Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. – 1 Peter 4:10
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INSIDE:
August 25, 2023 • Volume 4, Issue #34
On Friday, August 18, 2023, the Branson Police Department conducted a Community Debrief of the February 28, 2023, officer-involved shooting of Randall Wesolek Jr., resulting in his death. The briefing included Eric Schmitt, Branson’s Chief of Police; Corporal Sam Carpenter from Missouri State Highway Patrol; and Lieutenant E.J. Jones from the Branson Police Department.
The Chief expressed his hope that debriefing would provide the community with the information necessary to understand the officers’ actions and the reasons for those actions. He also stressed that “this result is the last thing that our officers want to happen. We spend a great deal of time, money and effort in developing our policies and training so that deadly force can be avoided in all but the worse situations. We take all use of force seriously and understand the value of human life.”
WEEKEND
WEATHER:
Schmitt said that per standard procedure, the Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated the incident. Upon completion, it forwarded the investigation to the Taney County Prosecutor’s office for review. After the review, Brad Hughes, the Taney County Prosecutor, notified the Chief that there would be no criminal charges.
In the interim, the Branson Police Department convened a Deadly Force Review Board. The makeup included a peer officer, firstline supervisor, member of Command Staff, department trainer, and sworn officer from an outside agency. The net result was that all officers’ actions resulted from the immediate deadly threat that Mr. Wesolek presented. Their actions were reasonable, justified and compliant with applicable laws, policies, and training.
The Chief said the initial interactions with Mr. Wesolek were cordial and calm. The officers gave Mr. Wesolek explicit orSEE SHOOTING, PAGE 10A
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff WriterA fun summer tradition took place last weekend when a unique car show returned to Branson.
The 16th Annual Sleds Midwest Car Show and Cruise returned to Branson. The car show, held on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, is a custom car show, featuring only vehicles manufactured prior to
BY K.D. MICHAELS,
Staff Writer A Branson icon has been presented a tremendous honor.
Marshall Howden, founder of Branson’s Song of Hope movement and an advocate for Branson’s live music shows and theaters, presented the latest in a series of Song of Hope Awards last week.
This year’s recipient was Jim Barber. A talented performer, Jim graced Branson stages with his unprecedented comedic and ventriloquism skills for years. Barber now serves as the Executive Director of the Branson Regional Arts Council, where he strives to promote live entertainment, music and fine arts to residents of the Ozarks and visitors alike, and introduce young people to the world of performing arts. Barber is largely responsible for the
SEE BARBER, PAGE 9A
1980. The show is dedicated to pre-1980s custom vehicles and rods.
By definition, a “sled” is a standard production automobile with a body heavily modified in particular ways.
The event, held August 18 - 20, featured dozens of custom cars and trucks on display as well as fun for the entire family. Activities
included a delicious Friday feast, a flame-throwing contest, music, movie night and more.
The highlight of the weekend was the annual Dam Cruise. The weekend’s fun culminated in an awards show, which was held on Sunday afternoon.
See more of K.D.’s pictures on page 10B!
Submitted to Branson Globe Larry and Lianne Milton today announced the sale of The Paddlewheel and Main Street Marina property. The Miltons have
owned the property since 2012 and expressed their gratitude for the many years they have been able to serve the community.
“Lianne and I have
been blessed to serve our community and visitors through our ownership of The Paddlewheel and Main Street Marina during these past 11 years, and we are
forever grateful to everyone who helped us make so many fantastic memories,” Larry Milton said.
“Most of all we are thankful for the excellent em-
ployees that we have had throughout the years, some of whom have been with us from the very start. We could not have sustained
Submitted to Branson Globe Please help keep our young people traveling to school safe. A few precautions go a long way toward child safety:
Fall is coming to The Shepherd of the Hills Historic Farm, and that means it is time for the Fall Craft Fair, September 8-10! The fair is growing each year, featuring many local vendors as well as some who travel from outside the area for this special event.
Over 70 vendor booths will feature handmade crafts, chainsaw art, pottery, cus-
tom woodworking, jewelry, candles, clothing and much more. While you browse, enjoy live music each day; get some delicious food from food trucks including BBQ, hot dogs and more; or take a break at the root beer truck!
Festival times are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, September 8, and Saturday, September 9; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 10. Entry fee is just $5 at the gate, and admission is
FREE for children age 12 and under. Entry also includes a self-guided tour of the Historic Farm, plus Li’l Pete’s Kids’ Playland, petting zoo and mini golf, for an educational and fun day for the whole family.
If you’re looking for a fun daytime location for your family to pick out pumpkins for fall fun and decorating, plan to experience the Shepherd’s Pumpkin Fest, each fall weekend from September 23 to October 30. You can also enjoy a jeep hayride or build a scarecrow while you’re here.
Parking for events is free, located in the main parking lot at 5586 W. 76 Country Blvd. Stay up to date on these and other fall and holiday happenings on Facebook or at https://theshepherdofthehills.com/events/.
Don’t block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn.
• In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop
and yield to pedestrians crossing the intersection. Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign.
Submitted to Branson Globe Branson Parks & Recreation Department has been awarded a grant to add more picnic tables and benches throughout city parks that are made with 100% recycled materials for residents, guests and community members to enjoy. The grant will add seven new picnic tables and four new benches throughout city parks. According to Kris Parks, Assistant Director of Branson Parks and Recreation, “These amenities are ready to be enjoyed, as our maintenance department has already installed
this business without their hard work and dedication.”
Milton added that this was a business decision and does not change his commitment to the City of Branson.
“We felt this was the right time to move on to other endeavors, and does not in any way affect our service to the citizens and City of Branson,” Milton said. “I’m excited to continue serving our community through my work in commercial real estate and through my position as
them. They will allow users to enjoy our parks by having additional area to sit or have a picnic.”
The “Non-Playground Scrap Tire Grant” will provide $10,294 from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to purchase seven new recycled picnic tables and four new benches that will be installed in Eiserman Park, Cantwell Park and Parnell Park this fall.
In addition to being made up of 100% recyclable material, the benches and tables have a minimum of 40% scrap tire rubber that
is generated in Missouri. The DNR’s Non-Playground Scrap Tire Grant is offered annually or bi-annually based on available funds and assists communities with funding for projects that are produced with recycled materials.
This grant will help the City of Branson in a citywide effort to utilize sustainable materials whenever possible, as well as help the Parks Department continue to provide quality recreational experiences throughout our community, making Branson a great place to live, work and play.
Mayor of Branson. Branson has made some very exciting progress over the last three years, and we have a lot more work to do as we continue striving to keep Branson the best place to live, work and play in the United States.”
CLARIFICATION:
The Paddlewheel will continue operating through Sept. 2, 2023, with an official closure date of Sept. 3. Inquiries regarding the sale of the property and equipment can be sent to lianne@ mainstreetmarina.com.
The Branson Centennial Museum asked the Branson Globe to clarify that Mr. Keith Thurman, whose story was featured in last week’s Globe, now serves as assistant curator at the Branson Centennial Museum, after serving as a dedicated volunteer.
Most of us think of Branson’s House of Hope as a warming center for those in need of shelter during the winter months. However, the organization meets a huge need during the summer as well.
On the hottest days of the year, House of Hope operates as a Cooling Center, giving people a chance to beat the heat.
As of press time, the Cooling Center has been open 18 days and counting. It is projected that, by the end of the week, the House of Hope Cooling Center will have been open a total of 23 days, with at least seven of those days having temperatures in the triple digits.
“In order to open the Cooling Center, the temperature has to reach 95 degrees or higher at some
point during the day,” explained House of Hope’s Alex Sprinkle. “The Cooling Center opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. Guests are offered breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day. We have Powerade, Propel and water readily available to ensure they are hydrated. While at the Center, guests are welcome to shower and wash their laundry. These services are offered year round, but many are able to take advantage of them due to the increased amount of time at the facility. In addition to engaging in services, guests are able to watch TV, hang out and build community.”
Recent storms also brought individuals to the Cooling Center. Said Sprinkle, “The storms that swept through just weeks ago caused many
residents in Taney County to lose power. With temperatures soaring into the nineties, a lack of electricity posed a serious threat to the wellbeing of residents in our community. In an effort to provide aid, House of Hope delivered water to the health departments. Additionally, the Cooling Center was open for individuals needing a break from the heat, a place to do laundry, or a shower.”
House of Hope operates as a warming center during the coldest nights and a warming center on the hottest days, but serves as an advocacy office throughout the year, providing individualized service to clients.
“We have several different resources available to clients who visit,” said Sprinkle. “Individuals have access to showers and laundry facilities. In addition,
they can receive mail here, utilize the computers, receive snack bags and find clothing. Each individual’s situation is unique and presents different opportunities for us to assist. Some of our greatest priorities include connecting individuals to mental health services, sober living facilities, and community support.”
Sprinkle noted that, while the warming center was open for business last winter, the required construction continues—and is nearly completed.
“We are in the final stages of the project,” Sprinkle noted. “Once all work is approved, we will meet the required standards to hold our special use permit. This is truly something to celebrate.”
“We are so thankful for the community support,” continued Sprinkle. “The
Submitted to Branson
build relationships with individuals looking to learn the skills and knowledge needed to find and keep meaningful em-
ployment and increase their quality of life in our community. Witness life change and be a part of something greater when you become an Elevate Work mentor for
enrolled participants. No experience is needed, only a willing heart and desire to see others succeed. Join us for our Elevate Work Mentor orientation at Elevate Bran-
son, 310 Gretna Road, on August 28 at 6 p.m. RSVP by contacting Donna McConkey at 417-5271709 or Donna.McConkey@ElevateBranson.org.
Pets and their owners are in for a special treat on Labor Day with the annual Doggie Dive-In.
Held at Branson’s AquaPlex, a part of the city’s RecPlex, the Doggie Dive-In is a longtime, end of summer tradition.
“We have offered this event since 2009, so that is 14 years,” noted Branson Parks and Recreation Director Cindy Shook.
Last year’s event saw 101 dogs and 171 handlers beating the heat on Labor Day evening.
Cost for the event is $8, and the fee includes entry for one dog and one
human companion. Additional humans are allowed at $2 per person. Pre-register for the event before September 4 and save $2 per dog and human pairing.
“Each dog must have their own handler, and dogs must remain on a leash while on deck,” explained Kris Parks, Assistant Director of Branson Parks and Recreation.
“Guests are encouraged to bring their own balls or toys to use in the pool.”
Shook added, “Many thanks to our longtime sponsor, Culver’s, that provides Pup Cups for all the attendees.”
This year’s Doggie Dive-In is set for Monday, September 4, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For more informa-
tion, call 417-335-2368 or visit https://www.bransonmo.gov/712/ProgramsSpecial-Events.
The biggest annual fundraiser for House of Hope is coming soon.
Save the date for the second annual House of Hope Classic Golf tournament, set for October.
The tournament is a four-man scramble, with registration beginning at 8 a.m. and a shotgun start at 10 a.m. The day’s activities include prizes for the winners and a silent auction. A delicious dinner follows the tournament. If you would like to register a team for the tournament, please reach out to Hopehousebranson@gmail. com.
Four levels of sponsorship are available for the tournament, including Event Sponsor, Gold Sponsor, Silver Sponsor and Bronze Sponsor. Sponsorships range from $250 to $2,500. For more information on sponsorships, contact Hopehousebranson@gmail.com or call 417544-0162.
The House of Hope Classic is set for Saturday, October 7, at the Branson Hills Golf Club.
House of Hope continues to be a safe place for individuals who are struggling to come because of the generosity of business owners,
volunteers, nonprofit partners, churches and friends. We are grateful for everyone who places a critical role in loving our community.”
Tri-Lakes Humane Society, Reeds Spring Call (417)
Have a
MANTIS. Male, DOB 3-1-2021. Mantis and his four litter mates were brought in from a hoarding situation and came to us very scared. In the time he has been with us, he has made a lot of progress from bouncing off walls to letting us pet him. As a long-term resident, his adoption fee is discounted to $42.50! Do you have the patience to help this skittish guy find his forever home?
MARLEY. Female Labrador Retriever/Chow
info@turtlecreekbranson.com
www.turtlecreekbranson.com
Looking for Dave Ramsey’s “Dave Says...” and Stock Market Insights? You’ll find them in our new business section, pages 2 and 3C.
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
KIM CHAPPELL Ad Designer gabbydor210@gmail.com
PATTY DOERPINGHAUS
Stone Co. Account Rep. (530) 739-5560 pattyd.ads@gmail.com
MARK FEDER Taney Co. Account Rep. (805) 320-3746 shotgunart@yahoo.com
JOHN FULLERTON Area Historian
TIFFANY GRAVETT Staff Writer tiffanykgravett@gmail.com
KAREN HALFPOP Digital/Production Mgr. production@bransonglobe. com
K.D. MICHAELS Staff Writer kdmichaelsbranson1@ gmail.com
LINDA PAGE
Entertainment Writer lpage65@centurytel.net
CYNTHIA J. THOMAS Staff Writer cjthomas74@yahoo.com www.cynthiajthomas.com
DARYL WEATHER Weather Forecaster bransonwx@gmail.com
The 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.
BY GARY J. GROMAN a.k.a. The Ole SeagullDuring the community briefing for the February 28, officer involved shooting, video from the officer’s body worn cameras showed precisely how the shooting occurred. It highlights the daily danger police officers face when approaching vehicles professionally and courteously, putting themselves at risk from occupants’ actions. A danger they willingly accept as part of being a member of “The Thin Blue Line.”
The video shows that
“Officer 1 became aware of a wanted suspect driving a 2005 silver Pontiac Grand Am. The suspect was wanted for several felony warrants. Officer 1 followed the Pontiac as it turned into a convenience store parking lot, stopping near the building’s front door. Officer 1 came to a halt behind the Pontiac, got out of his vehicle, and contacted the suspect inside the vehicle with a dog. Officer 1 introduced himself and asked for the suspect’s name. The suspect verbally provided a false name. Upon the arrival of Officer 2, Officer 1 returned to his vehicle to confirm the suspect’s identity through police files.
After confirming the suspect’s identity, Officer 1 recontacted the suspect seated in the Pontiac. Officer 3 arrived at the scene. Officer 1 instructed the suspect to step out of the vehicle. He refused, asking what he did
wrong. Officer 1 repeated the instruction to step out of the vehicle while opening the car door. The suspect still refused to exit the car. The suspect brought the gun up toward the officers. All three saw it, yelling “Gun,” which was pointed at Officer 1. The officers simultaneously disengaged and retrieved their duty-issued firearms, firing as they retreated from the suspect. The officers fired several rounds at the suspect during approximately three (3) seconds. Several shots struck the suspect, and he fell from the vehicle onto the parking lot while his gun fell out of his hand and landed next to him.
