A date in the Ozarks for ‘50 Dates from 50 States’
BY LUANNA FULLERTON, Entertainment Writer
Mr. Matt Wurnig is a bachelor looking to fulfill some time with doing some dates in every state. What a way to visit and enjoy what the states offer and to meet new people and friends for a time.
This is a glimpse into his date here:
“I picked my date (Ms. Savannah Skinner) up. We visited and played the Aux game, of course. It’s a tradition!
We started our date ziplining at Wolfe Mountain north of Branson, MO. It was so exhilarating to fly across the tree tops!
We made our way back to town and to Andy’s Tiki Bar on Lake Taneycomo where we had some margaritas.
Then we went back to hang out and let her check out my cool Elvis Presley Penthouse Suite at the Branson King Resort and Suites. We had a blast at the Sound of Freedom Gun
Range to target practice in Ozark, MO.
Then we finished the day off with a surprise candlelight dinner at my date’s wedding venue where she works—Greenhouse Two Rivers in Highlandville, MO. What a beautiful venue to be at!”
During my talk time with Matt, here is a bit of our conversation. Where is your hometown?
Huntley, MT, a little farm town outside of Billings, MT How did you decide to start this endeavor?
It all started during the COVID pandemic in 2020. When the whole world shut down, I decided to go on a virtual date with a girl in every state as a pandemic project. It blew up from there. How are the girls chosen to be your dates? They have to submit a date application where
SEE 50 DATES, PAGE 6A
Downtown shopping district construction raises concerns
BY GARY J. GROMAN, Independent Journalist
At their May 13, 2025, meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen (Board), during the Public Comment portion of the meeting, several expressed concerns about the “way” work was proceeding on Phase 4 of the Downtown Streetscape Project (Project). To address some of those concerns, an interview with Michael Woods, Public Works/Engineering Director for the City of Branson, took place on May 15, 2025. The interview portion about those concerns is below. It’s in a Q&A format with the questions by this writer (GG) and answers from Woods (MW).
GG: What one thing do you want people to know about the Project?
MW: Our amazing Historic Downtown Shopping District remains completely open for business during construction.
GG: Under the Agreement, does the contractor have to work “24
hours per day?”
MW: No. Under the Agreement, the contractor may work 24 hours a day, but there is no requirement. GG: Then why have the provision in there in the first place?
MW: To encourage and provide the contractor with the flexibility to do what is necessary to complete the Project by at least the Agreement’s Completion Dates and preferably earlier if possible. This 24-hour schedule allows the most disruptive activities, such as jackhammering, concrete placement, and curing, to occur overnight when businesses are closed. We made a clear commitment to ensure businesses can open their doors every single day. This approach protects daily operations, supports continued sales, and avoids the need for any business closures.
GG: What are the completion dates?
MW: There is a Project Completion Date of October SEE CONSTRUCTION, PAGE 10A
This year’s Memorial Day Ceremony will feature musical selections by vocalist Krista Meadows, a placement of wreaths ceremony, folding of the flag, a traditional rifle volley, and remarks from special guests – Branson Mayor Larry Milton, State Representative District 156 Brian
The Memorial Day event will be held at the Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery, located at 1638 E. Highway 76, Branson. Seating is very limited, so please bring your lawn chairs. The Memorial Day Ceremony, set for May 26, begins at 11 a.m.
Matt Wurnig
Savannah Skinner, in the Ozarks (Photo submitted by Matt Wurnig)
Branson Public Schools offer free summer meal program
Grant process for Neighbors and Friends of Table Rock Lake now open
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Neighbors and Friends of Table Rock Lake (NFTRL) invites Stone and Taney County charities with active 501(c)(3) sta-
tus or under the umbrella of an active 501(c)(3) to apply for project grants focused on meeting community needs. Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded in spring 2026 following
Service Committee and organizational membership approval. Applications for requesting funds became available on May 1, 2025, and fully completed applications must be received
by Friday, August 1, 2025. Criteria for online applications appear at the organization’s website: www.nftrl.org. Applicants should closely follow criteria for consideration by review-
ing groups. NFTRL includes in its mission the statement “to undertake and promote charitable and humanitarian projects within the community.” Since 2022,
the organization has given away over $600,000 to local charities and last year delivered $80,000 to 23 local non-for-profit organizations.
Putting for Patriots fundraiser continues through Memorial Day
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf is the site of a fundraiser that continues through Memorial Day.
The annual Putting for Patriots event is a national fundraiser that supports two nonprofits supporting wounded veterans, their families and
survivors of fallen heroes— Homes for Our Troops and TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors). Putting for Patriots takes
place each May at 29 Pirates Cove and Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf Courses across the United States. Now through Monday,
Pirate’s Cove will be accepting donations for the two nonprofits, as well as contribute a portion of their total sales from Memorial
Day weekend to the causes. Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf is located at 2901 Green Mountain Drive in Branson.
College of the Ozarks announces summer chapel time change
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College of the Ozarks Williams Memorial Chapel is hosting evening Sunday chapel services, every other week, throughout the summer. The services are June 1, June 15, June 29, July 13, July 27 and Aug. 10, from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. The time change allows students to get connected and attend local church services and then come together in the evenings and
worship as a campus community. The time change also allows students to earn required chapel credit for the fall semester.
“Moving chapel services to evenings in the summer benefits students by avoid-
Granny’s
ing chapel and work schedule conflicts,” said Dr. Justin Carswell, vice president for Christian ministries and student development. “It also allows students to be able to attend regular worship services with their campus community.”
This summer, chapel services will be centered around a study of the Gospel of Matthew. The evening services are open to the public and take place in Williams Memorial Chapel. Chapel dress attire is not required. A group of students will lead worship and the Scripture readings, then a 20-minute sermon will be given by Carswell, Dr. Justin Sharp, campus minister, or a guest.
Creamery offers delivery to Branson, Forsyth
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
A Theodosia couple has a unique family-owned and operated business. David and Robin Mahan are the owners and operators of Granny’s Creamery, LLC.
The couple are third-generation farmers who specialize in grass-fed beef, dairy cows, pork and farm-fresh eggs.
“Our business as Gran-
ny’s Creamery began when it became no longer profitable selling our milk commercially,” explained Robin. “We had always drank our raw milk for our family, and it has served us well –so much so that we didn’t want to be without it. We decided that others might enjoy it as well. And, we knew the health benefits of whole raw
milk are absolutely marvelous to the human body.”
As Granny’s Creamery, David and Robin offer raw milk, grass-fed beef, farm fresh eggs and more to customers throughout the Ozarks. Customers can pick up their dairy and meat products at the Theodosia farm, or from one of the Granny’s Creamery delivery spots in Theodosia, Pontiac, Gainesville, Forsyth or Branson.
The term grass-fed may be a new term for most people, but not for David and Robin.
“It’s been in practice on our farm for three generations. Grass-fed, for us, means the calf is born here, raised by its mother, then only fed grass and grass hay in the winter,
along with salt, which is necessary, until the meat is harvested at a USDA -inspected meat processing facility,” Robin noted. “This means your meat is born and raised right here on our farm, as is your milk from our cows, milked daily, and eggs from our chickens. When you sit down at your table with Granny’s food, you will know exactly where it comes from and what it has been fed its entire life. We think that’s pretty important in this day and time, with all the questions of where is our food coming from and what is in it.”
For Robin and David, Granny’s Creamery is more than a business; it is also a way to minister to others.
Robin and David Mahan, owners of Granny’s Creamery (Photo submitted)
Annual GUMI Fest to be held May 26
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Everyone is invited to celebrate our Veterans at the 11th annual GUMI Fest. held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26. GUMI Camp is located 267 MO/ ARK Road, Cedarcreek. For more information, phone 417-294-5248 or go to gumicampusa.com
Live music throughout the event by founder Tim Hadler.
Schedule of events
• 10 a.m. - Opening ceremony with 23-year veteran Pastor Pat
• 10:15 a.m. - Information tent with director/counselor assistant Angela Hadaller
• 10:30 a.m. - GUMI Me-
A
proper fit for a life jacket. (Photo by Cynthia J. Thomas) SEE MORE PICTURES OF THIS EVENT WITH THE STORY AT BRANSONGLOBE.COM.
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff
Writer
On Monday, May 19,
Hollister Early Childhood Center and Hollister Ele-
mentary School hosted a Boat & Water Safety Event for the district’s kindergarten and first-grade students. Several members of the
morial Garden recognized; past GUMI Combat Veterans recognized including Leon Faddis and Gary Custer
11 a.m. – Hay rides and horse, dog and chicken tour
Free lunch. Contributions appreciated for fundraiser.
• 2 p.m. – Closing ceremony
In preparation for the event, Hollister High School students held a volunteer workday, and the Memorial Garden was a project of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Master Gardeners
Master Gardener Linda Oeser with a Hollister student with a dream to become a Master Gardener! (Photo submitted)
Water Safety clinic held at Hollister schools
Rotary Club of Hollister, which helped sponsor the event, were on hand to assist with the presentations.
“Teaching boat and water safety to kindergarten and first-grade students in Hollister is crucial due to the region’s proximity to lakes and rivers, such as Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo,” said district officials in a press release. “Early education in water safety equips children with the knowledge and skills to prevent accidents and respond appropriate in aquatic environments.”
The Table Rock State Park Marina provided a pontoon
boat and a ski boat for the demonstration, as well as life jackets of various sizes.
John Hagey facilitated the educational session, assisted by a fellow Rotarian as Josh the Otter, coaching the students in several key areas of safety:
• The importance of never going to the water alone, instead staying near a trusted adult and always swimming with a buddy near adult supervision;
• A properly-fitted life jacket: student volunteers demonstrated proper and improper fit, with discussion about what could happen when jumping
Great food and more at Tony’s Zippy Mart
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
The Abesville area off U.S. Hwy. 160/St. Hwy 13
on St. Hwy. 176 now has a great new option for Stone County shoppers. Whether you’re a guest to the area stocking up on drinks and supplies for a canoe outing on the James River, need a handy meal idea, or want to grab a snack on the way to the kids’ school or summer sports activities, Tony’s Zippy Mart can help!
