BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer / Photos courtesy of ALYSSA AND SPENCER AMBROSIER
Like many people around the nation, including southwest Missouri, Spencer and Alyssa Ambrosier were concerned as they watched the news of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, and prayed for the people involved. As reports continued to show the extent of the devastation, though, they began to feel they should do something more by adding action to their prayers.
Spencer is a contractor who works on custom builds and tile installations; Alyssa operates a cleaning business and is developing an online faith-based apparel business, New Life Creations. Being self-employed gives them some flexibility, and with family in the area to take care of their two children, a trip to take supplies and help seemed like the right thing to do.
The couple reached out to Anchor Ridge, an established and trusted nonprofit headquartered in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, near hard-hit Asheville, for guidance in what the needs were and how best to help. They then set up a Go Fund
Kirbyville family travels to assist hurricane victims
Me and a Facebook page asking for prayer and donations of supplies. Alyssa shared that it was amazing how God brought businesses and individuals together. They established a goal of $10,000 to purchase supplies and cover expenses for
the truck, but she says God went above and beyond, as the donations reached not only $10,000, but an extra amount for the truck! Country Mart Branson allowed them to host a donation drop-off, and their garage became a storage fa-
cility until the rental of the truck on October 18. Before heading out on October 20, they finished shopping for additional camping gear, heaters, warm clothing and generators. Alyssa said the employees at Branson Hills Walmart were wonderful,
pitching in to help gather and load the items. It was tough driving, as documented on Alyssa’s Facebook page, with some main routes re-routed to what is known as the “Snake Trail,” where speeds slowed
Get exposure for your business while helping keep Branson clean
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
Branson Globe publisher Rob Doherty spent Friday afternoon, November 15, doing his part to help keep Branson clean. Editor Janet Steinkamp, her husband Ken and sister Diane Dick, account rep Mark Feder, and staff writer Cynthia Thomas joined Rob for a couple of hours of picking up litter along Fall Creek Road between 76 Country Blvd. and Roark Valley Road.
The group was blessed with a beautiful day for a little outdoor exercise, but the work was an eye-opener in terms of the sheer amounts of trash discarded by motorists along roadways. Here are some of our comments (by no means all, though!):
“My sister and I are now on a mission to tell others not to litter!” (Janet)
• “Did you ever see so
many cigarette butts?”
(Mark)
“I’m starting to think Styrofoam cups are downright demonic.” (Cindy)
“That was a LOT!”
(Rob)
The Globe staff were proud to get involved in keeping our town looking nice, but we would also like to remind everyone to be considerate to city employees and Adopt-AStreet volunteers. There’s really no reason to wrap a discarded diaper in a Walmart bag and toss it out the window!
For those not hauling diapers, a reminder may still be in order to check uncovered boats and the open beds of work trucks, where people often toss drink cans and cups, intending to dispose of them later but not realizing how easily they can blow out. There were literally dozens of Fireball bot-
tles, beer cans and bottles, and those pesky Styrofoam drink cups, which take on a special kind of craziness when hit by the mowers.
Not only is litter unsightly; it is dangerous: Loose bags and papers caught by a sudden gust of wind can distract a driver or even land on a windshield. A mower can break a bottle hiding in the grass and throw the pieces who knows where. Plastic breaks into little shreds after exposure to the weather, some pieces so small it is difficult to reach between rocks to find them all. A growing body of research indicates numerous negative health effects from microplastics in soil and waterways.
If you are a business owner, Rob suggests you reach out to Jennifer at Branson City Hall for information about participating in Adopt A Street. “It’s a win-win for
both parties,” said Rob. The Branson Globe logo will soon be added to the signs of both ends of our route, and other team members will be joining the next clean-up, so say hello and wave if you see us!
Left to right: Editor Janet Steinkamp, Ken Steinkamp, Publisher Rob Doherty and Ryder, Account Representative Mark Feder, and Staff Writer Cindy Thomas (Photo by Diane Dick)
The Ambrosier Family is pictured.
CREATOR OF CHATEAU’S FONTANINI NATIVITY SCENES RETURNS TO BRANSON – The exquisite Nativity scene on display at Chateau on the Lake is so unique that only two were made. One of the scenes was featured in the movie “Home Alone” and the other can be seen each Christmas season at Chateau on the Lake. Created by the Fontanini Family from Italy, the Nativity scene was handcrafted and hand painted. The House of Fontanini has been making Italian nativities for more than 110 years. Only members of the immediate family are allowed to work on the Fontanini pieces, and only after years of intense training. The Nativity scene on display at Chateau on the Lake was purchased for $125,000. Emanuele Fontanini visited the Chateau and personally signed each piece, making the Nativity scene priceless. Emanuele Fontanini will again visit Branson this month. He will be at Kringles Christmas Shop on November 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exclusive Fontanini pieces will be available for sale and Emanuele Fontanini will be on hand to sign any pieces purchased at that time. Kringles is located in the Grand Village, 2800 West 76 Country Boulevard in Branson.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO CREATE CHATEAU’S CANDY VILLAGE – Branson’s Chateau on the Lake Resort, the most elegant of venues in the area, is always a showcase of holiday decor. A highlight at the Chateau each holiday season is their display of Candy Houses. The Candy Houses have become a tradition at Chateau on the Lake. This year’s Candy Village features houses, shops, a church and an elaborate replica of Chateau on the Lake. Designed by Chef Paul Trout, the Candy Houses are assembled and decorated by the talented and creative kitchen staff, who spend hours of hard work on the masterpieces. The store fronts take approximately 75 hours to complete, while the church and houses take approximately 50 hours of labor each. The Candy Village takes 300 pounds of powdered sugar, 120 pounds of egg whites and 600 pounds of candy, cookies, pretzels and crackers. The one-of-a-kind display can be seen at Chateau on the Lake throughout the holiday season.
Festival of Trees fundraiser benefits library
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
A holiday fundraiser is providing needed money for a local library.
The Forsyth Library is hosting Festival of Trees through December 6. The event is a longstanding tradition in Forsyth and a popular fundraiser for the library.
Festival of Trees offers a large selection of decorated Christmas trees in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles, as well as an array of wreaths, door swags, centerpieces and other holiday decor.
All items have been donated to the Forsyth Library and will be available in a silent auction. The trees and other items will be on display through December 6. To bid on your favorite tree or decor item, visit the Forsyth Library at 162 Main Street in Forsyth, Wednesday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. All funds raised will go to the library’s general operating fund.
Ambulance district progressing toward goals
Submitted to Branson Globe
Following the approval by voters last spring of a Stone County Ambulance District with sales tax funding, the District board has been making progress toward setup and service goals.
Meetings are held the first and third Thursdays of the month at 5 p.m. and are open to the public; location is at the Annex building on the square in Galena near the Stone County courthouse. Officers are as follows:
• President, Chris Dougherty from District 3;
• Vice President, Sam Woodall from District 1; Secretary/Treasurer, Linda Slaughter from District 6;
• Board member Scott Weekly, District 5;
• Board member Corey Eutsler, District 2; Board member Jerry Jenkins, District 4
Board members have had the opportunity to complete Fire and Ambulance District Training, along with Sunshine Law training. Stone County Ambulance District (SCAD) has se-
cured commitments from Cox and Mercy for continued service while funding and contracts are completed. Necessary paperwork has been completed with the Department of Revenue to begin collecting sales tax January 1, 2025; SCAD will begin receiving funding March, 2025. Mailing address is Stone County Ambulance District, P.O. Box 15, Galena, MO 65656. SCAD has also secured the services of an attorney and created a Facebook page for updates.
New thrift store opens in Forsyth
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
A new Forsyth thrift store benefits a well-known nonprofit.
Riley’s Boutique Thrift Store recently opened in Forsyth and features a selection of gently used and new boutique items. A partnership with Riley’s Treasures in Branson, Riley’s Boutique Thrift Store raises
needed funds for Christian Ministries, assisting those in with food insecurity in Taney and Stone County.
Riley’s Boutique Thrift Store celebrated their grand opening on November 13 in their new Forsyth location, at 15439 U.S. Highway 160. Shoppers were excited to see their beautiful new store and take advantage of special grand opening sales. Their well-stocked store features clothing for the entire family, shoes, household goods, decor and much more.
Riley’s Boutique Thrift Store is seeking volunteers to help at the new store. To find out more, call 417-9010231 or email thrift@christianactionministries.org
Holiday Food Harvest tradition continues
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it brings with it a special event—the Holiday Food Harvest.
A long-standing tradition in Branson, the food drive is a team effort between Ozarks Dynacom’s group of radio stations and the Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors, to help combat hunger in our community.
“The event began in the early 1990s, when Family
Services approached then Hometown Radio about helping with a food drive,” explained Scott McCauley, Ozarks Dynacom News Director. “The event was called Holiday Food Harvest, and was done the day before Thanksgiving, the largest grocery shopping day, annually.”
The Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors joined the efforts in 2006, and the two entities work hand-in-hand to collect food and funds for two area nonprofits—
Christian Action Ministries and Salvation Army Branson.
This year’s Food Harvest, set for Wednesday, November 27, will find volunteers stationed at several area grocery stores, collecting nonperishable food and monetary donations. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., donations will be collected at Country Mart, Rhodes Family Price Chopper and Sunfest Market in Branson; King Food Saver and Walmart Supercenter in Branson West; Country Mart in Forsyth; Country Mart and Harter House in Hollister; and Harter House in Kimberling City. Donations can also be made online, through any of the Ozarks Dynacom’s Radio station websites: legends1063.fm, komc. com, branson4u.com or newcountry1029.com.
“Lists will be available onsite with suggestions on what to donate,” McCauley explained. “Cash is always welcome as CAM and Salvation Army can use the money to buy food from Ozarks Food Harvest. One dollar can buy $10 worth of food.” Last year, a total of SEE FOOD HARVEST, PAGE 8A
STORY AND PHOTO BY K.D. MICHAELS
STORY AND PHOTO BY K.D. MICHAELS
House of Hope seeking volunteers, donations for Chimneys of Hope event
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Branson’s House of Hope is gearing up for their annual Chimneys of Hope event.
“This is our third year to offer a fun and stress-free
time for families to make memories,” said a House of Hope representative. “The event is free and provides a time for guardians to pick out gifts for their children.
The crew wraps the presents and makes sure each one is labeled. During that time, children get to drink hot cocoa, decorate stockings and celebrate Christmas cheer.
If you or someone you know needs some holiday cheer, contact House of Hope to sign up for the free event. Registration ends on December 2.
If your business or family wants to help House of Hope offer Christmas cheer to our neighbors by volunteering or donating, reach out to House of Hope to
Unite Table Rock Lake announces Stone County Christmas assistance
Submitted to Branson Globe
Unite Table Rock Lake invites qualifying Stone County families to experience the Christmas Toy Store, December 8 and 9 at New Testament Christian Church, 21016 Main St. in Reeds Spring. Business sponsors and lots of volunteers are also needed, to help make sure every family who needs assistance has a wonderful day of shopping and feeling the love of the community.
provide assistance to this unique event. House of Hope is located at 217 Veterans Boulevard in Branson. Their phone number is 417-544-0162.
– deadline is Nov. 26
This opportunity to bless others is a collaboration of many organizations, churches, businesses and individuals coming together with donations and volunteers, having grown to 50 donation locations in just five years. The Toy Store itself requires around 2,000 volunteer hours to help the families. Based on signups so far, Unite Table Rock Lake expects to serve over 300 families and 1,200 children, age birth to 18, through the Toy Store, Adopt a Family and Shop with a Hero program of the Stone County Christmas Assistance Program. Larger needs are expected this year since half of those already signed up are first-time users of the program, reflecting continued economic concerns for families nationwide.
children, it’s so much more than a toy store! Shoppers are met in the parking lot and welcomed with hot cocoa or coffee before checking in and being assigned their own personal shopper, complete with real shopping carts. They then shop for each child, including stocking stuffers. At the gift wrap station, shoppers can have presents wrapped or choose paper to do the wrapping at home.
The Christmas Toy Store is an opportunity for parents, guardians, or grandparents to experience shopping for their
That’s not all, though— each child gets new warm pajamas from the Pajama Room, new shoes provided by Stone County Shoe Ministry, Christmas stockings from Chances of Stone County, and a holiday food package
provided by Convoy of Hope and Christian Action Ministries. Additional local organizations contribute diapers, hygiene products and Bibles. The last stop is the Wonderful Warehouse for clothing items, including adult clothing and warm blankets, before the parking lot crew helps each shopper load their cartload of blessings into their vehicle. Families with children on free or reduced lunch and residing in Stone County are eligible for this program. The deadline to sign up is November 26, 2024. The Christmas Toy Store will be open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, December 8, and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on
Is a $73 million multi-purpose sports facility in Branson’s future?
BY GARY J. GROMAN, Independent Journalist
Kevin Schuh, Account Executive
for The Sports Facilities Companies, presented a Feasibility Study (Study) for a 170,320 square foot Multi-Purpose Sports Facility (Facility) at the Branson-Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB building on November 8, 2024. He clarified that this is merely the first step in a multi-year process for the potential construction of the Facility. The initial steps include finalizing the report, identifying potential partners, establishing potential funding mechanisms, future site analysis, concept design and development. The example serving as the basis for the data and figures in the Study was 170,320 square foot multi-purpose sports and events facility.
The estimated building footprint of 147,298 square feet, total building acreage of 3.36 acres, with an additional 8.67 acres for 682 parking spaces, setbacks, green spaces, trails, etc. The cost of the project is between $60-$73 million, not including land and work-
ing capital reserve. Regarding sports, the Study shows the Facility with eight Basketball Courts, 24 Pickleball Courts, 16 Volleyball Courts, a Sports Performance Turf and Training Area, four Flex/Team Rooms, two Ref Rooms, and a Training Room. It also includes a Family Entertainment Center, Banquet and Meeting Rooms, a Flex Space Lobby, a Ticket Office, Offices, a Mezzanine, and 5,000 feet of Leased Medical Space.
It says that in its first year of operation, the Facility will host 506 events, growing to 587 by year five. Specifically, by year five, the estimate is 22 Basketball Tournaments, 18 Volleyball Tournaments, 12 Seated Court Events, five Other Tournament events, and 530 meetings and NonSport events.
The Study estimates total revenue for the completed Facility from $3.3 million during year one to $5.3 million by year five. The revenues come from various sources, with the top five for year one being Food and Beverage, FEC
Adventure, Meetings and Non-Sport Events, Sponsored/Advertisement Revenue, and Tenant Revenue. In year five, those sources are Food and Beverage, FEC
Adventure, Meetings and Non-Sport Events, Rental Volleyball Tournaments, and Facility Fees. The average daily
Monday, December 9, with shopping by appointment.
Visit the Unite Table Rock Lake Facebook page for a video preview of the entire experience, created by Reeds Spring High School Works Intern Dom Hayward. You can also find links to volunteer or contribute financially, or go directly to the signup link at Unite Table Rock Lake: 2024 Stone County Christmas Assistance Store (signupgenius.com) to vol-
unteer. Financial donations can also be dropped off at State Farm/Maureen Darby in Branson West or Southern Bank in Kimberling City. This small but impactful nonprofit, with the help of so many wonderful volunteers, has blessed over 900 children in 2020, 2021 and 2022, and over 1,200 in 2023. For additional information about the group, or questions about the Christmas store, email unitetrl@gmail.com.
www.turtlecreekbranson.com
info@turtlecreekbranson.com
spend-
Artist’s rendering (Courtesy Branson Lakes Area Chamber & CVB)
SEE SPORTS FACILITY, PAGE 10A
Reader’s Corner: Memoir of a World War II POW
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff
Writer
During Veterans Homecoming Week, it was a privilege to meet Katherine Ritchie, who attended several events with copies of her book, a memoir of her POW father, Jozef Bednarz. Ritchie also shared her father’s story with a local Christian Women’s Connection club. My Name Is Jozef Bednarz starts with 17-yearold Jozef standing in his parents’ living room in Poland, hearing angry Nazi soldiers planning to take his father away to a forced labor camp in Germany during World War II, when
men 18 and older were forcibly conscripted to do menial tasks for the Nazis. Knowing his aging father will likely not survive imprisonment, he tells the men to take him instead, which they do, leaving his horrified mother to wonder what will be the fate of her oldest child.
From her father’s stories and memories, Ritchie has crafted the story of inhumane, degrading treatment he suffered at the hands of the Nazi Gestapo while seeing bombs explode near him and lives lost before his eyes. Before the ordeal ended, he was even sent as a human shield at the front lines for the Nazi soldiers who treated him so cruelly.
Prayers to God are what sustained young Jozef through the hardest days imaginable, until one day his dream of being free and moving to America could finally become reality.
Reading this book will inspire renewed appreciation for what innocent civilians suffered and what World War II soldiers did to protect freedom and defeat evil. Get your copy today by emailing Katharyn56@yahoo.com, or from the Apple or GooglePlay store or major online book retailers.
Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters holds second Ozarks Book and Collectibles Bazaar
BY LUANNA FULLERTON, Entertainment Writer
What a way to spend a cool, rainy, dreary day: browsing books and gifts, meeting new people and listening to some great music. The Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters held their second annual Ozarks Book and Collectibles Bazaar at the Healing River Worship Center Gymnasium on Nov. 9, and despite the dreary weather, over 100 people attended. Next year, you will want to plan to attend this wonderful
event. These people want to preserve the history and ways of the Ozarks, and we need to support them.
There were several vendors, and then we had wonderful music by Emalee Flatness-Combs and Esther Exley; what a great day! Lots of meeting, talking, reminiscing and laughter was had by all in attendance.
To support these wonderful people, I have some info about them below. These pages can be found on Facebook, The Society of Ozark-
ian Hillcrofters, “Mildred Quit Hollering and Other Ozark Folktales.”
All the authors, vendors and musicians have their own Facebook pages for you to personally message them.
Authors’ books can be found on Amazon; other online bookstores; Branson Centennial Museum, Branson, MO; Turners Mercantile, Turners, MO; Taney Co. Historical Society, Forsyth, MO; or from the authors themselves.
• Tom Koob: “On the
River” | “Buried By Table Rock Lake” | “Ozarks Hillbilly” | “Enon To Radium Spring” | “Virgin Bluff” | “Mash Hollow” | “The History of Fishing Table Rock Lake”
• Howard Cavner: “Ozark Saints” howardcavner@missouristate.edu | www.acclaimpress.com/books/ ozark-saints Nita Gould: “Remembering Ella” | “The 1913 Trial of Odus Davidson” rememberin-
gella.com | uapress. com/product/remembering-ella
• Curtis Copeland: “Mildred Quit Hollering! Ozarks Hillbilly on the River” | www. amazon.com/Mildred-Hollering-Other-Ozark-Folktales/ dp/1956027475
• Rick Gunter: “The Legend of Mad Howard” MoOzarkpub@ gmail.com | www. amazon.com/LegendMad-Howard-RickGunter/dp/B0C4N42LXF
Larry Sifford: “Cardinals in the Snow”
Tom Peters: Ozarks Jubilee Encyclopedia | ozarksstudies@missouristate.edu/book-series.htm (Tom stated that he accepts payments through cash, check or fruit pie - after all, the publisher is Pie Supper Press.)