While struggling with the suspect, the officers had about six (6) seconds to evaluate the situation, decide on a course of action, and act. In the video, those six seconds went as follows:
Second 1 - The suspect was informed he was under arrest and was again asked to step out of the vehicle.
Second 2 - Officers: Don’t reach - Do not reach.
Second 3 - Suspect: I’m not doing nothing. [Said while reaching for a gun in a holster between the seat and center console.]
Second 4 - Officer: Do not reach.
Second 5 – Silence
Second 6 – Officers gun
Second 7 – Shots
Those six seconds shrink to about three seconds, during which the officers saw the gun and had to react.
As the Ole Seagull wrote a news article on this incident and its community debriefing, he could not help but admire how the officers handled this situation. It shows their professionalism, courage and ability to respond effectively to a dangerous situation as they were trained.
In the debriefing, Chief Schmitt said, “This result is the last thing that our officers want to happen. We spend a great deal of time, money and effort in developing our policies and training so that deadly force can be avoided in all but the worse situations. We take all use of force seriously and understand the value of human life.”
An Ole Seagull appreciates that and is most thankful, in his belief, that those policies and training helped to avoid injury or death to our officers. As he writes, he appreciates just how dangerous the job of being a police officer is, how important they are to the quality of life he lives, and the stress and sacrifice they and their families face every day.
Praise God for that “Thin Blue Line” standing between an orderly society and chaos.
Recently, I studied the Old Testament book of Job with the First5 app from Proverbs 31 Ministries. Job’s story of suffering and loss, his friends’ misguided attempts to help, and his eventual restoration of health and fortune are a classic reference point for anyone with even rudimentary fa-
miliarity with the Bible. At the end of the study, I had to conclude—once again—that we don’t always know why: Why we suffer illness; why things don’t work out with our kids; why the weather turns vicious; why people seem to get away with bad behavior.
The recent news of the horrible fires on Maui has brought to mind Job 37:13. Job’s friend Elihu appears on the scene—or at least finally speaks up—after the other three friends have apparently exhausted their arguments. Like them, Elihu doesn’t know the cosmic battle behind Job’s problems, but he does get one thing right, as
he focuses his remarks on God’s power and majesty. Speaking of a thunderstorm, rain and lightning, Elihu says, “He causes it to come, whether for correction, or for His land, or for mercy.”
Elihu’s point is that we don’t know. Job eventually reached a place of worship even in his grief, but only much later, if at all (depending on different scholarly viewpoints about who wrote the book), did he know why it all happened.
As people sort through reports on the Maui situation, with commentary ranging from conspiracy theories to climate change to just unfortunate timing of weather conditions, my
heart goes out to those who have lost homes, businesses and most of all, loved ones. This week’s Reader’s Corner features Greg and Sandie Mundis, whose COVID-19 story made headlines locally and worldwide. Even as Greg recovered, though, some of his colleagues did not. Here in southwest Missouri, a special music event was held recently to assist the family of accident victims who were simply at the wrong place at the wrong time, and suffered from someone else’s bad decision.
Like Job’s friends, well-meaning people and even faith leaders try to come up with explanations,
but those explanations usually fall short. I had my own Job moment 15 years ago when I faced cancer, eventually coming to a similar realization that God is God and I’m not. (Read about it at https://www. cynthiajthomas.com/blog/ my-cancer-journey-3.)
Whether you’re going through your own hard time; or anxiously watching someone else’s; or waiting for news from family or friends in locations affected by natural disaster, war, or other effects of a fallen world, try to remember that the constant in all of it is God. His love and His redemptive plans for those who turn to Him will not change.
Our biggest event of the year — StateoftheOzarks Fest — is now but a month away with all the recurrent work required. Even in the August heat, there is an existential hint of autumn. My friends feel it. They keep meme posting “Only XX number of days until Halloween! Or Christmas!” I cringe. I want time to slow down.
“Some hauntings may not be sentient,” I hear myself saying as I shift my scuffed dress shoes on the tawny red second-floor boards of the ballroom late last night. I’m part of the Dark Ozarks paranormal tour and investigation in the George Ball House, a Victorian mansion in Webb City, Missouri. Mostly attentive eyes turn toward me. I hold my pause before continuing. “Everything I learned from quantum physics is from Star Trek: The Next Generation but it appears some ghost phenomena may be a kind of crossover between times.”
The sweaty crowd laughs, then looks thoughtful.
It’s true. I flunked my quantum physics class (that is, Star Trek). But the idea that moments in
time somehow intertwine, touching in intimate, strange and meaningful ways? That is easy. That phenomena happens inside my mind with near constant insistence.
August 1997. I am running in moccasins and cutoff shorts and my far-toobig camouflage shirt I wore until it was thin and gauzy. Running in the timber at home, running in the forest that knew me better than I knew myself, running past the sentinel oaks, running past the grove of summer-withered Mayapples, over the little dip and ridge in the path, moccasin feet flying in the oak leaves, running all the way up the mellow rise to the place where timber line and open sky met, there beneath the lemony sassafras and tan-
gled plum thickets, etching lines in dusk, another day dying, another moment gone, another moment ripped away and unable to be saved, only remembered. I was out of breath yet breathing in relief.
Tomorrow at 7 a.m. I would be in my first-semester college English class, a strange respite before a difficult day of horticulture and agriculture classes. I had a descriptive essay due. Sitting in the house had proven useless for inspiration and so, I had taken off running in the forest that knew me better than I knew myself. I made it to the back door as last light fell and hurried to my bulky 1990-era computer to pound out several hundred words, glad I had memorized the keyboard
that wasn’t too much to ask.
BY TIFFANY GRAVETT Staff WriterIt had been a difficult day. A difficult week. A difficult year. You’d expect someone who was dealing with such trying circumstances to have many extravagant prayers, petitioning God to move mountains on their behalf. I had definitely prayed some prayers like that recently. But that day, there was one need that
cried out above the rest. I desperately needed a hug. At that time, I was working as a clinic receptionist. Though dozens of people had approached my window that day to check in for their appointments, I still felt alone. Whispering a little prayer to God, I asked him to put it on someone’s heart to give me one good, long hug. Surely
The day went on and in the busyness that accompanies working for a clinic with fifteen doctors, I didn’t give much more thought to my simple request. That was until a lady and her little girl walked in. The girl, who was around the age of four, pranced around with excitement, chattering away
shortcuts for WordPerfect. That was twenty-six years ago this week and futures are strange and winding things. I could never have predicted this outcome, a quarter of a hot summer century ago. Teenagers, it seems, are often bolstered by hubris, the idea they are invincible, can do anything. I was not so bolstered. I was instead painfully and existentially aware of my own shortcomings. Still, it hasn’t been a bad life, even as the path home continues. Some of us live lives of mounting disdain, wondering why our hubris and arrogance are not better appreciated. And some of us live a different path: constantly wondering, weirdly grateful. And always running to keep up.
about everything that came to her mind. They came to my window and the girl immediately wanted to engage with me in conversation.
“My name’s Hazel! What’s yours?”
We chatted for a bit, and then her expression changed as if she’d had a sudden epiphany.
“I want to come back SEE TIFFANY, PAGE 5A
Telling is not teaching. Many people seem to feel that if they have told a child something, the child has learned it. Not true! When a child is told something, or for that matter when any of us are told something, our first response may be, “Well, maybe that is true and maybe it is not true.” There may even be resistance to being told something especially if there is even a hint of animosity toward the one doing the telling.
A much better way to get ideas across is to ask questions. Anytime someone is asked a question, thought processes are required for the person to answer. The person being asked must weigh in his/her own mind the pros and cons of the point being addressed. This requires the consideration of many facets of a topic and eventually the person comes up with a conclusion on his/her own.
•
there and give you a hug!” she exclaimed.
“Well, come on back here and I’ll open the door for you!” I answered.
She came running and I met her at the entrance to the check-in desk. Wasting no time, she reached up to me with her little arms. I knelt down to her level as she wrapped her arms tightly around me. With the unashamed, joyful confidence she had exhibited since her
It is only when we genuinely believe something that we act upon it. The belief has to become a part of us before it truly affects behavior. Otherwise, a child being told something may act on it temporarily out of fear or respect for parents or those doing the telling. When they later are no longer under the control of that person, they may not continue the required behavior. When children become teenagers, if they have already concluded certain things, they will not stop acting accordingly. Those teenagers who have simply been told to act a certain way and have not come to the conclusion on their own, may completely throw away those principles.
How do we go about asking questions or what kind of questions do we ask?
Children need to be asked many “why” questions. Very young children need to be asked simple questions such as “Why do we wear a coat on cold days?” Their answers may include things such as to keep from feeling cold, to keep from being sick, to do what others are doing, etc. Other follow-up questions might be: “What happens to us if we don’t wear coats when it is cold?” “Remember when you were sick
entrance into the building, she gave me a bear hug that rivaled all other hugs. Soaking it in, I knew that little Hazel had been sent from God as the answer to my prayer. She giggled as I swung her from side to side and kissed her on the head.
I felt an instant calm to my inner storm.
Her mother shook her head in embarrassment and apologized about her daughter’s forwardness. I told her not to worry about it one bit and that Hazel’s hug was exactly what I had
last year? Did you forget to wear your coat before that and you got really cold?
“With these questions, the child begins to see the connection between keeping warm and getting sick. If he/she has come to that conclusion, in the future the child is more likely to wear a coat without being told.
In elementary school, questions need to be asked such as, “What happens to people when they use illegal drugs? Do they affect the mind? Why do you think those drugs are illegal? Do many people end up in prison because of drug usage? What is happening in places where many people use drugs? Is there more crime in those areas? As children ponder these questions, they begin to conclude that it is going to be harmful to them to use drugs.
Other questions that can be used over and over are: “Why did you do what you did? How do you think that would make you feel? How do you think the other person feels?” The more probing the questions, the more thinking there is involved.
True learning has not taken place until a person acts out automatically the principle being taught. Until that happens, we need to keep teaching that principle.
needed.
“Hazel always seems to know,” she said with a twinkle in her eye.
Throughout the next hour or so, little Hazel came running back up to me again and again exclaiming, “I want to give you another hug!”
I got enough hugs that day to completely dissolve whatever sadness I had been feeling before that sweet little girl walked into my life. And from that time forward, every time I saw Hazel and her mom come
Experience is the best teacher
One of the most important things parents can do is to make sure that their children have a large quantity and variety of experiences. Through experiences children learn to appreciate what others go through to provide their needs, gain a better understanding of the world around them, and increase their skill and knowledge.
Adults often exclaim that children do not appreciate what they have. It is difficult to appreciate what is given to them if they put forth no effort to obtain it. Such experiences as picking berries or helping in a garden by pulling weeds give children an appreciation that no amount of lecturing could ever accomplish. They learn first-hand what it takes to provide those items. It is gratifying to see families picking berries together at Persimmon Hill Berry Farm in Lampe, MO. There are other places around the area where children can participate as well. Even gardening in flower pots or buckets in the yard gives some needed experience with plants and food provision. Experiences of watching production of food or other items in factories or plants provide understanding of effort that goes into providing
through the front entrance of our clinic, I came running to meet her with my arms spread wide, ready to receive the love she was so happy to give.
The memory of Hazel’s hugs makes me reflect on how the “little” things people have done in my life have made such a huge impact—how those little things did more to turn my gaze toward heaven than some of the most eloquent sermons I ever heard preached. Little things like simply being there in times
our wants and needs. A trip to factories, a trip to the Tyson chicken plant in Berryville, AR, or other places that produce items we use can be eye openers to children. They begin to understand that much work is involved in providing their needs. It is also a good lesson in science to see how machinery works. When families go on vacation, there are often places where children can take a tour and see how things are produced.
Our grandchildren were able to tour the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield, CA. That was a great thrill for them. It was especially nice when they were given some free candy at the end of the tour!
Children who are limited in experiences are usually limited in vocabulary as well. Without realizing it, new words are being used in almost every new experience a child may have. As children are allowed to participate, they enhance skills and abilities.
Some experiences are a lot of fun as well as educational. The Butterfly Palace in Branson is a wonderful place to take children. It is so much fun to see those beautiful creatures flying around and the film shown there is excellent. Mission trips for teenagers that many churches sponsor in
of heartache, like speaking a word of encouragement when my head was hung low, like offering a hand to help when I was overwhelmed, like a simple smile or pat on the back, like companionship in lonely times. Like a hug on a tough day. Something miraculous took place in those moments as the heart of God reached through another person and into my life. Those seemingly small gestures, when done out of genuine love, became infused with the power of
the summer are wonderful! They certainly foster the understanding of how other people live. One church in the area is currently sponsoring a trip to Alaska. Another church periodically sponsors trips to the Navajo reservation to help there in Vacation Bible School. When we make sure children have a variety of experiences, we find that those experiences, themselves, do the teaching for us. Only a few words or comments are required to guide the children. No one has to tell a child how hard it is to provide blueberries to eat if that child has picked a quart or so of them! I doubt that as much food would be wasted once children learn what goes into providing it for them. Appreciation is naturally going to come! When teenagers prepare meals for the family, they are not apt to complain when Mom or Dad doesn’t have a meal on the table on time for them. They have learned that it is not so easy and they have a greater appreciation of the effort of their folks. When teens see children living in hogans on an Indian reservation, how can they not appreciate what they have? There is a great amount of opportunities for children to experience.
the God of love. It makes me wonder how often I’ve neglected those “little” moments when I had the opportunity to work hand in hand with God by showing genuine, unscripted, spontaneous kindness to another human being. I’m beginning to think that those moments might have been bigger than I realized. Like little Hazel, may we also be aware of every opportunity, no matter how small, to touch someone’s life in a big way.
As the new school year draws near, children around the country eagerly await the first day of school. In Hollister, however, students and their families look forward to a special Hollister event— Night of the Tiger.
Onyx and Blue Jay, just two of the adorable kittens waiting to meet you at the Branson Humane Society (via Facebook)
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
The Branson Humane Society is asking for help from the community.
In a Facebook post this week, they stated, “We have gotten 40 cats and kittens since last Saturday. Two litters of kittens (nine), four City of Branson cats, 15 adult cats from one rescue where they were scheduled to be euthanized, and 12 fixed kittens from Rescue One. This is about four times more cats than normal for us, so any help with litter, canned cat or kitten food is appreciated.”
The Humane Society prefers Pine Pellet litter from Tractor Supply Company,
at $7 for a 40-pound bag. They also try to feed Purina One food to both cats and kittens.
An Amazon Wish List on the organization website, www.bransonhumanesociety.com, makes ordering simple, or items can be picked up locally and delivered to the Humane Society.
