I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— John 10:14
End of an era as old Long Creek Bridge drops
rescue in Taney County – SEE PAGE 3A Tiny chapels springing up –SEE PAGE 1B.
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
The Long Creek arm of Table Rock Lake was the place to be for excitement on Monday morning, March 17, as MoDOT crews continued the demolition work on the Long Creek Bridge, part of State Hwy. 86 south of Branson.
Construction on a new,
Well-known
wider bridge, adjacent to the old one, started in 2022. It was opened to traffic in 2024, and the project is expected to be completed during summer 2025. More than 8,000 drivers cross the bridge daily, as residents of nearby neighborhoods commute to work via Hwy. 86 and U.S. Hwy. 65 and Big Cedar Lodge guests travel
resident loses home in fire; GoFundMe account to help her rebuild
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help a well-known resident of Stone County.
Sandy Hill recently lost her Branson West home in a fire. The home was located in the Notch community, near Silver Dollar City.
Said Hill’s daughter, Chelsea Dygert, “On Wednesday, March 12, while out of town, she received a call from a neighbor that her home was on fire. She lost everything, including her three beloved cats — Mojo, Cookie and Apollo.”
Hill is well known in the community as Miss Sandy, a pre-school teacher for more than 20 years. For much of her career, Hill was employed at Lakeview Learning Center, which was recently bought out and underwent a name change to Brother Bear Learning Center. The center closed down more than a year ago, leaving Hill devastated and feeling lost.
“Teaching kids is her passion,” explained Dygert. “She now subs parttime for the Reeds Spring School District in their Early Education Center and volunteers her time as a Child Advocate/CASA worker for abused and neglected children in Taney County.”
Immediate needs for Hill include clothing and toiletries, but the ultimate goal of the GoFundMe set up for Hill is to rebuild and refurnish her home. Hill, who will be staying with family members until she can rebuild, had minimal insurance, and will have to rely on donations to help her with the rebuilding efforts.
“My mom has spent her whole life volunteering in soup kitchens, addiction centers, at churches, etc.
She is known for being ‘the kindest person anyone has met,’ “ said Dygert. “She will give anything to any stranger without hesi-
to Dogwood Canyon.
The old bridge was constructed by MoDOT in 1956 to connect Stone and Taney counties. In 2019, repairs were made to the structural steel, but those were a temporary fix, with permanent repairs deemed by MoDOT as not possible due to the continued deterioration of the system.
For Monday’s demolition, residents of nearby neighborhoods watched from land, some even turning the event into a neighborhood party complete with refreshments and custom T-shirts, and at least 50 boats made the cruise to watch the explosion from the water. There were a few reports of distress on the part of neighborhood
pets, and a few questions via social media from people who missed the MoDOT announcement and wondered what was going on. Those who have been around for a while expressed nostalgia at the end of an era, but most agreed the wider bridge will be a blessing for larger vehicles and pedestrian safety.
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Brandi Beebe is wellknown in the Branson area. She serves the community as a Certified Financial Marketing Professional at Central Bank. Along with two partners, Beebe also owns a landmark eatery in the Branson area.
Beebe and her partners Mary Meadows and Sandra Ferdig own and operate Branson Cafe, the oldest restaurant in Branson. Branson Cafe first opened in 1910, and was purchased by Beebe, Meadows and Ferdig in February of 2022.
“Branson Cafe specializes in serving family recipes that we love to share with the community,” said Beebe. “We are open for breakfast and lunch, while also providing catering. We recently started serving Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas, and are famous for our cinnamon rolls the size of your head! Other favorites include the Branson Cafe Skillet, chicken and waffles, Memaw’s Meatloaf, and the club sandwich.”
Branson residents—and visitors — have long supported local businesses, and Branson Cafe truly appreciates that support.
“The support from our community has been amazing,” noted Beebe. “We, the owners, are all local, with our families going back generations in this community. We want to provide
Beebe credits the Branson Cafe staff with much of the success of the restaurant. Said Beebe, “Our staff is the best in Branson! They work very hard to make us who we are, and we are grateful for each and every one of them.”
Long Creek Bridge blast (Photo by Philip Thomas)
The Branson Cafe (Photo from downtownbransoncafe.com)
CITY OF BRANSON EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH – City Planner
Nikki Ashmore, left, was honored as Branson’s March Employee of the Month by Amanda Ross, the Director of Planning and Development, right, and the Mayor, City Administrator, and Board of Aldermen in the background. In making the presentation, Ross said, “Nikki’s hard work and commitment have made a lasting impact on her team and the community. She has taken on complex projects, stepped up during department transitions, and gone above and beyond her normal duties— all with a passion for improving efficiency and supporting her colleagues. Her dedication and drive make the City of Branson a better place.” (Photo courtesy of the City of Branson)
• BRANSON CAFE
Continued from page 1A
a quality meal and share it with everyone!”
Training for event professionals, venue staff March 31
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Thunder Ridge Nature Arena and the Branson Convention Center are teaming up to host a Trained Crowd Manager and Situational Awareness Training for event professionals across the two-state region of Missouri and Arkansas.
Submitted to Branson Globe
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers advises all individuals downstream of Table Rock Dam that the warning horn, which typically signals changes in water levels, is not operational. While the horn at the dam continues to function and
Set for March 31, the event is designed for venue staff, event coordinators, security personnel and all who are responsible for public safety at large events. The training will include managing large crowds effectively, recognizing and responding to potential threats, emer-
gency preparedness and crisis response, and best practices for maintaining a safe event environment.
The cost for the training is $30 per person and registration cost includes breakfast and lunch.
The training will be held Monday, March 31, with
registration beginning at 8 a.m. and training starting at 8:30 a.m.
The training session will take place at the Branson Convention Center. For information or to register, visit https://bransoncc. com//locals/continuing-education-training/
Table Rock Dam not operational
will sound before any water level changes, those farther downstream may not hear it.
Residents and visitors downstream should closely monitor water levels. If flows increase and water begins to rise, immediately move to higher ground. The Corps strongly recommends
wearing a Coast Guard-approved life jacket whenever near or on the water.
The Table Rock Project Office is actively working to restore the downstream warning horn. However, a timeline for its repair or replacement is not yet available.
For additional information, please contact the Table Rock Project Office at 501-340-1950. Updates on water releases from Table Rock Dam can be accessed on the Little Rock District website, www.swl.usace. army.mil, by selecting the “water level” button on the homepage.
Branson Cafe is located in historic downtown Branson, at 120 West Main Street. They are open daily, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit the Branson Cafe website, Downtownbransoncafe.com or follow them online on Facebook or Instagram.
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
The Brook Wellness Cen-
“We are thankful to be serving food in the community and sharing our family recipes,” said Beebe. “We encourage you to visit us, to be a part of history by eating at the historic Branson Cafe.”
ter will host the 2025 Walk for Recovery on Saturday, April 26, at Port of Kimberling Marina and Resort. Check-in starts at 9 a.m. for this annual event, which helps support the valuable programs and services The Brook provides for individuals and families recovering from addiction and other life-controlling issues. The
event is also sponsored by the Missouri Coalition of Recovery Support Providers. Participants will enjoy a morning of celebrating a sober life through fun, fellowship, food, music and raffles, along with the opportunity to visit with other nonprofit vendors on hand with helpful information and encouragement. The event is also an official DEA Drug TakeBack collection site. Registration is FREE
and includes T-shirt, food and swag. Be sure to wear your wildest pair of socks to show off as part of the fun!
The Brook Wellness Center is a faith-based facility providing a peaceful, supportive place to find spiritual, mental and physical wellness and overcome mental health and substance use disorders.
The Brook is fully certified by the Missouri Department of Mental Health/Division of Behavioral Health, and
works with state and local authorities to help clients work through their hardships, as well as with a variety of insurance providers. Fundraising events such as the Walk for Recovery and the generosity of donors help make sure that anyone who needs help is not turned away.
Learn more at https://www. thebrookwellnesscenter.org, or visit the Facebook page to stay up to date on the Walk and other special events.
Enjoy the annual Forsyth Spring Fling April 26
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
It’s spring in the Ozarks, and a great place to celebrate is the annual Spring Fling in downtown Forsyth. On Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy browsing vendor booths, grab a snack at a variety of open-air din-
ing opportunities, and listen to live music.
The car show is another crowd favorite, and there’s a fun zone for the kids as well as the “Youth-preneur Marketplace” for young people to showcase their own businesses. For just $10 per tent, young area entrepreneurs
can show and sell their crafts, original inventions and other products while learning valuable business skills.
There are also some fun competition opportunities:
A cake decorating contest, an art battle and more. Entry fee for the Aloha-themed cake contest is $5, with a pre-baked cake and icing provided; contestants may bring their own tools and additional decorations to make their special creation during the 30-minute time limit.
Also returning to Spring Fling is the Strongman Competition, bigger and better this year! Novices and amateurs are welcome
to try to their skills at the Atlas stones, tire flip, farmer’s walk, sandbags, and overhead press. Contact Jeff McCotter at ozarksstrongman@gmail.com for more information and to register. There are also still some vendor booth spaces available starting at just $40; nonprofits are half-price. Some sponsorship opportunities are still available as well; contact forsythareachamber@gmail.com or call 417546-2741 for details about this fun way to promote your business. Contest and show registration information is also available via the Chamber website. Get involved and let’s celebrate spring!
Foster-based rescue helps Taney County animals in need
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
Taney County animals in need of a forever home now have a new advocate to help connect them to that home.
The Dallas Ranch Animal Rescue and Safe Haven is a foster-based rescue, founded in 2024 by Tracy Cartwright of Branson. As an active volunteer at the Taney County Animal Shelter, Cartwright realized that shelter dogs are often more likely to thrive and be at their best if they are placed in a home-based foster environment, where they can decompress and receive extra personal attention.
“It’s a more successful path for some of the highest-risk dogs,” she said.
The Dallas Ranch partners with Voices for Taney County Animals, a dedicated network of volunteers and ad-
tation, and she has a really hard time accepting the same help and generosity she so freely offers to others, but she needs it now more than ever. We want all of the love she’s poured into the community to be shown back to her.”
Dygert continued, “We, her kids, want to help her piece back her life without worrying about the financial aspect of it. We want
vocates, for fundraising and social media promotions, to find supportive foster homes and eventually fur-ever home placement. The Dallas Ranch provides the structure to help prospective adoptive families with the licensing and other details. Cartwright also hopes to ramp up the volunteer program at the Shelter, to help dogs not yet in foster rescue care to become socialized and have a daily break from their kennels. Even further, she wants to be an advocate and help look at the source problems, with the longterm vision to help keep dogs from having to enter the shelter in the first place.
In some exciting news for this spring, the dogs are going “on tour” around the area! “Woofstock 25” kicks off this weekend at Malt and Barrel Brewing, from 1 p.m.
to give her mind and spirit the space it needs to process the tremendous loss of all three of her beloved cats who were her comfort and joy, as well as all of the memorabilia passed down from as far back as her great, great, great grandparents. Her late father’s paintings, her children’s photo books and home movies. It’s all gone.”