• Mark Meadows: “Echoes from the Ozarks: Memories of the Missouri Hills” | “Ozarks Trails & Tales” - Also, available through Barry County
Museum
• Randy Pace: “A History of Branson Missouri in 365 Days: A History of Branson, Missouri for Each Day of the Year” | “Blood Feud on Bull Creek” | “Ozark Life” www. amazon.com/History-Branson-Missouri-365-Days/dp/ B0DG23T56H
• Kitty Ledbetter: Broadcasting Ozarks Country Crossroads kittyledbetter. com | www.amazon.com/Broadcasting-Ozarks-Country-Crossroads-Studies/dp/1682262510
• Kris Sutliff: “Queen Of The Hillbillies” Also, available through University of Arkansas Press, www.uapress. com/product/queen-ofthe-hillbillies
• Roger Fortner: Dealer in rare and collectible Ozarks books | OzarkPage.com
Patty Frisbee: Dealer in memorabilia and collectibles of the Ozarks
• Louis Allen: Woodworker
PICKUP-MOWER-TOOLS 1997 FORD RANGER XLT EXT CAB 4 CYL, AUTO, 2 WHEEL DRIVE, 193,777 MILES, ONE OWNER* TROY BILT BRONCO RIDING MOWER, KOHLER 19 HP MOWER, 42” CUT W/LEAF VACUUM* 2 WHEEL GARDEN CART* ECHO BACKPACK BLOWER* ECHO WEED EATER* HEDGE TRIMMER* LAWN SPRAYER* 10” SKIL SAW TABLE SAW* RYOBI BENCH DRILL PRESS, BELT/ DISC 5” SANDER, BAND SAW* 6” BENCH GRINDER* CRAFTSMAN SCROLL SAW* TOOL SHOP 8” MITER BOX* SAW BLADES* 3 VISES* 2 TON FLOOR JACK* 2 WHEEL DOLLY* 4” GRINDER* TIMING LITE* SOCKET SET* DRILL BITS* HATCHETS* FRAMING SQUARE* COME ALONG* JUMPER CABLES* ELECTRIC CORDS* CLAMPS* WOOD STEP STOOL* MISC SCREWS, BOLTS, NUTS, AUTO CHEMICALS* FURNITUREMUSICAL-MISC S ROLL TOP DESK* COFFEE & END TABLES* CHINA CABINET* 6 DRAWER
OAK FILE CABINET* OAK DROP LEAF TABLE & 2 CHAIRS* TIER TABLE* HOT POINT CHEST FREEZER* SEARS SEWING MACHINE* 2 DRAWER FILE CABINET* WOOD OFFICE CHAIR* METAL RACK* ANTQ TRUNK* RUG* INDIAN LAMP* HOOVER SWEEPER* NAVAHO DESIGN BLANKET* ICE CREAM FREEZER* PUNCH BOWL SET* A&W ROOT BEER MUGS* MISC GLASSWARE* 2 DOLL HOUSES* DOLL HOUSE FURNITURE* DOLL BUGGY* SMALL COLLECTION MUSIC TOYS, NATIVITY SCENE*DECORATIVE LAWN POND* COOLERS*VCR TAPES* RMS AMP* FENDER SUPER CHAMP AMP* GIBSON GUITAR EPIPHONE STUDIO
LT* 2 MICROPHONES* GUITAR & MUSIC STAND* HOT WHEELS-DIE CAST-TONKA-BUDDY
L-TOY CAR & TRACTORS
VERY LARGE COLLECTION OF TONKA METAL TOYS, FIRE TRUCKS, DUMP, PICKUP, CAR HAULERS, WRECKER, CRANE, GRADER, RESCUE VEHICLES, CEMENT
TRUCK, UTILITY TRUCK, CAMPER, JEEP, BULLDOZER, EXCAVATOR, VW BEETLE, HORSE TRAILER* METAL TRACTORS & FARM EQUIPMENT, MUSCLE CARS, 100’S OF MATCH BOX, LOOSE & ON CARDS, 1/18 & 1/25 SCALE CARS* REVELL, AMT, MONOGRAM MODEL CARS IN BOX, TYCO RACE & CHASE SLOT CAR SET IN BOX* LONE RANGER TIN TOY, CHECKER BOARD WAGON, RUBBER BAND RACERS, CONESTOGA WAGON, ALL IN BOXES* 100’S OF HOT WHEELS, 18 RED LINE HOT WHEELS* POST CEREAL CARS* LIONEL CHEMISTRY LAB* SEVERAL CAR POSTERS, PICTURES, RACING BANNERS* 1956 AMERICAN AIRLINE CALENDAR* JOHN WAYNE KNIFE & LIGHTER* WYATT EARP MARSHALL SET* 3 VINTAGE JACK IN THE BOX* LITTLE 4 WHEEL TOY WAGON* BOOKS, MAGAZINES* DANICA PATRICK CUT OUT*
OWNER: CLIFF & CAROLE WASCHER
AT LEFT: The Ozarks Book and Collectibles Bazaar was a great way to spend a dreary day (Photos by Luanna Fullerton); BELOW: Musicians Emalee Flatness-Combs and Esther Exley (Photo by Tammy Morton, Ozark Hillcrofters)
Monthly luncheon meeting: Forsyth Chamber hears first responder updates
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
At their November 12 luncheon meeting, members and guests of Forsyth Area Chamber of Commerce heard updates from chiefs of several first responder departments in Taney County. Chamber Ambassador Roxanne Amundsen first introduced Sheriff Brad Daniels, who gave an update on increasing the number of certified officers, including replacing a retiring deputy. Daniels has also been working on 2025 budget approvals in line with projected tax revenue.
Next to speak was Chief Darrell Koontz of the Taney County Ambulance District. He explained that TCAD is a state-defined district, responding to more than 10,000 calls annually.
Koontz stated that a large share of their funding goes toward employees, but they have also had to acquire sturdier equipment to ac-
commodate heavier patients and avoid staff injuries when transporting.
Chris Berndt serves as Chief of Western Taney County Fire District as well as the Taney County Office of Emergency Management. Berndt, who started his career in Germany and became a U.S. citizen in 2003, spoke about recent challenges of drought-related brush fires, followed by severe flooding. Department needs include more space for a maintenance facility, as well as planning for truck replacement with prices having doubled in recent years to more than $900,000.
Forsyth Fire Department Chief Bower was represented by Scott Bridges, who shared that the department is currently working on partnerships for junior training programs with 4-H, GoCaps, and Gibson Tech. He reminded those present that
the department provides fire extinguisher training as well as smoke detector installation and checkups.
Forsyth Police Chief Pat Gray shared that calls are up significantly, and he hopes to hire additional staff if funding allows. The current mental health crisis is affecting calls to police across the nation and locally, as are increasing domestic violence and ongoing drug problems. Responding to a question, Chief Gray spoke briefly to the issue of a use tax that would provide revenue from online purchases to help with additional funding; shopping local also helps.
Each department chief received an appreciation plaque in recognition of the many unseen things the departments do to keep citizens safe.
Also, during the meeting, several opportunities were presented for helping families in need of assistance for
Christmas.
Forsyth Welding is accepting donations at 8040 E. St. Hwy. 76 in Kirbyville, of new or gently used stuffed animals to be handed out to children during the Forsyth Christmas Parade on December 14.
Toy donations are being collected by the Lake Taneycomo Elks Lodge and Freedom of Road Riders for the 35th Annual Taney County Toy Distribution; items for ages 10-16 are particularly needed, along with warm hats and coats and nonperishable food. Contact 417-230-6200 for information.
• Forsyth Christian Action Ministries has received a challenge gift from R & H Affordable Plumbing to help families have food for the holidays. Cash or check can be dropped off at the Forsyth Chamber
or CAM; just $25 can provide a holiday meal for a family.
Shannon Dodson gave an update on the merger of First Community Bank and Table Rock Community Bank, luncheon sponsors for the day. Customers will continue to receive the same services, with the convenience of additional locations. Des-
sert sponsor was Riki Lynn & Co., Keller Williams Agency. Lunch and dessert sponsors are needed for upcoming meetings; contact the Chamber office for details. Attendees were also encouraged to mark their calendars for the Christmas Parade, December 14, and the “Aloha 2025” Chamber Gala, February 8.
Area chambers of commerce receive statewide recognition
Branson Chamber of
Commerce
The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB of Branson is proud to announce that it has been awarded two “Best in State” Awards of Excellence by the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Missouri (CCEM). Through training, education and a strong network of peers, CCEM provides Chamber executives and associations with the resources needed to operate successful chambers and promote the vitality of their communities.
The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB was honored for its TCED Tax Renewal marketing strategy, and 2023 By the Numbers video.
The awards were presented at the CCEM’s annual
conference, held from November 6-8, 2024, in Blue Springs, Missouri. The event gathers Chamber professionals from across the state to celebrate excellence in chamber management, community impact and business leadership.
Tammy Long, Executive Director of CCEM, stated, “These awards are given to the best in our industry to honor, reward and celebrate the achievements of outstanding chamber professionals in Missouri, and we received a record number of submissions this year. ”
Categories for the awards included electronic communications, advertising materials, special publications, member and community communications, and programs and campaigns, with chambers from all over Mis-
souri competing for the coveted titles.
“We are truly honored to receive this recognition from CCEM,” said Pamela Yancey, President/CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB. “Our team is dedicated to hard work, learning about our businesses, and how we can continue to help fuel our local economy by supporting our businesses and our residents.”
For more information about the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB, visit bransonchamber.com or contact 417-334-4084.
Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce
The Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that it has been awarded the “Best in State”
Award of Excellence by the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Missouri (CCEM). Through training, education and a strong network of peers, CCEM provides Chamber executives and associations with the resources needed to operate successful chambers and promote the vitality of their communities.
The Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce was honored for its Annual Grape & Fall Festival.
The award was presented at the CCEM’s annual conference, held from November 6-8, 2024, in Blue Springs, Missouri. The event gathers Chamber professionals from across the state to celebrate excellence in chamber management, community impact and business leadership.
“These awards are given to the best in our industry to honor, reward and celebrate the achievements of outstanding chamber professionals in Missouri, and we received a record number of submissions this year. ”
Categories for the awards included electronic communications, advertising materials, special publications, member and community communications, and programs and campaigns, with chambers from all over Missouri competing for the coveted titles.
our many great partners, sponsors and volunteers.”
For more information about the Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce, visit HollisterChamber.net or contact them at 417-3343050.
Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce
The Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that it has been awarded the “Best in State” Award of Excellence by the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Missouri (CCEM). Through training, education and a strong network of peers, CCEM provides Chamber executives and associations with the resources needed to operate successful chambers and promote the vitality of their communities.
Tammy Long, Executive Director of CCEM, stated,
“We are truly honored to receive this recognition from CCEM,” said John Hagey, Executive Director of the Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce. “This festival celebrates the rich history of Hollister and is a great economic opportunity for our community. We could not do this without
The Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce was honored with the Communication Excellence Award for the 2024 Vacation Guide. The award was presented at the CCEM’s annual conference, held from November 6-8, 2024, in Blue Springs, Missouri. The event gathers Chamber professionals from across the state to celebrate excellence in chamber management, community impact, and business leadership.
Tammy Long, Executive Director of CCEM, stated, “These awards are given to the best in our industry to honor, reward and celebrate the achievements of outstanding chamber professionals in Missouri, and we received a record number of submissions this year.”
Categories for the awards included electronic communications, advertising materials, special publications, member and community communications, and programs and campaigns, with chambers from all over Missouri competing for the coveted titles.
“We are truly honored to receive this recognition from CCEM,” said Sheila Thomas, President/CEO of the Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Department chiefs of first responder agencies serving Forsyth received appreciation plaques at the recent Forsyth Area Chamber of Commerce meeting. (Photo by Cynthia J. Thomas)
THREE GREAT ESTATES OF QUALITY MERCHANDISE, RARE COINS, JEWELRY, GUNS, TAXIDERMY, ANTIQUES, INDIAN ARTIFACTS, COWBOY, WESTERN, HOUSEHOLD & FURNITURE.
TAXIDERMY
Safari grade from S.C.I. Museum, full body bongo antelope (very rare), wart hog head with long tusks, cape buffalo on pedestal, large buffalo head, sable head on pedestal, 2 bear skin rug, American buffalo nead, arctic fox, steer horns up to 7-1/2 ft long, colorlul steer hides, large set stag horns lrom New Zealand.
COWBOY, INDIAN & WESTERN
Old west saddles, large storm pattern
Navajo rug, 7 ft hand carved cigar store indian, bronze collection from museum includes Frederic Remington, “The Mountain Man” other sculptures by CM Russel Including “When Best Rider Quits”, Steer Wrestling, Indian head on pedestal and others, lg mare w/colt, 5 running horses, ducks in flight, landing goose, Lonesome steer, and more. Leather gorilla, leather horse, bison skull, Indian pottery. Collection of flint points some in fancy displays. 2 bronze Indians by Carl Kauba called peace and war, nice collection western art by artists Bev Doolittle, Judy Larson, Frederic Remington, CM Russel, Gerald Harvey. Indian drums, beaded pipe bag, snowshoes.
ANTIQUE
COLLECTIBLES & DECOR
Collection of cast iron toys and bank (both old and more modern), collection of old stoneware jars and jugs some dating prior to Civil War, including churns, canning jars, jugs and crocks, collection of advertising signs up to 42” in dia w/ porcelain covering on both sides, advertising gas, oil, cars and more, lots of
smaller signs advertising food, drinks and more. Old farm primitives, carved wooden bowls and buckets, 2 fancy old leaded glass lamps, carton of glass oil bottles, several advertising posters and prints, kitchen clock plus more.
ANTIQUE & COLLECTIBLE FIREARMS
Rare Colt open top 44 revolver, Colt 1851 Navy w/full cylinder scene, Pr Colt 1862 Police positive engraved in box, Winchester 1866 brass frame eng w/silver finish, Winchester mdl 1873 44 eng sporting rifle, rare Jennings under hammer percussion w/German silver inlay, Colt revolving 20 ga percussion shotgun, German Schuetzen 4 mm Tavern target rifle, Winchester mdl 1886 38-56 rifle deluxe, Parker 12 ga SXS dbl w/engraving, 30-40 Craig military, Winchester 12 ga Defender house gun, Winchester 410 o/u diamond select engraved, Mossberg Bulldog pup 12 ga flare gun, Crescent 410 SXS double, Taurus SA Army 45 revolver in holster.
RARE COIN COLLECTION
Big collection of Morgan silver dollarsincluding late collection of UNC early “O” mint Morgans. Collection of UNC Morgan starting at 1878 -1904, lots of rare and hard to find dates and mint marks, seated Libertys, Carson City dollar collection including 1889 cc (the key), over 100 UNC Peace Dollars, complete set Peace Dollars, set American Silver Eagles, over 100 Walking Liberty half dollars, collection Buffalo nickels and Indian head cents, several books and collections of type coins. Gold: $1 gold, 2 1/2
dollar Indian and Libertys, $5 Indian and Libertys, $10 Libertys & Indians, US $20 St Gaudens. Silver: over 100 silver Buffalo rounds, over 200 1 oz silver Eagles, 1, 5 and 10 oz silver bars, plus much more. All COINS AND BULLION GUARANTEED AUTHENTIC.
JEWELRY
Gent’s 18k Patek Philippe wristwatch like new in box w/papers, lady’s Rolex stainless date just w/diamond dial & bezel, Gent’s Breitling Super Avenger chrono dial wrist watch, gent’s 14k nugget ring w/1.30 ct round diamond solitaire, lady’s 14k ring w/.10 ct pear shaped diamond solitaire w/ other diamonds, 14k bezel and pendant w/2 cts diamonds and 1 oz St Gaudens gold coin, lady’s 14k ring w/4.10 ct ruby & 1 ct diamonds, 14k ring w/rare yellow sapphire, strands of pearls, pair 14k ear studs w/2 ct diamond solitaires each side, 14k ring w/2.33 ct emerald solitiare and 2.63 cts diamonds, 14k cocktail ring w/2-1 /2 cts diamonds, diamond cluster rings w/1-4 cts diamonds, gent’s Rolex style ring w/1 ct diamonds, lots of rings, bracelets, and earrings w/ diamonds and precious stones like rubies, sapphires, emeralds, topaz and others. ALL DIAMONDS AND GEM STONES GUARANTEED AUTHENTIC.
PRE-THANKSGIVING SPECIAL PARTY!
Free Thanksgiving turkey buffet with all the trimmings, dessert, soft drinks, etc. DRAWINGS FOR FREE MERCHANDISE AND A 1 ct DIAMOND RING AT END OF SALE SATURDAY!
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
One of Branson’s most unique shopping experiences returns this weekend.
Branson Market Days is
a trendy craft show, held in downtown Branson. Browse more than 250 booths filled with handmade items, crafts, vin-
tage finds, boutique items, treats, beverages and much more. It’s the perfect place to shop for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.
Branson Market Days is held at the Branson Convention Center. This twoday event is set for Friday and Saturday, November
and
All ages welcome: Sensory friendly Santa event at LinkAbility
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
An area nonprofit is hosting a special, inclusive holiday event. LinkAbility will host a
JATC’s
“Sensory Friendly” photo with Santa, open to anyone, especially those who may often be excluded from such events. Santa, Mrs. Claus—and
possibly The Grinch—will be on hand on December 6 for a fun-filled event, complete with photo opportunities. All have been
educated and exhibit a disability-friendly approach. Those in attendance can also enjoy an assortment of holiday cookies, including gluten-free options.
Santa and his crew can be found at the LinkAbility office on Friday, December 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. All ages are welcome.
Please register online at https://shorturl.at/NIvlg . The LinkAbility office is located at 162 Industrial Park Drive, Suite D, in Hollister.
Santa’s Gift House: Fun shopping opportunities for children
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
The Junior Auxiliary of Taney County will once again hold a special holiday event for children.
Santa’s Gift House allows children the opportu-
nity to shop for Christmas gifts for family and friends at very child-friendly prices. Children from pre-kindergarten age through fourth grade are able to
shop for the perfect gift for their loved one at this annual event. Set for December 14, Santa’s Gift House is a fun-filled tradition for area children, who are assisted by the Junior Auxil-
iary elves in selecting gifts to purchase.
Parents or guardians are ushered into a separate area of the venue to relax and wait for their children to complete their shopping.
Each child may select up to four gifts, at a nominal fee of just 50 cents per gift.
Santa’s Gift House will be held at the Community Room at Branson TriLakes News, 200 Industrial Park Drive in Hollister, on Saturday, December 14, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information, call Kelly at 417-9863381.
Friends of the Library Bookstore to hold special promotion for kids
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
The Friends of the Library Bookstore is planning a fun-filled December for area children.
Jolly the Gingerbread Man will be hiding in the bookstore each day during the month of December.
The first child to find Jolly each day will receive a gift and that child’s adults will
receive 50% off their entire bookstore purchases on that day.
Other children who find the eight-inch-tall Jolly after his initial spotting will also receive a gift.
“Jolly will not be behind any books that the children have to pull out to find him, “ explained Beth Schulz, manager of the Friends of
the Library Bookstore. “He will be seen—or part of him will be seen.”
Jolly the Ginger Man will go into hiding on December 1, and will continue to play hide-and-seek with the children through the end of the month.
The Friends of the Library Bookstore is a nonprofit shop, filled with very affordable secondhand books
for all ages and all interests.
The store also features a large selection of DVDs, games and puzzles. The bookstore is operated by Schulz and her staff of dedicated volunteers. Proceeds from the bookstore help with many of the Library programs and projects.
The Friends of the Library Bookstore can be found on the lower level of the Li-
brary Center of the Ozarks, 200 South 4th Street in Downtown Branson.
The bookstore is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Said Schulz, who is always eager to see more children in the bookstore, “I’m looking forward to this, and hoping it will be a big success.”
Two ways to spread holiday warmth to animals at Taney County Animal Control
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Two different holiday promotions are designed to provide needed items for the animals residing at Taney County Animal Control. The first initiative is very unique.
“The Friends of the Taney County Animal Control are hosting a Giving Tree
• FOOD HARVEST
Continued from page 2A
$20,634 and around three tons of food was collected during the one-day food drive, and the organizers are hoping this year is even better.
Drive to collect much needed supplies to help provide comfort and enrichment for the animals,” explained Tracy Cartwright, volunteer coordinator. Area businesses and organizations are encouraged to place a small Giving Tree in their establishment that outlines Animal Con-
The Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors helped bring in even more money after the food drive last year.
