Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of every human being. – Ecclesiastes 12:13
Your source for local news and entertainment
August 8, 2025 • Volume 6, Issue #31
INSIDE: • Around Town.... 12A • Churches.......... 11A • Classifieds......... 10B • Food.................. 8B • Fun & Games.... 12B • Pets for Adoption �� 3A
End of summer fun at FBC’s Back to School Bash
See our Back to School Roundup on page 3A. (Photo by K.D. Michaels)
• Obituaries........ 10A • Weather........... 10A
PLUS:
Groundbreaking for Forsyth senior center – SEE PAGE 2A.
Public meeting regarding 120-day closure of E. 76 is Aug. 12
Shepherd’s Wild West Show – SEE PAGE 1B.
BY GARY J. GROMAN, Independent Journalist Drivers should get ready for up to a 120-day closure of Missouri Route 76 between Lake Shore Drive and Business Route 65 in Hollister. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is gearing up for a major $7.5 million slide repair project, scheduled to start in the spring of 2026, to help stabilize the bank and prevent recurring dangerous slides and road washouts of the highway in that area.
Residents and interested parties can attend a public meeting on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, to find out more about the project and how it will affect local traffic. The meeting will be from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, at 420 W. Main St. in Branson. It will be a “come-and-go” event hosted by MoDOT with no formal presentation. You can arrive anytime within that window to check out the exhibits, gather project details, and ask MoDOT
personnel questions about the project. According to MoDOT, this portion of Route 76 is very busy, with approximately 14,400 vehicles traveling on it daily. Because of the work, significant traffic impacts are expected during construction, as Route 76 will be completely closed between the Business 65 roundabout and Lake Shore Drive for up to 120 days. Drivers will need to use a detour, which includes Route 76, Coon Creek Road and
The area of white rocks indicates where previous slides have washed out the highway, and it is the area of repair that will be focused on. (Photo by Gary J. Groman) on just about a daily basis. Taney County Route BB. John and Kelly Neil live While acknowledging that off of T Highway and travel the proposed fix will fix a that portion of Highway 76 SEE E. 76 CLOSURE, PAGE 10A
Friends Helping Friends a huge success
Shelia Yeary and Cheryl Gabriel (via Facebook)
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer A special benefit concert on Sunday exceeded expectations in raising funds for a local entertainer. Friends Helping Friends was organized by Branson headliner Doug Gabriel and wife Cheryl to raise money for vocalist Shelia Yeary. Yeary is undergoing treatment for brain cancer. The fundraising event included a benefit concert and a silent auction.
“The response was great. We had a great crowd,” said Doug Gabriel. “It exceeded my expectations. Not only the benefit, but also the silent auction. The money is still coming in, but we’ve reached over $20,000 so far.” “All of the acts did a great job,” said Gabriel. “And, the people at The Mansion Theatre. I want to thank Gene Bicknell for
donating the use of the theater, as well as all of our Gold Sponsors who helped with everything concerning the show. Without them, the benefit would not have happened.” Gold Sponsors included All Access Branson, Branson 2 for 1 Tickets, Pat Joyce and the Vineyard, as well as The Mansion Theater. Silver and Bronze sponsors were also vital
SEE BENEFIT, PAGE 10A
The Beck Museums of Branson Welcome You to...