Tony and LeAnn Kerr
opened Tony’s Zippy Mart in November 2024, at 4842 St. Hwy. 176, Suite A. In
addition to some of the best pizza in the area, they offer daily specials—recent choices have included lasagna, pulled pork and a grilled cheese/tomato soup special. There are also plenty of snacks and sandwich fixings for your James River outing, plus a great drink selection, and the store’s food service area recently received an inspection rating of 100% from the health department. The same building complex also houses Tony’s Tools, which offers a full line of commercial and residential heavy equipment rentals, including excava-
tors, trailers, loaders, dozers, air compressors and rock hammers, as well as sales, service and convenient delivery. Check with Tony at 417-357-0027 to get your next big project going.
Tony’s Zippy Mart carries some fishing gear, but they are also proud to recommend the selection at James River Mercantile, just a little farther down the road at 500 St. Hwy. 176 in Galena. Head for the river, take
care of official county official business in Galena, or just bypass the Hwy. 160/13 construction with a beautiful scenic route, and stop by Zippy Mart for some good eats and drinks on the way. Call 417357-0455 for daily food specials; see a complete menu on the store’s Facebook page; or just stop by and get acquainted! Store hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
into the water wearing a jacket that is too large and could slide right off, or one that will not fasten because it is too small; Propeller safety—staying away from the rear of the boat and never jumping into the water while the boat motor is running.
Students also learned about differences between the larger pontoon boat and the ski boat and situations when each type of boat might be used, circling each boat as a group for a better look at the propellers and
features of each.
Students also enjoyed a “dance-off” with Josh the Otter, before returning to their classrooms where Rotary Club volunteers read aloud the book, “Josh the Otter.” Written by the parents of Joshua Collingsworth, a young boy who died after drowning in a family pool, the book teaches the importance of learning to float and swim at an early age, never swimming alone, and other safety rules. Each student was giv-
student demonstrates how to determine a
Reader’s Corner: Summer Reading starts June 2 at Kimberling Area Library
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Teaching your children and grandchildren to enjoy reading will provide them with benefits for a lifetime! A great time to get them started on that journey, or to reinforce their interest through fun with friends, is with a summer reading program at an area library. From June 2
through July 28, children can enjoy special programs just for them around the theme
“Color Our World.” Here are some of the special events planned:
• June 2 – Summer Reading Kickoff Party with Pizza by the Chef.
• June 9 – Meet & Greet little critters with special guest, Wonders of Wild-
life, sponsored by Southern Bank. A take-home craft is included.
June 16 – Paint, Plant and Play with the Master Gardeners of the Ozarks, and take home a potted flower!
June 23 – Reading & Reptiles with Shepherd of the Hills Conservation.
(Note: Live snakes will
be present.)
June 30 – Fly with MU Extension in Stone County for a reading and craft adventure, High in the Blue Sky.
• July 7 – Dive into the Indigo Ocean as we discover what lies beneath; a craft is included.
July 14 – Lights, Mirrors, Action! A hands-on spe-
cial event with the Discovery Center, sponsored by Table Rock Community Bank.
• July 21 – Trace and sketch furry friends and discover the world in Black and White.
July 28 – Marty the Magician is back, to close out the Summer Reading Program with a Rain-
bow-Filled Magic Show! Children can also read for awesome prizes all summer long, and don’t miss the Summer Scavenger Hunt just for Junior and Young Adult readers. Get more information at www.kalib.org or sign up at the front desk. Kimberling Area Library is located at 45 Kimberling Blvd. in Kimberling City.
Elevate Community: Tiny home community to hold dedication, May 30
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Elevate Community, a tiny home community adjacent to Elevate Branson, has been in the planning stages for several years. Now the project is becoming a reality. Elevate Community will be the first of its kind in the Branson/ Lakes region and one of the largest permanent tiny home developments in the country.
Elevate Community began as a vision, along with a sketch on a napkin in 2019. Subsequent years were spent securing $2.9 million in public grants for the project’s infrastructure and tiny homes.
“The original five-acre site had to be increased to 18 acres to meet sewage needs in 2022,” explained Bryan Stallings, Elevate Community Developer and co-founder of Elevate Branson, along with his wife, Amy. “Federal funding requires several cultural and environmental reviews, in addition to local permitting, code compliance and approvals. In 2024, the project went out for bid, and in January of 2025, excavation began. This month, site work is nearing completion, much of the infrastructure is in place, and tiny home foundations are being poured.
The first tiny home arrived on site on May 14 by semitruck trailer, and five more are expected to be delivered one by one and be on site by May 30, weather permitting.”
Roads and infrastructure will be completed to accommodate 48 tiny homes in Phase One of Elevate Community. Additional homes and phases of the project will be determined by available funding, resources and community need.
“Anticipated additions to Elevate Community include 22 more tiny houses in Phase Two, an outdoor amphitheater, plus a chapel, outdoor cooking area, storage facilities, a small market, a thrift store, a woodworking and/or mechanic shop, and microbusinesses still to be determined,” said Stallings. “The plan is to provide the necessary services, plus on-the-job training and employment opportunities for residents and the wider community.”
The tiny home community will provide safe, independent and sustainable housing for low-income individuals and couples in the Branson area and offer an affordable alternative to extended stay housing in motels. However, the project will offer residents more than just a place to live.
Said Stallings, “With Elevate Branson nearby, residents will have easy access to counseling, health assessments, job skills training, transportation options and other support service designed to help neighbors help themselves to a better, sustainable quality of life.”
Those in the lower-income brackets, who have been residents of Taney County for at least the last 12 months, are invited to apply to relocate to Elevate Community. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and provide identification and proof of income.
“A careful screening process will assess applicant suitability and willingness to adhere to the rules and obligations of neighborhood living,” Stalling explained. “Elevate Community uses an established, state-wide system with extensive databases to assure reliability. Valid social security cards or similar government-issued identification or fingerprint documentation are utilized for extensive background checks, including credit, eviction and criminal history. No one who has committed a crime against a person, has any requirement for sex offender registration, or has a pattern of behavior which may interfere with the health, safety, or
peaceful enjoyment of the premises by others will be allowed to live at Elevate Community.”
The application for Elevate Community housing can be found online at: https://elevatebranson.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/TinyHomeApplication_Feb2025.pdf
The tiny home community will benefit not only those who reside there, but the community, as a whole.
“Front-line hospitality employees and other service providers, so essential to our area’s overall economic success, will be able to afford clean, safe and convenient housing,” Stallings noted. “Veterans experiencing homelessness or financial issues can find a real home. Neighbors trying to improve their lives and become more independent will have a chance to lift themselves to a better way of life, surrounded by a community that supports and encourages their efforts. Branson’s famous hospitality will include not just those who visit from far away, but those who live and work here, too.”
Elevate Community is holding a dedication ceremony on Friday, May 30, at the construction site, adjacent to Elevate Branson, at 310 Gretna Road. The ceremony will include comments from
project advocates, elected officials and community leaders. The site will be blessed by the Most Reverend Edward M. Rice, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. A tree will be planted to mark the occasion, and those attending will have the opportunity to tour a tiny home and see the construction work in progress. The dedication will begin at 4 p.m.
When asked when Elevate Community will see its first residents, Stallings responded, “This is a complex construction project. Despite careful and professional planning, various challenges and delays are likely along the way. We are committed to welcoming the first residents to Elevate Community in 2026. As construction continues, we’ll be more specific about a month or season next year, and we’ll celebrate that milestone with all our friends and advocates, too.”
Stallings added, “Elevate Community is only possible thanks to the caring and generous support of our partners who have contributed more than $1 million in goods, services and financial support to make the dream of safe, clean and affordable housing a reality for our friends and neighbors in the Branson community.”
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Hope of a Nation is excited to announce, “Giving Hope,” a 12-hour ministry marathon and fundraiser taking place on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Grace Community Assembly in Branson, Missouri, begin-
• WATER SAFETY
Continued from page 3A
en a copy of the book to take home, so they can share it
• CREAMERY
Continued from page 2A
Nation: ‘Giving Hope,’
ning at 12 noon and ending at 12 midnight (CDT). This powerful event will also be live streamed worldwide to bring together thousands in worship, prayer and generosity to support vital ministry projects.
With the theme “Giving Hope,” this event serves a dual purpose—to minister to all who participate and to raise crucial funds for changing lives. In addition to supporting their ongoing orphan care, educational assistance and medical outreach programs, Hope of a Nation is raising money to support sustainability proj-
with their parents and other family members. Thank you to Hollister Schools for hosting
“As with all we do in life, we put God in the center of this,” said Robin. “When we are out delivering, we are always available to pray for folks, and God definitely sends them to us. We have made many great friends and have seen God do many great works in people’s lives
• 50 DATES
Continued from page 1A
they tell me a little about themselves and share what they would plan for a date if selected. I look at their creativity, location, age and social media profiles when making my selections.
How do you decide what towns to choose to look at?
I map out a whole route that is the most efficient for traveling.
Do you include the girls in the plans?
Yes! The girls and I plan things out, and I send them a date itinerary with times of things so they know when I’ll pick them up and what we all have planned. It is a part of the application that they fill out as well. Will you do another season or is this your third and final?
this important educational presentation! Parents and caregivers are encouraged to read the book with their
through this ministry He has given us, and we look forward to many more.”
Granny’s Creamery is not affiliated with any stores at this time, but are open to
This is my last season, but I am looking to have someone be the new star next season! Will you decide on a girl from all seasons, or just this final season to be your top winning date?
It will just be from this season! I will have a finale that features my Top 5 favorite dates of the season and will choose my winning date then. Are you wanting to find “Your Lifetime Date” this season, and will you settle down?
ects, a community center in Mozambique for feeding hungry children, a water tower to provide running water for a large orphanage in Uganda, and many more life changing initiatives that will bring hope to those in need.
Attendees can join in
children and follow up with additional discussion of the safety concepts in preparation for holiday weekend
the idea, as they offer only USDA-inspected foods. You can place your order for delivery in designated meeting places in Forsyth or Branson by calling 417-
have to see! So stay tuned! Would you like to give a shout-out to your sponsors?
Yes! My sponsors are MOOYAH, 7 Brew Coffee, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux and Gel Blaster Nexus. Without them this would’ve been impossible to do! So, a ‘BIG THANK YOU’ to each of them. Please find a way to go and support these businesses!
person at Grace Community Assembly, 3101 Gretna Rd., Branson, or participate via the live stream.
“This event is about more than just fundraising—it’s about bringing people together in faith, encouraging them, and showing them the transformative power and hope we have in Christ,” says Jason Collmorgen, event organizer and Executive Director of Hope of a Nation. For more information, to donate, or to watch the live stream, visit: https:// hopeofanation.org/event
festivities and other summer outings. For information about coordinating a similar presentation at your child’s school, homeschool group, church children’s program, etc., check out https://joshtheotter.org.