Explained McCauley, “Starting in 2020, the TriLakes Board of Realtors started a challenge among
trol’s Christmas Wish List for the pets in their care. Ornaments on the Giving Tree list items that can be purchased and donated to the Taney County Animal Control, such as elevated beds, leashes, collars, treats and toys.
Giving Trees can be displayed and items collected
their members on donations each office makes on their own to the food drive. Through last year’s event, the challenge has resulted in $50,733 donated above the food and individual donations that day.”
until Christmas.
The Taney County Animal Control is also launching Project Linus, in an effort to upgrade the bedding for the animals for the upcoming winter months.
“We are seeking volunteers from our community to donate or make thicker fleece blankets,” explained
McCauley, the crew at Ozarks Dynacom and the Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors hope that you will take the opportunity to help your neighbors in need next Wednesday by giving to the Holiday Food Har-
Cartwright. “This would be a great project for families, groups, schools and anyone interested in helping the dogs have a warmer season.”
While all donations of bedding are appreciated, the shelter specifically needs thicker fleece blankets as they provide more warmth and comfort
vest.
Said McCauley, “It is an annual tradition that gives residents a chance to donate to help the area food pantries keep the shelves stocked, as we get into the off-season and into the
during the winter. If you or someone you know would like to help make the holidays brighter for the animals at Taney County Animal Control, either by displaying a Giving Tree or providing warm bedding, please contact Tracy Cartwright at 402-215-3575.
holidays, with many families being off from their seasonal jobs.”
Jolly the Ginger Man (Photo submitted)
Cox Medical Center Branson earns ‘A’ grade for hospital safety
Submitted to Branson Globe
Cox Medical Center
Branson earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety.
Leapfrog assigns traditional letter grades to hospitals nationwide based on more than 30 performance measures that reflect hospital safety. Earlier this year, Cox Branson also received
a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the highest quality rating from the federal agency.
Cox Branson is the only hospital in the state of Missouri to earn both honors.
“From receiving a fivestar quality rating from CMS to this top safety rating from The Leapfrog Group, patients across our region can be assured that they are receiving top-qual-
ity care from Cox Medical Center Branson,” says William Mahoney, senior vice president of Community Hospital Group and president of Cox Medical Center Branson. “These ratings are a testament to the heart, soul and dedication of our Branson team, and I am incredibly proud of them for this accomplishment.”
The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade stands as the only hospital ratings program
focused solely on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries. This program is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the spring and fall.
“Cox Medical Center Branson’s rating from The Leapfrog Group showcases our system’s hard work and improvement on our health care safety journey,” says Dr. Shawn Usery, senior vice president and chief
medical officer for CoxHealth. “These ratings are deeper than stars and letter grades. They highlight the
Taney County Health Department trains more than 1,000 to help prevent suicide
Submitted to Branson Globe
The Taney County Health Department (TCHD) is excited to announce that over 1,000 people in Taney County have completed the Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) gatekeeper training to help prevent suicide.
QPR is a special training that teaches people how to spot warning signs, offer hope and help connect someone with professional help if they are thinking about suicide.
training to people all over Taney County. Each onehour session teaches people how to:
1. Question someone who may need help,
With help from local schools, community groups and businesses, TCHD has been able to offer QPR
to a crawl. At times it felt like the Penske truck might not
2. Persuade them to get help, and
3. Refer them to the right mental health resources.
negotiate the curves if not for the prayers of Alyssa’s dad and stepmom, Mike and Rhonda Mahoney, who were following in another vehicle. When they finally arrived at Anchor Ridge, they were greeted by other volunteers who helped sort and arrange for distribution of the supplies and equipment. They
This milestone shows how people in Taney County are coming together to make Taney County safer and more supportive for everyone.
“This was an eye-opening training,” states Ian Hildebrand, a College of the Ozarks student, and recently trained QPR gate-
were also able to find motel lodging within a reasonable driving distance. In a remarkable timing coincidence, they arranged to work through a Baptist church in a smaller community that had been serving as a supply hub, and their visit was a double blessing because the church had lost the use of the truck they previously used for hauling.
Right now, the focus is on preparing people for temporary placement during
keeper. “I learned steps to take to properly communicate with people who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts.”
QPR training is free, through funding from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Maternal Child Health Services contract which helps to provide all the supplies. The training can be tailored to youth, adults, first responders and veterans.
cold weather, said Alyssa, with the supplies and shelter needed for keeping warm.
Another huge need will be helping people pay bills until their jobs—and commuter routes to get there—are restored. Once spring arrives, however, the emphasis will shift to dirt moving and brush and tree removal, and then to actual rebuilding and construction.
The Ambrosiers summarize their trip by saying it was a challenge, but also an
Please contact the Taney County Health Department at 417-334-4544, ext. 594 for more information or to schedule a training.
amazing opportunity to be a blessing and to see other volunteers in action. They are already considering the possibility of a return trip to put their construction skills to use in the spring or summer, possibly taking their children this time to let them experience the blessing of serving others when God leads us to do so. They also encourage others to consider how they might volunteer, emphasizing the importance of connecting with a trusted nonprofit or ministry to make efficient use of volunteer time and skills.
“Ask them how you can be helpful,” said Alyssa, “and how you should plan and what tools you might need to bring.” Several church denominations have a benevolence or disaster response department that can help with connections in various affected areas.
If you’re not able to volunteer in person, watch for updates from Spencer and Alyssa as well as other Branson area residents that have been helping. There will be ways to donate financially, and of course prayers are always appreciated by all the teams and individuals working to help. (Photos with this story are courtesy of the Ambrosier family. See more photos with this story at bransonglobe.com)
• SPORTS FACILITY
Continued from page 3A
ing per non-local visitor ranges from $159 in year one to $168 in year five. The sources of this spending are lodging, dining, transportation, entertainment, retail and miscellaneous expenditures. Using those figures, it estimates a total economic impact of $18,553, 208 in year one to $36,128,073 in year five.
Grant Sloan, Vice President for the Branson-Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB, said, “The renderings of this indoor sports facility offer a glimpse into what we can achieve together as a community. Other cities have successfully built these kinds of facilities, and there’s no reason we can’t as well. This has the potential to be a game changer for our economy, especially by helping to attract visitors during traditionally slower parts of the year.”
Berryhill, Carey David 84 Galena Stumpff Funeral Home, Crane Davis, Paula (Smith) 72 Vendor, AR Cremations of the Ozarks Davison, Charles T. “Tom” 100 Branson Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory Drinkard, Robert A. “Tony” 69 Harrison, AR Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory Dunn, Verlin 89 Kirbyville Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory Fox, Mary Pearl 78 Hollister Cremations of the Ozarks
of
87
86
73
Spittler, Richard Allen 80 Blue Eye Cremations of the
Teller, Edie 88 Forsyth Snapp-Bearden Forsyth Chapel Washington, Dianne 74 Hollister Cremations of the Ozarks
Willis, Charles Robert 94 Hollister Cremations of the Ozarks
Out of the mouth of Little Doug
COMPILED BY TIFFANY
GRAVETT
(a special edition of Out of the Mouths of Babes)
Today’s kid quotes are from a book published by Cami Behl as a way of documenting her son’s “resilient, fun-loving, exuberant” perspective on life as a child who has bravely conquered a life-threatening heart condition. On November 16, Cami announced, “Today is 799 extra days with Little Doug!” His endurance is aptly depicted by a quote that Little Doug chose to hang on his bedroom wall which states: “Tough times don’t last. Tough people do.” “The Wisdom of Little Doug” can be purchased on Amazon, and all proceeds go into Little Doug’s savings fund! His humor and quick wit will literally leave you laughing out loud. ***
The very first April Fool’s Day that Little Doug was on this earth, he played a joke on me. It was early morning, and I was feeding him a bottle while Daddy was taking a shower. While taking a break for burping he was cooing and I was speaking sweetly to him. I said, “Are you trying to talk to Mama? Say Mama. Say Mmmaa Mmmaaa.” He smiled and looked
me straight in the eye and said “Da-da”...His very first word. Then he continued to say it over and over, long enough for me to catch much of it on video to show Daddy later. Little stinker was just rubbing it in! –9 months old ***
I caught Little Doug pulling the big water pitcher out from under the sink. Me: “What are you doing?” Little Doug: “I’m gonna water the big plant!” Me: “I feel like this is a bad idea that is not gonna end well.” Little Doug: “Yep! It is! But we ARE gonna do it! Just relax, Mom.” –age 3 ***
Little Doug comes into my room in the middle of the night crying that his toe hurts. I groggily asked him what he would like me to do about it, and he said he wanted me to check and see if it was a “pick nail” (what he calls a hangnail). I took him back to his bed, took his socks off and examined his toe. Me: “I can’t see anything wrong with it, buddy.”
Little Doug: “Can you pray about it?” Me: “Sure. Dear God, would you please make Little Doug’s toe feel better.” Little Doug: “No, Mom! I want you to ask Him WHAT is hurting my
toe!” Me: (In a sleepy voice)
“Fine. Dear God, please show us WHAT is causing Little Doug’s toe to hurt. Amen.” I started to get up to head back to my bed, but Little Doug grabbed my face and said, “Mom, what did He tell you it was?” –age 4 ***
Without a doubt our biggest challenge every Sunday in church is for Little Doug to be quiet for an entire hour. I always tell him not to talk in church, but that never
seems to happen. This morning in church he leaned over to “whisper” (his whisper is louder than his normal voice) something to me and I stopped him by putting my finger to his lips and reminding him we don’t talk in church. Little Doug: “But, Mom! It’s REALLY important!” Me: “What is it then?” Little Doug: “Did you know that if you save up all the spit in your mouth for a LONG time, you can blow a REALLY BIG bubble?! Watch!” –age 5
Kuipers, Marvin Verne
Hollister Cremations
the Ozarks Phillips, Marilyn
Springfield Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory Pocius, Connie B. (Sorensen)
Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City
Ozarks
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS Staff Writer
Many parents at some point sort through keepsakes from their chil-
Reflections: Come as a child
dren’s younger years. After helping with my parents’ things, I’m tackling our own accumulation. But in addition to actual “stuff,” I have many prayer journals, including notes that trigger poignant memories of my kids’ childlike faith.
When our older kids were around eight and four years old, our family had been through a tough time financially; things were improving, but still tight. Driving to Ashley’s school one day, our
car suddenly hesitated and then died completely. I was able to pull over and finally got it restarted, but it sounded like a bad case of pneumonia, with barely enough power for the slightest incline. As I muttered, “Oh no, this sounds expensive,” my daughter said, “Mom, why don’t we pray?”
Although tempted to just explain that cars sometimes require repair, I prayed that God would help us identify the problem and it wouldn’t
be too expensive. As we walked into the church, Ashley added, “Or, God, maybe you could just heal the car.” Leaving the school, the car started fine and ran with plenty of power A trip to the mechanic revealed a filter needing replacement and a slight carburetor adjustment, but nothing likely to have caused such sudden issues, and that car ran for thousands more miles. Did God heal something major? I’ll never know, but my
daughter learned that God cares about our needs.
That lesson stuck with her. A year later, I was pregnant with our youngest child and feeling pretty rough one day when we noticed a bad smell. Staggering into the bathroom, I found unmistakable signs of a backed-up toilet drain and headed back to the couch to call my dad since my husband was at work. Then, I heard the kids praying: “Okay, God, you know my mother doesn’t
feel like dealing with this!
In the name of Jesus, this mess needs to go DOWN!” Guess what? It did, with a “whoosh,” and when my husband checked later, it was fine.
Brian had his own prayer experience when we saw a poster announcing that during an upcoming airshow in Harrison, eight lucky people could win a ride on a restored vintage DC3. Brian desperate-
SEE REFLECTIONS, PAGE 5B
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.
The ideals of freedom, economic opportunity and a better lifestyle than in their native country bring millions to our borders. Some, who the Ole Seagull refers to as “legal immigrants,” pass through those borders in compliance with our laws. Others, whom the Ole Seagull refers to as “illegal aliens,” do not. Many view the ability to control the borders and decide who can enter and stay, including the Ole Seagull and, evidently, most voters in the 2024 Presidential Election, as a critical aspect of national sovereignty and security.
BY JOSHUA HESTON StateoftheOzarks Media & Design
T
he lily pond was quiet, save for dark bubbling waters. The piped sounds of classical music had faded, the people mostly gone home. A tree frog peeped from beneath jungly hosta leaves. This strange Eden carved from cornfields and beneath the prairie sky fell into shadow, casualty of another latter summer’s dying day. Over the horizon, great cities; you could almost make out the glow of the lights. Above, cirrus clouds and jet contrails. Feathered memories, a gray sky purple, twilight, a modern moment, now something like a quarter of a century ago.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16
Iused to get upset and fearful whenever a bad
In an Ole Seagull’s opinion, the best way to control illegal aliens and their potential impact is by preventing their entry into the United States. “But Seagull, won’t President Trump’s mass deportation policy take care of the problem?” “Perhaps, but stopping them from entering the country initially is more effective than deporting them later and here’s why.”
Two principles, Republican Government and the rule of law, form the foundation for the government of the United States. A cornerstone of that foundation is the Guarantee Clause, Article IV, Section 4 of the Constitution, which states, “The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government...” and the rule of law inherent to that form of government.
How does this impact immigration and the treatment
of illegal aliens within U.S. borders? As a matter of fact and law, illegal aliens are “persons” or “people.” The Constitution, through the Bill of Rights and its application to the individual states starting with the 1925 U.S. Supreme Court case of Gitlow v. New York, grants rights that apply to all people, including illegal aliens. Here’s a summary of those rights and what they mean:
• First Amendment: The rights to freedom of speech, religion, assembly and petition the government for redress of grievances apply to every person, not just American citizens. This means that illegal aliens can attend religious services, take part in protests, etc.
• Fourth Amendment: This protects against unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. It applies
Been Thinkin’
The sun passes on, inexorably, into another place, another time.
The back patio overlooked the park, both careful cement and proper green a testament to aging suburbia. Maples and fir frame the sky as time passes, shadow of a day, shadow of a decade. The warm smell of garlic frying, wafting smell through open kitchen window. Moments of another time, a time when the expectations were different. There were promises back then, promises of rules and plans, of unspoken social contracts, of a heady future, weighted with promise, weighted like spring grass is weighted with dew and green. We could be good children back then, good children who knew the rules, of how the game was played. Good job, good kids, nice house, a 401K. The cracks were so small, the cracks in the promise could be ignored. The smart people were making the
thought or temptation would enter my mind, especially if it happened when I was smack-dab in the middle of doing ministry of some kind. Something I have realized as I’ve matured in my walk with the Lord is that I will never be exempt from temptation no matter how close I am to God. In fact, old Slew-foot will never stop trying to either trip me up in ways that he’s seen me fall in the past, or he will craftily devise new ways to tangle me up in his snare.
Dr. David Jeremiah wrote, “As a matter of fact, the wiser and more mature in Christ we become, the more treacherous and subtle are the choices. They don’t become easier, but more difficult, for the devil is no fool. The advanced level earns
to all people within the country, including illegal aliens. This means that immigration enforcement (such as ICE agents) must have a warrant or probable cause to conduct a raid or search homes.
Fifth Amendment: The Fifth Amendment guarantees the right to due process of law. The government cannot deprive any person of “life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.”
This protection applies to all individuals within the U.S., regardless of their legal status. It ensures that illegal aliens have the right to a fair process in deportation proceedings and other legal matters.
• The Sixth Amendment: The Sixth Amendment guarantees a fair and speedy trial for illegal aliens accused of a crime. It ensures that
the trial is public and conducted by an impartial jury.
• Fourteenth Amendment: This amendment reinforces the due process clause and includes the Equal Protection Clause, which requires each state to provide equal protection under the law to all people within its jurisdiction. This means states cannot discriminate against illegal aliens by applying laws and regulations.
An Ole Seagull’s not the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree, but to him, keeping people outside our borders, by whatever means necessary, until they can enter legally is a “No brainer.” “Seagull, any ideas on how we can make that happen?” “Absolutely and, for what it matters and all the good it will do, will share it in the first column after Thanksgiving.”
About...Broken sky promises
rules. What could possibly go wrong?
The prairie was tamed once. Tamed and rebuilt, proof of man’s grand design, man now tamed and domesticated too. There was condescension in gray eyes, knowing condescension, and a glass of good red wine raised to a future that promised only half-truths. The wine was good but even a half-truth is only a lie — those who didn’t play by the rules would be the outcasts, that was true. But many of those who did play by the rules? There would not be enough cookies and carrots to go around, not for all the good kids. Only so many goodies in a new world order with not enough to share. We were just too young and heady and full of hope to know.
The prairie was tamed once, long ago, and then untamed. A movement was born to make plantings appear wild, indigenous plants chosen, a simulacrum of
you advanced opposition. The important thing to remember is that you’re walking with the Lord on that journey. He will hold your hand and He will never fail to point out the direction that’s right and true.”
We will never be exempt from temptation until we are in heaven, but God has given every tool necessary to combat it. One thing I’ve noticed in the past is that when a tempting thought came into my mind, letting myself feel condemned only led me to think about it more. However, temptation in itself is not sin and spontaneous bad thoughts don’t make us less holy. Harboring bad thoughts, stewing on them, and acting on them is what leads to sin. Be encouraged by the words of
wild, a facade, forced virtue, unwilling prairie coneflowers replacing water-hungry impatiens. Virtue takes many forms, false virtue many more. Fortunes won and lost, millions of a generation sold down the economic stream. Ideology preserved — nothing was more important, of course — even as the can got kicked further on down the road. Sun rose and sun set. The future seemed bright, bright before 9/11, bright before the banking failures, bright when all we knew was the false gravitas of talking TV heads, piano jazz on NPR of a Sunday night, and Jerry Springer. The internet was new and unthreatening. This wild west had not yet been born. Just a simple dial up modem that screamed the blood of unseen robots, and a little company named Amazon which sold books and DVDs.
Even in chaos the world was ordered then, ordered by someone else. Information was compartmental-
Paul who said, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide you with a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Cor. 10:12-14).
As a way of dealing with temptation, I often imagine the difference between a fresh, clean, flowing stream and a smelly, stagnant pond. As soon as a bad thought comes, let it wash right on downstream and don’t take it too seriously. Don’t let your mind be like a pond where evil thoughts linger and stagnate making you feel fearful, condemned, or eventually acting upon them. If you are a Christian, Satan’s goal is to first condemn you so
ized, and we — the obedient masses — stayed compartmentalized too, just like we were supposed to. Another red wine toast, another contrail-laden sky, another economic recession. More tamed prairie, but now the prairie of the mind. Wild thoughts kept like coneflowers, carefully tended next to the artemisia. Right where we’re supposed to be. That was the promise of a future past, a future now dead and buried. Rich globalism died last week, for worse, for better, voted into an early grave for a wild west the likes of which the most redolent of political and scientific minds did not foresee. But America had always thrived on the frontier, an escape from the stagnancy of past monolith. In the end, beyond the prairie, beyond the good red wine, the condescension and the disgust, there is hope and a rising sun tomorrow. Broken sky promises have their cost. And their reward.
that you are focused on the sinful temptation, and even though you feel bad about it, you’re still letting it have a place there. Resist the devil by speaking God’s word and then keep on doing what God has called you to do! Speak it out loud so he hears it and you do too! “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit, for the law of the Spirit of life has set me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2).
My fellow believers, let us walk in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free! Time is short and the days are evil, but we are more than conquerors through Jesus who loves us and gave his life for us!
BY TIFFANY GRAVETT Staff Writer
BY EVANGELIST TIM KIDWELL, Branson Church of Christ
For a period of a few weeks one of our daughters and our 22-month-old granddaughter came to stay with us while my son-inlaw created dust remodeling their new home. During this time my precious granddaughter went from communicating in one-word sentences to actually having
BY HEATHER HAYGOOD Columnist
Every year, as I enter the Thanksgiving season, I contemplate gratitude. I make a point to foster an attitude of gratitude in our home and create a home environment conducive to slowing down and counting our blessings. I don’t need science to tell me this, but I recently read an article
BY DR. JOHN DELONY,
mental health expert, and relationships and emotional wellness teacher with Ramsey Solutions.