All of the cats and most of the kittens are ready to be adopted, so if you or someone you know is interested in adding a furry family member, visit the Branson Humane Society, 2837 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, or call 417-337-7387.
“Night of the Tiger was designed to help ensure that all Hollister students have everything they need in order to have a great first day of school, while giving families a fun place to gather, meet their teachers, and grow stronger as a community,” explained Kim Connell, Communications Director for the Hollister R-V School District. “Night of the Tiger consists of an open house, family fair and Taste of Hollister.”
This year’s event, the Ninth Annual Night of the Tiger, was held just
before the beginning of the new school year, and offered a variety of services to Hollister students and their families.
Said Connell, “This year’s services included haircuts, eye exams, nail painting, dental kits, hygiene kits, personal
grooming kits (hairbrushes, hairspray, makeup, fingernail kits, etc.), physicals, immunizations, backpacks, school supplies, groceries and much more.”
More than 1,000 Hollister families attended the exciting event.
“Each year, our community steps up BIG to help us feed and offer services for the students and their families,” noted Connell. “Many of our students are not able to get these services before the start of school, and Night of the Tiger is a great opportunity for the community to help support these students! We are extremely grateful for all of the volunteers, sponsors, and providers that helped make the Ninth Annual Night of the Tiger the biggest and best yet!”
$
back-to-school haircut just in time for the first day of the 202324 school year (Special to Branson Globe)
screening was just one of many services offered to Hollister families during Night of the Tiger. (Special to Branson Globe)
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff
Writer
A triple ribbon cutting was held on Tuesday, August 22, to celebrate the newly expanded Forsyth location of Options Pregnancy Clinic, located at 10726 St. Hwy. 76, Suite F, Forsyth. Ambassadors of the Forsyth Area Chamber of Commerce, Branson Chamber of Commerce, and Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce were on hand for the festivities, along with clinic staff, volunteers, and other friends and community members. Prior to cutting the ribbon, director Laura Fogle said she is thankful for how the triple celebration reflects the tremendous unity and community support for the clinic’s mission and vision.
Since opening the Eastern Taney County location in
Forsyth in 2021, the clinic has seen tremendous growth and helped change many lives, as the percentage of clients from that area of the county has more than doubled.
Fourteen babies and their families have been served and 10 more are currently on the way, but with growth has come the need for more room. The new area allows a much larger space for moms to shop in the baby boutique, more rooms for mentors and the clinic nurse to meet with moms, a comfortable volunteer resource and training area, and an awesome new space for Dad Prep U classes.
Options Clinic exists to provide accurate, confidential information; pregnancy testing and limited exam services including basic ultrasound screening, with referrals for additional care;
parenting classes, and much more. The clinic nurse also coordinates the A2A program, a Missouri initiative to help clients access education and other tools and resources for long-term success. A points system for participating in classes and attending medical appointments helps parents earn needed supplies and equipment, and families can continue to shop in the baby boutique through the child’s first year of life.
Options Clinic is also a valuable resource for the community by providing sexual risk avoidance classes for area schools. In addition to emphasizing health through abstinence education, the classes help students learn to recognize and avoid potential grooming situations that could lead to abuse or trafficking.
To provide services at
no cost to clients, Options Pregnancy Clinic welcomes financial donations as well as donations of supplies and equipment, and the State of Missouri offers generous tax benefits for donors. Visit
https://www.friendsofoptions.com to learn how you can contribute or volunteer.
Such compassionate care assures parents facing an unplanned pregnancy or challenging circumstances
they are not alone. If you are currently facing a difficult pregnancy situation or know someone who is, visit https:// optionspregnancyclinic.com, or call 417-336-5483 or text 920-319-3020.
bransonglobe.com
UPDATE TO BRANSON PIRATES FOOTBALL HOME OPENER AND WALL OF HONOR INDUCTION CEREMONY: Due to the excessive heat, kick-off for Friday’s Pirate football home opener has been moved back to 8 p.m. The Wall of Honor Induction Ceremony honoring Coach Steve Hancock has also been pushed back to 7:30 p.m. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. Former players, fellow coaches, media and family members invited to field at 7:20 p.m. Wall of Honor Induction Ceremony begins at 7:30 p.m. Photos. Kick-Off 8 p.m. We hope you’ll join us Friday night for this memorable event!
Recent Branson Hollister LIons Club donations
The Branson Hollister Lions Club was honored to be able to donate $4,500 to our Taney County Schools—$1,500 each to Branson School District, Hollister School District, and Kirbyville School District.
WE SERVE……with your support!
test in Reeds Spring Middle School as part of Lions Clubs International Peace Poster Contest. This fall, children in the two RSMS art classes will create their entries at school.
This year’s theme is “Dare to Dream.” Over 600,000 children from 210 countries ages 11-13 will vie for cash prizes, travel and recognition.
“Kids’ dreams are goals and plans, not just wishes,” said Marie Tesreau, the TRL Lions Secretary and Peace Poster Contest Chair. “We want them to dream big and make world peace a reality.”
The public will be able to see some of the entries because TRL Lions Club is partnering with the Table Rock Art Guild & Gallery. The Guild will showcase several of the best pieces on their Front Award Wall in early November.
“We are so excited about this collaboration,” said Tesreau. The Lions will award a gift card to one winning student from each of the two art classes. Then they’ll choose the piece that moves forward in the global competition. Cash prizes increase as the winners progress.
The competition proceeds from local to district, state, regional, national and international levels. The global winner is selected in January of 2024. Youth who will be 11-13 on Nov. 15, 2023, are eligible to enter. Last year’s winner was from Hong Kong. The Peace Poster Contest began in 1988. The TRL Lions Club meets the third Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m. at the Kimberling City Hall Community Center. They begin with fellowship and a meal. Visitors are welcome but need to RSVP.
For more information about Lions Club, visit the TRL Lions FB page at Facebook.com/TRLLions or call 575-7378679.
Attention area school staff: Want to get your events, news, and awards noticed in the Branson Tri-Lakes area? It’s easy! Email releases and photos to info@bransonglobe.com. Be sure to identify the folks in the photos, and provide your phone number or email address, just in case we have questions.
GET FREE FOOD, GROCERIES, $10 GAS ON YOUR 1ST VISIT. CALL 417-337-3772
Writer Freedom Encounter Theater and the Freedom Journey Show, located at 3220 Falls Parkway in Branson, invite you to join them on Saturday, September 9, for a special 2 p.m. matinee performance. The show will include a tribute to first responders in memory of those who gave their lives
Continued from page 1A
many productions of the Branson Regional Arts Council held each year at Branson’s historic Owen Theater. Barber also hosts The Barber Shop each weekday on 98.1, Branson4u.com. His popular radio show highlights the hits of years gone by, promotes local talent and keeps listeners abreast of what’s hap
pening in the Ozarks.
“Jim was an obvious choice for the 2023 Song of Hope Award,” Howden explained. “His work with the Owen Theater has been nothing short of miraculous. To take Branson’s oldest theater and transform it into this incredible ‘university’ of musicals and musical theater is a remarkable feat.”
After being taken by surprise when presented the award, Barber said, “I want to take a moment and express my sincere appreciation to Marshall
during the terror attacks of September 11, 2001.
A 1:30 pre-show will feature “Sounds of Victory” from Yellville, Arkansas. The trio of Pamela Presswood and twins Hannah and Sarah Goodall will present a variety of patriotic, Americana and gospel music. A children’s choir from Yellville will join the Freedom Journey cast
Howden and the Song of Hope Organization for selecting me as their fourth annual award recipient. Marshall took me completely by surprise during his interview and the many comments from friends and family across the country have been humbling and uplifting, to say the least. I also want to acknowledge everyone associated with the Branson Regional Arts Council for allowing the opportunity to lend my experience to the vital effort to bring youth arts, education and
on stage for the show’s closing song. Tickets are $24.95 for adults and $12 for students, and admission is FREE for children age 12 and under, as well as for all veterans and first responders.
Families may also want to plan to attend Student Day on Friday, September 15. Starting at 9 a.m., the pre-show will feature a
high caliber community theatre to our area. Certainly a group effort, and one that I am proud to be associated with. I’ve loved and promoted Branson ever since Bill Maclay and Glen Campbell first opened the door to me in 1994, nearly 30 years ago. Phew, time flies. Thank you for this honor!”
live bald eagle from Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, so come early for this educational presentation and a fun photo opportunity! That day’s 10 a.m. Freedom Journey Show will include students from School of the Ozarks joining the show cast for musical numbers. On student day, adults and students all pay the student price of
The Song of Hope Award is given each year for an individual or group that works at preserving an arts economy for Branson’s future. Previous Song of Hope Award Winners include Mike Patrick (2020), Lena Hughes and The Hughes Family (2021), and Doug Gabriel (2022).
just $12, with free admission for veterans, first responders, and children. Call 417-544-0372 or visit www.freedomencounter.com to reserve your ticket for these special dates. Also, be sure to check the website and Facebook page regularly for updates about additional exciting fall events, including Pilgrim’s Progress
in October. The theater will host the Wall of Honor during Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week in November; and December will bring a Chronicles of Narnia drama. These events will be wonderful educational opportunities for homeschooling families, and an encouragement to freedom-lovers of all ages!
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DEATH NOTICES
Ball, Deborah 58 Walnut Shade Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory
Braden, Kathryn J. 84 Bradleyville Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory
Brixey, Dr. David S. 76 Branson Cremations of the Ozarks
Callaway, Connie Gean 71 Forsyth Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory
Clevenger, Billy “Pete” 51 Reeds Spring Stumpff Funeral Home, Crane
Copeland, Martha 84 Branson Cremations of the Ozarks
Daleske, John David 70 Kimberling City Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City
Dowler, Anthony K. 59 Walnut Shade Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory
Garrison, Gayla M. 61 Lampe Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City
Goolsby, Johnny W. Jr. 45 Hollister Cremations of the Ozarks
Martin, Ronald G. 55 Kansas City Snapp-Bearden Forsyth Chapel
Schomaker, Joseph R. 68 Lampe Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City
Schuttenberg, Teresa A. 73 Branson Cremations of the Ozarks
Thomas, Wendy (Carl) 54 Republic Stumpff Funeral Home, Crane
ders to stop his actions. They responded quickly and effectively when presented with an immediate deadly threat. Afterward, they immediately secured the scene and weapon, checked on bystanders and each other, and promptly began lifesaving efforts for Mr. Wesolek.
The Chief then introduced a video, narrated by Lt. E.J. Jones from the Branson Police Department’s Investigations Division, responsible for coordinating administrative reviews of officers’ actions in critical incidents. First, the video goes through the incident in stages, narrated by Jones. It then goes through the
incident in real time with no narration. The video is currently on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=lK0MCSUEMBM. Some viewers could find this content disturbing, so viewer discretion is appropriate.
A summary of the video and narration by Jones follows below:
The video shows that the shooting occurred in the 1100 block of 76 Country Boulevard on February 28, 2023. At around 9:50 p.m., Officer 1 became aware of a wanted suspect driving a 2005 silver Pontiac Grand Am. The suspect, Randall James Wesolek Jr. of Rockaway Beach, was wanted for several felony warrants. At 9:52 p.m., Branson Police Officer 1 located the
Pontiac traveling west on 76 Country Boulevard near Roark Valley Road and requested another officer be enroute to his location to assist with a vehicle stop. As Officer 1 followed the Pontiac, the vehicle turned into a convenience store parking lot and stopped near the building’s front door.
Officer 1 parked behind the Pontiac, exited his vehicle and contacted the occupant. Inside the vehicle was a male driver and a dog. Officer 1 introduced himself and asked for the driver’s name. The driver, Mr. Wesolek, verbally provided a false name. Upon the arrival of Officer 2, Officer 1 returned to his vehicle to confirm Wesolek’s identity through police files. Officer 1 recontacted Wesolek seated in the Pontiac with the dog in his lap while Officer 3 arrived at the scene.
Officer 1 instructed Wesolek to step out of the
vehicle, but he refused, asking what he did wrong. Officer 1 repeated the instruction to step out of the vehicle while opening the car door. Wesolek refused to exit the car. Officer 1 told Wesolek that he believed he was “Randall,” and both he and Officer 2 told Wesolek that he was under arrest while repeating the orders to step out of the car.
Wesolek continued to refuse orders and began reaching for something between the seat and center console with his right hand. Officers 1 and 3 grabbed ahold of Wesolek, saying, “Do not reach” while in a brief struggle. The officers attempted to control Wesolek for approximately five seconds, but he was able to retrieve a handgun with his right hand. Wesolek brought the gun up toward the officers, and all three saw it.
Officers yelled “Gun” while Wesolek pointed the pistol at Officer 1. The officers simultaneously disengaged and retrieved their duty-issued firearms, firing as they retreated away from Wesolek. The officers fired several rounds at Wesolek during approximately three (3) seconds. Several shots struck Wesolek, and he fell from the vehicle onto the parking lot while his gun fell out of his hand and landed next to him. [About two (2) seconds transpired
from the time officers yelled “gun” to the firing of the first shots.]
The officers immediately advised Branson Dispatch that shots were fired and requested them to start medical responders to their location. During the next minute, the officers secured Wesolek’s gun and the scene, checking the store’s occupants and themselves for injuries. When Officer 1 retrieved Wesolek’s gun, he secured it in the trunk of his patrol car, unloading it first. He discovered that the gun was loaded with a round in the chamber.
Within a minute and a half of the shooting, officers began attempting lifesaving measures for him.
The officers continued to administer CPR for two minutes until relieved by Branson Fire Department personnel. Despite all lifesaving efforts by officers, fire department personnel, and medics from the Taney Country Ambulance District, Mr. Wesolek was pronounced dead at the scene. A brief vehicle search showed a holster for Wesolek’s gun wedged between Wesolek’s seat and the center console. This is where Wesolek had reached with this right hand when he was instructed to exit the car.
It is believed that the dog was injured during this incident, and it was observed running from the scene. Ef-
forts were made to find the dog; however, it was not located.
Per Branson Police Department Policy for Officer Involved Shootings, the assistance of an outside organization was requested to investigate. The scene and all evidence were turned over to the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control for investigation.
At the conclusion of their investigation, copies of their report were provided to the Taney County Prosecutor’s Office and the Branson Chief of Police.
They showed the whole video again. This time in real-time with no interruptions.
During the Media Q & A, a journalist asked Corporal Sam Carpenter of the Missouri State Police if the Branson Police Department fully cooperated during the investigation. He replied, “Yes, absolutely.” Another media question was, “Do you think there was a better way police could have handled the situation and the escalation? I saw that all three officers opened fire at him. Is that a part of training and a part of what goes into all this when a gun is shown?”