545-1784 or visiting grannyscreamery.com
“We deliver to Forsyth and Branson every Saturday, so please order today,” Robin added. “We guaran-
events. Among them, but not limited to: KC Chiefs, Sporting KC, ND Country Fest, Bismarck Larks, Northern Nut Smugglers, St. Paul’s Saints, Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Vikings, Indy Fuel, Applebee’s, Crocs, Bud Light and Great Wolf Lodges.
tee you’ll be able to taste the difference with the first delicious drink of our milk and the first bite of our wonderful meats.”
Open to it! I guess we’ll
Matt and his dates have been hosted by numerous well-known venues and
Matt has appeared or been interviewed by many well known media outlets; among these are, but not limited to: News Nation, Good Morning America, Good Morning Texas, Good
Morning Hawaii, ESPN, Ireland AM, and numerous regional news stations, radio stations and papers. Matt’s mission is to continue to make people smile through his content and create opportunities for those who support him or have played a part in his journey. Check out Matt’s media: Facebook @50 Dates 50 States; TikTok @50dates50states; Instagram @ matthewwurnig; YouTube @50dates50states; Website @50dates50states.com
Stephanie Callahan, Owner/Lightspeed Electrical
Lightspeed Electrical: Stormy weather
Branson
Branson Schools: 474 years of service to public education
Branson Board of Education members, Branson administrators and members of our community recently celebrated 22 Pirates retiring during the 2024-2025 school year. 2025 retirees include: High School: Julie Baker, 16 years; David Brenner, 23 years; Mary Beth Calkin, 27 years; Donna Leidecker, 22 years; Julie Schreffler, 25 years; Candace Stark, 24 years
• Branson Junior High: Tucker Pierce, 13 years Buchanan Elementary: Therese Gilbert, 15 years; Patty Stutzman, 10 years
• Buchanan Intermediate: Kristen Large, 27 years; Robert Waggener, 24 years
• Cedar Ridge Primary: Dana Telschow, 32 years Cedar Ridge Elementary: Jacki Lee, 33 years
• Cedar Ridge Intermediate: Nancy Wray, 27 years Branson School District: Michelle Brenner, 27 years; Sherril Cirilo, 8 years; Mike Dawson, 28 years; Lyn Harris, 29 years; Kelly Jenkins, 27 years; Stan Miller, 12 years; Liz Nguyen, 7 years; Brad Swofford, 30 years.
We thank these Pirates for their service to public education and their dedication to Branson Public Schools!
More than $329 million in scholarships offered to BHS Senior Class
For the second consecutive year, Branson High School partnered with VU Scholarships, a Kansas City-based organization, to expand scholarship access for students and offer more opportunities to graduating seniors.
Students were honored during the annual Senior Awards Night held at Branson High School on May 12, and $329,109,474 in local and merit-based scholarship awards were offered to BHS seniors. Representatives and benefactors from over forty area businesses and organizations, as well as local military recruiters, were in attendance at Branson High School’s Senior Awards Night to present scholarships and awards to members of the Class of 2025. Branson Education Foundation gifts more than $31K in grants and scholarships
The Branson Education Foundation is proud to announce it has awarded over $31,000 in grants and scholarships this school year, further advancing its mission to support Bran-
son School District classrooms through innovative resources and experiences. The Foundation welcomes support in the form of financial contributions, volunteer hours, or community partnerships. For more information, to donate, or to get involved, please contact info@bransoneducationfoundation.org or visit: www.bransoneducationfoundation.org
Hollister High School celebrates student achievement at 40th Annual Honors Night
Reeds Spring High School: 132 seniors graduate Students from the Reeds Spring High School Class of 2025 earned their diplomas on May 15. The ceremony was held at the Mansion Theatre in Branson. Featured speakers included Lily Wilmsmeyer, Thomas McGuane, Kash Myers, Cailyn Kite, Talon Lemoine and Blaiklee Cagle. The Class of 2025 graduates earned over $1 million in scholarships to continue their education.
On May 8, Hollister High School proudly hosted its 40th Annual Honors Night, recognizing the outstanding academic achievements of 105 junior and senior students who have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. The evening celebrated not only academic excellence but also the future of the graduating Class of 2025, who were awarded over $2.2 million in scholarships from local organizations and the colleges and universities they plan to attend this fall. Additional honors included CTE and Para Certification recognitions, department awards, the prestigious Tiger and Lady Tiger Awards (Lucas Nelson and Paige Hurley), and Outstanding Senior Boy and Girl recognitions (Benjamin Stevens and Maya Retasket). Academic Letters and Certificates were presented by the HHS administrative team and faculty.
Holllister School District honors retirees
The Hollister R-V School District honored faculty and staff retiring at the end of the 2024-2025 school year during a district reception on May 14. Retiring at the end of the 20242025 school year are Lori Carroll (teacher), Sue Chinn (teacher), MelissaLani Jackson (teacher), Kim Connell (communications director), Dr. Brian Wilson (superintendent), Scott McAfee (paraprofessional), Becky Lytle (secretary), and Kerrie Woods (paraprofessional).
Wolf Pack Foundation awards $78,000 in scholarships to RSHS grads
Forty-one scholarships will help recent Reeds Spring High School graduates continue their education. The Wolf Pack Foundation awarded $78,000 in scholarships recently. The Wolf Pack Foundation supports Reeds Spring Schools through a variety of initiatives, including classroom grants for staff, dual-credit scholarships for current high school students, and annual post-secondary scholarships for graduating seniors.
Reeds Spring School District celebrates excellence at annual awards banquet
The Reeds Spring School District recognized its Teacher of the Year and Staff Member of the Year at its annual Excellence Awards Banquet on May 3 at Chateau on the Lake.
Reeds Spring Intermediate School’s Mrs. Renee Waters was named Teacher of the Year, and Transportation Director Carlos Haynes was named Staff Member of the Year. The district also gave its Service to Education Award to the City of Branson West for its role in helping solve a water line break that impacted several school days. School of the Ozarks holds Commencement ceremony for 26 students
School of the Ozarks held its Commencement Ceremony at Williams Memorial Chapel on May 10, celebrating the graduation of 26 seniors. Of the graduating class, 17 students committed to furthering their education at College of the Ozarks.
“This is the 13th commencement since School of the Ozarks reopened,” said Dr. Brad Dolloff, dean of School of the Ozarks. “The Class of 2025 set a goal of being known for their willingness to serve. They have definitely achieved that goal. It is fitting that as graduates of a classical Christian school, they would rise to the challenge of Jesus who said, ‘Whoever would be great among you must be your servant…’ (Matthew 20:26).”
15, 2025, and two 14-day completion windows, one for each intersection, Main and Commercial Street, and Main and Sycamore Street, that trigger on each once the work begins at the intersection.
GG: What is the significance of the Project Completion date?
MW: There are penalty and bonus provisions built into the Agreement to encourage the contractor to
complete the Project early, as well as penalty provisions if they don’t. Both trigger on the Project Completion Date.
GG: What are those provisions for the October 15, 2025, Project Completion date?
MW: If it is not completed by October 15, there is a penalty of $4,000 every day after that. If they finish early, a $4,000 a day bonus is subject to a 30-day “cap.” If they finish 30 days early, the
bonus is $120,000, 15 days early $60,000, etc.
GG: What are those provisions related to the 14day requirement for the intersection work on the Main Street and Commercial Street and Main Street and Sycamore Street intersections?
MW: Once the contractor starts working on one, they must complete the intersection within 14 days. If they take longer than 14 days on an intersection, there is a
penalty of $4,000 every day after that. Unlike the overall Project Completion Date, there is no bonus for finishing these intersections early.
GG: Some comments expressed that they have seen workers standing around doing nothing, or there have been days when no one has been working. Do you have anything to say about that?
tively seeking and responding to public input.
MW: As with most construction contracts, the city is legally prohibited from directing and controlling the contract’s specific means and work methods. The contractor can choose work times and plans, such as whether to tear out or pour concrete at night.
GG: Some said that they were not aware of the starting date of the Project?
Significant effort went into obtaining and responding to public input, and extensive community involvement has been central to the Project from its inception. The city hosted multiple public hearings during the planning and design phases to gather input and maximize the Project’s benefits while minimizing disruptions. City staff and engineers met individually with every business in the Project area to actively listen to their concerns, collect feedback and incorporate suggestions into the final design.
allowing for additional uninterrupted sales.
GG: Where can interested parties get current information on the Project?
MW: The City of Branson implemented a comprehensive approach to keep the public informed about the Project, focusing on proactive communication and ac-
This direct input influenced key project decisions; for instance, based on feedback emphasizing the importance of March sales for spring break, the city initially chose to begin the Project on April 1. After hearing from some businesses about expected straggling schools, the city and the contractor agreed to wait an extra week, until April 7, to shut down the road for Phase 4,
MW: One way is the official project webpage, www.bransonmo.gov/991/ Historic-Downtown-Streetscape-Project, which is continuously updated with the latest news, street closures and progress milestones for Phase 4. To provide real-time notifications, the city offers a text messaging service; individuals can subscribe by texting DWNTBRANSON to 417-807-2075 to receive updates on lane closures, detours and phase completions. Updates are also regularly posted on the City of Branson Facebook page, offering project updates, behind-thescenes looks and reminders that businesses remain accessible.
Jackhammer pavement work being done on the night of May 12. (City of Branson)
Worship Directory
You are encouraged to worship with us!
Around Town: Here’s what’s going on in the Tri-Lakes
MAY
• 23 Jukebox Winos: LIVE MUSIC at TAPS On Downing St., 6-8 p.m.
Enjoy 24 craft beers and cider on tap, local wine, and Hook and Ladder’s Pizza truck on site in this modern-rustic local tap room and beer garden. We’ll play favorite covers and original music. Family-friendly. 260 Birdcage Walk, Hollister. For more information: www.jukeboxwinos.com; tapsondowning.com; 417-5440610.
Free bike rodeo for kids (grades 1-6). They will demonstrate safety and
agility skills using their own bikes. Helmet fitting and bike inspection. Learn rules of the road and ABCs of bike riding. Obstacle course. Free lunch provided for participants. 1015 East State Hwy. 76, Branson. http://bikebranson.com/1st-annual-branson-bike-rodeo
• 24 Jukebox Winos: LIVE MUSIC at the Ozarker Lodge, 7-9 p.m. Enjoy creekside modern rustic surroundings, poolside bar, family-friendly atmosphere. Charcuterie board, s’mores kits, and 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.
