Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6
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July 25, 2025 • Volume 6, Issue #29
INSIDE:
Dozens of Santas • Around Town.... 12A enjoy time in Branson • Churches.......... 11A • Classifieds......... 10B • Food.................. 8B • Fun & Games.... 12B • Pets for Adoption �� 3A • Obituaries........ 10A • Weather........... 10A
PLUS:
Monumental inspiration – SEE PAGE 2A.
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer It really was Christmas in July last weekend, when dozens of Santas converged on Branson for the annual School of Santas. Held at the AmericInn and Suites, the School of Santas, an annual event in Branson, offered an opportunity for Santas from around the country to meet to share some tricks of the trade, and immerse themselves in all things Santa. It was an unforgettable experience combining education and fun. Santas and their spouses attended a variety of classes taught by the best in the business, visited with a variety of vendors, heard real-life experiences from seasoned Santas, and networked with other professionals in their chosen field. This year’s School of Santas, hosted by Spangle the Clown, also
included special instruction for Mrs. Claus, two unofficial Santa parades, a cookies and milk reception, a door decorating contest and in-house entertainment by Branson’s Terry Sanders, Rich and Anna Watson with A Garth Brooks Tribute, and Rick McEwen in a Tribute to Kenny Rogers. Attendees also participated in Warm Santa’s Heart, collecting hats and gloves for children in need Santas were instructed in many different areas including how to book events, reading to children and how to work with special needs children. Those attending also found time to enjoy some traditional Branson fun as they attended two fabulous shows: Michael Jackson - The Illusion and Nashville Roadhouse Live.
Santa and the Grinch pose for the camera. (via Facebook)
House of Hope Cooling Center open for the week BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer With this week’s dangerously hot weather, the House of Hope Cooling Center will be open daily. Located at 217 Veterans Boulevard in downtown
Branson, the Cooling Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day that temperatures are predicted to reach 95 degrees or more, “This is a space for anyone to come in and cool
off,” said House of Hope’s Alex Sprinkle. “It’s for our unsheltered friends and anyone without air conditioning, access to showers, etc.” The Cooling Center is currently hosting approx-
imately 15 to 20 people a day, who enjoy using the facility to beat the heat. “We could use some goodies for the Cooling Center,” said Sprinkle. “Ideas include Powerade, Gatorade,
water flavor packets, high protein snacks, lunch meat, bread and individual chips.” Donations can be dropped off at House of Hope, 217 Veterans Boulevard in Branson.
Grant opens gate to safer play in Bradleyville
Branson Terry Awards nominees announced – SEE PAGE 1B.
SUBMITTED TO BRANSON GLOBE Behind Bradleyville School, it may look like an ordinary fence is being erected this summer, but to Superintendent Dr. Kendra Stuart, it’s much more. The new fence is a symbol of pride and safety for the school. “This fence gives peace of mind for our teachers and provides a safer, more
attractive place for our students to play,” Stuart said as she examined the work. “Our old fence was dilapidated. It had areas where it was falling and even places where sections were missing.” Stuart explained that Bradleyville School District is a closed campus where parents and visitors must be permitted in by school staff through a door buzzer system. While the district keeps building doors locked, she recognized that it wouldn’t have been hard for someone to gain access to the playground with the old fence in the shape that it was in. “These days, safety is imperative,” she said. “You just don’t know and this new fence, it won’t just look
better, it’ll be another line of defense in keeping our kids and staff safe.” The new fence around the playground will include a windscreen, another layer of protection. The project is being funded by a Silver Dollar City Foundation Hope Grant. During the 2024-2025 school year, the foundation provided $190,000 in Hope Grants to school districts serving Stone and Taney County students. Silver Dollar City Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private foundation dedicated to helping children and families in Stone and Taney counties. To learn more about Silver Dollar City Foundation, visit SilverDollarCityFoundation.com.
Bradleyville Superintendent Dr. Kendra Stuart is all smiles as a new fence goes up around the district’s playground. The project replaces an old, dilapidated fence (picture, upper left) that was in disrepair. (Photo submitted)
The Beck Museums of Branson Welcome You to...