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March 1, 2024 • Volume 5, Issue #9
INSIDE:
Final service at Hollister Presbyterian: Mayor honors church with proclamation
• Around Town...... 9B • Churches.......... 10B • Classifieds......... 11B • Food.................. 8B • Fun & Games.... 12B • Pets for Adoption �� 3A • Obituaries........ 11A • School News........ 8A • Features/Voices �� 1B • Weather........... 10A
PLUS:
Health fair offers hope and options – SEE PAGE 4A.
Hollister Presbyterian Church held its final service on February 25. (Photo via Google) SEE MORE PICTURES OF THE FINAL SUNDAY ON PAGE 2A.
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer February 25 was named Hollister Presbyterian Church Day in a special proclamation from the city. The Hollister Presbyterian Church held their final service on Sunday. Many former members of the church and other friends joined together for the touching service, led by Pastor Clancy Cherry, who bestowed a special blessing on the congregation at the finale of the Sunday event. The service was followed by a time of food and fellowship. Hollister City Administrator Rick Ziegenfuss presented a proclamation to the church during the service. The proclamation read, in part, “Whereas, the City of Hollister, Missouri, places a high value on such institutional traits as selfless service, member support, teaching and community commitment, and Whereas,
such traits have contributed to a long history of service to the residents of the City and our region for the past 112 years, and Whereas, aforesaid achievements exemplify the goal of all places of worship, and ministries and identify the accomplishments of a specific institution, and Whereas, the actions of such as institution, The Hollister Presbyterian Church, are in keeping with the finest traditions of ministerial service, bringing honor not only upon its congregation but also the city of Hollister, Taney County and the Presbyterian Church, (USA).” The proclamation was signed by Hollister Mayor Lamar Patton. New owners of the Hollister Presbyterian Church are Don and Carol Jones. The owners have plans to repurpose the church facility, with a mission of serving God and the citizens of Hollister.
Branson Board places Country legend Buck Trent will be 90-day moratorium on remembered in special celebration multi-family housing in BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer will celebrate Entertainment District theBranson memory of a legendAn everlasting sunset – SEE PAGE 1B.
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WEEKEND WEATHER: After starting out the day Friday in the 40s, we’ll warm nicely into the 60s. Highs will reach 77 by Sunday, with overnight lows in the 50s under fair skies.
BY GARY J. GROMAN, Independent Journalist At its February 27 meeting, the Branson Board of Aldermen (Board) passed a Resolution imposing a 90day moratorium for processing applications and permits for developing multi-family housing in the Entertainment District (District). The moratorium’s purpose is to pause such development in the Entertainment District while the Board considers amendments to the city’s Zoning Ordinance regarding such development. The moratorium and need to consider amendments are an effort to further implement the Lodging Safety Initiative (Initiative) the Board approved in November 2023. The Initiative intends to uphold public health and safety standards across all lodging establishments within the city limits, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for millions of visitors who flock to Branson annually. It addresses severe offenders operating lodging establishments under non-compliant conditions with significant public health and life and safety violations. “Protecting the health and safety of our guests and residents is our
top priority,” affirms Mayor Larry Milton. “Through this initiative, we’re setting a standard of excellence in ensuring compliance with regulations, fostering a level playing field for all lodging establishments.” Six lodging establishments have been closed since the Initiative’s launch approximately six months ago. These closures were due to either failing to address significant life and safety violations, not possessing a valid business license, or having substantially delinquent payment of city water bills. The Staff Report supporting the moratorium says, “Due to the recent lodging initiative, staff has seen increased interest in converting motels/hotels into multi-family dwellings within the Entertainment Zoning District. Most calls are about ‘extended stay’ hotels/motels operating without a business license and have code violations. “Existing code does not provide dimensional standards for the Entertainment District. Every other district allowing for multi-family provides dimensional standards, including density SEE MORATORIM, PAGE 6A
ary entertainer in a special way. Buck Trent will be remembered in a Celebration of his Life and Music on March 10. Band members, fellow entertainers and musical friends of the late “Mr. Banjo” will gather to perform the music that made Buck Trent a true Branson legend, as well as share stories and memories of their time with Buck. The Celebration is set
Buck Trent (FILE) for Sunday, March 10, at Wranglers Star Studded Honky Tonk, located at 625 State Highway 165 in Branson.
The event begins at 2 p.m. and doors open at 1 p.m. All friends, family and musical peers are invited.
Branson U to host Candidate Forum Submitted to Branson Globe Do you know who is running in the Spring 2024 municipal elections to represent Branson residents and residents of other communities in the Branson School District? Perhaps just as importantly, do you know WHY they are running and what they stand for in their candidate platform? To make sure your vote is an informed one, join Branson U on Saturday, March 9, for the Candidate Forum, featuring candidates for Branson Board of Aldermen and Branson School Board. Starting at 10 a.m. at the Hughes Brothers Theatre, 3425 W. 76 Country Blvd.,
candidates will answer YOUR questions about their background, goals for the position, and opinions on city issues, school policy and curriculum. To make this event a success and as informative as possible, Branson U wants to hear from residents about the topics mentioned or any other questions about the folks who want to represent you. The bottom line is, what do YOU want to know before you cast your vote? To have your questions included at the event, email them today to info@bransonu.org, and plan to be at the Candidate Forum to hear live,
candid responses. Questions must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to the event. All questions will be read anonymously by an unbiased moderator, and every effort will be made to include as many questions as possible, although it is not possible to guarantee every question can be presented, due to time constraints at the event. In the interest of fairness and sincere, candid responses, NO candidate will be given access to any questions in advance. Exercise your right to vote and to have adequate information before doing so. Branson U looks forward to your participation!
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