• 25 Jukebox Winos: LIVE MUSIC at Pier 28 Pizza & Grill, 5-7 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 Nautical Circle, Kimberling City. For more information: www.jukeboxwinos. com; www.pier28pizzagrill.com; 417-527-1580.
• 27 Constitution Alive! Ten-week, workbook, leadership/discussion, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Students
welcome. Course is $30, includes workbook. Covenant Life Church, 120 North 3rd St., Branson. Know your religious liberties. Gain more Constitutional knowledge. Learn tangible action steps for preserving liberty. Learn biblical, historical and Constitutional foundation of freedom. Be entertained, inspired and educated. For more information, to register: Patriotacademy.com; phone 956-533-6781.
• 28 Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church: FREE ready-to-prepare meals available every Wednesday from 3-5 p.m. through June 25. Twenty meals available. Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church, 107 Walnut Lane, Branson. 417-334-3968. Email address: shec.episcopal@ gmail.com. We have a food pantry that we stock outside if you cannot make it during these hours, or call us to set up an appointment. For more information, https://facebook.com/shepherdofthehillsepiscopalchurch
• 29 Pool School hosted by Taney County Health Dept. (TCHD), 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1-4 p.m. Anyone operating or maintaining a pool is encouraged to attend this FREE training, especially those at hotels or other public pools. Held at Club Wyndham Mountain Vista, registration
building.
• 29-30 Behind the WOW: Back of House Tours at Wonders of Wildlife, 11 a.m. Go beyond the exhibits and experience the inner workings of Wonders of Wildlife with our exclusive back of house tour! Ages 8-plus. 500 W. Sunshine St., Springfield. https://wondersofwildlife. org/ticket/behind-thewow/ 31 Suitcases for New Beginnings Gun Raffle. We will be auctioning off one American Generation II Bolt action Winchester 243. Drawing will be held at the final destination of the second annual “I helped a Foster Child Poker Run” at The Hog House, May 31, 2025. 23740 Old Hwy. 65, Omaha, AR. Tickets are $10 each. We are a nonprofit; our focus is to help children in foster care. For more information, 417337-0372, Suitcases for New Beginnings.
31-June 1 Behind the WOW: Back of House Tours at Wonders of Wildlife, 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. Go beyond the exhibits and experience the inner workings of Wonders of Wildlife with our exclusive back of house tour! Ages 8-plus. 500 W. Sunshine St., Springfield. https:// wondersofwildlife.org/ ticket/behind-the-wow/
• 31 Jukebox Winos: LIVE MUSIC at the Ozarker Lodge, 7-9 p.m. Enjoy creekside modern rustic surroundings, poolside bar, family-friendly atmosphere. Charcuterie board, s’mores kits, and 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.
JUNE
Summer Reading Program: Kimberling Area Library, Color Our World 2025. Summer Reading
Kickoff Party with Pizza by the Chef, 10:30 a.m. Children can read for cool prizes all summer long. Don’t miss our Summer Scavenger Hunt made just for Junior and Young Adult Readers. Sign up June 2-July 31 at front desk. Kimberling Area Library, 45 Kimberling Blvd, Kimberling City. • 2 Library Center of the Ozarks: Summer Reading Challenge Kick-Off Party, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Our favorite magician, Marty, will be at the library to help us kick off the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge! Join Ms. Lia and friends for an amazing, fun-filled program. Recommended for kids of all ages. For more information about the library’s services, programs, and resources please visit the website at LCOzarks.com, follow the Library on Facebook and Instagram (@lcozarks) or call the library at 417-334-1418. The library is located at 200 S. 4th Street, Branson. 3 Constitution Alive! Tenweek, workbook, leadership/discussion, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Students welcome. Course is $30, includes workbook. Covenant Life Church, 120 North 3rd St., Branson. Know your religious liberties. Gain more Constitutional knowledge. Learn tangible action steps for preserving liberty. Learn biblical, historical and Constitutional foundation of freedom. Be entertained, inspired and educated. For more information, to register: Patriotacademy.com; 956533-6781. • 4 Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church: FREE ready-to-prepare meals available every Wednesday from 3-5 p.m. through June 25. Twenty meals available. Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church, 107 Walnut Lane, Branson. 417-334-3968. Email address: shec.episcopal@ gmail.com. We have
a food pantry that we stock outside if you cannot make it during these hours, or call us to set up an appointment. For more information, https://facebook.com/shepherdofthehillsepiscopalchurch
• 5 Library Center of the Ozarks: Children’s Storytime, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Every Thursday Miss Lia will be treating kids to a fun, interactive program. Plan on listening to a story, singing, crafting and much more. Babies to age six are welcome! For more information about the library’s services, programs, and resources please visit the website at LCOzarks.com, follow the Library on Facebook and Instagram (@lcozarks) or call the library at 417-334-1418. The library is located at 200 S. 4th Street, Branson. 5 SEArenity Yoga at Wonders of Wildlife, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Join our certified yoga instructor as she leads you through an hour of relaxation and restorative yoga practices. If you are a newcomer to yoga or a seasoned yogi, this class is for you. Please bring a yoga mat, and any props you may need. Ages 13plus. 500 W. Sunshine St., Springfield. https://wondersofwildlife.org/events/ • 7 Lake Taneycomo Charitable Fund: Forsyth Police, Forsyth Fire Fundraiser, 5 p.m., Elks Lodge. Supper, auction, 50/50 raffle. Fire and police presentations. Entertainment. Tickets $50 each OR table sponsor $500 – 8 seats, includes social media for your business and 20 – 50/50 raffle tickets for table host. Deadline to purchase tickets is May 31. Contact Marilyn Atchley, 417-2301329, with questions or to pay by cash or check. Visit the event page on Facebook for more information and to pay by credit card.. Proceeds will benefit the Forsyth Police and Fire Departments for needed equipment.
Yesterday’s Echoes: ‘It’s the Marketing, Stupid,’ not the
BY GARY J. GROMAN
This column’s original publication was in 2008, immediately following the issuing of an Independent City Audit Report, completely ignoring the impact of Branson’s marketing while giving credit for 2007’s revenue increase to “the development of the Branson Landing and Branson Hills Projects.” The Ole Seagull has added some current thoughts in […]
The word “stupid” is meant in the same context as used in a headline on the cover of the January 21, 2008, issue of Time Magazine proclaiming “It’s the Voters, Stupid.” A “sub-headline” proclaimed “Forget the experts, forget the polls, forget the TV ads. How the American people defied the odds, upended expectations, and gave us a real race.” [It was about how unexpectedly well Hillary Clinton and John McCain had done in the New Hampshire Primaries in January 2008.]
As applies to Branson, a paraphrase of the Time cover could be, “It’s the Marketing, Stupid.” An appropriate sub-headline could be, “Forget the TIFs, forget the auditor’s outlooks, forget the developers’ hype. How Branson keeps on marketing, exceeding visitor expectations and gives
America an entertainment experience available nowhere else.”
A conclusion in the “Economic Outlook,” of the city of Branson’s recent Independent Auditors Report [2008] said, “In the years prior to the Branson Landing opening, the City of Branson has experienced very limited growth.”
Oh, really! For a little town in the Ozark Mountains, some might say that before the partial opening of Branson Landing, near the end of May 2006, Branson was having phenomenal growth!
Some might say that “but for” the millions of visitors already coming to Branson, Branson Landing might never have been built. Some might even say that tourism and the number of people coming to Branson had already risen before Branson Landing opened. Come to think of it, someone did!
At the August 30, 2006, Branson Board of Aldermen meeting, the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB gave its marketing report for June 30, 2006. Compared to a similar time frame in 2005, the report shows that the total number of visitations to Branson was up 6.5 %, first-time visitors were up by 13.7 %, the average spending per visitor was up 11.3 %, the average length of stay was up 16.7 %, and the number of families visiting Branson was up by 17.9 %.
That same “Economic Outlook” [In the 2008 Independent Auditors Report] says, “FY 2007 tourism tax collections compared to FY 2006 are up between 7% and 10% in all areas except theatres. All of this activity
has been spurred by the development of the Branson Landing and Branson Hills Projects.”
WOW, when was the last time you planned a vacation to a destination because it had a Target, a Home Depot, or, even, as nice as it is, a shopping mall like Branson Landing? One can just imagine the excitement within the family as they are told that the highlight of their vacation will be the fire and light show at Branson Landing and a two-forone hammer sale at Home Depot!
The audit report attributes the revenue increases to “a result of the many changes and activities the city has entered into, including the city’s successful use of tax increment financing.” Specifically, the report cites the major components of the revenue growth as coming from “increases in sales taxes, increases in utility revenues and new revenues from tax increment districts.”
Interestingly, and more importantly, from a “tell” perspective, the audit report does not mention the increased marketing of the Branson area as a potential causal factor in the rev enue increases. In terms of revenue, it doesn’t make any difference how something is built [financed], TIF or no TIF. What is im portant is the rev enues that are gen erated. In Branson’s entertainment retail environment, revenue generation flows di rectly from the number
of people coming to Branson [and what they spend while in Branson.] [Things have changed little, in that regard, over the last 17 years.]
Every businessperson in Branson, excluding perhaps, those in Branson Landing and Branson Hills, [as of May 2025, even them] should ask themselves this question, “What will bring more people into my business, the millions of dollars being spent to pay
off the city debt on Branson Landing and Branson Hills or the same millions spent on marketing to bring more visitors to Branson?” The baseless conclusions of the audit report aside, in terms of ascribing a reason to Branson’s recent revenue increases, an Ole Seagull would suggest that the answer, for most businesses in Branson, is obvious!
1 This column was, and is not, about the merits of TIF financing; it’s about
the importance of marketing. There are good TIFs, such as “Branson Aquarium,” and nightmare TIFs, such as “Branson Landing.” Fortunately, an Ole Seagull believes that under Branson’s current leadership, only TIFs that are fair to all parties, such as the Branson Aquarium TIF, will receive consideration.
Branson Vacation
TIFs 1
a.k.a. The Ole Seagull, Columnist Emeritus
Times spoof (Photo, Branson Lakes Area Chamber/CVB; Design, Karen Halfpop, Branson Globe) INSET: January 2008 issue of TIME (Photo credit: Nick Wright/AP)
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
JANET STEINKAMP Editor editor@bransonglobe.com
GARY J. GROMAN Independent Journalist
ROSE BUCKLES Freelance Writer/Bilingual Rosebuckles1999@gmail. com
Are negative-sounding words used in the Bible always negative in meaning or application?
