So God created human beings in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. – Genesis 1:27
Your source for local news and entertainment
INSIDE:
• Around Town.... 12A • Churches............ 6C • Classifieds........... 7C • Entertainment ��� 2B • Opinion.............. 4A • Fun & Games...... 8C • Weather........... 11A
October 13, 2023 • Volume 4, Issue #41
Friends and peers share memories of a music legend BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer Branson mourns the loss of another music legend. Entertainer Buck Trent, musician extraordinaire, passed away on Monday morning at the age of 85. Buck Trent was well known in the country music field, performing with such greats as Bill Monroe and Porter Wagoner during the early days of his career. He played guitar banjo on several of Dolly Parton’s recordings, including “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.” An award-winning instrumentalist, Trent teamed up with Roy Clark. The duo recorded two albums together and were also named the Country Music Association’s Instrumentalist Group of the Year not once, but twice. Buck Trent was featured on the “The Porter Wagoner Show,” “The Marty Stuart Show,” and “Hee Haw,” and appeared on a host of additional television shows. In addition to his musical
PLUS:
Branson sergeant to receive global honor SEE PAGE 3A.
Johnny Lee’s last call SEE PAGE 1B.
TERRYS DISCOUNT TICKETS
BOGO TICKETS
(available on many shows)
HUGHES BROTHERS SHOW $22 EACH FAMILY PASS - $50
NO TIMESHARES, NO GIMMICKS, NO FEES!
Bull Creek RV Park is ready for fall. SEE PAGE 1C
WEEKEND WEATHER: Sun with a few clouds for your weekend, with a high on Friday around 71, and in the 60s for the rest of the weekend. Overnight lows will be in the 40s. Brrrr!
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Buck Trent with Dolly Parton at the Grand Old Opry (alamy.com)
SEE BUCK TRENT, PAGE 10A
Branson proclaims itself a ‘No Mask and No Vaccine Mandate City’ BY GARY J. GROMAN, Independent Journalist In a move reflecting its steadfast commitment to preserving individual freedoms amid the ongoing global health concerns about COVID, the City of Branson, Missouri, by Resolution, has firmly declared itself a “No Mask and No Vaccine Mandate” city. The Resolution, approved by the Board at its October 10, 2023, meeting, results from a request made by Aldermen Ruth Denham and Clay Cooper at the Board’s September 26, 2023, meeting for City Staff to prepare a Resolution declaring the Board’s intent not to mandate masks and vaccines. The Resolution states that “the government responses to COVID-19 from 2020 through 2021 disrupted more than a century of Branson’s embrace and exercise of individual freedoms, including but not limited to moving freely throughout
the City, and, individuals making their own personal health decisions. This disruption included government-imposed mask-wearing and vaccine mandates.” The Resolution emphasizes that individuals should have a right to choose whether to wear a mask or whether to get vaccinated. The Resolution formally states the Board’s intention not to impose mandates related to mask-wearing and vaccinations within the city boundaries. Expressly, it says, “The Board of Aldermen hereby declares the City of Branson to be a ‘No Mask and No Vaccine Mandate’ City” and that the ordinance “shall be in full force and effect after its passage and approval.” During the aldermen’s comments, Alderman Cody Fenton pointed out the contrast in the application of freedom of choice between this Resolution and the Drag SEE NO MASK, PAGE 2A
Guests held their candles high to symbolize their commitment to “be the light.” (KCE Productions)
Be the Light: Options Pregnancy Clinic hosts annual banquet BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer Options Pregnancy Clinic hosted their annual fundraising banquet at The Chateau on the Lake on Thursday evening, October 5. Almost 700 in attendance celebrated LIFE and the ministry of Options Pregnancy Clinic for local moms, dads and their babies. The focus of the evening was “Be the
Light for Generations,” as Options is celebrating their 30th year of ministry in Taney County. The event is underwritten by generous ministry supporters so that every dollar donated can help fund the day-to-day ministry at Options. The evening included ministry updates detailing the many amazing things God has done through Op-
tions this year, including 112 babies born so far in 2023 and 80 babies already due into 2024. The highlight of the event was the testimonials and personal introduction of Options families who were helped over the years and where they are now, with their beautiful children ranging from toddlers to young people in SEE OPTIONS, PAGE 10A
Branson Police investigate murder-suicide at Branson Manor Apartments Submitted to Branson Globe Branson Police Officers responded to a report of an active shooter at the Branson Manor Apartments, located at 218 Old Country Rd, at approximately 11
a.m. on Thursday, October 5, 2023. Officers made immediate entry and quickly located one person deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officers then searched the re-
mainder of the building and found one additional victim in a management office. A preliminary investigation indicates that this was a murder-suicide that resulted from a rent dispute. The de-
ceased are identified as: • Suspect: Stephen Walsh, 77, of Branson (Tenant) • Victim: Whitney Davis, 47, of Branson (Manager) Clergy and the Police Liaison from Burrell Behav-
ioral Health were on scene to assist the residents. Additionally, the complex is working on counselors to assist in the coming days. Because of the initial reSEE INVESTIGATION, PAGE 2A
