It generally means water is being released from Table Rock Lake through the Spillways of Table Rock Lake Dam under the White River Basin Water Control Plan (Plan), revised as of December 1998. The number of spillways open doesn’t mean much; however, the amount of water going through the dam’s Spillways does!
The goal of the Plan is to capture, store and get the water that could cause flooding into Bull Shoals Lake until it can be safely released downstream. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (US-
ACE), the Plan, “simply stated, says releases from Beaver are dependent upon the elevation in Table Rock and Bull Shoals Lakes; releases from Table Rock are dependent upon the elevation in Bull Shoals Lake; and releases from Bull Shoals and Norfork are dependent upon the seasonal regulating stage at Newport, Arkansas.”
The USACE Dam Safety Facts for Table Rock Dam state that the ten spillways can pass 558,000 cubic feet per second (CFS) or 55,800 CFS PER spillway per second. It is possible to open each of the ten spillways incrementally. In addition, 15,100 CFS can be released
through the dam’s four turbines. As this article is being written, at 10 a.m. on April 15, 2025, the nine spillways open on Table Rock Dam are releasing 8992 CFS. In addition, 6452 CFS are
coming through the dam’s turbines for a total release of 15444 CFS. When the elevation of Table Rock is between 915 and 920, and Bull Shoals is below 684, the Plan requires
the release of 15,000 CFS until it drops below 915. Typically, just the turbines are used, but two are down for maintenance, requiring the supplemental use of SEE SPILLWAYS, PAGE 2A
Inspired Exhibit brings rare biblical artifacts to Branson
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
Attendees at the recent Greater Purpose Confer-
ence, sponsored by World Missions Alliance and held at the Thousand Hills Resort Hotel in Branson, were
privileged to enjoy a tour of artifacts from The Inspired Exhibit, a traveling exhibit featuring rare biblical manuscripts, printed Bibles, and historical Bible-related artifacts. The exhibit was also available to the public during the conference.
The Inspired Exhibit helps strengthen faith in the reliability of the Bible for believers and skeptics alike by telling the story of its composition, translation, preservation and impact. The exhibit was founded by Dr. Scott Carroll, who was on hand at the conference along with his wife, Denise,
to guide tours through a selection of 18 inspirational items from the collection.
Dr. Carroll said his interest and education in history led to serving as curator for a private collection, and then to the realization that there is a remarkable amount of evidence and artifacts that verify the reliability of the Bible. Part of the exhibit was a listing of 135 people mentioned in the Bible whose names also appear in historical documents, verifying the roles and events documented in the Bible. At least 106,856 hand-written manuscripts have been found, and Dr. Carroll shared that based on scholars’ research of usual copyist practices, those manuscripts represent over 53,000 years of work, including much done at monasteries and at sophisticated centers of Jewish scholarship.
Highlights of the tour included many treasures: • A Torah scroll that survived the Holocaust; a Jewish grandmother told an American liberator soldier exactly where to look in the remains of her home, and it was there!
SEE EXHIBIT, PAGE 10A
THREE CROSSES ON A HILL – Three crosses on a hill, such as these on the lawn of Branson’s First Presbyterian Church, are a symbol of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the two thieves who were crucified with him. The crosses represent sacrifice, redemption and hope for humanity. The crosses can also be a sign of faith in God’s plan, hope
and the love of Christ for all people. Happy Easter to all! (Photo by K.D. Michaels)
Table Rock Dam with nine gates open (Photo by Gary J. Groman)
Dr. Scott Carroll, founder of the exhibit, and Helen Todd of World Missions Alliance (Photo by Philip Thomas)
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
LinkAbility, an area organization dedicated to serving individuals with developmental disabilities by connecting them to resources and services in their communities, is excited to announce the opening of their new Childcare Center, located at 107 Crevis Rd. in Branson West. With the shortage of quality childcare across Missouri, the opening of a new option is sure to be good news for working parents in the Branson West area as tourism-related employers enter a busy season. The Center will offer before- and after-school care, full-time childcare for ages six weeks to five years, and special “Parents’ Night Out” events.
The mission of LinkAbility Childcare Center is to offer high-quality, inclusive care that supports the growth and development of children of all abilities,
including those with or without developmental disabilities. Age-specific learning programs will support cognitive, physical and social skill development, with plenty of engaging activities for well-rounded growth. Safety considerations are also in place, including child-proofed facilities, strict entry/exit protocols, and staff trained to handle emergencies.
The Center hours will be Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a variety of part-time and fulltime options available for different parent schedule needs. Exact opening date is pending final paperwork approvals, but Dr. Katrina Kaufman of LinkAbility said she expects it will be soon, and as of press time there are still openings available. Find enrollment information at www.linkabilitychildcare.org or call 417-559-5278 for more information.
Neighbors and Friends of Table Rock Lake garage sale to benefit area charities, May 2 - 3
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
Neighbors and Friends of Table Rock Lake invite the community to an “upscale garage sale” to be held May 2 and 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Kimberling Area Library, 45 Kimberling Blvd. in Kimberling City.
Neighbors and Friends of Table Rock Lake gives annual grants every March to
help local nonprofits with a variety of family-related services; grants given in March 2025, totaled $80,000. The sale will include high-quality items, with every purchase helping to support the NFTRL fundraising mission of benefiting charities in Taney and Stone County.
Sale coordinator Denise Martin said the sale will be staffed with volunteers from
NFTRL membership to assist purchasers, including pre-tallying purchases for quick and easy checkout. Cash, checks and credit cards (with minimal transaction fee) will be accepted. Sharing a sneak preview, Martin said that in addition to some very nice furniture, including a beautiful free-standing granite-top bar, there are already donations of design-
er purses and wallets, Kate Spade, Brighton, Chico jewelry, luggage, kitchenware, home décor, outdoor gear, flower pots; many items new or like-new—and how about 35 tubs of high-end Christmas ornaments and florals! No pre-sales will be made prior to 10 a.m. on May 2, however.
Want to help? Donations of new and like-new items
can be brought to KAL from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 30 and May 1. NFTRL members are also asking area residents and businesses to help by not only attending the sale, but placing a sign or flyer at their home or business location. Contact Denise Martin, dcmartin101@gmail.com, for questions about donating or to request flyers for display.
And of course, come and shop! Learn more about Neighbors and Friends of Table Rock Lake, including opportunities to make new friends, enjoy inspirational activities, and help others, by visiting https://www. nftrl.org. Thank you in advance for your support of children and families through this fun fundraiser!
Egg hunts, family activities: Easter fun for everyone going on this weekend
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
There will be several opportunities to enjoy some Easter fun this weekend.
On Saturday, April 19, The Grove Christian Church teams up with Ballparks of America and several area businesses to host an Easter egg hunt. The free event begins at 10 a.m., and children can search for eggs, filled with candy and prizes. Children ages 0 to three begin their hunt at 10 a.m., and ages four-seven hunt at 10:30 a.m. Children in the eight- to 10-year-old category begin
• SPILLWAYS
Continued from page 1A
the spillways to get to the 15,000 CFS the Plan calls for. Lake elevations be-
their Easter egg hunt at 11 a.m. The fun-filled morning includes music, concessions, a photo booth and a bounce house. Eggs will be dropped from a helicopter, weather permitting. Ballparks of America is located at 1000 Pat Nash Drive on the west end of Branson.
The Great Hollister Easter Egg Hunt, set for Saturday, April 19, from 12 to 2 p.m. is a free community event. The afternoon will offer a spectacular Easter egg hunt, games, vendors, entertainment and more.
tween 921 and 931 call for a release of 20,000 CFS, requiring both the spillways and turbines. When the lake level ris-
Children will enjoy balloon art, a coloring contest, scavenger hunt and more than 14,000 eggs. The Great Hollister Easter Egg Hunt is held at the Hollister School, 1914 State Highway BB in Hollister. Gates open at 12 noon and the Easter egg hunt begins at 12:30.
The dogs can get in on the Easter fun on Saturday with their own Easter egg hunt at Stockstill Park. For a nominal fee ($5 suggested donation), dogs can hunt for Easter eggs, stuffed with treats and prizes. Proceeds benefit
the Branson Humane Society. The event gets underway at 10 a.m. The Easter Bunny will be available following the event for photos with your pets. Stockstill Park is located at 625 Stockstill Lane in Branson.
You’ll find Easter activities for the whole family at Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park on Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Easter Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participate in an Easter egg hunt, meet the Easter Bunny, pet baby bunnies, and more for a full Eas-
ter experience. Two Easter egg hunts each day Friday and Saturday will be held at 12 noon and 2 p.m. Shepherd of the Hills is located at 5585 West 76 Country Boulevard. Visit their website, theshepherdofthehills.com for ticket pricing and more information. Visit Faith and Wisdom Church on Saturday, April 19, for the He is Risen Festival, complete with games, prizes, photos, an Easter egg hunt and lots of candy. The event celebrates Jesus and the fact that He is Ris-
es “above, or predicted to exceed 931, the Plan requires regulation to obtain the most effective flood modification with the designated surcharge storage space.” There is no set CFS release, and it depends on the amount of inflow to Table Rock Lake. People often ask, “Why doesn’t the USACE use forecasts to pre-release before rain?” The USACE Dam Safety Facts for Table Rock Dam says, “Regulation during storm periods is based on runoff predicted from the rain that has occurred and can be measured. Rainfall forecasts are not sufficiently accurate to base operational decisions on them. Because rainfall forecasts are inaccurate, pre-releasing would put downstream users at risk if rain developed in the uncontrolled areas instead of upstream of the dam. Conversely, we are also asked by some users to stop releases from the dams before a rainfall begins. This can also cause issues since we would be holding water in the flood pool, which lessens our ability to reduce peak downstream flows from large rainfall events.
Another commonly asked question is, “Why not lower lake levels in the winter to prepare for spring rains?” That same source says, “While lowering lake levels in the winter to prepare for spring rains does in effect increase the size of the flood pool, at the same time it takes
en. The festival gets underway at 1 p.m. and runs until 3 p.m. The He is Risen Festival is held at the Faith and Wisdom Church, 3950 Green Mountain Drive. Most area churches are holding Easter Sunday services, with some even offering sunrise services, instead of, or in addition to the regular services. Check the website of your favorite church for information and service times. No matter how you celebrate the special holiday, we wish you and yours a very pleasant and peaceful Easter!
away from hydropower and water supply storage. The Corps does not have legal authority to do this. The current allocation of storage for flood damage reduction as approved by Congress. Changing that allocation would require Congressional action.
“Also, that is a very risky suggestion because there is no way to forecast longrange how much or how little rain will fall. If the Corps artificially lowered lake levels in the winter and spring rains did not come, a shortage of water to generate electricity, meet the needs of water utilities or provide viable recreation opportunities could ensue. The water supply and power users pay for that storage. If the drought progressed, instead of recovering, lake levels could continue to drop and cause an extreme water shortage.”
Branson Auction features nearly 250 vehicles
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
The Branson Auction brought much attention from auto enthusiasts, collectors and local residents last weekend.
The Branson Auction has been a Branson tradition for more that 45 years. Now owned by Roger and Mary Napper and their son Joshua, the Branson Auction is held twice each year. In the spring and fall car enthusiasts flock to Branson to view and bid on a wide variety of collective, classic and custom vehicles of all kinds. Last week’s auction fea-
tured approximately 250 vehicles crossing the auction block, including some very rare editions like a 1937 Packard and a Saleen Mustang.
Bids were placed in person, online or via phone during the two-day events, with bidders from all
around the world getting in on the action.
On the evening prior to the auction, Roger and Mary hosted a charity auction to raise money for the Taney County 100 Club, a local organization that provides immediate funds to the surviving spouse of a
first responder, firefighter or law enforcement officer who has lost their life in the line of duty.
Plumb Nellie Days change in venue meant a scaled down event
BY K.D. MICHAEL, Staff Writer
Branson’s annual Plumb Nellie Days took place in a new venue this year.
Plumb Nellie Days, usually taking place in the parking lot behind Dick’s 5 and 10 in downtown
Branson, moved to the Best Western Plus Landing View Inn and Suites on Main Street, due to improvements occurring in the downtown area.
The new location meant a scaled down event for
2025, as the smaller venue allowed for only 50 vendors. Yet, those vendors brought the best in crafts and wares to this year’s Plumb Nellie Days. Vendors offered jewelry, knives, leather goods,
baskets, flags, handmade toys, handmade kitchen utensils, gourmet salts and much more.