“If she hadn’t been seven hours away from home at the time of the fire, she would have tried to get her
(Photos from Voices for Taney County Animals Facebook)
to 3 p.m., featuring live music from The Jukebox Winos. The Woofstock 25 tour is designed to showcase both shelter dogs and the dogs who are part of The Dallas Ranch, helping them to connect with potential adopters and fund-
cats out, and who knows what would have happened to her,” Dygert added.
raising to help meet the needs of the animals. Stay tuned for more “tour dates” throughout the spring and summer.
If you’re considering a new furry friend, visit the Taney County Animal Shelter, 255 Critter Trail, Hollis-
ter; hours are 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. If you’re not quite ready to adopt or don’t have suitable accommodations, you can still help by volunteering or by following and sharing these lovable pets’ stories and photos on social media. Check out @theDallasRanch on Facebook and Instagram, as well as Voices for Taney County Animals, where you’ll also find information on how to apply to foster or adopt.
If you or your children’s lives have been touched by Miss Sandy, her family humbly asks for your help as she begins the arduous task of rebuilding her life. To donate, visit GoFundMe.com and search for “Help Miss Sandy Rebuild After Tragic Fire.” All donations are greatly appreciated by Hill and her family.
AND CHERISH. Females, DOB:
Cherish
Malena,
GUS. Male Terrier Mix, DOB: 03/16/2021. Gus is one incredibly sweet guy who’s always ready to brighten your day! Gus has a special love for toys and can often be found happily chewing on his favorite bone. If you’re
Ownership Application
• Locals can gain access to affordable and sustainable transportation in the new year.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old and employed for 30 days.
• Apply to qualify for transportation today!
• Financing available. (Not based on credit score.)
Reader’s Corner: Garden Time at Kimberling Area Library
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
Have the recent 60-degree Ozarks temperature swings made you think about getting into the garden? Whether your goal is a beautiful flower-lined walkway, attracting pollinators, or supplementing your food budget, you’re sure to find some valuable in-
formation in the upcoming season of garden programs offered at Kimberling Area Library. You’ll also connect, or reconnect, with fellow gardening enthusiasts, with something for all levels of experience.
These much-anticipated programs are presented by Master Gardeners of the Ozarks, part of the Univer-
sity of Missouri Extension, and are held at 10 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month, beginning on March 19 and continuing through September 17. Check out this list of fun and useful topics:
• April 16 – “Pass-along Plants: Beauties to Share,” by Master Gardener Marva Ramsey
May 21 – “Growing Roses in the Ozarks,” by Master Gardener Bill Greet
• June 18 – “Raised Bed Gardening,” by Master Gardener Marie Ewing July 16 – “Salvia: Perfect for Hot Spots,” by Master Gardener Kathryn Kufahl
• August 20 – “Vegeta-
ble Gardening: Past, Present, Future,” by Master Gardeners Faith Meinzen and Judy Malwitz
September 17: “Right Plant in the Right Place,” by Master Gardener Rita Hlasney
These FREE sessions are held in the Community Room at Kimberling Area
Library, 45 Kimberling Blvd., Kimberling City, and are open to everyone. Programs are sponsored jointly by the Library and Master Gardeners of the Ozarks. Visit www.mgozarks for more information on the Master Gardener Program; visit www.kalib.org for more information about library programs and events.
Neighbors and Friends of Table Rock Lake award 2025 grant funds
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
At their monthly luncheon on Monday, March 10, Neighbors and Friends of Table Rock Lake presented Service Grant Awards for their 2024 grant cycle, helping to fund the work of several valuable nonprofit organizations that serve children and families in Taney and Stone counties.
After opening prayer, review of the NFTRL Mission Statement, and introductions of new members and guests, the award checks were officially presented to representatives of the recipient organizations. Members of the fundraising committee thanked NFTRL members for their assistance with fundraising projects, reiterating the importance of each
ould you feel safe using one of the vintage devices in the pictures? Not me. As an electrician, I know that wire, insulators,
officer, committee member and volunteer in helping accomplish the goals.
The awards totaled over $80,000 for this grant year.
Grant amounts ranged from approximately $1,500 to approximately $4,000, with some helping fund specific initiatives that might not otherwise be available to the community. The recipients included the following nonprofit organizations:
Answers to Prayers
• Boys & Girls Clubs of the Ozarks
• Chances of Stone County Children’s Smile Center
• Elevate Branson
• Gateway Branson
Harbor House Domestic Violence Center
House of Hope
• Imagine Technical Institute
Junior Auxiliary of Taney
County
• Kimberling Area Library
Association
• Kimberling Area Senior Center
• Lake Area Child Advocacy
Center
Lives Under Construction
Boys Ranch
Northern Stone County
Food Pantry
Pregnancy Life Line
• Quilts of Valor of the Ozarks Skaggs Foundation
• Southern Stone County Food Pantry
• The Brook Wellness Center
Tri-Lakes Humane Society
• Veterans of the Ozarks
• Weekend Backpacks for Kids Recipients were enthusiastic in expressing their appreciation. Rosie Robinson of The Brook Wellness Center shared that the grant
money will be used to help fund their annual Toy Drive for children of client families in need, including not only toys but also things like socks and underwear; nearly 500 children were served last December. “This grant is a blessing to us and we could not do this without their support,” said Robinson. “A huge Thank You!”
“Mac” McAllister, president of Veterans of the Ozarks, said the NFTRL funds will help continue VOTO’s suicide prevention initiatives, including the QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training the group offers on a regular basis. This valuable program teaches community members to recognize signs that a family member or friend may be at risk for suicide and take steps to help them.
Lightspeed Electrical: Do you dare?
grounding and all of that internal ‘stuff’ has changed drastically in the last 50 years (by the way…those tools are older than 1970). You simply know better because it looks outdated. And you are smart for being cautious. One area that I don’t ed-
ucate enough about is the AGE of a home’s main circuit breaker panel. Electrical panels have a life expectancy of 20-25 years. Do they run longer? All the time. Are they operating safely past 25 years. Not so much… and every year that they
continue operating the electrical hazards increase. This is due to some of the same reasons as the hair dryer and power tool. The wiring, grounding and insulators used 50 years ago (and even 25 years ago) were different, and they were never meant to last forever. Also, when replacement parts are no longer being made, the only option is to use mismatched brands of breakers which fit poorly and cause all sorts of trouble.
So why are there still so many old panels out there
“The funds I received from NFTRL will support our March 2025 Elevate Work class,” said Donna McConkey, who directs the program at Elevate Branson. “I appreciate the support from community organizations that understand the importance and value of work! I look forward to reporting to NFTRL the success stories that come from their generous support.”
The Neighbors and Friends of Table Rock Lake vision statement includes “foster friendship among its members and assist in their introduction into community, social, civic and educational causes; and to undertake and promote charitable and humanitarian projects within the community.” The group meets monthly at Our
and why don’t people replace them if they are dangerous. First of all, homeowners don’t really look at their electrical panel every day, so they might not be actively thinking about the age (out of sight, out of mind). Secondly, a panel replacement is expensive, and many people do not want to spend the money until they HAVE to - when there is a major malfunction or meltdown. We get it. And we wanted to find a way to help our customers afford repairs and upgraded equipment.
Lady of the Cove Catholic Church in Kimberling City, with meetings generally alternating between “just for fun and fellowship” events and speakers presenting valuable local information. As an example, in addition to the award presentations, the March 10 meeting featured an update by Kyle Cook of the Table Rock Lake Area Chamber of Commerce on area economic development initiatives, with time for Q & A; the April meeting will feature a fashion show. If you’re new to the area, or perhaps newly retired, and looking for a great way to get involved in the community, NFTRL welcomes you! Check out the membership information and more coming events on the website, https://www.nftrl.org.
Lightspeed is now able to offer affordable payment options like 0% interest for 18 months. That way, if you have a big expense that you weren’t planning on, you can spread the cost out into affordable payments. We want to help you to have safer homes…and to stay within your budget.
If you are concerned about your electrical panel, or you want to learn about our payment options, call the team at Lightspeed, 417-239-5050.
REGISTER: Online, by phone, or email.
Stephanie Callahan, Owner/Lightspeed Electrical
Branson hires new principals for 2025-26 school year
Branson High School and Cedar Ridge Primary will gain new principals for the 2025-2026 school year. Dr. Sara Strohm has been named the new Principal for Branson High School. Strohm replaces Dr. Jack Harris, who will move into the role of Assistant Superintendent in 2025-2026. Strohm spent four years as Principal of Reed Academy with Springfield Public Schools prior to becoming an Assistant Principal at Branson High School in 2023. She also spent time teaching and coaching in the Bolivar and Seymour school districts.
Dr. Kara Swofford has been named Principal of Cedar Ridge Primary, replacing Carol Furman who will leave the district in June. Prior to her current role, Director of the Teacher Education Department at College of the Ozarks, Swofford served as Principal of Reeds Spring Early Education Center and Primary School from 2003-2007. Dr. Kara Swofford is married to outgoing Superintendent Dr. Brad Swofford.
Strohm and Swofford will begin their new duties July 1, 2025.
Branson’s One Book, One School a success
Helsel, who was introduced to the One Book, One School concept through a librarian social media group.
To drum up excitement around the book reveal, the school hallways were transformed into a whimsical scene with NYC backdrops, as well as pictures of cats, mice and pawprints, and teachers and staff dressing up as cats, mice and birds, offering more playful hints to the mystery.
Thanks to the creative efforts of Cedar Ridge Elementary second grade teacher Kinzee Penner, the program also incorporated a fun writing activity. Penner wrote a grant to purchase a small mouse and a blank book for each classroom, allowing students to take turns hosting “Stuart” for the day and documenting his adventures in a shared classroom journal. College of the Ozarks Agriculture Department hosts annual FFA workshop
On March 1, 2025, the College of the Ozarks agriculture department hosted its annual, national Future Farmers of America Workshop. High school students from all over Missouri and Arkansas attended the workshop.
This workshop is an opportunity for high school FFA students to develop their critical thinking and leadership skills while sharpening their contest abilities. Throughout the workshop, C of O students shared the knowledge and skills they have gained through their education and work experiences on campus. C of O students also served as judges and proctors for the events. The goal was to create an interactive experience that would teach practical skills and challenge the FFA students’ knowledge. They participated in a variety of workshops and contests such as floriculture, farm management, agronomy, nursery/landscaping, entomology, meats, public speaking, horse judging, dairy cattle, dairy foods, livestock judging, forestry, soils and poultry.
costumes, Judge’s Choice, Best Ballad, Best Soloist, Best Closer, and Best Show Design. In addition, Blue Harmony hosted the Hollister Show Choir Invitational. Hollister Middle School students selected for SCMMEA District Honor Choir
Six talented students from Hollister Middle School were selected to participate in the prestigious South Central Missouri Music Educators Association (SCMMEA) District Honor Choir, held at Southwest Baptist University. Selected students are Sophia Munier, Gracie Loftis, Brooklyn Buecker, Jessica Barney, Olivia Rogers and Elijah Burk Hollister summer school registration open
Join us for summer school FUN, May 28-June 24.
F = FREE transportation, FREE meals and fabulous fun
U – Unforgettable experiences
N – Nutritious breakfast and nutritious lunch
For more information and to sign up, visit https://www. hollister.k12.mo.us/summerschool. Students do not need to live in the Hollister School District to attend summer school. More than 200 guests attend Golden Friends Luncheon
Cedar Ridge Elementary completed its second annual One Book, One School event: a shared journey of reading and fun! This year featured the beloved classic “Stuart Little” by E.B. White.