Chief Schmitt replied, “Yes,” stressing that “the officers responded exactly the way we trained them to in situations like this.”
Register to vote
The easiest way to register to vote in the state of Missouri is to use the following link: https://www. sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/register. You can update your name and address, or register to vote for the first time. In many locations, you may also register to vote when you renew your driver’s license.
Get a driver’s license
In Branson and Hollister, go to Branson License Bureau, 1447 Hwy. 248, Branson; phone 417-9428054.
In Forsyth, go to 210 Shadowrock Dr., Forsyth; phone 417-546-3085.
• In Reeds Spring and Branson West, go to 11016 Hwy. 76, Reeds Spring; phone 417-2728815.
• In Crane, 103 South Street, Crane, 417-7238552. The driver examination office is at 120 N. Commerce St., Crane; phone 417-942-8029.
Register my vehicle
Complete information on Missouri residents’ vehicle registration titling is available at https://dor.mo.gov/ motor-vehicle/titling-registration/ Reach my legislators
Find your legislators by entering a valid Missouri mailing address and using the legislator lookup on this site, https://www.senate. mo.gov/legislookup/
In the Branson TriLakes, we are served by:
• Senator Josh Hawley (Hawley.senate.gov)
• Senator Eric Schmitt (Schmitt.senate.gov)
• House Representative for
District 7, Eric Burlison (burlison.house.gov).
At the state level, we are represented by: Senator Karla Eslinger (senate.mo.gov/senators/ member/33),
• House Representative Brian Seitz, District 156 (brian.seitz@house. mo.gov)
House Representative Travis Smith, District 155 (travis.smith@house. mo.gov)
• House Representativve Brad Hudson, District 138 (brad.hudson@ house.mo.gov)
Reach my alderman Branson aldermen may be contacted through the City’s Administration Office, 110 West Maddux Street, Suite 210, Branson, MO 65616 or by telephone at 417-334-3345. Current Branson Aldermen are: Marshall Howden, Ward 1 Clay Cooper, Ward 1
• Chuck Rodriguez, Ward 2 Cody Fenton, Ward 2
• Ralph LeBlanc, Ward 3
• Ruth Denham, Ward 3. In Hollister, aldermen are: David Honey, Ward 1 (dhoney@hollistermo. gov)
• Don Jones, Ward 1 (djones@hollistermo. gov)
• Phil Carman, Ward 2 (pcarman@hollistermo. gov) Jeff Long, Ward 2 (jlong@hollistermo.gov)
In Forsyth, your aldermen are:
• Scott Novak, Ward 1 Mark Moore, Ward 1
• Dennis Winzenried, Ward 2
• Dustin Krob, Ward 2. Contact the City of Forsyth at 417-546-4763.
Aldermen in Rockaway
Beach are:
• Jane Peck, Ward 1 (jane@ rockawaybeach-mo.org)
• Kyle Hinkle, Ward 1 (kyle@rockawaybeach-mo.org)
• Russell Anderson, Ward 2 (russell@rockawaybeach-mo.org) Richard Murray, Ward 2 (hwymbc@yahoo.com).
In Branson West, your aldermen are:
• Gary Brant, Ward 1 Michael Brown, Ward 1
• Penny Lonsway, Ward 2 Carrie Rogers, Ward 2. Contact the city at 417272-8669.
Kimberling City aldermen include: Christian Martin, Ward 1
• Virgil Moore, Ward 1 Tim Weyers, Ward 2 Philip Korem, Ward 2. Contact the city at (417) 739-4903.
Register my child for school
• Branson Public Schools: Begin registration by bringing required documentation to building your student will be attending. For grades K-6, check the Attendance Zone for information about attending school building, using this link: https://www.branson. k12.mo.us/parents/enrollment, clicking on New Student Enrollment Page, and to Attendance Zones.
Please contact your school with questions or additional information at 417-334-6541. Main office is at 1756 Bee Creek Road, Branson. Hollister R-V School District: Families new to Hollister should visit their building office to set up their parent portal and begin the enrollment process. For help with enrollment, contact your building office. HECC office (PK-1): 417-2434015; HES office (2-5): 417-243-4025; HMS office (6-8): 417-243-4035; HHS office (9-12): 417243-4045.
• Reeds Spring School District: Register at the building your child will attend or fill out the online registration by contacting your child’s school office for more information.
Primary School: PS-1st grade, 417-272-3241; Elementary: Gr. 2-4, 417272-1735; Intermediate: Gr. 5-6, 417-272-8250; MS: Gr. 7-8, 417-2728245; HS: Gr. 9-12, 417-272-8171; Gibson Technical Center: 417272-3271. Recycle
Taney County Recycle: Phone 417-546-7226 for hours and what we accept. Email recycle@taneycountymo.gov for information; website: taneycounty.org, or Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/TaneyCountyRecycle/
Get help with necessities
• Salvation Army Branson, 1114 Stanley Boulevard, 417-339-4434.
Christian Action Ministries (CAM), 417-3341157.
• Elevate Branson, 310 Gretna Rd; website, https://elevatebranson. org; email: Info@ElevateBranson.org. Phone: 417-335-9915.
Find/adopt a pet
• Branson Humane Society, 2837 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Branson. To contact: 417-337-7387; Facebook www.facebook.com/ ShepherdofTheHillsHumaneSociety; or email at sohhs417@gmail.com.
Information is on their website, http://www. bransonhumanesociety. com
• Tri-Lakes Humane Society, 102 Washboard Hollow Rd., Reeds Spring; phone 417-272-8113, website: https://www. tri-lakeshumanesoc.org/; Facebook, https://www. facebook.com/trilakeshumane/ Find a healthcare provider
• CoxHealth Center, 890 State Hwy. 248, Branson, 417-335-2299. More information at coxhealth. com, including Find a Physician.
Faith Community Health, 1232 Branson Hills Pkwy, Suite 104, Branson, 417-
336-9355; more information at https://faithcommunityhealth.org/
Contact the health department
• Contact the Taney County Health Department at 417-334-4544, visit their website at www.taneycohealth.org, or like their Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest pages.
• Contact the Stone County Health Department at 417-357-6134 in Galena, or 417-272-0050 in Branson West. Visit their website at www.stonecountyhealthdepartment.com
Get counseling Branson Counseling Center LLC, Northside Professional Plaza II, 574 State Hwy 248 # 2, Branson, 417-2391389.
• Restoring Wellness Counseling, Nikki Pinkley, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor. For information, https://www. restoringwellnesscounseling.com/. Call or text 417-429-1889 to set up appointment or submit information on website. In urgent situations, please call the Emergency Hotline at 1-800-494-7355, available 24 hours a day. If it is an emergency, please go to your local hospital or dial 911.
• Reuben Smith, Licensed Professional Counselor, Faith Community Health, 417-261-5845.
• 26 Farmers Market, Branson Landing, south end, each Tuesday, 3 –7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through October 31 loveyourfarmer.com
• 27 Jukebox Winos at Malt & Barrel Brewing Co., 225 Cross Creek Blvd., Suite G, Branson. Live music 6-8 p.m. https://www.jukeboxwinos.com.
• 29 Farmers Market, Branson Landing, south end, each Tuesday, 3 –7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through October 31 loveyourfarmer.com
• 30 Jukebox Winos, Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m., Roadhouse 165, 892 Hwy 165, Branson. No
cover. www.jukeboxwinos.com. 31 Pickleball Party @ the Park. Stockstill Park (625 Stockstill Ln), 6-9 p.m. Open to the public. 12 courts: 3 hours. Beginner courts, organized open play, challenge courts. Bring your chairs. Branson Pickleball Club and Branson Parks Dept. - https:// www.bransonparksandrecreation.com/778/ Pickleball
SEPTEMBER
• 2 Pancake Breakfast fundraiser for The Little Paws Daycare, Ozark Mountain Community Church, Blue Eye. This event will be held at the Blue Eye Lions Club, 138 State Hwy EE, Blue Eye, MO, 7:30-10 a.m.
Adults $7, Seniors over 65 and children under 12, $5. For information, call 612-812-9914.
• 6 Jukebox Winos, Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m., Roadhouse 165, 892 Hwy 165, Branson. No cover. www.jukeboxwinos.com.
• 8 & 9 New original musical performance in outdoor theater at 13th century castle, Chateau Charmant. Dinner with the cast available and 7:30 evening performance. Tickets available at https://castleshire. ticketspice.com/httpswwwcastleshireorgfaire-rapunzelhtml.
• 9 New original musical performance in outdoor theater at 13th century castle, Chateau Charmant. 3:30 matinee performance. Tickets available at https:// castleshire.ticketspice. com/httpswwwcastleshireorgfaire-rapunzelhtml.
9 Brook Wellness Center 5th Annual Heart for Recovery fundraising gala. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Sanctuary of Hope, 790 Bee Creek Road, Branson. $40 per person. Scholarship opportunities available.
Register at TheBrookWellnessCenter.org/ Events.
• 12 Neighborhood watch planning meeting, at City of Kimberling City Community Center/City Hall, 6:30 p.m. Open to all Kimberling City residents. At least one citizen from each neighborhood requested to attend.
• 13 Christian Women’s Connection (Stonecroft Ministries) invites all women to lunch and for a special presentation by Sylvana Airan who describes her life in Pakistan. Held at 11:30 a.m. at Point Royale Clubhouse, 142 Clubhouse Dr., Branson. Meal is $17. Reserve by 9/11 by calling 417294-1287.
• 13 Jukebox Winos, Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m., Roadhouse 165, 892 Hwy 165, Branson. No cover. www.jukeboxwinos.com.
14 The 50th annual Autumn Daze, presented by Downtown Branson Betterment Association, FREE downtown festival with more than 100 vendors, featuring crafts, food trucks and more. Thurs., Sept. 14
- Sat., Sept. 16 behind Dicks 5 & 10 on the corner of Atlantic & Commercial St.
• 15 & 16 The Kimberling City Elks Lodge 2505 to host Junk in the Trunk, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. both days. To sell items, rent parking space for $20 that goes toward fundraising budget for area projects. Contact Keoka Ketcher at 417-818-6463 or Deb Heckler at 815-7358626 to rent a spot to sell your junk.
• 15-16 Fly Fishers International Fly-Tying rendezvous. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fly tyers from around the country. Raffles and auctions. Branson-Hollister Lion’s Club, 1015 East State Hwy 76, Branson, MO 65616. https://www.flyfishersinternational.org.
15 & 16 New original musical performance in outdoor theater at 13th century castle, Chateau Charmant. Dinner with the cast available and 7:30 evening performance. Tickets available at https://castleshire. ticketspice.com/httpswwwcastleshireorgfaire-rapunzelhtml.
15-17 H2Ozarks 23rd annual Shoreline Cleanup Event. To register and/or for sponsorship information, visit the H2Ozarks website at https://h2ozarks.org/ events/cleanup.
• 16 New original musical performance in outdoor theater at 13th century castle, Chateau Charmant. 3:30 matinee performance. Tickets available at https:// castleshire.ticketspice. com/httpswwwcastleshireorgfaire-rapunzelhtml.
• 20 Jukebox Winos, Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m., Roadhouse 165, 892 Hwy 165, Branson. No cover. www.jukeboxwinos.com.
• 21 Learn Hands-Only CPR for FREE!
Class registration now open by going to this link: https://hollisterchamber.net/events and scrolling down to Hands-Only CPR Class. One-hour class held at Taney Co. Ambulance District, 106 Industrial Park Drive, Hollister, beginning at 9 a.m. Park at rear of building.
• 22 Red Cross Blood Drive, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lake Taneycomo Elks Lodge, 12951 U.S. Hwy 160, Forsyth. Contact 800-733-2767 or redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome. Please consider donating as there is a shortage of blood.
• 22 Blood drive at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, at the Parish Center, 202 Vaughn Drive, Branson. 11 a.m. https://redcrossblood.org
• 23 Craft fair fundraiser for the Relay for Life of Branson. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Vendors needed. Inside at the Lake Taneycomo Elks Lodge, 12951 U.S. Hwy 160, Forsyth. Vendor tables $10 each. Contact Terri Williams, 417-230-6200; terri6536@gmail.com for more information; deadline for vendor space is September 15.
• 27 Jukebox Winos, Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m., Roadhouse 165, 892 Hwy 165, Branson. No cover. www.jukeboxwinos.com.
• 30 Taking Aim at Cancer: Clay shooting event, fundraiser for Relay for Life of Branson. Ozarks Shooter Sports Complex, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For more information and registration, contact Ozark Shooters at shoot4me@ centurytel.net or call 417-443-3093. Mail registrations and fees to Ozark Shooters, 759 U.S. Hwy. 65, Walnut Shade, MO 65771.
Erwin
my childhood when we’d play with big boxes and turn them into dollhouses for the neighbor girls.”
someone read their Pathfinder map or tell them what shows I suggest, it makes my busy work go by faster.”
“We
in my eyes down at Fireman’s Landing seeing the little kids play and laugh. It really takes me back to
Erwin laughs about the dollhouses and agrees that joyful interactions with guests make his workload much lighter.
“We get to see them build a strong foundation for their children by making memories together,” he explains. “If I can help
While “The City” brought the men together in their 80s, they each lived very different lives before arriving at the park. Over a cold root beer –their favorite – they reminisce about how they got here. Dwaine left school
after the eighth grade to help on the family farm in Minnesota, while Erwin – a Texan – went on to college and pursued a career in photography and architecture.
“That’s another reason why this place is so great,” Dwaine says. “We all come from different places and educations but share the same goal: Just make people happy!”
And, they sure do! As they make their way to their workstations, their happy “hellos” bring smiles to visitors arriving for the day. They’re two men on a mission to carry out The City’s Mission –To create memories worth repeating.
“That’s what it’s all about,” Erwin says. “Doing our small part to SEE DYNAMIC DUO, PAGE 4B
If you have not seen the Amazing Acrobats of Shanghai at the Mickey Gilley Grand Shanghai Theatre lately, you’re missing a treat. This latest production brings more variety than ever before.
In the first few minutes of the show you get a taste of what the next couple of hours hold for you. There’s a gorgeous dance performed by a young man and wom-
an that has you transfixed with their beauty and grace. Switching gears totally, a group of men bound onto the stage and perform hat tricks, but not your everyday hat trick. These guys take it to the extreme and keep you waiting to see if anyone drops a hat. No one did when I was there last week.
Then there’s the acrobatic dance featuring two guys and one lady, showing off dance skills, but more so their strength and precision. And if you thought ceramic pots were only for planting flowers, you are mistaken. What one man did with several large pots will have you shaking your head.
One of my favorite comedy segments was “strip juggling.” Yes, two men stripping down to their skivvies
all the while juggling bowling pins.