Entertainment, normally a big part of Plumb Nellie Days, was scaled back this year, and the limited space
left no room for food trucks, usually a popular part of the spring event.
The change in venue resulted in fewer visitors to Plumb Nellie Days, typi-
FRANK. Male black and tan Coonhound mix, DOB: 7/4/2019. Come get
franks! Frank is
sun
soaking up some rays. If you’re
companion, Frank is the perfect pooch
The fall Branson Auction is set for October 2025 at the Branson-Hilton Convention Center.
TOP: 1930 Ford Model A; ABOVE, LEFT: 1955 Ford Thunderbird Roadster; ABOVE, RIGHT: 1955 Chevy Custom PIckup (Photos by K.D. Michaels) SEE MORE PHOTOS WITH THIS STORY AT BRANSONGLOBE.COM.
cally a tremendous draw to downtown Branson. Even though there were fewer people in attendance, the 58th Annual Plumb Nellie Days was enjoyed by all.
ABOVE: Mary Schantag, POW Network, promotes veterans activities at their booth; ABOVE RIGHT: A colorful display of wares (Photos by K.D. Michaels) SEE MORE AT BRANSONGLOBE.COM.
Reader’s Corner: C of O professor’s book celebrates working homemakers
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
Thank you to Charity Gibson, Associate Professor of English at College of the Ozarks, for sharing with the Globe about her book, “The Working Homemaker: Employed Christian Moms
Desiring a Thriving Home Life.” She speaks from experience about the tension women feel as they desire to use their gifts and talents to serve in the workplace while also parenting with excellence and prioritizing their marriage. Enjoy her comments about her inspiration for the book! -Cindy Mother Teresa said, “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” In some ways, that sounds easy enough to do, but loving our family well in a way that will positively impact those around us is no small feat. These were the sort of ideas I pondered writing “The Working Homemaker,” exploring how the work we do inside and outside of our home can be complementary rather than competitive. There’s a lot of talk about balance, especially for women who wear the hats of both mama and wage earner. Yet
I’m not sure if balance, in which the scales must always come out in a perfect 50/50 split, is always the best way to think about the sort of life I’m after. Instead, I like to think of ways that home and work life can harmonize with one another. Homemaking always has the melody. Our families and the homes we do life together in aren’t the only aspect of our lives, but they are the heartbeat. Work, ambitions, activities—they can provide a beautiful harmony, but if they overpower what is meant to be at the core of it all, it will ring hollow.
Homemaking isn’t just for those who’ve got the Martha Stewart touch. It’s something that can unify women of all sorts, in this amazing opportunity to nurture what happens within the four walls of our home, even as we may also go out and share our talents with the world. It took me a while to figure this out, that with some careful prioritization and sacrifices, I could harmonize being a homemaker and a college professor, that I didn’t have to choose a lane in order to be both a good mom and a good employee.
So, I wrote this book first and foremost for me, eleven years ago, when I was looking for resources and found so few. Now it’s starting to make its way into the hands of working moms, moms thinking about working, working women thinking about having children, and those kind souls who just want to be a support system and better understand what it’s like to be a working mom. If it finds its way into your hands (or ear buds) as well, I couldn’t be more pleased. I hope you, or someone you love, will feel seen.
Connect with Charity at https://charitygibson. com/contact/ to get a copy for yourself or a mom you know!
Registration begins May 1: Scrapbook weekend to raise funds for Forsyth Library
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
A special fundraising event for the Forsyth Library will be held in August, but registration begins soon. Forsyth Library is host-
ing their annual Scrapbook Weekend 2025 FUN-draiser at Westgate Branson Woods Resort Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 15, 16 and 17. The event runs from 8 a.m. until mid-
night, Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Registration for the event begins on May 1. Cost for the three-day scrapbooking weekend is $180 per
person, and includes six to eight feet of Scrapper’s Space, one meal per day, vendors, welcome gifts and door prizes. Motel room is not included, and those wishing to stay at the resort
can book rooms at a special event rate of $90 plus tax per night. Space is limited to only 50 seats for the Scrapbook Weekend, and payment is due at time of registra-
tion. To register, call or text Cathy Rowden at 417263-1936. For more information, contact Karen by phone or text at 417-5467307 or email her at kriskatus@yahoo.com.
Tanger Outlets Branson welcomes spring with annual springtime celebration, April 18
Submitted to Branson Globe Spring has arrived at Tanger Outlets Branson! On Friday, April 18, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., the Ozarks premier shopping destination will host its annual Springtime Celebration offering Easter photos
This event is FREE and open to the public at Tanger Branson, 300 Tanger Blvd., Branson.
Connect with Tanger Branson on Facebook and Instagram. For more information, visit tanger.com/branson
Smoke detectors are our silent friends…until they start beeping. You may have noticed that there are different kinds of chirping, as well as differ-
ent colors and frequencies of blinking lights. In today’s article, I will provide a guide on how to interpret all the signals that your smoke detector may be giving you.
A green light means it is getting power (this pertains to the Dual Volt type that are hardwired into an electrical circuit).
A red light on a battery-operated smoke detector that flashes occasionally means that it is functioning normally.
Intermittent chirping every 30 seconds means that either the batteries or smoke detectors are at the
end of their life. Batteries should be changed EVERY YEAR, and smoke detectors should be changed EVERY 10 YEARS.
Intermittent chirping on interconnected (or hardwired) devices can also mean that one of the devices is no longer receiving 120v power from the circuit.
Continuous screeching means that your smoke detector has sensed smoke or fire, and you should evacuate. If you know that it has gone off because your teenager is burning a pizza in the oven, open the windows and air the room out. But do NOT remove the smoke de-
tector - you are very likely to forget to reinstall it. Yep…that’s a lot to remember. The most important thing to know is that all types of chirping and beeping are a warning. Your smoke detectors are there to alert you and give you extra time to avoid smoke inhalation, injury or death in the actual instance of a house fire. It is important that they are in excellent working order. If your smoke alarms are giving you a warning signal, it may be time to maintain or replace them. The team at Lightspeed Electrical can help. Call us at 417-239-5050.
Stephanie Callahan, Owner/Lightspeed Electrical
Lightspeed Electrical: Red light, green light
Local business owners to conduct huge estate sale
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Timothy and Krystal
Seiffert are the owners of a unique business. In addition to being the owners of Hidden Treasures Trading Post, one of Branson’s most amazing shopping venues, the two own Prestige Estate Sales.
Timothy and Krystal have been in the estate sale business for more than a decade, and Timothy is a certified personal property appraiser, as well. As owners and operators of Prestige Estate
A portion of Lucy Combs’ exquisite collection of vintage Christmas decor (Photo submitted)
Sales, they conduct organized sales of the belongings of a person who has passed away or decided to downsize. While similar to a yard sale or garage sale, an estate sale is generally professionally managed and offers a more extensive collection of items.
This coming week, Prestige Estate Sales is conducting what promises to be the biggest and best estate sale in the area this year.
The estate of Lucy Combs will be offered for sale April 23-25. Lucy, an avid collector, passed away last year. She previously owned a successful antique shop in
Kansas for several years.
The estate sale of Ms. Combs offers literally thousands and thousands of items.
“Many of the items here have been packed away for 35 to 40 years,” said Timothy Seiffert. “The size and sheer volume here is unbelievable. The 3,000-plus square foot home, two-car garage and out building are loaded with thousands of items. The sale is packed with primitives, antiques, furniture, decor and so much more.”
The sale also includes a fully loaded 2020 Chrysler Voyager.
Additional items include some amazing collections of Griswold Cast Iron, stoneware, Native American Kachina dolls, Uranium glass, pewter, cobalt and colored glassware, books, vintage Christmas decor, dolls, Kewpie figurines and Aladdin metal lunch boxes.
“They don’t get better than this,” said Seiffert. “As far as volume goes, this will probably be the biggest estate sale in Branson this year.”
The four-day sale begins Wednesday, April 23, and runs 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through April 26. The sale will be held at 211 River Bend Road in Branson.
Hope of a Nation to host ‘Giving Hope’ ministry event in Branson
Submitted to Branson Globe
Hope of a Nation invites the community to “Giving Hope,” a 12-hour ministry marathon and fundraising event planned for Friday, May 30, at Grace Community Assembly in Branson. This powerful event will begin at 12 noon and end at 12 midnight, and will be livestreamed worldwide, bringing together thousands of people in worship, prayer and generosity to support vital ministry projects.
The theme “Giving Hope” conveys the dual purpose of ministering to all who participate and raising crucial funds for changing lives. In addition to supporting ongoing orphan care, educational assistance and medical outreach programs, Hope of a Nation fundraisers support sustainability
projects, a community center in Mozambique for feeding hungry children, a water tower to provide running water for a large orphanage in Uganda, and other life-changing initiatives that help bring hope to those in need.
The ministry marathon event will feature an inspiring lineup, including— Speakers and pastors sharing messages of faith and hope; Live worship and performances led by Christian/ gospel musicians;
• Testimonies from individuals whose lives have been transformed through relationship with Jesus Christ;
• A late-night prayer gathering uniting believers worldwide in guided prayer.
Get involved in this powerful time of ministry and giving in one of several ways:
Attend in person at Grace Community Assembly, 3101 Gretna Rd., Branson; the gathering is free and open to all; Attend online via the livestream;
Donate financially to help impact lives worldwide, especially the impoverished, vulnerable and marginalized; Spread the word by inviting others.
“This event is about more than just fundraising,” said Jason Collmorgen, event organizer and Executive Director of Hope of a Nation. “It’s about bringing people together in faith, encouraging them, and showing them the transformative power and hope we have in Christ.”
About Hope of a Nation
Hope of a Nation is an international ministry based in Taney County, Missouri, dedicated to transforming lives through faith, outreach and humanitarian efforts. From providing food and education to orphaned children to launching sustainability projects, Hope of a Nation is committed to making a lasting impact.
The story of Hope of a Nation is one of divine calling and God’s timing. In 2009, Jason and Susan Collmorgen first set foot in Mozambique for a two-month mission school that turned into a sixmonth assignment serving as interim directors of a ministry center overseeing food distribution, a small orphanage and a regional Bible school. They formed deep bonds with the people, never expecting that
nearly a decade later, the Lord would call them back.
In 2019, with no agenda except obeying God’s prompting, they returned, arriving in South Africa as a historic cyclone struck Mozambique.
Cut off from their friends, they acted as an informal communication hub while waiting, praying and gathering supplies. Using personal funds originally intended for a vehicle, they helped provide food for 250 families before actually being able to reenter the country.
When Jason finally flew in, he found those dear friends devastated but still full of faith. Using the cash in his pocket, he purchased bread and gathered local believers to distribute it to communities still untouched by aid. Medical outreaches followed, targeting a rise in
malaria cases. Then, during a Sunday service, children gathered to pray that God would give Jason and Susan a vision of what He wanted them to do. Days later, Jason received a vivid dream of a thriving, multi-faceted ministry meeting physical and spiritual needs. After much prayer, they shared the vision with their Mozambican friends, who recognized and confirmed it as God’s timing. Upon returning to the U.S., they established Hope of a Nation, and continue to be committed to obedience and service as God directs. For more information, to donate, or to participate by livestream, visit https:// hopeofanation.org/event. Plan to join us on May 30 and be inspired as believers come together to bring hope to the world!
Branson Archery Team aims for excellence
The Branson Archery Team has shown incredible growth and dedication during the 2024-2025 school year, with 50 consistent members across both the Junior High and High School divisions. The season kicked off with a bang as the Junior High team took home the win in the team category during their first tournament. The second tournament saw over 700 students competing across various divisions with the team finishing 8th. In the third tournament, the team showed solid individual performances in both the bullseye and 3D categories. The fourth tournament was their best, with the team finishing 1st and qualifying for State
The hard work of our archers culminated in the State tournament, held during Spring Break in Branson. Over 1,500 middle school archers and 1,300 high school archers competed, and Branson’s team held their own, with several top finishes. Overall, the Branson Archery Team ranked 30th in Missouri, competing against over 250 schools that participate in the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP). Branson names director of human resources, new assistant principal
Dr. April Hawkins has been appointed as Director of Human Resources. Hawkins joined the district in 2016 and currently serves as principal of Buchanan Elementary. Prior to joining Branson Schools, Hawkins served as a principal in the Nixa and Kirbyville School Districts. In 2022 she was named the Southwest Region Distinguished Principal by the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals.
