So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord...!” John 12:13
Your source for local news and entertainment
March 22, 2024 • Volume 5, Issue #12
A new title for Branson?
INSIDE:
• Around Town.... 10B • Churches............ 8C • Classifieds........... 9C • Food.................. 6C • Fun & Games.... 10C • Pets for Adoption �� 3A • Obituaries.......... 9A • School News........ 6B • Features ............. 1C • Voices................. 1B • Weather............. 9A
PLUS:
Small details spark big surprises – SEE PAGE 2A.
Spring has sprung! Silver Dollar City’s Street Fest, running for the final time April 11 - 29, offers old-fashioned fun with new food, new acts and the new $30 million Fire in the Hole! Read the feature about Fire in the Hole on page 2A. (Photo courtesy Silver Dollar City)
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer Branson has long been recognized as the Live Entertainment Capital of the World. But, the music mecca may soon carry an additional title. House Bill 2320 declares Branson to be the Live Entertainment Capital of Missouri. “In late January, I presented it to the Special Committee on Tourism, noting the uniqueness of the area, emphasizing faith, family, flag and fun,” explained Brian Seitz, State Representative for Missouri District 156. “So many of my sponsored bills cover statewide, and even nationwide issues, I wanted to design legislation that solely focuses on Branson and the lakes region, in general.” Seitz continued, “Separating us from other tourist destinations, I noted our one-of-a-kind music shows and the variety found withSEE BRANSON, PAGE 8A
Petition now complete Forsyth officer involved in shooting reported to both the The suspect fled on foot, for senior real estate tax BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer was Forsyth was the site of Sheriff’s Department and and a manhunt involving freeze in Taney County an officer-involved shoot- the Missouri Highway multiple agencies began.
Prepare to be amazed by The Haygoods – SEE PAGE 1C.
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WEEKEND WEATHER: Highs on Friday will be near 70, and in the mid-60s the rest of the weekend, with a chance of rain Sunday night.
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer Taney County resident Josh Smith announced on March 13 that he and a group of supportive volunteers have successfully gathered the required number of signatures on a petition to place SB 190 Senior Property Tax Freeze before Taney County voters in August for approval. Smith, who is also a candidate for Taney County Assessor, submitted the petition to the County Clerk for certification on Friday, March 15. Because the progress of the real estate property tax freeze approval in several counties has generated statewide interest, KY3 News was on hand to cover the delivery. Smith has voiced numerous concerns about inaction on the part of the Taney County Commission concerning this crucial tax relief for the county’s seniors. Some area seniors moved to the area for retirement, others have enjoyed the Ozarks for decades; but a common denominator for many is having to manage on a fixed income that hasn’t kept pace with inflation. “The Commissioners have had since May 2023, to do the right thing for seniors,” said Smith in a press release. “It’s just that simple. Everyone is hurting from rampant inflation, and it’s time to put
taxpayers first. Seniors, and everyone else, are being taxed out of their homes, and they need help.” Smith believes the verification of signatures on the petition by the Taney County Clerk should be a swift, straightforward process, as he has already checked many of the signatures to ensure they represent properly registered voters. He has also taken initiative to provide the ballot language for the ordinance voters will be asked to approve, saying there is no justification for the Commission to engage in any semantics. “The residents of Taney County have the right to vote on this ordinance, and it is the county’s statutory obligation to uphold that right,” he said. “We eagerly anticipate the August election, as the time is now to provide real relief for our deserving seniors.” Smith has requested to be informed if the Commission places discussion of the tax freeze or the proposed ballot language on an upcoming meeting agenda, and he encourages area residents to voice their opinions during the public comment time. Smith said he has worked hard and fought for seniors with this petition and will continue to put taxpayers first if elected County Assessor. Call 417-334-3872 for more information.
ing on Tuesday night. What began as road rage ended with a member of the Forsyth Police Department being shot and a suspect taken into custody. According to the Taney County Sheriff’s Department, a road rage incident
Patrol. Later, the suspect in the incident was seen walking along Highway 160. According to reports, when a Forsyth Police Officer approached the subject, gunshots were fired, and the officer was struck.
The suspect, David Bryer, was apprehended and taken into custody. The officer was taken to a Springfield Hospital for treatment of his injuries. At press time, he was reported to be in stable condition.
Life Skills classes are in this facility located on E. Hwy. 76, sharing the campus with Developmental Connections, Tantone Industries, and residential housing. (Photo by Cynthia J. Thomas)
Life Skills classes now open at Developmental Connections campus BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer On November 15, 2023, Developmental Connections of Taney County opened its Life Skills program. This program is designed to assist adults ages 18 and over who have a
developmental disability with learning independent skills such as doing laundry, handling money, properly taking medications, social skills and communication, reading/writing and volunteering in the community. Life Skills utilizes the
SNAP Curriculum (Specific Natural Activity Program), written by John Myers. In addition to practical everyday living skills, the program covers topics related to self-advocacy, nutrition planning, computer skills, SEE LIFE SKILLS, PAGE 8A
The Beck Museums of Branson Welcome You to...
SPRING!
Open Mon. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. • 3609 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson, MO 65616 • 417-332-1499 • worldslargesttoymuseum.com