All the acts that are staples of the show were still there, including jumping through hoops, comedy chefs with spinning plates, beautiful performances high in the air on the silks, magic and aerial feats of strength. Another favorite of mine is the guy changing his face mask to different colors just by the flick of his fingers.
The music, colorful costumes, strength, skill, grace and charisma take you on a journey through moments of cultural and historical significance of the performers’ native China. This is a fastpaced, never a dull moment show that will keep your eyes peeled toward the stage.
The Amazing Acrobats of Shanghai celebrate over two decades of delivering qual-
ity shows every day from March through December in Branson.
The Mickey Gilley Grand
Mo.gov
Shanghai Theatre is located at 3455 W. 76 Country Blvd. and you can call the box office at 417-334-3210
for tickets. Show times vary and you can choose from shows at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
As students return to school, Missouri Department of Public Safety team members and funding are helping to strengthen school safety through technology, information sharing and training in order prevent violence from arising and to support quick and effective responses when safety is threatened.
On May 10, Governor Mike Parson announced the state was providing funding to make a mobile emergency alert app available to all public school districts and charter schools in Missouri. To date, 143 Missouri school districts and charter schools, representing 830 school buildings, have signed up to take advantage of the program. Raptor Technologies, the vendor providing the service to Missouri, says member schools should have their customized alert programs implemented as classes begin.
Utilizing technology that schools already have in place, the app expedites and streamlines an emergency response by allowing teachers and other school staff to quickly initiate an alert through their mobile device or computer. The silent alert works directly with 911 to provide critical information, such as the location within a school that the app was activated and school campus maps, to first responders, law enforcement, and campus personnel within seconds. Additionally, districts are able to schedule and manage their ongoing safety drills using the Raptor software.
Districts that sign up with Raptor by Sept. 1 could have training completed and the app enabled for use as early as October. Districts can begin the signup process here. Many other school district have chosen to continue utilizing similar alerting services through their own funding.
Family Fun since 1967! Summer Special
$67 Family Pack
Public safety program is working to make Missouri schools safer
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
In March 2020, Greg Mundis of Springfield had the dubious honor of being the first patient hospitalized at Mercy in Springfield and placed on a ventilator due to COVID-19. With his visibility as the Assemblies of God Executive Director of World Missions, his case received considerable attention locally, nationally
and worldwide. Greg spent 60 days in the hospital in Springfield and St. Louis, over half that time intubated; plus additional time in rehab.
With a grim prognosis after doctors said, “We’ve done all we can do,” the Mundis family committed Greg’s future to God. They attribute his eventual full recovery to the power of prayer, but it wasn’t easy;
The Master Gardeners of the Ozarks graciously volunteered to take care of the flower beds at the Taneyhills Library. The gardeners have done a remarkable job keeping the flowers beautiful all summer, despite the nearly unbearable heat! (Photo by K.D. Michaels)
Greg’s wife, Sandie, also suffered Covid, and travel restrictions made it hard for the family, let alone the “haz-mat gear” required for hospital workers and the emotional challenges of not being able to visit in person.
Sandie’s description of navigating herself to the hospital while very ill, since her children were not allowed to be with her, and her ambulance ride home upon
A poem by Don Holland
release with a driver who clearly did not want to be there, all the while worrying about Greg, will bring back memories of wondering just how dangerous this crazy virus really was.
Greg and Sandie Mundis have shared their story in “Patient #1: Embracing Hope in Times of Despair.” The book, written with assistance from co-writer/ ghostwriter Anneliese Da-
A mockingbird flashes in flight, in the faint hours of first light. The markings on his wings and tail, a sleek racing sloop, under sail.
He’s a homely little friar, wearing everyday attire. But, let him quickly take to wing or mimic the songs others sing: Then this singer’s massive fan base that would be vast in any case Comes to hear his clear mimicry. But not some bitter mockery. A shimmer and flash of pure white glitters in his fluttering flight.
Imitating the cardinal and other sounds in his arsenal. The repertoire of songs he sings not for us; but to us it brings Gladness to our grateful souls singing from distant highline poles.
He can be heard sometimes at night when the full moon is at its height, Singing songs to attract a mate –age old reason to stay up late.
THE BRANSON GLOBE welcomes poetry submissions that are less than 300 words. We reserve the right to refuse submissions that are in poor taste, discriminatory, libelous, or contain wording we believe will be offensive to our readers.
laba, was released earlier this year. With raw honesty, they share about their fears, doubts and the strength the family eventually found to release their anxiety to the sovereignty of God, even as the grandchildren strongly felt God’s assurance that their beloved papa would recover. They share the struggle of wondering how it all fit together as some friends and colleagues lost
A poem by Marilyn Havlin
the battle with the virus even as Greg hung on and eventually recovered.
Anyone who has lost a loved one to COVID-19 or other serious, prolonged illness, or is currently in a difficult health journey themselves or as a caregiver, will relate to and find encouragement from this book. It is available on Amazon or through the Assemblies of God (www.ag.org).
Fate raises her hand and leaves us standing there
Wondering what could have been if we had shown more care
There is so much we take for granted and sometimes we ever choose
To play a game with life in which we ever lose
The longer we play this game, the longer we stay the same
And keep ourselves from ever knowing what it’s like to keep on growing
Until one day we wake and find that life has left us far behind
And we must run so very fast to rid ourselves of all that’s past
So fate won’t raise her hand again to show us all what might have been!
assassination, moon landings, and the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Separate displays also feature the Pony Express, the golden age of baseball, and the American home front during World War I and World War II. Exhibits include a variety of artist-enhanced mannequins, vintage artifacts and original artwork.
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff
Writer Faith, Family & Country Heritage Museum held its grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, August 14. Table Rock Lake Area Chamber of Commerce members and other friends were on hand to celebrate and have a look at the unique
collection of 20th century historical memorabilia. Museum founder and director Jim Zbick brings to the project a career of over 40 years in newspaper journalism along with experience helping develop and curate two military museums. He said the goal of the new museum is to preserve traditions of
us again! Even a street sweeper plays a role in that.” For this feisty pair, there are no plans to slow
faith and family rooted in American history.
The museum highlights contributions of leaders such as Presidents Eisenhower, Washington, Lincoln, Grant, Truman and Kennedy, along with key historical moments such as Pearl Harbor, the dawn of the atomic age and end of World War II, the JFK
down as long as their health holds up.
“The doctor says my ankles, legs, and hips are good,” smiles Erwin, who will turn 90 in November. “I know that’s because we walk more than five miles each shift. This job keeps me young and keeps me healthy.”
Branson resident Shirah Miriam Aumann, whose late husband was a Holocaust survivor, was glad to find an entire display room at the museum dedicated to the memory of Holocaust victims and the horrors they suffered. Zbick invited “Mimi” to participate in the ribbon cutting, and the two hope to plan some special events for Holocaust Awareness Week next spring.
“Oh, I’m not leaving until I catch up to Erwin and turn 90,” Dwaine says with a smile as he slams the final sip of his root beer. “I’m on a mission to make it until then.”
Their work ethic is fueled by more than a cold pop. Both say the ladies in their lives have inspired
Faith, Family & Country Heritage Museum is located at 15025 Business Hwy. 13 in Branson West. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
and Saturday; the museum will be closed Sundays and Wednesdays. School groups are also welcome; call 484-464-5059 for more information.
them to be their best on the job and at home. Erwin has been married for 66 years to his sweetheart Maunie Lou. Dwaine calls Diane, his wife of 60 years, the “greatest love of my whole life.”
The guys playfully bicker like brothers but both agree on the secret to a long-lasting marriage.
“Just keep your mouth shut when she’s talking,” laughs Erwin. “Oh, yeah! And always, always,
always tell her yes!”
Dwaine adds.
Both say they could talk about their wives all day but the clock is ticking, and there’s work to do as guests arrive at the park. They head out the door and up the hill to start their shift with a pep in their step and a smile to share.
“Today’s going to be a good day,” Erwin says. “No,” Dwaine interrupts. “The BEST day!”
SATURDAY, SEPT 9
HONOR 9/11 DAY
Special Recognition of First Responders
Preshow with "Sound of Victory" 1:30 PM
Freedom Journey Show 2 PM
(Joined by Childrens Choir from Yellville, AR)
FRIDAY, SEPT 15
STUDENT DAY
Everyone's a Student for $12 + tax!
Special Invitation to Schools and Homeschools
Live Bald Eagle
Presentation 9 AM
Freedom Journey Show 10AM (Joined by School of the Ozarks Students)
“Absolutely Inspiring.”Ribbon cutting at Faith, Family & Country Museum (Photo courtesy Table Rock Area Chamber)
Last week I took ya’ll back for a look at the career of local radio and television personality Slim Wilson. Today I’d like to go further and introduce you to Slim’s nephew Speedy Haworth.
Slim and Speedy did thousands of performances together, dating back to their beginnings at KGBX in Springfield in 1932. I introduced myself to Speedy at a concert event in Springfield back in 1998, and we became friends instantly. He had a ton of stories!
Speedy was born Herschel Haworth Jr. in Springfield on May 16, 1922 to Herschel and Vancie Haworth. Vancie came from a big musical family so it was natural for Speedy (known as Junior back then) to take up guitar and be included in the family band. Speedy was heavily influenced by the singing brakeman Jimmie Rodgers and his style of blues yodeling. At age ten, Speedy won a local yodeling contest and would later be influenced by Gene Autry. It was common for Speedy to be up at 4:30 every morning and be at the radio station on the air at 6 a.m., be in school by 8:00, and then back to the radio station by 4:00 in the afternoon.
Slim and Speedy’s music careers paralleled each other and their run as members of the Goodwill Family on KWTO lasted well into the early 1950s. Their work
on transcription broadcasts kept them both very busy during this time as well. In the early 1950s, another KWTO personality was making a lot of noise, a West Plains native by the name of Porter Wagoner. Porter had climbed the ladder in popularity and signed a deal with RCA Victor. His first recordings happened at the KWTO studio, an eight-song session completed on September 9, 1952. Speedy was involved with this becoming an original member of the Porter Wagoner Trio.
Haworth recalled to me his memories during this time in his recording career. “During a session we got it right in the first take, that’s what we always strived for. The studio producer could get much more accomplished in a session.”
Speedy often commented about the politics of the Nashville music business and the reason he didn’t want to live and work studio sessions there was because they made you play the
same thing over and over again until the producer was satisfied.
Haworth began his television career in Springfield with the premiere episode of the Ozark Jubilee in January 1955. The weekly series hosted by Red Foley brought high ratings and lasted until September 1960. Speedy was in the house band, featured in many solo spots, and along with Slim and Bob White as the Tall Timber Trio.
Remaining very busy well into the 1970s and 1980s touring with Rex Allen, Speedy was also the longtime lead guitarist for Country star LeRoy Van Dyke, a native of Benton County, Missouri. In 1990 Haworth teamed up with local musicians Charles and Jan Lee in forming a revamped version of the Goodwill Trio. They recorded several albums, made television appearances, and numerous concert performances throughout the region.
In the late 1990s, Speedy and I got better acquaint-
ed, and back in 2002, one of our churches near Kirbyville hosted the Goodwill Trio for an event. In 2003 I dropped by Speedy’s residence on East Monroe Street in Springfield, meeting with him and his family, and talked about his memories as a Singing Cowboy with the influence of the music of the Sons of the Pioneers. Speedy recalled his favorite Bob Nolan composition, “Love Song of the Waterfall,” a tune that he performed frequently with Slim and Bob White in the Tall Timber Trio. As we sat around their living room with two guitars, his daughter Shirley taking the tenor part, I sang the middle voice, with Speedy taking his usual baritone harmony part, “Love Song of the Waterfall” sounded like a beautiful masterpiece, all three of us were deeply moved when we finished it. Sure
enough, we got it right the first time!
Speedy’s amazing seventy-five-year career in music came to an end in 2007, and he passed away Febru-
ary 26, 2008 at the age of 85. There is quite a bit of footage of Speedy in action during his years on the Jubilee; you can check it out on YouTube.
Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome has only been detected and named since 1967 as disclosed by Adeel Zubair, Hassan Salameh, Stephen Er-
and Mikel Prieto in an article for PubMed. As I was googling LPHS as in “when it first came on the medical horizon” what populated was: “What is the history of the Lone
Peak High School,” AND ... “What celebrities attended Lincoln Park High School?” This is “proof in the pudding” that we have a long journey ahead of us for research funding in this arena, for certain!
Based on my personal research of a formulated hypothesis...not sure I’m ready to term it a disease, but for the present...a “condition” due to so many mitigating variables.
Not in every case, but many sufferers have had a history of emotional abuse or trauma which manifests as PTSS (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome). My contention is that inflammation is the root cause (at the bottom or base of the “causal” pyramid).
When we deal with mental stress and abuse in a passive
manner (not getting to the root and confronting our oppressor or enemies and/or seeking professional or clerical assistance) it most generally manifests as disease and dysfunction in our bodies and/or minds therein causing inflammation brought in by sadness/ anger not placed, properly.
So, in short, the symptoms of this horrible condition are unrelenting and paralyzing kidney and back pain (with front and back abdomen involvement) to the point of requiring analgesics (prescription meds). And, as well, much blood that leeches or backs up into the urine. This is due to the filtration mechanisms not working correctly to rid the blood of the toxins. The membrane (walls) of the filter era (glomerulis) are
either too thick or too thin (and again acute inflammation will cause this...) OR the blood can be too thick (which can occur due to a genetic condition referred to as “Gitelman’s Syndrome”) can cause kidney-loin pain.
In Gitelman’s Syndrome, there is a predisposition for your body to perpetually be in “dehydration mode” due to an ongoing and built-in (genetic) ongoing salt deficiency that happens no matter if you take in the proper amount of salt. So, this condition could easily cause, in my hypothesis, the LPHS condition from overworking the filters due to thickening of the blood which happens with Gitelman’s, thus causing chronic kidney pain!
To date there is no known
A bobcat attacked a woman in her driveway a couple years ago. She was walking out to her car when the rabid ani-mal came up from behind and tried to get a piece of her. Her husband grabbed the animal with his bare hands, threw it across the yard, and later had to put it down.
I have had the privilege of watching bobcats silently slinking through the woods. When a bobcat is healthy, you’ll hardly know they are there. A variety of the lynx, bobcats are stealth hunters with powerful senses of smell and vi-sion. They move quickly to attack their prey of mice and rabbits.
Humans are pretty safe when operating in their natural habitat as well. By like a rabid lynx, humans can become dangerous to one another when they are emotionally unhealthy.
A broken lynx is easy to spot because it is attacking things it cannot conquer. The fact that you
funded research for LPHS.
