So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. – Romans 10:17
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June 21, 2024 • Volume 5, Issue #25
INSIDE:
Annual Law Enforcement week attracts thousands
• Around Town.... 12B • Churches.......... 11B • Classifieds......... 10C • Food.................. 8C • Fun & Games.... 12C • Pets for Adoption �� 3A • Obituaries........ 11A • Features ............. 1C • Voices................. 1B • Weather........... 11A
PLUS:
The unknowing sky – PAGE 1B.
SEE
Law enforcement officers learned new skills then competed on a challenging obstacle course during Law Enforcement Week. (Photo by K.D. Michaels)
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer Thousands of active duty and retired law enforcement officers from around the region and across the nation gathered in Branson last week to celebrate Law Enforcement Week. Branson businesses offered a warm welcome during the 11th annual event, with many shows, attractions, restaurants and lodging establishments offering free or reduced admission for law enforcement officers and their families. The week offers an opportunity for those in the field of law enforcement to be celebrated, recognized and rewarded for their service. AmericInn by Wyndham was the host hotel for Branson’s Law Enforcement week and the site of the annual Police Collectors SEE LAW ENFORCEMENT, PAGE 2A
Parson highlights success of Missouri’s months-long Southern Border Deployment
Much to do in Branson on a budget – SEE PAGE 1C.
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Governor.mo.gov As Executive Order 24-03 recently expired, Governor Mike Parson highlighted the successful conclusion of Missouri’s months-long Southern Border Deployment in support of Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star mission to secure the Texas-Mexico Border. On February 20, 2024, Governor Parson issued Executive Order 24-03 activating up to 200 Missouri National Guard (MONG) members and 22 Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) troopers to support Texas’ border security operations. “We express our sincere appreciation to our MONG and MSHP members who answered the call to help secure the Southern Border and stop illegal drugs and immigrants pouring into our nation,” Governor Parson said. “The mission has been a resounding success, sig-
Parson visits southern border (Photo courtesy governor. mo.gov) nificantly reducing daily illegal-immigrant encounters near Eagle Pass and seizing millions of lethal doses of fentanyl. Missouri personnel undoubtedly helped better secure the border and make our communities safer. For now, we welcome our men and women in uniform home and congratulate them on a job well done.” “We also greatly appreciate Governor Abbott for SEE SOUTHERN BORDER, PAGE 8A
Patience participated in the Elevate Rides Branson program in 2023 (FILE)
Elevate Rides hopes to serve Forsyth area BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer On June 11, guest speaker at the Forsyth Area Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon was Katie Sandage, director of the Elevate Rides program of Elevate Branson. With the motto, “Keep Moving Forward,” the goal of Elevate Rides is
to provide access to affordable transportation for employees in Branson and surrounding communities. The program offers gas-powered, automatic, motorized scooters for rent, starting at $75 per week with a helmet, safety vest, liability insurance and operator training provided. That figure is sig-
nificantly less than the price of ordering a rideshare service each day, helping put workers in a better position to move forward with other financial goals. In her remarks to the Chamber, Sandage said many entry-level and lower-wage workers spend SEE ELEVATE RIDES, PAGE 4A
The Beck Museums of Branson Welcome You to...