Chiefs fans share their thoughts on upcoming Super Bowl game
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Branson, like the rest of the state, is hoping for another Super Bowl victory for the Kansas City Chiefs when they head into their third Super Bowl in as many years.
Several area residents shared their thoughts on the upcoming history-making game.
Said Cristi, “I have been a Chiefs fan all of my life, and I know that they have the ability to get the three-peat. This is so exciting to see history in the making. It is so much fun watching them play football and see how much fun they have. They win as a team and they seem to trust each other. Andy Reid is an amazing coach, and Patrick Mahomes is a gift from God and a wonderful leader. I pray for them to stay healthy so they can win!”
Connie shared, “I am so stoked for this year’s Super Bowl. I remember the Chiefs winning Super Bowl IV. I endured all the good years, the mediocre years and the ‘what the heck’ years. I had given up on ever see-
ing them back in the Super Bowl. Then they played in Super Bowl LIV and won!
After a 50- year drought. I was ecstatic, never dreaming what was ahead. Now, we are making history with my beloved Chiefs. First team in the Super Bowl era to win two straight and actually make it to the third for a real chance at winning a third one in a row! Unbelievable. I am so enjoying this time. To the Chiefs, I just want to say ‘go get it, Boys!’ You’ve talked about this since you won last year. Go out there, pour it on, and play your best. We will enjoy celebrating your success!’”
Said Doug, “I am a Chiefs fan, in the good years and the bad. Looking forward to them making history with a win in this Sunday’s game!”
“I’d like to see KC cash in for a third time,” said Tim. “Mahomes is an outstanding player!”
“Three-peat, Chiefs, all the way,” said Valerie.
Said A.J., “The Chiefs winning this year’s Super Bowl would be a huge ac-
complishment. They haven’t won easy this year, or dominated their competition.”
“I hope the Chiefs win, and especially that no one gets hurt,” noted Patti.
Said Gregg, “I am hoping for a win for the Chiefs this year. It is an exciting time to be a Chiefs fan, as we are a part of history. Three trips to the Super Bowl in a row. Now, we need that third win!” Crystal is spending the week in New Orleans, enjoying the pre-Super Bowl activities. “As a lifelong Chiefs fan and season ticket holder, I am thrilled to witness a historic moment for the Chiefs. It is a miracle to make it back. We lucked into eight of our 16 wins this season. Two decades ago, we cheered the Chiefs when the record was 2-12. Now to be this close to a three-peat is crazy!”
“I am so excited to see the Chiefs pull off a threepeat,” said former Branson Mayor Karen Best. “Having sponsored Chris Jones, Isiah Pacheco, Nick Bolton and Trent McDuffie and kids’ SEE GO CHIEFS, PAGE 2A
A fundraiser is planned for February 10 to help purchase a seizure service dog for a local father. Ricky Williams of Forsyth is a husband and father of two beautiful young boys. He led a seemingly normal life, that is, until around a year and a half ago, at which time he was diagnosed with a brain tumor that was found to be cancerous. Surgery was then performed, and although they were able to get around 80% of the tumor, he still had to undergo chemotherapy. Since being diagnosed,
Ricky has started having numerous seizures and is also having some speech and word finding difficulties. These issues make caring for his children much more difficult. The doctors say that he qualifies for a Seizure Alert Service Dog, but the cost for the dog is well over that which his family can afford. The Service Dog would give him the support he desperately needs to more fully care for his children and wife. To assist his family in purchasing the service dog, the local Branson-Hollister SEE FUNDRAISER, PAGE 2A
GOOD MORNING – February brings warmer weather and beautiful mornings to the Ozarks. (Photo by K.D. Michaels)
(Photo submitted)
City of Branson names new City Attorney
bransonmo.gov
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
The Branson Humane Society was the recipient of donations collected by the Bennett family during their recent holiday lighting display.
For five years, Kathy and Roger Bennett of Branson have decked their home for the holidays, with thousands of lights, including whimsical animated displays. Their Sherry Lane
home is transformed into a holiday wonderland each year, when the Bennett family turns on the lights on Thanksgiving weekend. This exquisite, one-of-akind display continues until the end of the year, drawing spectators from near and far, who park in front of their home to enjoy the lights, dancing to the music. There is no charge for the amazing display that Roger
and Kathy share, however, they do collect cash and needed items, such as pet food, cat litter, treats, pet toys and cleaning supplies, to be donated to the Branson Humane Society.
Of the Bennett family, a representative of the Branson Humane Society said, “We love them dearly and appreciate everything they do for us. They raised close to $700 and tons of donations!”
The City of Branson is pleased to announce the appointment of Solon McGee as the City Attorney. McGee, who has been serving as the City’s Litigation Attorney will now step into the lead legal role as City Attorney, continuing his commitment to providing legal counsel for the City.
McGee, a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, has built a distinguished career in both public and private
legal sectors with extensive background in municipal law, litigation and corporate counsel. Prior to joining the City of Branson, he served as an associate attorney at Rooney McBride & Smith, LLC.
“Solon McGee has already proven to be a vital asset to the City of Branson,” said Cathy Stepp, City Administrator. “His depth of legal expertise and dedication to public service makes him an excellent choice to serve as our City Attorney.”
McGee (Photo courtesy bransonmo.gov)
As the City Attorney, McGee will be responsible for providing legal counsel to the board of aldermen and city
Branson Home Show this weekend
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
The Branson Tri-Lakes Building and Home Show, commonly referred to as the Branson Home Show, will be held this weekend.
The Branson Home Show is the area’s biggest and best home improvement event, designed for anyone who is planning to build or remodel their home, or are simply searching for inspiration.
The Branson Home Show features everything you need for your home or gar-
den. You can meet with top vendors, explore the latest trends, and get expert advice from industry professionals.
Browse the Branson Home Show’s dozens of booths to learn what’s new for 2025, and register for some amazing giveaways, too.
The Branson Home Show is set for February 7, 8 and 9 at Chateau on the Lake.
Hours are 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, February 7; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 8; and 11 a.m. to 3
p.m. on Sunday, February 9.
Admission is $9 for the entire weekend, with a $2 per person discount when you bring in a donation of nonperishable food, to be donated to local food pantries.
While you’re there, stop by to see these Branson Globe advertisers: High Tech Services, Keller Williams Tri-Lakes, Lightspeed Electrical, PCS Fireplace & Patio, and Precision Garage Door.
Redford named Distinguished Retiree of the Year by Missouri Retired Teachers
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
The Tri-Lakes Unit of the Missouri Retired Teachers recently celebrated one of their own members.
Each year, the Missouri Retired Teacher Association honors retired education professionals as Distinguished Retirees. Each local unit of the Missouri Retired Teachers selects their own recipient of that chapter’s award.
The Tri-Lakes Retired Teachers chose Debbie Redford as the 2024 Distinguished Retiree. Redford, who taught in multiple school districts, retired from the Hollister School District five years ago. Redford was recognized and roasted at the recent TriLakes unit meeting. Mem-
ber Cindy Nevins spoke of the many grants, written by Redford, that have enabled countless projects in the area to begin or continue. Member Cindy Canfield, who taught alongside Redford in Hollister, spoke of how Redford uplifted the parents as an important element in their children’s success. Other members shared their thoughts on
how Redford puts her heart into any cause she works for, as long as needed.
Redford’s nomination letter, written by Unit President Ginger Witty said, in part,
“One of the main reasons Debbie was our unanimous choice for Distinguished Retiree was her tireless efforts to help part of Taney County get a publicly fund-
ed library this past year. In 2022, Debbie was appointed by the Taney County Commission to serve as a Trustee of the Taney County Library Board and was promptly elected chair of that Board. Although there was extensive community support for the library (as well as some dissenters), our unit believes that Debbie’s leadership and
countless hours of work on this project is a big reason the levy passed.” Witty, in her letter, continued, “Libraries are a huge community resource for students, leading the Tri-Lakes members to say that Debbie Redford is the perfect choice for the Tri-Lakes’ 2024 Distinguished Retiree of the Year!”
New rental management company hopes to partner with local caretakers, advisors
Submitted to Branson Globe
A new company launching in vacation rental management is looking to partner with local caretakers/ housekeepers and real estate professionals in Branson, Hollister and surrounding communities.
“Fairly” hopes to help owners provide a high-quality guest experience at competitive rates, while removing some of the detail headaches
• FUNDRAISER Continued from page 1A
Lions Club will be holding
from vacation rental management and ensuring that behind-the-scenes help such as housekeepers and maintenance personnel are paid fairly as well, hence the company name.
Founder and CEO Eric Breon formerly ran Vacasa, a vacation rental management company. In a press release, he stated that he has seen concerning developments nationwide with
a bingo night & 50/50 raffle fundraiser on Monday, February 10, at the Club-
regard to high fees, outsourcing of service calls and low wages for the valuable people who make things happen on a daily basis.
The goal for Fairly is not to be another property management company, at least not in the traditional sense. Breon describes it saying, “Fairly is a platform for empowering local professionals: specifically, real estate agents and housekeepers. We help them
house located at 1015 State Hwy. 76. Proceeds raised that evening will be given
build their business.” Fairly shares half of their fee with local partners, paying 25% to the housekeeper (in addition to the cleaning fee they negotiate directly with the homeowner), and 25% to the advisor, typically a real estate agent who also helps clients get started renting.
“Exceptional local real estate agents are a tremendous resource for people looking to buy a vacation home that
to Ricky to assist in the purchase of his greatly needed companion.
they intend to rent. Historically, they’ve bowed out as soon as the property closes. With Fairly, they take them one step further, helping their owner get started renting.”
Breon also pointed out that by keeping more vacation rental income with local partners, Fairly helps support other local businesses in the community. Fairly is actively recruiting exceptional housekeepers as
partners, as well as local real estate agents, particularly those already frequently helping buyers find vacation rentals. Local professionals, as well as homeowners considering entering the vacation rental market space, are invited to contact Marketing Director Joanie Wang at Joanie@Fairly.com, or explore the “caretaker” and “advisor” sections at https:// www.fairly.com.
Please come out on that night to show your support for this beautiful family. For more information, contact Jodi Blackwell at 417-2302470.
• GO CHIEFS Continued from page 1A
sports camps in our area, I will be cheering these guys on loudly. So proud of the time they have invested in the youth of our community. Let’s go, Chiefs!”
State Representative Brian Seitz shared, “The Kansas City Chiefs are on the cusp of accomplishing something that is truly historic. The old adage of
‘you either die the hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain’ certainly rings true, as many are rooting for the Chiefs to fail. NOT IN MISSOURI! I am excited to cheer on the Chiefs to their historic third Super Bowl victory in a row, and look forward to once again seeing the Lombardi Trophy in the Missouri Capitol later this year!”
We can help you with your rent, groceries and gas. Also offering baptismal certificates which can be used as a second ID. Please call to get the details – 417-337-3772.
The Bennett holiday light display raised funds and brought in donations for the Branson Humane Society. INSET: Some of the donations collected by the Bennett family (Photos via Facebook)
Veterans of the Ozarks work to help prevent suicides
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
Veterans of the Ozarks is glad to report that the recent QPR Training, held on January 27, certified 18 new Gatekeepers into the group of warriors fighting against suicide in the Ozarks. The QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) approach equips people to recognize when someone is at possible
risk for suicide, and to use thoughtful questions to direct the individual to appropriate resources. Although suicide rates are higher among veterans than the average population, suicide risk occurs among all ages and demographics. VOTO leaders are grateful to Skaggs Foundation for their partnership in bringing this training, provided by
the QPR Institute, on a quarterly basis. Anyone can become a Gatekeeper: Parents, friends, neighbors, teachers, ministers, healthcare personnel, office supervisors, squad leaders, police officers and first responders are encouraged to attend. Classes last one hour, a small investment of time for potentially helping save a life.
VOTO is also glad to an-
nounce the formation of a Survivors of Suicide Support Group. The word “survivor” can be an appropriate way to describe the shock, grief, guilt, anger and myriad of other emotions and difficulties experienced when a loved one is lost to suicide. Founded by a member of the Veterans of the Ozarks Suicide Prevention Committee, Rachal Payne, this group’s
focus is to ease the pain and suffering and promote healing for those left behind in the wake of another person’s death by suicide.
This group will meet the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., at the Ozark Christian Church, 1200 E. McCracken Rd., Ozark, MO 65721.
The next QPR training will be Monday, April 28, at
6:30 p.m., at the Kimberling City Elks Lodge 37 Beach Blvd Kimberling City, MO 65686. You do not have to be a VOTO member to attend, although Veterans of the Ozarks membership is open and encouraged for any area veteran or spouse seeking fellowship, camaraderie and ways to be involved in helping other veterans.
Karla Yeary promoted to Community Bank Officer at Branson Bank
Submitted to Branson Globe
Branson Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Karla Yeary to Community Bank Officer. With 25 years of banking experience, including the past 18 years dedicated to Branson Bank, Yeary’s promotion is a testament to her exemplary service and unwavering commitment to offering financial solutions to her community.
Yeary’s career at Bran-
son Bank began in 2007 as a loan processor, and she transitioned to the role of lender in 2018. Over the years, she has cultivated a deep expertise in consumer and agricultural loans, fostering strong relationships with friends and neighbors in Eastern Taney County. Her hands-on approach and dedication to personalized service make her a tremendous asset to the organization and community.
“Karla has grown tremendously in her lending role as a key member of the Forsyth Branson Bank team,” states Dean Harmon, Executive Vice President. “She exemplifies our core values through excellent customer service, professionalism and her “It’s Never Not My Job” mindset. Karla’s focus and contributions are deeply appreciated.”
Fellow associate, Ryan Sanders, VP-Community Lender adds, “Karla’s years
of experience and commitment to customer care have allowed her to build strong relationships and become a trusted partner. Her loyalty, dedication and years of service make her a valuable resource to our community.
