Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. – Deuteronomy 6:5
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October 18, 2024 • Volume 5, Issue #42
INSIDE:
• Around Town.... 12B • Churches.......... 11B • Classifieds......... 10C • Education........... 6B • Food.................. 8C • Fun & Games.... 12C • Pets for Adoption �� 3A • Obituaries........ 11A • Voices................. 1B • Weather........... 11A
PLUS:
View of fall foliage looking up Lake Taneycomo towards Table Rock Dam on October 14, 2024 (Photo by Gary J. Groman)
Now’s the best time to see fall foliage in Branson! Obedience in exile – SEE PAGE 1B.
BY GARY J. GROMAN, Independent Journalist Branson, Missouri, is a great place to see nature’s beautiful autumn colors as the air gets cooler and the days get shorter. However, with the warmer fall we
have been having, this can be tricky. One source of advice is the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Fall Color Website at https:// mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/ fall-color. Its last posting on Octo-
ber 10, 2024, says that the “Status” of the fall colors in southwest Missouri was “Beginning to turn and that the change has been mostly minimal from last week. Reds in black gum, sassafras, red maple and
dogwoods are scattered throughout the region. Smooth sumac is the current standout with continuing reds. Yellows are showing on some hickories, many black walnuts (if they still have leaves at all), silver
maple and sycamore. These, too, are scattered and not widespread. Green is still the dominant color, but many oaks are going directly to brown.” We suggest clear days and SEE FALL COLOR, PAGE 11A
Former ‘first daugher’ and news personality speaks at C of O convocation
See highlights from Grape & Fall Festival – SEE PAGE 1C.
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer A former “first daughter” was the speaker at the College of the Ozarks’ Fall Convocation last week. Jenna Bush Hager is a journalist and television news personality. She is the co-host of Today with Hoda and Jenna, a part of the NBC News program The Today Show. She is a published author, and along with twin sister Barbara, has the distinction of being
the daughter and the granddaughter of former United States Presidents. Jenna is the daughter of George W. Bush, the 43rd United States President, and his wife Laura Bush. She is also the granddaughter of George H.W. Bush, who served as our country’s 41st President. Married with three young children, Bush shared her thoughts with those present at the convocation last
Thursday. Bush spoke on her memories of living in the White House, including the love and support she and her sister received from their parents and their grandparents. Bush Hager recalled that she and sister Barbara were upset when their father told them he planned to run for President, noting that she and Barbara burst out in tears, telling him he was ruining their lives. The twins
Moderator Erin Hayes-Dennis and Jenna Bush Hager (Photo courtesy College of the Ozarks) were 16 at the time. By the reelection campaign, then time Bush geared up for a SEE HAGER, PAGE 2A
Branson resident coordinating hurricane assistance effort ast Breakf buffet soon! Coming
7930 E. 76 Kirbyville 417-334-9541
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer Has the news of the heartbreaking aftermath of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton left you wondering what you can do to help? As stated in a recent KY3 On Your Side report, it can be difficult to know the best ways to get aid to those who need it, but one Branson area resident is currently coordinating an
opportunity for Branson and surrounding communities to contribute through reliable groups with “boots on the ground” in the hardest-hit areas. Mona Miller, known around the area for her work coordinating the Convoy of Honor in connection with Veterans’ Homecoming Week and coordinating meals for first responders who have Thanksgiving
duty, is putting together the response effort. She is working with trucking company owner Vince Siblin, who is providing vehicles and drivers, and with Chaplain Y.G. Nyghtstorm, who currently serves with the chaplain organization On Your Six. Steve Spurgeon, the songwriter/musician who performed in Branson during the 2023 Convoy of Honor Hoote-
nanny, is also involved. On Wednesday, October 9, Miller hosted local media and volunteers for an online meeting with Siblin and Nyghtstorm. On that call, Nyghtstorm stated that the most desperate needs are for diapers, wipes, emergency kits (such as would be taken on a camping trip), hygiene items and new clothing items of all sizes. Displaced families
Fall for fascining finds!
can also use tents, blankets, household goods, flashlights, clean five-gallon buckets and lots of shelf-stable food. Miller said she hopes that in addition to individuals, perhaps some of the area’s many thrift stores can contribute household things from their inventory. Underfoot Flooring of Branson has offered tempoSEE ASSISTANCE, PAGE 11A
3609 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson, MO 65616 • 417-332-1499 • worldslargesttoymuseum.com