Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. – John 7:16
Your source for local news and entertainment
February 28, 2025 • Volume 6, Issue #8
INSIDE: • Around Town.... 12A • Churches.......... 11A • Classifieds......... 10B • Education........... 8A • Fun & Games.... 12B • Pets for Adoption �� 3A • Obituaries........ 10A • Food.................. 8B • Weather........... 10A
PLUS:
Chuck and Teri Aiken, pictured with their camper setup, were the first campers to use the newly expanded Branson Lake Side RV Park sites. (Photo by Gary J. Groman)
Ribbon cutting celebration for Branson’s new $2.5 million RV Park expansion, February 28 Trivia Night supports Elevate Branson – SEE PAGE 4A
Gabriel to speak at Centennial Museum – SEE PAGE 1B.
BY GARY J. GROMAN, Independent Journalist “I invite everyone to the ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 28, 2025, at 1 p.m. at 300 Lake Drive in Branson celebrating the opening of the 31 new Deluxe Patio Sites in our $2.5 million expansion of the Branson Lakeside RV Park,” said Cindy Shook, the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Branson. As part of the celebration, special giveaways will be available exclusively during the event, with chances to win exciting prizes and the opportunity to visit exhibitors featuring local businesses and outdoor
recreation vendors. She said she could not be prouder of where they’re today and the effort the city has put into the project, including the parks department, the public works and utilities department, and all the other city departments and officials who helped make the expansion project a success. Although the expansion does not officially open until March 1, 2025, the city has invited some campers who have often used the park for a “soft opening.” The first campers to set up in the new expansion were the Aikens from Hermitage, Missouri, up on Lake Pomme
De Terre. Chuck Aiken said this was the 35th time they had visited the campground. “It’s a fantastic new addition, and you can’t beat the location down here closer to the lake,” said Chuck Aiken. He said that sometimes they have to drop their trailer because of the site size, but that the traffic flow and site sizes made it easy to navigate and get his entire rig into the site. The 31 new sites are off the public boat ramp at the south end of the current campground. Each large, expansive site will have a private patio, fire pit, picnic table with an umbrella and more. The “more includes
faster internet speed with a larger bandwidth capacity for streaming, a brand-new shower, easy lake access, a fishing dock and more green space. Campers at the expansion will also have access to the free trolley, fenced dog area, laundry facility, on-site marina and community pavilion at the current campground and the City of Branson’s AquaPlex, a 12,250 sq. ft. outdoor water park open in the summer at the Branson RecPlex. Shook points out that of the 31 Deluxe Patio Sites, 26 are pull-throughs, and the six on the lakefront are back-ins. Campers will check in at the
office in the existing campground and proceed to the entrance to the expansion. It has a one-way traffic pattern flowing to the right to ensure a safe and efficient traffic flow for the pull-through operation of the facility. The Branson Lakeside RV Park’s location provides easy and convenient access to Branson Landing and Historic Downtown Branson. It is within minutes of the famed “Branson Strip” and all the excitement, adventure and entertainment it offers. To book a stay or for more information, please visit https://bransonlakesidervpark. com/ or call 417-334-2915.
Explosion and fire at local hotel; four treated and released BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer Four people were injured in an explosion that resulted in a fire on Monday. Three firefighters and an
employee of the Spark Hotel were transported to a nearby hospital, where they were treated and released on Monday following an explosion, due to
a gas leak, that caused a structure fire at the Shepherd of the Hills Expressway property. According to reports, the fire began in the hotel’s pool
room, where contractors were working on a gas line that was accidentally severed, leading to the fire. Firefighters worked hard, battling the blaze to keep
the fire contained. No motel guests were injured in the explosion or fire that occurred at approximately 12 noon on Monday.
C of O grieves the loss of Martha ‘Marty’ Waller Submitted to Branson Globe College of the Ozarks is mourning the loss of Martha “Marty” Louise Waller, whose dedicated service at the College spanned more than two decades. Waller retired from C of O in 2014 after serving as director of the Child Development Center for 21 years. She also coached the cheer team for 27 years
and was the wife of Allan “Al” Waller, who served as head men’s basketball coach and athletic director, among other roles at the College, for more than 25 years. Allan Waller continues to assist the athletic department at the College with national tournaments and other endeavors. “Al and Marty have been such an indelible part
of the College throughout the years, and we are saddened by Marty’s passing,” said College of the Ozarks President Brad Johnson. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Waller family during this difficult time.” Marty worked tirelessly in her efforts at Hard Work U. and was an ardent supporter of the College’s athletics. She coached the
cheer team with passion for 27 years and developed them into one of the top small college cheer teams in the nation. She also played a significant role in the success of the NAIA Division II men’s basketball tournament by serving as a chair for the opening ceremonies, half time entertainment, and east pass SEE MARTY WALLER, PAGE 10A
3609 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson, MO 65616 • 417-332-1499
Marty and Al Waller (Photo submitted)
Kids 5 & under FREE! • Passes good all day • Open Mon. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. • worldslargesttoymuseum.com