In addition, Austin Kendrick has been named a new Assistant Principal for Branson High School. He replaces Dr. Sara Strohm, who will step into the role of Branson High School Principal for the 2025-2026 school year. Kendrick is currently a physical education teacher and head basketball coach for the Reeds Spring School District.
College of the Ozarks to hold commencement ceremony Saturday, May 10
College of the Ozarks will host its 118th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 10, at 10 a.m. in The Howell W. Keeter Athletic Complex on the College campus. The ceremony will honor 328 graduating students: 79 Bachelor of Arts, 230 Bachelor of Science, and 19 Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This is a ticketed event for graduates and their families.
Hollister School District monthly recognition
Community Spotlight: Mr. Rick Ziegenfuss, Hollister
City Administrator
Teacher of the Month: Mrs. Lauren Reedy
Staff Member of the Month: Mr. Shay Bone
Students of the Month:
• HECC: Mila Hughes
HES: Danielle Edmondson
HMS: Keyshlianis Green Lopez
• HHS: Gracyn Jones
Great Hollister Easter Egg Hunt, April 19
The Great Hollister Easter Egg Hunt is Saturday, April 19. Gates open at noon and egg hunts will begin at 1 p.m. This FREE community event, located at Tiger Stadium, includes prizes, face painting, ballon art, scavenger hunt and more! Pizza, popcorn and bottled water will be available at the concession stand at a cost of $1 each.
Students in grades PK-5 received a flyer with a coloring sheet on the back. Make sure to complete the coloring sheet and bring it to the event to enter the coloring contest for a chance to win a prize.
Hollister athletes earn all-conference honors
The Hollister R-V School District proudly announces that two student-athletes have received Mid-Lakes Conference (MLC) All-Conference Honorable Mention honors for the 2024-2025 basketball season.
Junior Tyler Carpenter was named Honorable Mention for Boys Basketball, and freshman Kayla Hamilton earned Honorable Mention for Girls Basketball.
Hollister Youth Tour winner
Congratulations to Hollister High School junior, Ella Green, for being one of three winners of this year’s White River Electric Cooperative Youth Tour! Ella will join more than 2,000 other winners from electric cooperatives across the United States at the Youth Tour taking place in Washington, D.C. this summer.
We also congratulate fellow Hollister High School junior, Quaid Hasler, for being selected as a finalist.
Save the date: Night of the Tiger
Save the Date for the 11th Annual Night of the Tigeropen house and family fair. The 11th Annual Night of the Tiger is scheduled for Thursday, August 14, 2025. Registration for sponsors, service providers and volunteers will open in the first part of May.
Keep up with details and updates at www.hollister.k12.
mo.us/nightofthetiger.
RSMS PACK Pledge students recognized
Reeds Spring Middle School students have been asked to follow the PACK Pledge this year.
P - Prepared
A - Accountable
C - Considerate
K - Kind
These students were recognized in March: Pearce Birlew, Rilynn Conner, Lillian English, Hudson Hirschi, Quincy Johnson, Ella Reinsch
PACK NIGHT a howling success
Students and staff at Reeds Spring Schools will benefit from the Wolf Pack Foundation’s recent fundraiser. The
group raised $104,000 at PACK NIGHT, its annual Dolly Parton’s Stampede event.
The Wolf Pack Foundation uses its money to provide scholarships to graduating seniors, dual-credit scholarships to high school students and classroom grants to staff members at every grade level and in every building of the Reeds Spring School District. Since 2011, the Wolf Pack Foundation has raised over $750,000 and awarded more than 400 scholarships.
Reeds Spring Primary School Learners of the Month Finley Beck, Colson Klanchar, Jaxon Ellis, Charlotte Oberdieck, Alivia Lee, Walter Ingersoll, Bentley Barber, Ariana Marquez-Mendoza, Kenny Vangelista, Devyn Wildman, Lauren Carroll, Clairissa Looney, Bryant Maples
Reeds Spring Intermediate School Learners of the Month Gio Dillon-Marose, Rylee Evans, Blake Hill, Taber Marin, Levi Miller, Cindy Peal, Bruce Beasley, Brody Branson, Marina Loftin, Salvador Madrigal, Sofia McGowan, Delaney Patton, Ava Schneider-Behn Reeds Spring Middle School Students of the Month Raya Dillon-Marose and Cody Lebow
Reeds Spring and Table Rock Career Center students shine at tech championship
Table Rock Career Center and Reeds Spring High School students competed at the Technology Student Association State Championships in Warrensburg. They competed in Biotechnology, Fashion Design and Flight Endurance.
Kaden Colman and David Scott earned second place in Biotechnology and a bid to attend the National Championships this summer.
Landon Irvin finished fourth in Flight Design and can also compete at nationals.
TSA is a career and technical student organization focused on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education for middle and high school students.
Reeds Spring High School Theatre production, April 18 - 19
The Reeds Spring High School Advanced Theatre Class will perform “Almost, Maine” on April 18-19 at the Reeds Spring Middle School Auditorium.
The play is about a fictional town in northern Maine called “Almost,” which experiences a magical night under the northern lights. Through a series of vignettes, the citizens are given unlikely second chances at love.
The show times are 6:30 p.m. on both nights. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for students. Tickets must be purchased at the door.
Looking for photos? See our Education page at bransonglobe.com!
Cantrell, John 91 Branson Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory
Gross, Darrell “Nub” E. 70 Ridgedale Cremations of the Ozarks Lumpkin, Madeline Elaine 101 Forsyth Snapp-Bearden Forsyth Chapel
An ancient Coptic manuscript—evidence that Christianity existed in early African civilizations; A parallel three-language manuscript produced in Yemen; And so much more, just a sampling of the entire collection.
Tour participants were particularly impacted by the evidence of advancements in Christianity and Bible translation even during what is known as the “Dark Ages.” During that time, missionaries were transcribing languages to produce scriptures even in barbarian areas, leading to literacy as well as seeds of Christian evangelism. Attempts to destroy the Scriptures over the centuries
have been thwarted, sometimes in miraculous ways.
The Inspired Exhibit has held major exhibits across the U.S. and internationally in universities, museums and libraries; here in southwest Missouri, College of the Ozarks hosted a portion of the Exhibit in 2024. The exhibit attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually, as people seek a reliable foundation in the midst of a
O’Hara, Thomas James 59
Cremations of the Ozarks Rosson, Sylvia June 86 Crane Stumpff Funeral Home, Crane Scheu, Donald R. 90 Branson Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory Walthall, Faye 86 Galena Stumpff Funeral Home, Crane West, Mary Grace 83 Branson Cremations of the Ozarks Whittington, William H. 67 Branson Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory
tumultuous culture.
World Missions Alliance, headquartered in Branson West, was founded in 1991 by Chuck and Helen Todd for the purpose of sharing the Gospel, particularly in “hot spots” and closed or restricted nations, and offering Christians a chance to get involved and participate in the Great Commission worldwide. Visit https://www.in-
spiredexhibit.org to learn more about the artifacts and check out upcoming events. Learn more about World Missions Alliance, including missions trip opportunities, at https://rfwma.org.
Ancient Coptic account of the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt (Photo by Philip Thomas) SEE MORE PHOTOS AT BRANSONGLOBE.COM
Worship Directory
You are encouraged to worship with us!
Around Town: Here’s what’s going on in the Tri-Lakes
APRIL
• NOW THROUGH APRIL 24 Rotary Club of Hollister Trivia Night Silent Auction is now LIVE at givebutter.com/ HollisterRotary . Bid now to support local grants! All
HE IS RISEN!
Come to me, all you who are burdened and stressed, and I will give you my rest
In times, such as these, be a faithful not a fearful, generation.
Seek first my heavenly kingdom and I will heal your land and provide you with a peace that surpasses all human understanding. You are in the world, but not of the world
Trust me.
Be obedient and abide in my Word
Be anxious for nothing and remember I am in control. I will never leave you nor forsake you. Stand firm and keep on the full armor of God. Be still. All is well.
proceeds go directly to the Rotary Club of Hollister Grant Fund. Every dollar stays local to benefit our community. Browse the items, place your bids, and help us continue making a difference in Hollister and the Tri-Lakes Region. You don’t have to attend Trivia Night to join in the fun— need not be present to win. Anyone can bid online and help support a great cause!
Bidding closes during Trivia Night on April 24, 2025. Link: givebutter. com/HollisterRotary
• 17 Learn Hands-Only CPR for FREE. Be prepared to save a life. Rotary Club of Hollister and Taney County Ambulance are partnering to save lives and invite you to invest one hour, starting at 9 a.m., Taney County Ambulance District, 106 Industrial Park Drive, Hollister. Park behind building, enter through rear door marked education. Register for the FREE class at https:// business.hollisterchamber. net/ap/Events/Register/ DgF246ZS1CQCW
• 17 SEArenity Yoga at Wonders of Wildlife, 7:308:30 p.m. Join our certified yoga instructor as she leads you through an hour of relaxation and restorative yoga practices. If you are a newcomer to yoga or a seasoned yogi, this class is for you. Please bring a yoga mat, and any props you may need. Ages 13plus. 500 W. Sunshine St., Springfield. https://wondersofwildlife.org/events/
Hollister and all it has to offer while hunting for Easter eggs hidden inside our local shops! Eggs will be stuffed with gift cards, coupons and prizes.
• 18-30 Behind the WOW: Back of House tours at Wonders of Wildlife. This tour runs daily April 1830 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Go beyond the exhibits and experience the inner workings of Wonders of Wildlife with our exclusive Back of House Tour! This guided adventure offers a rare look behind the scenes into maintaining our world-class aquarium. 500 W. Sunshine St., Springfield. For more information, https://wondersofwildlife.org/calendar/ list/?tribe-bar-search=Behind+The+WOW
• 19 Jukebox Winos: LIVE
MUSIC at Dirt Road Dryfters, 12-3 p.m. Woofstock ‘25 Peace Love Rescue next stop: Dirt Road Gathering Easter weekend! 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. local vendors and food trucks; 12-3 p.m. live music; 1-3 p.m. dog adoption event for Taney Co. Animal Control and The Dallas Ranch. 2 p.m. Easter egg Hunt for kids of all ages! 2045 South Bus. Hwy. 65, Hollister. For additional information: www.jukeboxwinos.com; www.dirtroaddryfter.com
• 19 Jukebox Winos: LIVE
Wildlife: The Great Egg Hunt, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Join us at Wonders of Wildlife this Easter for a free egg-stravaganza featuring a scavenger hunt throughout the Aquarium! Get ready for a day of exploration and Easter fun for the whole family! 500 W Sunshine St., Springfield. Valid only on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Free for all children with general admission tickets. For more information, https://wondersofwildlife.org/event/ the-great-egg-hunt-mission-conservation/
• 21 Kimberling Area Library children’s program: Baby & Me - Books, bunnies and bubbles, 10:3011:45 a.m. at 45 Kimberling Blvd., Kimberling City. Program open to children of a variety of ages, their caregivers and family members interested in the topic
liberty. Learn biblical, historical and Constitutional foundation of freedom. Be entertained, inspired and educated. For more information, to register: Patriotacademy.com. 23 Life360 Hollister Church, announces its Wednesday night meal mission: Gather as a church to reach people for Jesus! We have a meal at 6 pm.; our service starts at 6:30. We will continue to meet every Wednesday night at that time. Held at Castle Rock Chapel, 155 2nd St., Hollister.
28 Cox Branson Case Management Department will host a vendor fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Cox Branson Tree Conference Rooms. Community vendors include organizations in home health, nursing homes, private caregivers, human trafficking awareness and more. Treats and door prizes will be available. Event is free and open to the public.
BACK FOR THE 2025 SEASON: Best Bets of Branson Live Talk Show Weekly Podcast
CEO, Owner & Live Talk Show Host, known as MediaChick Of The Ozarks, Carrie Anne Mitchell, is celebrating the 10 year anniversary, of the talk show, with a 2 day a week, live on Facebook podcast, from 10:45 AM11:45AM, Tues & Fri. Each live podcast episode, is also shared on the talk show’s X (OzarkMediachick) & Instagram pages (OzarkMediachick24).
Each podcast, is all about Branson & the Ozarks, and is done, from a local perspective, with a fun, positive spin.
