For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. – Habakkuk 2:14
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October 11, 2024 • Volume 5, Issue #41
INSIDE:
• Around Town.... 12B • Churches.......... 11B • Classifieds......... 10C • Food.................. 8C • Fun & Games.... 12C • Pets for Adoption �� 3A • Obituaries........ 11A • Voices................. 1B • Weather........... 11A
PLUS:
Fefuy d wondfuy made
Miracles and righteousness – SEE PAGE 1B. Just in time for Halloween, this Jeep full was caught in the drive-thru of McDonald’s. By all reports, they were chilled to the bone by the ice cream they ordered! (Photo by K.D. Michaels)
Guest from Israel shares insights with area audiences
A visit with Struggle Jennings – SEE PAGE 1C.
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer On Friday, October 4, Branson area audiences received a unique perspective on the conflict in Israel from guest lecturer Omer Eshel, who lives with his family on the west side of Galilee, near the Syrian border. Following a presentation to the Branson Christian Businessmen’s luncheon, held at Golden Corral, an evening meeting was held at Branson First Presbyterian Church. The visits
were coordinated by Monna Stafford, Regional Manager for Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas for Bott Radio Network, which includes Branson’s KBCV 1570 AM and 103.9 FM. Omer Eshel was formerly stationed in Chicago as the Consul for the Israeli Ministry of Tourism for the American Midwest, where Stafford became acquainted with him. After leaving that position, Eshel became director of a Jerusalem-based company, “The
Bible Comes to Life.” Born and raised in Israel, Omer is an archaeologist, historian, guide and diplomat. His recent U.S. visit included lectures in Portland, Oregon; Chicago; Dallas; Oklahoma City; Memphis; and Kirksville and Branson in Missouri. In addition to his acquaintance with Stafford, he is familiar with visits to Israel hosted by Sherry Herschend of Herschend Family Entertainment/Silver Dollar City. Since October 7, 2023,
Jack and Sherry Herschend, Omer Eshel, Tom Willcox (Photo by George Kurland) Eshel and his family have seen the war up close and
personal, having seen misSEE ISRAEL, PAGE 4A
Second school district summit pairs school leaders with community leaders BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer The Branson School District recently held their annual Community Summit. This event—the second conducted by the Branson Public Schools—offered an opportunity for the school district to engage with community leaders from a variety of sectors, as well as parents, as District leaders provided updates on the
state of the school, and welcomed input from those in attendance. Brad Swofford, Superintendent of the Branson School District, presented an in-depth update of the school district, including the Portrait of a Pirate, a compilation of input gathered from a series of Portrait of a Pirate community meetings. Swofford also discussed the district’s strategic plan
for the years 2020-2025, outlining Student Successes and Organizational Excellence. Following Swofford’s words and a delicious breakfast, each table complete with at least one Branson School District leader, held lively table discussions, as those attending offered input into the future of the school district. The morning event,
held at the Hilton Convention Center, involved a number of Branson High School students. The Branson High School Air Force Junior ROTC presented the colors. The Branson High School Chamber Choir performed the National Anthem, and members of the GoCaps program greeted and welcomed those attending. “We are thankful for
Fall for fascining finds!
the supportive community of Branson,” explained a representative of the school district. “If you are a Branson community member and would like to submit any feedback about the district, please take a moment to fill out our Community Feedback Survey on our website, https://branson. k12.mo.us/departments/ communications/community_feedback_survey.”
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