdoorsmen. It would be an event where he could answer written questions they would
• AUTHOR Continued from page 6C
we’re giving you a chance to win a Fender guitarcomplete with a case, stand and autographs from Bran-
• ROOFING
Continued from page 7C
tions with tight budgets.
“I live within sight of that church, which is the one my wife and I got mar-
• ROCKAWAY BEACH
Continued from page 7C
Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sundays.
Cedar Restaurant helps support New Life USA, a substance abuse recovery ministry located in Cabool, Missouri. New Life USA is a branch of New Life Russia, which began working with homeless addicts in 1995 and led to a changed life for Alex. With over 5,000 graduates, the program incorporates faith in God, accountability and skills development to help graduates move forward. After starting
Outdoors with Larry Dablemont: Interviewing the director
submit. It would give him the opportunity to debate me over topics like CWD and its danger to hunters, and the wild turkey decline. You can bet he would be informed about some questionable tactics of conservation agents, many accused of breaking the law and violating the MDC’s own set of rules for personnel. He gave a good answer, “We’ll think about it.” He won’t of course. He’d have to answer questions they never will answer like, “Why does the MDC pay tens of thousands of dollars to state newspapers, television and radio stations to keep any criticism of what they do out of the public eye?” No one knows they do that, and the director and his staff want to keep it that way. I asked him about the
son entertainers.”
Some of those entertainers will be in attendance at the double book signing, including representatives from The Duttons, The
ried in,” said Ratliff. “It’s important to me to treat churches right, but also all of my customers. They’re my friends in the community.”
as the “Eat and Enjoy” food truck, the restaurant was remodeled using skills learned by graduates, including some beautiful cedar woodwork. Cedar Restaurant offers custom catering for weddings and other events, as well as custom bakery specialties; call 417-755-1172 or email cedarrestaurant2024@ gmail.com for details.
White Oak Station convenience store, also on Hwy. 176, is also now open for your practical needs while you’re in town. Along with these and other new business development, special events
drastic decline in wild turkey and their decision to do nothing about it. He still clings to the ridiculous assertion that it is all due to habitat change, which is baloney, and I told him that. In the Ozarks where thousands of acres of timbered habitat have not changed for thirty years, wild turkey have declined as much as 75 percent. He also declined to come and spend a day with me where I could show him the results of way too much hunting pressure and too many hunters who have learned easy ways to kill gobblers. The director could learn so much from meeting with landowners and hunters and spending a day in the woods with me, and he could learn a lot from a meeting this fall with the Missourians who put out
Haygoods, the Clay Cooper Country Express, The Baldknobbers and the Hughes Brothers Christmas Show. Both books will be available for purchase, at a very
Their community involvement also includes the Reeds Spring School District, where Jack’s wife, Shannon, has worked for 16 years. Their two
are held regularly to bring the community together as well as welcome visitors from around the area. The lighting of Christmas Island on Lake Taneycomo will be at 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 30, and on display from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturdays, December 7, 14 and 21. While in town to view the lights, stop by the Rockaway Market at the Community Center, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Stay up to date on special events and continued new things happening, by following the City of Rockaway Beach on Facebook.
the millions of dollars to make the MDC rich enough to waste hundreds of thousands of dollars at a time. As long as they control the media with money, real truths will never be known.
Like why the MDC is giving $18 million to a private firm to rebuild the Schell Osage waterfowl marsh when that company had no other bids to compete with. The MDC owns millions of dollars worth of equipment to do such a job, and much of it will set idle for months at a time. Investigations need to be made and answers need to be asked, but they cannot be because the MDC owns the media, large and small. Think about this… When have you seen a television or newspaper report on something the MDC did not approve of?
special price, and Harris will be on hand to sign the books, as will the Branson entertainers.
The free event is set for Tuesday, October 22, 5 to 7
adult daughters graduated there, and son Jax, 11, is currently a member of the school’s robotics team which placed in the world championships last year.
I asked the director, too, why the Conservation Department, with almost $200 million a year for a budget, (amongst the top three state conservation agencies in the nation) will not help landowners along the major Ozark rivers use federal monies to keep cattle out of the rivers. The MDC could do this without losing a penny, but they will not. Our rivers continue to silt-in and carry loads of mud and manure and coliform bacteria because of it.
I was pleased to meet and interview the Chief of Enforcement for the MDC, Randy Doman, who worked for many years as a conservation agent in the field. I liked him enough to invite him to come to the Ozarks and spend a day with me looking at some problems he
p.m. at the Stone Castle Hotel, 3050 Green Mountain Drive in Branson.