Yeary is a lifelong resident of Taney County having graduated from Forsyth High School. She is active in the Forsyth Chamber of Commerce and enjoys showing appreciation for
area schools. Karla and her husband, Gerald, have two adult sons, a daughterin-law, and one adorable grandchild.
Branson Bank is a $365 million asset community bank - a locally owned and controlled, state chartered financial institution with three locations in Branson, one location in Forsyth, and one location in Branson West. Branson BankMember FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.
City of Branson successfully completes Lodging Safety Initiative
bransonmo.gov
The City of Branson has announced the successful completion of its Lodging Safety Initiative, a compliance assistance program aimed at ensuring all lodging establishments operating within city limits are fully licensed and complying with required public health, safety and licensing standards. Since its launch in September 2023, the initiative has ensured consistency and accountability in the protection of public health and safety for visiting guests and other occupants
of lodging establishments located within city limits, all while ensuring a fair and equal regulatory playing field for routinely compliant lodging operators. All identified lodging establishments of the initiative have since achieved compliance with city and state licensing and code regulations or are no longer operating as a lodging establishment. The initiative focused on developing a compliance assistance-based approach to address unlicensed lodging establishments and properties with significant
life and safety violations. In coordination across city departments and local stakeholders, the program addressed approximately sixty properties. Through a strategic compliance assistance process, identified establishments were brought into compliance through proactive outreach, education and clear communication by city departments to assist operators in navigating and addressing violations, inspections and licensing procedures.
“As a premier vacation destination, our city thrives
and depends on a successful lodging industry that offers safe and welcoming accommodations,” said Mayor Larry Milton. “The completion of this initiative restores the standard in Branson, ensuring the validity of our city’s business licensing program designed to promote essential safety and health requirements and ensuring routinely law-abiding businesses have an equal regulatory playing field to be successful.”
“This initiative highlights our city government’s proactive approach and collab-
Hope Counseling Center celebrates grand opening
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
On January 17, Hope
Counseling Center hosted an open house to dedicate their newly renovated office space and celebrate their ongoing commitment to affordable mental health services in Branson and surrounding communities. Members and friends of the Branson Chamber/Convention and Visitors Bureau; Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce, Forsyth Area Chamber of Commerce, and Table Rock Lake Area Chamber of Commerce were on hand to enjoy tours and refreshments and celebrate with ribbon cuttings.
Hope Counseling Center was founded in 2009 as Faith Community Health. The clinic in the former Branson Elementary School building
downtown was a cooperative effort of local faith leaders and health professionals concerned about the lack of affordable healthcare in the Branson area. The clinic focused on essential primary care services to uninsured and underinsured area residents, funded by grants and donations supplemented by income-based patient fees.
Over the years, FCH moved to a larger facility and expanded services to include vision care, Missouri’s first charitable pharmacy, and mental health services. In keeping with changing community needs, the recent open house celebrated the transition to focusing on compassionate, high-quality mental health services for those who need them but may lack resources or insurance to pay for them.
Information was also distributed at the open house for Hope for Children, a
oration with the business community to achieve public safety and health requirements to operate successfully in Branson,” said City Administrator Cathy Stepp. “This initiative demonstrates our ability at city hall to be business-friendly, through utilization of a compliance assistance-based approach, while also achieving our top priority of protecting the health and safety of those who live in and visit Branson.”
With the conclusion of the Lodging Safety Initiative, the City of Branson will continue its proactive approach in ensuring that all lodging establishments continue to meet the basic city requirements to successfully operate as licensed establishments within city limits. For more information, please visit the city’s website: www.bransonmo. gov/lodgingsafetyinitiative.
Yeary (Photo submitted)
capital campaign to expand children’s therapy services
Counselor Reuben Smith cuts the ribbon as John Hagey and other Hollister Area Chamber members offer congratulations. (Photo by Cynthia J. Thomas)
SEE HOPE COUNSELING, PAGE 4A
4A
Reader’s Corner: February children’s programs at Kimberling Area Library
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
Kimberling Area Library would like to invite area families to join them for their children’s events and programs, held regularly at the Library on Mondays. Several fun sessions are on the calendar in February: February 10: Valentine’s Party Story Time (ages 7 years and below but all ages welcome)
February 17: “Baby Be Mine” Baby & Me Story Time (ages up to 23 months but older siblings welcome)
February 24: Eric Carle Story Time (ages 7 years and older, siblings welcome) Session content is geared toward the ages listed, but entire families are welcome.
Eric Carle’s stories and illustrations have become classics for many families, including this writer who read
them at the neighborhood library as a child, read them to my own kids, and read “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” to my grandkids during a recent visit!
Carle was born in Syracuse, New York, in 1929, to German immigrants, but his mother missed her homeland and when Eric was six years old, the family returned to Germany, where he graduated from a fine arts academy.
Unfortunately, the family’s situation deteriorated during World War II when his father was drafted into the German army against his wishes and later held in a Soviet POW camp. Fifteen-year-old Eric was conscripted with other teens to dig trenches ahead of Hitler’s military campaigns. The family’s life was never the same again, but Eric’s dream of returning to the United States finally hap-
Polar Plunge helps CAM address hunger in the Ozarks
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
As the unpredictable Ozarks winter continues, several leaders from the area’s businesses and nonprofits have continued the mission of fighting hunger in Taney and Stone County by braving an icy plunge into Lake Taneycomo to raise funds for Christian Action Ministries.
On Thursday, January 30, Kirk Elmquist took the plunge. Although the temperature was moderate for
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
If you’re looking to surprise your Valentine with something other than the traditional flowers, candy or dinner, the Branson area offers many exciting events to make Valentine’s Day special.
The Branson Landing is the site of a Wine and Chocolate Truffle Pairing.
Set for February 12-14, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and hosted by Linwedel Winery, with help from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, the event will feature six of Linwedel’s finest wines, paired with six of the best chocolates Rocky Mountain has to offer. Linwedel Winery is located next to Paula Deen’s at the Branson Landing.
A Valentine’s Afternoon Tea is set for Saturday, February 15. Held at the Kee-
January, Elmquist got twice as wet, as he leaped into the 44-degree water—in the rain! Well-known for his promotional work around the community and recently for serving as Master of Ceremonies for the Hollister Area Chamber’s annual Jerseys, Jeans, and Jackets event, Elmquist took full advantage of the opportunity to challenge his friends for generous donations toward the CAM cause.
“Most of you guys take eating a meal for granted,”
ter Center at College of the Ozarks, the afternoon will feature a blend of rustic charm and sophisticated elegance. Enjoy live music as you partake in a selection of herbal teas and a delicious array of treats, including pastries, tea sandwiches and amazing sweets. The Afternoon Tea begins at 2 p.m. on February 15. Reservations are required.
You and your loved one can enjoy fine dining, surrounded by Ozarks beauty with Valentine’s Dinner at Dogwood Canyon. On Friday, February 14, from 5 to 7 p.m., the Mill and Canyon Grill Restaurant is hosting a three-course dinner for you and a loved one. Enjoy breathtaking views as you dine by a crackling fire – and receive tickets to visit Dog-
he pointed out via Facebook Live before his plunge. “Some people right here in our community are not able to do that, including some of the ones who work hard to keep this community going.”
Inflation has definitely taken a big bite from budgets, both of hardworking families and of seniors whose retirement income has not been able to keep up, resulting in increased numbers of first-time visits to the food pantry.
On Sunday afternoon,
wood Canyon at a later date. Reservations are required.
Late Night Date Night at 417 Vintage Market is set for February 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy shopping, wine, permanent jewelry, coffee and more. 417 Vintage Market is located at 114 North Commercial in downtown Branson.
It’s a Meowlentine’s Day Bash at Mochas and Meows Cat Cafe and Adoption Center on February 14. You’ll enjoy an exclusive book signing event with locally-born artist Mattie Jo Cowsert , who will be selling, signing and reading excerpts from her book “God, Sex and Rich People.” This adults-only event includes refreshments and access to the cat lounge, as well as raffles. Cover charge is only $10 and the event is
at Hope Counseling Center. Recent statistics from the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services
mild weather in the upper 60s greeted the Church 3:16 team, although it didn’t make the water any warmer. CAM staff and volunteers are grateful for the funds raised so far by Polar Plunge participants and their families and friends. As of press time, two remaining teams were planning to jump; check out the Facebook livestreams to hear them yell as they hit the water and to sponsor their plunge. If you missed this opportunity to sponsor some-
set February 14, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Get to know your pet in an artistic way by painting their portrait in the Paint Your Fur-avorite Valentine Workshop with Finn Erickson. Enjoy this event at the SMAC Art Center on February 20, 6 to 8 p.m. Fun for beginning to advanced artists, age 12 and above. For tickets, visit their website, smack-art.org.
What about a Valentine’s Day tattoo? It’s the annual Valentine’s Day Flash Event at The Inkwell, LLC, February 14, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Prices range from $80 to $600. First come, first served.
Crazy Craig’s Cheeky Monkey Bar is serving up a Valentine’s Lovers Lunch from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on
pened in 1952. He worked in graphic design and advertising and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Collaboration with a colleague on “Brown Bear, Brown Bear,” led to Carle being discovered as an illustrator and author. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” was published in 1969.
Carle himself described his books, which incorporated innovative art design
and illustration techniques, as an attempt to combine the warmth and security of home with the new adventures awaiting at school. If your family hasn’t experienced the magic of Eric Carle’s stories and illustrations, you’ll want to start by attending the KAL story time! All programs begin at 10:30 am at the Kimberling Area Library, 45 Kimberling Blvd., Kimberling City.
February 14. Get an appetizer and two sandwiches for one low price. Or, add in two Cheeky cocktails or beers for just a bit more. Located at 120 Montgomery Drive, Branson.
Sycamore Creek Ranch is hosting a Barn Dance on Friday, February 14, beginning at 7 p.m. You’ll enjoy dance instruction, two-stepping, swing dancing, line dancing and more. The Sycamore Creek Pizza Co. Food Truck will be on site, and concessions will be available. General admission is $15 per person. Sycamore Creek Ranch is located at 2657 Sunset Inn Road in Branson. The Pointe presents Singles and Sweethearts Valentine’s Day Dinner Show on February 14. Enjoy a delicious dinner, drinks and
dancing. Cocktail hour begins at 5, dinner at 6 and the show and dancing start at 7 p.m. Reservations are required. The Pointe is located at 142 Clubhouse Drive in Branson.
Turkey Creek Brewery hosts a Valentine’s Day Food and Craft Beer Pairing event on February 14. Enjoy fabulous live music and a multi-course menu, prepared by executive chef Robert Stricklin and paired with the finest craft beer. Reserve your spot today. The evening’s fun begins at 6:30 p.m., at 1532 U.S. Business 65 in Hollister.
Whether you select one of these events, or choose to visit another popular Branson venue, we hope you have a wonderful and memorable Valentine’s Day!
indicate this is a growing need in much of Missouri, including Taney and Stone counties; a 2024 Student Survey reported that 10.4% of Stone County students and 13.4% of Taney County students between grades 6–12 had “seriously considered” suicide in the last 12 months. Unfortunately, the report also found limited treatment options and therapists available at fees families could afford. In response to this need, Hope
Counseling Center is developing a designated children’s waiting room, play therapy room, and two individual counseling offices with dedicated child therapists.
Hope Counseling Center offers individual therapy, couples and family therapy, and group therapy. Counseling team members currently include counselor Reuben Smith, MS, LPC; Matt Vermillion, MS, PLPC; social work intern Elena Durocher, and counselor intern Faith Nelson. Kyle David serves as executive director, with a support of a dedicated administrative staff and board of directors. Visit the website, www.hopecounselingmo.org, to see income-based payment options as well as insurances accepted, or to schedule your appointment; or call 417-336-9355. Hope Counseling Center is located at 1232 Branson Hills Parkway, Suite 104, in Branson.
Kirk affirmed that Lake Taneycomo water was colder than the rain. (Photo by Cynthia J. Thomas)
BHS Performing Arts Department presents ‘Anything Goes’
The Branson High School Performing Arts Department will present the spring musical, “Anything Goes.” Performances are scheduled February 20 and 21 at 7 p.m. and February 22 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Branson High School auditorium. The students are under the direction of Erin Moody.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students, and can be purchased by visiting BransonHighSchoolTheatre.ludus. com. Tickets can also be purchased at the door on the night of the performance.
Music, dance, laughs and the age-old tale of boy meets girl… “Anything Goes” is delightful, delicious and de-lovely! Bring the entire family to this classic musical comedy. Branson Education Foundation awards $9,570 to Branson educators
Did you know that the Branson Education Foundation gives back up to $2,000 each month in classroom grants?
During the fall semester, the Foundation awarded a total of $9,570 to support Branson educators.
“We are so excited for the opportunities these grants have provided to our students and teachers,” said Foundation member, Tibitha Freeman. Since 2010, the Foundation has helped fund additional programs within the Branson School District through innovative materials, experiences and other projects in the classroom.
Want to learn more about the Branson Education Foundation and how you can get involved? Visit www.bransoneducationfoundation.org and follow them on Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/BransonEducationFoundation
Branson School District opens 2025-2026 preschool registration
Branson Public Schools preschool registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now open. To be considered for placement, children must reside within the boundaries of Branson School District, turn three or four years old on or before July 31, 2025, and complete a free developmental screening through the Branson Parents as Teachers program.
Interested parents and guardians should complete the 2025-2026 Preschool Interest Form by visiting our district website at www.branson.k12.mo.us. After submitting the Preschool Interest Form, families will receive an email with an invitation to schedule a screening appointment.
For more information on Branson Public Schools preschool offerings, and to complete a 2025-2026 Preschool Interest Form, please visit our district website or call 417336-1887.
