Public meeting regarding 120-day closure of E. 76 is Aug. 12
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
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.
Taney County Route BB. John and Kelly Neil live off of T Highway and travel that portion of Highway 76 on just about a daily basis. While acknowledging that the proposed fix will fix a
“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
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)
Shelia Yeary and Cheryl Gabriel (via Facebook)
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
A unique fundraiser is slated to raised needed money for area veterans.
Branson Veterans of
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Would you enjoy a fun evening out that helps make a real difference in the lives of area youth? If so, mark your calendar for Thursday evening, Sep-
America 913 is holding a car show this September. The annual event will include music, raffles, games and activities, food trucks, a
tember 18, and join The Brook Wellness Center for their 7th Annual Fundraising Banquet, to be held at Church 3:16, 15521 U.S. Hwy. 160 in Forsyth. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for this fun and in-
bounce house and a large selection of cars, trucks and motorcycles. A $25 per vehicle entry fee will allow you to showcase
spirational evening, which will include powerful testimonials and a catered dinner. Tickets are $40, with all proceeds going to the Child and Youth Haven Project. This facility will offer overnight housing for
your special vehicle in one of several categories, such as Muscle Cars, Street Rods, Resto Mods/Modified Cars, Original Trucks, Modified Trucks,
adolescents in need, as well as a safe, supportive space after school with services such as counseling, play therapy and mentorship.
This facility is a vital step forward in providing safety, hope and healing
Jeeps and 4X4 trucks, Imports, Work in Progress, Motorcycles and Veterans Choice. The Annual Veterans Appreciation Car Show is set for
for the next generation, and is part of the overall mission of The Brook to provide hope, healing,and caring accountability for families experiencing a substance abuse or mental health crisis.
Saturday, September 27, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Shoppes at Branson Meadows. All proceeds will benefit veterans and their families.
Make a difference: The Brook Wellness Center Fundraising Banquet Fall Youth Sports beginning soon at the Branson RecPlex
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The Branson Parks & Recreation Department is now accepting registrations for their Fall Youth Sports Leagues, including Youth Soccer, Flag Football and Volleyball.
Youth Soccer Leagues
The Youth Soccer League is open to boys and girls ages 5-15. Teams will practice once per week starting August 18, with games held on Saturdays,
September 6 through October 25. Separate boys and girls divisions are available for U6, U8, and U10, while U12 and U15 leagues will be coed. Both individual and team registrations are accepted.
Registration deadline: August 12
PeeWee Soccer Program
The PeeWee Soccer Program is designed for children ages three-four and is led by Branson Parks & Recreation staff. This six-week program
focuses on fundamental motor skills, teamwork and game basics through interactive drills and activities. This program runs on Saturdays from September 13 to October 25 and includes both practices and games.
Registration deadline: September 2; To guarantee shirt size, register by August 19. Youth Volleyball League
The Youth Volleyball League is open to boys and girls in grades K-8. Practices will
begin the week of August 25, with games scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays from September 12 to October 25. Admission to games is free for players, coaches, and children 11 and under.
The game entry fee for spectators ages 12-15 is $2, and $3 for those 16 and older.
Registration deadline: August 19
Youth Flag Football League
The Youth Flag Football
Your RSVP is appreciated by August 15 for this special event; call 417527-8877 or visit www. thebrookwellnesscenter. org, where you’ll also find a link to donate toward this valuable project.
League is open to players in kindergarten through third grade. Individual and team registration is offered. Practices and games are held at the RecPlex Turf fields. Practices will begin the week of August 25, with games played from September 9 to October 9.
The Senior Friendship Center in Forsyth cele-
brated 40 years of serving the community on July 24, with a much-anticipated groundbreaking ceremony for their new building. The new facility will be located adjacent to the Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market at 11048 U.S. Hwy. 76, Forsyth.
The Senior Friendship Center has spent the past 40 years helping empower senior citizens and building
connections in Forsyth and surrounding communities; and at 11,000 square feet, the new facility will help the Center offer even more dynamic programs and events to encourage health, wellness and social engagement. The building will also have meeting rooms, which will be available to the community to rent for special events, as will the dining room.
Behind all these activities is a valuable team of board members and volunteers who bring vision and purpose, and help with the practicalities of making those a reality. Those team members are grateful for funding toward the building project, including grants from Community Foundation of the Ozarks, Taney County Commission ARPA Funds,
Registration deadline: August 19
Registration is available online at www.bransonparksandrecreation.com/ catalog or in person at the Branson RecPlex. For more information, contact Branson Parks & Recreation at 417335-2368.
Second-third grade will play games on Tuesday evenings. Thursday evening games will be for K-first grade, and Wednesday will be an overflow/makeup day. Admission to games is free for players, coaches, and children 11 and under. The game entry fee for spectators ages 12-15 is $2, and $3 for those 16 and older.
Forsyth Senior Friendship Center breaks ground on new building
White River Electric Economic Development funds and NAP tax credits, along with private donations and proceeds from the Senior Thrift Store and Furniture Store and the Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market. Senior Friendship Center President Glenda Hunt said that while the cash raised and pledged to this point is a major step forward, Center leadership is committed to avoiding debt, and opportunities are still available to participate in this important community project.
Nearly $400,000 in tax credits are still available through the 70% Missouri NAP tax credit program; with a minimum donation of $5,000 and a simple paperwork process through their bank, registered Missouri businesses can take 70% of their donation right off the top of their state tax owed for that year. Another way to help
is the “Buy a Brick, Build a Center” program. Single or double bricks are available and will be used to border a walking path to be developed in the wooded area bordering the new facility. A special veteran brick is also available, listing the veteran’s name and service branch, to be used in the area surrounding the flagpole. Contact Hunt at FSFCPresident@gmail.com or call 417-844-2113 for more information.
Of course, an ongoing way to get involved is by shopping at the Thrift Store and Furniture Store, as well as the Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market held at the pavilion from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays through the second week in December. Also, new this year is a Wednesday market, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through the second week in December. In addition to some vendor
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
Groundbreaking (Photo submitted by Glenda Hunt, Friendship Center President)
Back to School Roundup 2025
First Baptist Church’s 19th Annual Back to School Bash draws large crowd
Branson’s First Baptist Church once again treated area students and their families to a fabulous end-ofsummer celebration.
The area’s 19th annual Back-to-School Bash, held on Sunday, welcomed hundreds of area youth and their families to the Branson RecPlex for an evening of fun, food and fellowship.
Those in attendance enjoyed swimming at the venue’s incredible AquaPlex facility and participating in a variety of games and activities, including face painting and balloon animals. Inflatable bounce houses and water slides were a big hit with the children, and everyone appreciated the free popsicles and ice water that were distributed to the crowd.
Several area nonprofits, including Salvation Army, Linkability, The Gideons and others were on hand to share information that would be beneficial to area families.
Everyone enjoyed an evening meal of hot dogs and chips and the annual motorcycle and BMX stunt show was a hit with children and adults alike.
All school-aged children received a free backpack filled with school supplies to help set them up for success for the upcoming school year, and the FBC Prayer Team offered prayer for children and their families.
First Baptist Church of Branson’s Back to School Bash was sponsored by Branson Bank, Linkabili-
ty, My 100.1, Branson 4U 98.1, 102.9 The Z, Legends 106.3, Bank of Missouri, First Community Bank, Regions Bank, Chick-fil-A, Dr. Travis Brawner of Ozark Mountain ENT, Kanakuk, Casey’s and the Branson Globe.
First Baptist Church is always seeking ways to minister to those in the community. First Baptist Church Branson is located at 400 South Sunshine. They invite you to drop by one of their Sunday services—8 a.m. (Classic Worship), 9:30 a.m. or 11:00 (both Modern Worship Services). Story by K.D. Michaels ***
Back to school bash set for August 15
Tanger Outlets of Branson will host a special back to school bash to support local schools.
Set for August 15, the back to school bash is a day of fun, community and giving back. Join in the excitement of outdoor games, a prize wheel, face painting, balloon art, a backpack auction and more.
Tanger Outlets encourages you to bring a school supply of your choice to help stuff the bus. Exchange your donation for a special gift from Tanger Outlets. All donated school supplies will be given to local schools.
Tanger Outlets will also be offering exclusive back to school savings at several shops within the venue.
The back to school bash will be held on Friday, August 15, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Don’t miss your opportunity to celebrate, save and support your local schools.
Story by K.D. Michaels ***
Hollister church to hold back to school blessing service
New Beginnings Fellowship in Hollister invites all area students, teachers and school personnel to a special back to school blessing service on August 17.
“As the new school year begins, the most important thing we can send with our children isn’t just notebooks or new shoes, it’s the blessing of God,” stated a New Beginnings Fellowship Facebook post. “We’ll pray over students, teachers, coaches and parents asking God for protection, wisdom, peace and success in the year ahead.”
This special service is geared towards students of all ages and grade levels, preschool through college, as well as instructors. Please spread the word about the service to anyone you know who has schoolaged children, teaches or works in the schools.
The blessing service will include social giveaways, treats for the family, a special back-to-school photo opportunity and other surprises, as well as the opportunity to start the school year with God’s favor.
The back to school blessing service is set for Sunday, August 17, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at New Beginnings Fellowship, 151 Elm Street in Hollister. Story by K.D. Michaels
***
Blessing of the backpacks to be held August 17
Branson’s First Presbyterian Church has found a perfect way to encourage area students, teachers and school staff this year.
The church is offering blessing of the backpacks on Sunday, August 17.
This event is open to all students, teachers, teachers’ assistants and anyone who is teaching or being taught—in public school, private school, college, trade school, homeschool, Sunday School, Bible Study, etc. Bring your backpack, tote bag or whatever you carry to be blessed during the Sunday worship service.
The blessing of the backpacks will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 17, during the morning service, just in time for the new
school year.
Branson’s First Presbyterian Church is located at 420 West Main Street in downtown Branson. Story by K.D. Michaels ***
New faculty to join
School of the Ozarks this fall
School of the Ozarks is excited to announce two new faculty members: Casey Bass and Jacob Williams.
Casey Bass is joining S of O as the K-12 visual arts instructor. Bass is a Branson High School alum with a degree in art education from Miami University in Ohio and a master’s in gifted and talented education from Arkansas State University. Bass brings a dynamic blend of artistic passion,
global experience and heartfelt dedication to the educational system. Jacob Williams is joining the Beulah I. Winfrey Upper School at S of O as the natural philosophy instructor. This fall semester, he will teach chemistry and biology and contribute meaningfully to the Great Conversation — a cornerstone of the School’s classical education framework. A graduate of College of the Ozarks, Williams holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a master’s in educational ministries from Liberty University. His academic background and deep commitment to student growth reflect the values that define the School’s mission. Submitted to Branson Globe
Back to School Bash (Photo by K.D. Michaels)
FEATURING A GREAT COLLECTION OF VICTORIAN FURNITURE FROM CASTLE-LIKE VICTORIAN HOME, RARE COIN COLLECTION, ANTIQUE GUNS, ESTATE JEWELRY, TAXIDERMY COLLECTION, COWBOY WESTERN, INDIAN ART, ARTIFACTS, ADVERTISING SIGNS, MEMORABILIA, PRIMITIVES AND MORE. A PARTIAL LIST AS FOLLOWS.