Brought to you by: Bliss Gas Services, The Branson Globe, The Branson Show Awards, Branson’s Tribute To Johnny Cash, Camping World, Cindy Gilley, Consignnent Clothing Exchange, Dolce Vita Italian Ices, Dragon Wiens Designs, Fuschia Flip Chronicles, GT Graphics LLC, The Great Passion Play, King’s Castle Theatre, Made In The USA General Store, MarieZ, Michael Mayo Comedy Hypnosis, Nashville Roadhouse Live, Peggy’s Rock Shop, Pierce Arrow, Premier Dance Academy, The Red Garter, Signs NOW, Stevie Lee Woods, Sunfest Market, Sun Theater, Sweet Shack Branson, Sweet Suzie’s Frozen Treats, The Rogue Chef Branson.
SINNERS IMAX R 1:00, 4:00, 7:20
OZARKS Q 10:00
SECRETS OF THE SEA Q 11:00
BLUE ANGELS Q 12:00, 6:00
MUSIC at Turkey Creek Brewery, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Gather in historic downtown Hollister for house-crafted, award winning beer, local wines, wood-fired pizza, nachos, pretzels and wings. We play favorite covers and original music. 1865 Bus. 65, Hollister. For more information, www.jukeboxwinos.com; www. turkeycreekbrewery.com, 417-218-8362.
• 20 Easter at Wonders of
• 22 Neuropathy Secrets Seminar, 6-7 p.m. FREE info-packed, one-hour event to reveal the TRUTH about this life-changing disease. Learn what causes neuropathy, why many medications don’t fix it, and how drug-free treatment is now possible! Only 15 seats left. Call 417-228-8229 to reserve yours! 225 Violyn Drive, Branson. Healing Arts Center is located next to Savannah House Hotel. More information: 417228-8229
• 22 Constitution Alive! Ten-week, workbook, leadership/discussion, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Students welcome. Course is $30, includes workbook. Covenant Life Church, 1001 W. 76th St., Branson, close to downtown. Know your religious liberties. Gain more Constitutional knowledge. Learn tangible action steps for preserving
• 24 Hollister Rotary Club Trivia Night, 6-8:30 p.m. $200 for a team of 4, includes dinner, non-alcoholic beverages and entry into prize drawing for each player. Door prizes, silent auction and cash bar. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Proceeds benefit the Rotary Club of Hollister Grant Fund. Register at https://rebrand. ly/pobk2ys. For questions or more info, email rotaryclubofhollistermo@gmail. com. 4000 Branson Airport Boulevard, Hollister.
• 26 World T’ai Chi Day performance, outside the Branson RecPlex, 1501 Branson Hills Pkwy., at 10 a.m. Bob Goodwin, T’ai Chi teacher and stunt/fight coordinator from LA and some of his students will perform T’ai Chi.
• 26 Jukebox Winos: LIVE MUSIC at TAPS on Downing Street, 1-3 p.m. Woofstock ‘25 Peace Love Rescue is making the next Dog Adoption Tour Stop at this modern-rustic local tap room and beer garden. 24 craft beers on tap. Local wines. Pizza. Event supports Taney Co. Animal Control and The Dallas Ranch non-profit fostering. 260 Birdcage Walk, Hollister. For more information: www.jukeboxwinos. com; www.tapsondowning.com; 417-544-0610.
27 Mickey Gilley Memorial Golf Tournament, 1-6 p.m., April 27, at Thousand Hills Golf Course in Branson. Tee time at 1:30. Benefits Branson Humane Society and Taney County Animal Control. Information available on Facebook at Mickey Gilley Memorial Golf Tournament or Mickeygilleymemorialgolftournament.com
28 Kimberling Area Library children’s program: Story time with Talking Rocks Cavern, 10:3011:45 a.m. at 45 Kimberling Blvd., Kimberling City. Program open to children of a variety of ages, their caregivers and family members interested in the topic.
• 28 Veterans of the Ozarks present Free QPR Suicide Prevention Training, 6:30 p.m., Kimberling City Elks Lodge, 37 Beach Blvd., Kimberling City.
• 29 Constitution Alive! Ten-week, workbook, leadership/discussion, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Students welcome. Course is $30, includes workbook. Covenant Life Church, 1001 W. 76th St., Branson, close to downtown. Know your religious liberties. Gain more Constitutional knowledge. Learn tangible action steps for preserving liberty. Learn biblical, historical and Constitutional foundation of freedom. Be entertained, inspired and educated. For more information, to register: Patriotacademy.com
• 30 Kewpiesta, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. International Rose O’Neill Club Foundation Kewpiesta. The annual event combines educational seminars, workshops, contests and opportunities to buy and sell Rose O’Neill and Rose O’Neill-related items. Some events require registration. 236 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Branson. www.irocf.org
• 30 Life360 Hollister Church, announces its Wednesday night meal mission: Gather as a church to reach people for Jesus! We have a meal at 6 pm.; our service starts at 6:30. We will continue to meet every Wednesday night at that time. Held at Castle Rock Chapel, 155 2nd St., Hollister.
*For more info, on being a guest, or, a sponsor, call Carrie Anne at: 573-795-1921.
PART THREE ( NOT RATED) 12:10, 3:55, 7:40 SINNERS R 1:10, 4:10, 7:10
AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD E 1:10, 4:10, 7:10 A MINECRAFT MOVIE W 1:00, 4:20, 7:00 THE AMATEUR E 12:30, 3:30, 7:30
DEATH OF A UNICORN R 12:30, 3:40, 7:30
BY JOSHUA HESTON StateoftheOzarks.net
L
ast week’s floods and storms and my chest cold are now memory, history washing away. Rest has been a healing boon recently, rest being something I say little about. First, much of my schedule doesn’t allow
such things. Second, if I do talk about resting, I am met with the invariably, sarcastically droll comment, “Must be nice.” Must be nice [to set your own schedule]. Must be nice [to do whatever you want].” I only really guess as to the full inference. Nonetheless, their meaning is typically clear — for some strange, magical, unfair reason, I must have it easier than others who are pulling their fair share. And so rest, when it does occur but rarely, remains unspoken in my usual narrative.
I stir the tea bag, hot, peach-infused tea swirling in the cup. Outside, another place, another time, another
springtime when torrential floods and rains that seemed to never end. Some seven years ago, I believe. I was working, naturally. I was also finishing the final edit of my novel, a book that did not make it onto the best seller list. I really don’t mind, mind you. I did not write for the book to become, generically, the “great American novel.” I don’t even know what “the great American novel” means. I could Google the term, of course, but I don’t care to. There is something superficial in the supposition, the idea that, if art is worth creating, then the art must become “the thing,” recognized by subjective, yet imperial,
standards. All other art comes up short, unless we are Steinbeck, or Fitzgerald or Hemingway. Having read some of the lives of Steinbeck, Fitzgerald, and Hemingway, I’m not entirely sure each those men even wanted to be themselves. Why would I want to be them more than they? There is something towering yet shallow in reaching so high, aspiring to fame for the sake of fame itself. Better, I think, to create for the sake of creating, for the love. Art is powerful that way, powerful and cathartic. We live in the mountainous and depressing shadow of celebrity. From scrolling on social media to reading
generic headlines to staring at airbrushed faces staring back at us from the grocery store checkout line, we are inundated with the singular message: “THESE people are important, worthy of attention, unlike YOU, unimportant, un-beautiful shopper.” My work in the Ozarks has come to embody the antithesis of this brainwashing belief. The important people, those worthy of attention, are all around us — simple, true people who choose the hard choice of caring, of giving their attention to that which is important to them in their moment, and thus rising their consciousness above that of
the herd. Fortunately, there are many such people. and some have humbled me by becoming part of our StateoftheOzarks events. I am honored to celebrate them on our media platforms, not out of duty, but because I know they are the real celebrities. Not myself, and certainly not the plastic people on the magazine covers. The first words of my first book find their soul, typed out in black and white, now, so many years ago. “Child of light, trial borne, comes willingly, sacrifice given to open the great gate of the Moon. The watchers wait.” I wrote that cryptic verse
SEE JOSHUA HESTON, PAGE 3B
pinion
First Amendment to the United States Constitution Congress shall make no law respecting an establishement of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
ROB DOHERTY Publisher (504) 583-8907 robd@bransonglobe.com
JANET STEINKAMP Editor editor@bransonglobe.com
GARY J. GROMAN Independent Journalist
ROSE BUCKLES Freelance Writer/Bilingual Rosebuckles1999@gmail. com
KIM CHAPPELL
Ad Designer gabbydor210@gmail.com
MARK FEDER Taney Co. Sales Rep. (805) 320-3746 shotgunart@yahoo.com
JOHN FULLERTON Area Historian cowboyclub1994@gmail.com
LUANNA FULLERTON Entertainment Writer bransonglobeluanna@ gmail.com
This column’s original publication was in 2011, immediately following another “flooding event,” three years after 2008 and the first since Table Rock Dam’s construction. There were at least two such events after 2008 caused by water being released from Table Rock Dam under the Plan. There has been none over the last decade.
The river gage level in Newport, AR, which benefits rice farmers, limits the amount of water that can be released from Table Rock
Sometimes, I pray “911” prayers, my term for the desperate prayers during a crisis, sometimes unexpected, when I know only God can intervene: My daughter-in-law fighting to carry Baby Gil to viability; a friend’s child in a car crash; a relative’s health crisis; a mass shooting in a community where I have friends.
BY LAURI LEMKE THOMPSON, Columnist
Boy, I wish I had gotten a car wash.
This article is long overdue, and I apologize for that. On January 22 I left home on a frigid morning to run an errand. My car felt
JULIE L. KING, DVM is Medical Director at Branson Veterinary Hospital
Spring of the year is when people think the most about parasites such as fleas and ticks and make sure their pet is protected. Here in the Ozarks, spring of the year
Dam and creates a potentially dangerous situation by limiting the amount of water that can be released from Bull Shoals, the lake that Table Rock releases into. As a general rule, under the Plan, the lower the level of Table Rock Lake, the lower the amount of water that has to be released. To date, the most that has been released through the Spillways at Table Rock Dam during a flooding event is about 75,000 CFS, and that is for only a short time. If all ten spillways were open, there would be a release of 558,000 CFS.
In terms of the ticking time bomb that hangs over the Branson area, not only in terms of those who will be directly impacted by any more “high water,” but by those businesses that are affected adversely, even by the perception of Branson being flooded, let’s hope that three
years from now, the words written by the Ole Seagull in 2008 won’t still apply. In 2008 he wrote:
“Most people know what a ‘flood’ is, but only a few have heard about a ‘plood.’ Comparatively speaking they are close with an important exception. A ‘flood’ is, ‘An overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry and usually caused by an act of God.’ On the other hand, a ‘plood’ is defined as ‘The overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry, or the constant real threat of such flow, usually caused by ‘The Plan.’
“In a nut shell, ‘The Plan*’ reduces the amount of water that can be released from the Tri-Lakes dams by limiting such releases to the level of a river gage located in Newport, AR. That level is called the “Regulatory Stage.” The lower the Regulatory Stage the
less water can be discharged from the Tri-Lakes dams.
“Under The Plan the Regulatory Stage [at Newport] is 21 feet from Dec. 1 through April 14. At that level it appears no homes or businesses are in danger of flooding. On April 15 the level automatically drops from 21 feet to 14 feet unless the Tri-Lakes and Norfolk lakes storage capacity exceeds 50 percent full in which case it drops to only 18 feet. Now what’s wrong with this picture?
“Oh, it gets worse; on May 15 the level automatically dropped to 14 feet… Is it even common sense to have a plan limiting the amount of water that can be discharged from the Tri-Lakes dams during the very time of the year the area having the control reservoirs usually has its rainy season? Yet, as ‘The Plan fiddled ‘The Plood’ the community’s elected and nonelected
leaders and paid officials did little more than hum along and dance to the tune.
“Did even one initiate official action with the Corps requesting a process be set in motion to evaluate changes to The Plan? At least Nero fiddled while Rome burned. In the opinion of an Ole Seagull our areas leaders and officials are doing nothing, absolutely nothing while the very real danger of plooding casts its cloud over the Tri-Lakes area.
“’Nothing’ was a bad choice of wording because of course they [our areas leaders and officials] did something, they ‘talked.’ As was pointed out to the Ole Seagull this week, on more than one occasion, there has been a lot of talk with the Corps and others. Just for the record, to an Ole Seagull, in terms of the seriousness SEE OLE SEAGULL, PAGE 5B
Reflections: Prayer and thanksgiving in the mundane
Sometimes, including for my grandson, God has intervened miraculously; other times, the miracle doesn’t come right away, but the peace and strength do.