“We cannot wait to share these stories and this magical night,” said Harrs. “But,
Reach out to Jack Ratliff about your roofing and construction needs and questions at 417450-9012, email guaranteedroofingconst@gmail.
needs to see. I think he will do it. I will devote a complete future column to my interview with him, which left me with some hope for a way for innocent folks victimized by agents to get help. If you feel you are one of those people, call me at 417-777-5227, and I will relay your experience to him. Talk with me in person on Saturday, October 26, at my new Big Piney Nature Center a mile south of Houston, MO, when I am hosting an Arkansas artist, Duane Hada, who paints river scenes and fish and wildlife like no artist I have ever known. Join us and you may win one of his paintings. Get more information at my website, larrydablemontoutdoors, or by emailing me at lightninridge47@gmail.com.
if you cannot make it to the event, the Baby Duck will be hosting a Facebook Live so you can participate in the activities, at https://facebook.com/angieleahharris/
com, or visit www.guaranteedroofingandconstruction.com , where you can submit your information to arrange for an estimate.
Mercantile director Jamie Polley and her team designed several displays. (Photo by Cynthia J. Thomas)
LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice of Public Hearing on November 6 at 5:45 P.M. at the Village of Indian Point office located at 957 Indian Point Road. Branson Lakeview Estates located at Parcel # 129.0-31-001-001-011.000 on Crow’s Nest Trail is requesting a Zone Map Amendment from Residential (R-1) to Commercial 2 Planned Development District (C2-PDD). Public comment will be accepted at the meeting.
GRIEF SHARE SUPPORT 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
DEADLINE FOR FRIDAY’S PAPER: Wednesdays @ 10 a.m.
GET YOUR ALWAYS-FREE BRANSON GLOBE DELIVERED TO YOUR EMAIL INBOX! Go to www.bransonglobe.com
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.
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
COMMERCIAL
SPACE FOR LEASE:
Office space for lease. 780 sq. ft. Water and trash services furnished. Located in busy, wellkept strip mall in Hollister. 417-294-2522.
HELP WANTED
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.
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.
Add a little color to your advertising, and watch readers take notice! Run an ad like this one for $25/wk.
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.
TWO PAINTERS NEEDED. Experienced, and must have your own tools and transportation for three to four months of work inside. Call 417712-4115. YOUR AD WOULD LOOK GREAT HERE! CALL
HELP WANTED: BARTENDER wanted at the Eagles Club in Cape Fair, MO. If interested contact Jack at 660-216-4234.
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.
Across 1. Side with a club sandwich, perhaps 5. Crumbly earth
9. Mizzen and jigger, e.g. 14. Hawkeye State 15. Virginia willow, e.g. 16. Sound heard before a blessing 17. The roofer will be with you in . . . 19. Munch noisily
26. British surgeon, Sir James 29. “Wake of the Ferry” painter
e.g.
Caviar
43. Word with rain or sport 44. Most seldom seen 46. Sound from a hot skillet 47. Ear parts 49. Shopping centers 50. Clio’s colleague 52. Brightly-colored flower 54. Hawaiian feasts 56. Nashville’s historic auditorium 58. Bloom-to-be 61. Closest or farthest orbit point 62. The golfer will be with you in . . . 64. Biblical weapon 65. Yucca kin 66. Quick-witted 67. Crooner’s repertoire 68. Cravings 69. Current event?
Down 1. Planned setting 2. Brat Pack member Rob 3. Illegally off base 4. Historic verb?
5. Japanese car 6. Big name in diets 7. Tape measure part 8. Definitive statement 9. Word with finish or gun
On this date in history...
• 1867 U.S. takes formal possession of Alaska from Russia, having paid $7.2 million
• 1878 Edison makes electricity available for household use
• 1892 First commercial long distance phone line opens (Chicago-NY)
1898 American flag raised in Puerto Rico
• 1931 Gangster Al Capone
is convicted on five of the 23 counts of tax evasion against him, later fined
$50,000 and sentenced to 11 years in jail
• 1954 Hurricane Hazel becomes most severe to ever hit the U.S., killing 195 in U.S. and Canada
• 1954 Texas Instruments Inc. announces the first transistor radio
• 1961 Emergency crisis
10. Rues the running 11. The cook will be with you in . . . 12. Weighty work
13. Absorbs gravy with bread 18. Twain’s collaborator 23. Hospital count 25. Heartier 26. Sounds from a brood 27. Wall hanging 28. The athlete will be with you in . . .
30. MacArthur victory site
32. It’s ruled 33. Stiff drinks
35. Hurry along 40. Third-quarter event
41. They may be rolled over 43. English and French, for two
45. Kind of acid
48. Jacob’s son 51. Regretting 53. Barrels 54. Lad’s mate
55. Words with snuff and date
57. Time for eggnog
58. Propagated
59. Put into service
60. Declare false
63. Hula accompaniment, for short
in South Vietnam due to communist attack
• 1969 Federal government bans use of cyclamates artificial sweeteners
• 1979 Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini orders mass executions to stop 2016 U.S. White House says it is “confident” Russia behind recent email hacking and attempts to influence U.S. election
Sudoku
See more fun puzzles at: https://www.puzzles.ca/sudoku/
