Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. – 2 Peter 1:20
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Your source for local news and entertainment The Branson Globe wishes everyone a relaxing, fun and safe Labor Day weekend!
September 1, 2023 • Volume 4, Issue #35
It’s a win for Branson and the KC Chiefs!
• Wear a seat belt • Wear a life jacket • Wear sunscreen • Observe the speed limits • Don’t drink and drive, or boat, or swim
INSIDE:
• Around Town.... 12A • Churches............ 6C • Classifieds........... 7C • Entertainment ��� 2B • Opinion.............. 4A • Fun & Games...... 8C • Weather........... 11A
PLUS:
After signatures by Branson Mayor Larry Milton (left) and Derek Smith (right), Mark Donovan, President of the Chiefs puts the final signature on the agreement designating the “Branson/Lakes Area” as the “Official Vacation Destination of the Kansas City Chiefs.” (Photo by Gary J. Groman) BHS grad continues his family’s military tradition SEE PAGE 1B.
WEEKEND WEATHER: Remaining warm throughout the weekend, with highs around 90, and lows in the 60s under mostly sunny skies.
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SEE CHIEFS, PAGE 10A
Entertainment legend known for supporting the Ozarks dies
Bob Barker (Shutterstock)
Fritz’s takes on a brand new adventure. SEE PAGE 1C.
By Gary J. Groman, Independent Journalist Last week, the Kansas City Chiefs (Chiefs) announced a multi-year partnership agreement with the City of Branson and the Branson/ Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District (TCED). On Monday, August 28, 2023, Larry Milton, the Mayor of Branson, Derek Smith, Chairman of TCED, and Mark Donovan, President of the Chiefs, formally signed the agreement in a “Signing Ceremony” in the Counsel Chamber of Branson City Hall. The agreement designates “The City of Branson/ Lakes Area” as the “Official Vacation Destination of the Kansas City Chiefs.” “The term ‘Lakes Area’ is specifically defined as the boundaries of the Branson/ Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District (TCED),” said Bran-
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer An entertainment icon with ties to the Ozarks has passed away. America’s beloved game show host Bob Barker died at 99 years of age. Barker was one of television’s most popular television personalities, known for his friendly demeanor, his welcoming smile, his congeniality and for being an advocate of animals. Born in 1923 in the state of Washington, Barker was raised in Mission, South Dakota, on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. The family later moved to Springfield, Missouri, where Barker graduated from Central High School and then attended Drury College on an athletic scholarship. It was in the Ozarks that Barker met and married his wife of 36 years, Dorothy Jo, and it was in Springfield
that Barker began his entertainment career with a job as a radio announcer at the well-loved station KTTS. In a humorous article that appeared in the February 1966 issue of The Ozarks Mountaineer, written by Barker himself, he spoke of his summers in nearby Rockaway Beach, MO. “Three of the happiest summers of my life were spent as a bellhop at Rockaway Beach, on Lake Taneycomo,” explained Barker in the article. “I was attending Central High School in Springfield and during my vacations I worked at the Taneycomo Hotel. Lots of lovely little secretaries from Kansas City and St. Louis used to come down to Rockaway in those days. Even at my tender age, I was so proud of the beauty of the Ozarks that I used to take these young ladies out and show them the lake, the trees and the little hidden streams that only the possums and I knew about.” Although Barker left the Ozarks in the late 1940s to make his home in California, he never forgot the Ozarks. Bob Barker enjoyed his own radio show, which led to him being invited to host the television game show “Truth or Consequences.” SEE BOB BARKER, PAGE 10A
Coach Steve Hancock (Photo courtesy of Branson Public Schools)
Coach Hancock named inaugural inductee into Pirate Wall of Honor BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer Branson Football Coach Steve Hancock received an unprecedented honor last weekend. Hancock was selected as the first person to be named to the Pirate Wall of Honor. The Pirate Wall of Honor, to be on display at Branson’s Pirate Stadium, will pay tribute and honor to those who have made an exceptional impact on the Branson School District and the community, and will showcase both exemplary coaches and outstanding teams. From 1986 until 2014, Coach Hancock served as
Branson High School’s Head Football Coach. Throughout that time, the Pirates Football teams made it to the state playoffs an impressive 10 seasons, annually from 1993 to 1998, 2008 to 2010, and in 2013. Under Hancock’s direction, the Pirates took state runner-up honors in both 1987 and 1989. After leaving Branson following the 2013 season, Hancock served as head coach at Springfield Catholic High School for six years, before returning to Branson as an assistant to Head Coach Anthony Hays in 2020. He continues in
that role under Head Coach Aaron Hafner. “Coach Hancock’s impact reaches far beyond the wins and losses,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brad Swofford. “He has instilled in his players the importance of character, discipline and integrity. His servant leadership on and off the field has left a lasting impact on our school and community.” Hancock was celebrated prior to Friday night’s football game against the Joplin Eagles, the first home game of the season. Many of Hancock’s forSEE COACH HANCOCK, PAGE 2A