Those prayers are often recorded in my little devotional notebook, and I also occasionally go back and review, thanking God for his presence and provision following those prayers. I also have ongoing prayers—a family member’s chronic battle with illness, safety for missionary friends, things like that. What I recently noticed, though, was that I usually record my thanks for the most desperate stuff, but not often for God’s faithfulness in the mundane. Do I thank God for all
the times my husband has paused to lead us in prayer before driving to visit family, and we’ve made it safely; or when I know my kids are traveling and pray, and they arrive safely? That time we almost got hit by a huge truck—yes, we thanked God right on the spot. That time our son Luke and an oncoming driver collided when both took a curve too fast? You bet, when I arrived at the scene and saw Luke’s SUV hanging precariously over a steep dropoff, I thanked God my son was standing there, shaken but unhurt.
But what about the times there were no major issues? Jesus’ response to the disciples’ request, “Teach us
to pray,” that we know as the Lord’s Prayer, is powerful in its simplicity. Have I thanked God for all the times I open the refrigerator and find food to prepare?
We’ve lived on a pretty tight budget a couple of times and been thankful when a job came through, but what about when things are going reasonably well? Christian brothers and sisters in restricted or war-torn parts of the world literally trust God for each day’s food, and I wonder if Jesus included that part of the Lord’s Prayer to remind us to pray for seemingly mundane things, thank God for them, and remember people whose situations are more desperate than our own. And the
I wish I had gotten a car wash
sluggish but I attributed that to the low temperatures and the tire pressure being a little off.
I drove west on Branson Hills Parkway. As I headed up a hill toward Highway 248, the car barely moved forward and I realized something was seriously wrong. So, I stopped at the stop sign, and put on my flashers.
I was in the left lane of the two lanes, which meant motorists could easily pass me on the right, but I felt vulnerable because if someone came up the hill fairly fast in
my lane and did not notice me, I could easily be hit. By the time I called AAA, waited for a callback and then for the tow truck’s arrival, well over an hour elapsed. Here’s what happened during those 75 minutes:
From the second I turned on my flashers, people started stopping to make sure I was okay and that I had a charged cell phone to call for help. I was inundated with caring people. I felt overwhelmed (in a good way) as at least 30 people stopped to check on me,
including three individuals who came to my window to see if they could possibly get my car moving for me.
Then a particularly kind fellow in a Branson City Utilities truck pulled behind me and turned on his flashers, giving me a sense of security and relief. He was replaced by a friendly Branson policewoman who stayed parked behind me until the tow truck came, ensuring my safety and peace of mind. So why care about a car wash? Well, my vehicle is the color of bing cherries
Pet Health: Bobcat Fever in cats
means the ticks come out with a vengeance. With that means we in the veterinary community also battle a tickborne disease that affects cats known as Bobcat Fever.
The organism known as cytauxzoon felis, referred to as bobcat fever, is a protozoan parasite spread through bites from the lone star tick (brown tick, with white dot on its back). The name Bobcat Fever comes from the bobcat being the original host or reservoir for the parasite, but deer and dogs are also thought to carry it. The parasite quickly attacks
From a reader...
I recently picked up the Branson Globe newspaper at Culver’s in Branson. I have lived in the Ozarks since 2002 with a house in Kimberling
City and a primary residence near Nixa. This was the first time I have seen the Branson Globe, and I wish I would have discovered it many years
the red blood cells of the cat, causing severe illness. Signs or symptoms of the illness include high fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, jaundice and labored breathing.
This horrible disease is almost 100% fatal and it must be caught almost immediately. It is diagnosed via a blood smear, looking for the parasite inside the red blood cells. The cats who survive are treated aggressively with medications and fluids and are, therefore, hospitalized around the clock until they are well enough to return home, which is at least
ago. What a great newspaper! The advertisements are great and very informational. I really enjoyed reading the Branson Globe, unlike
five to seven days’ duration of hospitalization.
part about “Thy Kingdom come”—as my husband and I pray briefly together before heading out for a busy day, is it just a good habit, or do I really trust God to help me reflect His kingdom in my words and deeds? And then thank Him for the opportunities He sends? So, I’m flipping back through my most recent prayer notebook with fresh eyes, to thank God for all the times he’s answered my daily, routine prayers, even last-minute ones or the ones that felt like I was in a rut. Habits built during the mundane, both the prayer and the thanksgiving, can help boost our faith and trust when the tough days hit!
and is quite beautiful, especially in the sun, if I do say so myself. But not when it’s dirty — and I had not had a car wash in weeks. Had I known it would draw so much attention that morning, I would have definitely had it washed! But my main point here is that “the good people of Branson” really are just that. My experience was just one more reminder that I live in a community with an abundance of thoughtful, kind people — and that is something to truly treasure.
The only way to truly prevent this disease is to prevent a cat from getting bit by a tick in the first place. It is a misnomer that most flea and tick products prevent a tick bite. They actually do not prevent a tick bite and the tick bite is needed in order for the product to kill the tick. Sadly, this means that the cat gets exposed to an infection via the tick bite before the tick is even killed. Cat owners either need to keep their cats strictly indoors or have them on a prevention that repeals the tick, which should limit/prevent a tick bite, preventing transmission of infection. Oddly enough, this disease is localized to the Ozarks, therefore, many people have never heard about it. My goal is to educate as many cat owners as possible and to prevent their cat from getting it. In the springtime, I might see up to five cases a day in the clinic. I would like all cat owners to be aware of this disease so they can properly prevent it in their feline family members.
the other “rags” in other areas (Springfield, etc.). I am now a Branson Globe online member and contemplating becoming a print subscriber.
Congratulations on producing a very comprehensive, well-rounded, newspaper.
Kevin Farnsworth Nixa
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS Staff Writer
BY DAVE RAMSEY, CEO, Ramsey Solutions, and an eight-time No. 1 national best-selling author, and host of The Ramsey Show
JOE SHEARRER, CPFA® is Vice President and Wealth Advisor at Fervent Wealth Management.
If you’ve been paying attention to the stock market lately, you might feel like you’re standing in front of an old-school pinball machine— watching the ball ricochet in every direction, flashing lights going off, alarms buzzing, and just when you think things are calming down… bam, another jolt. That ball? It’s the market. And every bumper it hits
BY HEATHER TANKERSLEY, REALTOR®, provides services for residential, commercial, land and lake properties in the Branson Tri-Lakes area.
Continued from page 1B
to begin my novel, “Plague Child’s Doctor,” published back in spring 2018. The book was a pragmatic labor of love, a pragmatic labor of which I speak rarely. It feels weird to talk about my own work. Not because I am not pleased with the book. But perhaps because the novel is so weirdly personal; not autobiographic, of course, just... personal. I write so much but for deadlines. That work is craftsmanship, not art. The novel was purely art, a weird chunk of soul for better or for worse.
The creative process is a delicate, barreling thing, all hope and guts, and we live in a creative-bereft world. Monolithic education taught us to be good workers, cogs in a machine, each with properly timed behavior in the form of predictable social cues. Erased was the self-awareness that we are the product in the crafting, personal agency doled out only in small ration. Our creative spark and hope are “Marvel,” “StarWars,” or “Harry Potter.” Before you throw something at me, know I love all three. But I’d rather lose my-
Dave Says…Now’s the time to invest in you
Dear Dave, I’m a sophomore in college studying agriculture business. I grew up on a farm, and recently I decided it’s time to sell a small cattle herd my dad helped me start growing when I was a kid. I don’t have any student loan debt, and I’m paying for school with lots of scholarships and some help from my parents. I can sell the herd for about $20,000, and I was wondering how
you think I should invest that money for the future.
Colby Dear Colby, You know what? I think the best investment Colby can make right now is in Colby. By that, I mean I want you to finish your degree debt-free more than I want you to become a professional investor. If I were in your shoes, I’d park the proceeds from your
cattle sale in a high-yield savings account. Think of it as an insurance policy that will enable you to finish up school without taking out a bunch of student loans. I know that doesn’t sound as glamorous as investing, but think about this: Even though that $20,000 might not grow a ton in two or three years, it will grow. And if you don’t need it for school, it’ll be sitting there waiting for you
when you’re ready to set up house and start your new life after graduation.
Colby, in your case, finishing school and getting a valuable degree — one you can actually use to make a future for yourself — is going to give you a better mathematical return than a mutual fund. Why? Because you are a better investment than a mutual fund. Literally. I’m not talking about just
in a philosophical or spiritual sense, but financially. What you’ll be able to do with your life and the money you’ll make in the process is a great return on your hard work and tuition dollars. I can tell you grew up on a farm, young man. You’re definitely no stranger to real work, planning ahead and thinking about the future. I’m proud of you, buddy! — Dave
Stock Market Insights: Navigating the pinball market
represents a new headline— interest rate speculation, inflation data, geopolitical tensions, corporate earnings or political uncertainty. One second, investors are cheering a rally. The next, they’re ducking for cover.
Like in pinball, success in this environment doesn’t come from trying to control every bounce. It comes from knowing how to play the game: keeping a steady hand, reacting wisely and avoiding the temptation to “tilt” when things get wild.
Seeing stocks, bonds and the dollar all fall at once is one of those “pinball machine” like jolts and usually something you’d expect in struggling emerging markets—not in the U.S. But that’s exactly what’s happening now, and it’s raising
red flags. While it’s not a financial crisis yet, the wave of selling is unsettling.
Things escalated when Treasury bonds began selling off the night of April 8, pushing the 10-year yield up to 4.47%. What’s troubling is that this bond selloff is happening alongside a drop in the S&P 500 and the U.S. dollar, suggesting a broader loss of confidence. Initially, bonds gained after President Trump announced new tariffs on April 2, but they’ve since reversed course. Surprisingly, the dollar fell, too, signaling that global investors might be losing faith in the U.S. economy’s strength.
Even more confusing: short-term yields have dropped (suggesting Fed rate cuts), but longer-term yields remain elevated. This discon-
nect shows just how uncertain the outlook has become.
Now, it seems like investors are pulling out of everything American—stocks, bonds and the dollar. Shortterm Treasuries, usually seen as safe, are under pressure, which hints that foreign investors (who hold a big chunk of U.S. debt) may be selling.
Hedge funds could also be adding to the turmoil. Some may be unwinding complex trades tied to Treasuries, similar to what we saw during the March 2020 panic. These moves can put serious stress on the market, especially since banks don’t have the capacity to step in like they used to.
Still, it’s not full-blown panic. Key markets for short-term funding are still functioning,
and any deeper cracks would likely trigger action from the Federal Reserve. More selling could deepen the cycle of falling confidence in both the dollar and bonds—and it may be a while before things turn around.
The market is also reacting to rising recession risks but hasn’t fully adjusted yet. The S&P 500 is only down about 12% from its peak—still around September levels. In past recessions, stocks have typically dropped 20% or more and erased much more than just a few months of gains.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen stocks, bonds and the dollar move in unexpected ways—and it won’t be the last. While the headlines may spark fear, the underlying fundamentals of
the U.S. economy remain intact, and mechanisms like the Federal Reserve are still in place to prevent a worstcase scenario. So yes, right now the market feels like a pinball machine on overdrive— loud, unpredictable and full of sharp jolts. But seasoned players know the goal isn’t to stop the chaos; it’s to navigate it with skill, patience and perspective. For long-term investors, the key is not to “tilt” the machine by making emotional decisions. Stay grounded, stay diversified and keep your hands on the flippers. Because in this game, it’s not the wild swings that define your outcome—it’s how you respond to them. Have a blessed week! www.FerventWM.com
How buying or selling a home helps your local economy
Whether you’re buying or selling a house, here’s something to think about that most people don’t. Your decision doesn’t just impact your life and your family’s, it sparks a ripple effect that has a positive impact on your entire community.
Every year, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) puts out a report that breaks down the financial impact that comes from people buying and selling homes.
The data shows that if you
self in my own creative process than in someone else’s.
Those names hold magic, of course, but I have names that hold special magic to me, also. Names like, “Micahel,” Cyrus,” and “Avie.” If those names don’t sound familiar, don’t worry. They are characters in my novel, people real to me in weird and magical ways. Art is like that. We are told that, in order to be responsible adults, there is career, working for someone else, and then there is hobby.