ANTIQUE FURNITURE
Claw foot night stand, oak secretary, oak stacking bookcases, walnut hall tree with marble insert, oak hall tree with large beveled mirror, high boy oak dresser, several walnut parlor table (some with marble tops) mahogany wardrobe, oak seats dresser with hat box, oak 8 gun cabinet with ammo storage box, 8 pc mahogany dinning set, pair wrought iron bar stools with leather seats, oak sewing machine cabinet, oak grandfather clock with leaded glass door and 3 weight movements, oak buffet, silverware chest, jewelry cabinet, oak entertainment cabinet, fancy floor and table lamps, fancy hall mirrors, large artificial tree in pot, walnut night stand with towel bars, plus much more!
DECORATIVE AND COLLECTIBLES
Several pieces fancy cut crystal, 4 leaded glass Tiffany type hanging lamp shades, several antique table lamps with leaded glass shades, hand woven Persian carpet runners, leaded glass windows, large carved dough bowl, oak spool cabinet, lots of paintings and prints in fancy frames, camel back trunk, collection stoneware crocks and jugs, art glass, 2 sets of silver plated flatware, 2 sterling silver bowls, silver plate tea set, pair large aluminum palace urns, Washington statue clock, bronze statues lovers, confederate solders, 2 women with swords, plus more, large tin Dinosaur, giant tin mantis, sewing basket, brass pool side merman, plus much more.
COWBOY, INDIAN, WESTERN
2 oak whiskey barrels, big collection western art by artists Bev Doolittle, CM Russel, G. Harvey, Tim Cox and others, Mexican concho saddle, kids trophy saddle, horse leather fly net, hunters horns, Donna Wilcox scrimshaw knife set, brass half saxo-
phone horn, pair longhorn steer horns, big collection Indian pottery from Caddo & Quapaw era, hard woven Navajo rugs, 7 ft hand painted wooden Indian, Big collection flint points, stone axes, banner stones, pipes, hand carved idols, war clubs, pipe tomahawks, jade mask and more, hand painted Indian pictures, and more. Big collection porcelain covered signs advertising oil, gas, food, cars and more up to 42” across, some old and some more modern.
ANTIQUE GUNS
Colt SA Army 45 scroll engraved with bone grips, Colt SA army 45 factory scroll engraved 44-40 with bone grip 5 & 7 1/2” bll, Colt SA army 41 with nickel finish Colt SA army 45 artillery model, Colt DA 45, Manhattan 36 cal pocket factory engraved, Colt SA army 45 scroll engraved over blue with ivory grips, Winchester mdl 1876 45-60 engraved deluxe and more!
TAXIDERMY
Beautiful leopard on log (Missouri resident only), white buffalo head, cougar on rock, large white tail deer head, 3 wild turkey mounts, bobcat, several pheasants, several pair bob white quail , pair California blue quail, pair chukars, pair sage grouse on log, pair bob white quail under bubble glass, badger, beaver, Noah’s ark - Featuring 6 animals in birch bark canoe, coyote after pheasant, fisher on driftwood, wild hog head, large cougar skin rug, coyote skin rug, black bear skin rug, other on rock, large caribou head, standing Russian Kodiak brown bear, large elk head, steer horns and hides, set water buffalo horns, large cape buffalo on pedestal, pair fallow deer heads on pedestal, fish blue marlin wall mount, 2 stripper bass, a large mouth bass and others.
JEWELRY
Ladies steel and gold Rolex date just with diamond dial, gents 18K Rolex style ring with blue stone and 16 diamonds 14K bracelet with 2 ct diamonds and rubies with 39 grams gold, 14K ring with 1 ct diamonds and 2 ct tourmaline, 14K ring with 4 ct tanzanite with 1 ct diamonds, several 14K rings with 1 ct plus diamonds sol, 14K ring with large oval amethyst, 14K bracelet with 12 ct diamonds, 14K tennis bracelet with 3 ct diamonds and 19 grams of gold, Nice selection of colored stone with diamonds, fashion rings, ladies cluster rings with up to 5 ct diamonds, ladies 14K ring with 3 ct round diamond sol platinum with with 5 ct round diamond sol. ALL DIAMONDS, GOLD & GEMSTONES GUARANTEED AUTHENTIC.
RARE COINS
Nice collection UNC and key date Morgan dollars including Carson City, and UNC early date rolls, over 100 slabbed American silver eagle dollars in mixed dates, over 200 Morgan dollars old canvas bag, over 200 UNC peace dollars in tubes, nice run of early type coins, over 100 walking Liberty half dollars, over 300 silver mercury dimes, rare bust dollar, bust half dollars, trade dollar, Indian head cents, complete set Ike dollars, buffalo nickels, 2 books of UNC, Morgan dollars, partial set with 23 coins, complete set peace dollars. GOLD - Type I $1 Liberty gold, several 2 1/2 d. Indian and Liberty, $5 Indian and Liberty, $10 Indian and Liberty, US $20 Liberty and St Gaudens.
BULLION
5 and 10 oz silver bars, 100 oz silver eagle bar, over 300 1 oz buffalo rounds, over 100 1 oz silver eagle rounds. ALL GOLD & SILVER COINS AND BULLION GUARANTEED AUTHENTIC!
THIS IS A VERY LARGE SALE WITH LOTS OF UNUSUAL ITEMS AND MEMORABILIA, DON’T MISS IT!
Mid-summer celebration with drawings for free merchandise each hour and a 1 ct diamond ring drawn for at end of auction!
Reader’s Corner: A Tale of a Whale – or more?
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
One benefit of attending conferences is coming home with a tote bag of literature! That benefit was multiplied at the Evangelical Press Association Convention, held in Branson last spring, because that conference is all about publications! So, with a big stack to go through, I only recently got to a real gem: Dr. Mark Yarbrough’s “Jonah: Beyond the Tale of a Whale.” Following a popular plenary
session by Yarbrough, who serves as President and Professor of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary, each registrant received a copy of the book. Many of us likely think of the Jonah story in the Bible as a lesson in doing what you’re told, perfect for kids in Sunday School. Some people consider it allegorical, since after all, who could actually survive inside a huge fish? Yarbrough begins with a humorous rec-
ollection of his own takeaways from the story as a first-grader: Do what you’re told, or God will get you. Big storms mean somebody didn’t obey. Don’t annoy God, or He might chop down your shade tree. However, Yarbrough also presents convincing evidence of the book’s authenticity—after all, he’s a seminary president. That done, he then dives into the relevance of Jonah’s story for today’s Christian believer.
With examples from his own family and professional experience, Yarbrough uses his signature humor to soften the book’s message. Each chapter examines a passage from the book bearing the prophet’s name, with good scholarship giving additional insight into the original language nuances. Topics discussed include God’s instructions and Jonah’s attempts to run from them; the storm and the response of the sailors; the fish; Jonah’s des-
perate cry to God and second chance at obedience; the Ninevites’ repentance; and Jonah’s response. After discussion of the Scripture, each chapter moves to a short section called “Growth Indicators”—and that’s where it gets personal, rather than just laughing at the clearly wayward prophet. Am I moving toward God’s commands, or away from them? Am I acknowledging God’s grace in my life? Do I con-
sider others deserving of that same grace when they repent, regardless of their past behaviors?
This book is great for personal study, but its humorous honesty about questions everyone can relate to also makes it a wonderful choice for a group or family. It is available through B & H Academic Publishers of Nashville, Tennessee, and at Christian bookstores and major online retailers.
Help for parents of children who stutter is as close as your computer or your library
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The Stuttering Foundation’s film, entitled “Help! My Child is Stuttering,” is available at this link https:// www.stutteringhelp.org/content/help-my-child-stuttering.
In this 16-minute film, parents and speech-language experts talk about how to promote easier talking as they interact with their children. The professionals offer simple tips that parents can follow easily.
The film features some of the world’s leading therapists with children who stutter: Lisa A Scott, Ph.D. of the Florida State University’s School of Communication Science and Disorders; Ellen Kelly, Ph.D., of Vanderbilt University School
of Medicine; speech-language consultants Frances Cook, MBE, MSc, Willie Botterill, MSc, and Elaine Kelman, MSc., from the Michael Palin Centre for Stammering Children in London.
“This is an important tool
for families and teachers of children who stutter,” added Jane Fraser, president of the nonprofit Stuttering Foundation. “This film is designed to give parents and teachers the tools they need to play a vital role in the process of helping
children who stutter.” For more information about stuttering, write the nonprofit Stuttering Foundation, P.O. Box 11749, Memphis, TN 38111-0749, call 800-992-9392, or visit www. stutteringhelp.org.
College of the Ozarks professor releases new book, ‘The Working Homemaker’
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Associate Professor of English, Dr. Charity Gibson, has released her new book, “The Working Homemaker: Employed Christian Moms Desiring a Thriv-
ing Homelife,” offering a faith-centered perspective for women navigating both career and homemaking.
Written from a Christian worldview, “The Working Homemaker” seeks to provide encouragement for mothers in all walks of life — whether they work outside the home, stay at home full-time, or do a combination of both. The book combines aca-
demic insight and personal experience to affirm that home can be a nurturing, life-giving place, no matter what a mother’s daily schedule looks like.
“The goal for the book was to be something that could be unifying for women,” Gibson said. “A lot of books on parenting seemed to cause a divide between working moms and stay-at-home moms.
This is intended for all walks of life — regardless of what they do from 9 to 5 — if they are desiring to create their home as a nurturing, life-giving place.”
The book draws on Gibson’s own experience as a full-time working mother, weaving together biblical principles and practical wisdom.
“One of the challenges in writing the book was that I was living through the life stage I was discussing — being a working mom with children at home,” Gibson said. “But it was important to embrace simplicity and know that you don’t have to do it all by yourself.” Gibson emphasized that her message is not about promoting one lifestyle over another.
“It’s okay for our households to be different as long as they are enriching for our family,” Gibson said. “The book is intended to validate choices from
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Rep. Brian Seitz, R-Branson, has announced his bid to retain his seat in the Missouri House of Representatives, representing Missouri’s 156th District, for a final time. A Republi-
Rep. Brian Seitz announces reelection bid for final term
can, Seitz has served in the House since initially being elected in 2020.
“For the past five years, I have worked hard in the State Capitol to represent the values and desires of the people of my district,” Seitz said. “I am announcing my final run for reelection to finish the mission I started all those years ago. I have proven my dedication to keeping Missourians free, and being a voice for those who don’t feel heard, and I hope the voters will recognize that and choose to keep me in office for another
term to fight for them.”