Whether you’re a diehard Christmas fan or you just want to make it through another painstaking family dinner, the holiday season can have some stressful moments. Between trying not to bust the budget on Christmas shopping, listening to Uncle Bobby’s conspiracy theories again, and navigating everyone else’s holiday expectations, the holidays can spin up our anxiety alarms. This time of year can be frantic—and downright frustrating. So how do we reduce holiday stress or prevent it before it happens? What Is Holiday Stress?
The extra expenses. Angry in-laws. Long hours at the office. Exhausted and sugared-up kids. Cold weather and seasonal darkness. Final exams, sporting events and recitals. Absent romantic partners. Profound loneliness . . . Individually, we can handle each of these stressors as they come. But during the holidays, everything hits at once. Throw in an election season and Aunt Suzie’s surprise visit, and our fight-or-flight stress response systems are ringing off the hook. In most cases, stress is normal and good. It’s when it becomes overwhelming, heavy and all-at-once that we lose perspective. When we experience stress, our muscles tighten, our heart rates spike, and our bodies flood with hormones, like cortisol and adrenaline. We scan our surroundings for danger over a platter of steaming turkey and stuffing. We’re trying to not die—with Bing Crosby crooning in the background.
Are you creating precious memories?
conversations. Who knew that sitting on our covered deck and watching it rain, or, watching the birds eat from the feeder could be so entertaining. Birdwatching became our special activity. It was especially rewarding when my granddaughter was getting tired. She would get her blanket and say, “Poppa, watch burds?” She would then say, “Sit bottom right here,” as she would pat her little hand on the patio chair. Then she would say, “Hold you,” and I would pick her up and we would watch the birds together. The time came when we had to take our girls to the airport so they could return
home to Florida. My wife said her “goodbyes” at the curb while I helped get the luggage into the airport. As my daughter headed into the security area, my granddaughter stopped, turned around and said, “Come on, Poppa.” My daughter took her hand and said, “Poppa isn’t going. He has to stay here.” My granddaughter’s mouth fell open as she looked back at me with a look of confusion that broke my heart. My eyes welled up with tears and a large lump formed in my throat. As her mother carried her away, she looked back and put her little hand to her mouth and pulled it away
quickly. This was her way of blowing a kiss. How could such a sweet gesture break a grown man’s heart? I called back with a crack in my voice, “I love you,” and went out to the car where my wife was waiting. Through my tears I told her what had just happened. She also began to cry. We wanted them to stay. We also wanted them to be together with our sonin-law. We just didn’t want our time together to end. Being part of a family who love each other is such a blessing. Should the spiritual family of the New Testament church not also be emotionally attached to one
The science of gratitude
titled, “Complaining is bad for your health.” I know why this is, but do you?
Besides the obvious fact that no one wants to be around someone who complains all the time, complaining rewires the brain to make future complaining more likely. That is how the brain works. Your neurons grow closer together and the connections between them become more permanent. “Neurons that fire together wire together.” I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to train my brain to work against me. Isn’t that what complaining does to you? Constant complaining pits you against
the world. You are actively training your brain and your eyes to look for all the ways you were wronged or how something didn’t work out for you.
Complaining is also quite literally bad for your health. Research from Stanford University has shown that complaining shrinks the hippocampus… shrinks it. What is the hippocampus? It’s not that big of a deal; it’s only the part of your brain critical for problem-solving and intelligent thought! When you complain, your body also releases cortisol, which shifts you into fight or flight mode. Cortisol is known as
the stress hormone. When your body consistently has elevated cortisol, your immune system is weakened, you begin to store belly fat, your body becomes chronically stressed, and you can experience other systems like fatigue, headaches, intestinal problems and high blood pressure.
Proverbs 23:7 says, “As a man thinketh, so is he.” If I can train my brain to do anything, I want to train it to do things that are beneficial to me. David Cuschieri said, “The mind is a powerful force. It can enslave us or empower us. It can plunge us into the depths of misery or take us to the
Ways to reduce holiday stress
Holiday stress is the worst. But there are things we can do about it. This season, give yourself and others some grace—a lot of it. Make no mistake:
Stressful things will happen. But the exciting thing is we get to choose how to respond to them.
Refusing to let stress and anxiety run your life is a minute-by-minute choice. It’s a daily decision. This holiday season, let’s put in the effort to get our minds and hearts in a good place before buying presents or heading to the in-laws’ house for Christmas dinner.
I want to share 13 ways to reduce holiday stress before it comes—so you can spend your time on what really matters to you.
1. Clearly picture the Christmas you want to have.
Set expectations for yourself and others by painting a picture of what you want your Christmas to look like. Be crystal clear. Here are some things to think about before the holidays start:
• Who’s sitting around the table at mealtime?
What are we eating?
• What are we talking about—or not talking about?
How am I connecting with my friends and family?
Which Christmas movies are we watching? What presents are we giving—or not giving—each other?
Share your picture with your loved ones so they can understand what you’re imagining. Ask them to paint a picture of what they want too so you can be on the same page.
2. Set boundaries.
Over the holidays, it might seem like your mom, father-in-law or second cousin call the shots.
Wrong. You choose. You get to decide where you go, how long you stay there, who you invite into your home, and how much money you’ll spend.
It’s important to set those boundaries before you kick off the Christmas festivities.
Before you commit to anything, decide what your limits are for:
Traveling: Will you drive or fly? How long will you visit?
Hosting guests: Will they stay for three days? What about two weeks? Can the dog come too?
• Spending: How much money are you budgeting for presents this year?
How many gifts should each kid get?
Food: What will you eat? How many cookies are too many?
Conflict: How will you handle a disagreement if one breaks out?
By the way . . . don’t drive or fly thousands of miles to a place that’s inhospitable or threatening. You can say no. But once you decide and commit to seeing family, do it with a good attitude. Find joy in the hard moments. If you choose to go, you’re also choosing to be a good sport instead of a grinch. This is what it means to be mature.
3. Avoid family conflict. Even the best families can drive you nuts. So, this year, before you even pack your bags, think about conflicts that might pop up with family. If your dad has a pattern of talking bad about a particular group of people, don’t be surprised when he starts one of his rants. You can’t change him—but you can decide how you respond.
You can ask someone to stop. It’s possible to be direct and still be kind.
You can get up and leave. Sometimes walking away to take a breath is the best thing you can do. Create a plan of action. Decide ahead of time how you’ll respond if tensions start to build. Communicate your plan ahead of time. Make it clear you don’t want to talk about politics or your little brother’s addiction.
If someone pushes back on your boundaries, you can leave! Pay attention to when you feel uncomfortable, awkward, unsafe, embarrassed or trapped. If
another? I am reminded of Paul’s farewell to the elders of the Ephesian church (Acts 20:37-38) when they wept as they said good-bye. Tears of separation only come when there is a strong attachment. Those who are part of the New Testament church will be close to one another. It breaks our heart when part of our family moves away. If we are not close, it certainly will not have the same effect. Do we come and go, visiting with each other for a few brief moments at each assembly, and that is basically the only contact we have with our church family? How can we help bear
heights of ecstasy. Learn to use the power wisely.”
When my sons start to complain too much, I tell them they are building a complaining bridge in their brain. I then ask them to tell me two things they are thankful for. I am teaching them to look for the good in their life. Seem simple? That’s because it is. When you are tempted to complain, you must stop yourself and recite out loud what you are thankful for. I try to say five things that I am blessed by. If I am in a particularly bad mood, I might list as many things as I can in a 20-minute car ride. Life isn’t perfect
someone is drunk, angry, using foul language, or telling repulsive jokes, you get to decide if and when you walk away.
4. Focus on what you can control.
There are only two things on planet Earth you can control: your thoughts and your actions. You can’t control what your parents say around the dinner table. You can’t control your kids’ attitudes.
If you feel stressed this Christmas, write down the things that are in your control. Take ownership of these things—like buying groceries, getting in a walk, or wrapping presents. Everything else that’s not in your control, like the weather or other people’s reactions to overbaked potatoes, can be let go. There’s nothing you can do about them, so set those expectations down by focusing on your own responsibilities.
5. Know your role in the situation.
If you’re going to your girlfriend’s house for Christmas and you have to sleep on the uncomfortable couch and eat her family’s weird food, remember: The world doesn’t revolve around you. It’s not your house. Your role is to support your partner, so embrace it. You chose to go, so decide to make hilarious memories instead of whining about the accommodations. And if you’re the one inviting your significant other
to family dinner, be a gracious host or hostess. This includes paying attention to (and accommodating) food allergies or dining preferences. Remember that your guest is missing out on their traditions. They might be sad they’re missing out on time with their family, so do the best you can to be supportive.
6. Say no.
I love Christmas as much as the next person, but no matter who you are, it’s absurd to try to attend a million white elephant parties, ornament exchanges and cookie-decorating parties.
Be honest about what you can handle and say no when it’s too much. Instead of squeezing in five Christmas parties, pick one or two. Prioritize your family’s time and only commit to what you want to do. Focus on quality, not quantity.
7. Take a social media break.
There’s an overwhelming amount of data, nonsense and news in our country right now. Not only is it all over our TVs, but it also floods our social media feeds. It’s making us insane. And those perfectly curated Instagram and Pinterest Christmas feeds will only lead to comparison and keeping up with the Joneses. Instead, spend more time looking into your kids’ eyes than staring at screens. Hold hands, not video game controllers. Throw a football or kick a soccer ball—in real
one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2) if we do not know what the burdens are? How might we rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep (Rom. 12:15) unless we have closeness with each other? And how will we have an opportunity to know these things unless we are around one another?
The apostle Paul wrote, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” (Phil. 1:3). Do you have memories of those in your church family for which you are thankful to God? Memories are created by experiences. Are you busy creating precious memories?
and it never will be. There will be hardship, but hardship doesn’t have to break us. Some of the happiest and most peaceful people I have ever met have been through some of the most heartbreaking, life altering situations. It’s possible. I would love to hear your feedback. 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 weekly emails. My emails are fresh and different from my weekly Globe articles.
“Love is a journey not a destination.”
life. Choose human connection, joy and laughter over like buttons and retweets. Each one of your electronic devices comes with an off button. Use it.
8. Make a Christmas budget. Do it. Right now. A budget creates boundaries for your wallet (or bank account). Budgeting helps reduce stress because it gives you a plan for your money. Make a zero-based budget every month before the month begins. You decide where every single dollar in your bank account goes—especially during the holidays.
Budgeting for Christmas helps you avoid impulse purchases and keeps you from spending too much on white elephant gifts. So, make a budget and stick to it. You’ll be glad you did.
9. Don’t overdo the sugar. When it comes to the holidays, too much spiked eggnog or too many of Mom’s famous sugar cookies can be a recipe for disaster. Yeah— it all tastes like an Uber Eats delivery straight from Mrs. Claus’ kitchen. But too much sugar messes up your natural hormone responses, blood sugar, insulin levels, and your brain’s neurotransmitters (the body’s chemical messengers).
Mix that with a lack of sleep from caffeine and alcohol, plus a packed schedule, and you’ve got a perfect storm for an anxiety rush.
SEE HOLIDAY STRESS, PAGE 5B
BY DAVE RAMSEY, CEO,
Ramsey Solutions, and an eight-time No. 1 national best-selling author, and host of The Ramsey Show
It was an unusually cold day in the traditional, small town of Houston, Mississippi. The unusual cold was bone cold for Larry because it had been
The generosity effect
a really, really bad year. He had been fired and evicted before Christmas. Hard to believe a hardworking, regular guy could end up so far down, so scared, so hungry, and so cold. With not a cent to his name, Larry stopped in the Dixie Diner for some lunch. His plan was to act like he’d lost his wallet and beg for mercy because he simply had to have some food.
Ted Horn was the owner of the Dixie Diner and a man with a big smile and an even bigger heart. It is said that the eyes are the window
to the soul. As Ted struck up a conversation with Larry across the lunch counter, he looked in Larry’s eyes and saw a lot of pain, a lot of fear, a lot of hopelessness. A few minutes later, Ted walked behind Larry’s stool and reached down as if he was picking up something off the floor. He said, “Son, you must have dropped this,” and handed Larry a $20 bill.
Little did Ted know, giving Larry the money to pay for lunch was a simple act of kindness that would have an effect on thousands of peo-
ple with millions of dollars over several decades . . .
Larry Stewart went on to make millions of dollars in a cable business and settled with his wife in Kansas City, Missouri. But he never forgot Ted or his kindness and generosity. In fact, Larry’s random acts of generosity started with a similar gesture—a $20 bill he gave to a car hop at a drive-in. With tears in her eyes she thanked Larry, saying he had no idea how much that meant to her right now . . . but he did.
Larry’s random giving increased, and he became
known as Secret Santa of Kansas City. Dressed as Santa (with a police body guard), Larry would roam Kansas City looking for someone who needed some help. He gave out $100 bills to the people God sent across his path, giving away tens of thousands of dollars every Christmas to random people.
Secret Santa expanded his rounds to New Orleans after Katrina, New York City after 9/11, and other cities as the spirit moved him. His identity was kept secret from 1979 to 2006, all the
while making peoples’ lives brighter with his generosity. Larry gave millions of dollars as Secret Santa. A tabloid was planning to out the identity of Secret Santa the year Larry was diagnosed with cancer. So, he decided to beat them to it, stealing “their” story. He came on “The Dave Ramsey Show” to reveal to the world the identity and the back story of this amazingly generous Secret Santa. He instructed the world on how they could all become Secret Santas. It was truly an SEE DAVE RAMSEY, PAGE 5B
Stock Market Insights: Post-election outlook – Historical trends and future investment strategies
Joe Shearrer, is Vice President and Wealth Advisor at Fervent Wealth Management.
As a wealth advisor who closely follows the ebb and flow of the markets, the period just after Election Day always feels like standing at the edge of a new beginning. The recent election has prompted me to assess how the incoming administration’s policies might reshape the economic landscape. The anticipation and uncertainty are palpable, but with change comes opportunity.
While we are just over a week removed from Election Day, the clouds of uncertainty seemed to part as
BY HEATHER TANKERSLEY,
REALTOR®, provides services for residential, commercial, land and lake properties in the Branson Tri-Lakes area.
L
ooking to buy a home but feeling like almost everything is out of reach?
Here’s the thing. There’s still a way to become a homeowner, even when
Donald Trump was decisively elected the 47th President of the United States.
The week after an election, investors and analysts typically assess the potential impact of the new administration’s policies on various sectors of the economy.
Investors react to the election results by rebalancing portfolios based on anticipated policy changes. Specific sectors may outperform others depending on the winning candidate’s proposed policies. Markets often move in anticipation of the new administration’s expected fiscal and monetary policies. Expectations of tax reforms, infrastruc-
ture spending, or regulatory changes can significantly influence investor sentiment.
We can confidentially state that the bull market not only survived the event risks of this election but thrived in the face of uncertainty. For investors, removing the cloud of uncertainty is, in and of itself, a positive development. Positive performance after Election Day tends to be a good sign for future returns.
Historically, the S&P 500 has generated an average gain of 6.5% in the year following Election Day. Investors can also take comfort in knowing that, historically,
the best six-month period for stocks has begun. According to LPL Research, the S&P 500 has historically generated an average gain of 7.2% from November through April. Even in post-election years, returns during these six months have been above average at 5.3%.
The week after a presidential election is a pivotal time for the stock market, characterized by adjustments as investors digest the potential implications of the new administration’s policies. While predicting exact market movements is impossible, understanding historical trends and key influencing factors can
Is a fixer-upper right for you?
affordability seems like a huge roadblock – and it might be with a fixer-upper.
Let’s dive into why buying a fixer-upper could be your ticket to homeownership and how you can make it work. What Is a fixer-upper?
A fixer-upper is a home that’s in livable condition but needs some work. The amount of work varies by home –some may need cosmetic updates like wallpaper removal and new flooring, while others might require more extensive repairs like replacing a roof or updating plumbing. Because they need some elbow grease, these homes typically have a lower price point,
based on local market value. In fact, a survey from StorageCafe explains that fixer-uppers generally cost about 29% less than move-in-ready homes.
And that’s why, according to a recent survey, more buyers are considering homes that need a little extra work right now (see below):
If you’re looking for an option to get your foot in the door, and you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and do a bit of work, a house with untapped potential may be a good option. Tips for buying a home that needs some work
Before you buy a home that may need a makeover,
provide valuable context for navigating this period. Here are a few strategies investors can implement as the transition of power takes place:
Diversification: To mitigate risks associated with post-election volatility, investors should diversify their portfolios across various asset classes and sectors.
Long-term perspective: While short-term fluctuations are expected, maintaining a long-term investment strategy can help navigate the uncertainties of a post-election market.
Stay informed: Keeping up-to-date on policy announcements and eco-
nomic data releases can aid in making informed investment decisions. In times of transition, I’ve found that maintaining a clear focus on fundamental economic indicators—like earnings, inflation and interest rates—provides a steady compass. While policies related to tax and trade certainly influence the markets, it’s these macro forces that truly drive long-term performance. By staying informed, diversifying and keeping a long-term perspective, we can confidently navigate the uncertainties ahead.
Have a blessed week!
www.FerventWM.com
here are a few things to keep in mind:
Choose a Good Location: You can repair a house, but you can’t change where it is. Make sure the home is in a neighborhood you like or one with increasing property values and a growing number of local amenities. This way, even after you spend money fixing it up, the house will be worth more later.
• Budget for Surprises: Fixing up a house can take more time and money than you might think. Make sure you save room in your budget for unexpected repairs or other unknowns that might come
up while you’re working on the house.
Get a Home Inspection: Before you buy, hire an inspector to check out the house. They’ll help you determine the necessary repairs, so you don’t end up with expensive surprises later.
Plan Your Priorities: When deciding what to tackle first, it helps to categorize your goals. Think of your home in three ways: the must-haves (essential repairs), the niceto-haves (upgrades that would make life easier), and the dream-state features (luxuries you can add later). This will help you prioritize and stick to your budget.
Remember, the perfect home is the one you perfect after buying it. By starting with a fixer-upper, you have the opportunity to customize a home to your liking while saving money on the initial purchase price. With careful planning, budgeting, and a little bit of vision, you can turn a house that needs some love into your perfect home. Real estate agents are great at finding homes with potential. They know the local market and can guide you to homes where smart upgrades can add value. With their help, you’re more likely to find a house that fits your total budget and has room for worthwhile improvements. Bottom Line
In today’s market, where the cost of homeownership can be intimidating, finding a move-inready home that fits your budget can feel like a real challenge. But if you’re open to putting in a little work, you can transform a fixer-upper into your ideal home over time. Let’s explore what’s possible and find a place that’ll work for you. It’s Your Move! Unlock the potential in every property investment!
BY JODY JOHNSON GODFREY Wellness Design Specialist
There is still a lot of science to be learned about the ills of vaping. The bottom line is that no tobacco products, inclusive of E-Cigarettes, are safe and with no health consequences.
E-Cigarettes contain nicotine which is highly addictive and is a danger for mothers with developing fetuses.
Aerosol (smoke from E-Cigarettes) can contain dangerous substances which are cancer causing chemicals and tiny particles which are inhaled deep into the lungs.
• REFLECTIONS
Continued from page 1B
ly wanted that plane ride; he filled out the card and prayed daily. We explained that many people were likely entering; he just prayed harder. The morning of the
• HOLIDAY STRESS
Continued from page 3B
Limit how much sugar you eat and feed your body nutritious food as much as possible.
10. Get plenty of sleep and movement. Anxiety affects at least 40 million people in the U.S.1
And one of the most powerful tools you have to reduce anxiety is sleep. So, instead of staying up late for the third night in a row bingeing Hallmark movies, prioritize your sleep. It’ll keep your stress and anxiety at bay and help your immune system stay healthy.
• DAVE RAMSEY
Continued from page 4B
honor to know him.