Branson Schools: It’s a good day for good dads Buchanan Elementary recently hosted their first Good Dads Strong Schools event and it was a big success. Good Dads
Stay in Touch with Hollister Schools
is a before-school program designed to make it fun and easy for fathers and father figures to be more engaged with their children in an elementary setting. The time together is intended to promote father-child conversation on character-related themes like family teamwork, expressing
appreciation, listening and so much more.
“Through the Good Dads Strong Schools program, it’s easy to see that our schools care about the wellbeing of our kids, not only inside the walls of the schoolhouse, but also outside. This program challenges all fathers and father figures to spend quality time with their children. It’s fun, engaging and rewarding. It was an incredible turnout, and I can’t wait until the next event,” shared Buchanan Elementary father, Richard Marks.
The next Good Dads event for Buchanan Elementary students with last names beginning in M-Z is on February 20 at 7:10 a.m.
Hollister School District to hold ‘P.S. I Love You Dance’
Hollister Elementary and ECC proudly present the second annual Valentine’s Dance, open to all students at both schools on Thursday, February 13, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Hollister Elementary Gym and Cafeteria.
Cost is $5 per person or $20 per family. CASH ONLY. DJ, temporary tattoos and a photo booth will be provided at no additional cost. Concessions and flowers provided by FFA will be available at an additional cost. If you plan to attend, please complete the RSVP using the link below. This will help us determine the number of attendees to expect. https://forms.gle/SwKhtsSAc7ZKvx2q9.
Hollister students recognized in MSU Virtual Juried Art Exhibition
Two talented Hollister High School students, Candace Benedicto and Vivian Hebert, have been recognized for their outstanding artistic achievements in Missouri State University’s Virtual Juried Exhibi-
tion for High School Art and Design Students.
Benedicto had three pieces accepted into the highly competitive exhibition:
“Featherweight” – accepted for exhibition
• “Skull, Funnel Urn” – accepted for exhibition
“Fuchsia Primadona” – awarded a Merit Award
Hebert was also honored, with her piece “Structure” receiving an Honorable Mention citation.
This year’s exhibition saw a record-breaking 800 submissions from high school students across 10 states. After a rigorous juried review, only 459 pieces were selected for inclusion, awards, or special citations.
The Missouri State University Virtual Juried Exhibition will open on June 1, showcasing the incredible talent of high school artists.
For more information about Missouri State University’s Art + Design program, visit art.missouristate.edu.
Hollister teacher selected for prestigious statewide program
Hollister High School math teacher Denise Banderman has been selected as one of only 91 educators across Missouri to participate in the inaugural class of the Personalized Competency-Based Master Teacher Cadre (PCBL MTC).
This prestigious professional learning opportunity is hosted by the Success-Ready Students Network in partnership with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and is designed to equip educators with the expertise to master personalized competency-based learning.
Approximately 40 hours of learning will be completed between February and June through a combination of pre-work/ self-study, in-person sessions, and a series of virtual sessions.
By the end of the program, participants will have developed the expertise and leadership skills of a master teacher - an educator who not only excels in their classroom but also
Branson School District QR codes
serves as a mentor and resource to colleagues, guiding them in the effective implementation of PCBL.
Hollister High School is proud to announce that five players from the Hollister Volleyball team have been named to the Missouri High School Volleyball Coaches Association Academic All-State Team for the 2024 season. These exceptional athletes earned this recognition by playing in at least 75% of all varsity sets and maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher.
The honorees are juniors Madeline Blackwood and Gracyn Jones and sophomores Bella Cavins, Alyssa Danielson and Cambree Hodges.
In addition to these individual honors, both the varsity and JV volleyball teams were recognized for their academic excellence. The varsity team earned an Outstanding Certification from the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Scholastic Achievement Award, with an impressive fall semester GPA of 3.9. The JV team received a Distinguished Certificate for their GPA of 3.4.
Reeds Spring students recognized as Character Champions
Reeds Spring Schools is proud to celebrate three students who show outstanding character. Macon Holt, Braxton Booth and Liam Cervantes have been named Character
Champions for 2025, a prestigious honor presented by Central Bank. The recognition took place during a high school basketball game on January 28.
Each winner receives a prize package containing: A framed certificate, a letter from the Central Bank President, a personalized poster, a group poster featuring all winners, a piggy bank with $5, and a Character Champion t-shirt. Reeds Spring Primary School Learners of the Month - January
Reeds Spring Middle School PACK Pledge students
Spring Sports Hall of Fame induction Izzy Erickson (Class of 2020) and Lance Gosch will be inducted Friday, February 7 between the girls and boys varsity basketball games.
Reeds
(Photo submitted)
(Photo submitted)
Benedicto, Hebert (Photo submitted)
Banderman (Photo submitted)
Holt, Booth, Cervantes (Photo submitted)
Reeds Spring Middle School students have been asked to follow the PACK Pledge this year: P - Prepared, A - Accountable, C - Considerate, K - Kind. These students were recognized in January: Top row (left to right): Quincy Brown, Meira Abernathy, Kaylee Davis, Jeffrey Patterson, Aubree Bayliff; Bottom row (left to right): Abby Gregg, Jack Murphy, Warren Smith, Trayton Estep, Ruby Piercefield, Raya Dillon-Marose. (Photo submitted)
Top row (left to right): Savannah Kincheloe, Remington Phillips, Kolt Bilyeu, Priya Robison, Amelia Whitacre, Scarlett Barber; Bottom row (left to right): Jaxon Kincheloe, Lillian Gregg, Lucas Pickerill, Logan Burrough, Aubree Walker, Lucas Leahy-Rice, Korbin Gouldy (Photo submitted)
Anderson, Suzan 77 Galena Stumpff Funeral Home, Crane Barrows, Virginia Marie 83 Forsyth Cremations of the Ozarks Bouck, James “Jim” Julian 74 Branson Cremations of the Ozarks Davis, William Eugene 68 Reeds Spring Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City Gobeli, Austin 30 Springfield Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory Johnson, Ronnie “Red” 73 Kirbyville Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory
TIMOTHY “TIM” M. THOMPSON, BRANSON Lauri Lemke Thompson is a talented, cherished guest writer for the Branson Globe. Lauri wrote the following tribute in honor of her dear husband Tim who passed away on January 30, 2025.
“Tim had advanced kidney disease; we knew for 2 1/2 years that his days were
numbered, and the Lord gave us so many special times together during that time period. But the best blessing of all was how God spared him from feeling miserable for a long time; he was still somewhat active in December and only had a very gradual decline in January. I would say only the last two days or so became distressing for him. We al-
ready had a hospice nurse who was going to bring in a hospital bed, morphine, an oxygen machine and such on Friday. But God had a better idea and whisked him off to Heaven on Thursday! I had always prayed that he wouldn’t have to go through pain and misery. And he didn’t! The Lord also protected me from having to endure weeks of watching
McCullough, Marylou 91 Reeds Spring Stumpff Funeral Home, Crane Rearden, Donna M. 80 Galena Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City Rodgers, LeRoy Charles 78 Branson Cremations of the Ozarks Schmidt, Louis 93 Union, formerly BransonSnapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory Storch, Phillip 85 Branson Snapp Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory Thompson, Timothy M. 74 Branson Cremations of the Ozarks West, Jim 94 Hollister Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory
him suffer. How good is our God? Tim anticipated Heaven more than anyone I’ve ever known, and God is helping me to sincerely rejoice for him. (I’m already in a Griefshare support group and have wonderful caring friends here in Branson).”
Obituary
Timothy (Tim) M. Thompson, 74, of Branson, was called to his Heavenly Home to be with his Savior on January 30, 2025. He married Lauri Lemke on September 6, 1980; she survives him. Tim was the oldest of six; he is survived by his brothers: Randy, Bryan (Jan), Roger (Connie) and Alan; and his sister, Lori (Jeff) Kenney; plus, many nieces and nephews. Tim and Lauri moved to the Branson area from Pineville, North Carolina, in 2012. He volunteered at the Chamber of Commerce and participated in church-related activities. Tim was an avid fan of travel, swimming and the Green Bay Packers (also picking up
the Kansas City Chiefs after moving here). In his younger days, he enjoyed playing tennis, volleyball and pickleball.
Tim’s career involved teaching computer classes and being the owner/manager of up to 30 residential rental properties in the Carolinas. He was a Milwaukee, Wisconsin, native. A place dear to his heart has always been Waupaca, Wisconsin, where his family owned a lake cottage. Tim served as a counselor at the lake’s Spencer Lake Bible Camp as a young man.
He earned a B.A. degree at Northwest College in Seattle, Washington; a master’s at Seattle Pacific University; and a computer degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College.
A sensitive, generous heart aptly described him. A lifelong devotee of fun and adventure, Tim was also a lifelong jokester. It’s not a stretch to believe that he is right now adding laughter to an already joyous place.
Nor is it a stretch to imag-
ine him in Heaven singing these words: “If you could see me now, I’m walking streets of gold. If you could see me now, I’m standing tall and whole. If you could see me now, you’d know I’ve seen His face . . . You wouldn’t want me to ever leave this place.”* True, Tim, but we will miss you down here. Thanks for being in our lives.
*Song written by Kim Noblitt from the music group Truth. No formal services will be held. If anyone wishes to do a memorial gift, Tim selected the Billy Graham Library, 4330 Westmont Dr., Charlotte, North Carolina 28217, where he and Lauri volunteered. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks.
Thompson (Photo courtesy of Cremations of the Ozarks)
Worship Directory
You are encouraged to worship with us!
Around Town: Here’s what’s going on in the
FEBRUARY
• 6 SEArenity Yoga at Wonders of Wildlife, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Join our certified yoga instructor as she leads you through an hour of relaxation and restorative yoga practices. If you are a newcomer to yoga or a seasoned yogi, this class is for you. Please bring a yoga mat, and any props you may need. Ages 13plus. 500 W. Sunshine St., Springfield. https://wondersofwildlife.org/events/
• 10 Kimberling Area Library: Valentine’s Party Story Time (ages 7 years and below but all ages welcome), 10:30 a.m. Kimberling Area Library, 45 Kimberling Blvd., Kimberling City.
• 10 Fundraiser at Branson-Hollister Lions Club: Seizure Alert Service Dog
for Ricky Williams of Forsyth. Since being diagnosed with cancerous brain tumor, Ricky has had numerous seizures and speech and word finding difficulties, making caring for his children difficult. Doctors say Ricky qualifies for Seizure Alert Service Dog, but the cost for the dog is well over what his family can afford. A service dog would give him much needed support to fully care for his children and wife. To assist with purchasing a service dog, Branson-Hollister Lions Club is holding a bingo night and 50/50 raffle fundraiser at the clubhouse, 1015 State Hwy. 76. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Bingo begins at 6:00. Proceeds will be given to Ricky to assist in the pur-
chase of this much needed companion. Please come out that night to show your support for this family. For more information, contact Jodi Blackwell, 417-2302470.
12 Ladies’ Valentine’s Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Point Royale Clubhouse, 142 Clubhouse Dr., Branson. Local business owner Rinnie Reed will tell about Love Our Community. Also, hear how to go “From Fear to Peace.” Affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries. Call or text 417-343-1418 by Feb. 10, $17. Facebook: Christian Women’s Connection –Stonecroft.
• 14 Valentine’s Day Dinner at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, 5-7 p.m. Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is hosting a chef in-
MOVIES
BECOMING LED ZEPPELIN
IMAX E
1:00, 3:40, 7:30
SECRETS OF THE SEA Q 12:00
BLUE ANGELS 3D Q 6:00
DOG MAN W 12:30, 3:00, 5:20, 7:30 COMPANION R 12:30, 3:30, 7:10
MUFASA: THE LION KING W 12:30, 3:00, 6:50
MAN W 1:30*, 4:30, 7:30
R 1:30*, 4:30, 7:30 VALIANT ONE R 1:30*, 4:30, 7:30 BRAVE THE DARK E 1:00*, 4:00, 7:00
spired three-course Valentine’s Day dinner for you and your partner. Enjoy a view as you dine beside a crackling fire this Valentine’s Day. Guests will also receive tickets to explore Dogwood Canyon. 2038 W. State Hwy. 36, Lampe. Members receive 10% off. Registration is required. Price includes 22% gratuity plus taxes and fees. https://dogwoodcanyon. org/event/valentines-day/
• 14 Love in the Wild at Wonders of Wildlife, 6-9 p.m. Love is in the air and under the sea! Celebrate your love for your partner and for nature at Wonders of Wildlife for an adults-only, after-hours event all about love in the wild. 500 W. Sunshine St., Springfield. This experience includes two drink vouchers per person, a three-course dinner for two, digital photos and a complimentary ticket to your choice of Wonders of Wildlife, Dogwood Canyon, or Top of the Rock. Ages 21-plus. https://wondersofwildlife.org/event/ love-in-the-wild/
• 17 Kimberling Area Library: Baby Be Mine Baby & Me Story Time (ages up to 23 months but older siblings welcome), 10:30 a.m. Kimberling Area Library, 45 Kimberling Blvd., Kimberling City.
• 18 Jukebox Winos: Live music, Cellar 417, 15038 Bus. Hwy. 13, Branson West, 5-7 p.m. Enjoy fresh seasonal dishes from small shareable plates to dinner specials. Scratch kitchen. Large selection of wines, beers, cocktails, full bar, cozy restaurant seating. Gorgeous lake view. We
FLIGHT RISK R 1:30*, 4:30, 7:30 HOMESTEAD E 1:00*, 4:00, 7:00
MUFASA : THE LION KING W 12:30*, 3:30, 6:50
SONIC 3 W 1:00*, 4:00, 7:00 MOANA 2 W 12:30*, 3:45, 7:30 *EARLY SHOWS ONLY SATURDAY & SUNDAY
Tri-Lakes
will play favorite covers and original music. For more information: www. jukeboxwinos.com. Reservations suggested: www. cellar417.com, 417-5273799.