The One Book, One School initiative aims to connect home and school by providing each family with a free copy of “Stuart Little” to read together at home. At school, students dive into discussions, activities and projects that bring the book to life, all while enhancing their literacy skills.
The idea was inspired by Cedar Ridge librarian Kendra
The student workers and supervisors of the beef farm, hog farm, processing plant, agronomy, feed mill, dairy and greenhouse/garden workstations collaborated to make the FFA Workshop successful.
Hollister High School Show Choir season results
The Blue Harmony Singers, a talented group of 31 high school performers, presented “King Midas: The Golden Touch,” in five Missouri competitions. Overall, they earned three first place awards, one third place award, and special recognition for best
More than 200 community members attended the Reeds Spring School District’s annual Golden Friends Luncheon on March 12. The district treats guests to a free meal and en-
Strohm, Swafford (Photos submitted)
(Photo submitted)
Blue Harmony Singers (Photo submitted)
Munier, Loftis, Buecker, Barney, Rogers, Burk (Photo submitted)
Inselman and Stuart (Photo
Missouri State University. Three projects received third place recognition: Connor Love and Rielan Frisbie in botany; Aubree Stuart and Elizabeth Inselman in environmental science; and Lily Wilmsmeyer, Andrew Hulliung and Landon Hafar in zoology. Three more projects were given honorable mention: Hoyt Gubin, Mathew Maher and Landon Munhollon in engineering; Mitchell Swetska and Stephanie Westerhold in physics and astronomy; and Keili Devors, Addison Crane and Tabatha Leo in biochemistry. Reeds Spring band members qualify for state
Reeds Spring High School’s band will send three soloists and a quartet to the State Music Festival. They qualified by earning gold ratings at the district solo and ensemble competition.
Gold ratings: Sydney Eby: Soprano Clarinet solo; Hazel Morefield: Flute solo; Teagan Sage: Bass Clarinet Solo; Hannah Williams, Sydney Eby, Jypsie Atchison, Ariana Cothran:
Cage, Morgan Nicholls, Noah Norris, Landon Munhollon, Ava Sammons, Jayden Turner. The State Music Festival is May 2 in Columbia.
Mixed Woodwind Quartet. The State Music Festival is scheduled for May 2 in Columbia.
Reeds Spring choir members qualify for state Brennan Bilberry – solo; Samara Lillie – solo; Malacki McGregor – solo; Landon Munhollon – solo; Morgan Nicholls – solo; Kaylee Sammons – solo; Calvin Waters - solo; Mixed Ensemble: Brennan Bilberry, Wyatt Coursey, Colbie Cypret, Samara Lillie, Matthew Maher, Thomas McGuane, Kaylee Sammons, Calvin Waters ; Mixed Ensemble: Mikayla Baker, Blaiklee
Table Rock Career Center March Professionals of the Month Table Rock Career Center recognized two students from its Construction program and two from its Engineering program as Professionals of the Month. The construction students are Kaleb Dry, junior from Chadwick, and Brody Pettigrew, junior from Reeds Spring. The engineering students are Hunter Pollard, senior from Forsyth, and Shane Pearson, senior from Reeds Spring.
Reeds Spring Middle School PACK Pledge recognition
Top row, left to right: Rayleigh Ball, Emma Bentrup, Severen Byrom, Davie Cervantes, Ryan Cody. Middle row, left to right: Desi Conner, Eli Dillon-Marose, Amelia Erbelding, Micah Haag, Brynlee Halford, Cooper Kite. Bottom row, left to right: Autumn Nelson, Britney Roper, Alanah Turner, Peyton Walker, Bristol Welch, Asher Williams (Photo submitted)
Front, left to right: Atchison, Cothran, Morefield. Back, left to right: Sage, Eby and Williams (Photo submitted)
State qualifiers (Photo submitted)
Worship Directory
You are encouraged to worship with us!
Around Town: Here’s what’s going on in the Tri-Lakes
MARCH
• 20 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/ 20 SEArenity Yoga at Wonders of Wildlife, 7:30-8:30 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 13-plus. 500
W. Sunshine St., Springfield. https://wondersofwildlife.org/events/
• 22 The Nest Concert Venue: Fraser Armstrong in Concert, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Fraser Armstrong is a storyteller at heart. As a pastor and former actor at Sight & Sound, he is deeply passionate about authenticity and transparency. His songwriting also earned second place in the 2024 HOOKED! Songwriting Contest. 800 MO-248 Bldg. 3A, Branson. For more info and to reserve tickets: nestconcerts.com.
• 22 Jukebox Winos: Live music, Taps on Downing, 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 and beer garden. We’ll play favorite covers and original music. 260 Birdcage Walk, Hollister. For more information, www.jukeboxwinos.com; www.tapsondowning.com; 417544-0610.
23 Concert at Faith Lutheran, 7-8 p.m. The Sheboygan, WI, Lutheran High School Band and Choir will be performing at Faith Lutheran in Branson, 221 Malone Dr. The FREE concert will be approximately an hour in length and held in Faith’s Life Center. For more information, www.FaithBranson.org.
• 24 Kimberling Area Library: Dr. Seuss Story Time, 10:30 a.m. Program lasts about one hour. Library is located at 45 Kimberling Blvd, Kimberling City.
• 29 Mix-N-Save Come celebrate with us for our GRAND RE-OPENING and One-Year Anniversary. From 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Branson’s largest discount store, Target overstock store, Kids’ liquidation store, discount grocery store. Mix-N-Save will be growing from 8,000 sq. ft. to 18,000 sq. ft. Raffles and giveaways. Mark your calendars. 4334 Gretna Rd., For more information, www.MixN-
Save.com/
APRIL
• 3 Pregnancy Lifeline fundraiser, 6-8 p.m., New Testament Christian Church, 21016 Main St., Reeds Spring. Featuring Fly-By-Night Bluegrass Band and a delicious BBQ dinner. Donations appreciated to help provide valuable assistance to Stone County moms facing difficult pregnancy circumstances. RSVP by March 20 to Gina@ PregnancyLifeLine.com or call 417-272-5210.
3 SEArenity Yoga at Wonders of Wildlife, 7:30-8:30 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 13-plus. 500 W. Sunshine St., Springfield. https://wondersofwildlife.org/events/
• 4 Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce: Join us for Hollister Community Night at Springfield Cardinals (vs. Wichita Wind Surge) at 6:35 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for only $12 and are available
HOLOGRAMS from HISTORY
outside the stadium prior to the game. The Hollister High School Choir will be perform the “National Anthem.” The Hollister Middle School will perform “God Bless America.” The Hollister Cub Choir will perform “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” during the seventh inning stretch. Fireworks will be presented following the game. For more information, 417-3343050; HollisterChamber. net. Sponsored by Central Bank.
• 5 Health and wellness event, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. This is a health and wellness event with 14 different vendors at the Pointe Royale Clubhouse. We will have a drawing for a $150 gift card from Natures Wonders. There is no entry fee. 142 Clubhouse Dr., Branson.
IMAX ELITE Cinema
SNOW WHITE IMAX W
1:00, 3:30, 7:20
OZARKS Q 10:00
SECRETS OF THE SEA Q 11:00
BLUE ANGELS Q 12:00
MICKEY 17 R 1:00, 4:00, 7:00 BLACK BAG W 12:30, 3:00, 6:50
MUFASA: THE LION KING W 12:30, 3:00, 6:50
• 5 Spring Breeze Craft Show, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fourth annual Spring Breeze Craft Show. We will have 40 vendors for guests to shop from. All kinds of handmade crafts to homemade baked goodies for the whole family. Free admission, too, so come visit and get your Spring/Easter shopping done. New Testament Christian Church (formally OLD Reeds Spring High School), 21016 Main Street, Reeds Spring. Look for the signs at Hwy. 76 and Hwy. 13 to point you in the right direction. We are one block west of Hwy 13 and 76 stoplight. For more information, Spring Breeze Craft Show on Facebook. Free Gospel Concert: Jammin’ for Jesus free gospel concerts are every first Sunday of the month, April through December at The Hughes Brothers Theater, 3425 W. 76
Country Blvd., Branson. It’s a different concert with new and amazing guests every month. Join us for a time of praise and giving, 2-4 p.m. For more information, https://www. bransonjamminforjesus. com 7 Kimberling Area Library: High Tide in Hawaii (Magic Tree House Book Club, 10:30 a.m. Program lasts about one hour. Library is located at 45 Kimberling Blvd, Kimberling City. • 11 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/ • 14 Kimberling Area Library: Spring Story Time, 10:30 a.m. Program lasts about one hour. Library is located at 45 Kimberling Blvd, Kimberling City. 17 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. Register for the FREE class at https:// business.hollisterchamber.net/ap/Events/Register/DgF246ZS1CQCW
also shared on the talk show’s Twitter & Instagram pages. Twitter: OzarkMediachick. Instagram: OzarkMediachick24. Each live talk show podcast, is all about Branson & the Ozarks, and is done, from.a local perspective, with a fun, positive spin. Brought to you by our 28 sponsors: Bliss Gas Services, The Branson Globe, The Branson Show Awards, Branson’s Tribute To Johnny Cash, Camping World, Cindy Gilley, Consignnent Clothing Exchange, Dolce Vita Italian Ices, Dragon Wiens Designs, Fuschia Flip Chronicles, GT Graphics LLC, The Great Passion Play, King’s Castle Theatre, Made In The USA General Store, MarieZ, Michael Mayo Comedy Hypnosis, Nashville Roadhouse Live, Peggy’s Rock Shop, Pierce Arrow, Premier Dance Academy, The Red Garter, Signs NOW, Stevie Lee Woods, Sunfest Market, Sun Theater, Sweet Shack Branson, Sweet Suzie’s Frozen Treats, The Rogue Chef Branson. *For more info, on being a guest, or, a sponsor, call Carrie Anne at: 573-795-1921.
CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD E 1:10, 4:10, 7:10
Chapels being built in the area, thanks to songwriter
BY K.D. MICHAELS, StaffWriter
Instead of Johnny Appleseed, one Branson area resident is referred to as Lynda Chapelseed.
Lynda Lynn, along with her husband Bud, has been planting small churches – or chapels – across the country in a movement known as Chapelwoods Across America. The project began as a vision in 2008.
“I was always making my morning run down the walking trail at Notch, Missouri, near Branson West and Silver Dollar City,” Lynda recalled. “I loved watching the moms and dads with their children on the walking trail. I could tell they loved the nature trail. They loved watching the birds, the flowers and the beautiful, majestic Ozark trees and the breathtaking scenery.”
Lynn, a songwriter and vocalist, continued, “One day the Lord said, ‘Who made the birds, the bees, the flowers and the trees? Build me a little chapel so people can enter a little chapel in the woods and feel the love I have for them, so they will realize I am the one who made all these beautiful things of nature.’ “
With the vision of Chapelwoods firmly in place, construction was soon to follow. Neighbors came by to lend a hand, donating their time, construction supplies and even religious decor for the chapel. The project became a labor of love.
“One Saturday, as we were trying to propel the large cedar beams for the roof, suddenly, to my surprise, here comes a big truck, with men
from 16 to 70,” said Lynn. “They hopped out to lend a helping hand, led by a young carpenter, Clay Mosier, from Cedar Ridge Baptist Church. Soon after, the Notch Church Family came to pray and write scripture verses and letters inside the walls and on the floor, with Bonnie Walker leading the congregation.”
