The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.– Psalm 24:1 - 2
Your source for local news and entertainment
May 24, 2024 • Volume 5, Issue #21
INSIDE:
• Around Town.... 10B • Churches............ 8C • Classifieds........... 9C • Food.................. 6C • Fun & Games.... 10C • Pets for Adoption �� 3A • Obituaries........ 11A • School News........ 6B • Features ............. 1C • Voices................. 1B • Weather........... 11A
PLUS:
Flags from each branch of the military service surround the American flag and welcome visitors to the Memorial. (Photo by K.D. Michaels)
Military Marvels Memorial honors veterans and service members The day that turned me into a patriot – SEE PAGE 1B.
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer Adjacent to Ripley’s Believe It or Not on Branson’s 76 Country Boulevard is Ripley’s Military Marvels Memorial, a fascinating display that garners the attention of veterans, military men and women and their families and history buffs from across the nation.
Created in 2021, the Military Marvels Memorial serves as a tribute to all who are serving or have served our country in the fight for freedom. The one-of-a-kind outdoor display features a variety of mobile equipment that our men and women in service have used throughout
the years, including a Willy’s Jeep, an LVT 4 Water Buffalo, an M56 Scorpion, an M43 Dodge Ambulance, an M59 Armored Personnel Carrier, and much more. One of the many unique items on display is a bald eagle—a symbol of freedom--made entirely of recycled scrap
metal pieces from old cars and weighing 2,000 pounds. Plaques placed throughout the exhibit welcome and pay tribute to veterans and active duty service men and women from all branches of the military. The exhibit is free to the public and a great way to learn a little bit about those
brave men and women who have served—or are serving—our country. Ripley’s Believe It or Not is located at 3326 76 Country Boulevard in Branson. Ripley’s Believe It or Not is open daily, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit their website, www.ripleys.com
Branson Lakeside RV Life of Branson matriarch to be remembered Park expansion to offer BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer Complex, ITEC Attractions Branson mourns the loss and Branson restaurants. enhanced camper experience Ann will be remembered of a cornerstone of our Tim Hadler’s fantastic show – SEE PAGE 2C.
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BY GARY J. GROMAN, Independent Journalist The city of Branson is expanding its Lakeside RV Park with larger sites offering more amenities. The Park is at 300 South Box Car Willie Drive, immediately south of the Branson Landing on the shores of Lake Taneycomo. Branson Parks and Recreation Director Cindy Shook said that construction is well underway and, absent weather and unforeseen circumstance delays, anticipates that the $1.2 million expansion will open in the fall of 2024. Shook is excited about the expansion because of the enhanced experience it will provide campers and the increased revenue it will bring to the city. She says that the Park
operates profitably, and its profits support the city’s parks and recreation programs. Without that revenue, more funding would have to come from the city’s general fund and increased user fees for the city’s parks and recreation programs. During a recent interview, Cindy answered questions about the expansion project. Below are the questions and her answers in Q&A format. How many spaces will it have? ANS: 31 How many will be “pull through?” ANS: 26 How many will be on the lakefront or have a lake view? ANS: All will have a lake view of some sort. SEE RV PARK, PAGE 11A
community. Louretta “Ann” Bluto passed away on May 14 at the age of 91. Ann was a cherished member of the community and the wife of Paul Bluto. Together, Ann and Paul created unforgettable experiences for those guests of the IMAX Entertainment
fondly by all who knew her. A celebration of life for Ann Bluto is set for June 28 at the Branson IMAX Entertainment Complex, and a reception will follow at McFarlain’s Family Restaurant, 3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made
Bluto (Photo submitted) to the Mayo Clinic or the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge. The memorial service is set for 5:30 p.m.
Branson Airport hosts Aviation Expo BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer The Branson Airport was the site of an Aviation Expo last week. The first event of its kind in our area brought a large crowd to the Branson Airport. Hosted by the Tribute to Valor Foundation, the STEMLiner Aviation Expo featured many military aircraft and other military equipment. Attendees met
with military personnel and enjoyed a first-hand look at the equipment on display. The STEMLiner Aviation Day was held in conjunction with Armed Forces. Day. A highlight of the event was bidding farewell to the more than 70 area students who left for a four-day trip to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
State Rep. and Veteran Brian Seitz aboard an aircraft exhibits at the Branson Airport (via Facebook)
The Beck Museums of Branson Welcome You to...
SPRING!