I’ve encountered people new to faith or questioning their faith tradition, who question terminology such as Exodus 20:5, in which God refers to himself as “a jealous God,” or 2 Corinthians 11:2, where the Apostle Paul refers to himself as
BY JOSHUA HESTON StateoftheOzarks.net
Iclench the Arkansas diamond in my small palm, imagining in my five-yearold mind that the clear quartz crystal is a real diamond and, more than that, that the cheap quartz has real magic. I had picked the crystal out of rock box in a dimly lit momand-pop curio shop just off the highway somewhere in north Arkansas. The woman at the counter had smiled in a sweet, southern way and her hair was strikingly white. We didn’t have rocks like this in the muddy flatlands from which we had come. And now, the smell of pine was sweet in that cool April way so many years ago as the sun began to set beyond the trees, turning the world a hollow kind of yellow. The Arkansas diamond was magic. I was sure of it.
The mountains here seem to hold something inexpressible, something delicate,
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and with that being said, I would like to give a little enlightenment to the layman who maybe isn’t affected by any identified “disorders.”
The top four that are most prevalent and pervasive are (exactly as I guessed):
1) Anxiety disorders, 2) Major depression, 3) Post traumatic stress syndrome (or disorder), 4) and bipolar disorder. Interestingly enough, only the bipolar disorder is due to chemistry. I firmly believe that the anxiety disorders, the major depression and the post traumatic stress syndrome are all (essentially) caused by the fact that our world has changed so much and
Reflections: Are negative-sounding words always negative?
“jealous” for the Corinthian Christians, among whom he has worked to help develop their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Similar questions arise about the term “fear of God”; some people have trouble—sometimes for good reasons, such as past trauma—reconciling that concept with God’s faithfulness and love. With both of those terms, though, context is key. I’m currently taking a hermeneutics class which includes guided practice to examine a term by comparing surrounding verses, the entire chapter or section, other references by the same inspired writer and the entire Bible. With those considerations, while jealousy is considered a negative
trait when used as a synonym for envy in terms of Christian conduct, the Exodus passage is in the context of God’s protection of his people, using corrective discipline, if necessary, to keep their focus on Him and not distracted by Satan. Paul, similarly, is broken-hearted by the Corinthians’ susceptibility to false teaching and wants to take steps to get them back on track.
One of my favorite negative-sounding Bible phrases is “hedge of thorns.” Some of the biblical references deal with God’s corrective discipline—ouch!—such as Hosea 2:6, which implies God using a hedge of difficulties to try to steer Israel away from idolatry. Proverbs 15:19 uses a similar
phrase to describe obstacles encountered by folks who are lazy or neglectful as opposed to living righteously. But the same phrase can imply protection: In Job 1:10, Satan accuses God of putting a hedge around Job, saying such protection and blessing were Job’s only motives for obeying God. In the Job story, God allowed testing to prove Satan’s accusation wrong, and Job passed the test; but other biblical examples also show that such protection does in fact exist.
I grew up around Kansas farms, where a hedge surrounding crop fields served as a windbreak as well as helping slow down certain critters from dashing into the field for a snack. The
children’s story of Brer Rabbit is a wonderful reminder that a hedge can serve dual purposes—by begging Brer Fox NOT to throw him into the briar patch, the rabbit convinces Brer Fox to do just that, where the rabbit feels right at home but the fox does not. I don’t know how or why God may choose to allow, not allow, or use a “hedge of thorns” in my life or anyone else’s, but I do know God can be trusted in all circumstances! When something seems negative or undesirable, I’m trying to remember to look at the context: Can I learn from it? Is God showing me something I need to change or at least be aware of? Maybe negative words aren’t always negative after all.
Been thinkin’ about...Mountain magic
almost unseen, yet something strong, unyielding. The Ozarks are a special kind of contradiction.
The sky is in tatters tonight after the Friday storms that raged. I drive north on the big road as the clouds clear. Jupiter winks into view, held in celestial embrace by the constellation Taurus. The king and the bull — they are implacable yet weirdly gentle in the night. So many stars but so few can be seen. Our vision is stronger in the periphery. Stare directly, the stars seem to wink out. Turn your head and let your vision wander and from the corner of your eye, the stars brighten. The magic of mountain culture is like that. Stare too hard and all that makes the mountains special becomes unseen.
It might be good to plant the radishes, or the carrots. The great flower moon is waning, journeying again through her underworld. Planting by the moon sign has become a lost art. Modernism says the moon isn’t magic. The old-timers say different. But the old timers are mostly gone now and modernism is here to stay. Besides, a journey into the underworld doesn’t sell cars, or cosmetics, or much of
anything else. And if a thing doesn’t sell, what good is it?
I hold my Arkansas diamond in my palm but I’m not five years old anymore. Lost, and then found again, my Arkansas diamond — the same one from that momand-pop rock shop that I’m fairly confident closed down many years ago, probably when they widened the big road south — is never very far away. But the magic of childhood seems so very far away in a world of responsibility, of bills, of diplomacy, of business. Just rocks. Just silly rocks. Stare too close, too hard, at the culture, our culture, and you’re only left with the bare, mundane parts. Separate the pieces, break them apart, and the magic begins to die. Perhaps the magic was never real anyway and all we have is that which can be measured, portioned out, put on a shelf, and sold. But the moon is still waning. Great circle in the southwestern morning’s sky, faint and blue and looking increasingly chewed upon as it darkens. The moon’s journey has begun. Do we allow the same for ourselves? A journey into the dark, fighting through thorns, through the mud and the muck and the ugly depths of our own soul? Materialism
has no place for that which is beyond-physical, for the honest lamentation, for the dark night that births, quiet-like, the soul that can weather a future. Laments in the dark, however healing, are better left medicated, quieted for the benefit of the loud, the callous, the commercial, the bright. Florescent industrialism? Or the striking of a single match, flame dancing to touch a single candle? The darkness is foreboding. We might find our soul there. We might not like the honesty we find. Far better to pretend to be someone else, even at our own expense. I hold my Arkansas diamond and close my eyes. My mind wanders, much like it should. I no longer try to hold my mind’s gaze upon something specific. There will be roots to be gathered, leaves to be picked and dried. But pick carefully. Some plants heal. Some plants harm. Some plants do both. The cunning folk knew the difference, easy as they knew breathing. But that was all superstition. Healing doesn’t come from the heart, or the soul or the mind of a mountain woman high on a ridge. Healing comes from a man with a degree and a white coat. Trust the experts. Superstition is
dead.
Did the mountains breed such people as these, those generations now long-gone? Or did the people find these mountains, drawn to a strange soul made of rock and dark and air and sky? There was freedom in the dark hollows, freedom in running those old ragged ridges. Mountain people aren’t like flat landers. They are different. We are different. I am different. There is a deep-down-inyour-gut difference, echoed in the lament of bow pulled across haunted fiddle strings, of a long rifle shouldered against tyranny, of a people dark and broken and proud and bold and headstrong. Survival doesn’t come easy in the mountains. Magic isn’t superstition. Magic is necessity. Times and seasons come and go. Sometimes we celebrate simple anachronism (that which is conspicuously old-fashioned) and call it “Ozarks.” But separating out the folks of the mountains and separating out that which is simply old fashioned, those are two different things entirely. Stare too hard and, just like the starlight, the truth becomes invisible in plain sight.
SEE JOSHUA HESTON, PAGE 9B
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
so quickly. Ages ago, we would see “change” but we would have time (before more change came) to adapt and process and then, finally, acclimate. The last twenty or so years, change occurs so fast it has, literally, caused PTSD because, as humans, we weren’t created to adapt quickly, but rather “gradually.” We have reached the point of turning “numb” to the brutality of the “fast forced pace” and, like robots, everyone tries behaving as though it is all fine and normal. We tell ourselves it is all “progress,” when in fact much of it is an attack and destructive to humanity.
Around 19% of adults in the U.S. have anxiety disorders which can take the shape of generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias or obsessive-compulsive disorder. All these conditions enable the patient to focus on something other than the toxic world they are forced to occupy and very easily understood. Their symptoms distract from perpetual disappoint-
ment in people or events.
Approximately 8% of adults in the U.S. reported having, at least, one occurrence of depression (in recent polls). This disorder is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, inadequacy and loss of interest in just “living life.”
Almost 4% of U.S. adults experience PTSS which is a disorder that can develop after a traumatic event OR slowly after a life full of unrelenting disappointment in people, events or both. A being can only endure so many “out of control” events or episodes in their life before it takes its toll.
Nearly 3% of U.S. adults are plagued with bipolar disorder. This one has always interested me, and one day I will dedicate an entire column to this, at some point, as I would love to see what (if any) progress has been made with conventional and alternative managements. My heart goes out to any and all who suffer from this, and I’m praying there is good news on the horizon for this affliction.
The negative and unfair stigma that accompanies mental health patients mostly and probably is based on fear. Years ago, patients were separated from society. Due to the abusive and cruel treatment received in many of the institutions, they are now among us and, depending on the severity of their symptomology AND whether they adhere to their med cycles, it can be a fearful thing, SO, the negative stigma is more or less unavoidable, to a degree.
I contend also that many prison inmates are there due to undiagnosed blood chemistry imbalances whether it is something as simple as low or high blood sugar, acute shortage of the B-Complex vitamins, or even an overactive thyroid that has gone untreated for people who can’t afford wellness checkups.
As well, there are many who have pent-up rage. This is a result of their experiencing emotional or physical trauma and then not talking it out (with a friend, relative or professional) and then
just trying to “bury” the experience. Emotional trauma doesn’t just disappear like bad weather, it needs to be processed and the residual feelings explained, then understood, and to realize that we all are simply not “super beings!” The effects of rage can be life changing and long lasting for the target, be it mental or physical assaults. Many who have rage issues defend themselves by saying, “It only lasts a minute; I get over it quickly!” And to that I say,” So do tornadoes and many results from that are permanent and irreversible.” Mental health issues should not be treated or looked upon as any different than someone who has contracted any physical disease. For more general and specific information, contact the local chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). It is wonderful to be back with my favorite audience. Please do not hesitate letting me know if you have a special subject of interest I can research and report on for you!