Area businesses donated many items, such as the door, windows, flooring and sheetrock to see the chapel completed.
“In 2013, we dedicated Chapelwoods,” Lynda explained. “Eleven pastors attended. All 11 were praying and anointing the walls with Holy Oil. Sixty guests came. We set up a stage for all the singers to sing songs for Jesus. It was a glorious day of celebration.”
Since that time, the Notch chapel has been the site of weddings and ordinations, and has hosted many guest singers. Said Lynda, “Texas Country Gospel did a show, and the chapel has been used as a front cover for CDs. We do a show from Chapelwoods called ‘Chapelwoods on the Mountain’ that airs on Branson Gospel TV and the ALG Gospel Network. We feature ministers such as the late Dr. Cecil Todd and artists and performers such as Barbara Fairchild, Jonathan Bond, Dr. Dale Smith, Randy Plummer, Kenny Goodman and many others have been featured on the program from Chapelwoods to sing and share their love for the Lord.”
Since the building of the first Chapelwoods, two additional chapels have been
SEE CHAPELWOODS, PAGE 9B
Chapelwoods in Notch (Photo submitted)
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
RICH BITTERMAN Stone Co. Sales Rep. 816-522-9876 rich.w.bitterman@gmail.com
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KIM CHAPPELL Ad Designer gabbydor210@gmail.com
MARK FEDER Taney Co. Sales Rep. (805) 320-3746 shotgunart@yahoo.com
JOHN FULLERTON Area Historian cowboyclub1994@gmail.com
LUANNA FULLERTON Entertainment Writer bransonglobeluanna@ gmail.com
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KAREN HALFPOP Digital/Production Mgr. production@bransonglobe. com
K.D. MICHAELS Staff Writer kdmichaelsbranson1@ gmail.com
CYNTHIA J. THOMAS Staff Writer cjthomas74@yahoo.com www.cynthiajthomas.com
DARYL WEATHER Weather Forecaster bransonwx@gmail.com
EDITORIAL
POLICY:
The comments on opinion pages are the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily those of the Branson Globe, or its staff. Have something to say? Share it with us in your own Letter to the Editor. Letters to the editor sent via e-mail and fewer than 400 words are given preference. Published or unpublished letters become the property of the newspaper and will not be returned. All letters must include, name, address, and verifiable phone number. The editors may refuse publication of any letter that is libelous, in poor taste, or that endorses a business or product. Letters are subject to editing. © 2025 Branson Globe Newspaper, LLC. All rights reserved.
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS Staff Writer
Last Monday, we gathered with neighbors on a point overlooking Table Rock Lake to watch crews set off explosives to drop the last sections of the Long Creek bridge. The noise and impact were noticeable even from more distant parts of the lake, but since our neighborhood is close by, we felt a considerable shake underfoot as the blast
BY JOSHUA HESTON StateoftheOzarks Media & Design
The Ozarks are beautiful in springtime, but springtime is not yet here. I stand atop my own meadow mountain, wind gusts hitting something like 50 miles an hour, and squint into the gale, into the dust, briefly losing my footing and catching myself from falling as the wind intensifies. Brown grasses ripple. The bare elm limbs above make popping sounds. Dead branches fall, crashing. I remind myself not to stand long beneath the trees. To the South, bright sun. To the West, squalls, rain sheets moving in sharp line, marching northward. Narrowly, the storm will miss me, my house. I breathe a sigh of relief, even while whispering a prayer for those in the path of the late winter storms. Lightning traces the western edge of the horizon. The Cailleach is strong tonight. The old Scots-Irish settlers in the Ozarks would know what I was talking about. The Cailleach is a weather-personification dei-
Reflections: Some shaking going on
happened.
Some people, maybe visiting the area or just not aware of the bridge project, jumped on social media to ask what had happened. Our group was not frightened, though; we were expecting the explosion as something that needed to happen in order to have a new bridge. It wasn’t a problem; it was part of something bigger and better.
When the first section was dropped a couple of weeks ago, I was not able to be lakeside and did not know the exact time or how it would feel, so when the blast rattled dishes and shook the house, I jumped and my cat shot into the air. Still, I wasn’t frightened, because something had
been promised.
The bridge incidents reminded me of recently studying Acts 4:31, “After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” (BSB)
After Jesus ascended to heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to empower his followers to begin sharing the Gospel. As the number of believers and miracles increased, the religious leaders were not happy, and the apostles Peter and John were arrested, questioned and threatened. Upon their release, they returned to the group of believers gathered for prayer.
Did they pray for protection from further opposi-
tion? No. They prayed for boldness to continue speaking the Word. Likely they remembered Jesus telling them they would experience trouble, yet they held fast to his promises and his command to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). And when they prayed for boldness, the shaking happened. Were they frightened? No; this confirmed that the Holy Spirit was present and active, stirring them to even more teaching and preaching. Shaking wasn’t a problem because it was part of something bigger.
Not all shaking comes from a good source. Had that explosion happened when MoDOT was not at work, it would have indi-
cated something terribly wrong. Jesus spoke of that, too, in Matthew 7:24–27. When that bridge fell, I was glad to be standing on a solid rocky point. In Jesus’ analogy, the house built on solid rock—His Word— stood firm even in the storm, while a house built on easily shifting sand—not attentive to the Word—did not. Shaking, whether literal or figurative, can remind us to turn to Jesus and his strength. We can pray expectantly, like those early believers, and feel the Holy Spirit’s response as we move ahead in obedience. We can also expect storms that try to shake us from our foundation, but if our hope and purpose are anchored in God’s Word, we will stand firm.
Been Thinkin’ About…The divine hag
ty, the divine hag of winter. Her season began in November and continues until the end of April. She is the harsh winter wind, the ice and sleet and freeze that, in an unforgiving landscape, yields no mercy. Man, woman, child, all can die before the terror of the Cailleach, the goddess who froze the mountains and breathed depth into the whirlpools. The Cailleach commands snow and sleet, wind and lightning with abandon. Let the old German cunning folk of the Ozarks have their folk magic and herb gathering and healing stones cut from the belly of a doe. Leave instead to the ScotsIrish, Bible in hand as they kept their old rites to ward against evil, the great sky magic of the North. Leave it to the Scots-Irish to understand magic and death and hope in equal measure. As I write late this Saturday night, photos of devastated towns across Missouri and Arkansas continue to flood my timeline. I pause over the video of the tornado filmed from beneath the lighted canopy of the gas station in Rolla. I’ve gotten gas there. Too many families are left with nothing but wreckage of their former lives. My heart breaks, even as I breathe thanks of my own, mostly intact, life. Storms of all kinds take their toll, storms that are seen, storms that are unseen.
No matter how we cut it, life is rough.
Patronizing images of settler wagons and sunset grandeur tell little of the real story of American westward expansion. We remember the pioneers with single-dimension homage, sometimes heroically, now more often with trivialization: White settlers storming stolen land, driven by misplaced destiny. Easy story to remember, easy story to catalog. We recite meaningless “land acknowledgements” stripped of human context in order to make us feel better about ourselves before returning to our own lives as bland consumers, cut off from a real world teeming around us, a real world that sometimes slaps us back into reality with storms from within or without. The Cailleach cannot be spurned forever. Human beings are complex things, just as is the natural world in which we reside. We cannot be summated by a brand, a job, an academic degree. A single human is the cosmos in micro, unimaginably complex, teeming with life and sentience now only beginning to be understood again. Our modern-day ignorance is due to all we have thrown away over the past hundred years, victims of our great-grandparents,’ our grandparents,’ our parents’ own hubris. Those old
Ozarks superstitions? Hiding beneath the superstitions lie ancient knowledge, secrets to the complexities of our personal and outer cosmos. And therein lies the secret to the divine hag.
I thumbed carefully through the stack of LIFE magazines from the 1950s, magazines handed off by a neighbor who was clearing space from her shelves. “Take all of them you want,” she said and I took her at her word, I an ingenuous 14 year old. My mom’s eyes narrowed in disapproval, even as I staggered under the weight of the stacked magazines. There was cool art on the yellowed pages. Who knew what sort of interesting reading was hiding within. The magazines proved less interesting than I had hoped, mostly housekeeping and beauty tips and a hundred ways to use gumdrops for a classy bridge party dessert. But one thing that stuck with me was the emphasis on beauty. Women were supposed to be young, beautiful, perfect. Hags were definitely not part of the party.
Perhaps the real nail in the coffin was the Disney retelling of the old fairytales. Deep archetypal lessons of the complexity of the world explored through the intricacies of male and female differences were lost. Good, the beautiful princess, bad the evil old
witch. The witch became single-dimensional, with no lessons of her own, only good for getting pushed off a cliff. The Cailleach would not suffer such one-dimensionality without a cost, for she was winter and storm, and just as unavoidable. Evil? Maybe. But, like winter, she would go, and come again. Light and dark, good and evil. In the wheel of life, we must face both, braving tragedy and joy in the measure of the fates, even as we hope and claw our way to the gates of heaven.
A modern world’s promise suggests false hope, the possibility of no pain, no strife, all the good things, if only for the right price. If that is our premise, we will remain forever incomplete, growing old but never wise. Our price in this life is pain, challenge, horror, sorrow. Old, “primitive” generations understood such. We often remain broken, victimized by our own simple reality, lacking in any way to tell the story. Darkness is there of course, the divine and terrifying hag, bringer of doom and death. But the hag also reminds us of simple hopes — that nothing lasts forever, that even the ugly and the old bring great lessons, and even in the darkest moment there is faith, should we but reach out to one another and light a candle, believing for a moment, even in the night. When
are taxes due?
BY RAMSEY SOLUTIONS
When is Tax Day?
Tax Day is Tuesday, April 15, 2025—all individual federal income tax returns are due on this day. This deadline is for federal returns, not state taxes.
For those planning to file online, the date and time when you click “submit” determines if your return is filed on time. Don’t worry— you’ll receive an electronic confirmation that the IRS has accepted your return. Need to snail mail your
return? The IRS considers a mailed return on time if the envelope is addressed correctly, has plenty of postage, and is postmarked by April 15.
Key tax deadlines in 2025 (Important dates most people need to keep in mind for this tax year)
• April 15, 2025 (Tax Day): This is the big one! Deadlines include:
◊ Filing your individual federal tax return for the 2024 tax year
◊ Requesting an exten-
sion with Form 4868
◊ Paying any federal taxes owed for the 2024 tax year
◊ Paying Q1 2025 estimated tax payments
◊ Making any additional IRA or HSA contributions for the 2024 tax year
• October 15, 2025
If you filed a tax extension, this is the last day to file your tax return for tax year 2024. When is the deadline to pay my taxes?
Your tax payment deadline depends on your filing status. For most individuals, it’s simple: Your deadline to file and pay is Tax Day— which is also the worst day to find out you have an unexpected tax bill to deal with.
If you can’t pay your bill on time, the IRS does offer payment plans (with interest, mind you). But it’s always easier to handle a tax
bill when you know about it ahead of time. Then you can come up with your own payment plan by Tax Day. What if I can’t file by the tax deadline?
If you can’t file your taxes by Tax Day, don’t panic— you can get a six-month extension by filling out Form 4868. Just be sure to submit it by Tax Day.