Seitz currently serves as Chairman of the Special Committee on Tourism, as well as on the Commerce, Crime and Public Safety, and Veterans and Armed Forces committees. Seitz has played a key role in the passage of major legislation protecting individual freedom and liberty, defending the rights of the unborn, protecting children, supporting first responders, championing small businesses and getting Branson recognized as the “Live Entertainment Capitol of Missouri.”
“During my time in the Legislature, I have focused most of my efforts on supporting and passing legislation that would benefit the citizens of the 156th District. In the past two years, I played an instrumental role in securing important funding in the budget for local projects. Additionally, I carried HJR 73, which will fix the disaster of Amendment 3 and protect the unborn. Finally, one of my proudest moments this session was when Gov. Kehoe signed into law “Trey’s Law,” which I authored with Sen.
Brad Hudson, to prohibit the use of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) in child sexual abuse cases here in Missouri. I have been a strong, unflinching fighter for the citizens I represent, and will continue to provide the same strong representation should the voters choose to elect me for a final term in the House next year.”
Seitz said he is excited and energized for a final term in the House, and will be looking to capitalize on the relationships he has built to get meaningful legisla-
tion passed in his last two years. “Anyone who has spent any time in the Capitol knows that the key piece of being able to accomplish anything is having strong relationships with your fellow legislators,” Seitz said. “I have spent the last five years building those relationships, and that has paid off time after time as I have been able to pass good legislation that benefits our area. In my final term, I expect that to get even better, and I look forward to finishing strong.”
U.S. Navy brings Navy Week to Branson and Springfield, August 25 – 31
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The U.S. Navy will drop anchor in the Ozarks this summer when Springfield/ Branson Navy Week comes to the region Aug. 25–31, 2025, bringing 60–70 sailors for a week of free concerts, STEM demos, service projects and meetandgreets designed to connect Ozarks residents with their
Navy. Since its inception in 2005, the Navy Week program has visited more than 95 markets across the United States, but this year marks the first time the Springfield area will host the event.
This year’s Navy Week schedule holds special significance as it coincides with the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday—a quartermillennium of maritime excel-
lence, national security and global leadership—and will be highlighted by the worldfamous Blue Angels flight demonstration at Branson’s Wings of Pride Airshow, alongside dozens of appearances at local schools, civic clubs and businesses across Springfield and Branson.
“America is a maritime nation! Today, 90% of commerce travels through the seas that the Navy has protected for 250 years, and we’re thrilled to bring your Navy Sailors to the Branson/Springfield area,”
said Cmdr. Julie Holland, Navy Office of Community Outreach director. “Sailors are the reason America’s Navy is the most powerful in the world. At Navy Weeks, Americans will connect with sailors who have strong character, competence and dedication to the mission, and who continue a 250-year tradition of decisive power from seabed to cyberspace.”
The week will feature a dynamic lineup of activities designed to educate, inspire and strengthen community ties:
Senior Navy Leaders: Meet and hear from senior Navy officials, including those with local ties to Missouri.
U.S. Navy Band Great Lakes: Enjoy live musical performances and masterclasses led by talented Navy musicians.
• Naval History and Heritage Command: Explore the rich connection between Missouri and the Navy through interactive presentations and educational programs. USS Constitution: Wit-
We can help you with your rent, groceries and gas. Please call to get the details –417-337-3772.
ness demonstrations featuring the Navy’s oldest commissioned ship and its enduring legacy.
• U.S. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command: Engage in STEM-focused sessions highlighting oceanographic and atmospheric science.
• Navy Talent Acquisition Group Mid-America: Discover opportunities within the Navy through community projects, displays, and career discussions.
• HOMEMAKER Continued from page 6A
a Christian perspective regarding how the Lord is leading us.”
“The Working Homemaker” debuted in October 2024 and is available in hardcover, paperback and audiobook on Amazon. It is also available locally at The Keeter Center, Fig Tree Books in Branson, ABC Books and Redeemed Books in Springfield. It is also in circulation at the Library Center of the Ozarks and available as an e-book through the Springfield-Greene County Library.
along the Lake Taneycomo shoreline by reinforcing the earth that supports the highway.
2. Reconstructing 1,200 feet of Route 76 roadway to ensure its stability and longevity.
3. Installing a new concrete drainage ditch on the east side of Route 76, right next to the rock bluff, to help manage water flow and prevent future slides.
If you can’t make it to the meeting or want more
detailed information about the Missouri Route 76 Slide Repair Project, you can call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit their website at www.modot.org/ southwest.
• BENEFIT
Continued from page 1A
to the success of Sunday’s event.
to the benefit due to a family emergency, but Barbara’s husband Roy Morris made an appearance, singing and addressing the crowd on Barbara’s behalf. Singer and songwriter Billy Yates was also unable to attend, but nationally known recording artist Junior Brown filled his spot and delighted the audience.
powerful event, along with husband Denny Yeary. Shelia thanked the audience for their love and support.
The concert featured the amazing talent of Yakov Smirnoff, SIX, The Duttons, Jerry Presley, Melody Hart and the All-Star Band, and Doug Gabriel. Branson favorite Barbara Fairchild who was scheduled to perform was unable to make it
•
SENIOR CENTER
Continued from page 2A
offerings similar to the Saturday market, the Wednesday market offers the opportunity to sell flea market or yard sale types of items. For just $5 per space, or $30 for the rest of the season, it’s the perfect opportunity to declutter your home or garage and turn those things you don’t use into someone
Shelia Yeary and her family were on hand for the
else’s treasure.
Looking ahead, the projected timeline for completion of the new building, with SMJ Builders of Branson serving as contractor, is approximately 12 months. In the meantime, consider a space in the community garden, located at the same property. Garden beds are expected to be ready for fall planting by mid-September;
“It was really quite something,” said Doug, of the event. “Cheryl and I are so grateful to the community and to everyone that contributed to the success of the show. And, all the glory goes to Jesus, because He is the one that did it all!’
call or email for information.
“We encourage everyone to participate with us and experience our level of enthusiasm for life,” said Hunt. If you’re a senior citizen or know one looking for connections, this is a good time to take advantage of these programs, check out new opportunities and services, and make some new friends!
•
Worship Directory
You are encouraged to worship with us!
AUGUST
• 8 Jukebox Winos: LIVE MUSIC at Bear Creek Wine Co. and Brewery, 5-8 p.m. Enjoy local wine and craft beers, pizza, sandwiches, and desserts at this rustic, shabby-chic gem nestled in the hills 10 minutes north of Branson. We’ll play favorite covers and original music. 1320 Keithley Road, Walnut Shade. For more information: www.jukeboxwinos. com; www.bearcreekwinecompany.com. 417443-0036.
9 StateoftheOzarks Farmers Market, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. StateoftheOzarks partners with local growers, bakers and craftsmen to give our region a hub for things such as homegrown vegetables, local fruit, baked
• 10 Jukebox Winos: LIVE MUSIC at Pier 28 Pizza & Grill, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Pull up to the favorite floating restaurant via boat or car and enjoy pizza, sandwiches, salads and the sunset. Courtesy dock. Family-friendly. Feed the ducks and turtles. We’ll play favorite covers and original music. 344 Nauticle Circle, Kimberling City. For more information: www. jukeboxwinos.com; www. pier28pizzagrill.com. 417527-1580.
• 9 Jukebox Winos: LIVE MUSIC at Branson Landing Fountains Summer Concert Series, 7-10 p.m.
Dance the night away lakeside with Jukebox Winos 7-8 p.m. and Chris Luneau & The White Buffalo Band (formerly Bad Mojo) 8:30 - 10 p.m. Beer garden opens at 7 p.m. Family-friendly. Good vibes. Bring your lawn chairs. Enjoy the fountain and fire show!
• 12 JV for Kids Back to School: Food, fun, giveaways at Jordan Valley Clinic, 33 Gage Dr., Hollister, from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Check off your back-toschool health list with same-day visits including dental screenings, immunizations, sports physicals, vision exams, well child visits. For information: http://jordanvalley.org/ BACKTOSCHOOL
• 13 StateoftheOzarks
W 1:30, 4:30, 7:10, 9:40*
FRIDAY W 1:20, 4:00, 6:50, 9:30* WEAPONS R 12:30, 3:30, 7:10, 10:00* BAD GUYS 2 W 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:30*
TOGETHER R 1:30, 4:30, 7:10, 9:30* THE NAKED GUN E 1:30, 4:00, 7:30, 9:50*
CONNECT
Farmers Market, 2-6 p.m. StateoftheOzarks partners with local growers, bakers and craftsmen to give our region a hub for things such as homegrown vegetables, local fruit, baked goods, Ozark honey and handmade soaps. 7900 Historic Hwy. 165, Hollister. www.stateoftheozarks.
net
• 13 Learning on Wednesday: Reduce, reuse and recycle – “A commitment to community and world health.” Kimberling Area Library community room, 10:15 a.m. Coffee and light snacks provided. No prior registration required for this free event. www. kalib.org. 45 Kimberling Blvd., Kimberling City.
• 13 Ladies’ Summer Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Cynthia Thomas, Branson Globe Staff Writer, will present “All Things Working Together for Good,” plus a surprise fundraiser. Point Royale Clubhouse, 142 Clubhouse Dr., Branson. Reserve your spot by calling 417-343-1418 by August 11, $17 for a delicious buffet lunch. All women welcome at this
SUPERMAN E 12:30, 3:30, 7:10, 10:00*
JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH E 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:50*
THE FANTASTIC FOUR E 1:20, 4:20, 7:20, 9:40*
F1: THE MOVIE E 12:15, 3:30, 6:50 LAST RODEO W 1:00, 3:30, 7:10, 9:40*
LEARN HELP
Join Give 5 to connect with other active retirees, learn more about your community and decide where your unique talents can be utilized to help non-profits in our area. You’ll give a little and get much in return It’s a true win – win!!
This program is FREE for residents of Taney and Stone Counties!
REGISTER NOW for the NEXT SESSION
Wednesdays: September 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2025
Stone County Health Department 701 Old Wilderness Road – Reeds Spring
non-denominational lun-
cheon. Christian Women’s Connection Stonebridge on Facebook.
14 Jukebox Winos: LIVE MUSIC at Shady Taco & Grill, 2820 Indian Point Road, Branson, 7-9 p.m. Enjoy the family-friendly destination for $1 WING night --pick your favorite flavor and dive in poolside! Also enjoy tacos, burgers, giant burritos. For more information: www. jukeboxwinos.com; 417231-9494.
• 15 StateoftheOzarks Art Walk Market, 3-8 p.m.