20 SEArenity Yoga at Wonders of Wildlife, 5:306:30 p.m. Join our certified yoga instructor as she leads you through an hour of relaxation and restorative yoga practices. If you are a newcomer to yoga or a seasoned yogi, this class is for you. Please bring a yoga mat, and any props you may need. Ages 13plus. 500 W. Sunshine St., Springfield. https://wondersofwildlife.org/events/
• 21 Jukebox Winos: Live music, Bear Creek Wine Company, 1320 Keithley Road, Walnut Shade, 5-8 p.m. Enjoy local wines and craft beer, pizza, sandwiches and desserts at this rustic, shabby-chic gem nestled in the hills just 10 minutes north of Branson. We’ll play favorite covers and original music. For additional information, www. jukeboxwinos.com, www. bearcreekwinecompany. com, 417-443-0036.
• 21 Sharkcuterie at Wonders of Wildlife, 6-9 p.m. This event is perfect for a date night or just to enjoy some food and learn a few new skills. After you learn how to arrange charcuterie with an expert guiding your hand, you burn your very own charcuterie board to show off your skills at home! 500 W. Sunshine St., Springfield. One drink and hors d’oeuvres are included! Boards will be held for 7 – 14 days after class to apply stain and oil. https://wondersofwildlife. org/events/
• 24 Kimberling Area Library: Eric Carle Story Time (ages 7 years and older siblings welcome), 10:30 a.m., Kimberling Area Library, 45 Kimberling Blvd., Kimberling City.
• 27 Learn Hands-Only CPR for free. Be prepared to save a life. Rotary Club of Hollister and Taney County Ambulance are partnering to save lives and invite you to invest one hour, starting at 9 a.m., Taney County Ambulance District, 106 Industrial Park Drive, Hollister. Park behind building, enter through rear door marked education. Hands-only CPR can buy precious time to save a life until trained medical personnel arrive. Register at https://hollisterareachamberofcommerce. growthzoneapp.com/
• 27 2025 Taney County Livestock and Forage Conference, 6-9 p.m. The 2025 Taney County Livestock and Forage Conference, hosted by MU Extension, offers insights on forage diversification, herd nutrition, and ag business insights. Free event with a meal provided. Visit https://bit.ly/TaneyLF25 to register. 178 Panther Street, Forsyth. For more information, https://extension.missouri. edu/events/2025-taneycounty-livestock-and-forage-conference
• 22 Jukebox Winos: Live music, TAPS on Downing, 260 Birdcage Walk, Hollister, 6-8 p.m. Enjoy 24 craft beers and cider on tap, local wines, and Hook and Ladder’s Pizza truck on site in this modern-rustic local tap room. We’ll play favorite covers and original music. For more information: www. jukeboxwinos.com, www. tapsondowning.com
BY JOSHUA HESTON
Been thinkin’ about...Molly Kathleen
The dogs in the barn barked that bright morning as I was sitting at the dining room table, open notebook before me, scholastic workbooks stacked to my right. My mom threw dishtowel over shoulder and walked to the front room windows, frowning. Someone was walking up the driveway. I was just eight years old
and in my first few weeks of home school. That was back in 1987, when home schooling was pioneering, alien and decidedly frowned upon. Store clerks looked askance to see a child in the wilds of the day. “Are you playing hooky?” Family members became combative. My mom’s choice to school me was derided. “You’re
not intelligent enough,” they told her. “Josh won’t be educated. He won’t be socialized. He won’t be able to interact.” Her choice was unpopular and I, a wide-eyed child, was there to witness the conflict first-hand.
The man walking up the gravel driveway — a driveway framed by black locust trees just beginning
to lose golden autumn leaflets — was nearly to the house. Front screen door slammed and my mom walked out, shoulders set. We had closed the gate way down past the pine trees and past the hill covered in crown vetch, closed the gate because our horses and big young donkey grazed free in the yard. Only some idiot from
town would know you don’t open a gate without permission. The man was medium height, but looked tall to me. I was at the window, watching. He wore a brown tweed jacket and had nice shoes, glasses, a pleasant expression. Light brown hair combed carefully. He stopped walking
StateoftheOzarks.net
SEE JOSHUA HESTON, PAGE 2B
pinion
First Amendment to the United States Constitution Congress shall make no law respecting an establishement of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
ROB DOHERTY Publisher (504) 583-8907 robd@bransonglobe.com
JANET STEINKAMP Editor editor@bransonglobe.com
GARY J. GROMAN Independent Journalist
ROSE BUCKLES Freelance Writer/Bilingual Rosebuckles1999@gmail. com
KIM CHAPPELL Ad Designer gabbydor210@gmail.com
MARK FEDER Taney Co. Account Rep. (805) 320-3746 shotgunart@yahoo.com
JOHN FULLERTON Area Historian cowboyclub1994@gmail.com
LUANNA FULLERTON Entertainment Writer bransonglobeluanna@ gmail.com
asked, “That piece you write for the Branson Globe, where do you get the ideas for it?” After a couple such questions just last week, I’ve actually given that some extra thought. A few years back, I was dealing with a lot of grief and confusion. My sister had died unexpectedly, leaving me to navigate elderly
BY TIFFANY GRAVETT Staff Writer
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. Isaiah 53:7
Occasionally, we all have to be around people who purposely try to make us feel like we’ll never measure up. Even if we try to distance ourselves from those people, circumstances can sometimes in-
Reflections: Where do the ideas come from?
parent care decisions on my own instead of sharing responsibility with a sibling. Living out in the country, it was difficult to get involved in church except for Sunday mornings, so I began getting up early in the morning to spend time reading and studying the Bible; I used (and still do) the First5 app from Proverbs 31 Ministries and found community in their online groups. I’ve always been a note-taker and journal writer, so I soon had notebooks full of thoughts inspired by those Bible studies.
That habit got me through some rough years, and it continues to be daily sustenance now. Let’s face it, this world is broken; our hope is in our faith in God.
But, even without serious problems and tough circumstances, our busy-ness can make us feel distant from that hope or miss God’s purposes for us. For example, when my kids were young, I did some writing for Christian publications, but then, life happened. When I quit working full time to help my dad more, though, God reminded me I am uniquely created to share what He has done for me, using the writing space to do my part in the Great Commission.
The more I wrote, the more observant I became of problems around me. Although I sure can’t fix all of them, I have a responsibility to obey when the Holy Spirit does prompt me to help, and to do that, I must know what
God’s Word says (1 Peter 3:15). So, more note-taking! Loss and overwhelm can happen to anyone, and time in God’s Word is the best resource, along with knowing someone else understands.
The connection with the Globe came during the Covid shutdowns and restrictions of 2020, when I wondered if readers unable to attend church might be encouraged by a devotional column. The name, “Reflections,” is inspired by my own need to reflect and meditate on God’s Word instead of simply checking “read Bible” off my to-do list.
Going through my dad’s things after his passing, I found that both of my parents marked up and wore
Breakfast at Tiffany’s: Identity
evitably bring them near to us again. I had one such experience recently, and the person – who I used to be very close to – didn’t fail to perform. She overheard me mention to my son that I would be graduating from college soon and that I hoped he would be able to attend the commencement ceremony. Without missing a beat, she started talking about how her daughter had so many degrees that she doesn’t even attend her commencement ceremonies anymore and that, to her daughter, it was just another piece of paper. Instantly, I felt as though the bachelor’s degree I’ve worked so hard for – through devastating life-changes, illness and starting my own business – was worth absolutely nothing. That feeling was short-lived, though, when I
‘For the Love of Books’
BY CARRIE ANNE MITCHELL
Idid not make any resolutions for 2025. I decided, instead, to set goals for myself. Goals that I knew would be simple, less stress and anxiety free. Simply put, just a whole lot of fun. As I near the halfway mark, in my fifties this year, I decided that it would be really fun to challenge myself with easy goals worth setting, that I would love to reach. For those who may be reading this, don’t worry. I have not signed up for anything crazy.
when he saw my mom and adjusted his glasses. The conversation drifted on the autumn breeze. “There was a report....” “Is your son named Joshua?” “Is he in school?” The bland man in the tweed jacket was the county truant officer. I had been reported by a certain disgruntled private school owner, the school from which we had left three months prior. Officially, I was now truant, absent, in trouble, part of the county’s paperwork, a column in need of tallying, all for my own good of course.
The conversation apparently drifted farther than my young ears that autumn morning. From the tall pond bank beyond the house came the sound of
I am deathly afraid of heights, I cannot swim, I am also deathly afraid of snakes, rats and spiders, and, for those of you who may be wondering, the answer is, no, I will not be doing any speed dating anytime soon.
One of my chosen goals is to read all of the books that I own. My personal library consists of four bookshelves, crammed into one solitary bookshelf. As a longtime, avid reader, books have become more than just my
hooves. The horses and their kin had been grazing that morning in the thick grass near the pond water. Past the big willow tree and the tall black fir and the line of lilacs and the silver maple with gray trunks like smooth elephant skin, our donkey Molly Kathleen galloped. Molly was young but big and in her prime. We had named her for the Mollie Kathleen Mine in Cripple Creek, Colorado, and she, while full of vinegar, adored my mom, following her around like a big burro lap dog.
Molly Kathleen was at a full run as she rounded the house, sized up the situation in a split second, hit her breaks, skidded to a rodeo halt and spun like a tornado, counterclockwise between my mom and
considered the source and remembered why I had distanced myself from her in the past. I smiled at her and nodded, then went on to talk about other things.
I’m not writing this article to shame her. We all have faults when it comes to how we deal with others. However, this situation did make me stop and take a good look at my own heart. How easily I can allow the thoughts and opinions of others make or break my self-identity! Why do people’s compliments make me feel so much pride, while their insults make me question my worth? I believe it is because human nature searches for identity in something beyond ourselves. We long to be accepted and applauded and adored. Some of us attempt to achieve that feeling through making others
hobby; they have become my easy go-to need for escape, travel and alone time.
My grandma, Gertrude Mitchell, vowed to read all the books that she owned, upon her retirement. It was that long ago childhood memory of her sharing her reading goal with me that inspired me to also set my very own reading challenge.
My goal is to read at least 100 books by the end of 2025.
I am keeping a list by title, author, chapter, pages
the offending officer. That spin brought Molly into position, rear-toward the unknown man. Her ears laid back, head tilting just slightly, allowing that phenomenal equine range of vision to trail back to her target. Hind quarters shivered gingerly. Only some idiot from town wouldn’t realize he was in real danger. The near-speed-ofsound kick of a donkey’s back hooves can shatter bone. Molly’s hind kicks were usually head-height.
“Nice horsey, nice horsey,” the truant officer chided nervously. “You might want to back up,” said my mom, arms crossed. My mom was the queen of understatement. The truant officer left that morning and I stayed home, home all the way through high
out several Bibles and took copious notes. Some of their thoughts, plus recollections of their faithful lives, find their way into these columns, and I hope to leave that legacy for my own kids and grandchildren.
So, there is no short answer to the question, other than that ideas come from time spent reading God’s Word, asking Him how I should respond, and writing down thoughts He gives! I suspect something similar is true for our other awesome column writers; and I hope what we share is not only helpful, but also inspires others to read His Word and write down their thoughts. You never know how God might want to use those notes.
feel “less-than” and some of us attempt to achieve it through hard work and accolades. However, there will always be someone better or some reason to feel like our work was for naught.
How do we get off of the emotional roller coaster of needing to feel validated?
For me, the answer always comes when I take my eyes off of myself and others and look to the cross. As a follower of Jesus Christ, our true sense of identity should come from Him alone: Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was
and the dates I have finished reading each book. I have been called everything from a book hoarder to a diehard book collector. Some have even called me an extreme book addict.
As I gaze upon my first pile of books I have chosen to read, I am not sorry for being called those names.
I am proud, happy, even glad, to own up to them. Truer words were never spoken.
Improving upon one’s reading comprehension,
school — much to the deepening dismay of other family members. We learned to navigate the state’s bureaucracy, filling out paperwork every year, getting letters of recommendation, notarizing the whole bundle, just to prevent more visits from the state. Against angrily implied odds, I somehow managed to learn to communicate with the outside world, building a media company leveraged heavily upon my own capacity to read a room. The classical education I received is something for which I remain forever grateful, shielded from the vagaries of an increasingly politicized industry masquerading as human benevolence. But there was another lesson I learned that day:
set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
Trophies and awards are destined to decay. People’s opinions change like the ocean waves. But when we cling to the old rugged cross and the tremendous love and sacrifice that our Savior poured out for us there, little else matters. Our identity is then wrapped up in love – the love that our Father has for us, and the love that He longs to pour out through us upon others. Love is what drove Him to the cross, love is what silenced Him amidst false accusations, love is what held Him there, and love is why He lives today! Help us, Lord, to remain steadfast, knowing that our true identity is based solely upon Your amazing love for us!
reading speed, memory, spelling, vocabulary, language and word definition is ageless and unlimiting freedom.
I forget who said that, but I do remember a favorite quote by Thomas Jefferson, printed on an old tote bag long ago that my daughter and I used to carry our library books in. “I cannot live without books.” Can I read 100 books by the end of 2025? For the love of books, you bet your pages I can!
that we are easily free only so long as we don’t color outside the lines, don’t question the authority of a bureaucracy designed to satiate itself on its own lies of goodness. All the other eight-year-olds in my county that autumn day never learned that artificially constructed authority could be challenged, could be overcome. It’s a dangerous thought, of course. Freedom of idea, freedom to challenge propaganda. Freedom to walk away from an authoritarian state, charting a new course entirely. The system is monolithic, appears unshakeable. Little do we realize such a thing can be broken, often with just determination, a new idea, and maybe a donkey named Molly Kathleen.