If you zoom past April 15 without an extension, you’ll pay a failure-to-file penalty, which is 5% of your unpaid taxes each month up to a maximum penalty of 25%. For returns over 60 days late, the minimum penalty is either $510 or 100% of the tax owed (whichever amount is less). Ouch!
This is really important: Even if you’ve requested an extension to file, that doesn’t mean you have an extension to pay.
For most people, you have until October 15 (six months after April 15) to file your tax return after an extension. What happens if I don’t file by the extension due date?
You’re going to have to pay the failure-to-file penalty —and that’s just flushing cash down the toilet. We want you to conquer Tax Day, not the other way around. We recommend that you file your taxes sooner rather than later. It can make all the difference in how much you’ll end up having to shell out to Uncle Sam.
You still need to send in your tax payment to the IRS on your filing due date. The last thing you want is to get hit with a penalty for paying late, which could be anywhere from 0.5% to 25% of those unpaid taxes. When is my tax return due after filing an extension?
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 wife and I started out broke when we married. Since then, we’ve been very blessed in our work and investments. We’re currently looking at retiring early
Dave Says: Wealth magnifies what’s already there
in a few years, with a nest egg of somewhere between $8 million and $12 million. Our four daughters, all between the ages of seven and 12, have been raised in the church, and we’ve tried our best to teach them to love God, not money. Is there a certain limit we should look at in terms of how much we leave them as an inheritance?
Mark
Dear Mark, First off, wow! You two have done an incredible job managing your money. I’m so proud of you and what you’ve been able to accomplish. Honestly, I don’t look at
things like this in terms of an amount, but as a principle. You aren’t obligated, biblically or otherwise, to leave your money to your kids. At the same time, I think it’s wrong to assume that leaving them your money will damage them in some way. Wealth always magnifies the character of the person holding it. That includes both their positive and negative traits. You said you’re raising your girls to love God and understand that the church is important. I believe those are great first steps toward teaching children to have good, strong character.
One of the first things we taught our kids about, aside from God, was how they were not entitled to anything just because they hit the gene pool lottery. Another thing we taught them was that in order to be qualified to manage the Ramsey wealth, they had to understand they didn’t own it — God did. Every bit of it. Their job was to manage it wisely. Once you understand that concept, you also begin to realize why the Bible has so many warnings about wealth. It’s a heavy thing to carry in a wise manner.
The Bible tells us that a good man leaves an in-
heritance to his children’s children (Proverbs 13:22).
But at the same time, you don’t want your hard-earned money going to fund a cocaine habit for some here today, gone tomorrow reality television star on the back of a yacht. It sounds to me like you and your wife are doing a great job — not only with your money but also with raising your girls to know right from wrong and to have a sound, biblically based moral compass.
Finally, Mark, one thing I want you to avoid falling for is the thread running through some of our Chris-
tian churches that says money is a bad thing. It’s not. Money is a tool, one that’s not inherently good or bad. It can be used responsibly or irresponsibly, depending on the holder, and it exposes the morals and character of the people it touches. Your job as parents is to raise kids who grow into adults with the morals and character to manage this huge financial legacy wisely for the Lord. If you do your job well (and I think you’re off to a good start), the wealth you leave them will truly be a blessing. — Dave
Stock Market Insights: Driving the economy, finding the right balance for growth
JOE SHEARRER, CPFA® is Vice President and Wealth Advisor at Fervent Wealth Management.
This past weekend, I took my nine-year-old son with me for a round of golf. One of his favorite parts of the experience is getting the chance to drive the golf cart.
As I guided him through the process, I quickly realized that the hardest lesson to teach wasn’t steering or braking—it was how to control the throttle, knowing when to apply just the right amount of pressure to keep things smooth and steady.
This got me thinking about how this challenge mirrors the way our economy functions. Much like a golf cart navigating the course, the economy is constantly adjusting to changing conditions. While long-term growth is achievable, it’s
TANKERSLEY,
provides services for
Many people are hoping mortgage rates will come down before they buy a home. But will that actually happen? According to the latest forecasts, experts say rates will decline, but not by as much as a lot of people want.
The good news? Even if they don’t drop substantially, there are still ways to make buying a home more affordable.
How Much Will Rates Drop?
A few months ago, experts were forecasting mortgage rates could dip below 6% by the end of the year. But recent projections suggest that may not happen after all.
While mortgage rates are still expected to decline some later this year, projections from Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), and Wells Fargo now show them stabilizing closer to 6.5% by the end of the year.
That means if you’re holding off on buying a home in hopes of much low-
rarely a straight path. Structural, financial and external factors create an uneven ride, requiring careful balance between acceleration and controlled slowdowns to maintain stability. Just as a skilled driver learns to regulate speed, sustainable economic growth depends on knowing when to push forward and when to ease off the gas.
As we head into spring, the U.S. economy is beginning to ease off the gas a bit. After a strong rebound from the pandemic and a period of steady expansion fueled by resilient consumer spending, economic growth now appears to be slowing back toward its pre-pandemic norm of around 2%. Consumer confidence surveys suggest some pullback in spending, and the job market seems to be
tightening. However, overall, consumers—especially higher-income earners—are still in good financial shape. In fact, the top 10% of earners now account for roughly half of all spending.
This gradual slowdown could actually be a positive for the stock market. With growth easing, inflationary pressures may subside, increasing the likelihood of more interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve. It’s important to note that this is a moderation, not an economic collapse. In fact, despite some weaker economic data last month, inflation flaring back up is likely a greater concern than a recession. A controlled slowdown from last year’s unsustainable 3% growth rate is a scenario we’re willing to embrace. Slower growth and low-
er inflation would support the Fed’s plan for rate cuts, preventing a sharp rise in interest rates that could negatively impact both stocks and bonds. So far this year, bond yields have declined but remain attractive, making 2025 look promising for fixed-income investors. Meanwhile, stocks have had a sluggish start due to concerns over tariffs, but a combination of moderating inflation and stable interest rates creates a strong case for continued gains in the market.
A key driver for stocks this year is corporate earnings, which remain solid.
In the fourth quarter, S&P 500 companies posted earnings per share growth of more than 18% compared to the previous year. While some analysts’ projections for double-digit earnings
growth in 2025 might be overly optimistic—especially if tariffs persist and trigger retaliatory measures—the earnings outlook remains strong enough to support stock market gains.
Market leadership is also shifting. The biggest seven technology stocks, often referred to as the “Magnificent Seven,” have dropped about 9% this year, while the broader S&P 500 has seen slight gains. As skepticism grows over the longterm momentum of the artificial intelligence (AI) boom in big tech, investors are rotating into other sectors—a natural evolution as a bull market matures.
In the near term, tariffs remain a risk. Some may be adjusted, delayed, or even reversed, but others will likely remain in place. If trading
partners retaliate, it could weigh on U.S. economic growth. Certain industries, such as autos, food and beverage, and retail, may feel the impact as price increases and currency fluctuations limit how much foreign suppliers can absorb. This could complicate the Fed’s task of managing inflation. However, even with these challenges, corporate America’s AI-driven earnings growth is unlikely to be derailed. Overall, stocks are expected to have a positive year, supported by continued corporate profit growth. However, the road ahead—much like on a golf course—may be bumpy as the economy slows and uncertainty around policy decisions persists. Have a blessed week! www.FerventWM.com
How to buy a home without waiting for lower rates
er mortgage rates, you may be waiting a while. And if you need to move because something in your life has changed, like a new job, a new baby, or a marriage –waiting that long may not be an option.
Creative Financing Options in Today’s Market
Since rates aren’t expected to decline as much as originally expected, it may be worth considering alternative financing options that could help you get into a home sooner rather than later. Here are three strategies to discuss with your lender to see if any of these make sense for you:
1. Mortgage Buydowns A mortgage buydown allows you to pay an upfront fee to lower your mortgage rate for a set period of time. This can be especially helpful if you want or need a lower monthly payment early on. In fact, 27% of agents say first-time homebuyers
are increasingly requesting buydowns from sellers in order to buy a home right now.
2. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages
Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) typically start with a lower mortgage rate than a traditional 30-year fixed mortgage. This makes them an attractive option, especially if you expect rates to drop in the coming years or plan to refinance later.
And if you remember the housing crash, know that today’s ARMs aren’t like the risky ones back then. Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub, helps drive this point home by saying:
“. . . ARM products today are different from many of the products issued in the mid-2000s.
Before 2008, lenders often approved ARMs based on borrowers ability to pay
the initial lower interest rates. And sometimes they didn’t even check that (remember Ninja loans). Today, adjustable-rate borrowers qualify based on their ability to cover a higher monthly payment, not just the initial lower payment.”
In simple terms, banks used to give loans without checking to see if buyers could afford them. Now, lenders verify income, assets, and jobs, reducing the risks associated with ARMs
compared to the past.
3. Assumable Mortgages
An assumable mortgage allows you to take over the seller’s existing loan — including its lower mortgage rate. And with more than 11 million homes qualifying for this option according to U.S. News, it’s worth exploring if you want or need a better rate.
Bottom Line
Waiting for a big decline in mortgage rates may not be the best strategy. Instead, options like buydowns,
ARMs, or assumable mortgages could make homeownership more affordable right now. Connect with a local lender to explore what works for you. How does this impact your homebuying plans this year?
It’s Your Move! Unlock the potential in your next home purchase!
Tankers-
BY HEATHER
REALTOR®,
residential, commercial, land and lake properties in the Branson Tri-Lakes area.
Today I bring you part
two of a 1963 interview with longtime Crane resident Mary Hemphill. I want to say a big round of thanks to everyone who commented on part one from last week, as many of you Stone County residents knew Mary personally. She passed away in September 2005 at the age of 101. Here’s part 2, picking up where she left off last week.
The new townsite was purchased by Lee Hemphill.
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.
If you love history, we are seeking sponsors to run this column. Your customers would appreciate it. Contact Rob at the Globe, 417-3349100, for details.
In the afternoon of April 18, 1942, skies over Japan cleared. Many in their B-25s could look back at the
New businesses were coming in and the old businesses were moving over from across the creek. The streets were laid out to parallel the railroad, and thus do not run square with the map.
E.C. Cutbirth moved a store building from Old Town to the site now occupied by the storage building of the Woods Garment Factory. Cotton Williams moved his drug store business. J.C. Lane and his brother Willis bought out Douglas and Moore and established their business on “Value Corner” where the Myers Drug Store is now located.
Meanwhile, carpenters were erecting new homes. Jim Kincaid and Jim Hammonds were among the earliest carpenters. The O.F. Douglas house, located where Roy and Millicent Williams now live, was one
destruction they delivered as the planes scampered west. Explosions, flames and fireballs dotted the landscape, but it was now time for the brave triumphant Doolittle Raiders to concentrate on their own survival.
Early in 1942 there was little good world news for the home front. Post Pearl Harbor, the Japanese had put together a string of impressive conquests in Asia: Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and soon the Philippines. Germany was having similar success, the Battle of the North Atlantic where Nazi U-Boats were sinking U.S. merchant ships almost at will, Rommel was barreling through North Africa, German Armies were on the doorstep of Moscow and even London had been under aerial bombardment. Allies were retreating almost ev-
of the earliest homes built in New Town, William Gatton moved in from Verona with the railroad and established the Morning Star Restaurant, which catered to railroad men, serving meals family style - all you could eat for a quarter.