“A nice writing hobby, perhaps. Something on the side, something for fun.” Those simple, categorical distinc-
buy an existing (previously lived-in) home, you’re giving the local economy a boost of just over $60K. And if you buy a newly built home, that number goes up to over $125K. That’s because of all the people needed to build, fix up, and sell homes. Robert Dietz, Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), explains how the housing industry adds jobs to a community: “. . . housing is a significant job creator. In fact, for every
tions make no sense to me. I don’t work for someone else, not anymore. And whether the work paid or not, I would always be writing. Writing, for me, was never a hobby but instead life itself. I don’t have hobbies. I only have that about which I am passionate and tireless, and fortunately, such things pay these days, albeit in sometimes circuitous ways.
I stir yet another cup of hot, peach-infused tea, remembering the old days and the then-new book. I wrote that book because I had been tasked with teaching a class on novel writing and had yet to write a novel.
single-family home built, enough economic activity is generated to sustain three full-time jobs for a year . . .”
When you think about it, it makes sense. Behind every home sale is a network of people involved, including contractors, city officials, real estate agents, lawyers, specialists, and more. Everyone has a job to do to help make sure your deal goes through.
Put simply, when you buy or sell a home, you’re helping out your neigh-
But also because there was a weird and phantasmal tale of Americana and I wanted to wrench that tale from my soul and place it onto the pages. True creativity is
bors. So, your decision to move doesn’t just meet your needs; it supports their families, strengthens your town, and shapes the future of your community.
Imagine walking through the front door of your next home, knowing your decision helped a local contractor keep their crew working or a small business thrive. Remember that feeling as you make your decision this year.
Bottom Line
Moving isn’t just a personal milestone – it’s an
never a waste of time. And neither is rest. Such work does not conform to industry-hours. And the finished product? The work is not famous, not needing to be,
investment in your community, too. If you’re ready to make a move, let’s connect. You’ll make a difference for more people than you know. What’s most important to you as you prepare to buy or sell your house this year? It’s Your Move! I believe every homeowner should feel confident when selling and buying a home.
Heather Tankersley REALTOR®, ABR® Keller Williams TriLakes D: 417.332.5130 O:417.336.4999
uncrushed and free from the weight of hubris. The work simply exists. And at the end of a long, hard work day, that is honest and more than enough.
• JOSHUA HESTON
BY COWBOY JOHN FULLER
O
n our recent Sons of the Pioneers’ road trip to California last week, Luanna and I made our way across I-40 which runs parallel to the famous Route 66 across several states. We spent night number two in Seligman, Arizona, a neighborhood we had explored a while back, knowing that on a future trip it would be a great overnight stop. Seligman, like many com-
BY BOB FORD,
Writer, history buff and regular visitor to Branson. You can find more of Bob’s work including his historical podcasts on his website bobfordshistory.com. Bob can be reached at robertmford@aol.com.
Memories from the Homestead: A Route 66 treasure in Seligman, Arizona - Westside Lilo’s Cafe
munities, is proud of its Route 66 heritage. Looking for a breakfast stop on the morning of April 10, we discovered Westside Lilo’s Cafe across the street from our motel alongside Route 66. I’m here to tell you, we found the real deal! Once seated and looking over their amazing menu and that everything was homemade, our server told us about the place and mentioned the legacy of Lilo, their founder who had just passed away in early January of this year. Lilo’s daughter Brenda was busy in the kitchen where she was putting the finishing touches on a sheet of sugar cookies. The reason? Today April 10, would have been Lilo’s 84th birthday. While getting familiar
with the menu, we noticed right away that there was a German influence with some of their offerings. We learned that Lilo had German roots. Lilo Russell was born in Wiesbaden-Bierstadt, Germany.
Born on April 10, 1941, Lieselotte (Lilo), her parents Josef and Paula Hohmann owned a carpentry business. Attending school through age fifteen, Lilo attended a commercial trade school, graduating in 1957. She worked for the Wiesbadener News and later worked at a local insurance company. In 1960 on a blind date arranged by a friend, she met Patrick Russell, an American serviceman stationed in Germany. He became the love of her life and Lilo and Patrick married on April 20, 1961.
Moving to Seligman, Ar-
izona, where Patrick’s parents were based, they started their family, raising three children: Nancy, Patrick Jr. and Brenda. With a passion for the legacy of Route 66, a love of serving patrons and homestyle cooking, Nancy and Brenda helped her open Westside Lilo’s Cafe in 1996 when they purchased a local diner that was for sale. The three worked side by side until Lilo’s passing this year.
Over the years Patrick gathered an impressive collection of local memorabilia along with Hollywood Western movie items, which are displayed throughout the cafe. Sure enough, the Sons of the Pioneers were featured along with Roy, Gene Autry, Rex Allen and Bob Wills.
Lilo’s legacy really impressed us. While visiting
with her daughter Brenda we learned that her great grandmother was a German chef.
Lilo learned all the tricks and when they opened their cafe, Lilo was always there at 5 a.m. getting everything ready for the day. She prepared all the pies, cakes, dinner rolls, and
Who stepped on my blue suede shoes?
If you love history, we are seeking sponsors to support this column. “We are keeping history alive, so you can pass it on Your customers will appreciate it!!” Contact Rob at the Globe, 417334-9100, for details.
like birthplace museums.
IIf you have done something memorable in your life, you get a museum. If you changed people’s lives, they go back to your beginning and tell the story of what made you, you.
John Wayne, Amelia Earhart, Walt Disney and John
J. Pershing all moved the needle and have great birthplace museums.
So, I was excited when pulling into Tupelo, Mississippi, because the signs were everywhere, “Welcome to the Birthplace of Elvis Presley.”
Tupelo is an old rail town with typical southern roots. Poor and rural with a history of segregation and southern culture. It’s exactly the type of place in America where dreams are answered, for someone to overcome life’s problems and become one of the most important cultural figures of the 20th century.
Elvis loved his hometown and would initiate and support projects in Tupelo throughout his life. “You
can take Elvis out of Tupelo but you can’t take Tupelo out of Elvis,” so says Roy Turner, director of the Elvis Presley Birthplace Museum. “Elvis was more than just a star; he bridged the racial and generational gap influencing music to this day.”
As John Lennon said, “without Elvis the Beatles wouldn’t exist!”
The Stones, Aretha Franklin, Dolly Parton and throngs of other musicians credit Elvis, his creativity and diversity with influencing their music. Even though his music is what first got him noticed, it was more than that. He changed America’s fabric.
Born in a shotgun house on the wrong side of the tracks
in 1935, Elvis didn’t know he was poor; all he knew was he wasn’t rich. His area of the city was called Shake Rag, a predominantly black neighborhood known for music and struggles. During the week and on weekends the air was filled with blues and jazz, but come Sunday it was all Gospel.
As a kid Elvis and his black best friends Sam Bell and Bo Clanton would sneak into speakeasies and absorb the music, style and fun of the times. All this had an endearing impact on his persona and life.
The boys would go to segregated movie houses together, where Elvis went in the front door and his buds in the side, only to have Elvis sneak into the black section of the theater to be with his friends. No one took notice. Elvis was very close to Sam Bell’s grandparents who after his stardom would comment on Elvis’s politeness, “always treating his elders proper.”
In 1945 at the age of 10, Elvis gave his first public performance at a singing contest held at the Mississippi-Ala-
usually spent up to 12 hours a day in the kitchen, making sure everything was perfect. It was a great opportunity; soon everyone took a liking to her German specials, sauerbraten, goulash and schnitzel. It’s clear that Brenda is
bama Fair and Dairy Show, singing the sad ballad, “Old Shep.” Elvis came in fifth. Redemption and celebration were had eleven years later; he came back to the fair and entertained 21,000 hysterical fans. I wonder if any of those who finished one-four were in the crowd?
On his 11th birthday Elvis received his first guitar as a present from his mother. He took it everywhere, playing at school, church, tent revivals and honky tonks. When he turned 13, Elvis
TON, a native of Taney County, and a member of the Sons of the Pioneers.
A young Elvis (Photo submitted by Bob Ford) SEE MORE PHOTOS WITH THIS STORY AT BRANSONGLOBE.COM.
A trip to Seligman, Arizona, will lead you to Westside Lilo’s Cafe. (Photo courtesy John Fullerton)
SEE JOHN FULLERTON, PAGE 9B
SEE BOB FORD, PAGE 6B
BY MARSHALL HOWDEN, a member of the Branson Board of Aldermen, and Executive Director of Song
of Hope Historical Society.
How does one wear his heart on his sleeve while simultaneously having a dozen or so costume changes per day? My answer to anyone who says that’s
For the love of Branson: Terry Wayne Sanders
impossible is you haven’t met Terry Wayne Sanders! Terry has been performing at Silver Dollar City for 45 glorious years and he isn’t looking to hang up his myriad of costumes anytime soon. Branson’s most iconic character actor has been a staple of nearly every one of the Ozark’s quintessential stage shows. From “Hee Haw” to the Shepherd of the Hills and even existing as a nearly permanent fixture on the Vacation Channel as I was growing up in this community, Terry embodies everything it means to be a Branson entertainer.
I’ve always felt a special
kinship to Terry and his wife Dede. We share a deep love of American nostalgia that we never fail to reminisce upon when we see each other. Terry is about the only person I’ve ever been able to talk with about the legendary stories of the time Buddy Ebsen almost played the Tinman in my alltime favorite film, 1939’s “The Wizard of Oz.” And of course, Mr. Ebsen has a Silver Dollar City connection as well as characters from his iconic sitcom “The Beverly Hillbillies” filmed a few episodes there in the 1960s.
But isn’t that so appropriate to the person I am paying tribute to in this piece.
Terry Sanders feels like the embodiment of a generational bridge between how the Ozarks used to be and where we are now. He’s from this part of the country after all and deeply proud of it. At five years old, Terry and his family visited Silver Dollar City and as he describes it, he found his second home. And this “journey to Oz” so to speak continued later that evening when the family saw the Shepherd of the Hills outdoor drama.
Terry isn’t alone in having his love for Branson born in these two venues. But very few get to say they became iconic performers there as
well. And don’t forget Terry’s participation in the Branson Boom and the live music shows that made this town famous. After being noticed by Branson Legend Shad Heller while at SDC, Mr. Heller invited Terry to perform at his Corn Crib Theatre on the famed Highway 76 Strip. From there, he would perform alongside a veritable who’s who of the founding Branson acts including the Wilkinsons, the Braschlers and Grand Jubilee.
Needless to say, Terry has made his mark on Branson that will never be erased. He might have played characters that were the fastest
draw in the West, but Terry has always been the quickest comedic mind in the Ozarks. And yet, it’s the unbridled joy for what he does that pours from every fiber of his being that has become the defining characteristic of this Renaissance performer. Like every honorable man in the Ozarks, Terry puts his family first. Terry and Dede became parents of two young men throughout their years in Branson. They love the one in heaven and they love the one still with us. And I feel like I can speak for the entire community when I say that we love YOU, Terry Sanders, and we always will!
Get out of the house and play: Area appreciation for three shows during April
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Three popular Branson shows are offering local guests the opportunity to see their shows at a reduced rate during April.
At the Grand Country Music Hall, 1945 W. 76 Country Blvd., New South Gospel is holding an area appreciation on April 17 and 24. Show time is 3 p.m. A $10 rate is available for residents of Taney, Stone, Christian, Greene, Doug-
• OLE SEAGULL
Continued from page 2B
of the situation, ‘talk without official action is nothing.’
“Call the Ole Seagull foolish but he fears for what can happen if the lake level situation is not addressed immediately. At a minimum that should involve an official request to prevent the lowering of the regulatory stage at Newport to 12 feet from its current 14 feet until all the TriLakes area lakes are at their Seasonal Conservation Pool averages. That request should involve the commitment of the resources to see it through to the highest levels with the best professional advice and personnel available…”
Three years have passed since those words were written and the Ole Seagull would ask basically the same question of our community’s elected and non-elected leaders and paid officials, that he asked in 2008. “Did even one of you initiate official action with the Corps requesting a process be set in motion to evaluate changes to ‘The Plan’ between 2008 and the events of this year?” Here we are now in 2011
las, Barry, Polk, Laclede, Dallas, Wright, Ozark and Webster counties in Missouri, and Carroll, Boone, Newton, Benton, Madison, Washington, Searcy and Baxter County in Arkansas. Photo ID is required and tickets must be picked up one hour prior to showtime. To reserve your tickets, call 417-335-2484.