Below, I have included a Facebook post from a young lady near and dear to me who has suffered with this for over 12 years, now. This was done for the LPHS day and it gives a birdseye view into the life of the sufferers; their zest and spirit for life is magnified, to say the least!
August 1 is Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome recognition day. This is the disease/ condition that myself and several other people struggle with daily. LPHS is the combination of debilitating unilateral or bilateral flank pain and microscopic or macroscopic amounts of blood in the urine. The pain is relentless, the stress and anxiety it causes is unmerciful, and seeing life pass you by is absolutely haunting. Be-
can spot it is a sign that things are not normal. A broken human also stands out. I tend to think we all battle an inner “broken lynx.”
We need healthy social links. Forms of rejection, bullying and seduction can leave a person broken in many ways. Sometimes storms come up in life that you cannot control— financial loss, poor health diagnoses, or a sudden loss of a loved one. The unexpected can shatter a person’s confidence and motivation.
An early link we need is a healthy family bond. When such a connection is broken through abuse or neglect, unnat-ural behaviors manifest later in life. I was shocked to learn the statistics of how much sexual brokenness is aligned with having parents who were over-demanding, smoth -
cause this is so highly undiagnosed, the amount of money for research and funding is so under par and without funding no progress can be made to move forward. Please share and help us educate the world on this issue and possibly save some people from being accused of drug seeking or having mental issues just because the medical staff is lacking the proper knowledge. We HAVE to be our own health advocate ALWAYS!!
“We are all warriors, we are all survivors, and with all the pressure we’ve endured, we are without a doubt—diamonds. I don’t wish this on anyone, but I’m so proud to be who I am because of what this has taught me.” - Lisa Parkstone, Newark, DE”
ering, or emotionally absent. Each of those crimes lead to a different type of brokenness later in life.
We all have been hurt by someone. Maybe yours was a divorce or a bankruptcy where your business partner got off clean. We all have brokenness to address.
At various stages in my life I have had to face my broken lynx. In 2009, I had to admit I was suffering from a se-vere bout of depression and wished I was dead. In 2015, I realized I was not being the father I should be and changed how I did life at home. My story isn’t unlike yours although everyone’s brokenness will vary.
What does yours look like? It can manifest as rage. Perhaps it is an insatiable neediness for people or things. Maybe it’s a gaming addiction or a gambling binge you are on. Perhaps substance abuse is how you are self-medicating your painful memories or guilt for things you cannot redo.
Your broken links can be cured. Sure, you could be blamed for your brokenness—perhaps indited. But what if you took a moment to look compassionately at your hurts and the broken parts of your behavior?
SEE MINDFLOW, PAGE 7B
BY CHEF JEFF WOODWARD
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total
Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Yield: 6 - 8 servings
Ingredients:
• 1 C White Rice
2 T Olive Oil
• 16 oz Andouille Sausage, cut in ¼ inch slices
• 3 Celery, diced
1 Green Bell Pepper, diced
½ Medium Onion, finely chopped
• 5 Garlic Cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning
• 2 Bay Leaves
2 28 oz cans Red or Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 C Chicken Stock
• Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a medium thick bottomed pot and add the sausage. Cook over medium heat until browned.
2. In the same pot, add the celery, peppers, and on-
ions. Cook until soft.
3. Stir in the garlic and the Cajun Seasoning. Add more to taste. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the bay leaves, kidney beans, chicken stock, rice, and sausage.
5. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Uncover and cook until slightly reduced (approximately 15 min-
utes).
7. Remove the bay leaves and add salt and pepper to taste. GO ROGUE by adding Fresh Head-on Gulf Shrimp. If you’d like Chef Jeff to make this delicious recipe or any other meal for you, contact him at www. TheRogueChefBranson. com .
Yum! Found this recipe on Facebook on Recipes for Dinner. It’s fun to make!
Ingredients: 16 oz cream cheese, two blocks, at room temperature 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup heavy cream Pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
48 Ritz crackers
• 2/3 cup salted caramel sauce plus more for garnish
• Whipped cream
Instructions
1. Line 8x8 glass baking dish with plastic wrap. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add in heavy cream, salt
and vanilla and whip until thick and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3. Spread 16 Ritz crackers across the bottom in three straight lines. Add in 1/3 of the cream cheese mixture.
4. Drizzle 1/3 cup caramel sauce over and repeat these layers again as follows: 16 crackers,
1/3 cream cheese mixture, 1/3 cup caramel sauce, 16 crackers, final amount of cream cheese mixture.
5. Cover and refrigerate 12 hours or overnight. To serve, cut into pieces and top with whipped cream and more caramel sauce.
What I saw gave me hope.
One broken link in my life I discovered was my ability to stress people out or in my anger to make others panic or feel fear. One day I realized that wasn’t who I wanted to be, nor was it me living in my natural habitat. God created me for better things than that.
Instead of doing the typical thing we do of judging ourselves (if we even see our own brokenness), I was coached to look compassionately at my shortcomings. What healthy thing should be in the place of that harmful adaptation in my life? I suddenly realized that if I can transfer negative emotion, then I could transfer positive emotion. I was
created to bring peace, not stress, and joy, not panic. Daily, I take steps to be that life-giving person and retrain by brain and heart to not default to broken ways of living that drain others of their positivity.
That bobcat was created to attack but it was not meant to attack people. Fortunately, your brokenness is not rabies and is curable. You, too,
have mountains to climb and missions to run. You have a strength and purpose that will align with your identity, personality, and natural inclinations. People are not your prey but your partners in this journey.
Next time, I want to look at the health lynx: circles one must draw to recreate a life-giving habitat.
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
A popular and long-running morning show will not be returning to Branson this fall.
After a successful six-year run in Branson, “All Hands on Deck” will be leaving the music mecca, according to a statement issued by Madaras Production Group and Theatre for America. Additionally, the highly anticipated Ray Charles musical, entitled “RAY! You Got the Right One Baby” will not take the stage, as planned.
Said Jody Madaras, creator and producer of the two shows, “Following last month’s Copeland Theater management change, it has become too difficult to work with the existing situation. While disappointed, we had a superb six-year run in Branson, entertained thousands of tourists, seniors and veterans, and even picked up a few awards along the way. Presenting the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal to two World War II Veterans last year during one of our per
formances was a highlight for me.”
Madaras moved “All Hands on Deck” to the Copeland Theater, located in the Shoppes at Branson Meadows in the fall of 2022, following a fire at the Dutton Family Theater. Madaras and his cast had spent
five seasons entertaining from the Duttons’ stage.
Valerie Hill, associate producer and one of the stars of “All Hands on Deck,” noted, “Jody and I moved to Branson from the Broadway stage because of the hometown kindness and interest in our stage expertise that we first encountered here. Sometime down the road, we hope that kindness and appreciation will reappear – encouraging us to bring new and exciting productions to Branson.”
Of the show’s time in Branson, Madaras stated, “Our cast members, musicians, stage technicians, house staff and volunteers are tops in my book – talented people and incredibly loyal and devoted to the quality level of our shows. We can’t thank our ticket sellers, city leaders, CVB associates, show sponsors, local fans and the Duttons enough for being so wonderful to work with over the years.”
A phone call to the Copeland Theater to verify their fall lineup was attempted, but the number listed for the theater was not in service. For future information on Madaras’ productions, visit his websites, AllHandsOnDeckShow.com or TheatreForAmerica.org.
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer Piano
extraordinaire and local business owner Dino Kartsonakis has added a new twist to his popular bakery, Dino’s Cake Shoppe (formerly 24 Karrot Cafe).
The exquisite eatery, founded and owned by Dino Kartsonakis and his lovely and talented wife, Cheryl, is now offering Dino Days. Visitors to Branson and locals alike now have the opportunity to see Dino and Cheryl each week, while enjoying some of the delicious creations of the bakery’s Chef Paul.
“Paul, my nephew, came up with the idea,” Dino explained. “He gets a lot of requests. ‘When is Dino going to be here?’ because I am in and out, Kartsonakis explained.
The idea of Dino Days was formed. Said Dino, “We do it now from 12-2, only on Tuesdays. We’ll be there to greet you and feed you.”
Visitors to the Cake Shoppe can enjoy Dino’s signature cakes, along with cupcakes, cinnamon rolls and a variety of pastries and
other tasty treats, teamed with coffees, espresso-style drinks, teas and more, plus plenty of photo ops and time to visit with the musical virtuoso each week.
“The opportunities we have in America are amazing,” said Kartsonakis. “To open a cafe and sell these delicious items.”
Dino Days are held at Dino’s Cake Shoppe in downtown Branson, 104 East Main Street, Branson, each Tuesday from 12-2. For more information, call 4173334-0223.
Submitted to Branson Globe Joyful harmonies echo through the hills at Silver Dollar City’s Southern Gospel Picnic, featuring more than 80 notable names performing live during the day and into the evening, Aug. 24 – Sept. 4, with extended hours through 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2 and Sunday, Sept. 3. “The best of the best will
take the stage at venues throughout our park,” says Amanda Carson, Entertainment Manager for Southern Gospel Picnic. “From traditional to contemporary, the spirit of the music takes you on a journey that will have your toes tapping and your hands clapping!”
Prominent groups headline nightly concerts at The City’s 4,000-seat Echo Hol-
low Amphitheatre, including The Isaacs, The Whisnants, The Inspirations, The Hoppers, The Martins, The Sound, Jeff and Sheri Easter, Triumphant Quartet, Karen Pack and New River and Ernie Haase & Signature Sound. All Southern Gospel Nights concerts begin at 6 p.m. with seating starting at 4 p.m.
Southern-inspired cuisine takes center-stage at The House of Chicken & Fixin’s, with savory picnic-style fare at this all-you-care-to-eat feast. Homemade hits like Southern-style fried chicken, firecracker chicken and honey barbecue chicken are just the start, coupled with a fresh vegetable pie, featuring a flaky crust layered with tomatoes, yellow squash, zucchini, sweet onions and basil, topped with a cheese filling and baked golden-brown. Side “fixins” include Tuscan green beans and potatoes, chicken pot pie, and chicken and wild rice casserole. And, for dessert—fresh blackberry cobbler.
A full schedule of festival performers, calendar of dates and schedule of park hours is available at www. silverdollarcity.com or on the Silver Dollar City app, downloadable from the App Store and Google Play Store. Silver Dollar City is closed Monday, Aug. 28.
Submitted to Branson Globe
Something magical happens each time Canaan Sandy steps through the gate at Silver Dollar City – joy abounds and smiles spread to fellow visitors.
“These are my friends; these are my family,” he says as he trots happily past the park’s candy store. He hollers and waves to a nearby group of guests, “Hey, everybody! You having fun today? I’m going to ride Fire In The Hole!”
The five-minute walk to that attraction takes a lot longer for Canaan
“Well, that’s because he stops and gives every single person a high-five or a hug,” laughs Canaan’s mom, Ginger. “He is thoughtful to take that time to make each person feel special.”
And Canaan certainly does have a way to make folks feel special. On this day, he gleefully chants “Fire In The Hole! Fire In The Hole!” as he marches
down the hill, inviting fellow guests to join him.
When it comes to spreading kindness, his mom says Canaan doesn’t give up.
That history of resilience began the day he was born with a hole in his heart 41 years ago.
Danny and Ginger Sandy would learn their son also had Down Syndrome and blocked intestines. He’d have open-heart surgery and a major intestinal repair by the time he was three months old.
The Sandys spent most of Canaan’s first three years in and out of hospitals. As he grew older, Ginger says she didn’t discuss a diagnosis with him.
“I told him he was ‘forever young,’ and that’s all we’ve ever said about it,” she explains. “I think putting a label on him would have caused unnecessary confusion. We just let Canaan be Canaan!”
The Sandy family has enjoyed trips to Silver Dollar
City since Canaan was five years old and are so thankful for rides they can enjoy together. For them, the sum of the park’s greatness is equal parts what it has to offer and how it makes you feel.
“We aren’t fancy people,” Ginger says. “We have no talent, no money, but here we are treated like family. I think – in life – people tend to push others away. At Silver Dollar City, staff lets the love in.”
Canaan is not only a Silver Dollar City superfan, he’s also a history-making fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks. In fact, in 2014, he was elected to ESPN’s Fan Hall of Fame after being selected from thousands of entries. His picture and name are now engraved into a stadium seat at the ESPN headquarters in Bristol, CT.
Canaan is always calling
the Hogs! The University of Arkansas gave his family lifetime tickets to all sporting events. He’s been invited to throw out the first pitch at a baseball game and even helped score a touchdown in a coordinated play during the team’s annual Red-White scrimmage.
Canaan, who is usually sporting a Razorbacks shirt of some sort, giggles as he makes his way to Fire in the Hole and encourages staff to call the Hogs.
“His fandom never stops,” Ginger laughs. “It’s hard to believe I was so worried all those years ago about what kind of life he’d have. Just look at him! During dark days, lights beam even brighter. This four-foot-eleven guy shines for so many.
Thank you, Silver Dollar City, for loving him.”
Submitted to Branson Globe
As the summer season comes to a close, join us for a final hurrah at Branson’s
award-winning wilderness resort Big Cedar Lodge. Experience an unforgettable Labor Day weekend
celebration from September 1-4 with an array of special events and activities that promise to create lasting
memories for the whole family!
See below for details on our Labor Day Weekend activities:
Labor Day Picnic: Bid farewell to summer in style at the Labor Day picnic September 3 from 4:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. Bring the whole family for a day filled with exhilarating games, entertaining inflatables, mesmerizing fireworks, and delectable dishes prepared
by Big Cedar’s Culinary Team. Enjoy incredible performances by the Clay Self Band. This event is open to the public and sure to make your 2023 summer a cherished memory!
Pedal Boat Family Fishing Tournament: Cast your line into the Table Rock Lake experience during our Pedal Boat Fishing Tournament. Revel in the serene pastime of the Ozarks while soaking up the sun. Fishing
licenses are a must for participating adults and can be obtained at the marina. Big Cedar Lodge Pedal Boats seat four and all fishing poles and tackle will be provided. ($10 per person, reservations required).
Family Bowling Tournament: Step into the Fun Mountain Labor Day Bowling Tournament, where laughter and competition collide! From granny bowling to backwards bowling, this event is a strike for family fun. Dive into the underwater-themed bowling experience for all ages. Win prizes and a Fun Mountain card! ($20 per person, Reservations required).
Movie on the Lawn and Family Bonfire: Embrace the spirit of Labor Day in the great outdoors! Gather around a crackling bonfire on the Swimmin’ Hole Lawn, indulge in delightful snacks, and catch a family movie under the stars. (Complimentary for overnight guests).