BY JODY JOHNSON GODFREY Wellness Design Specialist
BY DAVE RAMSEY, CEO, Ramsey Solutions, and an eight-time No. 1 national best-selling author, and host of The Ramsey Show
DR. RICHARD BAKER, AIF®, is the founder of and an executive wealth advisor at Fervent Wealth Management. https://www. facebook.com/Dr.RichardBaker
O
ur youngest will graduate from high school this coming Saturday. Yesterday, he gave his last major presentation and aced it. When he got home, he flopped on the couch with a huge sigh of relief that the worst was over. I think investors did the same thing
BY HEATHER TANKERSLEY, REALTOR®,
provides services for residential, commercial, land and lake properties in the Branson Tri-Lakes area.
Let’s talk about something you might not check nearly as often as your bank account – and that’s how much your home is worth. But when it comes to your financial situation, it’s an important thing to remember. When’s the last time you had a professional show you the value of your home?
Think about it. For most people, your house is probably the biggest asset you have. And if you’ve owned your home for a few years (or longer), chances are it’s been quietly building wealth for you in the background. And honestly? You might be surprised by just how much.
What Is Home Equity?
This wealth you may not even realize you have comes in the form of home equity. Home equity is the difference between what your house is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage. It grows over time as home values rise and as you pay down your mortgage each month. Here’s an example to help you really understand how this works.
Let’s say your house is now worth $500,000, and you have $200,000 left to pay off on your loan. That means you have $300,000 in equity. And most homeown-
Dave Says: The face in the mirror
Dear Dave, How do you feel about moving credit card balances to other companies to get lower rates when you’re trying to get out of debt? I just paid off my first credit card, and a friend suggested this idea for paying off the others faster.
Von Dear Von, Lots of people think they’ve really done something big to solve their debt
problems when they do this. And I’m sure your friend is trying to help with this suggestion, but you’ve got to remember that getting out of debt, and gaining control of your finances, is all about changing the habits of the person you see in the mirror every day. You’ve got to make a commitment to a lifestyle change that includes getting out of debt, staying out of debt, and sticking to a
written, monthly budget. That includes keeping track of every single dollar, giving it a job to do and living on less than you make. Now, your friend’s idea might help speed up the process a tiny bit. But the habits that got you into debt in the first place won’t change just because you’ve switched credit card companies. What you’re talking about is an easy way to lower the interest rates—tem-
porarily, in most cases—but it doesn’t change your everyday behavior with money.
When people have problems with debt, it’s often the result of dumb financial choices and living above their means. I’ve run into so many folks who got into trouble with money just because they wanted to impress other people. But guess what? When you change, interest rates don’t matter nearly as
much. And when you shift your mindset about money, it will make a huge difference in a way that changing credit card companies and chasing lower interest rates can’t. I hope this helps, Von. And take a look at my Baby Steps plan while you’re at it. I promise, if you follow those steps, it will help you move forward, get ahead and put you on the road to a debtfree life and financial peace!
Stock Market Insights: Ceiling and floor, the new global tariff framework
after the news of the U.S./ China tariff agreement.
Investors and retailers worldwide received some encouraging news following the recent meeting between the U.S. and China.
The two countries, which happen to be the world’s two largest economies, agreed to lower tariff duties for 90 days.
In the deal, the U.S. lowered its tariff rate on China from 145% to 30%, and China lowered its tariff rate on the US from 125% to 10%, which was a more aggressive cut than analysts had expected. This led the S&P 500 back in positive territory for the year, the dollar to rally to a onemonth high, and short-term treasury yields to spike.
Though only temporary, this initial agreement could have long-term benefits.
The tariff rate on China is the highest on any major country and much higher than the 10% tariff rate on Britain announced last week. While the China agreement is only temporary and Britain’s is the final deal, they may still be creating a tariff ceiling and floor.
No one is surprised that China’s tariff agreement represents the ceiling (highest tariffs). It is closer to being an enemy than just a competitor. Businesswise, China has become the world’s leader in cheap manufacturing, which has flooded global markets and bankrupted many companies that can’t compete
with the sweatshop wages of Chinese workers. Democrats and Republicans agree that the U.S. needs to lessen its dependence on Chinese suppliers.
The UK (Britain), having the lowest tariffs, represents the new worldwide tariff floor. While the UK is America’s ninth-largest trading partner, between Vietnam (eighth) and India (10th), the U.S. and the UK are long-time allies and have a mostly balanced trading relationship. Under the UK agreement, most British products will have the global 10% tariff, but their steel and aluminum will be exempt from Trump’s 25% levy. Likewise, the UK peeled back its tariffs on U.S. beef im-
ports from 20% to zero.
The news that China tariffs will be rolled back bodes well for the stock market for the rest of the year. Now that companies have more time to adjust their supply chains to be less reliant on China, earnings forecasts look reachable. However, the bigger significance is that other countries now see that the Trump administration is willing to negotiate and can now negotiate between the tariff floor and the ceiling.
How important is the China agreement? Now that China’s tariffs have been significantly reduced, the threat of a U.S. recession seems unlikely. The current tariff rates are manageable, allowing markets
to focus more on tax cuts and deregulation and less on trade uncertainty. The market looks much better, but the risks can’t be dismissed completely. These tariff agreements could still blow up, causing tariffs to go up again. For now, stocks are back to positive territory, and gold prices have plunged as the need for a safe haven has lessened, and most investors are sighing with relief. After dinner, we bought him some frozen custard to celebrate finishing his high school work. He looked at the sweet treat and said, “This day just keeps getting better.” Hopefully, investors feel the same way. Have a blessed week! www.FerventWM.com
What’s your house worth now? The answer may surprise you
ers are sitting on some pretty significant equity right now.
According to Cotality (formerly CoreLogic), the average homeowner with a mortgage has about $311,000 in equity.
Why You Probably Have More Than You Think
Here are the two main reasons homeowners like you have record amounts of equity right now:
1. Significant Home Price Growth. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), home prices have jumped by more than 57% nationwide over the last five years (see map art right).
And if you purchased your home a few years ago (or more), this means your house is likely worth much more now than when you first bought it, thanks to how much prices have climbed lately.
2. People Are Living in Their Homes Longer. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), shows the average homeowner stays in their home for about 10 years now. That’s longer than it used to be. And over that decade?
You’ve built equity just by making your mortgage payments and riding the wave of rising home values.
So, if you’re one of those people who’s been in their home for that long, here’s how much the behind-the-scenes price growth has helped you out. According to NAR: “Over the past decade, the typical homeowner has accumulated $201,600 in wealth solely from price appreciation.”
What Could You Actually Do with That Equity?
Remember, your house might be your biggest financial asset – and, if you’re smart about how you leverage your equity, it could open up some exciting opportunities for your future. Use it to help buy your next home. Your equity could help you cover the down payment on your next home. In some cases, it might even mean you can buy your next house in all cash.
• Renovate your current house to better suit your life now. And, if you’re strategic about your projects, they could add even more value to your home if you do sell later on.
• Start the business you’ve always dreamed of. Your equity could be exactly what you need for startup costs, equip-
ment, or marketing. And that could help increase your earning potential, so you’re getting yet another financial boost.
Bottom Line
Chances are, your house is worth a lot more than you realize. Whether you’re think-
ing about selling, upgrading, or simply want to understand your options, your equity isn’t just a number. It’s a tool.
If you sold your house and had significant equity to work with, what would you do with it? Let’s figure out how to turn your home’s val-
Your
If you’re ready to explore your options, let’s connect.
BY COWBOY JOHN FULLERTON, a native of Taney County, and a member of the Sons of the Pioneers.
Here in the Garber neighborhood on Roark, my mom’s family had some wonderful neighbors over the years. To the west of Garber along the west fork of Roark in Stone County was the home of Bob and Ella Cantwell, and in the late 1950s, Bob’s grandson Jack Bennett and his wife Joyce would continue to operate the farm and would remain there for almost forty years.
BY BOB FORD,
Writer, history buff and regular visitor to Branson. You can find more of Bob’s work including his historical podcasts on his website bobfordshistory.com. Bob can be reached at robertmford@aol.com.
If you love history, we are seeking a sponsor to continue running this series; it’s not much. Contact Rob, 417-334-9100 at the Globe for details. Your customers will appreciate it! Want to learn about my history articles in another format? Please check out my YouTube videos. In addition to my history articles
Memories from the Homestead: Cantwell contributed much to the Garber community
Bob Cantwell was born Robert Lee Cantwell on March 10, 1874, in Houston, Texas. He was the youngest of six children born to Wiley and Elizabeth Cantwell. The family lived for many years to the south, near Alpena, Arkansas, along the Long Creek Valley. When Bob was in his early twenties, he joined two of his older brothers who were living in Stone County. By 1902, the three young men found steady employment, assisting with construction of the new railroad as it was being constructed down the Roark Valley to make its way to the White River at Branson.
Bob earned two dollars a day, helping cut wood and clear right of way as construction moved forward. He also worked on the
in print, please check out Bob Ford’s History, Mystery & Lore on YouTube: https:// www.youtube.com/channel/ UCXwK__RAt4yvdAUIayQyXdw . There you will find about a dozen YouTube videos that are all about eight to 15 minutes long. For information on how to take my YouTube videos to the next level, please contact me at robertmford@aol.com. ***
In 1860, Osceola Missouri, was the third largest city in the state right behind St. Louis and St. Joseph. It was a thriving trading center located on the navigable Osage River, 60 miles east of the Kansas line.
A 1861 newspaper editor described his town this way, “Osceola has better hotels, more accommodating landlords, prettier women, handsomer men, faster horses, meaner weather, more business, better whis-
massive tunnel project just outside of Reeds Spring. Settling near Garber, he became acquainted with their residents and also conducted some of the earliest cattle drives through the area. In October 1902, Bob married Ella Fronaberger, who was a sister to Garber’s Postmaster Bill Fronaberger. Ella passed away in 1942. In 1903, Bob and Ella purchased and resold 80 acres along Roark, their first property transaction. This would continue for a number of years. Purchasing the Rufus May farm, in 1912 they built a beautiful two-story home to the west of Garber along the west fork of Roark. Their farm continued to grow. They also raised hogs, chickens and horses, and grew wheat and corn, in addition to rais-
key, lighter beer and ale but fewer churches, schools and church go’en people than any other place in the state other than St. Louis.”
“It was a wide open town,” so says old friend Lila Foster, the city clerk.
Because of the city’s success it was a target. Life in 1860-61 Missouri was treacherous at best, with Kansas Jayhawks and Missouri Bushwackers raiding, murdering and plundering each other’s homes and communities.