Art Walk Market is an event series in which our StateoftheOzarks artisans showcase their creativity to the larger Ozarks community. Shop for fine art, handcrafted items, baked goods, produce, home decor and more! This juried event is free to attend. 7900 Historic Hwy. 165, Hollister. www.stateoftheozarks.net
• 15 Jukebox Winos: LIVE
MUSIC at Cellar 417, 6-8 p.m. Enjoy good eats at the newest scratch kitchen: fresh seasonal dishes, sharable plates to dinner spe-
cials, wine, beer, cocktails, full bar, restaurant and patio seating. Gorgeous lake view. We’ll play favorite covers and original music. 15038 Bus. Hwy 13, Branson West. For more information, www.jukeboxwinos.com; www.cellar417.com
• 16 StateoftheOzarks Farmers Market, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. StateoftheOzarks partners with local growers, bakers and craftsmen to give our region a hub for things such as homegrown vegetables, local fruit, baked goods, Ozark honey and handmade soaps. 7900 Historic Hwy. 165, Hollister. www. stateoftheozarks.net
• 16 Jukebox Winos: LIVE MUSIC at The Ozarker Lodge, 7-9 p.m. Enjoy creekside modern rustic surroundings, poolside bar, family-friendly atmosphere. All-American cookout, s’mores kits, coffee bar also available. We’ll play favorite covers and original music. 995 Hwy. 165, Branson. For more information: www.jukeboxwinos.com; www.theozarkerlodge. com. 417-348-1683.
Frequently Asked Questions about Give 5
Q: What is Give 5?
A: Give 5 is a program that matches active retirees with nonprofits that utilize volunteer time and talent to serve critical needs in the Branson/Tri-Lakes area.
Q: Who gives five of what?
A: First, Give 5 class participants learn about several local agencies and nonprofits, tour their facilities, meet their teams, and understand how they utilize volunteers to further their mission. After four classes, participants are invited to choose a cause to support with five hours per month of their volunteer time and talent.
Q: Are the nonprofits local agencies?
A: Yes! Retirees who join a class in Taney or Stone County will visit and learn about nonprofits in Taney and Stone Counties.
Q: What are the requirements to join a Give 5 session in our area?
A: A willingness to learn and help is all that’s required. Register in advance for a session when you can attend at least three of the four classes that meet from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, the program is 100% free for any resident of Stone or Taney County.
Q: How do I register for a session?
A: Go online to OLLBranson.com/Give5 or contact MikeRivera@OLLBranson.com or call 417-334-2928…and bring a friend!
Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church
Area Entertainment: Shepherd’s Wild West Show trots out
BY LUANNA FULLERTON, En-
tertainment Writer
The Shepherd’s Wild West Showdown is in its
second year and doing amazing! The show has changed and added different events within the show.
Talent, fun, action, tricks and a fun story line is not lagging at all. The story line is based on the Wild West shows from the past starring Buffalo Bill, who later partnered with Pawnee Bill and Annie Oakley.
And in that same great true West spirit of that tradition, the Shepherd of the Hills proudly presents its own tribute: Shepherd’s Wild West Showdown — filled with trick riding, pistol twirling, whip cracking, cowboy comedy and heart-stopping feats you’ll have to see to believe.
The tribute to veterans was very touching and moving.
The show has some of the finest cast entertainers around. Starring in no particular order:
• Kenny Stults and horse, Tex
• Abby Ingram and horse, Whiskey
• Megan Bailey and horse, Hollywood Garrett Underwood and horse, Ginger Carter Rigg and horse, Dutch Hunter Hull and horse, Roark
• Emmalea Hull and horse, Clay
• Melissa Coslow and horse, Commanche
• Brian Caperton - stagecoach driver, horseClay
• Mike Tilden as Fester McCorn
• Vicki Gonseth as Grand Frog Racer
• Patrick Alan as Buffalo Bob Tori Smith as Buckshot Bonnie Shepherd has extended this show into October, so it can be enjoyed by many in some cool night opportu-
nities and to help celebrate Shepherd’s 65th Anniversary. This show is popular and has many great reviews, so grab your tickets now!
Shepherd of the Hills, 5586 W. 76 Country Boulevard, Branson. For information, theshepherdofthehills.com, 417-334-4191. Follow on media: Facebook, X, Instagram and TripAdvisor.
Excitement on four legs at The Shepherd’s Wild West Showdown (Photos by Luanna Fullerton)
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
If his actions at the July 22, 2025, meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen (Board) are any clue, about as petty as a person can get.
At that meeting, during the discussion of BILL NO. 6566 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 94-8 OF THE BRANSON MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO SUBDIVISIONS Alderman Schulz said:
“The only request I’d have potentially, just for a second
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS Staff Writer
Sometimes it seems as though several sources combine in my personal journey to drive home a point. Maybe I’m slow to understand—or perhaps it just underscores that I’m not the only one concerned about something. Regardless, I’ve been thinking a lot about ways to reverse the tendency in our society toward low expectations for youth.
Recently I viewed Kirk
BY TIFFANY GRAVETT Staff Writer
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has unveiled its proposed initiative, the “Missouri Route 76 Slide Repair Project.” This announcement confirms what long-time residents have been aware of since the initial landslide: that the roadway is compromised and conceals significant underlying damage. The previous patchwork solutions have proven to be temporary fixes. While rain and weather conditions have contributed to the deterioration, MoDOT’s failure to maintain the drainage ditch along the bluff—a practice they upheld for many years—has exacerbated the issue. This neglect has now left MoDOT facing a serious challenge.
reading, is to ask our city attorney to take another look at the wording of paragraph c i because the punctuation in there and just the wording of ‘and approved by the board of aldermen’ just doesn’t flow together I think in the intent that it was designed to be. It doesn’t really say that this had to be previously approved by the board of aldermen. I think adding the word “previous” would be very beneficial, and then rework the punctuation. I’m happy to approve it for a first reading tonight but just ask that our city staff take a look at that and try to beef that paragraph up a little bit.”
The “paragraph” Schultz is referring to is in reality a new proposed sub-paragraph ( b)(1) c.(i) of Section 94-8. It reads, “The city may approve additional minor subdivisions – exceed-
Cameron’s documentary, “Monumental,” which I highly recommend to anyone interested in our nation’s foundations of freedom based on biblical principles. That documentary, plus some additional reading, reminded me that some of our Founders took great responsibility at young ages, often their twenties! Although not all had access to formal education, all were taught the importance of foundational academics and history. John Quincy Adams accompanied his father, John Adams, on diplomatic trips during his early teens, preparing him to serve in similar positions while still young and later to follow in his father’s footsteps as President of the United States.
The Bible gives context for young leaders as well:
ing one split but not more than three splits – when a development requiring an additional minor subdivision is designed to alleviate housing supply shortages in the city and such housing developments which is credited or funded in whole, or in part by federal or state government agencies or programs and approved by the board of aldermen.”
“But Seagull, there is nothing wrong with that sentence, and to gripe about punctuation and adding the word ‘previous’ seems pretty petty. Could you tell me why an alderman would concern themselves about something so petty, let alone make it a public matter at a Board meeting?”
“Sure, this alderman appears to thrive by using his position to point out any mistakes, real or imagined,
The Apostle Paul’s letter of instruction to Timothy says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12, NIV). Paul felt Timothy was well-prepared for the responsibility of leading a local church, even in the challenging Greco-Roman context, because of early training by his godly mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5). Many scholars believe Titus, another recipient of Paul’s pastoral counsel, was also young.
I have found materials in my parents’ keepsakes that reinforce the concept of responsible youth. Lacking access to high school, my grandfather was appren-
that staff makes to create the perception that without his magnificence and correction, the city would be in deep trouble regarding the issue. He takes every public chance to show that he is the smartest man in the room.
“Even at that, why would the alleged smartest man in the room ply his trade on something that is not wrong and, even if it was wrong, something so petty?” “Because he is who he is, and he can use his position as alderman to espouse even something this petty to get administration and the Board to approve his actions.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because the city attorney then asked Schulz, “Alderman, just for the point of clarity, you’re talking about the first paragraph, right?”
Schulz replied, “Paragraph on the revised version of
ticed to a blacksmith while young. My dad was one of thousands of young World War II soldiers, many still in their teens, who went charging out of Higgins boats at Normandy or on Pacific islands to do what needed to be done. Their education, at schools there was a Bible on the teacher’s desk, had taught them freedom is worth fighting for.
The Monument to the Forefathers described in Cameron’s documentary depicts a stone tablet, a scroll and other reminders of study and faith.
It’s sad to see how low expectations of youth have infiltrated society: Testing standards are lower; students are sometimes advanced to the next grade with only minimal reading skills. I’m saddened by
this paragraph c. i where it’s specific. I’ll just give [you] what it says there now so we’re clear, ‘When the development requiring additional minor, subdivision is designed to alleviate a housing supply shortages and the city in such housing developments, which credited or funded in whole or in part by federal law, or state government agencies are programs and approved by the board of alderman.’ I think we just could spiff that up a bit.”
“Well, that doesn’t imply that the Board will entertain his pettiness.” “No, but the attorney’s reply to Schulz’s comments, ‘Yeah, I’ve got it; we’ll take care of it,’ does.”
“Seagull, do you believe that if anyone else had made the same comments Schulz made to the Board during the Public Hearing on that same
how many high schoolers can’t write a clear, cohesive paragraph.
On the other hand, it’s encouraging to see some educational settings returning to a more classical model with higher standards. I’m also seeing avenues in some churches for training youth—my church’s denominational fellowship, for example, hosts fine arts competition that also includes categories like sermon preparation. Other churches are adopting agealigned Bible curriculum to help families facilitate discussion with children. After decades of age-segregated services with production-oriented entertainment for kids, some churches are rediscovering the importance of multi-generation-
Breakfast at Tiffany’s: Squash Vine Borers
moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:19-21
If you have grown zucchini or another type of squash during the dog days of a Missouri summer, your plants have probably experienced the plight of the squash vine borer (SVB) moth. When a once thriving squash plant suddenly starts to wilt, you can almost be sure that the SVB is to blame. These pesky moths lay their eggs near the base
MoDOT is asking for our confidence in their longterm solution. The project’s four-point plan sounds promising on paper, but it notably lacks one crucial aspect: the substantial repairs or complete replacement of the Coon Creek Bridge.
According to MoDOT’s own statistics, over 14,400 vehicles traverse this section daily. Frequent drivers can easily spot the crumbling concrete of the bridge rails and the exposed rusty rebar. The bridge was not designed to support such heavy traffic or the continual weight of large commercial vehicles. A single misstep by a truck could result in serious damage to the bridge, leading to an extended closure. This raises the question:
of the plant and when they hatch, the larvae “bore” into the vine and lower stems, killing the plant outright. Because SVBs are so invasive when the weather is hot, some say the only way to prevent them during this time is to either grow your squash inside or not to plant any at all. That’s frustrating news for gardeners like me who love to grow and enjoy a personal summer squash harvest. The wilted squash plants I found in my garden last week are proof. They are also the reason that I have decided to wash my
Why would MoDOT propose a four-month total road closure without addressing the bridge at the same time? Since the roadway will already be dismantled and closed, it would be both sensible and fiscally responsible to incorporate the bridge into this project, even if it means prolonging the closure and requiring additional funding beyond the estimated $7.3 million. MoDOT may argue that funding is limited; however, I am confident that they can secure the necessary resources through county, state and federal avenues. This small two-lane bridge is not as expansive as others in the area, so with thorough planning and modern technology, the process of
hands of squash gardening this summer and reap my harvest from the local grocery store (which I would venture to guess was grown safely indoors).
