Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die...” John 11:25
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INSIDE: • Around Town.... 12A • Churches.......... 11A • Classifieds......... 10B • Education........... 8A • Food.................. 8B • Fun & Games.... 12B • Pets for Adoption �� 3A • Obituaries........ 10A • Weather........... 10A
PLUS:
Forsyth Mayor Hesketh faces challenger – SEE PAGE 3A
March 28, 2025 • Volume 6, Issue #12
ELECTION DAY IS APRIL 8! CHECK OUT COUNTY BALLOTS AT BRANSONGLOBE.COM/BALLOTS
Young patriot presents mayor with special gift BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer Regular guests at many of Branson events honoring veterans are likely familiar with Skyler Clark. Starting at just seven years of age, Skyler has made it his mission to honor and thank veterans. Now 13, he has taken many veterans fishing and presented even more with handmade “thank-you” tokens. Often when he is introduced to a veteran, be it a local mayor, business owner, or wounded veteran he has felt drawn to, Skyler likes to give a special gift made especially for that person. Last Friday, March 21, the recipient was Branson Mayor Larry Milton, who received a surprise presentation of a handmade knife Skyler made just for him. Mary Schantag, Chair-
man of POW Network, opened the monthly Mayor’s Unity Meeting by introducing Skyler, who was named the Network’s Patriotism Award recipient in 2024, to present his surprise to the mayor. The glass tri-color knife is handstruck using the same method Native Americans used to make arrowheads, and very labor-intensive. The antler handle and base complement the glass and allow the owner easy accessibility for use. In presenting the knife to Mayor Milton, Skyler explained that the glass was extra thick, yet very sharp, and would not break if actually used. Skyler loves to honor patriotic individuals, and as both a Marine veteran and an advocate for Branson, the mayor is indeed that. Skyler decided on the gift
Skyler Clark presenting Mayor Larry Milton with a handmade knife (Photo provided by Mary Schantag of POW Network) some time ago, and went to work getting just the right fused piece of glass, working it into a blade, matching the antlers to the blade and stand, and making sure the base was grooved perfectly
to highlight the knife wherever it was displayed. The mayor appeared truly surprised by the gift, and awed by the time and effort it represented. Along with his sincere thanks, he told
the assembled veterans and Unity Meeting attendees that our country needs more young people like Skyler. Skyler’s parents, Roger and Ashley Clark, introSEE GIFT, PAGE 6A
Inspired Exhibit coming A real invitation for veterans and members to visit Branson to Branson in April service BY GARY J. GROMAN, Inde- one on our team that can
Elevate Work graduates 52nd class – SEE PAGE 1B.
GRAND re-OPENING
1 Year Anniversary
Come Celebrate With Us March 29 @ 10 a.m. OVER 18,000 SQ.FT. OF DISCOUNTS & DEALS
4334 GRETNA RD. | BRANSON 417-544-1414
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer On April 9, 10 and 11, World Missions Alliance will host the Greater Purpose Conference, at the Thousand Hills Resort Hotel. This gathering brings together mission-minded individuals, church leaders and organizations dedicated to fulfilling the Great Commission through short-term missions. The event will help inspire attendees to deepen their faith, engage in global missions, and discover their unique role in God’s purpose. The conference consists of five sessions, each featuring Christian leaders from around the world as speakers and worship led by local musician and worship leader Nadya Yates. The sessions combine inspiration with practical workshops and networking opportunities to connect with fellow believers who
are passionate about missions. All registered conference attendees age 18plus will be included in a drawing for a free mission trip in the year 2026. In a special highlight, the conference will feature the Inspired Exhibit, a rare and exclusive collection of historical biblical artifacts that offer a unique glimpse into the rich history and preservation of God’s Word. Attendees will enjoy an extraordinary opportunity to explore ancient manuscripts, early Bible translations, and rare artifacts that have shaped Christian faith throughout the centuries. For tickets and registration and schedule details, visit https://rfwma.org/2025greaterpurpose-special-offer/ or call 417-231-4131. The $50 conference registration includes admission to the Inspired Exhibit; or purchase
SEE EXHIBIT, PAGE 10A
pendent Journalist The Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce/ CVB recently created the position of Veterans Initiative Manager. Kody Petersen assumed the position earlier this year. When asked about the rationale for establishing the position and why Kody was selected, Heather Hermen, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB, said that in keeping with Branson’s four pillars of Faith, Family, Flag and Fun and honoring our nation’s active duty armed forces and veterans, we were able to work, in partnership with the city, to create a position that would help us share what Branson offers by attracting more of them to Branson. “With the position and hiring of Kody, who has dedicated so many years of his life to the service of his country, we have some-
truly relate to them and not only speaks their language but knows what it means to them. And that is something that an average civilian cannot do. We don’t know what it means. He knows what it means, and he can speak to it, and that’s going to be more authentic and more meaningful than anything else. And that we’re able to put our money where our mouth is and really practice what we preach is impressive,” she continued. Recently, Cody Petersen (KP) was interviewed by independent journalist Gary Groman (GG). Highlights of that interview, presented in a Q & A format, are below. GG: Are you a veteran? KP: I served in the U.S. Air Force for nine and a half years. GG: What qualifies you for this position? KP: I have a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, specializing in project management. While
Petersen (Photo courtesy Branson CVB) in the Air Force, I was the president of the booster clubs for various squadrons, performing many of the same duties required for this position. GG: How did you transition from the Air Force to this position? KP: When I got out of the service, I was working at Bass Pro headquarters in Springfield when I heard about the possibility of the position opening through the Veterans Liaison position at the Job Center. I was excited, got more details, reached out and applied, and here I am. SEE PETERSEN, PAGE 2A
The Beck Museums of Branson Welcome You to...
SPRING!