Jim Lane was a Jayhawk leader trying to forcefully guide Kansas into the Union as a “Free-State,” whereas the senator from Missouri, Osceola’s own Waldo Johnson, was a staunch advocate of the institution of slavery and wanted Kansas to enter as a pro-slave state.
The expansion of slavery into new territories was the most divisive issue in our
ing cattle and goats.
Bob’s land transactions continued on into the late 1950s. This included land purchases, a number of previously sold tracts, mortgage financing, resale, you name it, he did it. By 1960, Bob owned 3,111 acres of Roark Valley land. Today, nearly all of this property is the Stonebridge Resort community including the Ledgestone championship golf course.
While Bob and Ella owned this property, his cattle drive events continued as he conducted a number of drives from his native Carroll County, Arkansas, into eastern Stone County in the Roark Valley. The railroad worked out a deal with Bob so he could ship cattle by train from the Roark Switch, a stop just west of Garber on
country’s history since we became a country.
Lane and Johnson’s personal feud may had been the catalyst for the barbaric assault on Osceola by Lane and his Jayhawks; it happened September 23, 1861.
Raiding parties from both sides had been ravaging communities for years with the Union Army headquartered at Ft. Leavenworth trying to control the chaos—think The Outlaw Josey Wales and/or Ride with the Devil.
The attack on Osceola would raise the bar of violence to a new level. Missouri had a split allegiance meaning information about actions and whereabouts of both marauding groups was out there.
Minutes before Lane attacked—tough to conceal 1,500 crazed raiders headed your way—the city quickly hid $150,000 from the banks in a cornfield, so says
their farm for Marvel Cave visitors, and in the 1920s he installed a loading chute along the railroad embankment at the Garber townsite near their depot.
local historian Rick Reed. The Jayhawks charged and encircled the town, capturing most, then proceeded to plunder each business. They took all day, drinking, bullying and stealing anything of value...but where was the bank money?
Monument in Osceola (Photo submitted by Bob Ford)
Cantwell also saw success as one of the early goat herders at Garber. In the 1920s he owned over 2,000 head, but by 1930 he had
An early 1900s’ image of long-time cattle rancher and Garber resident Bob Cantwell. He was responsible for conducting a number of the early area cattle drives when the railroad came through the Roark Valley. (Photo submitted by John Fullerton)
BY MARSHALL HOWDEN, a member
of the Branson Board of Aldermen, and Executive Director of Song of Hope Historical Society.
B
illy Joel sang about the lights going out on Broadway and Reba told us about the night the lights went out in Georgia. Fast forward a generation to the Branson
Boom of the 1990s and the saying went “would the last person leaving Nashville for Branson, please turn out the lights.” But the truth is, the lights of the famous Highway 76 strip have never gone out. Originally, the strip was just a wooded stretch of road from downtown leading all the way to Silver Dollar City. And the only lights that illuminated this primary Branson thoroughfare at the time were God’s twinkling stars. But the stars eventually dimmed due to the neon lights of Chisai Child’s Starlite Theatre and the moonlight was replaced by the glow of the Andy Williams
Talent show to raise money for Southwest Missouri seniors
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
An upcoming talent show will benefit area senior citizens.
Branson’s Got Talent is holding auditions for their upcoming talent show, slated for September. All family-friendly talents are welcomed.
In person auditions will be held at the Our Lady of the Lake Parish Center, located on Vaughn Drive. Auditions will be held June 12, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and June 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Auditions may also be submitted online at www.4ozarkseniors.com/BGT.
The talent show is set for September 6 at the Hamner Variety Theater, where talents will be showcased in front of some of the biggest names in Branson. Dave Hamner, headliner of the Hamners’
Unbelievable Show will serve as the master of ceremonies for the event, and Christina Tabuchi, a multi-talented entertainer and star of the Shoji Tabuchi show, is one of the competition’s judges. Additional judges will be announced soon.
Prize packages will be presented for first, second and third place winners of the competition. The third place winner receives $100, while the second place winner takes home a $500 prize. The first place winner of the talent show will receive $1,000 and will be given the opportunity to open the Hamners’ Unbelievable Show later in the season.
Branson’s Got Talent is sponsored by Devoted Health Care.
Moon River music venue.
However, when you talk about stars, it wasn’t the ones in the sky but instead the superstars on our stages that changed the trajectory of this town forever. The spotlights, the neon marquees and the world famous Christmas lights lit up the community like the Ozarks had never seen before.
One of the most iconic of those neon marquees being the 40-foot-tall Jim Stafford guitar neck that rose prominently above his theatre. It was described at one time as the crown jewel of Branson and was featured in nearly every nationally circulated
image of our tourist community. The marquee became so well known that when they announced the demolition of the theatre in 2021, I knew something had to be done to save it. With the fundraising help of some of our fellow community members – a former intern of Jim Stafford’s, Matt Bailey, and myself bid on the giant neon sign and won it at auction. However, that was only half the battle. The months following the purchase of the sign presented a Herculean task. How do we go about removing it from the building before they demolish it? Eventually, after searching far and wide
for a company who could do it, we found a crane outfit out of Joplin with a hundred-and-ninety-foot rig. But when it was finally on the ground, it needed a home.
The inspiration for its eventual home came from a place known as the Neon Sign Museum in Las Vegas, Nevada. So, the idea was that we would build our own sign backlot with old marquees from the Branson strip and beyond. We now have upwards of three dozen old signs with no interest in slowing down any time soon.
But while we are so excited to share our museum with the world (located at Coffelt
Country on 165) an article about the lights of Branson would be incomplete without paying tribute to the illumination of our town during Christmas time. That once modest theme park at the end of Highway 76 now displays 6.5 million Christmas lights during their holiday celebration. While that is an incredible feat, we are most proud of the light displays that highlight the reason for the season. And you can’t fill out your Branson bucket list without venturing downtown to gaze at the nativity scene on Mount Branson. After all, God said “let there be light” and Branson obliged.
Youth in Bluegrass Contest held in Branson
BY CYNTHIA J.
at the 2025 Youth in Bluegrass Contest, held at the Branson Event Center on May 17 and 18. Formerly known as the KSMU Youth Bluegrass Contest, the annual event is now sponsored by Ozark Mountain Music Association and brings together youth bands from across the country for an evening of getting acquainted on Friday and a full day of competition on Saturday.
Second place went to 5 South; third place, Bomb
City Bluegrass; fourth place, MoArk6; and fifth place, Alaskan Sunnyside Sisters.
In addition to cash prizes for each place, the first-place group will receive a day of recording with Dark Shadow Recording Company. Bethel University was on hand with scholarship offers for 12 exceptional students for their Renaissance Bluegrass program. Two program participants, Mary Parker and Sophia Wright, served as hosts
SEE BLUEGRASS, PAGE 8B
Branson Retro Hotel debuts property in a grand opening
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
The Retro Hotel in Branson celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting even recently.
Branson residents and members of the Branson
Lakes Area Chamber and
Convention and Visitors Bureau were on hand for the celebration, which included giveaways, contests, tours of the property and more.
“We’re celebrating bring-
ing back this hotel,” said Datta Kahlsa, owner of the Branson Retro Hotel, formerly the Branson Welcome Inn. “We were told this was the fifth hotel on the strip, and we’re going retro. So, get ready to see live movies being streamed here late at night. You never know who is going to show up. Today it’s the Jersey Boys. Tomorrow, who knows? So, we’re going to have some fun with this. We’re leaning into the community spirit. We just love Branson and we’re looking forward to bringing it back.”
“We’re looking forward to some activities in the
summer,” Kahlsa continued.
“We’re going to have movies by the pool, maybe a talent show. We’re putting up a volleyball net, maybe a slide. We’ll have as much fun as you can legally have, and we’ll do it retro style. We’ve got a lava lamp in every room now. We’re working with a designer to really lean into a 1964 mod classic, and every time you come back you’ll see it’s a little better.”
The Retro Hotel is located at 2330 West 76 Country Boulevard in Branson. To learn more about the establishment, visit their website, theretrohotel.com
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THOMAS, Staff Writer
The Flatlander Mountain Boys took home top honors
MoArk 6 (Photo by Philip Thomas)
SERVINGS: 4
TIME: 2 HOURS, 21 MINUTES
INGREDIENTS:
1 T Kosher Salt
• 1 T Sugar
2 lbs Shrimp, uncooked, peeled and deveined
for the contest.
Ozark Mountain Music Association director Wendy Wright also expressed thanks to all the place sponsors for the contest: First place sponsors, The Petersens; second place spon-
Still, after individuals were beaten and tormented, no one gave up the whereabouts of the cash. Lane decided, right then and there, to perform a “Drumhead Court Trial,” charging 12 men of the community with treason, or to be more precise, not telling him where the money was hidden. All 12 were found guilty; now Judge Lane sentenced each to be executed, a firing squad was assembled. Nine men died in the street that afternoon while three survived playing dead after being shot.
Lane’s men had been
3 Garlic Cloves, chopped
⅓ C Cilantro, chopped
• 1 Jalapeno, Chopped (leave the seeds in if you like a little heat)
• 1 T Lime Zest
sor, Banjo Ben; third place sponsor, Ron and Gayle Hall; fourth place sponsor, Morgan Music; fifth place sponsor, BCB Construction.
Some of the contestants originally met and began playing together while attending Ozark Mountain Music Association summer camps, including fourth-
working hard all day, guzzling, looting and terrorizing. As they loaded their stolen wagons and carriages with the spoils, some “red legs,” were so drunk they couldn’t get on their horses, instead having to climb in the back bed of their stolen wagons. Then they torched the city.
A few have said it was an accident – liquor and molasses had been flowing in the streets. “It was no mistake,” Rick states emphatically. “They knew exactly what they were doing.” At day’s end, 800 buildings burned to the ground leaving three standing, the
The Rogue Chef: Margarita Grilled Shrimp
BY CHEF JEFF WOODWARD, The Rogue Chef
• 2 oz Tequila Blanco
2 oz Triple Sec (orange liqueur)
⅓ C Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper Lime Wedges and Chopped Cilantro, for serving
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Combine the salt and sugar in a medium bowl. Add the shrimp and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
2. Mix together the garlic, cilantro, jalapeño, lime
zest, tequila, triple sec, olive oil, and pepper in another medium bowl.
3. Transfer the brined shrimp to a colander, rinse well with cool water, and pat them dry.
4. Add the shrimp to the bowl with the margarita marinade, tossing to coat.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though 1-2 hours is ideal.