Branson’s Famous Baldknobbers is holding an area appreciation through May 1.
and the ticking time bomb still is hanging over the heads of the residents and businesses of the Branson area. In an Ole Seagull’s opinion, the impotency shown by our local elected officials, community leaders and paid officials regarding trying to get “The Plan” changed over the past three years is inexcusable. For the record, an Ole Seagull would reiterate, “in terms of the seriousness of the situation, ‘talk without official action is nothing.’” Tick tock, tick tock tick…
* The U. S. Army Corps of Engineer’s water control plan
Residents of Barry, Barton, Cedar, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Douglas, Greene, Hickory, Howell, Jasper, Laclede, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, Ozark, Polk, Stone, Taney, Texas, Webster and Wright counties in Missouri, plus residents of Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Madison, Marion, Newton, Pope, Searcy and Van Buren counties in Arkansas
entitled - “White River Basin, Arkansas and Missouri, Water Control Master Manual dated March 1985 and revised December 1998.”
04/18/25: Ironically, here we are now in 2025, and the ticking time bomb still hangs over the heads of the residents and businesses of the Branson area. In an Ole Seagull’s opinion, the impotency shown by our local elected officials, community leaders and paid officials regarding trying to get “The Plan” changed over the past 17 years is inexcusable.
can purchase tickets for $13 each. Branson’s Famous Baldknobbers perform at the Hughes Brothers Theater, 3425 W. 76 Country Blvd. To reserve tickets, call 417-231-4999.
Reza, Edge of Illusion, offers a $20 per ticket special price during the month of April. Residents of Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas can take advantage of the re-
duced ticket price through April 30. The Reza Live Theatre is at 645 Historic Highway 165 in Branson. Call 417404-3434 or go to rezalive. com.
Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters announce next meeting, April 29
BY LUANNA FULLERTON, En-
Writer
tertainment
We are excited to announce our next member meeting! It will be held at the Bonniebrook Museum located at 485 Rose O’Neill Road, Walnut Shade. We will meet on Tuesday, April 29, at 6 p.m. Our presenter will be
Heather Snow who will give a presentation on foraging in the Ozarks! It will be a great event and a perfect time to get together! The meeting is open to members and the public, and attendees will have the opportunity to join the Hillcrofters or to renew their membership.
Read more about Heather below:
Heather Snow is a passionate hobby forager with a deep love for nature and nutrition. With a BS in Dietetics and a BS in Public Health Nutrition, Heather has spent years studying how food and wellness go hand-in-hand.
Beyond her primary job of homemaking, she formally studied herbalism, owned her natural baby product business for a decade, and has been a birth doula for 22 years, helping families on their journeys of growth and nourishment. Heather loves to dive into
all things gardening, camping and cooking up interesting and unique meals. Whether it’s experimenting with new ingredients from the international grocery store or foraged plants from her neighborhood, Heather’s approach to food is all about connection and cre-
ativity. She lives in Overland Park with her husband, three teenage sons and two international students from Vietnam – making for a lively, bustling home filled with anarchy and testosterone. For further information, societyofozarkianhillcrofters.com or Facebook page.
Music on the Lake: Veterans of the Ozarks concerts begin May 3
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
Veterans of the Ozarks is excited to announce that the Music on the Lake Concert Series is back for the 2025 season. The first show will be Saturday, May 3, featuring the Eddie Valen Band, with a great summer of bands lined up. Locals as well as visitors to the lake area are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and a beverage and enjoy these evenings of fun and fellowship at the Kimberling City
Shopping Center, 11863 St. Hwy. 13.
Shows are from 7 to 9 p.m. every other Saturday through September 20, with a special show also scheduled for July 2 during Kimberling City’s Fireburst celebration. Also watch the VOTO Facebook page for announcements of special shows at Port of Kimberling during Spring Fest, Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.
• Saturday, May 3 – Eddie Valen (Rock & Roll)
Saturday, May 17 – Resurrection (Rock & Roll)
Saturday, May 31 – Dale Johnston Country Review (Country & Western)
• Saturday, June 14 – Table Rockers (Rock & Roll)
Saturday, June 28 – Tom Lovato & Friends (Classic Rock)
Saturday, September 6 –Kirk Brown Blues Band (Blues)
• Saturday, September 20 – Shawn Campbell & The Band Rescue (Southern Rock) As always, these con-
and the Presleys moved 120 miles northwest, to Memphis where father Vernon Presley continued his struggling ways. The really cool 1953 Plymouth that they rode in leaving Tupelo is on display at the museum. Elvis changed the music industry because of the dollars he generated. In music
certs are free to the public, sponsored by “you, your neighbors and your favorite local area businesses,” so be sure to thank those local businesses with your support when choosing a restaurant or service provider! Additional sponsorships are welcomed at any time; contact votoorg1@ veteransoftheozarks.org for information. While marking your calendar, why not plan to attend the free QPR (Question, Persuade, Re-
it’s still telltale to follow the 14-year-old girls with their craves, raves and buying habits. As Elvis started singing and moving, young girls couldn’t get enough. The change in music from Sinatra and Dean Martin to Elvis and the Beatles led to a shift in society and attitudes. It was the first cultural step away from post-World War II life.
fer) training on Monday, April 28, at Veterans of the Ozarks meeting, held at the Elks Lodge, 37 Beach Blvd. in Kimberling City. It’s a small investment of time to become certified as a gatekeeper, and be a warrior in the fight against suicide in Stone and Taney County. This valuable free training will start at 6:30 p.m. and lasts about an hour; registration at the above email address is recommended but not required.
Those comfortable with routine were opposed to any sort of change, thought his music and style were rebellious. Elvis heard it all; rock and roll was the devil’s music. There was a “black music” phobia in America at the time, because you could “feel the music.” It distanced one generation from another. No matter the road blocks the establishment put out, the 14-year-old girls climbed over, dollars drove the mania. Elvis’ life is a mixture of raw talent with an infectious persona that a restless generation was demanding. The Museum is a great two-hour walkthrough with his shotgun boyhood home, Assembly of God chapel where the Presleys worshiped and the museum itself, all in a 15-acre unspoiled southern setting. Next week, more on the man, his music, impact and lives touched.
• BOB FORD Continued from page 4B
The Rogue Chef: Avocado, Chickpea and Radish Salad
BY CHEF JEFF WOODWARD, The Rogue Chef
Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
INGREDIENTS
For the dressing
• ¼ C Olive Oil
2 T Lemon Juice
• 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
• 1 T Maple Syrup
¼ tsp Ground Cumin
• ½ Clove Garlic, minced
Salt & Pepper, to taste
For the salad
1 15 oz Can Chickpeas, rinsed & drained
• 8 oz Radishes, cut in half
& thinly sliced
• 2 C Baby Arugula
1 Large Avocado, seeded & diced
• 2 Small Leek, white & light green parts only, halved & thinly sliced
½ C Feta Cheese, crumbled
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, cumin and garlic in a small jar with a lid. Secure the lid
and shake until everything is well blended. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference. Set aside.
2. Add the chickpeas, radishes, arugula, avocado, leek, and feta to a large bowl and mix them together. Pour in the dressing and toss everything to coat.
3. Serve immediately.
Fun and tasty Easter recipes to make with kids
COMPILED BY JANET
STEINKAMP, Editor Bunny Biscuits
This simple Easter breakfast recipe is a fun way to get kids involved. Use whatever ingredients you wish for the face. For example, grapes may be substituted for the raisins.
INGREDIENTS
1 10-biscuit can biscuits refrigerated 10 raisins
• 5 maraschino cherry halves
20 almonds slivered
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 450º F. Place five biscuits on a 15 x 10 x 1-inch nonstick baking pan.
2. To assemble bunny biscuits: Cut remaining 5 biscuits in half, pull a little to form ears. Press 2 biscuit halves (ears) under top of each whole biscuit to form bunny head.
3. In each whole biscuit, press in two raisins for eyes, cherry half for nose, two slivered almonds on each side of cherry half for whiskers. Bake 10 minutes, or until biscuits are done. Serve immediately. thehealthycookingblog.com Easter Bunny Breakfast Pancakes
Bunny pancakes are fluffy, delicious and healthy (with no added sugar) and
are fun and easy to make in about ten minutes. Kids will want to help decorate bunny pancakes.
INGREDIENTS
For the pancakes:
• 1 ripe banana
• 2 eggs
2 tablespoon all purpose flour (or gluten-free flour, if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon milk (or dairy-free milk)
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
For the decoration:
• 2 bananas (for bunny ears, eyes and mouth)
• 2 strawberries (for the bunny nose or substitute raspberry)
• 4 blueberries (for the eyes)
• 1 carrot (for bunny whiskers, or substitute an apple)
INSTRUCTIONS
don’t have to be this exact size; as long as you make one big pancake (for the face) and two small pancakes (for the mouth), that’s good.
4. Then transfer the pancakes onto a plate and prepare the decorations.
5. Cut a banana in half horizontally, then again in half vertically, to make two sets of bunny ears. Slice the remaining banana to make 2 sets of bunny eyes. Cut two more slices and cut them into rectangles to make two sets of teeth. Cut the 2 strawberries ends to make two bunny noses. Cut the carrot (or apple) into about 12 thin strips to make the bunny whiskers.
thepetitecook.com
Easter Dirt Cake
stant white chocolate, or instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Easter candy, (PEEP bunnies, edible grass, candy Easter eggs); to make homemade/edible grass, see *NOTE below.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Crush ⅔ package of Oreos and place it in the bottom of a 9×13 pan. Set aside.
2. Mix cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar and fold in whipped topping. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl mix pudding mix, milk and vanilla. Fold this mixture in with the cream cheese mixture.
by breaking the pretzels, scooping the nests and placing the eggs in them.
INGREDIENTS
• 3/4 cup blanched almond slivers
• 10 ounces vanilla almond bark
• 1 cup butterscotch chips 2 cups pretzel sticks, broken in half
• 3/4 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup candy-coated mini chocolate eggs (about 50)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. To make pancake batter: Place the banana and eggs in a blender and blend until smooth, about 10 seconds. Add the flour, milk and baking powder and blend until just combined, about 5 seconds. If the batter is too thin, add an extra tablespoon of flour.
2. Heat a large nonstick pan over medium low heat, and brush it with a little butter. Pour a ladle of pancake batter, and cook each pancake until small bubbles form, then flip it on the other side and cook for one more minute.
3. For each bunny face, make three pancakes – one 5-inch large pancake, and two small 1½ inch pancakes.. They
No-bake Easter dirt cake is an easy-to-make and creamy favorite loaded with
Oreo flavor. Everyone will love to decorate and eat this! INGREDIENTS
13.29-ounce package Oreos
8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar 16-ounce container Cool Whip
• 2 (3.4-ounce) boxes in-
4. Pour over the crumb mixture.
5. Sprinkle with the reserve crushed Oreos. Let set for a few hours and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
6. Right before serving, top with bunny Peeps, edible grass,* and candy Easter eggs.
*NOTE: Use coconut to make homemade/edible grass:
1. In a separate bowl add ⅛ cup to ¼ cup of shredded coconut, add 1-2 drops of green food coloring, and stir.
2. Continue adding food coloring one drop at a time until you reach your desired color.
3. Sprinkle the coconut grass pieces over the dirt cake.
lilluna.com
Butterscotch Bird Nests
With only six ingredients, these butterscotch clusters are a combination of salty and sweet. Kids can help
1. Heat a large, dry sauté pan over medium heat. Add the almond slivers and toast, shaking the pan every minute, until they are fragrant and begin to darken in areas, 3 to 5 minutes.
2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Melt the almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl according to package instructions. Stir in the butterscotch chips. Microwave another 30 seconds, and then stir until smooth.
3. Stir in the almonds, pretzels and coconut, coating evenly. Drop the mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time, onto the prepared baking sheets. Nestle in 1 or 2 of the mini eggs. If the mixture starts to cool and become too firm to work with, microwave for 30 seconds and stir gently. Let the nests cool at room temperature until solid. www.foodnetwork.com
SEE EASTER TREATS, PAGE 9B
LARRY DABLEMONT is an outdoor publisher, columnist, author, speaker, naturalist and outdoorsman.
R
ock bass are to Ozark flowing streams what crappie are to reservoirs. Creel census figures show that they make up the largest percentage of fish caught and fish kept by stream fishermen in the Ozarks.
