“You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.” —Robin Williams
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October 16 - 17, 2020 • Vol. 2, Issue 20
Face mask ordinance extended indefinitely
INSIDE:
By Gary J. Groman, Independent Writer At its October 13, 2020 meeting, the Branson Board of Aldermen (Board) took action that extends its mandatory face covering ordinance, Ordinance 2020-0072 (Covid-19 Ordinance), indefinitely. Before this “indefinite extension,” mandatory masking
Piccadilly Gala:
A good time will be had by all at this fundraiser. Page 3
SEE ORDINANCE, PAGE 10
Embers Cigar Lounge – for the cigar aficionado
Grand Opening at Embers: A cigar lover’s dream opens Saturday. Page 8
were made including elimination of enclosed venues, increased distance between vendors and events, and implementation of sanitation stations throughout the festival. Seventy-eight vendors participated, including crafters, artists, and food and drink providers along
By Gary J. Groman, Independent Writer If you are a cigar aficionado and have “dreamed” of a place devoted to cigars and their smoking pleasure, the Embers Cigar Lounge (Embers) is the place for you. This new Branson business, owned by Kevin and Betsy McConnell, will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, October 17, 2020, starting at noon. A representative from Rocky Patel cigars, a world-known producer of high-rated premium cigars, will be at Embers and available for questions. There will be specials
SEE GRAPES, PAGE 13
SEE EMBERS, PAGE 8
It was a beautiful day to stomp some grapes Hollister’s Grape and Fall Festival drew crowds on a picture-perfect October 10. (Photo by Cindy Thomas)
People can’t recover if they are dead:
Read Destiny’s story, CoxHealth initiative.Page 9
WEATHER...page 25 Cool and breezy in the 5-day, maybe some rain.
By Cindy Thomas, Staff Writer A beautiful Ozarks’ day was on tap for Saturday, October 10, as an estimated 6,500 attendees visited Hollister’s historic Downing Street during the annual Grape and Fall Festival. The festival dates back to 1911, as a celebration of the end-ofharvest season for area vineyards
and wineries, but the annual tradition came to a halt with the onset of World War II. It was restarted in 1998, this year being the twenty-third consecutive. During the usual planning time in the spring, city leaders addressed possible concerns for 2020 due to Covid-19. After meeting with state and local health officials, changes