Working Class Heroes 5K: Celebrate the working spirit with our scenic 5K trail. Traverse through captivating waterfalls, lakeside vistas, and historic structures at Big Cedar Lodge. Earn a commemorative water bottle, headband and runner’s medal. Compete for the champion’s medal and plaque across three age divisions. (Complimentary for all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult).
Labor Day weekend at America’s Premier Wilderness Resort is the perfect way to close out the summer season and give us one last chance to enjoy the high sun and late evenings. Secure your spot now for these special activities by visiting our Labor Day Weekend landing page at https://bigcedar.com/events/labor-day/. Don’t miss this chance to make this holiday weekend truly unforgettable!
Writer
Do you need some remodeling or repair work done, or maybe you’re considering a new deck or patio, but aren’t sure how to find a reliable contractor for the job? Check out F & S Restoration, where owners Frank and Michelle Schmidt say they focus on asking good questions to determine what the customer really wants and needs, and then providing quality service in a timely manner.
Frank Schmidt grew up learning construction and home repairs, as both his dad and his grandfather
were in the restoration and remodeling business. After operating his own business in Wisconsin, Schmidt relocated to the Ozarks 13 years ago, where he worked construction jobs before deciding to return to owning his own company, which opened in late May 2023.
“I observed some poor service, timeframe promises not kept, failing to communicate, things like that,” he said. “There are some really good companies, too, but there’s always room for someone who shows up, hires well-trained people to help, and gets the job done.”
Although Schmidt’s experience includes all types of remodeling and restoration work, he particularly enjoys outdoor projects, such as building a beautiful new deck for a client to enjoy. After an initial inquiry, a typical customer experience starts with a visit to look over the job and ask detailed questions about what the homeowner needs, wants, and can afford. A detailed proposal is presented, using a computer program to help picture the client’s design ideas or to make suggestions if needed, with itemized costs to help clients understand the
different parts of the work involved. The Schmidts can also suggest possible ways to adjust or prioritize for budget concerns, if needed.
Your hard-earned money is safe with F & S Restoration;
the company is fully insured and licensed and offers references, and detailed receipts are provided for deposits and progress payments. Whether it’s a necessary repair, some extra space, or a
beautification project you’ve been dreaming about, F & S Restoration can help you make it a reality. Reach out to Frank at 417-593-6679 or Michelle at 417-483-4293 to get started.
RAMSEY, CEO, Ramsey Solutions, and an eight-time No.
1 national best-selling author, and host of The Ramsey Show
Dear Dave, My mother-in-law is 85, and she’s had some health setbacks recently.
The family got together with her, and as a group, we decided it was time to sell her property and move her into an apartment at a nice senior living facility. She should see a little over $300,000 from the sale of her house. Aside from that, she has about $10,000 in a savings account. The problem is, she’ll only receive $2,100 a month in Social Security, and rent at the facility is $2,600 per month. Plus, she loves making donations to charities. With interest rates where they are, is a CD ladder a good place to put the
money to help her cash flow expenses in the future?
— Ed
Dear Ed,
If this were my motherin-law, I’d want her to do better than a CD (certificate of deposit) ladder. Even with the deficit between her Social Security income and the cost of rent, she’ll only need to see $6,000 a year from the investment to make up the difference.
And plus, she’s 85. Even if she got nothing in terms of interest, the chances of her burning all the way through her nest egg before she dies
are almost zero. I know the thought of her passing away isn’t pleasant, but it’s something you have to take into consideration.
As far as the charities go? Right now, she’s the charity. Maybe not in the traditional sense of the word, but it’s time for mom to come first. Only the strong can help the weak. I didn’t let my toddlers carry our newborn. And when it comes to money, you’ve got to have the financial strength—the free and clear assets—to carry others. Take care of your own household first. That’s her responsibility
at this point.
Ed, you’re not going to mess this up unless you put the money in crypto, or something stupid like that. If you want to do some high-yield savings as a part of it, that’s fine. If it were me, I’d probably end up investing some of it, too. Here’s the thing: Overall, if you could make 8% on it, that’s $2,000 a month, and it lasts indefinitely. That’s not even touching the principal. But like I said before, even if you make nothing on it, just divide $6,000 into $300,000. See what I mean?
It’s probably going to last as long as she does.
Of course, there may be some other medical bills, and you’d probably want her to have a life other than just paying bills. That’s why I’d like to see that extra $2,000 a month happening. It would provide a little cushion. And there may be a few other little things from time to time the family would have to pick up, but that’s not unusual in a situation like this.
You all can make this work for her. Don’t be super aggressive, but don’t be super conservative either.
Ramsey Solutions
Can I retire early?
A lot of people have asked this question (and if you’re reading this article, our guess is you’re one of them), but is retiring early
a pipe dream in this crazy economy?
The answer is no! Not at all—it’s 100% possible. That’s the good news!
The not-quite-so-good news is that for many of us,
no matter our age, reaching a goal of early retirement will take some major mindset adjustments and lifestyle changes. Think cutting back on expenses and getting our income up.
Will it be easy? Probably not. Will it be worth it? Absolutely.
Whatever amazing reasons you have for wanting to leave your full-time career early, you can start making changes today that will set you up financially for an early retirement.
What Is Early Retirement?
Early retirement is generally defined as retiring before you’re eligible for Medicare benefits at age 65.1
For a lot of people interested in retiring early, their goal is to retire in their 40s, 50s or even earlier! There’s even a new wave of younger workers who are trying to take early retirement to another level. Heard of
the F.I.R.E. movement? It stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early.
And we’re talking really early. The goal of people in the F.I.R.E. movement is to save and invest aggressively—somewhere between 50–75% of their income—
so they can retire in their 30s or 40s! That kind of goal takes some serious dedication to keeping expenses low, paying off and staying out of debt, and making saving and investing a priority.
But those are some of the steps it takes if you want to retire early, whether you want to jump on the F.I.R.E. movement bandwagon and retire by age 35 or if you’re wanting to retire in your late 50s.
birthday gifts, treats and more. Always 40% to 60% off of regular retail.
A Gameplan for Retiring Early
A goal this big requires a big plan. If you’re serious about retiring early, here are some steps to take to set you on the path to an early retirement:
Step 1: Determine what your goals are for early retirement.
Before you start running the numbers on how to retire early, you need to know what you want to do in retirement. That dream will determine your budget.
Do you want to travel the world? Then you’ll need a big budget. Want to travel to see grandkids? Open a business? Do volunteer work? Take the family on a huge vacation?
Having a good idea of what your retirement goals are will help you with the next step, which is . . .
Step 2: Create a mock retirement budget.
Here’s a pro tip for your early retirement gameplan: You need to get specific about the amount you think you’ll need to live on every month in retirement.
The best way to do that is to create a mock monthly retirement budget. To make things simple, just ask yourself: If I retired today, what would my budget look like?
Here’s an example of living on $3,500 a month...
Giving: $350
Saving: $200
Utilities: $125
Insurance: $700
Medical: $300
Food: $300
Phone: $100
Internet: $50
Clothing: $50
Car (gas): $200
Entertainment: $200
New car fund: $200
Trip fund: $100
Gifts fund: $100
Repairs: $100
Hobbies: $200
Extras: $125
SEE RETIRE EARLY, PAGE 5C
may not like them, but they are still their best option.
DR. RICHARD BAKER, AIF®, is the founder of and an executive wealth advisor at Fervent Wealth Management. https://www. facebook.com/Dr.RichardBaker
W
e were a “one café” town. Not only did my hometown not have a stop light, but it only had one café at a time. You ate there even if you didn’t like the food because it was the only option in town. This very much describes the recent downgrading of U.S bonds. The world
On August 1, Fitch, one of the three main credit rating agencies, downgraded U.S. government debt to its second-highest rating, AA+. Their reasons were an expected economic weakening over the next three years and “a high and growing general debt burden.” No one was surprised because Fitch announced in June that they were considering it and, frankly, had been threatening a downgrade for years.
I agree the U.S. Government does have a debt problem, and its debt has been piling up at a crazy pace over the last 25 years. Their recent big-ticket items include an expensive war on terror, a
very expensive response to the financial crisis, and an extremely expensive response to the pandemic. The amount of money the U.S. government spends on its debt interest is going up quickly because of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes. If things don’t change in 10 years, the U.S. could reach a point where 80% of its tax revenue is used for interest payments.
Before you say I’m pointing fingers at one political party, let me tell you both parties caused this mess. Both Republicans and Democrats have their fair share of financial idiots in elected offices. Pardon me while I step back off my soap box. So how do we fix it? The U.S. will have to raise taxes by
a lot and cut spending by a lot. Unfortunately, there is only so much we can cut. Even this year, the debt interest uses up three-quarters of its non-social service and non-defense spending. We have a spending problem. Since 1973, non-defense spending has increased 75% faster than defense spending, according to the Cato Institute. But we are so far in debt now that it will take more than just spending cuts to get us out of this; it will now take aggressive tax increases and spending cuts.
This Fitch downgrade reminds us of August 2011 when Standard & Poor’s downgraded the U.S. government’s credit rating. Some investors got nervous with the Fitch news that markets
might repeat that 2011 big market drop of almost 20%. This time the market wasn’t surprised; the S&P 500 fell about 2% during the three days following the news.
Fitch is probably right in its assessment, but the rating downgrade itself probably won’t have much impact on the government bonds or markets broadly because where else would investors go? The U.S. continues to be the safest “safe haven” during times of market stress, and the downgrade won’t change that. But the U.S. still needs to put its financial house in order; if it doesn’t, we’ll likely see more downgrades.
We all know the U.S. has a debt problem and didn’t need Fitch to tell us that. But what
Fitch did, and S&P before them, was to shine a light on the need for the U.S. to fix its debt problems. Like other things, the longer Congress waits, the more difficult the problem becomes to manage.
My grandma occasionally took me to our town’s only café for pancakes. It wasn’t the cleanest of restaurants, and now that I’m almost a germophobe, I don’t think I could handle it. But the whole town ate there because it was the only option in town. The U.S. bonds are the same way; they may not have a perfect rating but they are still the best available option and that makes me feel better about the market. Have a blessed week!
www.FerventWM.com
Submitted to Branson Globe
TopSide Marinas, a family-owned company that acquires and operates high-quality marinas around the country, recently announced the acquisition of two marinas located on Table Rock Lake, Cape Fair Marina and Hideaway Marina. Both marinas are in proximity to Branson, a popular family vacation destination known for swimming, boating, fishing and water sports. The marinas sit on 29 acres and offer boat storage, boat rentals, fuel, retail and a restaurant for visitors of the lake to enjoy. These acquisitions mark the first for TopSide Marinas in Missouri and the Ozarks and build on the company’s national portfolio since launching in 2020, marking eight acquisitions total. The two well-constructed marinas offer an assortment of amenities to the area’s recreational boating community. Cape Fair Marina is located in the popular James River Arm of the lake
in Cape Fair. It is home to Stuffed & Pressed, a restaurant offering good food lakeside with indoor and outdoor seating and live music.
Hideaway Marina is Table Rock Lake’s first marina established in 1958. Between the two marinas, TopSide Marinas has a total of 450 wet slips and a fleet of 20 rental boats. The marinas offer a wide selection of boat rentals including fishing boats, pontoons, tritoons and ski boats.
“Fifteen years ago, we bought Hideaway and Cape Fair Marinas; we have spent those years developing them into the two nicest marinas on Table Rock Lake. Our family has been coming down to this lake for 50 years, and we are very proud of the expansion and improvements made over the years,” said Scott Raridon Sr., owner of Hideaway Marina and Cape Fair Marina. “We always knew we would sell them at some point and wanted to make sure we found a company
that would keep the family feel we created. We believe TopSide Marinas is just that company. We want to say thank you to everyone on the James River Arm in Table Rock Lake that has supported us over the years.”
The marinas enjoy high
demand year-round. Branson is home to a large recreational boating community that welcomes 10 million visitors a year, 90% of whom are returning visitors. Table Rock Lake has over 800 miles of shoreline to explore and covers over
40,000 surface acres, creating more shoreline than the state of California.
Originally opened in Palm Springs, California by Roz’s parents, Sid and Tess Meltzer, the specialty store has been in Branson for 28 years.
“We have always kept up with the times,” said Brett. “We first started in 1963 with the ‘Missy’ line, consisting of pant suits to long evening gowns and swimwear. Then, by the mid-‘70s we jumped in with the ‘junior’ line, because the Jane Fonda Workout and Disco came in. Then, in the ‘80s it became sexier and sexier. You have to keep up in order to survive today.”
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff WriterA unique Branson shop is celebrating sixty years in business. The Red Garter is a multi-generational business.
“My mom, Roz, and I
own the shop,” explained Brett Westley. “We carry lingerie, adult novelties, professional makeup, leotards and tights, and theatrical accessories.”
According to Westley, the store has a broad target audience. “Our audience is early 20s through the elderly and mostly women,” Westley noted, “Men are very close to a tie with women.”
In addition to their store, located in the Falls Shopping Center, Red Garter has
Continued from page 3C
is home to many lake houses owned by members of the community who desire easy access to their boats.
“We are thrilled to acquire two marinas in one of the most popular family destinations in the country,”
a strong online presence.
“Our website is awesome, because we have hooked up our online shop with a dropship system from one of our suppliers,” Westley explained. “You get the same low prices, discreet billing and shipping and there are thousands of items to choose from. Plus, we are adding a new part to the website—starting September 1, we will have a monthly blog. It will not be just on the website, but it will also show up in your email when you sign up for the blog. Just visit our website at redgarterbranson.com.”
In addition to the website, Red Garter can be found on Instagram: @redgarterbranson, on Facebook under bransonredgarter and via email at info@redgarterbranson.com.
The store had a blow-out celebration in honor of their 60th year in business.
said Thomas Joy, director of investments at TopSide Marinas. “Cape Fair Marina and Hideaway Marina are located in one of the most unique places to visit and they are sure to be some of our busiest marinas in TopSide Marinas’ portfolio.”
“The marinas’ proximity
Said Westley, “Our 60th anniversary celebration was a huge success! Michael Knight and his lovely wife Rachel from Legends in Concert came over to help draw the winning ticket for the 60th anniversary basket,” Westley shared. “The basket had a huge box with more goodies in it, and it was worth $1,000. The winner, Rick, was so exceedingly happy to win. We also had snacks and soda for everyone.”
Westley continued, “Sixty years, yes, 60 years. Wow! It’s so hard to believe that it is 60 years, because it feels like yesterday. The other question is this: ‘Where did the time go? It’s quite a crazy feeling that Mom and I are feeling.”
Red Garter is continuing the 60th anniversary celebration going for a bit, with special savings online.