Larry’s story taught me that a simple, even small act of generosity can cause more generosity. It is the butterfly effect of generosity. A butterfly flaps his wings and eventually somewhere around the world a hurricane occurs.
Ted “finds” a $20 bill under Larry’s stool and Secret Santa gives millions, then inspires an untold number of more Secret Santas to give. That $20 bill becomes tens of millions with the multiplier effect of generosity.
When we experience generosity, we can’t keep ourselves from paying it forward. I see this time and time again, especially as people become debt-free. They want to share that same hope and freedom with others. Their hearts and hands are open, so more can flow in and out.
Our hearts are permanently enlarged when someone is
E-Cigs: Not an improvement
Acute nicotine exposure can be toxic or fatal depending upon the amount and/ or age and size of the child who swallows, breathes or absorbs vaping liquids via their skin or eyes. Eighty-plus percent of calls to the U.S. Poison Control Centers for E-Cigarettes are for children under age five. And, additional harm would be due to youth because their brains are still developing; brain development is ongoing until the age of 25. Youngsters can manifest signs of nicotine addiction well before regular or daily use, even. Adolescents use of E-Cigarettes can do damage to the parts of the brain that can control “attention, learning, mood and impulse control.” Teenagers using E-Cigarettes may be at risk for future addiction to even harsher drugs. Vaping can also be a likely conduit to regular cigarette use as adults.
festival, Brian bounced out of bed yelling, “Today’s my airplane ride!” And it was! His name was the second one drawn. We were a little hesitant signing the liability waiver for our five-year-old, but after God came through,
And don’t forget to get outside and move. I don’t care how cold it is—put on some extra layers and just do it (or at least get into the gym). Exercise helps your body process and release stress hormones, and nature is important for our emotional and physical health. Here are some ways you can stay active during the holidays:
• Bundle up and go on a walk to see Christmas lights in the neighborhood.
• Get an epic snowball fight going with the neighbors (play is exercise too).
generous and kind to us in our darkest hour. But then, that’s what God intended—that generosity would change us. He’s the author of the ultimate generosity effect. He sent His only Son to save us—a small baby in a manger to change the world. How can we not be transformed by such a gift?
We’re blessed to be a
The aerosol contains heavy metals such as nickel, tin and lead, and these tiny particles are easily inhaled very deep into the lungs. There is a chemical called diacetylmorphine that is linked to a serious lung disease. This is a volatile organic compound that isn’t dangerous in “gut processing,” but causes harm in being processed by the lungs.
E-Cigarettes have fewer chemicals than regular cigarettes, but this still doesn’t render them into a “safe” category. Scientists are still learning about the immediate and long-term effects of vaping.
“Dual use” refers to use of both E-Cigarettes and regular cigarettes. Dual use is not an effective way to safeguard health. It would result in greater exposure to toxins and worse respiratory health outcomes than using
how could we not?
Over the years, our kids learned that God’s timing does not always equal ours—when Grandma succumbed to cancer, or special plans didn’t materialize. They have also learned
Walk through a Christmas tree farm.
Go ice-skating.
• Build a snowman in the front yard.
• Go for a hike or nature walk.
Go sledding. Nobody wants to be sick at Christmastime—and exercising, getting outside, and resting are all natural immune-boosting activities that will help you feel strong, peaceful and healthy. 11. Take some quiet time for yourself. Keep your sanity by scheduling some quiet time to do things you enjoy. Read
blessing, to bring light to a dark world. So, this season I want to wag more and bark less. I want to find how many ways a $20 bill or $100 bill or more can become a generosity butterfly.
Hey everyone, let’s flap our wings together and change this nation . . . this world. Ready, Set, Go!
either product alone.
Some people using E-Cigarettes have reported seizures; these reports have come from youth or young adults. The E-Cigarette damage is not confined to health concerns merely from smoking them, but rather and additionally, from the batteries exploding or catching fire during the charging process. Anyone can report health or safety issues about tobacco products or E-Cigarettes to the FDA Safety Reporting Portal.
Signs of nicotine addiction include craving nicotine, not being able to stop usage, and lastly, developing a tolerance (requiring more to be satiated). Nicotine addiction can affect family relationships, school and work performance as well as interfere with many other activities.
Symptoms of nicotine
to look forward to eternity with the Lord, with no pain or troubles. Brian, now a worship pastor, prayed for healing as his wife struggled through pregnancy complications, while still saying “Thy will be done.” Gilbert
a book. Do a Christmas devotional. Sit down for five or 10 minutes with a meditation app. Give yourself some breathing room between parties, travel schedules, work deadlines and shopping.
Another key is to try to stick to your normal routine. If a normal day starts with pouring yourself a cup of coffee and reading the newspaper, don’t skip it. If you exercise every day, keep exercising. Routines help you stay calm and focused—plus, it’s a great way to stay sane, especially when you’re sharing a bath-
(Photo from www.healthline.com)
withdrawal are:
1. Feeling irritable, jumpy, restless or anxious
2. Feeling sad or “down”
3. Having insomnia
4. Not being able to concentrate
5. Feeling hungry
6. Craving nicotine
Withdrawal symptoms
DO fade over time as the body gets used to not having
was born at 24 weeks, spent 149 days in NICU, and is progressing well; yet for some of their friends, the NICU journey ended sadly.
nicotine. The most common reason given for the youth smoking E-Cigarettes is: “I am feeling anxious, stressed or depressed.” Nicotine addiction or withdrawal contributes to these feelings or exaggerates them. If E- Cigarettes are used to relieve the stated symptoms, this will only lead to a cycle of nicotine addiction.
In Mark 10:15, we read Jesus’ words, “Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” (NIV). I can’t explain all our experiences, but I do know those childhood prayers taught my kids that a loving God hears their prayers, and they can trust Him for the outcome.
room with your in-laws.
12. Ask good questions.
I’m willing to bet you don’t see your extended family all that often—so when you do, why not take time to get to know them on a deeper level? Instead of making awkward small talk, really dig in and see if you can learn something about them you didn’t know before. Be curious, not judgmental.
Ask your grandparents for their best piece of marriage advice. Ask your 5-year-old nephew which superhero he’d want to be and why.
13. Connect with the people around you.
Christmastime is meant to be filled with joy, gratitude, belly laughs and lingering conversations over the dinner table. But connection doesn’t happen by accident. Don’t get so caught up in the mania that you forget to enjoy the people you’re doing all this for.
And do your best to respond well to holiday stress this year. Yeah, the holidays can be crazy—but we can choose to be gracious and generous with ourselves and our loved ones.
Two Banson teachers named 2024 McDonald’s Outstanding Educators
Branson area McDonald’s owners and operators, Andy and Jennifer Ruprecht, have announced two Branson teach-
ers as 2024 McDonald’s Outstanding Educators: Kellsey Bradley, librarian at Buchanan Intermediate, and Dr. Sarah Yocum, seventh grade English teacher at Branson Junior High School.
Nominated by both colleagues and family, Bradley has been teaching at Buchanan Intermediate for 11 years. “I feel privileged to receive this honor and to work alongside an incredible team of administrators, teachers and paraprofessionals, dedicating my days to our students,” shares Bradley. Dr. Yocum was nominated by colleagues and has been with the district since 2014. Both educators expressed appreciation to the Ruprecht Organization for their ongoing support of the Branson community. “Their consistent contributions benefit the students, staff and families of Branson Schools,” Dr. Yocum adds.
The McDonald’s Outstanding Educator Awards honor educators who exhibit dedication to their students and contribute to the improvement of education. Each winner receives a $100 Visa gift card to use toward their classroom, McDonald’s merchandise and McDonald’s coupons to provide to outstanding students throughout the school year.
Branson Schools celebrate Veterans Week
with meaningful events and learning opportunities
Students and staff expressed their deep gratitude through community service, educational assemblies, creative projects and special celebrations.
Cedar Ridge Elementary students partnered with Branson High School and witnessed the AFJROTC cadets perform an Honor Guard. Students also composed thank you notes for local Veterans.
At Buchanan Elementary, third grade ambassadors hosted a White Table ceremony to teach our younger learners about this important military tradition during their Veterans Day assembly.
Buchanan Intermediate students hosted their annual Veterans Day parade, where Veterans and their families paraded through the school, along with a special Q&A session.
The Honor Choir at Cedar Ridge Intermediate delivered a moving patriotic performance during their assembly. Captain Pyatt also shared his personal story and students gained a deeper understanding of military service.
Branson Board of Education member and veteran, Dr. Alex Williams, spoke at Branson Junior High’s annual Veterans Day program. Branson Junior High educators and veterans, Samantha Anttila and Brian Farrell, performed an official flag folding ceremony.
Branson High School welcomed guest speaker Sal Gonzalez from The Wounded Warrior Project. GOCAPS students also served at the Veterans Village and put their networking skills to work by thanking our heroes.
Our Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) cadets played a key role in Veterans Week, presenting Honor Guards at several schools and leading the 91st Annual Branson Veterans Day Parade. The Pride of Branson Bands also proudly marched, entertaining the community with several patriotic selections.
From serving our local veterans to learning about their sacrifices and honoring their service, it was a week full of appreciation and remembrance.
C of O Jazz Ensemble to present free concert, December 13
The College of the Ozarks Jazz Ensemble will present a concert on Friday, December 13, at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Auditorium on the C of O campus. Admission is free and open to the public.
“We hope you can come out and join the College of the Ozarks Jazz Ensemble for a fun evening of live jazz. The group is absolutely fantastic this semester,” said Dr. Kevin Powers, director. “Along with other selections, we will be playing two professional level charts, “Nutville” performed
most notably by the great Buddy Rich Big Band and “Yo Tannenbaum!” by the fantastic jazz performer and composer Gordon Goodwin. This will be a fun and exciting night!” College of the Ozarks theatre students to present Josh Williams’ play, ‘Light Up the Sky’
The College of the Ozarks Theatre Department will present “Light Up the Sky” as its winter production for 2024. The play is written by Josh Williams, assistant professor of communication arts, and radio station manager.
The performances will take place Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6 – 7, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 8, at 2:30 p.m. in the Jones Auditorium. Cost for performances is as follows: adults, $10; senior citizens, $8; students (non-College of the Ozarks), $8; children (12 and under), $6. Associates of the College are free with their Associates card, and Associate guests are $5. Please make reservations by calling the Theatre Box Office at 417-690-2626.
Hollister School District honors teacher and staff members of the Month for November
The Hollister R-V School District is proud to announce the recognition of outstanding staff members at the November Board of Education meeting. Each month, the district celebrates the hard work and dedication of its teachers and staff members who go above and beyond to make Hollister a great place to learn and grow.
For November, the district proudly recognizes:
Teacher of the Month: John Torres, English Language Learner (ELL) Teacher for Hollister R-V School District Staff Member of the Month: Heather Huck, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Paraprofessional for Hollister Early Childhood Center and Hollister Elementary School
John Torres was recognized for his commitment to his ELL students and their families and for always looking for the solutions that make the most sense for his students, regardless of the sacrifice he has to make.
Dr. Rachel Hodges, Hollister Middle School Principal,
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Yocum, Bradley (Photos submitted)
Torres with BOE member, Andy Penrod (Photo submitted)
shared that Mr. Torres has a big heart for Hollister students, staff, families and the community. “There is no way to describe the impact that Mr. Torres has had on our students,” Hodges said. “Mr. Torres has high standards for students and holds them accountable to help them be successful. Students love Mr. Torres and the way he encourages them to be the best they can be at all times.”
Heather Huck, was celebrated for her heart for service and all she does to serve students and the district.
“In addition to her role in the STEAM classroom, Mrs. Huck can be found welcoming students in from the buses every day, regardless of weather, with a huge smile to set their day off on the right foot,” said Mr. Mark Waugh, PK-5 Principal. “We are thankful for Mrs. Huck and all that she does for our district and our students.”
Hollister Tiger Winter Sports Preview
Hollister High School is gearing up for its athletic winter season in the Mid Lakes Conference under the direction of Athletic and Activities Director, Coach Mike Wilson. Wrestling, Head Coach: Nate Nicholson
Goals for this season:
To have a healthy, well-rounded season with individual success that leads to team success
For the wrestling team to show their dedication not only to improving themselves in the sport but also in the classroom as a complete student-athlete
For each athlete to be disciplined and reliable
Girls Basketball, Head Coach: Ben West
Goals for this season:
• To be deeper, stronger, and faster than we were this time last year
• To get better each and every practice
Boys Basketball, Head Coach: Justin Pock, New HHS Head Coach
Background: Coach Pock joined Hollister High School this year as a World Studies History Teacher and Head Boys Basketball Coach. He brings eighteen years of teaching and coaching experience, with ten of those years as a head basketball coach (six years in Cuba and four in Carl Junction).
Goals for this season:
To get players and kids excited about Hollister Basketball
• To build a team of leaders on the court and in the classroom
• For each athlete to be disciplined and reliable
• To build fundamental skills and unity within the team
Long-term goals:
• Promote the Hollister Basketball program to all grade levels
• Develop a program the community is proud of Cheer, Head Coach: Shari Fox
Goals for this season:
• For each member of the cheer team to push beyond their comfort zone and strive for achievement
• To excel in practices, performances, and in academics
Hollister Volleyball players selected for All-Conference Teams
Hollister High School celebrates the outstanding accomplishments of two volleyball players who were selected for Mid-Lakes All-Conference Teams.
Senior, Paige Hurley (outside hitter) was named 2nd Team All-Conference, and junior Ellanna Newell (middle hitter) was named Honorable Mention All-Conference.
The Hollister Lady Tigers Volleyball team delivered an impressive season, showcasing talent and resilience on the court. With only one senior set to graduate, the team is well-positioned to build on this year’s success, priming themselves for an even stronger showing next season. Reeds Spring Middle School Students of the Month
Table Rock Career Center Professionals of the Month Table Rock Career Center would like to salute two students from its Culinary Arts Program for being named the November Professionals of the Month. Congratulations to Leah Boulton of Crane High School and Lillyan Thomas of Reeds Spring High School.
The top 10 Miss Hard Work U.
was Grateful Hearts Gather Here. Johnson is a senior nursing major and works in the Armstrong McDonald Nursing Clinic as a medical assistant in the pharmacy. After graduating from College of the Ozarks, she plans to become a medical missionary overseas.
Johnson’s court included first runner-up Abigail Mugabi, sophomore nursing major, of Kampala, Uganda, and Kigali, Rwanda. The second runner-up was Morgan Wood, senior accounting major, of Kearney, Missouri. Thirty-nine C of O workstations nominated candidates The judges crowned Miss Hard Work U. and her court based upon scores and an impromptu Q & A. The top three received a scholarship for their outstanding representation of the College.
hands on stage during annual Homecoming Honors Ceremony. MIDDLE: Zoe Johnson of Carthage, Missouri, is crowned Miss Hard Work U. BOTTOM: Abigail Mugabi of Kampala, Uganda and Kigali, Rwanda, was chosen as first runner-up;
Huck with BOE member Renea Daniels (Photo submitted)
Hurley, Newell (Photo submitted)
Congratulations to Taya Burnett, Nathan Dysart, Adi Blevins, and Ryan Cody! (Photo submitted)
ABOVE: Boulton. BELOW: Thomas (Photos submitted)
Reaching Gen Z: Prager U video features Branson content creator
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
Branson area fans of Prager U, a nonprofit that promotes American values through short, easily understood educational videos for people of all ages, may have thought some scenes in the recent film, “The Void,” looked familiar. That could be the case, because some of the scenes in the docudrama were filmed along the walking trails and lakeshore areas of Table Rock State Park. Daniel Myers, a content creator for Prager U who researched, wrote and directed “The Void,” lives in Branson with his wife, Madison, and their son Reuben, 2. Myers is no stranger to producing content that promotes American values of faith, freedom and the importance of family. Daniel was 11 years old when his parents, Darren and Tammy Myers, began recognizing
a need for faith-based patriotic education in youth and started researching and developing ministry about connections between faith and freedom, including how faith figures prominently in the history of the United States. The Myers family were serving as pastors of a Rolla, Missouri, church at that time; but the ministry eventually became a full-time evangelistic effort that led to the development of Freedom Encounter, the Freedom Journey Show, and God’s provision for the acquisition of the former Yellow Ribbon Theater.
Helping create video and media for his parents’ ministry, Daniel discovered he had a passion and gift for such work. Concerned about reaching out to people his own age, he created a “Freedomists” group, active on Facebook and Instagram, and was surprised and pleased at the response
of young people hungry for truth and meaning. A YouTube series inspired by his dad’s youth-focused material quickly jumped to over 250,000 views, even though Daniel jokes that the early work was “not all that expertly done.”
Myers continued to hone his skills, with other contributors joining in on videos and podcasts. However, with visibility came the challenge of expenses and bills. The Freedomists team decided “on a whim” to send an email to Prager U, and were pleasantly surprised to receive a return email from the marketing director, asking, “Can we talk?” That led to videos for Prager U Kids, with several of the team becoming Prager U employees at a hub location in Little Rock.
Daniel continued to commute back to Branson to help at Freedom Encounter, but was then asked to con-
sider moving to the main Prager U location in Los Angeles. By that time, he was married and the couple were expecting their first child, so he decided to return to Branson and continue his Prager U work on a contract basis. That gave Myers, now 27, flexibility to explore new ideas that led to “The Void.”
The video was originally planned as a documentary, with research and statistics about the epidemic of escapism and meaninglessness among youth and young adults. In discussing how to resonate with more young people, however, the decision was made to add drama and narrative. Although new territory for both Myers and Prager U, the venture seems to be a success, with nearly 2 million views.
“My hope is simply that it helps people,” said Myers, who is currently look-
ing at next steps for new projects while continuing discussions with the Prager U team. In addition, while Daniel and the rest of the Myers family and Freedom Journey Show cast recently wrapped up the 2024 season, there is much to be done in the “off season” as new educational elements are added at Freedom Encounter. The Myers family have also enjoyed connect-
ing with the theater’s former owner and music star, Tony Orlando, and future collaborations around shared interests may be a possibility. If you haven’t seen “The Void,” visit https:// www.prageru.com/series/ short-documentaries to view and share with anyone you know who could benefit from its message and be inspired to move forward with God’s plan for their life.
Reeds Spring School District receives ‘Grow Your Own’ Grant from state
Submitted to Branson Globe
One way to recruit and retain quality teachers is to start training them while they are still students. The Reeds Spring School District received a Grow Your Own Grant from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
The district will use the $10,000 to pay high school student interns who have expressed an interest in becoming educators.
“We are excited to receive the DESE Grow Your Own Grant, which enables our
district to offer high school students opportunities to explore their passion for teaching by working alongside our amazing educators,” said Dr. Travis Kite, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning. “Through the RS Works Internship Program, students gain valuable real-world experiences, enriching their learning and preparing them for careers they are interested in pursuing. We hope these internship classroom experiences will inspire a greater love for teaching and positively impact the next generation of educators.”
The RS Works program places students in internships aligned with their career goals, offering them the chance to explore potential career paths. In our teacher internships, students rotate through various grade levels before settling into a specific classroom. Interns gain experience in lesson planning, classroom management, instructional support and activity coordination. As a capstone project, interns work with their cooperating teacher to
Reeds Spring School District recognizes Excellence Award winners
Submitted to Branson Globe
Every month, the Reeds Spring School District recognizes one non-teaching staff member and one certified teacher as Excellence Award winners. October’s winners are Kayla Thamm and Cheryl Huff. Thamm is a second-grade teacher at Reeds Spring Elementary School.
“Mrs. Thamm made my second grader feel so welcome and excited,” said parent Elizabeth Kasper. “This year is going to be amazing!” Huff is the Elementary School’s Library Media Assistant. “Mrs. Huff shows students that they can love books as much as she does,” said paraprofessional Lorna Williams. “Set sets an example to become a lifelong reader. We are lucky to have her at RSES!”