Missouri fisheries people once kept track of the fish coming out of the Big Piney, Current, Niangua, Huzzah and Courtois, and they figured goggle-eye made up 25 to 35 percent of the fish caught and kept. It is likely they overlooked the green sunfish caught when they did that survey. Green Sunfish most likely are caught at a very high rate, but not often kept.
Biologists from that longago time also did a study of growth rates, which showed that rock bass on the Black and Jacks Fork Rivers were three years old when they reach six inches in length. But at Bennett Springs, next to the Niangua River, they were six inches long at two years. Three-yearold goggle-eye there were
• EASTER TREATS
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Kids will want to help make this fun and delicious treat. Put portions in paper containers or bags for an edible Easter gift.
• JOHN FULLERTON
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carrying on the tradition, and she truly enjoys it. Next year is their 30th anniversary, and to top it off it’s the 100th anniversary of Route 66. The menu is rather impressive. Luanna was thrilled with the German fries, pancakes and eggs. They definitely don’t short you on anything. I had the biscuit and gravy plate and it was amazing. Brenda, it was wonderful to meet you and visit for a spell. Keep up the wonderful work! While in Seligman don’t miss this historic Route 66 eatery. Westside Lilo’s Cafe is located at 22855 AZ-66 on the south side of the road. See westsideliloscafe.com
Outdoors with Larry Dablemont: Goggle-eye
about eight inches long. Eleven-inch fish (a real rarity even then) from the same waters were seven years old. Rock bass will quite commonly reach a weight of one-half to three-fourths of a pound in the Ozarks. And goggle-eye of one-and-ahalf pounds can be seen on occasion. A heavier fish in the Ozarks is a true lunker, in the same realm as a fivepound smallmouth or a tenpound largemouth
I know of a two-pound rock bass taken from the Big Piney River right at the mouth of Hog Creek back in the early ‘60s. My uncle was fishing just after dark in a deep hole with a jitterbug, trying to catch a big smallmouth. That huge rock bass, which he landed, was the only one I ever knew to hit a jitterbug at night.
That’s one thing that really stands out to me in the years of river fishing I’ve done. If you want to catch rock bass, fish the bottom, use small lures, and fish slow. Despite the things I’ve read about rock bass hitting flies cast by fly-fishermen, I’ve seldom seen them come up after anything on top.
When I was a boy and Dad and I floated the Big Piney and Little Piney Rivers in April, we had the best lure I’ve ever seen for goggle-eye. A man named Art Varner from Salem, Missouri, made a small spinnerbait called a shimmy fly. These
INGREDIENTS
2 cups popcorn
• 1 cup Cheerios cereal
1 cup pretzels
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup mini eggs
• 1 tbsp. sprinkles
• 3 oz. white chocolate
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Mix all the ingredients except the white chocolate together in a bowl
lures, one-eight and onefourth ounce had lead heads and honeybee yellow and black or yellow and brown bodies, with brown or black squirrel hair tied over them. The small offset spinner rode just above the body, and we’d dress this up with a split white pork rind fly strip.
When shimmy flies became hard to find, beetle spins began to appear, and now there are a variety of plastic lures on the same type of spinners, which are very effective for rock bass.
The colors don’t make a great deal of difference.
Of course, natural-bait fishermen will tell you nothing will beat a night crawler, and that is indeed a favorite of rock bass in the summer.
In the spring, they may spawn just below a swift shoal in water as shallow as three feet. In April and May, there’s no problem catching them during the day. In fact, when they are preparing to spawn in the spring, you may catch a dozen or so rock bass in one spot, any time of the day. In June they begin to spread out, seek deeper water, and feed well at night going to the deepest water and coming out at dusk. If you like to fish with night crawlers after dark in a deep river eddy, you will find that they are a bit nocturnal then.
The rock bass does indeed love rocks, but some of the best fishing I’ve had with minnows and night crawlers has
and pour onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
2. Melt the white chocolate and drizzle this on top of the mixture. Refrigerate for 30 minutes until the chocolate has hardened.
3. Break the mixture up and place it into bowls or bags. myfussyeater.com
been around large root wads of fallen trees washed into deep water any time of the year, any time of the day. They love a big submerged root wad just as much as a big rock. Something else I’ve noticed about rock bass in the Ozarks, is that they seem to go on feeding binges when a heavy rain muddies the stream and creates a small rise. Sometimes during a rise they move into areas of sand or gravel substrate where they normally wouldn’t be found. Years ago, when there was a slow rise in the river, and murky water coming with it, I would go to some favorite spots and catch lots of rock bass on nightcrawlers, along with bass, green sunfish and suckers.
I seldom fish for them today, as upper reaches of Ozarks streams have become shallow, and the rocks I once fished are becoming covered with silt and grav-
(Photo submitted by Larry Dablemont)
el. Progress…land clearing and erosion! But last spring I made a trip on the lower Big Piney with oldtime riverman and fishing guide, Charlie Curran, and we found lots of goggle-eye to be caught on small rubber grubs fished slowly close to the bottom in deeper water. But 80 percent were less than eight inches, in most streams where rocks are found in deeper water, not yet filled ion. Ozark gog-
gle-eye can thrive, IF fishermen will abide by that eight-inch rule. They have gone through hard times, but anglers willing to return all smallmouth, and return any rock bass under eight inches can play a big role in keeping rivers something like they were in that time long ago when only wooden johnboats drifted downstream, in the land of brownies, black perch and goggle-eyes!
Easter Bunny Trail Mix
GRIEF SHARE: Branson United Methodist Church (1208 W. 76 Country Blvd.) will begin GRIEF SHARE CLASSES on Tues. March 4, at 1:30 p.m. in the church library. There will also be a 5 p.m. class for those who work. BOTH CLASSES will be on TUESDAYS. Grief is a journey we all travel, and coming together helps us realize others have the same questions and doubts! EVERYONE is welcome!! This is a 13-week support group and there is NO CHARGE. For questions, please call Peggy at 641-919-1533.
lassifieds
AMERICAN LEGION POST #220 would love to invite all of our former and current U.S. military friends to join us every Monday at 9 a.m. for coffee and pastries, with the exception of the second Monday of the month and national holidays. Come join us at the M. Graham Clark Airport in Hollister, 491 Blue Sky Ln. Monthly business meeting is the second Monday of the month, at 6 p.m., at Pizza Ranch, 1464 St. Hwy. 248, Branson. We look forward to meeting you! HOOAH!
VETERANS & MILITARY COALITION OF THE OZARKS is an all-volunteer organization of veterans serving veterans. Contact us if you feel that you, as a veteran or veteran family, may not be receiving the benefits you deserve. Go to VMCO1.org and click on CONTACT at the top of the home page. VMCO meets monthly on the third Thursday of the month (no meeting in July or November) at the Golden Corral in Branson with 11:15 a.m. lunch buffet and 12-1 p.m. meeting.
CELEBRATE RECOV-
I WAS OUT WALKING, and I ran into my 80 year old friend named Smokey Bear. He was talking about the clean air. If you smell smoke look for the fire, because it may burn your house. Please don’t throw away your cigarettes outside and remember fireworks start fires. The weather is dry so don’t burn your house down and don’t burn my house either. Please pay attention.
SERVICES OFFERED
GOLDEN DOODLE PUPPIES FOR SALE. 10 wks., smart, healthy, sociable. Medium and large as adults. $ vary. Text 417-2305775. Branson.
OFFICE SPACE
FOR SALE
ERY is a place to heal from your hurts, habits and hangups. We meet every Monday night at 6:30 p.m. at Music City Centre, 1839 West 76 Country Blvd., Branson. For more information, call 808344-4240. See you there!
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION SUPPORT GROUP meets at the Branson-Hollister Senior Center, 201 Compton Dr., Branson, the last Wednesday of every month from 9:30 - 11 a.m. For more information, call Mark Applegate at 417955-2513 or email mark.applegate@senioragemo.org.
IF MY PEOPLE, WHICH ARE CALLED BY MY NAME, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
CLEANING SERVICE serving all Tri-Lakes area. Residential, commercial, construction and resorts. Call 417-527-3340.
FREE ESTIMATES AND TIMELY RESPONSE. Full remodels, decks, pole barns, garages, fencing and small projects. Call 417-6991635.
GARAGE SALES
NEIGHBORHOOD GARAGE SALE: Oakmont rummage sale is Sat. April 26, from 8–3. 2308 State Hwy. 86. Clothes, household items. Lots of antiques, coleslaw maker, tools, glass oil drop containers and much more.
COMMUNITY GARAGE
SALE: Cozy Cove on Bee Creek Rd. Saturday, May 3, 8 – 3.
HOME RAISED GRASS FED MEAT: USDA 90% plus lean meat $7 per lb. Whole and half cows available. FREE delivery, call 785-477-8712.
NICE 3 BR + OFFICE 3 BA, 2 car garage, large fenced-in back yard. 211 Rea St. Hollister. Available now: $1,750/mo, $3,500 security deposit, plus $55 background check. No smokers. Call or text 417-337-0398 and leave a message. I will call you right back. We can help you with your rent, groceries and gas. Please call to get the
900 SQ. FT. AND HAIR SALON, 650 sq. ft., Branson West on 76 Hwy. Heavy traffic storefront near McDonalds. 417-527-5382 and 417-527-5381. FOR RENT: 3 BR 2 bath renovated home, 1/4 acre, 182 Ashland, Bull Creek. 2 porches, all appliances, A/C. $1,300/mo. 417-593-9660. HOME FOR SALE: 3br/2bath home with 2154 sq. ft. on two lots in Cape Fair on TRL. Call 830-6131163.
Stevedore’s job
Workers on hand 10. One hitting the low pitches? 14. Sea bird 15. Present your case 16. Side in an argument
17. One with rhythm
18. Elephantine
19. Anastasia’s father, e.g. 20. Hot stuff
23. “Marry me!” e.g.
24. Novelist Tolstoy
25. It contains four quarters 26. End of some sanctuaries 28. Diamond authority, briefly
Dust collector? 33. “Guns of the Magnifi-
Involved
45. “Joy of Cooking” abbr. 46. Florida city, informally 47. Ingot 49. “Well ___-di-dah”
51. They work in columns 54. Yoga class exercise 58. Wee whale
59. Oprah’s production studio
60. Actress Sedgwick 61. Citrus fruit
62. Pacific Rim figure 63. These wings don’t flap 64. Carefree quality 65. Comeback 66. Literary sisterhood Down
1. Celtic clan division, e.g.
2. Part of a regiment
3. He’s very big in Miami
4. Vanuatu’s November through April, e.g. 5. Dry starch from a type of palm
6. English dessert
7. Marble type
8. Amusement park attraction
9. Big bash
10. Conducting rod? 11. Obeys
On this date in history...
• 1880 An F4 tornado strikes Marshfield, Missouri, killing 99 people and injuring 100
1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire kill nearly
4,000 while destroying 75% of the city
1924 First crossword puzzle book published by Simon & Schuster
1966 Basketball player
Bill Russell becomes first African American coach
in NBA history (Boston Celtics)
• 1977 Alex Haley author of “Roots” awarded Pulitzer Prize
• 1983 Pulitzer Prize awarded to Alice Walker for the novel “The Color Purple” 1986 IBM produces first megabit chip
• 1994 Former President Richard Nixon suffers a stroke and passes away four days later
12. Ollie’s sidekick
13. Knight 21. Tropical nocturnal mammal
22. Tupperware unit
27. Religious groups
29. Foul up
31. Copycat
32. Lifting spots?
33. Goatee’s place
34. Top-notch
35. Yuletide projectiles
36. “Much ___ About Nothing”
37. Way out, computerwise
39. “Honestly!”
40. “This tastes terrible!”
45. Capote, on Broadway
46. City northeast of Bombay
48. Jude Law movie role
50. Nautical term
52. Safe havens (Lat.)
53. Not exactly wholesome
54. Heroic chronicle
55. “There’s gold in them ___ hills!”
56. Jack’s “The Odd Couple” TV co-star
57. Challenger grp. 58. One of the pool balls
• 1995 NFL Quarterback
Joe Montana announces his retirement from football
2022 U.S. Federal judge rules as “unlawful” Biden administration’s mandate that masks be worn on public transportation
• 2024 New report finds nearly half of China’s cities are sinking due to development and extracting too much water
Sudoku
See more fun puzzles at: https://www.puzzles.ca/sudoku/