• JOSHUA HESTON Continued from page 1B
BY DAVE RAMSEY, CEO,
Ramsey Solutions, and an eight-time No. 1 national best-selling author, and host of The Ramsey Show
Dear Dave, My mom is 76, and the only debt she has is about $60,000 left on her mortgage. She has $600,000 in retirement accounts, plus
DR. RICHARD BAKER, AIF®, is the founder of and an executive wealth advisor at Fervent Wealth Management. https://www. facebook.com/Dr.RichardBaker
Aunt Betty won’t let competition crowd her space. My aunt brings her famous chicken and dumplings to every family gathering, and it always runs out
BY HEATHER
TANKERSLEY, REALTOR®, provides services for residential, commercial, land and lake properties in the Branson Tri-Lakes area.
Let’s face it — buying a home can feel like a challenge with today’s mortgage rates. You might even be thinking, “Should I just wait until spring when more homes hit the market and rates might be lower?”
But here’s the thing, no one knows for sure where mortgage rates will go from here, and waiting could mean facing more competition, higher prices, and a lot more stress.
What if buying now — before the spring rush — might actually give you the upper hand? Here are three reasons why that just might be the case.
1. Less Competition from Other Buyers
The winter months tend to be quieter in the real estate market. Fewer people are actively looking for homes, which means you’ll likely face less competition when you make an offer. This makes the process feel less rushed and less stressful.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes sit on the market longer in winter compared to spring and summer (see graph at right):
Fewer buyers in the market means you’ll likely have more time to make thoughtful decisions. It also means you may
Dave Says: She’ll be just fine
a long-term care insurance policy. But she has just $25,000 in a money market account with check-writing privileges for everyday bills and purchases. To be honest, this worries me. She has always lived within her means, so am I wrong to be concerned? She has also been talking about paying off her mortgage, and I’m not sure how I feel about that, either. I’d love your opinion.
Kelly Dear Kelly, You sound surprised that she’d still be in the stock
market at her age. In my mind, that’s not a bad thing at all. It might not be what the typical financial planner would tell you to do, because for the most part they’ll try to get you to be super-conservative with your money as you get older. But from the way you’ve described things, it sounds like she’s not planning on using this money, but using the income from the money. If that’s the case, she won’t whittle it all down to nothing. So, if she’s in good mutual funds—not single stocks—I think she’ll be just fine.
Now, let’s talk about the mortgage. I would absolutely recommend she go ahead a pay it off. If she can do that at age 76 and still have $540,000 left, that’s the way to go. Let’s pay off the house, and then she can start taking her income off a percentage of the remainder. She won’t need much with the house payment out of the way because she won’t be sending money to the bank to pay anymore.
—Dave
The best laid plans…
Dear Dave, My wife and I have been
talking about paying off our mortgage in the next two or three years. Do you think we should make this happen by paying extra toward the house, or invest that money on top of the 15% we’re putting into retirement?
March Dear March, If I were in your shoes, I’d pay extra on the house. On the other hand, you’re not really doing a bad thing by putting the extra cash into retirement, either.
But here’s the deal. No matter how well you plan, you never know exactly
what will happen over the upcoming years of your life—or the life of your investments. You might think you know. You may even believe you’ve taken every possibility into account. The hard, cold truth, though, is even the best and smartest plans don’t always work out the way we think they will—or the way we want them to. And if something unplanned or unforeseen happens, it sure would be a nice thing to own your home free and clear, wouldn’t it?
—Dave
Stock Market Insights: Chinese AI rattles U.S. Stock Market
fast. When asked for the recipe, she just smiles and says, “It’s a secret because I don’t want anyone else to bring it.” In the last few days there have been some tech companies who wish they were as successful as Aunt Betty in protecting their space.
On Monday, January 27, more than a trillion dollars was lost from the U.S. stock market. Tech stocks were among the worst hit after China’s DeepSeek released a cheaper Artificial Intelligence (AI) model. The threat of a new, cheaper and more efficient AI model created a “sell
now, ask questions later” attitude among tech investors. This hammered semiconductor stocks and led to scrutiny around the profitability of AI spending in the U.S. after a Chinese AI start-up went toe-to-toe with some of OpenAI’s most sophisticated systems.
DeepSeek, the Chinese AI company stirring everything up, launched an accurate AI assistant that costs less than $6 million to train and needs significantly less computing capacity than other AI assistants. This is a fraction of the $100 million to $1 billion that Anthropic recently spent to train its AI assistant.
Makers of AI infrastructure, such as chip maker NVIDIA, the unofficial AI poster child, Oracle, Supermicrocomputer, and TSMC, took huge losses. That pushed several major U.S. stock indexes down on the 27th when the Nasdaq fell 3%, and the S&P 500 declined about 1.5%. Nvidia’s stock lost 17% ($593 billion in value) on January 27 but gained almost 9% back the next day.
This was the first big pullback in AI in the last year or two. It has raised the question of whether the market has overvalued some of these stocks. The market has been surging on much AI
hype in the past two years. Analysts are struggling with how to price in AI innovation and how to assign the value AI will bring to companies in profitability, especially if there is a less expensive and more efficient process than the current models have been doing.
We are seeing a reevaluation of how these tech companies, with their unprecedented spending on AI, should be valued. Many people, including me, have been saying for some time that these stocks are overvalued and that we need more time to see how much profit AI will actually produce.
Three reasons to buy a home before spring
have more negotiating power.
According to the Alabama Association of Realtors:
“A significant benefit of buying a home in winter is the reduced competition. Because of the perceived benefits of spring, many buyers delay the start of their house hunt. As a result, you will find fewer people competing for the same properties during winter. Less demand can translate into more negotiating power as sellers may be more willing to entertain offers or agree to concessions to get a deal closed quickly.”
2. More Negotiating Power
With homes staying on the market longer, sellers may be more willing to negotiate. This can lead to better deals for you as a buyer,
whether that means a lower price or added incentives, like sellers covering closing costs or making repairs. As Chen Zhao, an Economist at Redfin, points out:
“. . . buying during the off season means less competition from other buyers. That means potentially negotiating a better deal.”
Plus, when demand is lower, sellers often feel more pressure to work with serious buyers. This could give you an edge to negotiate terms that work best for your situation.
3. Lock in Today’s Prices Before They Rise Historically, home prices tend to be at their lowest point in the winter months, too. According to data from NAR, home prices last year
were at their lowest in January, February, and March — right before the spring buying season kicked in (see graph at right): Buying in the off-season means you’re more likely to avoid paying the premium prices that come with the high demand of spring.
On top of that, home prices generally appreciate over time, meaning they tend to go up year after year. That means if you’re ready to buy and you can make it happen, you’re not only taking advantage of what might be the lowest prices of the year, but you’re also locking in today’s price before it increases in the future.
Bottom Line
The new Chinese competition has caught the market’s attention. The next few earnings reports will be telling. Sometimes, competition has a way of recalibrating a company’s focus. One thing is sure: investors will be watching to see if it does for these tech giants. I called Aunt Betty today to make my last attempt to get the recipe, but she wouldn’t budge. She did say that she might consider leaving me the recipe in her final will. Maybe NVIDIA needs to hire Aunt Betty as a consultant. Have a blessed week! www.FerventWM.com
While spring may seem like the obvious time to buy, moving before the peak season can give you significant advantages, like less competition, more negotiation power, and lower prices.
If you’re ready to explore your options, let’s connect.
It’s Your Move! I believe every homeowner should feel confident when purchasing a home. Heather Tankersley REALTOR®, ABR® Keller Williams TriLakes D: 417.332.5130 O:417.336.4999
BY COWBOY JOHN FULLER-
Well, howdy everyone!
It’s sure wonderful to be home. The legendary Sons of the Pioneers and I just returned from a threeweek road trip, where we did twelve performances in Arizona and Texas, which began on January 19.
As we finished our Arizona performances in Tucson on January 27, we saddled up and headed to Abilene, Texas for a performance on January 29.
Several years ago, one of our long-time fans, Jane Dement, from Clyde, Texas, reached out to us to share a rather unique situation that included the Sons of the Pi-
BY
BOB FORD, Writer, history buff and regular visitor to Branson. You can find more of Bob’s work including his historical podcasts on his website bobfordshistory.com. Bob can be reached at robertmford@aol.com.
Conclusion to ‘When in doubt, send in a General from Missouri to save the World’
If you love history, we are always looking for sponsors and ideas to take this project to the next level. Contact Rob at the Globe, 417-3349100, for details.
This is why I have a criminal record in Europe.
General Pershing had concerns in 1919 after our victory in World War I. He knew because the al-
Memories from the Homestead: The Nineteens and Sons of the Pioneers reunite in Texas
oneers dating back to 1960 and 1961.
In 1958, Jane was beginning high school in Haskell, Texas. This little community is located north of Abilene a little over fifty miles. Jane and a group of classmates organized a choral group in September 1958 that would be known as the Nineteens. What is absolutely remarkable is that all nine of these ladies have remained connected as close friends over the years. They all have stayed true to their Texas roots, even though they no longer sing together as a choral group.
“We sang together for three years, performing at state conventions and for various organizations. We won every talent contest we entered,” Dement recalled.
“In 1960 we were invited to join the Sons of the Pioneers performance at the Tumbleweed Festival in Colorado City. We were so honored!”
The Sons of the Pioneers
lineup at that time was a five-piece group featuring Lloyd Perryman, Tommy Doss, Dale Warren, Karl Farr and Pat Brady.
Dement explained further, “We were invited again the next year in 1961 to share the stage with them at the Haskell Homecoming.”
Several weeks back, Jane dropped a line to our Sons of the Pioneers Offi-
cial Fan Corral, the group’s Facebook fan page. She explained that she and the Nineteens would be attending the Abilene concert.
On Wednesday, January 29, arrangements were made for these ladies to do a backstage meet and greet with us before our performance. I explained to the guys this was huge, an awesome opportunity. If we can
pull it off, we need to recreate the photo of them with us in 1960. Sixty-five years apart.
About thirty minutes before we went onstage, theater management brought five of the Nineteens downstairs to our dressing room for a wonderful visit and a chance to reminisce for a bit.
Getting better acquainted, I learned Jane’s identical
sister June was also in the Nineteens, and it was wonderful to meet her as well! Jane and June still sing together and recorded an album together in 1983. It’s moments like this that the Sons of the Pioneers and I greatly treasure. Here’s our photos: The Nineteens and the Sons of the Pioneers, sixty-five years apart! Happy trails, everyone!
You can’t get there from here until Ike paved the way
lies agreed to an armistice rather than an unconditional surrender that another war was on the horizon.
Worried about the Army’s ability to move men and equipment between military bases, an Army convoy was ordered to travel coast to coast just to see what sort of problems they would run into.
The 81-vehicle caravan left Washington, D.C. with several Corps represented: Air Service, Coastal and Field Artillery, Medical, Ordnance, Signal and Tank.
Colonel Dwight D. Eisenhower joined the trip, “partly as a lark and partly to learn.”
The “train” consisted of 258 enlisted men driving 34 heavy cargo trucks, four delivery, two mobile machine shops, two spare parts trucks, water trucks, gasoline trucks, eight touring cars, nine motorcycles and a partridge in two ambulances.
It took 56 days to reach
San Francisco and the Pacific. The road conditions west of Illinois were as you could imagine - full of ruts, holes, pits and weak wooden bridges. Engineers had to inspect, fortify and/ or detour around many bridges in order to move the massive trucks.
The convoy had two public relation officers driving a day in front giving a heads up to towns and cities that the column was coming. Many places greeted the trucks with a convoy of their own leading them into the city with local dignitaries and fire trucks. The column turned into a recruiting tour venturing through hundreds of towns, cheered on by over 3 million citizens.
In Eisenhower’s final report he not only described the absolute need for reliable roads and bridges, Ike described construction methods that were vital. With that report, the scenario for the Interstate Highway System was in gear.
The United States wasn’t the only country to realize the importance of dependable roads connecting military facilities, Ger-
many started building their Autobahn in the 1920s. Life in post-World War I Germany was hard, they suffered through a devastating depression. Hitler, the savior, became Chancellor in 1933 and realized building out the Autobahn not only gave Germany the military roads he needed but supplied work for the masses that were unemployed.
I had a disastrous experience on the Autobahn that affected my life. When I hear the word Autobahn it’s like the 3 Stooges reacting to the words Niagara Falls…”slowly I turn!”
In the late ‘70s, I sold my bicycle shop, Cycle Peddlers, and headed to Europe to tour the continent on a bike with my best bud Randy Bell. It was late August; we were in Lubeck, Germany, trying to get to the coast and catch a ferry to Sweden, when we made a wrong turn.
Misreading a map, we rode down a ramp onto an Autobahn. Instantly realizing our mistake, we tried to cross to the median and go back up the opposite ramp to the road we just came off.
In tandem I was in back and said, “cut.” Randy leading, cut - meaning he moved over two lanes only to get nailed by a tire screeching Mercedes.
I saw my friend, in slow motion, getting catapulted into the air landing and skidding on his face. Dropping my bike, I raced quickly over to see bone around his eye socket exposed. I threw off my t-shirt onto his face and went for a towel. When I turned back around, my white shirt was red; head wounds can really bleed.
Panicking, I started screaming to all the cars now stopped in both lanes on the highway, “ambulance, ambulance, hospital, hospital,” as Randy went into shock. A tour bus driver four vehicles back waved me over and in English said he radioed for help.
The Polizei were the first to arrive, then shortly after, the ambulance. Using something that looked like a human spatula they got Randy into the ambulance and off to the hospital. It had been just 20 minutes since the accident, but as I went to get my bicycle out of the road, a detective now on the scene, in broken English let me know I was under arrest. Seems it’s a crime to ride a bicycle onto the Autobahn but even worse to close down the highway.
