He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. – Revelation 22:20
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July 11, 2025 • Volume 6, Issue #27
INSIDE: • Around Town.... 12A • Churches.......... 11A • Classifieds......... 10B • Food.................. 8B • Fun & Games.... 12B • Pets for Adoption �� 3A • Obituaries........ 10A • Weather........... 10A
PLUS:
Plaque dedication at Memorial Garden – SEE PAGE 2A SYCAMORE CREEK, BRANSON BALLOON CELEBRATE – Balloons hover majestically over Sycamore Creek Ranch. See the story on Page 3A. (Photo submitted)
Action urgently needed: Boys & Girls Club City releases ent of America faces critical funding delay sr et agtaerm ding As a result, states did (21st CCLC) funding, even success, public safety and STAFF REPORT
Branson Show Awards nominees announced – SEE PAGE 1B.
On June 30, The U.S. Department of Education (ED) notified state agencies that FY25 Department of Education funds, including funding for 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) grantees, was being withheld indefinitely. This unprecedented decision carries serious implications for Boys & Girls Clubs and the young people and families who rely on them.
not receive allotted funding expected on July 1 for local afterschool and summer programs. The move could immediately impact summer and afterschool programs funded by a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant for the 2025-2026 school year. The federal government has said it is holding the money to review 21st Century Community Learning Center
though the funds were mandated by Congress’ FY 2025 spending bill and signed by the President in March. No timeline or process has been shared for this review. On July 1, Boys & Girls Clubs of America released a public statement from President and CEO Jim Clark, as follows: Afterschool and summer learning programs are cornerstones of academic
family stability for millions of young people — but right now, we stand at a dangerous tipping point. The decision to withhold 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) funds — despite Congressional approval for FY25 — threatens to unravel a decades-long, bipartisan investment in youth development. For over 20 years,
SEE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB, PAGE 8A
Gretna Road TIF Plan: New era for economic growth BY GARY J. GROMAN, Independent Journalist The City of Branson is embarking on a significant redevelopment and transformation of the Gretna Road Branson Meadows corridor. You can find details and specifics about this in the “Gretna Road and Town and Country Drive Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Plan. The following questions and answers are the result of an AI analysis of the plan, filtered through the author’s
experience and knowledge. It is the first in a series on the TIF Plan: 1. What is the Gretna Road and Town and Country Drive Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Plan? Submitted on July 3, 2025, the Gretna Road and Town and Country Drive Tax Increment Financing Plan is an amended Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Plan prepared by Polsinelli PC and the City of Branson, Missouri, on behalf of Bran-
son Meadows TIF CO LLC. 2. What is its purpose? To provide for the redevelopment of 136 acres, identified as a “blighted area,” along and adjacent to Gretna Road and Branson Meadows. Under the TIF Plan this is the “Redevelopment Area.” 3. How was the area determined to be “blighted?” A comprehensive Blight Study dated June 20, 2025, determined the area was “blighted” based on spe-
cific criteria outlined in the Missouri Real Property Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act. Insanitary or unsafe conditions, such as squatter camps and overgrown vegetation, significant trash and debris from illegal dumping, a lack of improved roadways in some areas, and deteriorating pavement, parking facilities and curbing, were all physical conditions that supported the blight determination. SEE GRETNA ROAD, PAGE 3A
m a y o r ’s condition Bransonmo.gov On the afternoon of Friday, July 4, 2025, Mayor Larry Milton experienced a medical event at his personal residence. He was promptly transported to a medical facility in Springfield, where he underwent successful back surgery. Mayor Milton is fully cognizant, is in good spirits, and is maintaining a positive outlook. He will be undergoing physical therapy for the next several weeks as part of his recovery efforts, which will impact his attendance at upcoming board meetings. Alderman Clay Cooper serves as the Mayor Pro-Tem, and will preside over formal city meetings in the interim. The City of Branson will provide updates as appropriate.
The Beck Museums of Branson Welcome You to...