The district accepts Excellence Award nominations. You can find the nomination form at www.rs-wolves. com.
design and deliver at least one full lesson, including objectives, standards alignment, instruction, independent practice and optional assessment.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see these high school students grow into their roles as future educators,” said RS Works Coordinator Rachel Pryor. “They build meaningful connections with the younger students and have truly become part of the Reeds Spring School District team.”
Daniel Myers family (Photo provided by Daniel Myers)
Reeds Spring student intern Cailyn Kite (right) works with a younger student. (Photo submitted)
Register to vote
The easiest way to register to vote in the state of Missouri is to use the following link: https://www. sos.mo.gov/elections/ goVoteMissouri/register. You can update your name and address, or register to vote for the first time. In many locations, you may also register to vote when you renew your driver’s license.
Get a driver’s license
• In Branson and Hollister, go to Branson License Bureau, 1447 Hwy. 248, Branson; phone 417942-8054.
• In Forsyth, go to 210 Shadowrock Dr., Forsyth; phone 417-5463085.
• In Reeds Spring anD Branson West, go to 11016 Hwy. 76, Reeds Spring; phone 417-2728815.
• In Crane, 103 South Street, Crane, 417-7238552. The driver examination office is at 120 N. Commerce St., Crane; phone 417-9428029.
Register my vehicle
Complete information on Missouri residents’ vehicle registration titling is available at https://dor. mo.gov/motor-vehicle/titling-registration/ Reach my legislators
Find your legislators by entering a valid Missouri mailing address and using the legislator lookup on this site, https://www.senate.mo.gov/legislookup/ In the Branson TriLakes, we are served by:
• Senator Josh Hawley (Hawley.senate.gov) Senator Eric Schmitt (Schmitt.senate.gov)
House Representative for District 7, Eric Burlison (burlison.house. gov). At the state level, we are represented by:
• Senator Karla Eslinger (senate.mo.gov/senators/member/33), House Representative Brian Seitz, District 156 (brian.seitz@house. mo.gov)
• House Representative Travis Smith, District 155 (travis.smith@ house.mo.gov)
• House Representativve Brad Hudson, District
138 (brad.hudson@ house.mo.gov)
Reach my alderman Branson Aldermen may be contacted through the City’s Administration Office, 110 West Maddux Street, Suite 210, Branson, MO 65616 or by telephone at 417-334-3345. Current Branson Aldermen are:
• Marshall Howden, Ward 1 Clay Cooper, Ward 1
• Glenn Schulz, Ward 2 Thomas Lucas, Ward 2
• Ralph LeBlanc, Ward 3 Ruth Denham, Ward 3. In Hollister, aldermen are: David Honey, Ward 1 (dhoney@hollistermo. gov)
• Don Jones, Ward 1 (djones@hollistermo. gov)
• Phil Carman, Ward 2 (pcarman@hollistermo. gov)
Jeff Long, Ward 2 (jlong@hollistermo. gov)
In Forsyth, your aldermen are: Scott Novak, Ward 1
• Mark Moore, Ward 1 Dennis Winzenried, Ward 2
• Dustin Krob, Ward 2. Contact the City of Forsyth at 417-546-4763. Aldermen in Rockaway Beach are: Craig Chism, Ward 1 (craig@rockawaybeach-mo.org) Kyle Hinkle, Ward 1 (kyle@rockawaybeach-mo.org)
• Matt Dieckhaus, Ward 2 (matt@rockawaybeach-mo.org)
• Richard Murray, Ward 2 (hwymbc@yahoo.com). In Branson West, your aldermen are:
• Tony Martinez, Ward 1 Dawn Kemp-Wallace, Ward 1
• Penny Lonsway, Ward 2 Mark Boody, Ward 2. Contact the city at 417272-3313. Kimberling City Aldermen include: Christian Martin, Ward 1 Virgil Moore, Ward 1
• Tim Weyers, Ward 2 Philip Korem, Ward 2. Contact the city at (417) 739-4903. Register my child for school Branson Public
Schools: Begin registration by bringing required documentation to building your student will be attending. For grades K-6, check the Attendance Zone for information about attending school building, using this link: https://www. branson.k12.mo.us/parents/enrollment, clicking on New Student Enrollment Page, and to Attendance Zones. Please contact your school with questions or additional information at 417-334-6541. Main office is at 1756 Bee Creek Road, Branson.
• Hollister R-V School District: Families new to Hollister should visit their building office to set up their parent portal and begin the enrollment process. For help with enrollment, contact your building office. HECC office (PK-1): 417-2434015; HES office (2-5): 417-243-4025; HMS office (6-8): 417-2434035; HHS office (912): 417-243-4045.
Reeds Spring School District: Register at the building your child will attend or fill out the online registration by contacting your child’s school office for more information. Primary School: PS-1st grade, 417-272-3241; Elementary: Gr. 2-4, 417-2721735; Intermediate: Gr. 5-6, 417-272-8250; MS: Gr. 7-8, 417-272-8245; HS: Gr. 9-12, 417-2728171; Gibson Technical Center: 417-272-3271. Recycle
Taney County Recycle: Phone 417-546-7226 for hours and what we accept. Email recycle@ taneycountymo.gov for information; website: taneycounty.org, or Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/TaneyCountyRecycle/ Get help with necessities
• Salvation Army Branson, 1114 Stanley Boulevard, 417-339-4434. Christian Action Ministries (CAM), 417-3341157.
org; email: Info@ElevateBranson.org. Phone: 417-335-9915. Find/adopt a pet
• Branson Humane Society, 2837 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Branson. To contact: 417-337-7387; Facebook www.facebook. com/ShepherdofTheHillsHumaneSociety; or email at sohhs417@ gmail.com. Information is on their website, http://www.bransonhumanesociety.com
Come look at the animals for adoption at Taney County Animal Control, 255 Critter Trail, Hollister. Hours: Mon.-Sat. noon – 4 p.m. Closed Sundays and holidays. Phone 417-3320172. Email: tcac255@ gmail.com; website: taneycounty.org.
• CoxHealth Center, 890 State Hwy. 248, Branson, 417-335-2299. More information at coxhealth.com
• Mercy Clinic Family Medicine, 448 State Hwy. 248, Suite 140, Branson, 417-337-9808. More information at www.mercy.net. Branson VA Clinic, 5571 Gretna Rd., Branson, 417-243-2300. More information at www. va.gov. Contact the health department Contact the Taney County Health Department at 417-334-4544, visit their website at www.taneycohealth.org, or like their Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest pages. Contact the Stone County Health Department at 417-357-6134 in Galena, or 417-272-0050 in Branson West. Visit their website at www. stonecountyhealthdepartment.com Assistance with unplanned pregnancies
• Options Pregnancy Clinic, 192 Expressway Lane, Branson, 417336-5483. More information at www.optionspregnancyclinic.com.
• Pregnancy Lifeline, 19621 State Hwy. 413, Branson West, 417-2725211. More information at www.pregnancylifeline.com
Please note: The above providers DO NOT perform or refer for abortions. Get counseling
• Branson Counseling Center LLC, Northside Professional Plaza II, 574 State Hwy 248 # 2, Branson, 417-2391389.
Hope Counseling Center 1232 Branson Hills Pkwy, Suite 104, Branson, 417-336-9355; more information at https://hopecouselingmo.org. Restoring Wellness Counseling. For information, https://www. restoringwellnesscounseling.com/. Call or text 417-429-1889 to set up appointment or submit information on website. In urgent situations, please call the Emergency Hotline at 1-800494-7355, available 24 hours a day. If it is an emergency, please go to your local hospital or dial 911.
• Reuben Smith, Licensed Professional Counselor, Faith Community Health, 417-2615845. Donate blood
• Go to https://www.cbco. org/donate-blood/ or call 417-227-5000 to donate blood via Community Blood Center of the Ozarks. CBCO is the SOLE PROVIDER of blood products to more than 40 area healthcare facilities in three states. and that includes the Branson Tri-Lakes area.
• Go to https://www.redcrossblood.org/give. html/find-drive, enter ZIP code, Find a Drive. Additional information at https://www.redcrossblood.org/. Important phone numbers
• Stone County Library - Crane: 417-723-8261 Stone County Library - Blue Eye: 417-7793500
• Taney County Ambulance District: 417-3346586
• Veterans Suicide Hotline: 800-273-8255
• Taney County Sheriff’s Office NON-EMERGENCY: 417-546-7250
• Branson Police Department NON-EMERGENCY: 417-334-3300 Hollister Police Department NON-EMERGENCY: 417-334-6565
• Forsyth Police Department NON-EMERGENCY: 417-546-3731
• Rockaway Beach Police Department NON-EMERGENCY: 417-561-4471
• Stone County Sheriff’s Department NON-EMERGENCY: 417-357-6116
Reeds Spring Police Department NON-EMERGENCY: 417-272-3107. NON-EMERGENCY
DISPATCH LINE: 417339-9117
• Kimberling City Police Department NON-EMERGENCY: 417-739-2131. NON-EMERGENCY DISPATCH LINE: 417339-9117.
• Branson West Police Department NON-EMERGENCY: 417-272-3400. NON-EMERGENCY AFTER HOURS: 417339-9147
Worship Directory
You are encouraged to worship with us!
Around Town: Here’s what’s going on in the Tri-Lakes
NOVEMBER
• Now through Dec 31
Ozarks Food Harvest: Check Out Hunger. Make a difference for neighbors facing hunger while you shop for groceries. Support Ozarks Food Harvest through Dec. 31 at local grocers by adding a $1, $3, or $5 tax-free donation to your grocery bill, at participating grocery stores across southwest Missouri: Apple Market, Country Mart, Harter House, King Cash Saver, King Food Saver, Price Cutter, Ramey, Rhodes Family Price Chopper, Town & Country Super Market, Woods Super-
market. For information: https://ozarksfoodharvest. org/events/check-out-hunger-2/. Ozarks Food Harvest, Springfield. 22-23 Branson Market Days (A trendy craft fair), 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Branson Market Days is a trendy craft show/holiday market at the Branson Convention Center, 200 S. Sycamore St., Branson, on November 22-23. With over 200 vendors, the event offers a variety of handmade items, vintage finds, delicious treats, holiday decor and more! Tickets are $5 for the weekend, and kids 12 and under get in free. Follow @bransonmarketdays on Facebook/ Instagram for updates and giveaways! Information: https://www.facebook. com/@bransonmarketdays/
• 22 Wranglers Honky Tonk: Singer/songwriter Chad McCutchen, 5:30-7 p.m., dining room. Wranglers All Star Band on
• 22 Nature Crafting: Drum Making with the American Indian Center of Springfield, Wonders of Wildlife, 6-8 p.m. Learn how to make drums! You will be guided by experts from the American Indian Center of Springfield while learning more about the importance and history of drums. Join us for a night of creating, learning, and celebrating! 500 W. Sunshine St., Springfield. Ticket price includes materials to make one 10-inch drum, instruction, and one non-alcoholic drink. Registration deadline: November 15, 2024, 11:59 p.m. https://wondersofwildlife. org/event/nature-craftingdrum-making-with-theamerican-indian-centerof-springfield/
• 23 Santa at the Farmer’s Market, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Bring your family out to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus
at the Seniors Farmers Market. Bring a camera or phone to take pictures. Free will donation is optional. 11048 E. Highway 76, Forsyth
• 23 Build a Bear Giveaway, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Foster children 0-10 years of age get a free Build a Bear. 313 Branson Landing Blvd. For more information: 417-337-0372.
• 23 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.
• 25 Kimberling Area Library: Story Time – “Turkey Time,” please join us at 10:30 a.m. at 45 Kim-
berling Blvd., Kimberling City.
• 27 Ozarks Food Harvest: Wild Turkey Wednesday, 12 a.m.-11:59 p.m. Give back during your night on the town. On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, local bars and restaurants are partnering with Ozarks Food Harvest to help provide much needed meals. Check out the web link for a list of participating locations: https://ozarksfoodharvest.org/events/ wild-turkey-wednesday-2024/
Join Ozarks Food Harvest at the 30th annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. Donate five nonperishable food items when you pick up your registration materials or on the morning of the event. 635 E. St. Louis St., Springfield. parkboard. org/624/30th-Annual-Turkey-Trot
28 Dogwood Canyon Nature Park: Thanksgiving Dinner and Buffet, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Gather with family and friends to enjoy a savory Thanksgiving meal, featuring a buffet and specialty stations of classic holiday favorite. Reservations required. Visit: https://dogwoodcanyon.org/event/ thanksgiving-day-buffet/ for reservations and menu. General admission to Dogwood Canyon is required for non-members, 2038 W St., Hwy
86, Lampe. Afterwards, embark on a family adventure in the canyon and enjoy the scenery of the Ozarks.
28 Wranglers Honky Tonk: OPEN on Thanksgiving Night! 625 Missouri Hwy. 165, Branson. wranglershonkytonk.com
DECEMBER
• 1 Forsyth Library’s Annual Festival of Trees, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at 162 Main Street, Forsyth. Silent auction will end Dec. 6, 2024, at 4 p.m. Library is open Wed.-Fri., 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
• 2 Kimberling Area Library: Children’s Hour, 10:30 a.m. Magic Tree House Book Club (focus ages 7-11): “Christmas in Camelot.” Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with music, dance, stories and crafts. 45 Kimberling Blvd., Kimberling City.
• 3 Ozarks Food Harvest: Giving Tuesday, 12 a.m.11:59 p.m. After Thanksgiving, spend some time giving back on #GivingTuesday. By donating online on Tuesday, Dec. 3, you can help Ozarks Food Harvest, Springfield, continue our mission to Transform Hunger into Hope this holiday season and into the new year. For more information, Ozarksfoodharvest. org or on Facebook | https://ozarksfoodharvest.org/donate-money/
The backstage spirits of A Dickens’ Christmas Carol
BY BRANDEI CLIFTON, Silver
Dollar City
As the spirited “ghosts” of “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol” dazzle generations of guests on stage, there’s an equally enchanting “show” behind the curtain—where the cast embraces witty banter, comedic pranks and a healthy dose of holiday mischief.
We popped in before showtime to explore the softer side of the seriously talented cast who ensure secret shenanigans are part of the production that’s become the heart and soul of “An Old Time Christmas.”
The cast exchanges knowing glances, and a few whispered words as they mentally prepare to transform into
their roles. But when the question is asked—Who’s the biggest prankster backstage? —the answer comes without hesitation.
“Kaitlin!”
The cast bursts into laughter as Kaitlin Nelson, the actress who plays the Ghost of Christmas Present, gasps in mock surprise as she brushes her long blonde hair, looking into a mirror framed with little gifts from guests through the years. She pins up her light locks to put on the most iconic part of her costume: the poofy curly wig that bounces with each clever line. The wand-wielding spirit, who glides into her first scene down a balloon-lined slipper slide, has
become a crowd favorite. Make no jokes about it, though, Kaitlin is in the serious business of smiles.
“We put so much care into this show every year because we know it’s a family tradition,” she beams as she tucks a flyaway strand of hair behind her ear. “For a lot of them, Christmas doesn’t start until they see our show. We don’t take that lightly. We also keep in mind all of the characters who’ve come before us—all the talented people who made the show what it has become. And, goodness, we have fun!”
“Oh, yes. Kaitlin is the delightfully mischievous one who keeps us all in good cheer,” says Eileen O’Reilly,
the show’s production and stage manager. “She writes little notes to the cast on the dry erase board and pretends they’re from Dolly Parton. She involves them in her fun TikToks and will do anything to make someone laugh.”
Charley Wasson, who started performing in the show as a 14-year-old playing Martha Cratchit, has grown up on the Dickens’ stage. Now a cheerful member of the Ensemble, Charley chimes into the conversation about the cast’s pranks and practical jokes.
“We hide bugs. We have pajama day. We take goofy pictures,” Charley smiles. “And, sometimes, someone will swap out the baby in the
vintage stroller on stage with a baby Yoda or some other surprise. We’re always laughing!”
True for all families, everyone in the Dickens’ “family” brings something unique to the group. Haley Smialek, who plays Mrs. Cratchit, recently celebrated her 500th performance of the show. Off stage, she helps children in the cast with their reading. She’s also known as the easiest to scare, so Eileen says they never pass up a chance to startle her. It’s those behind-the-scenes friendships and fun that keep long-time performers like Haley from burning out, even after the 141 shows they’ll perform at Silver Dollar City this Christmas.
“This is the show that made me fall in love with musical theater again,” Haley says as she powders her face. “I was working professionally and began feeling drained and disillusioned with the industry. I wasn’t having any fun. Then, I got this role. It’s the most fun I’ve ever had on stage. I get to share this all with the best group of people.”
Brad Baker has played Bob Cratchit for seven seasons. He, too, considers the cast family.
“This show is so special to so many people, and we think of that every time the curtains open,” he smiles. “It’s as choreographed SEE CHRISTMAS CAROL, PAGE 9C
A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, now in its 22nd season at Silver Dollar City: “I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.”– Charles Dickens (Photos submitted)
In Harold Bell Wright’s
“The Shepherd of the Hills” there’s a quote from Dad Howitt on page 350 that I’d like to share.
“Before many years a railroad will find its way yonder. Then many will come, and the beautiful hills that have been my strength and peace will become the haunt of careless idlers and a place of revelry. I am glad that I shall not be here.”
I vividly remember reading that quote the very first time in Mrs. Hilton’s seventh grade reading class when we read “Shepherd” together near the end of the school year. It’s without question
Memories from the Homestead: The Iron Horse opened us to the world
Wright spoke from a prophetic angle about the direction our neighborhood would go. The railroad he spoke of is something that’s always been fascinating to me. The project was still under construction in the summer of 1905 while he was camped here on the Ross place to the south of Garber gathering his thoughts and taking notes for the manuscript of the novel.
That railroad would become the line that brought all of the fans and readers to our Roark Valley to see the Shepherd of the Hills Country for themselves. For a few moments, I’d like to discuss the early developments of the White River Railway.
From what I’ve gathered, the details of the railroad through our community were finalized in late 1902. The White River Railway Company had been founded in Arkansas in February 1901. The proposed route was basically an extension of the Missouri Pacific Railroad. It would run in a southeast direction from Carthage, Missouri, crossing the White River at Branson
and continue onward to Diaz, Arkansas. The proposed route was to cost just shy of two million dollars.
By the spring of 1903, construction was well underway, which would last almost three years. Laborers on the project consisted of large numbers of local men, helping clear the right of way, but the more difficult work was done by foreign workers. By August 1903, there were reports that 5,000 men were working on the railway, many from Austria and Italy.
Five tunnels were constructed along the project. Those workers who were exposed to the greatest danger were paid the most, earning three dollars a day. The workers who handled road bed, track laying and bridge construction earned two dollars a day, while many of the local men, who cut wood and did right of way clearing earned a dollar a day. Steady employment and good wages would be the norm for two years-plus.
In the summer of 1903, work was moving along
on the massive tunnel project just east of present-day Reeds Spring. It was reported that 250 men worked on the tunnel project. Blasts were heard as far away as Mansfield, Missouri, a distance of seventy miles. The tunnel would be 2,900 feet in length when the track was laid through it in 1905.
J.K. Ross, who was the correspondent for the Taney County Republican news-
paper gave many reports of the construction and tunnel progress. Here’s what he had to say on October 22, 1903.