Other new people were making Crane their home and place of business. Among the new doctors were Dr. Hoffman, Dr. Baker, Dr. Goodrich and Dr. R.W. Smart, who established the community’s first and only hospital. Later came Dr. Doggett, who owned and operated for several years Doggett’s Drug Store, which claimed at one time to be Stone County’s biggest store. And still later, Dr. Kerr, who in addition to a long career as a country doctor, was active in civic affairs and served as President of the State Board of Health at one time.
erywhere.
My mother came to dread family radio hour, “There was never any good news, we were losing, it seemed on all fronts!” Famed radio broadcaster Edward R. Murrow, in his baritone voice, would deliver the nightly unfathomable news that the world as we knew it, was coming apart.
She recalled infrequently listening to, “The Voice of Canada,” Loren Greene, later to play Ben Cartwright of Bonanza fame, with his own smooth deep voice delivering our neighbors war news. It was customary in Canada for Greene to convey each individual’s name who had been killed in action. Heart wrenching, soon Greene received the moniker, “The Voice of Doom!”
Once Doolittle’s raid leaked out it was a ray of
J. William Cook came to Crane in 1906 as attorney for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. Mr. Luscombe built a large store building where the Farmers’ Exchange now stands, and caused to be added to Crane the addition known as Luscombe Heights.
The oldest business still operating is the Bank of Crane, which was chartered September 10, 1904. The first board of directors were William H. Bradford, O.F. Douglas, David M. Hoffman, William R. Gillette and John T. Moore. Other stockholders were R. B. Gillette, C.D. Turner, J.A. Blades, M.P. Brown and J.F. Strickland. All of the foregoing organizers and stockholders are now deceased.
In May 1905, H.N. Parsons built the Commercial Hotel, now owned by Mrs. Nettie Gossett. There was a building on the corner where the Locker Flant parking lot is now that was occupied by a barber shop. Gene Cameron was the barber. Fred Whitmire operated a hardware store where the McCord Building now stands. John Hilton moved his hardware business to Crane from
much needed national hope.
As the bombers left Japanese air space none of the B-25s had been brought down, several took hits but all stayed aloft. Now back over the water, flying above the Sea of Japan and East China Sea heading to friendly, but occupied China.
Only one plane, Captain York’s #8, veered off course landing in a field on Russian soil.
York and his crew wanted to refuel and join the others in China but the Russians held them due to their nonaggression agreement with Japan, sometimes treating the Americans as pampered guests and other days as prisoners.
Quietly, 13 months later, through a clandestine operation, York and his mates were snuck over the border joining British troops in Iran
unbeknownst to the Japanese, as their captors “turned away.”
Doolittle and the other 14 crews parachuted out and ditched their planes as planned. Most hit safely on land, a few crashed into the surf suffering a variety of injuries but predictably eight of the airmen were captured.
Many of the flyers were helped by stunned Chinese civilians, others by confused guerrilla fighters. Japan had invaded this part of China years ago. After the Doolittle Raid the Japanese would take revenge on the region for aiding the raiders. It’s reported as many as 300,000 civilians and military personnel were killed, women raped and cities destroyed, brutal actions were demanded by embarrassed enemy commanders.
Several Japanese military
officers committed suicide fulfilling their bizarre code, following dishonor or a failure. Survivors left trinkets for those that gave them shelter like cigarettes, buttons, badges and coins. If evidence was found by the Japanese or pieces of a parachute, the town would be razed. After three months of their savage-
BY COWBOY JOHN FULLERTON, a native of Taney County, and a member of the Sons of the Pioneers.
Lorne Green played Ben Cartwright on the TV series “Bonanza.” He was the “ Voice of Canada,” during World War II. (Photo submitted by Bob Ford)
SEE BOB FORD, PAGE 9B
Scholten in 1906. Willis Wiley became his partner in this business, and later John Hilton’s son, A.B. Hilton, became a partner in the store. He and Mr. Wiley operated the store together until 1925 when Mr. Hilton bought out Mr. Wiley’s interest. The
Willis Wiley, one of Crane’s early businessmen. (Photo courtesy of the White River Valley Historical Society)
SEE JOHN FULLERTON, PAGE 8B
ENTERTAINMENT
New entertainment added to Thunder Ridge 2025 schedule
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Several concerts and events have been added to the 2025 lineup at the beautiful Thunder Ridge Nature Arena, just south of Branson in nearby Ridgedale.
Currently, the 2025 season gets underway on Saturday, April 26, with Bulls, Bands and Barrels, and a concert featuring country great Riley Green. The event gets un-
derway at 6:30 p.m.
Country supergroup Alabama will take the stage at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 25.
On Saturday, June 7, Styx, Kevin Cronin and Don Felder appear in concert, beginning at 6:45 p.m.
On Thursday, June 12, Hozier, takes the stage at 8 p.m.
Post Malone and Jelly Roll are entertaining the crowd on Friday, June 13,
beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 29, is the Outlaw Music Festival, featuring Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats and Trampled by Turtles. The fun begins at 3:45 p.m.
Kane Brown takes the stage on Saturday, July 25, and Creed performs in concert on Saturday, August 2. Both events kick off at 7 p.m.
Hank Williams Jr. performs in concert on Saturday, August 16. His show gets underway at 6:30 p.m.
On Wednesday, August 20, The Offspring, Jimmy Eat World and New Found Glory will entertain. The show begins at 7 p.m.
Live and Collective Soul perform on Friday, August 22, beginning at 6 p.m.
A recent addition to the
Legends in Concert® Branson announces national tour of ‘Menopause the Musical 2: Cruising through the Change’®
Submitted to Branson Globe Legends in Concert Branson and GFour Productions, winners of 68 Drama Desk and 54 Tony Awards, are proudly bringing the international hit show “Menopause the Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’” ® to the Pepsi Legends Theater in Branson in 2026. Performance dates are January 16 at 7:30 p.m.; January 17 at 3:00 and 7:30 p.m.; and January 18 at 3 p.m.
Menopause The Musical 2® is the new sequel to the long-running, international hit show Menopause The Musical®, a groundbreaking celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have experienced “The Change.”
Five years after their chance encounter in a department store, we set sail with our beloved ladies for more high jinks on the high seas — plus hot flashes,
Reeds Spring student art highlighted at art show
Submitted to Branson Globe
See the creative talents of students in grades 1-6 at the 41st Annual Table Rock Art Guild Children’s Art Show. The event runs from March 27-29 at Claybough Plaza in Branson West. The hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily.
Here is the list of Reeds Spring Elementary School with pieces chosen: Preston Clopton, Miguel Contreras, Hope Wolfe, Reighlynn Mease, Finley Hardcastle, Charlie Conner, Ellie Garr, Lulu Conner, Abigail Patrick, Annabelle Miller, June Frieze, Jules Schneider-Behn, Kenzie Phillip, LeeAnn Taylor, Baylee Leimkuehler, Addy Clevenger, Jupiter Fuller,
Layla Powell, Isabel Pryor, Macon Holt, Kinlee Weaver, CJ Burdi-Rawls and Anastashia Crouch. These sketches came from art class assignments to sketch animals wearing sweaters and drawing the Northern Lights over a wintry landscape. Reeds Spring Intermediate School students with pieces: Abbigail Murphy, Alice Maples, Brihanna Miller, Kinzie Devors, Lyanna Arnall, Paxon Clopton and Sophya Rodriquez.
Examples of elementary and intermediate student art featured in the show (Photo submitted)
mood swings, weight gain, dating, grandchildren and memory lapses! Join them on a trip of self-discovery, backed by a new soundtrack of toe-tapping parodied hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. The all-female cast form a community with the entire audience as they rejoice the importance of friendship through “The Change.”
Menopause the Musical 2® is THE Girls Night Out show! It’s a vacation for
everyone in the audience. Grab your friends and arrive early for an adult beverage at the Legendary VIP overlook or lobby. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling the box office at 417339-3003 or book online at https://pepsilegendstheatre. branson.direct/show/menopause-the-musical. Ticket prices start at $44.95. Group discounts for 10-plus are also available.
Thunder Ridge Lineup is Cody Johnson, set to perform on Saturday, August 23, with the concert beginning at 7 p.m.
Country great Tim McGraw is slated to perform on Sunday, August 31, with his show beginning at 8 p.m.
On Friday, September 5, enjoy the Doobie Brothers, beginning at 7 p.m.
Mid September will feature the Light the Way Music Fes-
tival, with Need to Breathe, Josiah Queen, Tauren Wells and Jordan Feliz. This twoday event begins on Friday, September 12 at noon.
Kidz Bop Live will wrap up the 2025 season, with a performance at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 25. Tickets for any of the 2025 events can be purchased online at thunderridgeschedule.com
There was a sea of green in Branson on Monday as revelers enjoyed St Patrick’s Day. This coupled,
for the
STORY & PHOTO BY K.D.
MICHAELS, Staff Writer
decked in St. Patrick’s Day attire, even included their four-legged friend Maddie in the fun. Maddie wore green apparel and beads
occasion.
Forsyth teacher is Out of This World
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Sue Deroo, a teacher in the Forsyth School District, was named the most recent Central Bank Out of This World Teacher.
Deroo is a third grade teacher at Forsyth Elementary School. She also serves as the high school cheerleading coach.
As this month’s Out of This World Teacher, Sue received a commemorative plaque, gift certificates for dinner and entertainment, and a basket of goodies from Central Bank and Legends
106.3. Deroo was also interviewed, live, on The Upside with Josh and Them, a morning show on Legends 106.3.
To nominate your favorite teacher for Out of this World Teacher, visit the legends1063.fm website, click on the Promotions tab, and tell us why your teacher should be named the next Out of This World Teacher. Teachers from all levels, in Taney or Stone County, are eligible for this award. Winning teachers are those that go above and beyond to help their students reach for the stars.
Ribbon cutting held for new Branson West business
Hollister School District honors Embers Only with March Community Spotlight Award
Submitted to Branson Globe
The Hollister R-V School District is proud to announce Embers Only as the recipient of the Board of Education’s Community Spotlight Award for March in recognition of their outstanding support and generosity toward Hollister students and staff.
In less than six months, Embers Lounge and the Embers Only Club have organized two major fund-
raisers, raising and donating just over $14,000 to the Hollister Schools Foundation. Their contributions have helped meet essential student needs, providing vital resources and opportunities.
In January alone, they raised nearly $7,500, a remarkable effort that will have a lasting impact on the district. What sets Embers Only apart is not just the amount they have given, but their unwavering trust and commit-
ment to the district. Rather than earmarking their donations for specific purposes, they have entrusted the Hollister Schools Foundation to allocate the funds where they are needed most. Furthermore, their efforts are entirely self-driven—they organize, plan and execute these fundraisers with little to no assistance from the school or foundation, showcasing their dedication to making a difference.
“Overwhelming is the only word that comes to mind when describing the support Embers Only has provided to our students and staff,” said Dr. Brian Wilson, Superintendent of the Hollister R-V School District. “Their generosity, selflessness and belief in our schools are truly inspiring, and we are beyond grateful for their commitment.”
The Hollister R-V School District, Board of Education, and the Hollister Schools Foundation extend their deepest gratitude to Embers Only for their remarkable contributions. Their impact goes far beyond financial support—it is a testament to the strength and generosity of the Hollister community. For more information about the Hollister Schools Foundation or how to get involved, visit www.hollister. k12.mo.us/52137.