They loaded the bikes into a van and took me to an old looking police station placing me in a holding cell. I sat there for a while realizing things could not be worse in my life. Was my buddy dead, forever affected? My mind was racing, thinking I might have to call his parents, then head home with Randy in a pine box. This building and cell are exactly what I envisioned a gestapo headquarters would look like...I prayed.
TON, a native of Taney County, and a member of the Sons of the Pioneers.
twin
LEFT – Sixty five years apart: The Nineteens and the Sons of the Pioneers in 1960 at the Tumbleweed Festival, Colorado City, Texas. Standing, left to right, are Janice Strouder, Twyla Pace, June Park, Martha Jane Gibson, Jane Dement, Jan Gannaway, Dorothea Rueffer, Suzanne Starr, and Carol Jircik. Kneeling are Dale Warren, Tommy Doss, Lloyd Perryman, Karl Farr and Pat Brady. RIGHT: The Nineteens and the Sons of the Pioneers January 29, 2025, in Abilene, Texas: Standing left to right are Jane Dement, Martha Jane Gibson, June Park, Jan Gannaway and Suzanne Starr. Kneeling are Paul Elliott, Chuck Ervin, John Fullerton, Tommy Nallie and Ken Lattimore. (Photos courtesy Jane Dement and John Fullerton)
Bob Ford, left, and Randy Bell (Photo submitted by Bob Ford) SEE MORE PHOTOS WITH THIS COLUMN AT BRANSONGLOBE.COM. Surprisingly, none of the photos are of bicycles on the Autobahn.
‘Is it too late to change my Medicare Advantage plan?’
Submitted to Branson Globe
“Enroll now!” “Annual Enrollment Period ends December 7 at midnight!”
“Last chance to enroll!” The TV ads and phone calls are designed to create a sense of urgency so Medicare recipients will pick up the phone to review their plan during the seven-week Annual Enrollment period that runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. But it is important to be aware of options to start or change a plan at other times during the year. These opportunities fall into two categories: “Open Enrollment Period,” and “Special Enrollment Periods.”
Open Enrollment Period (OEP), is available to all Medicare Advantage beneficiaries. The period runs from January 1st to March 31st and allows a one-time change of plans. Switching from original Medicare
to Medicare Advantage is not an option. This switch must be initiated by the beneficiary. Agents and marketing companies are prohibited from targeting consumers in regard to this enrollment period.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs), allow beneficiaries in specific situations to start or switch plans if needed. Here are a few examples (not a comprehensive list. Visit www. medicare.gov for more information):
New to Medicare. Your Initial Enrollment Period will begin three months before the month your Medicare starts and ends three months after your start month. You must have both Part A and Part B to be eligible for a plan. If you choose to keep Original Medicare, you may choose a Medigap plan and will need
to enroll in Part D drug coverage to avoid a penalty. Moving. Individuals who move to a different state or service area have at least two months to switch to an available Advantage plan, depending on when they notify their current insurance carrier.
• Chronic Condition Diagnosis. Certain conditions such as heart disease or diabetes may open an enrollment period for an individual to enroll in a specialized Advantage Plan called Chronic Special Needs Plan (C-Snp).
• No longer eligible for Medicaid. Losing Medicaid initiates a threemonth special enrollment period.
• Leaving a Facility or Incarceration. Individuals leaving a Skilled Care Facility or incarceration may be eligible to switch
to a plan that better meets their needs. Here are some fictional examples of people who may want to consider changing plans right away: Ray is a retiree who has used the same Medicare Advantage Plan for several years. His motto is, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” But in January, Ray finds out his favorite dentist is no longer in network with his plan. He should call his agent to find out if there is another plan that he would be eligible to enroll in that would be accepted by his dentist before starting treatment. Because of the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period available to him through March 31st, he may be allowed to make the switch. It is important that Ray initiate the change by calling a licensed agent to ensure he enrolls in a plan that works for him.
February is National Heart Health Month
Submitted to Branson Globe
February is National Heart Health Month, a time to learn about heart disease and how to keep our hearts strong. Heart disease refers to a group of conditions that affect the heart and its blood vessels. It is the number one cause of death in the U.S.
The good news is that most heart problems can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some ways
to improve your heart health:
• Move your body each day. This can be as simple as parking further from the door when shopping, walking 10 minutes three times a day, or putting on some of your favorite music and dancing around the house.
Eat more fruit and vegetables. Fresh, canned, or frozen fruits and vegetables are all good for you. Eating low-fat or fat-free milk products, whole grains, eggs, and lean meats is a must for a healthy heart.
• Reduce your stress. We can’t limit the amount of stress in our lives, but we can change how we react
to it. There are several ways to relieve stress including meditation, deep breathing and stretching. Taking a yoga or Taichi class or talking to a professional counselor can be a great way to decrease stress in your life.
• Get enough sleep each night. Good sleep helps the body repair itself and helps you function normally during the day. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and obesity are some of the health problems that can be linked to poor sleep. The Taney County
Health Department encourages you to get smart about heart health. Know what causes heart disease, what puts you at risk for it, and how to reduce the risks to protect your heart and keep it strong. For more information, contact the Taney County Health Department at 417-334-4544, visit our website at www.taneycohealth.org, or like our Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest pages.
[Editor’s Note: Want some delicious, heart healthy breakfast recipes? See our food feature on page 8B of this issue, and watch for heart healthy lunch and dinner recipes, also coming this month!]
Marie will be turning 65 in May and retires from her job on April 30. She is overwhelmed with her healthcare choices and wants to be sure she makes the best choice. A licensed sales agent can help her with answering her questions about how to choose the plan that is right for her. She can enroll in a plan, either Medicare Advantage (Part C), or Medigap with Part D plan as early as February.
Gene was recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, requiring him to make many visits to his doctors as well as his pharmacy for expensive medications and supplies that are putting a strain on his budget. Gene may be eligible for a Chronic Special Needs Plan that will better cover his new expenses. He should ask his licensed sales agent if he qualifies for a special en-
rollment period for his situation if another enrollment period is not available. These are just a few examples of when a Medicare beneficiary may want to contact their licensed sales agent about their insurance plan options. For more information, contact a licensed sales agent today. If you are in need of an experienced and friendly sales agent licensed in Arkansas and Missouri offering a wide menu of products, please don’t hesitate to contact Chris Dexter at Shepherd Health & Life LLC to schedule an in-person appointment, at 417-771-2500. Chris can also be found at the Branson Walmart Supercenter on Branson Hills Parkway near the customer service desk, threer days a week through March 31. Call for more information.
6B • FEB. 7, 2025
Farmhouse Restaurant named Best Mom and Pop Restaurant in Missouri
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
A popular Branson restaurant has been named the best in the state.
LoveFood, a well-known website featuring everything food-related, utilizing reviews, awards and
first-hand experience, put together a list of the Best Mom and Pop Restaurants in each state.
Branson’s legendary Farmhouse Restaurant has been named the Best Mom and Pop Restaurant in Mis-
souri.
Located in downtown Branson, Farmhouse Restaurant has been in business since the 1970s and is popular with visitors and Branson residents, alike.
“Set up by husband and
wife duo Roger and Joey Davis in 1976, Farmhouse restaurant has grown into a Branson institution, and no visit to the town is complete without stopping by,” said website, lovefood.com.
“The down-home joint is
famed for its hearty comfort food; highlights include chicken and dumplings, giant tenderloin sandwiches, and buttery mashed potatoes. Make sure to order a portion of warming peach cobbler, too.”
Farmhouse Restaurant is located at 119 West Main Street, in downtown Branson. Current
More area shows to open this weekend
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Two top Branson shows are opening for the 2025 season this weekend. Legends in Concert Legends in Concert will begin their season on Friday, February 7, with a new show. The spring lineup at Legends in Concert features amazing tributes to Lainey Wilson, Kenny Cheney, Toby Keith, The Blues Brothers and Elvis. These artists perform through May 31. Show times for Legends
in Concert are 8 p.m. February 7, 8, 10 and 11. Later in the month, the shows will be set for 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday; 3 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays; and 3 and 8 p.m. on Sundays. For a complete 2025 schedule and tickets, visit legendsinconcert.com.
The Haygoods
The Haygoods will kick off their 33rd award-winning season in Branson on Saturday, February 8. During the month of Febru-
ary, the talented family will perform at 7:30 p.m. each Saturday night. In March, they will add Tuesdays and Thursdays to their schedule, as well. The Haygoods, featuring five brothers and one sister, offer a spectacular, one-of-a-kind production show with incredible music and amazing special effects. The Haygoods return to the Clay Cooper Theater for the 2025 season. For tickets or more information, visit their website, thehaygoods. com.
Sandpiper Landing Inn awarded grant
Submitted to Branson Globe
On January 28, Main Street America and American Express announced the recipients for the Backing Small Businesses Enhancement Grant Program.
Sandpiper Landing Inn, based in Branson, was among the winners.
“The $30,000 Backing Small Businesses Enhancement Grant from American Express and Main Street America recognizes small businesses for their dedication and impact. This grant celebrates our family’s 50 years of hard work and commitment, honoring the effort and perseverance that has contributed to our success. We take great pride in receiving this distinguished award, highlighting the ongoing legacy of our family’s business. This grant is a game changer for our property, allowing us to invest
in sustainable flooring, eco-friendly amenities, and energy-efficient heating/ cooling units. We are committed to working with fellow small businesses in our community to bring these improvements to life. Additionally, Branson’s growing mural initiative has inspired us to dedicate a portion of the funds to installing a retro Americana-themed mural. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to track our progress and stay tuned for the unveiling ceremony announcement,” said Deana Acton, owner of Sandpiper Landing Inn.
Twenty-five small business owners across the country have been awarded $30,000 Enhancement Grants through the Backing Small Businesses grant program, presented by American Express and Main Street America. The 25 small
businesses receiving enhancement grants represent 25 states across the country. Last year, each of these recipients also received an additional $10,000 as part of a 500-member cohort. For more information about the program and the full list of grant recipients, visit: https://mainstreet.org/about/ partner-collaborations/backing-small-businesses In 2021, American Express and Main Street America created the grant program to help economically vulnerable small business owners recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and grow their businesses. In its first two years, the program provided over $4 million in grants to 680 small business owners across the country. Including the awards announced recently and the awards granted in the summer, the program will have provided nearly $9.8 million in grants to 1,180 small business owners nationwide, more than $5.7 million of that granted in 2024.
“Small businesses are a pillar of our communities, bringing culture, character and connection to our neighborhoods. We are grateful to be able to provide enhancement grants to businesses across the country that bring hope, vitality and resilience to the communities they serve,” said President of the American Express Foundation Madge Thomas. This program marks the latest effort in American Express’ “Backing Small” initiative to provide financial support and resources to help small business owners thrive and recover stronger from disasters. Other Backing Small programs include Backing Historic Small Restaurants. Backing Small complements American Express’ Shop Small and Small Business Saturday.
BRANSON HOMETOWN HEROES PRESENTED WITH THANK YOU CHECKS FROM TANGER BRANSON – $1,000 checks were presented to: Branson Fire Department, Branson Police Department, and The Taney County Ambulance District. The checks show Tanger’s utmost respect and appreciation to these departments who give tirelessly to the community. Left to right: Darryl Coontz, TCAD; Brad Daniels, Taney County Sherrif; Jamie Whiteis, Tanger Branson; Eric Schmitt, BPD; and Ted Martin, BFD. (Photo courtesy Tanger Branson)
Ready to smile? Here’s ‘Out of the Mouths of Babes’
COMPILED BY TIFFANY
GRAVETT
“I’m not cold, I’m married to the wind!” –Lily, age 5 ***
My daughter and I were in the car sending a text to my wife. Cara heard the car change her name to Karen. She said, “How would you like it if I called you Cereal, Siri?” –Cara, age 9 ***
Big brother: How do you say sour cream in Spanish?
Aaron (age 5): Yucky ***
“Mom, can I have some Claritin for my ‘actuallies’?
–Charlee Rae, age 4 ***
When my youngest was in third grade she told the teacher she was so mad that her heart was on fire.
***
My two-year-old daughter, Clementine, amazed me today. She saw me with a game disc and said, “Is that a CD?” I was already surprised she knew that, but then she said, “compact disc.” How does a two-yearold in 2024 know what CD stands for?! My five-yearold daughter was even like, “I didn’t even know that.”
***
In the song, “The First Noel,” I always thought they were singing “His
Rael” instead of Israel, so I asked a Sunday school teacher what a Rael was. –Allie, age 12
***
I grabbed my phone to look something up and was repeatedly holding the phone up to my face, getting a little frustrated. Little Doug (in a matter-of-fact tone): Mom, I don’t think the Face ID is gonna work… You look a lot creepier in the morning.” –Little Doug, age 8
***
My little brother was saying the Pledge of Allegiance and I heard him say, “For Richard stands.” –Tyler, age 5
***
Getting a text from my daughter that just says MOM! So now I’m waiting to see if she’s been kidnapped, found a cute shirt online, or needs $20 for snacks…. –Anonymous
***
A man and his young son were in front of me in a grocery store checkout line one day. Whilst the father made a comment about something that has since slipped my memory, an expletive came forth from his mouth. With sadness in his eyes, the little boy looked up at him and said, “Daddy, please don’t say that word.”
*** Eating dinner on New Year’s Eve:
“If this is the last meal of the year does this count as the last supper?” –Josiah ***
My 4-year-old was pulling my hand wanting to get to the front of the Christmas parade so he could see. I was juggling my purse and a 2-year-old and so I said, “Hold your horses.” He looked right at me and said, “You hold your cows!!”