Amidst my vine borer woes, I came across a recent report from the Voice of the Martyrs* about Victoria Luka, a widowed Christian mother from Nigeria. In 2018, Islamists destroyed their village, burnt down their home, and killed Victoria’s husband. Islamic attacks against Christian communities in central and northern Nigeria are espe-
replacement or significant repairs could be expedited.
I urge you to attend the meeting on Tuesday, August 12, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church located at 420 W. Main St., Branson. This is an opportunity for you to express your thoughts and concerns, and to advocate for MoDOT to include the bridge in their project plans.
If you are unable to make it to the meeting, please reach out to MoDOT at 417-8957600 or contact our county commissioners at 417-5467204 to voice your support for the bridge initiative.
Josh Smith, Branson *** This letter comes to Globe readers concerning Liberty’s request for a rate
cially violent. Victoria now struggles to provide for her family of six by farming but has been unable to sell her produce because Islamists continually destroy her crops. She is also unable to farm elsewhere because she cannot buy seeds or fertilizer. Victoria’s prayer request is that God will provide for her and her children, and that her children will follow Christ themselves. After reading about Victoria and her family, my current first-world problems seemed petty compared to
increase. At the start of my letter, I do acknowledge an increase is no doubt necessary. Inflation is hitting all of us including our utility companies. I will even say the utility companies may be being pressured more. I appreciate Liberty and the people who work in the company. The linemen are looked upon as warriors in good weather and even more so following the storms. And no company can run without office staff and management such as the CEO. The head of a company carries much responsibility. With that said, here comes my concern. Please continue to read. The rate increase will be
PAGE 3B
SEE OLD SEAGULL, PAGE 3B SEE LETTERS,
SEE CYNTHIA THOMAS, PAGE 3B
SEE TIFFANY GRAVETT, PAGE 8B
DR. RICHARD BAKER, AIF®, is the founder of and an executive wealth advisor at Fervent Wealth Management. https://www. facebook.com/Dr.RichardBaker
One of my favorite county fair rides was the Zero Gravity, which uses centrifugal force to pin you to the wall you were leaning on while it spins crazily. Everyone who rode it felt topsy-turvy walking away. I can’t think of a better description of what corporate leaders seem to be describing, having survived
BY HEATHER TANKERSLEY, REALTOR®,
provides services for residential, commercial, land and lake properties in the Branson Tri-Lakes area.
Foreclosure headlines are making noise again –and they’re designed to stir up fear to get you to read them. But what the data shows is actually happening in the market tells a very different story than what you might be led to believe. So, before you jump to conclusions, it’s important to look at the full picture. Yes, foreclosure starts are up 7% in the first six months of the year. But zooming out shows that’s nowhere near crisis levels. Here’s why.
• OLE SEAGULL
Continued from page 2B
item, the city attorney would have asked for further clarification and, after receiving it, would have said, ‘We’ll take care of it?’” “Surely that’s a rhetorical question, but just in case it isn’t, the answers to your two questions are ‘No’ and ‘No.’”
• LETTERS
Continued from page 2B
30 to 40%. That is one big hop. Make it leap! It was pointed out that the CEO of Liberty has a salary of 3.2 million per year. Utility
• CYNTHIA THOMAS
Continued from page 2B
Stock Market Insights: From tariffs to tech, what’s fueling this earnings season
a topsy-turvy quarter filled with tariff drama.
As of July 25, 2025, slightly over a third of S&P 500 companies have reported earnings for the second quarter, and so far, the results are good enough. Over 82% of companies are beating their earnings expectations. Energy and financials have produced the biggest surprise earnings so far at 14% and 10%, respectively. The communication services (boosted by big numbers from Warner Bros. Discovery) and technology sectors had the fastest earnings growth at 33% and 16% respectively. While the numbers are encouraging, investors are primarily focused on forward-looking guidance
from company leadership to measure their ability to navigate the next few months. Strong earnings in a quarter will only go so far if forward guidance shows cracks in their business model.
So far, the earnings calls have had two themes: 1) tariffs/trade policy 2) artificial intelligence (AI) spending.
1. Tariffs/trade policy
There is an improvement in tariff clarity, as the White House and the European Union (EU) reached a trade accord featuring 15% tariffs on EU goods, including automobiles. The last big countries to finalize tariffs are China and Canada/Mexico. The longer those countries wait to work out an agreement, the less leverage they have with the Trump ad-
ministration. The majority of earnings call discussions on trade and tariffs have been better than anticipated. U.S. companies are finding a way to manage through uncertainty, and most, like PulteGroup’s CEO, Ryan Marshall, are saying the tariff effects are “going to be minimal and mostly in the back half of Q4.”
2. Enormous AI spending
Investors continue to track investments in AI infrastructure, including who’s making money on it, and who is using it to become more efficient to increase profitability. Alphabet Inc. (Google) was the first mega-cap tech company to report earnings, and they raised their full-year projection of spending on
AI infrastructure by $10 billion, saying they will spend $85 billion on AI. A positive sign is that Google’s press release stated that AI is having a positive impact on every part of their business. Alphabet, Amazon, Meta and Microsoft are expected to spend nearly $300 billion combined gearing up on AI and even more in the following years, according to JPMorgan. The biggest beneficiaries of the AI spending continue to be manufacturers of datacenter electrical equipment, power generation equipment and semiconductor equipment. It is too early to tell, but I’m looking forward to seeing which companies use AI to become more efficient and increase profitability.
The U.S. foreclosure map you need to see
Filings Are Still Far Below Crash Levels
Even with the recent uptick, overall foreclosure filings are still very low. In the first half of 2025, just 0.13% of homes had filed for foreclosure. That’s less than 1% of homes in this country. In fact, it’s even far less than that at under a quarter of a percent. That’s a very small fraction of all the homes out there. But like with anything else in real estate, the numbers vary by market.
Here’s the map (at right) you need to see that shows how foreclosure rates are lower than you might think, and how they differ by local area.
For context, data from ATTOM shows in the first half of 2025, 1 in every 758 homes nationwide had a foreclosure filing. That’s the 0.13% you can see in the map above. But in 2010, back during the crash?
Mortgage News Daily says it was 1 in every 45 homes.
“Then why do you think the attorney said, ‘We’ll take care of it’ after Schulz clarifies his pettiness?” “Because of Schulz’s position as an alderman.”
“Wait, Seagull, are you saying that the city administration and Board will actually condone and endorse the Schulz’s pettiness and
companies with more customers have managers with salaries of one million or less! My personal thought is the requested rate increase is excessive. Tongue in cheek, “Is Liberty taking too much
Today’s Numbers Don’t Indicate a Market in Trouble
But here’s what everyone remembers…
Leading up to the crash, risky lending practices left homeowners with payments they eventually couldn’t afford. That led to a situation where many homeowners were underwater on their mortgages. When they couldn’t make their payments, they had no choice but to walk away. Foreclosures surged, and the market ultimately crashed.
Today’s housing market is very different. Lending standards are stronger. Homeowners have near record levels of equity. And when someone hits financial trouble, that equity means many people can sell their home rather than face foreclosure. As Rick Sharga, Founder of CJ Patrick Company, explains: “. . . a significant fac-
the precedent it establishes?” “No, but the tape of the meeting shows there’s an excellent chance of that happening.”
The record establishes just how petty the smartest man in the room can get. An Ole Seagull’s prayer is that the Board will not lower itself to the same level of pettiness.
liberty?” What do you in the reading audience think? I appreciate the concerned citizens who attended the Branson meeting.
Sincerely, George Brooks, Forsyth
Summary Here are some key takeaways from this earnings season. First, trade policy and tariffs are being managed as well as could be hoped, and U.S. companies are doing a good job working to lessen the impact on their earnings. Secondly, the great AI spending splurge appears to be in its early stages and will likely continue to be an investment theme to watch. I have fond memories of sitting on the curb next to the Zero Gravity ride, waiting for the dizziness to fade. I’m too old to ride it now, but sometimes I feel the stock market gives me similar dizziness. Have a blessed week! www.FerventWM.com
tor contributing to today’s comparatively low levels of foreclosure activity is that homeowners—including those in foreclosure— possess an unprecedented amount of home equity.”
No one wants to see a homeowner struggle. But if you’re a homeowner facing hardship, talk to your mortgage provider. You may
have more options than you think.
Bottom Line Recent headlines may not tell the whole story, but the data does. Foreclosure activity remains low by historical standards and is not a sign of another crash.
If you’re simply watching the market and want to understand what’s really going on, or how this impacts the value of your home, let’s connect. I’ll
As our young people head back to school this
al programs. Concerned Women of America’s affiliated Young Women of America groups are stepping up on many college campuses, and Christian student groups are seeing an uptick in membership. Recent research indicates young men ages 18-29 are becoming more conservative and seeking mentorship; we must not disappoint them!
fall, let us encourage them to prepare for true godly leadership; and let’s keep our legislators and local leaders accountable for environments that create high expectations for our next generation of leaders.
BY COWBOY JOHN FULLERTON, a native of Taney County, and
a member of the Sons of the Pioneers.
Reading through the weekly area newspapers from over one hundred years ago has been an ongoing project that I’ve enjoyed for over twenty years. There are loads of columns that gave news of the happenings here in our Garber neighborhood. J.K. Ross, who had been our weekly news correspondent dating back to 1901 always told it like it was. As I sit here on his front porch at the Shepherd of the Hills Farm and Adventure Park with my cup of coffee, allow me to share some details of the happenings from June through August of 1902. These columns are all from the Forsyth newspaper, The Taney County Republican.
June 26, 1902
We are flying high with our hopes brightened; it’s all on account of the rain
Memories from the Homestead: A flashback to the summer of 1902 as seen by J.K. Ross
we had last week. Corn is blooming, and potatoes are swelling up and getting too big to stay on the hill. The corn speculators in Chicago may think they have the roasting ears all covered, but they must be careful. Taney County corn is getting so bold that it will “shoot” from now on, and some of the corner men are apt to be hit hard.
Preaching yesterday at Fronaberger’s arbor was held by J.K. Ross. Preaching next Sunday will be at the Branson school house. No Sunday school has been organized in this part of the county, and the outlook is poor because of the scarcity of money to procure supplies. Our school enumeration has fallen off 25 percent, because of people moving away but we expect them back.
July 10, 1902
The grand and glorious Fourth has passed, and we start again on another year of record breaking American prosperity. The day was only observed by a few in this neighborhood, at Fronaberger’s arbor. Several families partook of a picnic dinner with all the lemonade they could drink.
Joseph and George Garber started out for Kansas Saturday to work. One by one they keep dropping out. This exodus of so many of our young men may, we fear, may tell at our primary election, but many, if not all of them will be back to help us swell the majorities in November.