CITY OF FORSYTH WELCOMES TWO NEW RESTAURANTS ALONG HIGHWAY 160 – Grand opening events for two new restaurants along Highway 160 will be announced soon for El Lago Mexican Restaurant and Panther Den Pizzeria. (Photos by George Kurland)
Embers Only members and BOE President Andy Penrod (Photo submitted)
Josh Clark, host of The Upside with Josh and Them; Sue Deroo, Forsyth Elementary teacher; and Jared Lee, from Keller Williams Realty; guest host of The Upside. (Photo submitted)
The Rogue Chef: Rogue Rhubarb Custard Bars
BY CHEF JEFF WOODWARD, The Rogue Chef
TIME: Prep - 25 minutes
Bake - 50 minutes
SERVINGS: 24 bars
INGREDIENTS
• 2 C All-Purpose Flour
¼ C Sugar
• 1 C Cold Butter
Filling
• 2 C Sugar
7 T All-Purpose Flour
• 1 C Heavy Whipping
Cream
3 Large Eggs, beaten
• 5 C Frozen Rhubarb, thawed, drained and finely chopped
Topping 6 oz Cream Cheese, softened
• ½ C Sugar ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 C Heavy Whipping Cream
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 350°.
2. Combine the flour and sugar in a bowl. Cut the butter into the flour using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture looks like crumbs.
3. Press the mixture into a
The outdoors are calling at Big Cedar Lodge
Photo & Story Submitted to Branson Globe Spring in the Ozarks is a time of renewal when crisp Ozark Mountain air, vibrant blooms and outdoor adventure create the perfect setting for a nature escape.
Nestled in 4,600 acres of breathtaking wilderness, Big Cedar Lodge is the ultimate spring retreat, offering endless ways to reconnect with nature while enjoying world-class amenities.
From March through May, our Adventure in the Great Outdoors season invites guests to embrace the beauty of the outdoors whether teeing off on award-winning golf courses, glamping by the lake, or setting sail on a luxury yacht. Families, couples and friends will find adventure at every turn. What are you waiting for? Get outside at Big Cedar Lodge this season!
Season highlights are below:
Camp Long Creek
Reopening this month, experience the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort at Camp Long Creek. Our unique glamp-
• JOHN FULLERTON
Continued from page 4B
store is now owned and operated by Max Hilton, son of A.B. Hilton.
Undoubtedly, one of
ing accommodations allow guests to enjoy a serene background while relaxing in nature. Units include camp huts, camp cabins and glamping tents. With pet-friendly accommodations and a full-service marina, Camp Long Creek is specifically designed for the whole family.
Lady Liberty Cruises
Experience the beauty of Table Rock Lake on one of our Lady Liberty cruises. From a fine dining experience to a lake tour, our experienced captain will do the work so you can sit back, relax and take in the scenery while we cruise the water. Guests can choose from brunch, day, or dinner cruises offering breathtaking views, fine dining and fun experiences for all ages. Open to the public. Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail
Take a journey on a 2.5mile trail in an electric cart through the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Along the way guests will view stunning waterfalls, natural rock formations, and even drive through the Lost Canyon Cave. Don’t forget to stop at
Crane’s most colorful characters was B.F. Carney, who began his residence in Crane in 1909. He served the community as a school teacher. After serving as seventh
the Bat Bar inside and cool off with a drink before completing your Ozark Mountain adventure. Open to the public.
World-Class Championship Golf
Home to five legendary courses, including Tiger Woods’ Payne’s Valley, Big Cedar Lodge is a worldclass golf destination. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just looking to enjoy a casual round, the stunning Ozark backdrop makes every swing unforgettable. (Big Cedar Lodge was recently nominated by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards: Best Golf Resort and Best Public Golf Course) Open to the public. More adventures await: Boating and Fishing on Table Rock Lake
It’s time to cruise through open water with our boat and personal watercraft rentals from Bent Hook Marina and Bass Pro Shops Long Creek Marina. We proudly offer fully equipped bass boats, ski boats and pontoon boats, by our very own White River Marine Group (Tracker, Tahoe, Nitro and Regency). We also offer Wave Runner
and eighth grade teacher in Crane’s school, he was appointed by Governor Frederick Gardner to finish an unexpired term as Recorder of Deeds in 1917. He was publisher of the Crane Chronicle from 1911 to 1919 when he sold out to Don Wright after receiving an appointment as postmaster.
In 1922, Mr. Carney bought an abstract and in-
(personal watercraft) rentals. Boat and Wave Runner rentals are available by the hour or by the day. Long Creek Marina is open to the public.
Guided Nature Walks Thursdays and Fridays at 9 a.m. (March-November)
1.5-2 hours | $32 per person | Begins at the Top of the Rock Welcome Center
Learn about the Ozarks’ diverse landscape on an expert-led interpretive hike through the Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail. Open to the public.
Big Cedar History Walk Select Spring dates: 2
p.m.-3:15 p.m. | Adults (12plus): $15 | Children (ages 10-12): $10.
Uncover the resort’s rich past with a guided tour featuring grand lodges, the legend of Devil’s Pool, and the ghostly tales of Dorothy Worman. Open to the public. The Art of the Cocktail Fridays 3-4 p.m. | $54 per person | Harry’s Cocktail Lounge & Bar
Shake things up at Harry’s Cocktail Lounge & Bar with an interactive mixology class led by expert
surance business which he owned to the time of his death in 1937. He had the oldest and only complete abstract books of Stone County land at that time. It was in the Depression year of 1933 when money was scarce and credit was scarcer, that he conceived his pet scheme of circulating his personal notes as money to stimulate business. His
greased 9x13-inch baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool briefly before filling.
Filling
1. Combine sugar and flour in a bowl.
2. Whisk in the cream and eggs until well blended. Stir in the rhubarb.
3. Pour the mixture over the crust and bake for 40-45 minutes. Cool completely.
Topping
1. Beat the cream cheese,
sugar and vanilla until smooth.
2. Fold in the whipped cream.
3. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled custard.
4. Cover and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Cut into bars and enjoy! GO ROGUE by adding a bit of brandy or rum in place of the vanilla.
Want Chef Jeff to make a delicious dessert for you? Contact him at www. TheRogueChef.com .
bartenders, featuring new themed drinks each month.
Open to the public
Charcuterie and Wood Burning Class
March: Tuesdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. | April: Wednesday and Saturdays at 11 a.m. | May: Tuesdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. | $130 per pair
Sip, snack and create! Design a custom wood-burned charcuterie board while learning expert pairing techniques. Open to the public Boho Hat and Leather Burning Workshop
March: Thursdays at 2 p.m. | April: Fridays at 5 p.m. | May: Fridays at 3 p.m.| $70 per person
Join us for a fun afternoon of creating your own stylish hat and leather masterpieces! Each guest will receive a
notes were circulated far and wide, and today, several are in museums. His column, “I Say,” which was published in the Chronicle attracted attention throughout the Middle West.
The Crane Farmers’ Exchange had a hopeful beginning in July 1920. The first officers were C.M. Cope, president; Luther Hilton, vice president; and H.E. McGlassion, secretary-treasurer. Ruel Williams was hired as manager.
boho hat or choice of a large leather piece to burn. Accessories and additional materials are supplied to help create your one-of-a-kind hat and leather burning creations. Open to the public Chocolate Delight
March: Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. | Fridays at 3 p.m. | April: Thursdays at 1 p.m. | Sunday, April 20 at 9 a.m.| May: Wednesdays at 10 a.m. | Saturdays at 4 p.m. | $25 per person
Join us for an hour of fun creating your very own candy bars while sipping your choice of drink! Enjoy the art of confectionary, as you make a white chocolate and a milk chocolate candy bar and sweeten them up with a variety of fun toppings and fillers. Open to the public
The Stone County Oil Company was chartered in 1924. The organizers were Jim Williams, Tom Robertson, W.L. Wells, C.C. Light, Chris Wiles, Ruel Williams and Robert Mitchell. It is individual men and women who make history. Many colorful characters have lived and worked and left their marks on the community of Crane during the past eighty years or so. This brief sketch can of course, give the stories of only a few of the characters and events which have helped make Crane such an interesting town.
-Mary Hemphill, October 1963
LARRY DABLEMONT is an outdoor publisher, columnist, author, speaker, naturalist and outdoorsman.
Ilike fishing big reservoirs in March. Fifty-five years ago, I fished Beaver Lake with an uncle on a cold, windy day using a lure called a spider, just a big spinner bait of that time. For three hours I didn’t catch a single bass, but about ten in the morning, only a hundred yards from my truck, I was rewarded by a hard strike. The biggest bass I have ever seen nailed the spider and fought hard for nearly ten minutes. I gazed in awe at the huge fish in the water beside me and finally got my thumb in his mouth. His fight ended with a few flops on the boat floor.
In Rogers, Arkansas, at a sport shop, they weighed
• CHAPELWOODS
Continued from page 1B
constructed – one in Buena Park, California, on a church property and the other at GUMI Camp, on Cedar Creek, MO, a 200-acre camp built for veterans and owned by Tim and Angela Hadler. At this time, three additional chapels are in the planning or construction
• BOB FORD
Continued from page 4B
ry the soldiers left, only to turn their wrath over to new biological warfare efforts on the inhabitants, delivering malaria bacteria, mustard gas and other carcinogens murdering and infecting everyone.
Doolittle was quickly brought back to Washington and presented the Congressional Medal of Honor publicly by President Roosevelt, in which he wasn’t sure he deserved but accepted the award in the name of his men. The Lt. Colonel had no idea how badly the nation craved a military success. Many of the raiders were still in harm’s way recuperating in China, along with those eight that were POWs.
Separated from the five others, three men were picked out and tortured Lt. Farrow, Lt. Hallmark, and our man Sergeant Spatz whose family now lived in Lebo, Kansas. These men suffered through numerous mock executions. Physically forced to sign letters under extreme circumstances “admitting” to targeting civilians in the raid.
It is believed because of those signed extracted statements they were executed.
Harold “Skinny” Spatz has several places honoring him in Lebo including the local VFW Hall and a municipal park.
The full effect of the Doolittle Raid on Japan will never truly be known. Japan, however, had to change its strategies bringing back several squadrons of fighters to the mainland defending what they thought would never come under direct attack.
The Navy also hurried their movements in the Pacific, bringing on the decisive Battle of Midway before the Japanese Navy was fully prepared. What the raid did to American spirits can be measured…we won! It galvanized the country and gave us back our swagger and confidence, reminding us who we were, what we stood for and the sacrifices we were willing to make in blood, to win.
The Japanese started this war but with sheer determination, unity and bravery, we
Outdoors with Larry Dablemont: The one that got away
the bass at nine pounds and 14 ounces, for which I got a ‘lunker pin.’ I had the fish mounted because I knew it was my last and only chance at a ten pounder. My uncle said it surely had weighed ten pounds when I caught it, but I should have put a rock in its gullet anyway. Only a few years back, however, I landed a nine pounder from Truman Lake, and I have caught several eight-pound bass from various waters lakes, ponds and rivers. I must admit to losing more bass of that size than have landed. But it is rivers that I love to fish and last week when the temperature rose into the 70s, I took a trip to a river, going about five miles upstream from an Ozark reservoir. It’s a reservoir where I have never caught a smallmouth bass. But there must be some there because every March there is a movement of smallmouth up that river. It is something you are not supposed to see in smallmouth, a bona-fide migration of hundreds of smallmouth. By sometime in May they are gone.
phases. A chapel located at the Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs is currently under construction, with the hope it will be completed by Easter. A second is planned for Poplar Bluff, MO, to be constructed this year, and a third – this one to be located in Branson – is currently in the planning stages. “We supply the mate-
by God, would finish it!