***
I sent Little Doug to his room to get dressed so we could go run errands. When he came out I said: “Did you remember to put underwear on?” Little Doug groaned, and said: “Who’s still wearing underwear these days?!” Me: “Ummm…Everyone.”
Little Doug: “Well, it’s 2024! Why are people still wearing underwear?!” –Little Doug, age 9
***
I remember my daughter using the toilet after me and saying “Thanks for warming up the seat for me, mommy.”
***
When 5-year-old Katie’s sister asked why we had to pay extra to substitute chicken for beef on our tacos at Taco Bell, she replied, “Because chickens are hard-
er to catch than cows.” The cashier even laughed and told her she might be right.
*** When my daughter stepped on a crayon and broke it she turned to me and said, “Oh no, Mom, I assaulted the crayon!” I laughed so hard!
***
My 3-year-old farted and said, “There’s a duck in my butt!”
***
I told a little girl one time that her shoes were on the wrong feet. She burst into tears and said, “But these are the only feet I’ve got!”
***
My stepdaughter was about five or six when I got pregnant with her half-brother. I was getting dressed one morning, and she looked at the stretchmarks on my seven-eight months pregnant belly and asked, “Why did the baby write all over your tummy?”
***
I was crimping my hair, as I like to do. And Little Doug came in and said, “Mom, I LOVE when you do that to your hair.” Me: Awwwww, thanks buddy!” Little Doug: “Do you know why I love it?” Me: “No, why?” Little Doug: “Because it makes your hair look just like Bacon!” –Little Doug, age 6
***
“My tummy hurts. There must be a dinosaur in there…” –Liam, age 4
***
It was hot outside...
Instead of saying she was sweaty, my daughter said, “I’m soaking hot.”
***
My kid told me one day, “I have a headache in my belly (belly ache).”
***
My 2-year-old granddaughter: “Use your ears, Nanny, and listen, it’s an airplane.”
***
It was snowing and my daughter, Izzy, age 4, was so excited! She said, “My favorite snow color is white!”
***
“Nanna, can we go to the dead garden? They have lots of new flowers there.” She was talking about the graveyard.
***
“Sometimes I hear voices...they always come from my belly.” –granddaughter, age 7
***
Ever since we had been home from our 4-month hospital stay, Little Doug had been begging to go to one of his favorite restaurants. We finally got around to taking him, and we all had a nice meal. Afterward,
Little Doug and I had to go to the bathroom. It was a family bathroom so we went together. As we walked in, we were flooded with a strong citrus smell from an automatic air freshener. Little Doug took a deep breath and said: “It smells SO good in here.” Then he added in a chipper tone: “Annnnd I’m about to ruin it!” –Little Doug, age 8
***
“Mommy, I love you, but we seem to have our differences.” –4-year-old at bedtime*
*** Doing Passport to Purity with my 12-year-old and we get to the “birds and the bees” section. Her first comment…” Man, Mary (Jesus’ Mother) was lucky!”* *** I used the phrase that “You kids will be the death of me” (I know, not good) and my little one says, “That’s ok Mommy, we will still grow up.” *
*** After being silly and goofy, I asked my 3-yearold son where he came from. He said with a super straight face, “Target!” * ***
Five Reeds Spring teachers receive WRVEC Power Up Grants
Submitted to Branson Globe
Five Reeds Spring School District teachers earned Power Up Grants from White River Electric Cooperative. Those five grants add up to $2,752 that will be spent on improving classroom experiences for students.
The recipients are Dawn Schade (Elementary School), Lexi Messenger
Soon my angst was relieved. The detectives led me into a room with a speaker phone and introduced me to an English speaking judge. He was pleasant enough but charged me with bicycling on the Autobahn and halting traffic. How do you plead? “Well, guilty, I guess.” After giving my word never to go on an Autobahn again and promising to leave the country as soon as possible, I now have a record and was fined the equivalent of $100.
The detectives in the van drove me to the hospital. There sitting out front was Randy! He looked like the Phantom of the Opera but there he was in all his bandaged glory!
We were driven to a hotel and laid low for a week. I worked on Randy’s bike
(Intermediate School), Malissa Sullivan (Intermediate School), Cheryl Gibson (Intermediate School), and Bob Bruffett (Table Rock Career Center). Mrs. Schade will use $650 to purchase five Sphero robots for her Makerspace class. These codable robots require students to think critically to write
until he felt up to ferrying back to our base in London.
Leaving Germany, we were changed men. Randy left an eyebrow and half his face on the Autobahn, while I was now someone with a record not really welcome to come back to Germany.
code.
“This coding will make the robots move through obstacle courses that the students will build,” Schade said. “I have had Sphero robots in the past and my students LOVED them! I’m excited to be able to offer them again!”
Mrs. Messenger, the librarian at Reeds Spring
I, of course, blame Pershing, Eisenhower and Hitler for making me go through that and helping me become a man.
You can find more of Bob’s work at bobfordshistory.com and on YouTube at bobfordshistorymysterylore. Check the videos out. They’re good!
Intermediate School, plans to use her $600 to buy keyboard skins to help students develop essential typing skills.
“This tool encourages students to memorize the keyboard layout without relying on looking at each individual letter, improving their speed and accuracy over time,” Messenger said.
“By strengthening their typing proficiency, students will be better prepared for digital assignments, assessments, and future academic and career success. We are so grateful for the opportunities that White River Electric provides!”
To be considered, proposals need to promote higher learning and meet school
standards. Teachers are required to submit their plan, an itemized list of supplies not to exceed $750, and a letter of project approval from the school district’s administrative office. Since the program began in 2006, White River Electric has given over $948,000 in grants to local teachers.
We can help you with your rent, groceries and gas. Also offering baptismal certificates which can be used as a second ID. Please call to get the details – 417-337-3772.
limited engagement one week only february 7–13
BECOMING LED ZEPPELIN is the first ever authorized documentary about the band. The film charts the early musical influences and careers of each bandmate before diving deep into their first two albums and subsequent tours. The film features “never-before-seen” footage, remastered sound and video, and audio interviews with John Bonham that have been kept private for decades. get your tickets now bransonimax.com
The Rogue Chef: Chocolate Chip Cookies Gone Rogue
BY CHEF JEFF WOODWARD, The Rogue Chef
Yield: 100 Cookies; Time: 60 mins
Ingredients
• 4 ¼ C AP Flour 2 tsp Baking Soda
Large Eggs • 1 12 oz bag of Nestle Semi-Sweet Mini Morsels
Instructions
1. Cream Crisco, sugar, and brown sugar in a mixer on high until mixture is white and fluffy, approximately 15 minutes. Scrape sides occasionally.
2. Add eggs, one at a time, while mixing batter.
3. Add baking soda and salt.
4. Add flour, one cup at a time. Only add final ¼ C flour if the batter is too wet.
5. Add Morsels.
6. Mix until fully incorporated.
7. Scoop cookie dough on a parchment paper covered sheet pan. 8. Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes. 9. Cool on a rack or parchment paper before serving. 10. Enjoy! GO ROGUE by adding 4 T of Ghirardelli Cocoa Powder to the batter (prior to adding flour) and a bag of Peanut Butter Chips to create Chocolate with Peanut Butter Chip Cookies. Want The Rogue Chef to make a delicious treat for you? Contact us at www.TheRogueChefBranson.com .
February is American Heart Month: Start the day with a heart healthy breakfast
COMPILED BY JANET
STEINKAMP, Editor
Ttry these nutritious and tasty breakfast, brunch, or anytime-of-the day recipes you will feel good about eating. Watch the next Globe for more healthy recipes to enjoy during American Heart Month and beyond.
Lower-Carb Biscuits and Gravy
This low-carb version of a favorite breakfast entrée is just as tasty as the original. Fluffy biscuits are made with almond flour, and the gravy is made with lean turkey or sausage..
INGREDIENTS
For 6 servings
Biscuits
2 cups almond flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• Salt
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 large eggs
2 tablespoons honey Gravy Oil, of choice, for cooking
• 1 lb. lean sausage, or ground turkey
• ¼ cup almond flour
¼ teaspoon cayenne, if desired
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
½ tablespoon rosemary
• ½ tablespoon sage Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
2 cups milk, of choice
• NOTE: If using seasoned sausage, spices may be omitted.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the biscuits: In a medium bowl, add the almond flour, baking powder and salt. Whisk to combine.
3. In a separate large bowl, add the Greek yogurt, eggs and honey. Whisk to combine.
4. If you have a flour sifter, sift the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Otherwise, mix to combine until fluffy. Do not overmix.
5. Using a large ice cream scoop or a large spoon, scoop dough onto the lined baking sheet, spacing evenly. You should have about 6 biscuits. (If the oven is not ready, keep biscuits in the refrigerator so that they do not spread out and flatten.)
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Make the gravy: Drizzle a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the sausage and cook 7-10 minutes, or until browned.
8. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add ¼ cup of almond flour, the cayenne, paprika, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then add the milk.
9. Simmer the gravy until it reaches your desired consistency, stirring occasionally. You can add up to ¼ cup more almond flour for a thicker, heartier gravy.
10. Serve the gravy hot, poured over a warm biscuit.
Crystal Hatch | Tasty Team
Healthy Banana Pancakes These pancakes contain
healthy ingredients: mashed bananas, eggs and oats, and they don’t even taste like healthy pancakes. Top them with fruit, nuts, syrup, or other desired toppings.
INGREDIENTS
2 eggs
• 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla (optional) Pinch of salt
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Make pancake batter: Place bananas in a bowl and mash with a fork. It’s okay to leave some banana chunks in the batter.
2. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl and add to the bananas.
3. Add oats and mix well with other ingredients. NOTE: If you desire a smoother textured pancake, add the oats to a food processor or blender before mixing with other ingredients.
4. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto a well greased, hot griddle or large skillet, on medium heat; cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Flip the pancakes. You should be able to gently lift the edge of the pancakes and check underneath to see if ready to turn. Quickly slide the spatula under the pancake and flip to the other side and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
(These pancakes can be delicate to flip, so try to keep them small with the quarter cup of batter.)
April Preisler | Taste of Home
Vanilla Protein Pancakes
These protein-packed pancakes are a healthy and satisfying breakfast option. Made with protein powder, egg whites, flavored with cinnamon, they’re topped with fresh berries and maple syrup for a delicious and nutritious meal.
INGREDIENTS
For 2 servings
1 cup oat flour
• 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¾ cup egg white
• 4 tablespoons low-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
¼ cup peanut butter
• ½ cup oats
¼ cup dark chocolate chips
• ¼ teaspoon salt
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Mash bananas in a large bowl until smooth. Mix in eggs and peanut butter until well combined, then mix in remaining ingredients.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a bowl, mix oat flour, protein powder, baking powder and cinnamon until fully blended.
2. Add egg whites and Greek yogurt to the bowl and mix until a batter-like consistency is reached.
3. Melt coconut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and wipe down to prevent the pancakes from sticking.
4. Pour in some batter and cook pancakes until bubbles form all around the top of the pancake, then flip and cook for a few more minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Top your pancake stack with bananas, blueberries, or honey.
These pancakes are the perfect combination with the rich flavors of peanut butter and dark chocolate chips. And with whole wheat flour and no added sugar, they’re a healthy breakfast option.
INGREDIENTS
For 4 servings
• 2 bananas
2. Heat a skillet to medium and add in a scoop of the pancake batter. Smooth out to form an even layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until you start to see bubbles releasing from the top of the batter. Flip and cook until the other side is golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Garnish your pancakes with your favorite toppings! Suggestions include banana slices, dark chocolate chips and maple syrup. Mercedes Sandoval | Tasty Team
Healthy Blueberry Muffins
INGREDIENTS
• 1¾ cups plus 1 teaspoon white whole wheat flour or regular whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• ⅓ cup melted coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ cup honey or maple syrup
2 eggs, preferably at room temperature
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (6 ounces) blueberries, fresh or frozen – if using frozen blueberries, do not thaw; stir into batter frozen.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. If necessary, grease all 12 cups on your muffin tin with butter, coconut oil or cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine and mix with a whisk, 1¾ cups of the flour with the baking powder, baking soda, SEE BREAKFAST, PAGE 9B
LARRY DABLEMONT is an outdoor publisher, columnist, author, speaker, naturalist and outdoorsman.
here was no underestimat-
Ting the size of the walleye I hooked. He was a dandy, five or six pounds at least and maybe bigger. You could see him easily as I fought him alongside the boat, with my fishing partner whackin’ at him with the dip net, something like a great blue heron would stab at a sunfish.
I just didn’t have my drag set properly on my reel. Most generally that is something I do at the beginning of every fishing trip. I check the drag on whatever I am fishing with. And you need to check the last few feet of your line for any nicks or abrasions. I am just getting too darned old to remember everything, I guess, and I
salt and cinnamon.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the oil and honey or maple
Outdoors with Larry Dablemont: The miracle fish
forgot to check either. When that walleye saw my fishing partner waving that net around like he was a highway department flagman, he really got wild, made a huge lunge for deep water and broke the line.
The lure was nothing of great importance. It was one of those four- or five-inch black and white minnows that look like the old Rapala lures, one that you can jiggle around on the surface or yank down under maybe three feet or so when you reel it in. I was catching some really hefty white bass on it. I had some good ones and one walleye just a little better than fifteen inches long. Then that big walleye came up from the depths and engulfed it and the fight was on. He won, and I lost my lure. But I have several similar ones that are even better, lures referred to as ‘Rogues.’ I tied one of them on and kept fishing. And I didn’t throw my hat on the boat floor, utter an expletive and moan about that lost walleye like my fishing partners have seen me do
syrup and beat together with a whisk. Add the eggs and beat well, then add the yogurt and vanilla. Mix well.
4. Pour the wet ingredients
before. A fisherman with my experience gets used to losing big fish on occasion when using light line and a switch for a fishing rod.