August 4, 1902
Weather hot and dry, though good rains have passed on both sides of us. Corn will be cut short in this locality. The wheat has nearly all been threshed, yielding from 15 to 18 bushels of good quality. Much wheat has been ground into graham flower, as a substitute for corn bread; but now that roasting ears are getting ripe, our people will soon return to the old rotation of corn cake and hominy.
Mr. Joel Garber marketed a fine load of peaches at Aurora the first part of the week, at 80 cents a bushel, losing some 4 or 5 bushels in transit. Hurry up railroad! We need you!
Now that canning time is on there is a scarcity of fruit cans; it would seem that our merchants wait too long to see how many will be needed. Health generally good, con-
sidering the hot weather. Yesterday 92 degrees; today 90. August 28, 1902
Mr. L. Tunison, chief engineer of the White River Railroad, is in camp at Fronaberger’s, with a corps of twenty men, making their way down the creek to Branson, where they will be encamped the last of the week. As Mr. Tunison’s camp was close to the Sunday school arbor, the entire camp attended Sunday school in the afternoon and took part in the singing exercises. Mr. Tunison is a very sociable gentleman and his company of young
SMAC Art Center hosts ‘I Am Not A Bug’
STORY AND PHOTO SUBMIT-
TED TO BRANSON GLOBE
The Southern Missouri Arts Connection (SMAC) will host a solo exhibit of the work of Artist-In-Residence, Audra Welch, entitled “I Am Not A Bug.” The show will run through
August 30 at the SMAC Art Center, 7 Downing Street, in historic Hollister. This exhibit is a collection of acrylic paintings that use insect imagery as a lens to contemplate life, death and the fleeting nature of existence. Each piece asks
the viewer to “reflect on how they’re spending their short time here — with the unsettling realization that I, or we, are the bugs,” says Welch about her work. Colorful and lively, in bright pinks and orange hues, the artworks carry a darker meaning to be interpreted by the viewer.
Each month during their exhibits, SMAC highlights one of the many local non-
profit organizations that serve the area. This month SMAC is drawing attention to Branson Humane Society whose mission is to aid in the alleviation of distress and suffering of animals, and promote their humane treatment through protection, placement and public education. Branson Humane Society operates an adoption center and two thrift stores.
men and assistants seem to be men of high character.
From what we learn, their route is either Coon Creek or Turkey Creek, across the river until they meet the other corps. This does not mean the railroad will be built up Roark, but it looks that way now, and we hope to see dirt flying before long. As Mr. Tunison requested that we say nothing for publication, we will keep quiet until further developments. Well, there you have it folks. Looks like it was a decent summer in 1902, and nothing like the extreme drought that was ex-
perienced the previous year. Want to read some of these newspaper rarities for yourself? Visit my dear friends at the State Historical Society of Missouri. They have a fabulous website featuring multiple area newspapers that will have you lost for hours, if not days! Go to shsmo.org and there you’ll find access to an incredible collection of over 41 million pages! Wow! Happy trails, everyone! It’s time to refill my coffee cup over here at Lizzie McDaniel’s house, and take some guests out on the first tour of the day.
A common scene in the summer months, a steam powered threshing unit, somewhere in southeast Kansas, in 1902 (Photo courtesy of the Kansas State Historical Society)
BY MARSHALL HOWDEN, a
member of the Branson Board of Aldermen, and Executive Director of Song of Hope Historical Society.
D
ecades are like generations except they last for a set period of time and we all experience them at once. And Branson has had its share of transformative decades.
The sound of Branson is ancient and can be traced to the Scottish Highlands with
BY JODY JOHNSON GODFREY Wellness Design Specialist
T
his may be a “stretch” for a proverbial health column but it does very much play into several health venues. It spans emotional, physical and spiritual venues.
The price for “having someone” should actually be non-existent. To have the right person in your life should not require sacrifice (necessarily) of any kind…
For the love of Branson: Ozarks decades
a fiddle and a bow. But the Song of Branson that we know today began taking form in the 1950s. It was first sung in hills and hollers, but when they started doing an outdoor play out at the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead and the Baldknobbers started performing downtown, the magic was created. The end of the ‘50s was also when Table Rock Lake was formed by the dam and transformed the area into even more of a tourism draw.
The Mabe family that starred as the Baldknobbers in Branson at this time was both visionary as well as a simple reflection of an Ozarks culture that had been here for a few generations at this point. But their show
began drawing crowds, and the idea that this town could manifest as a mecca for this type of hillbilly entertainment was born.
The next decade brought the Presleys’ Country Jubilee, the show that would forever be compared to the Baldknobbers as Branson’s Founding families. They decided to build a theatre half way between downtown and Silver Dollar City on a rural stretch of highway. And that highway would ultimately become 76 Country Boulevard lit up for the next 60 years and beyond in our community. For at the end of this decade, the Baldknobbers would join them on Branson’s famous “Strip.”
Two other famous founders of Branson opened their
The price of ‘love’
especially “peace of mind,” health, job or career, and most of all, your loving service to God and/or your place in heaven. It has taken me years and two husbands to figure this out, but, as they say, “Better late than never!” Society, the media and everything in between and outside dictates and brainwashes us into conscious and subliminal thinking that we are “incomplete” without dating someone, being in a relationship or married. This idea isn’t even biblically based—in the Bible, Paul basically states to get married as a prevention or remedy to fornication. That seems like kind of a pitiful reason for getting married and in many cases that still doesn’t work!
For those of you who are “down and out” or gloomy about not having someone in their lives, PLEASE snap out of it! There are far worse things in life. Being “unequally” yoked is miserable, and believe me there are many “unequals” out there!
Just to name a very few, there is…unequal passion, unequal love, unequal sense of humor, unequal work ethics, unequal human and animal compassion, unequal communication skills/ desires, unequal ability to show respect and then the worst (for me) is unequal ability to fear, respect and obey God and His Good Book. And for an old fashioned, world detesting gal like me—a Tik Tok, Google
shows in the 1970s, namely The Foggy River Boys and The Plummer Family. And Bob Mabe of the famous Baldknobbers decided to part ways with his family and venture out on his own with Bob-O-Links Country Hoedown located where the current Clay Cooper Theatre stands.
To this day, people talk about the Branson Boom in the 1990s, but the ‘80s saw an explosion of new music shows as well. The Wilkinson Brothers, The Lowe Sisters, The Braschlers and the Sons of Pioneers also began performing in Branson at this time. Furthermore, some important Branson music “scouts” that would bring some big name entertainers to town began
or social media addiction won’t work either!
No matter how great of an example you are, no matter how bright your light may shine, you cannot pour the love for God and what He has done and continues to do for us into a syringe and inject it into another’s heart and mind.
I grew up with an unrealistic premise. My mother had two husbands and the first (my blood father) died when I was six months old in a hunting accident. He was outfielder and second baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals. The second husband, engineer for Conoco Oil and the father who raised me, was the brother of my biological father and two years older. They were both raised
to emerge. Chisai Childs who would bring in the likes of Shoji Tabuchi to the community set up shop at the original Starlite Theatre, and Roy Clark launched his celebrity theatre which brought in the majority of the national names to the Branson scene. The Baldknobbers, Bob-O-Links and Lowe Sisters also contributed to bringing big names to town and Loretta Lynn even partnered with the Lowes to perform in their theatre.
But quite frankly, every Branson decade up to this point was leading to the ‘90s and the famous Branson Boom. In December of 1991 a few weeks after I was born, the CBS television program 60 Minutes did a special piece on Bran-
in a home where there was no church attendance. They knew nothing other than there was a God. Soon after each one started dating Mom, they immediately stopped their “worldly” ways and became stellar members of the New Testament Church and never looked back, not even once. Of course, that made me think that all men (husbands) would be of the same mindset—to be adequately curious about their creator, learn about him, then be baptized and want to try their best to please Him, but my dads were in the vast minority, come to find out. I was most fortunate to have had them.
For those who feel compelled to possess “anoth-
son in which they called us the “live country music capital of the universe.” As one box office manager put it, “the phones never stopped ringing after that.”
Subsequently, the 2000s saw somewhat of a dip in Branson’s entertainment notoriety but the family shows once again rose to prominence. The Hughes, Duttons, Bretts and Haygoods all established themselves in this decade keeping the faith, family and flag moniker alive.
You see, Branson will continue to transform long into the future and we will be here to document it and shepherd our little community into the future. For as they say in the biz “the show must go on.”
er half” (like you can’t be whole within yourself), when searching, just make certain that they possess the exact same values as yourself, otherwise you will be making many sacrifices that can and will lead to heartbreak and unhappiness. My advice is to stay busy with happy and creative past times. There are so many to choose from, and you may discover more God given talents along the way and then have even MORE for which to be thankful! And to those who chose wisely along the way and have had a great marriage, you are so applauded! Be proud and don’t be shy about passing along your tips for a happy existence.
Buckle and Smith Creek Winery & Mercantile now open at Tanger Outlets
SUBMITTED TO BRANSON
GLOBE
Tanger Outlets Branson expands its offerings with the addition of popular fashion retailer Buckle and wine purveyor Smith
Creek Winery & Mercantile. Buckle caters to style-conscious men and women who enjoy expressing individuality through fashion. Now open in a
6,000-square-foot location next to Old Navy, Buckle carries a wide selection of fits, styles and finishes from top denim brands and exclusive-to-Buckle denim labels. Services include
free hemming, personal styling, in-store pick-up, a rewards program, credit card, and more.
Smith Creek Winery & Mercantile is located next to Crocs. The
3,500-square-foot space offers a diverse selection of wines crafted for connection and enjoyment.
Alongside its beverage offerings, Smith Creek features a curated mercantile
with charming accessories for home entertaining, including etched glassware, cocktail napkins and thoughtful serving utensils designed to elevate any gathering.
School year is right around the corner: End-of-summer ideas for local family fun
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
With the beginning of the new school year just a few short weeks away, many families are trying to pack some last-minute fun into the summer.
If a vacation is not in your budget this summer, there are still plenty of ways to have budget-friendly fun and create family memories right here in your own neighborhood. With the area lake levels finally going down, recreational areas such as Moonshine Beach are once again open to the public. With a sandy swim beach, large picnic area and volleyball
court, Moonshine Beach is the perfect spot for an affordable day of family fun, Branson is also home to one of the most amazing swimming facilities in the region. The AquaPlex, a part of the city’s RecPlex, is a 12,250 square-foot aquatic park, with a diving board, slides, a lap pool, a climbing wall and more. The facility also offers a large deck area with lounge chairs, tables and lots of shade, making it a perfect place to spend the day.
Hiking is a great way to spend time as a family, and Branson is home to some beautiful trails. Pack a picnic lunch and plenty of wa-
ter and enjoy a day of hiking at the Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area, Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area or the Dewey Short Visitor Center. If you choose to hike the trails at the Dewey Short Visitor Center, be sure to take time to enjoy a tour of the Visitor Center itself to learn more about Table Rock Lake and Dam.
