May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge. – Ruth 2:12
Your source for local news and entertainment
December 1, 2023 • Volume 4, Issue #48
INSIDE:
• Around Town...... 8B • Churches.......... 10C • Classifieds......... 11C • Fun & Games.... 12C • Obituaries........ 10A • Voices ................ 1B • Weather........... 10A
PLUS:
VOTO provides gift to area family – SEE PAGE 2A.
the least of these my brothers
The least of these my brothers – SEE PAGE 1B.
TERRYS DISCOUNT TICKETS
The exquisite Fontanini Nativity is the highlight of the holiday season at Chateau on the Lake. SEE K.D. MICHAELS’ STORY ON PAGE 1C. (Photo by K.D. Michaels)
Annual Christmas parade set for Sunday BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer Celebrating the true meaning of Christmas is a tradition that Branson holds dear. It happens each December with the annual Adoration Parade. Set for Sunday, the 75th
Annual Adoration Parade will feature a variety of floats created by local churches, nonprofits and organizations, a number of high school marching bands, and even an appearance by Santa Claus himself.
Prior to the parade is the annual lighting of the area’s largest nativity scene, beginning at dusk. The nativity scene lighting dates back to 1949, and has been a much-anticipated annual event. The nativity scene,
which overlooks Lake Taneycomo, was rebuilt in 2012 after sustaining damage in Branson’s Leap Day tornado. The Adoration Parade will kick off at 5:30 on Sunday, December 3. The parade will leave the Bran-
son Convention Center and follow a route along Branson Landing Boulevard, before turning on Commercial Street and then East College, Sycamore Street and back to the Convention Center.
Options being discussed for proposed Stone County Ambulance District, board
BOGO TICKETS
(available on many shows)
HUGHES BROTHERS SHOW $22 EACH FAMILY PASS - $50
NO TIMESHARES, NO GIMMICKS, NO FEES!
Elvis Live - Christmas – SEE PAGE 2C
WEEKEND WEATHER:
Well, not too bad for the first weekend in December: Look for daily highs in the 50s, and overnight lows in the upper 30s. There is a chance of rain on Saturday.
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer At the monthly meeting of the Table Rock Lake Area Chamber of Commerce on November 16, members heard a presentation and had the opportunity to ask questions about the proposed Stone County Ambulance District. The discussion is a necessary and proactive one, as both Mercy and Cox Health Systems, which have provided ambulance service in Stone County since 1985, have recently announced they cannot maintain their current level of services due to financial loss. Reimbursements from insurance companies and government sources such as Medicare/Medicaid have not kept up with increasing costs, and regulatory burdens have increased as well, so that both major health systems are turning to local communities to find ways to offset some of the cost. A petition drive has been underway to complete a petition by December 1, allowing time for verifi-
cation and certification by the County Clerk and for the County Commission to act on scheduling an election question on the April 2024 ballot about creating an ambulance district. The creation of such a district would place authority under an unpaid board of directors, similar to the 911 Service Board or the Health Department Board. Initial directors would be appointees, with staggered terms to be refilled by election upon expiration. Creation of the district and board would not lock in any particular option, but rather be a step forward in deciding among several options, including but not limited to the following: • A Stone County EMA service with a director and employees funded by a tax levy and reimbursement from individuals and insurances, similar to the model used in Taney County. • Contracting with Mercy, Cox, or both, with subsidy given to defray SEE AMBULANCE, PAGE 9A
NOT A TURKEY IN THE BUNCH – Okay, well maybe just one, and he looks like he’s having fun at the Tukey Trot 5K. (Special to Branson Globe)
5K raises money for area nonprofits BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer While most enjoy a day off work on Thanksgiving Day, one local group works harder than ever. The Ozarks Running Club holds their annual Turkey Trot 5K each year on Thanksgiving morning. The group spends months prior to the event planning,
organizing and preparing for the big day. Members volunteer their time to make sure every detail of Turkey Trot goes smoothly. Dedicated runners brave the elements and gather at the Branson Landing for a morning of fun and fellowship, while helping out a great cause. Funds raised
from the annual event are donated to area nonprofits and charities. Money raised this year at Turkey Trot is earmarked for Faith Community Health. To date, in the 12 years the event has been held, Turkey Trot has raised more than $82,000 for local charities.