The USS Hornet, who delivered the B-25s to the fight, was a marked ship. It was in service for just one year, fighting at Midway before being sunk at the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands a few months later. She remains the last U.S. aircraft carrier to be sunk by enemy fire. Of the 2,200 sailors aboard 140 were killed in the battle.
The Hornet suffered nine torpedo strikes with numerous air bomber attacks; she rests three miles down in the Pacific Ocean just off the
I found them last week and one afternoon I had a ball catching forty or fifty 14- to 18-inch brown bass out of one deep eddy. I was all by myself and the calm, peaceful river was a reward in itself for the few hours I spent there. I was lucky to have found the bass. They were deep in a tenfoot hole about 40 feet wide. For about three hours they hit any deep-running lure I tied on, six different lures. But what they seemed to like best was a six-inch stick-bait that I could crank down about four or five feet. And with that I had something rare happen. There was a savage strike and after it, instead of a struggle, there was just a hard pull. Moments later I saw why… there was a 13-inch smallmouth on the rear treble hook and a 16-incher on the front hooks. Together there were about three pounds of bass. I netted them and there was chaos on the floor of my boat. It is hard to disengage the hooks on a pair of bass doing most of the fighting after they have been boated.
But the worst was yet to
rial for the outer structure and some of the inside, and others who love the chapel concept donated their time, funds and talent,” Lynda explained.
An upcoming fundraiser will provide help with the construction of future chapels. On Sunday, April 6, a concert sponsored by Jammin’ for Jesus, will be held
Solomon Islands. Eight ships in U.S. history have been named Hornet. After her sinking in the Pacific, the USS Kearsarge was renamed in honor of the Hornet with future noble duty of rescuing the Apollo 11 astronauts following splashdown. They had just been the first to walk on the moon. That Hornet is now a museum and on display in Alameda, CA.
Lt. Ted Lawson, pilot of #7 crash landed and had to have his leg amputated in China. He went on to write the book, “Thirty Seconds over
come. I was casting a sinking, wobbling lure once known as a ‘Cordell Hot-Spot’ when it was engulfed by a slab-sided frog-eater of a smallmouth. I could see his broad bronze side when he came deep alongside the boat, fighting against my drag with a fury I had yet to see on that day. I got him in close enough to just see a big tail wave good bye. He made a powerful lunge that broke the line. I hated losing that lure; hated losing the smallmouth. I would have released him anyway but had he visited the inside of my boat I would have been able to tell you how long he was. I am sure, in doing the algebraic equation of x equal a five-inch tail and a five-inch tail equaling better than four pounds in fish weight, that he weighed better than four pounds. Being an outdoor writer bound to uphold the ‘truth in journalism’ rule, I wouldn’t stretch things about any fish I lost, though I have exaggerated a couple that I caught. For instance, before the day was over, I hooked a real whopper-dock of a
at the Hughes Brothers Theatre. The afternoon event will include music from some of the area’s finest gospel vocalists. Lynda Lynn will be on hand to sing the Chapel a song she wrote, prior to envisioning the first chapel being built. A video highlighting Chapelwoods, courtesy of KOLR 10, will also be shown. The concert is set to
Tokyo.” His story was turned into a patriotic 1944 movie with Spencer Tracy playing Lieutenant Colonel James Doolittle.
I must also salute Kevin Drewelow of the Combat Air Museum in Topeka and veteran/historian Keith Fulton for his interview and dedication in preserving this pivotal American story about the courageous Doolittle Raid.
brownie and landed him. I would love to tell you he was an 18-incher but he wasn’t.
He was short of it by about 3/8ths of an inch, doggone it. It could have been a half an inch or maybe less. The fish just wouldn’t lie still to be measured accurately. If I had scrunched up his tail, I expect I could call him an eighteen incher…but I am a real stickler for accuracy. I may go back and measure him again this week! My website, which shows all my books and magazines, is www.larrydablemont.com and my email address is lightninridge47@gmail.com
begin at 2 p.m.
“The goal is to open the doors of these little chapels for people who may be afraid to enter a traditional church, to get a touch of the Lord,” said Lynda, of the Chapelwoods project. “God can simply love your heart, right where you are. Chapelwoods is a little chapel making a big difference. I always say there is a Big God in the little Chapelwoods.”
No better place to be in March (Photo submitted by Larry Dablemont)
PUBLIC NOTICE:
The Taney County Board for the Developmentally Disabled is accepting self-nominations to fill pending vacancy on the Board of Directors. Interested persons should complete the online application found at taneycounty.org under Live: Commission Application for Board Position (SB40). Please contact Troy W. Rasmussen, Executive Director at 417-335-4135 or by mail at 1533 E. State Hwy. 76, Ste. 1, Branson, MO 65616, or email trasmussen@taneydds.com for further information.
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.
Add a little color to your advertising, and watch readers take notice! Run an ad like this one for $25/wk.
lassifieds
GRIEF SHARE: Branson United Methodist Church (1208 W. 76 Country Blvd.) will begin
GRIEF SHARE CLASSES on Tues. March 4, at 1:30 p.m. in the church library. There will also be a 5 p.m. class for those who work. BOTH CLASSES will be on TUESDAYS. Grief is a journey we all travel, and coming together helps us realize others have the same questions and doubts! EVERYONE is welcome!! This is a 13week support group and there is NO CHARGE. For questions, please call Peggy at 641-919-1533.
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
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.
AMERICAN LEGION
POST #220 would love to invite all of our former and current U.S. military friends to join us every Monday at 9 a.m. for coffee and pastries, with the exception of the second Monday of the month and national holidays. Come join us at Wendy’s on 510 W. Main St., Branson. Monthly business meeting is the second Monday of the month, at 6 p.m., at Pizza Ranch, 1464 St. Hwy. 248, Branson. We look forward to meeting you! HOOAH!
VETERANS & MILITARY COALITION OF THE OZARKS is an all-volunteer organization of veterans serving veterans. Contact us if you feel that you, as a veteran or veteran family, may not be receiving the benefits you deserve. Go to VMCO1.org and click on CONTACT at the top of the home page. VMCO meets monthly on the third Thursday of the month (no meeting in July or November) at the Golden Corral in Branson with 11:15 a.m. lunch buffet and 12-1 p.m. meeting.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY is a place to heal from your hurts, habits and hangups. We meet every Monday night at 6:30 p.m. at Music City Centre, 1839 West 76 Country Blvd., Branson. For more information, call 808344-4240. See you there!
FREE ESTIMATES AND TIMELY RESPONSE. Full remodels, decks, pole barns, garages, fencing and small projects. Call 417-699-1635.
CLEANER HANDS for all your staffing needs! Housekeepers, restaurant help, customer service, homemaker companion/ live in. 417-365-3334; Cleanerhandsllc@gmail. com
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.
FOR SALE
FOR SALE: Large Sound & Lighting Company. With or without trucks and stage top. Call 308-6439051 or 308-643-9200.
HOME TO SELL OR ROOM TO RENT? Let the Globe help you get the word out. Reach thousands of readers each
FOR RENT: Fully furnished studio, includes all utilities, cable & WIFI in downtown Branson. Senior discount available. No pets. $700/mo. with a $600 deposit. Call 417294-1858.
FOR RENT: Two bedroom, two bath apartment, all appliances including washer and dryer. Freshly painted. $850. Move-in special – first week free. Income requirements and background check. 417337-0077 or 417-2317129.
Repainted and new hardwood floors. Only $695/month. Water, sewer & trash included. Call 417-337-0077 or 417-231-7129
HELP WANTED: Looking for someone who can help with a remodel. Must have your own tools and transportation. Call 417712-4115.
MR. GILBERTI’S PLACE. Need P.M. pasta cook and prep cook. Fun, working atmosphere. Come in and fill out an application. 1451 Acacia Club Rd., Hollister.
50. Escape 53. Nagasaki natives 56. Emotional request 57. Dockworker’s grp. 58. Get lucky! 60. Scourges 62. Command to Fido 63. Bank posting 64. Impossible to miss 65. Brings to a close 66. Galactic bit 67. Staff breaks?
1. Earthquake line 2. Harold Gray heroine 3. Danish seaport 4. “Boola Boola” singer 5. Compactness 6. Starve 7. Face shape 8. Albanian currency 9. Delicate horsemanship 10. Table linen
11. Ireland of literature 12. Needing straightening 13. Uses a sewing shuttle 19. “Meridian” author Walker
On this date in history...
• 1918 World War I: Ger-
many launces Somme offensive
• 1952 Tornadoes in Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Mississippi, Alabama and Kentucky cause 343 deaths
1963 Alcatraz Prison in San Francisco Bay is closed
• 1965 Martin Luther King
Jr. begins march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama
1968 “Royals” chosen as
name of new KC AL franchise
1974 Attempt made to kidnap Princess Anne in London’s Pall Mall
• 1980 On season finale cliffhanger of TV show, “Dallas,” villain J.R. Ewing is shot by unknown assailant 1984 Arthur Ashe is nominated for the International Tennis Hall of Fame
• 2018 Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg admits they “made mistakes” after
22. Ubiquitous insect 26. Cracked 28. Presidential nickname 29. Muse with a lyre
30. Shared phone connections
31. It may be laid on thick 32. Bar mitzvah boy, barely 33. It usually comes on the side 34. Mesa dweller
38. Some guys in the ‘50s 39. Stretch out on the couch
40. “___ and Away” (Kidman film)
42. Use one’s noodle
43. Harp on 45. Drops behind 46. More statuesque
47. Score before overtime 51. Trouble indicator 52. Mizzens, e.g. 53. Laver rival 54. Tommy’s weapon 55. Exasperated 56. Deli pocket 59. Nag’s nibble 61. “Hail, Caesar!”
data on 50 million users is harvested by Cambridge Analytica
• 2019 Governor of Missouri Mike Parson declares a state of emergency as flooding from Nebraska and Iowa flows downstream into the state
2020 Italy records record daily death toll of 793 for COVID-19 as the worldwide death tolls surpass 12,000 with 299,000 known infections
Sudoku
See more fun puzzles at: https://www.puzzles.ca/sudoku/
Last week’s Sudoku solution
Springtime
• TICKS WIND
• TULIPS
• EASTER
• POLLEN
• FLOWERS ALLERGIES
• SUNSHINE
from Beck Museums of Branson
• DAFFODILS BLUEBIRDS
• BUTTERFLIES
• BUMBLE BEES
• NEST BUILDING
• LONG(ER) DAYS SPRING BREAKS
• RAIN SHOWERS
• FROG CROAKING BUSY SQUIRRELS
• BUDDING TREES
• HUMMINGBIRDS
• VERNAL EQUINOX
• CHERRY BLOSSOMS
CHICKADEE SONGS
• DOGWOOD BLOSSOMS