If you would rather spend time indoors, a visit to one of Branson’s many museums is a fun, relaxing—and educational—way to spend some time. Depending on your family’s interests, you might want to consider the History of Fishing Museum,
the Celebrity Car Museum, Dinosaur Museum, Branson Veterans Museum, or the World’s Largest Toy Museum. Other ideas include the Branson Auto and Farm Museum, Titanic Museum Attraction, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, or the Ralph Foster Museum at the College of the Ozarks. Speaking of the College of the Ozarks, there is much to see and do on the campus at Hard Work U. A visit to the college will allow you to see a working dairy farm, the Edwards Mill, Patriots Park and the Williams Memorial Chapel. You can also visit the greenhouses, fruit
Young Entrepreneurs showcase skills at Elevate Branson
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff
Writer
The Elevate Kids pro-
gram at Elevate Branson wrapped up their last day of class on July 23, by inviting their families to join them for special activities. In addition to celebratory picnics, the day included a Young Entrepreneurs Showcase, where students displayed their business ideas at tables featuring a variety of products and services.
Students in grades three and four spent part of their summer schedule learning basics of business, with age-appropriate adaptations
Stephanie Callahan, Owner/Lightspeed Electrical
of the same concepts taught in the Elevate Entrepreneurs program. For the final day’s showcase, each table had posters created by the students, giving information about the product or service.
Students used Good Behavior Bucks earned over the duration of the program to purchase from the following businesses:
Lemonade stand
• Snow cones
Caricature drawing/ painting
• Pet rock decoration station
• Dance lessons (right on the spot!)
Build a toy, using provided pieces
• Origami Bracelet making Extra volunteers on hand to assist the students included young people from an Oklahoma YMCA.
At the end of the showcase, students were coached in tabulating receipts and calculating profits, with the Lemonade Stand topping receipts at 28%, followed by Snow Cones and the Toy Stand. The students also discussed possible reasons why the businesses were more or less successful and what snags they encountered.
“We learned lots of real-life business lessons,” said Elevate Entrepreneurs director Chris Hunter. “For example, when businesses were really busy, we raised rates and learned about demand. When we sold out of toys at the Toy Stand, we learned about supply. And when kids ran out of personal spending bucks and wanted to take from the business’s till, we learned about embezzlement!”
Based on enthusiastic student response, Hunter said it looks like there will be another Young Entrepreneur event next year! Learn more
cake and jelly kitchen, and stained glass and candle shops. Don’t forget to stop by Keeter Center for lunch or a delicious dip of ice cream during your visit. If shopping is your idea of fun, there is a wide variety of shops to choose from. Be sure to visit Tanger Outlets, The Shoppes at Branson Meadows and the Branson Landing. Don’t forget that this weekend is Missouri’s Sales Tax-Free weekend, so take advantage of the extra savings on back-to-school clothes and necessities. For specialty shopping, remember that Branson is home to many unique shopping
venues, boutiques, antique stores, flea markets and thrift stores, too. Many shows and attractions offer discounts through such companies as All Access Branson or Branson 2 for 1 Tickets, as well as sites such as Groupon. Often, area businesses generously give local discounts to residents of Taney and Stone counties, so be sure to respectfully ask about available discounts at any show or attraction you wish to visit.
We encourage you to enjoy these last few weeks of Branson’s summer season. Stay safe, stay cool and create some fun family memories.
about the various Elevate Branson programs, including the “grown-up” Elevate
Lightspeed Electrical: Twenty questions
Have you ever Googled something like “Why is my [insert device here] not working?”
If so, you’ve likely seen a long list of possible causes—anywhere from five to twenty different things that could be wrong. That’s because troubleshooting isn’t a quick fix or a lucky guessespecially when we are talking about electrical troubleshooting. It’s a process rooted in electrical theory, system knowledge and years of handson experience. It’s not magic. It’s methodical. And unfortunately, Google can’t see inside your walls.
Homeowners who like to save money with DIY projects usually attempt electrical fixes by
assuming the most obvious culprit (a broken outlet) and trying the easiest fix (replacing it). But when the problem persists—or worse, creates a new one—they realize that the electrical system in their home is more complicated than it seems. Circuits can be affected by age, equipment brand, weather, overuse, misuse, or even installation shortcuts from years past. Without understanding how the whole electrical “ecosystem” works, trial and error can quickly become frustrating—and dangerous.
If your lights are flickering, your appliances are acting odd, or you hear popping or crackling from your switches, don’t play twenty questions
Entrepreneurs class, and check out upcoming events, at www.ElevateBranson.org.
with your safety. Call your friendly neighborhood Lightspeed man. We already know which questions to ask—because we’ve spent years answering them. Give us a call at 417-239-5050.
Kiddos enjoy the chance to make their own bracelets. (Photo submitted by Elevate Branson) SEE MORE PHOTOS WITH THIS STORY AT BRANSONGLOBE.COM.
SERVINGS: 8 TIME: 1 HOUR, 25 MINUTES
INGREDIENTS:
• 3 Lbs Yellow Potatoes, cubed
• 1 Shallot, finely chopped
2 Stalks Celery, finely chopped
• 6 Strips Bacon ¾ C Mayonnaise
Creamy Horseradish Potato Salad
BY CHEF JEFF WOODWARD, The Rogue Chef
• ½ C Sour Cream
• 2 T Prepared Horseradish
• 1 T White Wine Vinegar
1 T Sugar
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt
½ tsp Black Pepper
• ¼ C Chives, snipped, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.
2. Place the shallots and celery in the bottom of a large heat-proof bowl.
3. Add the potatoes to the boiling water and return to a boil. Stir occasionally and boil until the potatoes are soft enough to be pierced by a sharp
knife, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain immediately and transfer the hot potatoes over the shallots and celery. Set aside until completely cooled, at least 1 hour.
4. Wrap a baking sheet in foil and place the bacon strips on it. Bake in the preheated oven until crispy, about 15 minutes. Drain on paper towels and roughly chop the bacon. Set aside.
5. Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, horseradish, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make the dressing.
6. Within an hour of serv-
ing, gently stir the dressing into the cooled potatoes. Fold in half of the bacon.
7. Top with the remaining bacon and snipped chives.
8. Leave at room temperature until ready to serve. Enjoy!
TIP: Monitor the potatoes while cooking to avoid overcooking or undercooking. Test with a sharp knife— it should pierce easily with a bit of resistance. For the best test, taste one (be careful, it’s hot!). You can cook the potatoes up to 4 hours in advance, but wait to dress the salad until within 1 hour of serving.
Leftovers will last up to 5 days in the fridge. GO ROGUE by adding finely chopped green, red and yellow bell peppers, mariniated artichoke hearts, sliced olives or sundried tomatoes. Want The Rogue Chef to make a delicious meal for you? Contact us at www. TheRogueChef.com
White River Connect expands fiber network to Bluewater Service Area
SUBMITTED TO BRANSON
GLOBE
White River Connect, a subsidiary of White River Valley Electric Cooperative, announced today that it is now taking orders for customers living in the Bluewater service area. This in-
• TIFFANY GRAVETT
Continued from page 2B
cludes parts of Reeds Spring and Branson West.
“Bringing our fiber network to Reeds Spring is a major step forward in our mission to deliver fast and reliable internet to the residents of Stone County,” said Beau Jackson, CEO of
theirs. I thought about how she had probably labored in the scorching African heat every day from morning until night, hoping to reap a harvest sufficient to keep her family alive. I thought about how difficult it must be for her to press on without the loving support of her husband. I wept as my heart broke for her, and I asked God to forgive me for my recent bout of complaining. He then reminded me of my dreaded vine boring enemies and used them to illustrate within my heart a much
White River Connect.
Construction began on White River Connect’s fiber network in June of 2023 with its first customer receiving internet service at their home in April 2024. The project, which will provide internet to rural ar-
deeper truth about Kingdom living. Just as the squash plant attracts a specific enemy, so Christ-followers must face inevitable attacks from the enemy of their souls. It’s not a matter of if, but of when. Every Christian will reach a mid-battle moment of decision, when denying Christ would mean sure relief from the enemy and a simpler “row to hoe.”
Some people (like me with my squash plants) decide to stop planting altogether and satisfy themselves from
eas of Christian, Douglas, Ozark, Stone, and Taney counties was estimated to take four years to complete and will cover over 4,200 miles of fiber. White River Connect’s high-speed internet is currently available in the areas of Branson, Bear
some other worldly source. On the other hand, there are the few “good and faithful servants” like Victoria who never sell out, even when the enemy keeps coming back with ever-increasing force. What would drive a mother in her situation to pray for her children to follow Christ, knowing what that would mean for them in their hostile part of the world? Why wouldn’t her prayer request be for the utter destruction of her earthly enemies and the flourishing
Creek, Sweden, Rockaway, Gretna, and Goodhope, Compton Ridge, Taneyville, Protem, Theodosia, Wasola and more with plans to open more markets in 2025.
Residents can visit https://www.whiterivercon-
of her crops? It is because, like Jesus, she has “meat” they know not of, which is to do the will of the Father (John 4:31-38). It is because she declares with David: The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore, my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell;
nect.com to view the map of service availability and sign up for service in those areas. People can also pre-register for areas coming soon. For more information about White River Connect, visit https://www. whiteriverconnect.com.
neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (Psalm 16:5-11).
Lord, teach us, your people, never to give up when the path of life is hard. Be our portion, our heritage, our counsel and our hope. May we experience fulness of joy in your presence and the unwavering confidence that we will spend eternity with you at the end of this short time on earth. Amen.
*“Christian Widow’s Home Burned, Crops Destroyed,” The Voice of the Martyrs, July 31, 2025. https://www. icommittopray.com/
LARRY DABLEMONT is an outdoor publisher, columnist, author, speaker, naturalist and outdoorsman.
Myrtle Kelly was a widow lady, a good friend of my grandparents, who owned the Big Piney River bottom fields next to the Sweet Potato Eddy. I have written about her before, how I would ride my bicycle down to her place as a boy and we would fish up and down the river by her farm. When I was in my first year of college, I was seventeen and we went to summer classes back then. I would come home from school on weekends and found out that Mrs. Kelly was having trouble with an over abundance of groundhogs in her field of clover along the river.
I saw my chance to help a damsel in distress so I borrowed a rifle and scope my dad had traded for, and on a Friday and Saturday, I would sit on the hillside
Outdoors with Larry Dablemont: Groundhog hunter
above the clover patch and shoot groundhogs. I would take the skins home and tack them up on Dad’s smokehouse wall to dry, and Mrs. Kelly would clean the groundhog and freeze it to be given to one of the front bench regulars at the pool hall.
Several of those old men had wives who knew how to cook them. As poor as we were, Mom wouldn’t resort to cooking a groundhog or possum or coon. We ate bullfrogs, quail, ducks, rabbit and squirrel and tried a few exotic things on occasion like soft-shell turtles and coot gizzards, but even with me killing nearly a dozen groundhogs that summer, we never ate one. The old men at the pool hall let nothing go to waste, claiming a clover-eatin’ groundhog was better eatin’ than a beaver. I was a good shot and with my rifle propped up for a hundred-and-fiftyyard shot, I aimed for the head of the woodchuck and didn’t often miss.
