Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. – 1 Corinthians 9:24
Your source for local news and entertainment
July 12, 2024 • Volume 5, Issue #28
INSIDE:
• Around Town.... 10B • Churches............ 9B • Classifieds......... 10C • Food.................. 8C • Fun & Games.... 12C • Pets for Adoption �� 3A • Obituaries........ 11A • Features ............. 1C • Voices................. 1B • Weather........... 11A
PLUS:
Never grow weary – SEE PAGE 1B.
This young patriot enjoys Independence Day festivities in the Tri-Lakes. (Photo by K.D. Michaels)
Aldermen: Short-term rental The Oaks’ Joe Bonsall is remembered ordinance moves forward last fall, due to his illness.
BY GARY J. GROMAN, Independent Journalist The Branson Board of Aldermen passed Bill No. 6454, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 22 AND APPENDIX A – FEE SCHEDULE OF THE About that badge – SEE PAGE BRANSONMUNICIPAL 1C. CODE PERTAINING TO SHORT-TERM RENTALS for its first reading at its July 9, 2024, meeting by a 6 to 0 vote. While voting for the Bill, various alderpersons said they expect changes before its second reading at the Board’s next meeting on July 23, addressing some concerns Dedicated to brought up during the public fostering comment. community City Administrator Cathy empowerment Stepp said the changes are and ensuring fiscal relatively minor and will be ready for the Board’s next responsibility meeting. During that meetTravys Saffle for ing, the item will need to be Eastern Taney County removed from the Consent Agenda. It will then be at the District 2 top of the Regular Agenda Commissioner for discussion and amendments before a final vote. @Travis.Saffle The purpose of the changes is to permit the City to saffleforcommissioner.com “establish health and safety
regulations for short-term rentals, which are intended to provide the City with contact information of the short-term rental operator or property manager in the event of an emergency or law enforcement incident; to provide transient guests (who are unfamiliar with location of exit routes, location of fire suppression items, and locations safe for severe weather) with safety plans and required safety items available for guest use; and to ensure that all short-term rentals are being operated in compliance with City Code.” The ordinance defines “Short-Term-Rental” as “any dwelling unit (guest room/rooms provided) advertised, offered, or operated for lodging accommodations for a period of not less than one night and not more than 30 consecutive days, but does not include rentals that operate within a primary residence or lodging establishments.” A “ShortTerm Rental Owner” is a SEE ORDINANCE, PAGE 11A
Bonsall is pictured with Kristy Adams of The Mansion Entertainment Complex (via Facebook) BY K.D MICHAELS, Staff Writer Country music lovers around the world are mourning the loss of a music great with strong ties to Branson. Joe Bonsall, a member of The Oak Ridge Boys, passed away on Tuesday due to complications from ALS, a neuromuscular disorder. Bonsall joined The Oak Ridge Boys in 1973, and en-
joyed more than 50 years with the Southern Gospel-turned Country super group, known for such hits as “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue,” “American Made” and many more. Joe, always a bundle of energy on stage, served as the tenor singer for the legendary Oaks. Bonsall had recently retired from the group, who announced their farewell tour
The Oak Ridge Boys were well known in the Branson area, having performed regularly at The Grand Palace, The Mansion Theater, and their own Oak Ridge Boys Theatre, which was located at the intersection of Highways 65 and 248. Their shows were popular with motorcoach groups and individuals alike, who enjoyed their amazing harmonies, timeless tunes and on-stage antics. They last performed in Branson at The Mansion Entertainment Complex, as part of their farewell tour. Kristy Adams, the Senior Vice President of Operations at The Mansion Entertainment Complex, was privileged to work with the Oak Ridge Boys for many years. Said Adams, ‘Working with The Oak Ridge Boys for over 14 years has been an incredible experience. Joe was always a bundle of energy, bouncing around the stage and getting the audience up on their feet. I think that made it especially hard when his body decided to give SEE BONSALL, PAGE 2A
The Beck Museums of Branson Welcome You to...