“For our 60th Anniver-
to Branson offers a close, convenient and familiar experience for boaters, but are just far enough away from the entertainment district providing a quiet, relaxing environment. We look forward to providing high-quality service to boaters while building upon the area’s reputation as a top lakeside destination and one of the favorite locations on the lake,” said Ryan Skiles, regional vice president of operations at TopSide Marinas.
sary, we have an online only special running—you get 60% off any order over $300 online only, and valid through September 19, 2023,” Westley explained. “Use promo code ANV60 at checkout.”
Locally, Red Garter will be joining forces with neighbors Mochas and Meows for a special Halloween Trunk or Treat event in the shopping center.
Red Garter, located at 3265 Falls Parkway, Suite S in Branson, can be found on Highway 165, just a mile and a half south of the Titanic attraction. The shop is open seven days per week, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 noon until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Said Westley, “Come on out to our store and have some fun with our great low prices and awesome, great customer service.”
TopSide Marinas is building its reputation as a credible and trusted national brand, acquiring marinas across the country with eight properties total in multiple states. It recently acquired Rock Creek Marina in Kansas, a 188-acre large-scale marina located in Ozawkie on Perry Lake. Earlier this year, the company also acquired April Plaza Marina, a 4.9-acre marina located in Montgomery on Lake Conroe, just outside Houston, Texas.
YOUR SOURCE FOR IN BRANSON
EVERYTHING TO SEE, DO AND EXPERIENCE
Notice that this budget doesn’t include a mortgage payment. That’s because you want to pay off the mortgage (and any other debt) before you retire.
Something else you may notice is that we budgeted a pretty large amount to insurance—$700. It’s a reminder that your budget will look different at different phases of your life, like when you drop life insurance and add long-term care insurance.
You may also want to travel a lot at first (which will cost more) and stay closer to home as you age. Medical expenses will vary during a long retirement too—we’ll talk more about that later.
Remember that since essentials like gas and groceries usually get more expensive over time (thanks, inflation), the amount you’ll need to budget to maintain the lifestyle you have now will look a little different than it will in 10, 15 or 20 years. Step 3. Evaluate your current financial situation.
If you’re not sure where you stand financially, Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps are the perfect place to start. These steps are like a GPS for your finances. When you know what step you’re on, you’ll know exactly what your next best move is. Here’s a quick look at the Baby Steps:
• Baby Step 1: Save $1,000 for your starter emergency fund.
Baby Step 2: Pay off all debt (except the house) using the debt snowball.
• Baby Step 3: Save 3–6 months of expenses in a fully funded emergency fund.
Baby Step 4: Invest 15% of your household income in retirement.
• Baby Step 5: Save for your children’s college fund.
• Baby Step 6: Pay off your home early.
• Baby Step 7: Build wealth and give.
No matter what Baby Step you’re on, there are plenty of things you can do to close the gap between where you are and retiring early. Here are just a few:
Pay off your house early.
According to The National Study of Millionaires, it took millionaires about 10.2 years on average to pay off their homes. There’s a reason for that! Just imagine how much faster you could reach your goals if you didn’t have a mortgage payment to worry about and invested that money instead.
Lower your retirement budget. That means you decide to live on less each month than your original number. You may have to take fewer trips to Maui or cut back on some expensive hobbies, but if your goal is to retire early, those sacrifices might be worth it!
Get a second job. Let’s say you get a part-time job that brings in an extra $1,000 a month. If you invested that extra income into good growth stock mutual funds month after month, year after year, that could add hundreds of thousands of dollars to your retirement nest egg.
Now that’s progress!
Step 4: Invest in a bridge account.
If you’re debt-free (everything except the house) and have a fully funded emergency fund (enough to cov-
er 3–6 months of expenses), you should be investing 15% of your income for retirement. But if you want to retire early, you need to put every extra dollar you can toward that goal.
But here’s the deal. If you’re saving for retirement through tax-advantaged retirement accounts like your 401(k) or a Roth IRA, you won’t be able to take money out of those accounts until you reach age 59 1/2.
So, what’s the solution?
After you’ve maxed out your retirement savings options and paid off your house—and only after that—it’s time to build a bridge! No, not an actual bridge. We’re talking about a bridge account that will help you bridge the gap (get it?) between your early retirement and the time when you can start taking money out of your retirement accounts without a penalty.
That’s where a brokerage account (also known as a taxable investment account) comes in. Brokerage accounts are your best option to serve as your bridge account.
Now, brokerage accounts don’t have the same tax benefits as Roth (tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals) or traditional (tax-deferred contributions) retirement accounts.
Instead, any profits you make from selling investments inside a brokerage account will be taxed as capital gains in the same tax year you sold them. And if
your investment pays dividends, you’ll probably owe taxes on those payouts too.
However, brokerage accounts do come with two really nice perks that make them perfect for planning an early retirement!
First, there are no contribution limits—meaning you can invest as much or as little as you want into your account.
Second, you can take money out of your account whenever you want. No need to worry about early withdrawal penalties! That’s exactly the kind of flexibility you want in a bridge account.
What investments should you choose for your bridge account? We recommend investing in low-turnover mutual funds inside these accounts. Turnover refers to how often the investments within the fund are bought and sold.
Funds with a low turnover ratio of 10% or less—like an S&P 500 index fund— are ideal because they often have lower expenses and are less likely to lead to capital gains taxes, which would be passed on to the investor (that’s you).
Before you open a bridge account, make sure you talk to your financial advisor who can help you understand everything you need
to know. Step 5: Invest in real estate. There is another path to early retirement that doesn’t involve a bridge account, and that’s investing in real estate. Real estate investing isn’t for everybody, but if done the right way, rental properties can provide you with a steady flow of income.
First, invest in real estate only after you’ve already paid off your own home (in other words, after you’ve completed Baby Step 6). At that point, you’re completely debt-free with an emergency fund of 3–6 months of expenses saved. And you should also already be investing at least 15% of your income into retirement accounts, like a 401(k) or Roth IRA.
Second, always pay for investment properties in full, with cash—no exceptions! Remember, debt always equals risk—and putting down 100% reduces your risk dramatically. Paying in full will also help you make money faster—you’ll pocket all the profits instead of sending a chunk of your income to a lender (plus interest).
Last (but certainly not least), don’t try to do this alone. When you’re ready to buy a property, make sure you hire a real estate agent who knows what they’re do-
ing. A great agent knows the area so well that they can probably drive around town in their sleep and can help you get the best deal possible on a property.
Step 6: Get serious about lifestyle changes.
The question you need to ask yourself is, How hard am I willing to work now so I can retire early? Honestly, folks, this is where most people get stuck. They dream of an early retirement, but they’re not willing to do the hard work or make the sacrifices to get there.
For example, if your typical vacation costs your family $5,000, you may want to cut that in half and invest the remaining $2,500. Or what if you could cut your grocery budget by $100 a month? That’s an extra $1,200 a year toward investing. You determine whether you get to retire early. It’s all in your hands.
Step 7: Meet regularly with a financial advisor.
Yes, you need to keep an eye on your money. You need to ask questions about concepts and terminology that don’t make sense. Stay involved in your financial portfolio—but don’t make decisions before you’ve talked them through with a professional who knows their stuff and has the patience to explain it.
You are encouraged to worship with us!
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 28:7
Eliminate high heating bills with Central Boiler’s NEW, certified Classic Edge Titanium HDX OUTDOOR WOOD FURNACE. Call Ozark Stove and Chimney today. 417-201-6585
MASTER ELECTRICIAN. No job too big or small. FREE ESTIMATES. Ph. 417-337-1747.
FREE ESTIMATES AND TIMELY RESPONSE. Full remodels, decks, pole barns, garages, fencing and small projects. Call 417-699-1635.
Don’t miss the 2023 edition of The Best Bets of Branson Live Talk Show, featuring Carrie Anne Mitchell and Shelley Carroll-Drew, every Thursday at 11:15 a.m., inside the lobby of The Nashville Roadhouse Theater, and streaming live on Facebook and YouTube.
During our 2023 show season, we are excited to be featuring; everything that is fun to share, and to talk about, involving info on the Branson & the surrounding Ozarks area, done from a 2 person, unique local perspective, and a fun, positive spin.
Brought to you by our sponsors: Affordable Insulation Service, Bliss Gas Services, The Branson Show Awards, The Consignment Clothing Exchange, El Lago On 248, Flaming Margaritas Restaurant, Gaga For Glitter, The Great Passion Play, Isom Hunt, The Krafty Kitty Farm, LKS Lawncare, MarieZ, METAGOLF, Michele’s Floral & Gifts, Mintex Appliance Service, The Nashville Roadhouse Theater, and SignsNow. Contact Carrie @ 573-7951921, or Shelley @ 417593-9815 to find out how to become a sponsor of our live talk show.
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!
IF YOU ARE A MILITARY VETERAN in need of a place to live, please call us and we’ll try to meet your needs. GUMI CAMP USA 417-559-3892
THE AMERICAN LE-
GION POST #220 invites all former and current US Military friends to join us Monday mornings at 9 a.m. for coffee and pastries!! Come join us at Faith Lutheran Church, 221 Malone Dr., Branson, MO.
We look forward to meeting you!! HOOAH!!
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
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.
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION SUPPORT
GROUPS meet at location #1: Branson United Methodist Church, 1208 West 76 Country Blvd. Branson, the first Thursday of every month at 1:30 PM; and at location #2: Branson Hollister Senior Center, 201 Compton Dr., Branson, the third Friday of every month at 1:00 PM For more information about either support group, you may call 417598-3122.
GRIEF SHARE SUP-
PORT GROUP: IN AU-
GUST, 2023 a new class of Grief Share will begin at the Branson United Methodist Church Aug. 22. This is a 13 week class of support for those who have lost loved ones. We welcome all ages from the community as well as our church family. For questions call Peggy at 641-919-1533. The class will meet every Tuesday at 1 p.m.in the church library.
Add a little color to your advertising, and watch readers take notice! Run an ad just like this one for just $21 a week!
GET FREE FOOD, GROCERIES, $10 GAS ON YOUR 1ST VISIT. CALL 417-337-3772
RAZORBACK PROFESSIONAL WINDOW WASHING AND CLEANING. Businesses, hotels, some residential. Free estimates. Branson. Phone 870-421-9651.
ACE HOME IMPROVEMENT: Heating and air, HVAC service and repair, doors, windows, decks, fences, pressure washing, interior and exterior painting, siding, roofing, flooring, tile and drywall. Handyman work! Call Ryan: 417-335-1347.
FOR SALE: 43” SAMSUNG TV, asking $150. Dresser $60. Call 417-7913082 or 417-320-1055.
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. 417-3355400. renttoownautosbranson.com
FIFTH WHEEL FOR SALE BY OWNER: 2021 Wildwood, Forest River, Heritage Glen Elite 36FL, luxury fifth wheel. Sleeps 6. 1.5 baths, 4 slides, full gourmet kitchen plus elite outdoor kichen w/TV, Warranty until 4/26. $65k. Branson. Call Ben, 417-699-1133.
ROOMS FOR RENT
WEEKLY MOTEL ROOM RENTAL. Family friendly. Deposit and rule agreement required. Cable/ WiFi, fridge and micro included. Branson West 417272-8414.
APTS/CONDOS/HOMES
LUXURY
1 & 2 BR APARTMENT HOMES
1-1/2 BATHS, POOL, REC. ROOM
1 BR STARTING @ $595/MO
2 BR STARTING @ $725/MO
Furnished Units, Carports & Lakeviews Available CALL 417-546-3334 Shepherd of the Hills Estates www.soheapts.com
FOR RENT: 2 BED/1.5 BATH, 4 PLEX in Branson. W/D and all appliances included. $850/mo. Call 417-339-7777.
FOR LEASE: OFFICE,, STORAGE AND COMMERCIAL SPACE ON BUS. HWY. 13 in Branson West. Over 1,000 sq. ft. available. Various sizes and reasonable rates available. Call 417-248-0062.
HELP WANTED: Looking for a senior service coordinator at a Branson upscale private day facility. Duties are:
• Social agenda
• Concierge support
• Snack prep & serve
• Wellness checks 40/hrs. and may work some weekends. $16/$20 per hour
If interested please call 417230-9190 or email Rosehouse8959@gmail.com. Therosehouse-branson.com
POINT LOOKOUT
NURSING & REHAB is excited to announce that we are currently hiring RNs, LPNs, CNAs, NAs, CMTs, housekeeping, and dietary staff. We are currently offering a great benefit plan. We acknowledge Covid-19 vaccination exemptions. For more information, call 417-334-4105 or apply in person at 11103 Historic Hwy. 165, Hollister, MO. EOE
YOUR
GUMI CAMP, a healing retreat for American Veterans, is in need of a dog caretaker. Paying weekly. Please call Tim Hadler at 417-559-3892 if you are interested.
MR. GILBERTI’S PLACE. Now hiring all positions. Fun, working atmosphere. Come in and fill out an application. 1451 Arcadia Club Rd., Hollister.
Applications being accepted for the position of OFFICE CLERK
Performs a variety of clerical and administrative activities in the office, exhibiting good organizational and multi-tasking abilities. Minimum applicant requirements: Excellent customer service and communication skills; Accountability and accurancy with cash handling; Familiar with office equipment and procedures. Full time, Monday - Friday, exceptional benefits, paid leave, scheduled pay increases and more. Starting hourly rate is $13.41. For position description and application, visit: www.hollistermo.gov; Hollister City Hall, 312 Esplanade, Hollister; City of Hollister, Attn: Human Resources, PO Box 638, Hollister, MO 65673; or slea@hollistermo.gov. EOE
Give us a call at 417-334-9100, or place your ad online at bransonglobe.com/advertise
• 1718 Hundreds of French colonists arrive in Louisiana; New Orleans founded
• 1875 Captain Matthew Webb makes the first observed and unassisted swim across the English Channel in 21 hours and 45 minutes.
• 1910 Yellow Cab is founded.
• 1916 U.S. Department of Interior forms National Park Service
• 1921 U.S. signs peace treaty with Germany
• 1950 U.S. President Harry Truman orders army to take control of railroad to avert a strike
1952 Puerto Rico becomes a U.S. commonwealth
• 1960 AFL begins placing players names on back of their jerseys
• 1968 Arthur Ashe becomes first African American to win the U.S. Singles championship
• 1970 Singer and pianist, Elton John’s first U.S. appearance in Los Angeles
• 1979 TV series, “Hart to Hart” starring Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers premieres in the U.S. on ABC.
• 1983 U.S. & USSR sign $10 billion grain pact 1996 96th U.S. Golf Amateur Championship won by Tiger Woods
• 2017 Category 4 Hurricane Harvey makes landfall in Texas NE of Corpus Christi with 130 m.p.h. winds
Word find from Beck Museums of Branson
Family Crossword Solution: onlinecrosswords. net/2179