“Making a personal investigation last week, workers are 560 feet on the east end, and 200 feet on the west, making one-fifth of which the tunnel is to penetrate. It’s well worth anyone’s time to take a look at this work, for the pencil cannot describe its magnitude. For
instance, they have filled up one prong of Roark, and are now hauling rock through a cut and dumping it into another fill. You can step to the edge of this and see the rock tumbling down ninety feet below to the bed of Roark! What a place for a train to leave the track! Following down the creek a half mile or so the line crosses the creek proper. Here again
‘Prairie Man’: Branson Centennial Museum hosts Dean Butler book signing
BY LUANNA FULLERTON, Entertainment Writer
Most of you will know Dean by “Almanzo” or “Manny” from the “Little House on the Prairie” TV series. Dean was in Branson at the Branson Centennial Museum promoting his new book titled, “Prairie Man: My Little House Life & Beyond.” I was able to get a picture with him, buy his book - which he autographed for me - and I purchased other merchandise and had a short visit. He had a very great turn-out! He has been having a good time visiting with people and meeting the fans
at all the different events he is attending. For a tidbit of information on Dean, he was born in Canada and raised in California. His first major role was in the 1978 TV movie, “Forever” based on Judy Blume’s novel of the same name. But he is best known for his portrayal role as Almanzo Wilder based on the classic novel series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, made into a TV series directed by Michael Landon. He appeared in the last four seasons of the show - 1979 through 1983. The spin-off show was “Little House: A New Beginning,” and the three post-se-
ries TV movies “Look Back to Yesterday,” “The Last Farewell,” and “Bless All the Dear Children.” Dean went on to be in other TV series shows not related to Little House, but that was his most recognizable role. Dean has appeared in other TV shows, movies and even on Broadway. Dean has worked behind the camera producing and directing to add to his credits as well. He narrated a six-part documentary, “The Little House Phenomenon” and produced two documentaries, “Little House on the Prairie: The Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder” and “Almanzo
Wilder: Life Before Laura” which were inspired by the book series. In 2012, Butler co-executive produced “Pa’s Fiddle: The Music of America” for PBS. Another interesting fact about Dean is he met his wife while working with Michael Landon. Dean is a very personable man that you will want to meet and call a friend.
To find more about Dean Butler find him on these sites: Facebook, Little House 50 Podcast.com, Instagram, X, YouTube - Little House 50 Podcast, littlehousefestival.com, DeanButler.com, and TikTok.
BY COWBOY JOHN FULLER-
TON, a native of Taney County, and a member of the Sons of the Pioneers.
Dean Butler signs his book “Prairie Man: My Little House LIfe & Beyond.” (Photo by Luanna Fullerton)
Photographer George Hall captures train 209 on its way to Garber in 1913. This passenger train made a morning run from Carthage and an afternoon run back to Carthage daily. Passenger service would end in 1960. (Photo courtesy John Fullerton)
BY BOB FORD, Writer, history buff and regular visitor to Branson. You can find more of Bob’s work including his historical podcasts on his website bobfordshistory. com, and on YouTube at Bob Ford’s History. Bob can be reached at robertmford@aol.com.
If you love history, please consider becoming a sponsor and enjoy these articles every week. Contact Rob Doherty at the Branson Globe, 417-334-9100, for details.
T
he Battle of Shiloh/ Pittsburg Landing was the first massive clash of the Civil War. On April 6 and 7,1862, two armies fought on the banks of the Tennessee River in a bloodbath that saw as many casualties as the Battle of Waterloo. What no one knew at the time was that the American Civil War had 20 more Waterloos to go.
General Ulysses S. Grant and his 50,000-man Army of Tennessee were on a roll.
In February of 62, Grant’s Army captured Ft. Henry on the Cumberland River and a week later Ft. Donelson on the Tennessee, taking 12,000 prisoners. These two strategic forts were the first important victories by Grant in the West. With the capture of Ft. Donelson, the Eastern newspapers dubbed the General, “unconditional surrender” Grant.
After those losses the Rebels were reeling and needed to devise a bold plan to halt Grant’s march south. Confederate Generals Albert
will be a bridge eighty or ninety feet in the air.”
Also during 1904, blasting on the rock cuts from the tunnel coming down Roark would continue for nearly a year. Mr. Ross also mentioned that it sounded like a continuous thunderstorm.
Spectators from all over would gather to watch the progress of the railroad, especially during the time of track laying. Finally, by June 1905, the tracks were laid to Branson. The sounds of work trains would become a familiar sound to all residents.
During the construction of the line, workers had started on each end working to connect both sides. The last spike was driven on Friday, December 29, 1905, at 5:15 p.m. This historic moment took place on the Arkansas
Day one at the Battle of Shiloh: A Yankee nightmare
Sidney Johnston and P.T.G. Beauregard had a brave idea. Rivers and railroads were key to controlling an army’s ability to maneuver and supply itself.
Now that Grant had conquered the South’s northern rivers in Kentucky and Tennessee, it was time to move on the rail hubs.
Corinth, Mississippi, has 4 square feet of strategically important real estate that thousands of men would lose their lives fighting to control. It’s where the Mobile and Ohio intersect the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. These routes were vital for the Confederacy to be able to continue the fight and defend themselves.
Johnston received intelligence that Grant’s army had moved down the Tennessee utilizing dozens of river boats in a flotilla and setup camp at Pittsburg Landing, only 20 miles north of Corinth. Rebels now had assembled more than 44,000 of their own green troops to defend the rail junction.
The plan was simple: “Force march to Pittsburg Landing, surprise Grant and attack his Army before General Don Carlos Buell’s Army of the Ohio could join up,” says Woody Harrell, Superintendent Emeritus of the Shiloh National Battlefield.
Remember as numbers are mentioned, multiply by 10 to understand the impact on the United States as would be now, as the population then was 30 million compared to today’s 300 million-plus.
Forty-four thousand Rebels left Corinth in heavy rain on April 3. They were enthused, scared, poorly trained, without uniforms and mostly carrying their own weapons. Nearly all had never experienced battle which meant the commanders would have to lead
side, along a very remote section. The general public was not able to participate in the event.
Completed were 239 miles of track, and the cost of the project was way beyond what they originally proposed. Because of our rough Ozarks terrain, figures
from the front.
Once in position on the morning of April 6, a stray Yankee unit consisting of Missouri Regulars, rousted early without superior’s orders by St Joseph’s Colonel Everett Peabody to patrol the southern forests bordering the Union camp because he “sensed” something wrong. They ran into the vanguard of the Rebel column and exchanged fire. In reporting the contact, Peabody was reprimanded by his commander General Prentiss for acting without orders, but in a couple hours he would realize the Colonel may have saved the Army from complete destruction.
A few Yankee regiments who believed Peabody had just enough warning to act, knowing the enemy was on their doorstep getting ready to release hell.
At 4:55 a.m. the Confederates came out of the woods unleashing three corps simultaneously, about 20 thousand men, attacking a mainly unaware and disbelieving Yankee Army. “The approaching Confederate battle line must have looked magnificent, flags flying, officers leading on horseback, swords drawn, dawn breaking, rebels yelling, cannons firing with sergeants barking out orders—quite a terrifying sight if it was coming at you,” smiled Woody.
Once General Sherman heard the fighting, he didn’t think it was a serious attack by a “substantial group.” Riding to the action with his staff, they were fired upon by skirmishers wounding the General and killing an aide next to him when shot in the head, Sherman now believed.
As the day progressed it couldn’t have gone better for the Rebels. Every time the Yankees tried to set up a line of defense it was over-
for the White River Railway came to $52,000 a mile. The total cost was $12,445,160. A grand total of 284 bridges were built.
The first official passenger train would run the line on January 21, 1906. Stay tuned; next week I’ll go into greater detail on that historic day!
run by the Rebs. Disaster for the Army of the Tennessee was at hand until Sherman ordered General Benjamin Prentiss and his regiment to hold his position, “no matter what!” He did – that defensive stance in a stand of oak trees became known as the Hornet’s Nest because of the constant buzzing of bullets through the air.
After eight unsuccessful rebel assaults and hours of fierce fighting in a blue haze, General Prentiss, who survived and is buried in Bethany, MO, with his 2,200 men that were left, surrendered. They had bought Grant precious time to set up their final defensive line a few hundred yards from the Tennessee River.
Outside the Hornets Nest leading his Southern comrades on horseback, Confederate Commander Albert Sydney Johnston was struck by shrapnel just above his boot in the back of his knee, hitting the femoral artery.
Years earlier in a duel that he won, Johnston was shot in the hip that numbed his lower leg, the same leg that was now hemorrhaging. He bled to death, right there. In the heat of battle, Johnston nor his aides knew he was wounded until it was too late.
I have been to the Hornets Nest and the shallow ravine where Johnston died; it’s humbling.
Beauregard, now in command, was so certain of victory the next day, he allowed Johnston’s staff to accompany the General’s body that evening back to Corinth. Beauregard’s famous dispatch to the Confederate Capital in Richmond reflected his confidence, “Tomorrow we will be watering our horses in the Tennessee!” At the end of day one, many Confederates were in overrun Yankee tents eating
their food and getting some rest for the “mopping up” attack tomorrow.
As darkness descended, the final Union line “held” next to the river, with gun boat support. Heads would roll, however, Sherman with his arrogance didn’t set up any defenses, very few pickets were deployed.
“This Army is built to attack, not defend,” he stated. Grant initially was nine miles away in his palatial plantation headquarters… drinking?
Then there’s General Lew Wallace leading his third division in the wrong direction after receiving handed down verbal orders. Wallace will defend his action at Shiloh the rest of his life. He would prove to be a better writer (what epic novel did
he author?) than a General. But the biggest problem was the Army of the Tennessee being caught flat footed, unsuspecting. It was embarrassing. Overall Western Commander, Union General Henry Halleck and the eastern press roasted the ill-prepared Union brass at Shiloh. It had been an exhausting devastating day on both sides, at the time the bloodiest day in American history, with all surviving combatants thinking of tomorrow and what it would bring. The South lost their senior General but had the upper hand. This was a battle that could determine the fate of the West. The Union Army of the Tennessee was holding on by a thread and praying: Where was the Army of the Ohio?
Monuments and headstones at Shiloh National Cemetery (Photos submitted by Bob Ford)
BY LUANNA FULLERTON
Area Entertainment: An evening with charismatic, smiling Bobby Marquez
and belt out some beautiful sounds all while smiling so nice for you. While onstage, he had Barbara Fairchild come up out of the audience to sing a couple of songs with him. We were blessed with some good old Christmas tunes and sing-alongs during this performance, too. Bobby was born and raised in Texas, but now lives in Nashville, TN. He is a songwriter that has written for
Submitted to Branson Globe
When it comes to celebrating Christmas, no place does it quite like Branson, Mo., where the entire town takes on a holiday glow, and entertainers pull out all the stops to create festive events sure to please visitors of all ages. The Ozark Mountains provide a magical backdrop for unforgettable holiday experiences.
Holiday-themed performances from many of Branson’s most beloved talents abound; fans of every musical genre and era will find themselves enchanted by artistic and technical
wizardry, amused by comic shenanigans and touched by the warmth and sincerity poured into each offering.
Dublin’s Irish Tenors & the Celtic Ladies kicked off recently unveiling of A Celtic Christmas. They’ll deliver gorgeous renditions of Irish classics and traditional holiday favorites through Dec. 28 at King’s Castle Theatre, 2701 W. 76 Country Blvd. (417-334-2500)
Perennial favorites, the Haygoods, made their dazzling holiday-season bow on Halloween with The Haygoods Christmas Extravaganza, their annual
many people, from the likes of Alan Jackson to George Strait and more. He has shared the stage with many well-known musicians like Ray Price, Mel Tillis, Mickey Gilley, Johnny Rodriguez, Martina McBride and so many more. He has appeared on TV shows such as “Larry’s Country Diner,” “The Penny Gilley Show,” “Better Nashville” and “Cheyenne Country” just to name a few of those. His music has been heard on the radio and satellite radio on Willie’s Roadhouse. His debut album has been chosen as the album of the year in European Coun-
try Music People magazine and it was the top seller across the UK. The album produced the top ten Texas Chart and Music Row Chart hits, “She’s Not From Texas” and “That’s Life.”
In 2018, Bobby was awarded the Academy of Western Artists Pure Country Male Vocalist award and the CMA of Texas Cowboy and Western Artist award. These honored his song, “The Cowboy Way.” This album features duets of himself with Johnny Rodriguez and Rhonda Vincent. He has toured and made televi-
sion appearances across the USA, Australia and Ireland. The song, “The Cowboy Way,” the title track from the same album name also made the iTunes and Apple Music Charts. This song has earned him awards from the AWA and CMA of Texas. He wrote this song as a tribute to his late father-inlaw and his integrity; it was produced by Rex Allen Jr. and has become the theme song for the annual Gene Autry festival. He has received word that he has six nominations for five of his songs at the International
knockout performance filled with beloved tunes. Shows continue through Dec. 28 at the Clay Cooper Theatre, 3216 W. Highway 76. (417339-4663)
Holiday-themed performances from many of Branson’s most beloved talents abound for the rest of the year. ‘The Hits’ Christmas Show, delivering top tunes from multiple genres, airs through Dec. 15 at Branson Event Center, 4230 Gretna Road. (417-294-6070)
The ever-popular Legends in Concert kicked off A Merry Country Christmas recently at Pepsi Legends Bandstand Theater, 1600 W. 76 Country Blvd. Stunning performances feature artist legends including Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Alan Jackson, the Blues Brothers and Elvis Presley. (Lineup subject to change). Performers will sing their fame-inducing hits plus favorite holiday selections through Dec. 23. (417-339-3003)
The Hughes Brothers Christmas Show, voted Best Christmas show 16 years running, delights audiences through Jan. 7, 2025, as the four brothers and their families offer songs, dances and moving
stories explaining the symbols of Christmas at their Hughes Brothers Theatre, 3425 W. 76 Country Blvd. (417-334-0076)
The Knudsen Brothers, better known as SIX, for the number of singing siblings behind their distinctive “orchestra of sound,” perform their SIX Christmas Show through Dec. 27 at Pepsi Legends Bandstand Theater. (877-749-7469)
The Presleys, one of the first families of Branson, has been entertaining audiences for over 50 years with their country, gospel and bluegrass blend, sprinkled with dollops of humor. They make it extra special with Presleys’ Christmas Jubilee in their Christmas tree-filled theater watched over by a pair of giant nutcrackers. Catch them through Dec. 14 at Presleys’ Country Jubilee Theater, 2920 W. 76 Country Blvd. (417) 334-4874)
Saddle shoes, poodle skirts and duck tails populate Hot Rods & High Heels 1950s Christmas, a holiday homage to the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, though Dec. 30 at Clay Cooper Theatre, 3216 W. 76 Country Blvd. (417-332-2529)
Red Carpet Awards in the Netherlands. Bobby takes pride in being the host and founder of the annual St. Jude Children’s Hospital benefit, Country with Heart, which raised over $40,000 for the kids and their families. “All the entertainers were fantastic, and I appreciated them. I also appreciated the fans who attended, the donors, performers, the staff at the venue and the sponsors, along with Springer Mountain Farms” stated Bobby. His band was the Wrangler All Star Band consisting of Robby Springfield – steel; Dino Strunk – guitar; Wayne Massengale – fiddle; Dillon Massengale – bass; and Garrett Massengale - drums. This was an outstanding show and I’m looking forward to doing a follow-up with Bobby Marquez when he returns to Branson for some upcoming shows that you don’t want to miss. Be sure to check out his Facebook, X and YouTube accounts and also his website at bobbymarquez.com for all things Bobby.
Kings Castle Theatre is where you’ll find Branson’s Christmas Wonderland, the area’s largest holiday production, complete with a Rockettes-style chorus line and a magical sleigh ride, through Dec. 31 at 2701 W. 76 Country Blvd. (888- 462-7267)
Branson’s own “America’s Got Talent” stars and creators of two popular PBS Christmas specials visit Christmas traditions around the world in The Duttons’ Christmas Show, their multi-generational family extravaganza featuring Celtic fiddles, orchestral renditions of Christmas classics, winter fantasies coming alive and more surprises. Shows run through Dec. 31 at Dutton Family
Theater, 3454 W. 76 Country Blvd. (417-332-2772)
The Emmy-winning Texas Tenors are back with Deep in the Heart of Christmas, featuring the best of harmony-laden country, opera and beloved holiday characters, at the Mickey Gilley Grand Shanghai Theatre, 3455 W. 76 Country Blvd. through Nov. 23. (417-336-0888)
It wouldn’t be Christmas in the Ozarks without the Clay Cooper Country Express Christmas, Cooper, his wife, Tina, and their extended performing family belting out rock, country, patriotic songs and other tunes, plus comedy galore, through Dec. 29 at the Clay Cooper Theatre, 3216 W. 76
AT LEFT: Barbara Fairchild joins Bobby Marquez on stage; BELOW: Bobby and the Wranglers All Star Band (Photos by Luanna Fullerton)
Magical entertainment: Branson’s Ozark Mountain Christmas is here
Hughes Brothers Christmas Show (Photo submitted)
Post Malone and Jelly Roll coming to Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
Country Evolution: Just a few more days to catch Dalena this season
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Dalena Ditto is arguably one of the most talented female entertainers in Branson. A gifted vocalist, Ditto headlines her own show, Country Evolution, at the Hughes Brothers Theatre on Branson’s 76 Country Boulevard. A one-of-a-kind show, Country Evolution is a live documentary of sorts, carrying you back to the beginnings of country music
and taking you to the present, as it shares the stories of the best singers and songwriters ever. There are only a few more opportunities to see Dalena Ditto in Country Evolution before her
show wraps for the 2024 season. Ditto is taking a break during Thanksgiving week before returning to the stage for the first two weeks of December, with shows, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Dale-
na and her multi-talented cast take the stage at 10 a.m., with their last show of the season set for December 12.
To reserve tickets to Dalena Ditto’s Country Evolution, call the Hughes Brothers Box Office at 417-334-0076. Be sure to visit the show’s new Facebook page, Dalena Ditto’s Country Evolution, for continued updates on Dalena and her musical journey.
Stix Golf Lounge celebrates grand opening with ribbon cutting event
Submitted to Branson Globe Stix Golf Lounge, the newest sports bar and entertainment destination in Kimberling City, celebrat-
Country Blvd. (877-3172604)
Set at the dawn of World War II, Sanders Family Christmas turns a soldier’s sendoff into a rousing, moving holiday celebration in North Carolina’s Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church — actually, the stage at Little Opry Live, 3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. Catch it through Dec. 18. (417-335-4832)
What would Christmas be without “A Christmas Story?” The Shepherd of the Hills’ Playhouse Dinner Theatre brings the beloved story of Ralphie Parker and
ed its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 4 p.m. Stix owners, Kristie
his pursuit of a BB gun to life for old and new fans of the holiday classic through Dec. 26 at 5586 W. 76 Country Blvd. (417-3344191)
Cassandré – The Voice of an Angel Christmas Spectacular features the team of vocalist Cassandré Haygood and multi-instrumentalist Timothy Haygood, supported by an array of soloists and dancers and the Stardust Band, now joined by the Johnson Strings, through Dec. 5 at Hughes Brothers Theatre, 3245 W. Highway 76. (800422-0076)
Showboat Branson Belle Christmas Cruises
and Brody Usher said, “Kimberling City and the surrounding area offer so much, and we’re proud to be a part of that. With Stix Golf Lounge, we’re hoping to provide a space where people can relax, have fun, and enjoy the game of golf in a whole new way.”
The Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce facilitated the ribbon cutting, and Stix Golf Lounge hosted a grand opening party to welcome community members, local businesses, and craft beer and golf enthusiasts to celebrate the launch of this state-of-theart facility.
adds kid-friendly Santa’s Pancakes & PJs cruises to its Christmas Celebrate! and Carols on the Belle offerings, through Dec. 30, at 4800 State Highway 165. (417-336-7171)
Matthew Boyce’s Retro Christmas Spectacular features Boyce, the Garland Girls and a certain special guest from “up North,” revisiting holiday classics from the Andrews Sisters, Bing Crosby, the Beach Boys and others, through Dec. 20 at the Americana Theatre, 2905 W. 76 Country Blvd. (417-544-8700)
Anointed by Elvis Presley Enterprises 2013’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist,
“Along with our stateof-the-art golf simulators, we offer eleven rotating craft beers on tap, a selection of wines, and shareable appetizers—creating a sports bar atmosphere where people can enjoy great food and drinks, and have a blast with friends,” Kristie Usher added.