You don’t become a grizzled old outdoorsman like me without watching big fish disappear in the depths on occasion, leaving you limp-rodded. You just figure God had a better purpose for that fish than a sizzling destination in my frying pan. You have to occasionally blame the Great Creator for your dirty rotten luck as a fisherman, unless you want to blame yourself for not checking the drag on your reel or not replacing old line.
But now we are coming to the unbelievable part. I tied on that other lure, just like the one I lost, except different, and almost an hour later down the river about a half mile, I made a cast, and when I reeled the lure back, it had hooked and retrieved the one I lost. I swear folks, that is the truth! When I reeled it back in the boat, the one which broke off and last seen in the toothy jaw of that big walleye, was dan-
into the dry and mix with a big spoon, just until combined (a few lumps are ok). In a small bowl, toss the blueberries with the remaining 1 teaspoon
gling from the back hook of the new one I tied on to replaced it! It sounds like something an outdoor writer might make up? But honest, I swear on the life of my best coon dog and my camouflaged War-Eagle boat. If I am lying, may it have a hole in the bottom of it, and may my Ugly-Stick break right in the middle!
My fishing partners both ‘seen it themselves,’ and you can ask them, a couple of the most honest men I ever met! But we hadn’t seen nothin’ yet. Wait ‘til you hear this! I tied that old lure back on, and reset my drag so that it was perfect. And I started catching white bass again. It’s a drizzly, dark afternoon and one of my fishing partners caught two walleye that were 16 to 19 inches in length, fish that my previously lost lunker might have sired in his earlier days. And nearly two miles down the river from where I lost that big walleye, and a mile and a half from where I miraculously recovered my lost lure, I cast it out into a deep eddy below a
flour (this helps prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom).
Gently fold the blueberries into the batter. The mixture will be thick.
shoal and a huge fish engulfed it only four or five feet from the end of my rod. He looked like a monster coming up from the depths. He stripped four or five feet of line against the drag and I told my fishing partners I was about to lose that lure a second time in two hours! But this time, one of them got the net under that big walleye and it was mine. I don’t know how much it weighed but it was 25 inches long and hefty. I knew that the Great Creator was trying to let me know how sorry he was that I had lost the first one. Maybe the fact that I am trying so hard not to cuss as much when I lose a fish is paying dividends. Or maybe He just decided it was that second big walleye’s time to finally sizzle in my frying pan, as he would, soon.
Maybe that second lunker wasn’t as deserving as the first, I can’t say. But that two hours and the course of events in which a lost lure was found, and a second lunker walleye was hooked on it, certainly makes a man think; something I don’t do a lot of.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the 12 muffin cups. Bake the muffins for 16 to 19 minutes, or until the muffins are golden on top and a
Lightspeed Electrical: Over-lamping
T
his is something I have never written about, as I assumed that in this day of LED everything, most people are not encountering this problem. But, in the last week I have encountered three people who are still using incandescent bulbs in their homes, and so I think I will write about it after all.
Remember how bulbs used to be rated with a 60 watt or 90-watt rating? We have gotten used to the LED bulbs now and their ratings say things like “9 watts equivalent to 60-watts.” That’s because the way an LED bulb produces light does not involve all the wasted heat that an incandescent generates.
Over-lamping is when you install a bulb with a
higher wattage rating than the light fixture can handle. If you happen to have a stockpile of incandescent bulbs that you are still using, then this could be a problem for you. A 90-watt bulb installed in a fixture that is marked 75 watts will burn up a light fixture. Solution: Stay within the wattage limit listed on all light fixtures. For older, unmarked fixtures, use only 60-watt bulbs or smaller.
Using up extra incandescent bulbs is actually costing you about 90% more in electricity usage for each one. The good news? There are LED bulbs in all shapes, colors and sizes now to fit all of your home’s existing fixtures.
This education moment brought to you by your
(Photo
I swear this story is the truth, all of it. It happened in February a couple of years back. I can show you that lure. It has big tooth marks all over it!
The above story is an excerpted chapter from the book, “Recollections of an Ol-Fashioned Angler.” To get an autographed copy, call my office at 417-7775227 or email us at lightninridge47@gmail.com. See all my books and magazines on my website: larrydablemont.com.
toothpick inserted into a muffin comes out clean.
6. Place the muffin tin on a cooling rack to cool. Kathryne Taylor | cookieandkate.com
A PARTIAL LIST INCLUDES: PRECIOUS JEWELRY - 14K ring with 4.05 ct round diamond sol.; 14K band with 2 ct. round diamond solitaire, 14K ring with 1.76 ct. princess cut diamond solitaire on diamond band, 14K ear studs with 4.05 ct. diamond 2 ct. solitaire each side, 14K chain & pendant with US $20 St. Gaudens, 14K gents ring with 2.49 ct round diamond solitaire and 2 1/2 ct. rubies, 14 K chain & bezel with $10 Indian gold coin and 2 ct. diamonds, 14K gents ring with 2 1/2 ct. diamonds on heavy gold band., 14K ring with 7.46 ct. ruby & 1.60 ct. diamond, 14K bracelet with 10 ct. high quality diamonds, 14K ring with 4.38 ct. tanzanite & approx. 1 ct. diamond, several rings with 1/2 to 1 ct. diamond solitaires, 14K ear studs with 2.50 ct. diamonds, 14K horse shoe ring with 1 ct. diamond & 5 ct. garnet, 14K earrings with 6.85 ct. aquamarine & 1.75 ct diamonds, strand of genuine pearls, 14K chain & pendant with $5 Indian gold & 1 ct. diamond, 14K ring with 1 ct. princess cut diamond solitaire on diamond band, 14K bracelet with 12.50 ct. lion fancy ca-
nary diamonds, 14K white gold ring with 3.12 ct. round diamond solitaire SI-2 J color (very nice), 14K earring studs with 2.13 ct. diamond (1 ct. each side).
RARE COIN COLLECTION - Very nice collection early date Morgan dollars including many UNC and key date issues, several Carson city dates including 1889 cc, monster box of 500 American silver eagles, over 300 1 oz. Buffalo rounds, over 100 UNC peace dollars, run of 31 years of proof sets, complete set buffalo nickels, over 50 commemorative UNC and proof silver dollars, nice variety early type coins, over 200 Indian head cents, mercury dimes, walking Liberty half dollars, 200 grade Morgan and peace dollars
SILVER BULLION– 4 100 oz. engraved bars, 10 oz. silver bars, 5 oz. bars, Wells Fargo antique silver bar, over 100 1 & 2 oz. Donald Trump silver rounds GOLD– $1 Liberty gold, 2 1/2 Indian & Liberty, $5 Indian & Liberty, $10 Indian & Liberty’s, US $20 St. Gaudens, US $20 Liberty gold, US $50 102 gold buffalo in both proof and UNC, 1 oz. gold
eagle, US 2009 ultra high relief 1 oz. St. Gaudens, great coin and bullion collection all coins, gold and silver bullion guaranteed authentic.
NAVAJO JEWELRY - Approx. 50 lots of artist signed sterling silver Navajo jewelry from Santa Fe and Gallup, New Mexico area. Squash blossom necklaces with turquoise, brace-lets, earrings pendants, buckles and more.
AUTOMOBILES - 2001 GMC pickup, 4x4 extended cab, good tires, automatic, red with toolbox; 2013 GMC Yukon XL Denali, 4x4, white with leather seats, sun roof, nice vehicle.
TAXIDERMY - Giant buffalo head, king size trophy elk head, full body mount of rare African bongo antelope, steenbok head, full curl mountain ram, antelope, 2 large white tail head mounts, large mule deer head, raccoon, white arctic fox mount, sable head, warthog with large tusks, zebra skin rug, black bear rug, full life size black bear mount, bobcat, black bear skin rug, kudu head mount, large snake skin, buffalo skull with horns, steer skull, longhorn steer horns, long horn hides.
ANTIQUE FURNITURE & COLLECT-
IBLES - Several fancy oak & walnut lamp tabes, some with marble tops, oak dinning table, bronze table lamp with leaded glass shade, 12x20 Persian hand knotted carpet (nice condition), oak hall tree, oak corner cupboard,oak library table, Seth Thomas 1 wt. bank regulator in oak case, walnut commode, stained glass windows, porcelain, china and crystal, set of 8 Chippendale chairs, country dutch table with 8 padded chairs, several rocking chairs, plus more.
PRIMITIVES - Large hand carved bread bowl, teakwood bucket, cast iron horse head, gate post top, cast iron toy and bank collection, nice collection stoneware jars and jugs some are pre-civil war, glass churns, peanut jars, butter mold, snow shoes, weather vanes,collection old pictures in frames, collection advertising signs both old and more modern up to 42” in diameter.
COWBOY - WESTERN COLLECTABLES
- 15’ hand beaded bullwhip, Winchester lever action 12 ga shotgun marked Wells Fargo & Co., Springfield musket with
brass Indian tacks, fine Winchester mdl 2L 12 ga SXS double shot gun marked Skeet with deluxe wood, Colt SA Army scouts revolver with bridge port belt rig, big collection western art in nice frames, bronze statuary stamped Remington and Russel old spurs. INDIAN ART - ARTIFACTS - Over 50 cataloged Indian artifact items, flint point collection, stone axes, Celts and war clubs, pipe tomahawk, 8 ft. wooden cigar store Indian, Navajo rugs, hand painted
Stephanie Callahan, Owner/Lightspeed Electrical
submitted by Larry Dablemont)
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION SUPPORT GROUP meets at the Branson-Hollister Senior Center, 201 Compton Dr., Branson, the last Wednesday of every month from 9:30 - 11 a.m. For more information, call Mark Applegate at 417-955-2513 or email mark.applegate@ senioragemo.org.
lassifieds
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!
1 Seeking their DD 214
2 Needing a companion dog
3 Wanting peer-to-peer friends
4 Seeking professional counseling
5 Needing food, water or shelter
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
I WAS OUT WALKING, and I ran into my 80 year old friend named Smokey Bear. He was talking about the clean air. If you smell smoke look for the fire, because it may burn your house. Please don’t throw away your cigarettes outside and remember fireworks start fires. The weather is dry so don’t burn your house down and don’t burn my house either. Please pay attention.
GRIEF SHARE SUPPORT GROUP: Grief
Share at the Branson United Methodist Church will begin again in late Feb. Please watch for date. This is a 13 week class open to anyone in the Branson area. There will be an afternoon class and an early evening class for working people. If there are questions, please call Peggy at 417-334-3423 or email caring@bransonumc.org.
VETERANS & MILITARY COALITION OF THE OZARKS is an all-volunteer organization of veterans serving veterans. Contact us if you feel that you, as a veteran or veteran family, may not be receiving the benefits you deserve. Go to VMCO1.org and click on CONTACT at the top of the home page. VMCO meets monthly on the third Thursday of the month (no meeting in July or November) at the Golden Corral in Branson with 11:15 a.m. (optional) lunch buffet and 12-1 p.m. meeting.
AMERICAN LEGION
POST #220 would love to invite all of our former and current U.S. military friends to join us Monday mornings, 9 a.m., for coffee and pastries, with the exception of the second Monday of the month and national holidays. Come join us at M. Graham Clark Downtown Airport, 491 Blue Sky Lane, Hollister. Monthly business meeting is the 2nd Monday of the month 6 p.m. at Denny’s, 2335 West 76 County Blvd., Branson. We look forward to meeting you! HOOAH!
We can help you with your rent, groceries and gas. Also
cates which can be used as a
FREE ESTIMATES AND TIMELY RESPONSE. Full remodels, decks, pole barns, garages, fencing and small projects. Call 417-699-1635.
PETS FREE GOLDEN RETRIEVER PUPPIES to forever homes due to relocating: one male, one female, excellent temperament, house trained. Will not re-home to just anyone! Preferably email me first at: stephaniechristensen59@gmail.com, before text 510-975-7968.
ROOM FOR RENT IN QUIET 50-PLUS COMMUNITY. Large upstairs bedroom with bath. Kitchen, laundry priv., nonsmoker. No pets. $625 mo. includes utilities plus deposit. Available 2/1. 417-593-8252.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, BRANSON is seeking nursery-toddler attendants to work three hours on Sunday mornings from 8:45 to 11:45 at $20 per hour. We are looking for loving Christians who have a heart for babies, toddlers, and young children. Nursery workers must be committed to working every Sunday morning and be able to pass a Missouri background check. Submit letter of interest with contact information to marilyn65616@gmail. com or call 417-598-0357 for additional information. References required.
On this date in history...
1812 8.2 earthquake shakes
New Madrid, Missouri
1940 Walt Disney’s second feature length movie, “Pinocchio” premieres
1948 Omar Bradley succeeds Dwight Eisenhower as U.S. Army Chief of Staff
• 1962 U.S. President John F. Kennedy begins blockade of Cuba by banning all Cuban imports and exports
1964 Beatles land at New York’s JFK airport for first U.S. tour
1974 American left wing guerilla group Symbionese Liberation Army claim responsibility for the kidnapping of Patty Hearst, daughter of American publishing heir Randolph Hearst • 1983 Elizabeth Dole is sworn in as the first U.S. female Secretary of Transportation 1994 American actor and singer, Jim Nabors (Gomer Pyle, USMC), un-
dergoes a liver transplant
• 2018 Brock Purdy (NFL quarterback) signs his letter of intent to commit to Iowa State University
2021 Sarah Thomas becomes the first woman to referee a Super Bowl in Tampa Bay, Florida
2021 Super Bowl LV, Tampa, FL: Tampa Bay
Buccaneers dominate defending champion Kansas City Chiefs, 31-9; MVP Tom Brady
Sudoku
See more fun puzzles at: https://www.puzzles.ca/sudoku/