Those hides I kept were used also. Grandpa took them and cured them with ashes and removed the hair.
Then following the traditional use of groundhog hides, long narrow strips
were cut for leather boot and shoelaces that were tough and unbreakable.
Not long ago, I was reading through one of my old outdoor magazines from the 1930s and there was an article from a survivalist-hunter and outdoor writer giving several old-days recipes, which included one about groundhogs. He said that the best wild game he had ever tasted was from big horn sheep. I am thinking the best fur bearer meat from the Ozarks is muskrat, so I am including that recipe from him also.
Here are his recipes: Woodchuck. They are very much worth saving, particularly if after skinning you carefully remove the small glands from under the forelegs. Unless too grizzled and tough, they’re generally best roasted. But if you run into a patriarch, brown the pieces in a small amount of fat. Then cover with water, season and simmer two hours or so until tender. For a stew, add vegetables when the meat is nearly done. If any ‘chuck is left over for serving cold, it’ll be juicy and more flavorful if allowed to cool in the stock. Roast muskrat. Moist, dark roast muskrat tastes
like turkey, only better. The thing to remember is to remove the little glands under the hind and forelegs. Rub inside and out with an onion, and season all over with salt and pepper, using more pepper than you usually do. If you want, fill loosely with stuffing made in the proportions of two parts of soaked dehydrated apples and one part pitted and chopped cooked prunes. If you’ve any horseradish, include a teaspoonful of that. Place the meat on a greased rack in a shallow pan. Brush generously with melted margarine or other fat. Lay several strips of bacon over the top. Roast in a moderate oven. Muskrat is also excellent both fricasseed and fried. For the former, make a well-seasoned brown gravy and simmer onions and pieces of muskrat in this until tender. Serve with rice. For the latter, disjoint the muskrat, parboil for 20 minutes if not young and tender, dip in flour and fry in deep fat until golden brown.
And if you live in the woods like I do, you need this recipe too—squirrel stew.
If you only have a couple or so squirrels and some robust appetites to satisfy, the following stew may be the solution. Cut up the squirrel. Brown the pieces in the 3 tablespoons of butter or margarine. Then cover with 3 cups water. Season only with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper so as to maintain the distinctive natural flavor. Simmer
with dumplings.
Overland Services LLC unveils TrailDevil™ UTVs: Custom performance in powersports
SUBMITTED TO BRANSON
GLOBE
Overland Services LLC, proudly announces the launch of its groundbreaking TrailDevil brand, a new line of high-performance, fully customized utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) designed to revolutionize the Powersports Industry. Built with unmatched quality, reliability, and cutting-edge technology, TrailDevil UTVs offer consumers a high end, turnkey, trail ready experience unlike anything currently available on the market. De-
buting in the rugged Ozark Mountains, TrailDevil is set to redefine what enthusiasts expect from a UTV.
“After 25 years in the automotive and UTV aftermarket industries, I’m thrilled to introduce TrailDevil, a product that fills a gap in the Powersports world,” said Dustan Stroud, owner of Overland Services LLC. “The Ozarks, with its diverse and challenging terrain, is the perfect place to showcase these vehicles. Whether you’re a hunter, a weekend warrior, an off-
grid camper, or someone who simply loves a good time, TrailDevil UTVs are built to make those experiences unforgettable.”
TrailDevil UTVs are designed as do-all trail machines, capable of conquering deep water, thick mud, large rocks, and sandy dunes with ease. Each model comes pre-equipped with the most sought-after upgrades, eliminating the need for time-consuming aftermarket modifications.
Key features include:
• A fully customizable
touchscreen interface that controls auxiliary lighting, audio, mapping, and weather radar
• Custom seats built for comfort and style
• Beadlock wheels with 35inch Atturo® Tires for superior rock-crawling and traction
• Full warranty coverage mirroring the original manufacturer’s warranty
• Special edition packages for top brands, including BRP Can-Am®, Kawasaki®, Honda®, Yamaha®, and Polaris®, catering to
all brand loyalties
TrailDevil has partnered with industry leaders like Wet Sounds™ Audio, S3 Powersports®, Atturo® Tires, Fuel® Off-road Wheels, and Super ATV® to deliver a powerhouse of performance and innovation.
TrailDevil is committed to helping dealers increase visibility and attract new customers by offering a unique, high-demand product. “Our goal is to bring something fresh to dealership lots—vehicles that stand out and are ready to hit the trails,” said
Stroud. Available at select dealers in the Ozark Mountain area starting in the coming weeks, TrailDevil UTVs can be explored at www.traildevilutv.com, where customers can view inventory and locate their nearest dealer.
TrailDevil looks forward to growth that will bring jobs and contribute to the flourishing economy of Branson. The first TrailDevil model, #000, will be showcased at select Ozark Mountain dealerships, with images available at www. traildevilutv.com.
submitted by Larry Dablemont)
CELEBRATE RECOVERY 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 808-344-4240. 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.
GRIEF SHARE: New class for GRIEF SHARE will be beginning at the Branson United Methodist Church on Wednesday, August 27. We gather at 1 p.m. for social time with class beginning promptly at 1:30 p.m. This is a 13-week biblical based support group and is open to anyone in the community. For questions, call Peggy at 319-919-1533 or the church office at 417334-3432.
lassifieds
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.
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!
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.
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
RETIRED FULL CHARGE BOOKKEEP-
ER/REALTOR looking for a part-time job. Please call Vicki if you need reliable part-time help. 620-687-1881
FREE ESTIMATES AND TIMELY RESPONSE. Full remodels, decks, pole barns, garages, fencing and small projects. Call 417-699-1635.
HOME TO SELL OR
ROOM TO RENT? Let the Globe help you get the word out. Reach thousands of readers with an ad just like this for only $22.25!
INTERNATIONAL SCREEN WRITER/SONG WRITER
seeking 150k startup capital to register an Indie Production company in Branson, MO. Call/text 417-251-1837.
FOR SALE: 2016 Nissan Frontier Quad cab, V6, 4WD, AT, all power, one owner, 25k miles, excellent condition. $24,900. 724-396-6938. Clean A Title.
FOR SALE: 2006 Holiday Rambler Presidential 32’ fifth wheel, nice shape, lots of extras, fully furnished, includes all amenities, dual AC, stereo surround sound, central vacuum system and loads of storage. Ready to go. Clean title in hand, mid 20s but will consider offers and trades. Cedar wardrobe closet. Ph. 724-396-6938.
Men’s/women’s clothes, jewelry, books, toys, games, Hot Wheels, Star Wars, Disney figurines, vintage Barbie, Pink Panther, train sets, collectibles, Halloween/Christmas lights-décor, vintage rocking chair, air compressor, party decorations, old tools, beach umbrella, folding chairs and much more. 93 Westwood Drive, Branson. Starts at 8 a.m.
HUGE OUTDOOR YARD
SALE: At the Highland Center Gravel lot. Tot Spot Resale Shop said everything must go. Thursday Aug. 14 - Sat. Aug. 16 starting at 6 a.m. - until. 2265 S. Bus. 65, Hollister
SERVICES OFFERED HELP WANTED: Looking for an experienced construction/remodel
HELP WANTED
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THE ROSEHOUSE, Branson’s premier “Senior Services Residence” seeks to find an “Active Senior” to serve as our “LIVE ON SITE-BACKUP HOUSE MANAGER.” This role will involve providing part-time resident concierge support for our senior residents. This will allow personal time for our small regular staff. Our selected “BACKUP” will be provided a great apartment, food, all utilities and a modest monthly salary. It will be an outstanding life choice for the right person. Check out The Rosehouse online at http://therosehouseseniorliving.com and/or Facebook at therosehouse, or, call Lindy at 417-230-9190, or just stop by and check us out at 673 Spring Creek Rd., Branson. Some lucky “Active Senior” will be glad they did.
MR. GILBERTI’S PLACE: NOW HIRING ALL POSITIONS. Fun, working atmosphere. Come in and fill out an application. 1451 Acacia Club Rd., Hollister.
WANTED: A VETERAN with no dependents. Small apartment available for a veteran to live in Cedarcreek at GUMI CAMP for a work/ housing exchange. Must be capable to feed and care for animals among a few other tasks. A vetting process will be mandatory. Serious inquiries only. 417-559-3892
TO ENSURE THE BEST RESPONSE TO YOUR AD... Please make sure your ad is correct in the first issue in which it appears. The Branson Globe is responsible for one day’s charge of the space occupied by the error. If your ad is not correct, call us immediately to have it corrected.
Carbon buildup
57. One who raised Cain 58. Dreamer’s acronym 59. Pacify 62. Government gofer 65. April surprise 66. The Hekawi, on TV 67. Novelist Turgenev 68. Cork site
69. Knight mare? 70. It has feathers and flies
71. The 366 of 2000 Down 1. Jokers 2. Heaps 3. Lucky attendee’s bonus 4. Andalusian title 5. Emulates Archipenko 6. Party servers 7. Faddish 8. Lovely to look at 9. The one that got away 10. Grp. seeking a state 11. Thirteen witches 12. Phantom’s haunt
On this date in history...
1945 President Harry Truman signs the United Nations Charter
1968 Republican Convention in Miami Beach nominates Richard Nixon for president
• 1973 U.S. Vice President Spiro Agnew denies he took kickbacks from government contracts in Maryland. Vowed not to reign
• 1974 President Richard Nixon announces he will
resign at 12 p.m. the next day
• 1975 Country music singer/songwriter Hank Williams Jr. falls off the side of Ajax Peak in Montana
• 1988 Ceasefire between Iran and Iraq takes effect after eight years of war
• 1990 Former MLB baseball player and manager Pete Rose begins 5-month prison term at Marion IL Federal prison camp for filing false income tax returns
13. Loopy fabric 19. Hazardous 21. “Star Wars” twin 25. Explorer who named Louisiana 27. Creator of a mare’s nest 28. AK or HI, once 29. Mast attachment
30. Home cure-all, popularly
34. Victim of 1915 35. Dark, in verse 36. Toon Deputy 38. Pan-Amer. Union outgrowth 40. Burgle 43. Wore 44. Portable shelter
46. Opposition 47. Genesis offspring
50. Transparent 51. Soaked 52. Wisecracks
53. Nip in the bud
54. Storybook spirit
59. Lab gel 60. R-rated, maybe 61. Some karakuls 63. Bart’s grandpa 64. Actress Gardner
2004 NFL quarterback
John Elway is inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
• 2013 Retired Washington Post journalist and editor Ben Bradlee is named as recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama 2017 Walt Disney Company announces plans to create its own streaming service, canceling ties with Netflix
Sudoku
See more fun puzzles at: https://www.puzzles.ca/sudoku/