Stix Golf Lounge offers a unique experience for all ages and skill levels, combining top-of-the-line golf simulators with a relaxing lounge atmosphere.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just looking for a fun way to spend time with friends, Stix Golf
Dean Z has been shaking up audiences in Branson and worldwide for years. Catch Dean Z: The Ultimate Elvis, delivering his Christmas tribute to the King through Dec. 30 at Clay Cooper Theatre, 3216 W. 76 Country Blvd. (417879-6060)
As original as Dolly herself, Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede is an extravaganza on horseback, complete with “visits” to the North and South poles, plenty of elves and a four-course dinner feast. Through Jan. 4 at Dolly Parton’s Stampede, 76 W. Country Blvd. (417-3363000)
A Shepherd’s Christmas Carol is the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead’s take on Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol,” includ-
Lounge provides an innovative approach to golfing year-round, regardless of weather conditions.
For more information about Stix Golf Lounge, visit www.stixgolflounge. com or email kris@thefunkytwig.com
About Stix Golf Lounge Stix Golf Lounge brings a modern twist to the traditional golf experience. With cutting-edge technology and a welcoming environment, it’s the perfect place for friends and families to gather, play, and enjoy all the best the sport has to offer.
Kristie and Brody Usher expressed excitement about opening the doors to this new venture: “We feel incredibly lucky to live in a region known for some of the best golf courses in the country. Stix Golf Lounge is an extension of that passion for the game, providing a way for golfers of all skill levels to enjoy top-tier courses yearround, rain or shine. We’re thrilled to offer an experience that allows locals and visitors alike to work on their swing, play a round of golf, or simply enjoy hanging out with friends in the laid-back environment.”
ing characters from its beloved Shepherd of the Hills production, in dinner-theater format through Dec. 26 at Shepherd of the Hills Playhouse Theatre, 5586 W. 76 Country Blvd. (417334-4191)
Elvis’s cousin Jerry Presley, renowned for his performances as Elvis, is combining forces with the singing Blackwoods family for a joint extravaganza billed as Elvis LIVE! and the Blackwoods! Christmas Show. Catch it at God & Country Theaters, 1840 W. 76 Country Blvd. (417334-6806)
Don’t miss An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City, where a certain rednosed reindeer leads the nightly Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade, and the Broadway-style
“Coming Home for Christmas” production brings Christmas traditions to life at Red Gold Heritage Hall. The Frontier Fa-la-la Follies take place at the Silver Dollar Saloon and other attractions abound through Jan. 4, at 399 Silver Dollar City Parkway. (417-336-7100) Of course, Branson can’t celebrate Christmas without one of its first performing families getting in on the fun. The Mabe family, aka Branson’s Famous Baldknobbers, are celebrating more than 60 years as entertainers, and they’re packing their holiday revue full of decades’ worth of country hits, magic, comedy and plenty of Ozarks spirit, through Jan. 3 at Branson Famous Theatre, 645 Historic Highway 165. (417231-4999)
Ribbon Cutting at Stix Golf Lounge (Photo submitted)
Rogue Roasted Veggies
BY CHEF JEFF WOODWARD, The Rogue Chef TIME: 45 minutes SERVINGS: 6
INGREDIENTS:
2 Medium Russet Potatoes, peeled & cut into 1” cubes
• 4 Medium Carrots, peeled & cut into 1” pieces
• ½ lb Medium Asparagus, trimmed & halved
• 6 Radishes, trimmed & halved
• 2 Large Parsnips, peeled & cut into 1”
• 2 T Garlic, chopped 2 T Mushroom & Sage Olive Oil 1 tsp Italian Seasoning • ½ T Soy Sauce 1 T Balsamic Vinegar
• ½ tsp Salt
½ tsp Ground Black Pepper INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. 2. Combine potatoes, carrot, asparagus, radishes, parsnips and garlic in a large mixing bowl.
3. Drizzle with oil and add italian seasoning, soy sauce, vinegar, salt and pepper.
4. Toss until coated.
5. Spread the vegetable mixture in a single layer on a large half sheet baking pan.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the vegetables are tender and golden brown.
7. Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy! GO ROGUE by adding ½ cup crumbled Feta or Blue Cheese on top of the veggies before serving. Want Chef Jeff to make these delicious veggies for you? Contact him at www. TheRogueChefBranson. com .
Popular Missouri Thanksgiving side dishes – perfect for your holiday meal
COMPILED BY JANET
STEINKAMP
When it comes to Thanksgiving, for many of us it’s the sides we crave, not the turkey. Here is a popular side dish from a famous Ozarks attraction.
This recipe is courtesy Silver Dollar City, where Ozark Mountain Succotash makes a popular meal. Ozark Mountain Succotash
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Sauté onions and peppers with butter-flavored vegetable oil. Remove from skillet.
2. Sauté fajita chicken (or turkey) in same skillet with oil. Remove from skillet.
3. Sauté corn and squash in same skillet. Remove.
4. Fry okra in the skillet
INGREDIENTS
4 ounces onions
4 ounces green peppers
• Vegetable oil
8 ounces diced fajita chicken (you may use leftover turkey, if preparing the day after Thanksgiving)
8 ounces frozen whole kernel corn
8 ounces squash
• 1 pound lightly breaded okra
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
until golden brown. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder. When okra is done, add all ingredients to the skillet and heat to the desired temperature.
Missourilife.com | photo credit Harry Katz
Stuffed Butternut
Squash: A popular Missouri side dish
Stuffed butternut squash with spinach, bacon and cheese is perfect any time in fall or winter, and a fa-
Did you save room for dessert?
Pumpkin-Butterscotch
Gingerbread Trifle!
This is a different variation of pumpkin pie that looks tasteful in a trifle or other clear bowl with alternating layers of gingerbread cake and pumpkin/butterscotch pudding. Make it ahead of time and save time later.
vorite during the holidays. The stuffing is creamy and cheesy and goes well with the sweetness of the butternut squash. This gluten-free recipe is a perfect complement at Thanksgiving or any time as an easy weeknight meal.
INGREDIENTS
Butternut squash:
2 butternut squash, medium
2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt black pepper freshly ground
Spinach, bacon, and cheese
mixture:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
6 oz. spinach, fresh
• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 6 strips bacon cooked and chopped
• 3 tablespoons fresh thyme
INSTRUCTIONS
How to roast butternut squash:
1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Prepare the butternut squash. Slice each one in half lengthwise. Keep fingers away from the knife to avoid injury. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and fleshy strands tangled with the seeds.
3. Place butternut squash cut sides up on a baking sheet. Drizzle the cut sides of butternut
squashes with olive oil and rub the oil into the squash. Season generously with salt and pepper. Turn the squash over, and place it cut sides down on a baking sheet. Tip: you can line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
4. Roast in the preheated oven at 400 F. for 40 minutes.
Make spinach, bacon, and cheese mixture:
1. While the butternut squash is roasted, prepare the cheese mixture.
2. In a medium skillet, heat olive oil on medium heat and add fresh spinach. Cook for about 5 minutes until the spinach wilts. If there is any liquid in the pan, drain it.
3. Add cream cheese to a microwave-safe largesized bowl. Soften cream cheese briefly in the microwave oven. Make sure the cheese does not actually melt, just softens.
4. Add shredded Parmesan, cooked spinach, and half of the chopped cooked bacon to the same bowl. Mix everything well. Tip: save the remaining half of the bacon pieces to arrange on top of the cheese mixture.
How to stuff butternut squash:
gerbread mix according to package directions for cake. Cool completely.
2. Break cake into crumbles; reserve 1/4 cup crumbs.
3. In a large bowl, whisk milk, pudding mixes and spices until mixture is thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in pumpkin.
4. In a 3-1/2 qt. trifle or glass bowl, layer one-fourth of the cake crumbs, half of the pumpkin mixture,
1. By this time, you have roasted the butternut squash for 40 minutes. Remove it from the oven and turn cooked squash halves cut sides up.
2. Let it cool slightly. Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh leaving about a 1-inch border along the sides.
3. Divide the spinach, bacon, and cheese mixture among the 4 halves and stuff the squash until the mixture is leveled. Top with the remaining
4. Roast the stuffed butternut squash in the preheated oven at 400 F. for 15 more minutes until the cheese mixture melts.
5. Optionally, broil for 3 or 5 minutes to get golden crust over cheese. Watch closely and be very careful not to burn the squash and the cheese mixture.
6. Top with freshly ground black pepper and fresh thyme. Juliasalbum.com
chopped cooked bacon.
one-fourth of the cake crumbs and half of the whipped topping; repeat layers.
5. Top with reserved crumbs. Refrigerate until serving. Recipe by Lyla Lehenbauer
LARRY DABLEMONT is an outdoor publisher, columnist, author, speaker, naturalist and outdoorsman.
Once a fellow called me to report seeing a hen pheasant down on the Arkansas-Missouri border. I knew exactly what he had seen. I had just seen something similar—a roadrunner. About twenty years ago I saw a roadrunner up here on Lightnin’ Ridge about forty yards from my back door. The bird, which is about the size of a hen pheasant, was running as if the cartoon coyote was after him, but I never heard him beep. Last week I saw him or one like him again. For this part
Outdoors with Larry Dablemont: There one went – a roadrunner
of the northern Ozarks, he is a rare bird. They are not supposed to be here, and my wooded ridgetop is possibly the farthest north they have ever been seen. But he is not a bird of woodlands. He is a desert bird found in Mexico, Texas, Arizona and western Oklahoma. I guess mine has moved up here from northern Oklahoma or maybe Arkansas. If you want to see one, there is a gravel road west of the Big Creek Resort on the north side of Bull Shoals where roadrunners are thick in the summer. On one day I have seen three or four crossing that road.
There isn’t a lot known about roadrunners. They seldom fly and don’t get but a few feet off the ground, seldom going more than 20 yards at a time in flight. But that is how they avoid predators that are faster runners. They can’t outrun a coyote but they can elude him. The bird usually runs about 15
miles per hour but if necessary, they can run 25 miles per hour. You never see one pecking around in one spot like a dove or quail.
They almost never get off the ground, except when they nest. They nest a few feet off the ground in bushes or small trees. Some nests have as few as two or three eggs, and some have up to eight. Some ornithologists say they mate for life, but I think that is unlikely. I have never seen two together.
They have a cousin, in that same cuckoo family, that we in the Ozarks call a rain crow, or “yellow-billed cuckoo.” The two birds seem to have little in common, but their four toes have two pointing forward and two pointing backwards. Their track makes an X. The rain crow is common here, and is elusive in high branches of tall oaks. They stay off the ground while their cousin, the roadrunner
seldom leaves it. In those desert states, roadrunners have been seen killing large rattlesnakes by pecking at the head and avoiding strikes until the snake is dead. Usually that is seen involving two of the birds.
What will he eat up here on Lightnin’ Ridge in the winter? Anything he wants. There are lizards out on warm days, small mammals like field mice, and they also eat a small percentage of plant and seed matter. As a photographer, I would give a good portion of my left little toe to get a picture of a roadrunner up here on this ridge top. Wouldn’t it be something to get him running through my woods in a skiff of snow? He can live through an Ozarks winter because he never has to drink water, and doesn’t, ever. He gets all the moisture needed from his food, like many other desert small
animals. He doesn’t have to eat a great deal and his body temperature drops to surprisingly low levels much like a reptile, when it gets real cold.
He can thrive if it stays above 40 degrees, but I suspect that he would be in a sort of suspended animation for periods of time under cover somewhere when freezing temperatures approach. I know darn well he and his kind do not migrate.
I tried walking to Arkansas once and gave up after the first ten miles.
I wish I could help that roadrunner with a feeding station of some kind, or just see him more often. A more fascinating bird I have never seen anywhere.
One last thing: Deer hunters beware. If you kill a big-antlered buck, DO NOT take a game warden, who shows up later, anywhere you hunt. He will suddenly appear at your home, want-
ing you to take him and show him where you killed your deer and cleaned it. He’ll mysteriously find corn there or in the deer’s stomach (which comes from his pocket) and therefore charge you and confiscate your antlers, which likely are worth a good deal of money. Not all conservation officers are crooked enough to do that, but some are. Don’t be their victim! Any time an agent shows up WITHOUT A WARRANT, tell them to leave and close the door. They have no right to your cooperation without a legal warrant, and if they get your antlers you will never see them again, EVEN IF YOU GET A LAWYER AND ARE FOUND INNOCENT OF THE CHARGE!
One agent in Stone County has a shed full of antlers he calls his “Retirement Account.” Almost none were legally obtained! Don’t let them get yours.
Tanger Outlets Branson announce Black Friday extended shopping hours
Submitted to Branson Globe Tanger Outlets Branson is gifting shoppers with early Black Friday deals throughout November and extended Thanksgiving weekend hours this season!
Starting Friday, Nov. 29 at 6 a.m., shoppers can access
• CHRISTMAS CAROL
Continued from page 1C
backstage as it is on stage.
We know each other well!
the doorbuster deals on hot gifting trends and holiday items, including athleisure wear and accessories from Nike, Lululemon, Coach and Kate Spade.
TangerClub offers shoppers even more savings on top of the season’s best
brand deals. New members upgrading to TangerClub Gold in November or December will receive a $10 gift card to select brands.
To maximize shopping dollars, Tanger customers can download the Tanger App for details on doorbusters
and deals as well as deeper savings through TangerClub.
Please note: Some store hours may vary early morning on Black Friday. Please check with individual stores to confirm opening hours.
Tanger Outlets Branson are located at 300 Tanger Blvd., Branson. To learn more about holiday plans at Tanger Branson, visit tanger.com/ branson – and connect on Facebook and Instagram.
The long days leading up to opening night actually start in September when crews arrive to begin building the set. By mid-October, the cast ar-
We know what path each other is taking and how the set pieces move. That makes for a super special experience that keeps us coming back each year to be with this family.”
rives along with the set designer, lighting, video and music designers and the director. Everyone gets busy creating the beauty and excellence of this long-time favorite, now in its 22nd season at Silver Dollar City.
On day one of rehearsal, the performers each receive their show binders containing their music, scripts, information about the park, a welcome letter from the production team and also a quote from Charles Dick -
ens. The quote reads, “I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.”
“This quote is so important,” Eileen says with a twinkle in her eye. “It is the heart of everything we are doing. We work
diligently to get every aspect of the production just right. It is our truest desire to honor Christmas in the hearts of all our guests—from the smallest to the tallest—and keep it for all the seasons in their memories.”
Connect with the great outdoors with the enchanting Nature at Night holiday light tour. Discover the tales of the indigenous people of the Ozarks, the rapid decline and gradual return of North American bison, and how different species work together to create a co-dependent ecosystem all while surrounded by twinkling lights and aweinspiring displays. Become illuminated with inspiration to conserve our natural world today and forever on this one-of-a-kind tour running for a limited time this season. Scan the code to purchase tickets online.
NOTICE OF ELECTION OF TRUSTEES FOR
VILLAGE OF INDIAN POINT
The Village of Indian Point is holding an election on April 8, 2025, for election of two members of the Village’s Board of Trustees. Each of the two Trustees will be elected for a two-year term. The period for filing a Declaration of Candidacy for each of the Trustee positions will open on December 10, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. – December 31, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. Candidate Election packets including the Declaration of Candidacy forms are available at the Village of Indian Point Municipal Center, 957 Indian Point Road, Branson, MO 65616 during the Village’s office hours. Completed Declarations of Candidacy forms will be accepted at the same office.
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE: PROPOSED SEWER RATE INCREASE FOR 2025
The Village of Indian Point will hold a public hearing to discuss a proposed 3% increase in sewer rates for 2025 on December 16, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. at the Village Hall located at 957 Indian Point Road, Branson, Missouri 65616.
I WAS OUT WALKING
and I ran into my 80 year old friend named Smokey Bear. He was talking about the clean air. If you smell smoke look for the fire, because it may burn your house. Please don’t throw away your cigarettes outside and remember fireworks start fires. The weather is dry so don’t burn your house down and don’t burn my house either. Please pay attention.
1 Seeking their DD 214
2 Needing a companion dog
3 Wanting peer-to-peer friends
4 Seeking professional counseling
5 Needing food, water or shelter
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.
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
GRIEF SHARE SUP-
PORT GROUP: A new class for Grief Share will begin Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, at the Branson UMC. This is open to people from our community, surrounding areas and our own church family at BUMC. We welcome both new and returning participants. Gather at 1 p.m. for “social time” and class will begin promptly at 1:30 p.m. For questions call Peggy at 641-919-1533. All are welcome!
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!
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.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY is a place to heal from your hurts, habits, and hangups. We meet every Monday night at 6:30 PM at Music City Centre, 1839 West 76 Country Blvd., Branson. For more information call 417–320-2055 See you there!
SERVICES OFFERED
HEART2HEART DOMESTIC SERVICES: Housecleaning, handyman, transportation errands/airport runs, light meal preparation and holiday or special occasion baking. Bebe, 602616-6885.
ACE HOME IMPROVEMENT
Heating and air, HVAC service and repair, doors, windows, decks, fences, pressure washing, interior and exterior painting, siding, roofing, flooring, tile and drywall. Handyman work! Call Ryan: 417-3351347.
FREE ESTIMATES AND TIMELY RESPONSE. Full remodels, decks, pole barns, garages, fencing and small projects. Call 417699-1635.
PETS
COMPANION DOGS
NEED A HOME – We have German shepherd dogs that would be great companions. They are free to a good home. 417559-3892.
FOR SALE
FOR SALE: 2004 Nissan Titan with 30k miles, very clean. Was asking $16,500, drop to $12,500 for fast sell. No calls please, text if interested. Text 417-559-0715.
RENT TO OWN AUTOS: Low down payment. NO initial taxes & license fees. NO credit check. Free 1 year warranty on motor & transmission. Rent to own your auto today! 1119 E. Hwy. 76, Branson. 417335-5400. renttoownautosbranson.com
ROOMS TO RENT
WEEKLY MOTEL ROOM RENTAL: Family friendly. Deposit and rule agreement required. Cable/WiFi included. No dogs. $191/week. Colonial Mountain Inn, Branson West 417-272-8414.
APTS/CONDOS
HOME TO SELL OR ROOM TO RENT? Let the Globe help you get the word out. Reach thousands of readers each week with an ad just like this for only $17.75!
Add a little color to your advertising, and watch readers take notice! Run an ad like this one for $25/wk.
of
Hills Estates www.soheapts.com
HELP WANTED
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Branson is seeking nursery-toddler attendants to work three hours on Sundays from 8:45 to 11:45 a.m. at $20 per hour. We are looking for loving Christians who have a heart for babies, toddlers and young children. Nursery workers must be committed to working every Sunday morning and be able to pass a Missouri background check. Submit letter of interest with contact information to marilyn65616@gmail,. com or call 417-598-0357 for information. References required.
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.
TWO PAINTERS NEEDED. Experienced, and must have your own tools and transportation for three to four months of work inside. Call 417712-4115.
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.
Flag-maker ____ Ross
Renovate
Outcomes
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On this date in history...
• 1950 7,021 see Fort Wayne Pistons edge Minneapolis Lakers 19-18 at Minneapolis Auditorium; lowest ever NBA score of 37 combined points 1955 RCA Records make its best investment, paying $35,000 to Sun Records for Elvis Presley’s contract
• 1963 President John F. Kennedy assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald while riding in an open-topped
motorcade in Dallas, TX
• 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson sworn in as the 36th President after the assassination of JFK
• 1972 U.S. ends 22-year travel ban to China
1984 Fred Rogers of PBS
“Mr. Rogers Neighborhood” presents a sweater to Smithsonian Institution 1989 MLB centerfielder
Kirby Puckett signs record $3 million per year contract
with Minnesota Twins
• 1990 President George H.W. Bush visits U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia
1990 Margaret Thatcher announces her resignation as British Prime Minister
2016 President Barack Obama posthumously awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to pioneering computer scientist and Navy Admiral Grace Hopper
Sudoku
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