6. Preheat the grill to high heat. Thread the shrimp onto skewers, threading
place winners MoArk6, which features two siblings from Green Forest, Arkansas, along with students from Parthenon and Kingston, Arkansas, and Crane and Bruner, Missouri. Their experience, along with several other area groups, is a testimony to the enduring value of the camps in building not only musical skills but also lifelong friendships with friends who share the interest in traditional music. At press time, only a few spots remained for the Bluegrass Camp to be held in Branson, June 10 through 14, with primarily mandolin or bass spots still available. Check the Facebook
city was leveled. Back to Kansas the Jayhawkers went, having freed 200 slaves while stealing a piano for Lane, supplies from every store, along with 350 horses, 400 head of cattle, and 3,000 bags of flour. The town was decimated.
In 1860 Osceola had well over 2,000 residents, five years later only 183 and today, 980 proud citizens call it home.
The city never recovered. One year after the raid, in the depths of the Civil War, equally ruthless Captain William C. Quantrill attacked Lawrence, Kansas, with 300 vengeful bushwhackers, many chanting “remember Osceola,” as they entered the city. On that morning of August 21, 1862, Quantrill raised the violence bar to an even higher level, murdering 150
unarmed men and boys.
The two sides were out of control with retaliations and cruelty reigning. Families and communities had been destroyed in a cycle of ongoing savagery never seen before in America.
Many moons ago I got a call from a Wall Street Journal reporter. Mizzou was rated No. 1 and KU No. 2 in an NCAA football poll that season. His question was simple, “what makes the KU-MU rivalry different then say, from Michigan-Ohio State or Auburn-Alabama?”
Well, I was only too happy to fill him in. “Our states had an open conflict called the Border War. We were attacking each other in a brutal way never seen before in the United States over the expansion of slavery. The oddity and what made the conflict
them through the head and tail in a “C” shape. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are just cooked through, turning once.
7. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp and garnish with cilantro and lime wedges before serving.
TIPS:
• Be sure to dry the brine! It keeps peeled shrimp plump and juicy while grilling.
• After brining, rinse the shrimp thoroughly to re-
page or the website, www. ozarkmountainmusicassociation.com, for information and any remaining openings regarding the July 16-19 Old-Time Music & Dance Camp to be held in Mountain View, Arkansas.
move excess salt—this helps them remain flavorful without being too salty when grilled.
• For the best results, let the shrimp marinate for 1-2 hours so the flavors fully infuse. Don’t overcook the shrimp! They only need a maximum of 6 minutes on the grill, so make sure to take them off as soon as they turn pink.
Want The Rogue Chef to make a delicious meal for you? Contact him at www. TheRogueChef.com .
Sponsors are always welcome for scholarships for both camps, to help make these opportunities available for more students and keep costs affordable. Camps generally include a final evening performance open to the public as well, a great opportunity to enjoy some traditional music and encourage these young people and those who help them keep these traditions going!
so personal was it involved neighbor against neighbor in both states. People who had deep-seated passions and beliefs acted upon them with violence or support.”
When the Civil War was over the fervor between Kansas and Missouri continued. People who lived through those days were reluctant to talk about it and didn’t pass many of the stories on, but a few did.
Once the two state universities started playing each other in sports, this rekindled the historic dislike for one another. In the early 1900s when the schools first played basketball, they separated the fans with barbed wire!
To this day many students don’t know why there is such animosity between the schools because much of the truth and uncomfortable history is being suppressed.
I ask why these natural rivals don’t play one another in the major sports? One reason perhaps is the “powersthat-be” at both universities aren’t from Eastern Kansas or Western Missouri. Growing up sitting on your grandfather’s knee hearing stories told to him from his grandfather is missing.
I loathe people that ignore history and they won’t let me print what I think of the people that alter it. It’s our duty to pay tribute to our ancestors by recounting the truth about the sometimes agonizing past. To remember, honor, learn and move on with knowledge is the way a society progresses not rewriting or disregarding.
I like our tagline, “We are keeping history alive so you can pass it on!”
Now let’s play ball!
LARRY DABLEMONT is an outdoor publisher, columnist, author, speaker, naturalist and outdoorsman.
Both of my sisters married Arkansas country boys, and I ended up with two of the finest brothers-inlaw that I could have asked for. I don’t know if I could have done a better job of picking husbands for the two of them. One of the two became a highway patrolman. Billy Chadwick grew up at Witt Springs, Arkansas, in the high mountains just to the north of the Buffalo River headwaters, some of the Ozarks prettiest country.
Just a couple of years or so younger than me, he finished college and began his work for the Missouri Highway
•
Continued from page 2B
Amidst all the changes brought by modernity, mountain magic has been beaten up and beaten down,
Continued from page 4B
lost so many due to coyotes, he sold off a large number of the herd.
In 1911, Bob and his brother-in-law Bill Fronaberger partnered together and built a large store building at the Garber townsite along the railroad. Serving as a country hardware store and mercantile, they sold everything agricul-
Outdoors with Larry Dablemont: An inspiration
Patrol in the Springfield area. I lived in north Arkansas at the time. We fished and hunted together in both states. Back in the early days, we hunted wild turkeys when there were twice as many as there are today.
He was always someone quick to laugh, to enjoy the humor of situations involving hunting and fishing. I played a lot of jokes on him back then. We were hunting in Texas County probably 40 years ago, and he killed a nice gobbler that had practically run from one ridge to another. It was the most anxious gobbler I can remember. But apparently it was just stunned. We were walking back to the pickup with that gobbler across his shoulder and his yellow tag around its leg when it came alive, and started spurring him. Billy dropped the gobbler and it took off running as if it wasn’t even hurt. Thankfully, he still had a shell in his gun, and he shot it as it was running hard at
often now hidden in plain sight. Globalism has not been kind to my people. Neither has mass media, which calls us backwards and makes us a punchline. Neither has mass educa-
ture related to the working farm families living around Garber. As the community experienced a decline in the late 1920s, the business eventually closed and just a portion of the foundation of the store remains today.
Remaining a Garber resident for over 60 years, Bob passed away on May 7, 1964, at the age of 90. He was laid to rest at the Evergreen Cemetery, very close to his dear friends, J.K.
35 yards. I can still see that yellow tag flashing on that leg, and often wondered what some hunter might have thought if he called up that gobbler on some other day and found someone’s tag on its leg.
Of course I took the opportunity to really act angry, throwing my hat down and kicking a nearby stump. Billy was puzzled by why was I so upset? “If you would have let him go,” I said, “I could have called him back again!”
Once when he was a young trooper, I saw him along the side of Highway 65 south of Ozark, Missouri, with a violator sitting in his car. I pulled in behind him and walked up to his window, and he told me in a serious tone to just get in the back seat and wait for a minute. I climbed in and proceeded to tell him I had been speeding that morning and wanted to turn myself in. Still attentive to writing a warning ticket for that young man in the front seat,
tion, which has told each new generation of children that there is better knowing in the future and in the peer and in bland authority than in the past. But perhaps some still remain who re-
and Anna Ross. Many of the longtime Stone County residents have fond memories of his family including the Bennetts as they were among a handful of Garber’s last residents.
I’d like to send out a special thanks to Zelma Bennett-Kostyshak, daughter of Jack and Joyce for assisting with Cantwell family photos. Also, many of you will remember Joyce working for Branson schools for
Billy never cracked a smile; he just told me he would take care of me when he finished. That kid in the front seat gave me a sideways glance that assured me he thought I was crazy. These many years later, I am sure he is still telling that story.
My dad recalls the time when Billy was a young patrolman and he came home to hunt ducks on the Big Piney. He and Dad floated the river behind a blind on the old johnboat, jump-shooting ducks. A lone mallard came flying up the river at perfect range, and Billy shot twice and missed. As the mallard passed by, Dad picked up his shotgun and fired twice, also failing to pull a feather. Dad recalls how Billy solemnly reloaded his shotgun, declaring in a very serious tone, “If that duck would have had a gun, he would have got both of us!”
Billy was an inspiration to me because of his ability to always stay calm and collected, and to think rational-
member the old ways.
I open my palm and my Arkansas diamond is still there, reflecting the flickering candle light, strangely cool to the touch. The storm has moved one, rag-
many years, too. Joyce and Zelma agreed to a phone visit a couple of years ago and it was great to catch up!
ly in situations where I always was prone to lose my cool and let emotions and a quick temper cause me to do the wrong thing more often than not. While I was trying to teach him how to hunt and fish better, I think
ged clouds pulled apart like celestial cotton to reveal much more starlight. The ridges are still high and ragged. The hollers are still deep, a primordial darkness creeping. There is magic
I might have been the one who learned the most. If you like to read about the outdoors, check out my 11 books and more than 100 magazines at www.larrydablemont.com
yet in the hills. That much I know. And against the odds, there are still those who know how to wield it for good and for dark, bulwarking against a bland and soulless future.
Much of the Cantwell family involvement at Garber will be discussed in my new book, “Roark Valley Memories: The History of Garber, Missouri,” to be released soon!
Happy trails, everyone!
Billy Chadwick (Photo submitted)
JOSHUA HESTON
• JOHN FULLERTON
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.
lassifieds
PUBLIC NOTICE: The Taney County Board for the Developmentally Disabled is accepting self-nominations to fill pending vacancy on the Board of Directors. Interested persons should complete the online application found at taneycounty.org under Live: Commission Application for Board Position (SB40). Please contact Troy W. Rasmussen, Executive Director, at 417-335-4135 or by mail at 1533 E. State Hwy. 76, Ste. 1, Branson, MO 65616, or email trasmussen@taneydds.com for further information.
GRIEF SHARE: Branson United Methodist Church (1208 W. 76 Country Blvd.) will begin GRIEF SHARE CLASSES on Tues. March 4, at 1:30 p.m. in the church library. There will also be a 5 p.m. class for those who work. BOTH CLASSES will be on TUESDAYS. Grief is a journey we all travel, and coming together helps us realize others have the same questions and doubts! EVERYONE is welcome!! This is a 13-week support group and there is NO CHARGE. For questions, please call Peggy at 641-919-1533.
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
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!
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.
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.
CELEBRATE RECOV-
ERY 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!
SERVICES OFFERED
FRESH START LAND MANAGEMENT: Affordable mowing, brush hogging, landscaping, more! Galena + 75 miles. Call Jeff: 406-4992204 for a free estimate!
CLEANING SERVICE serving all Tri-Lakes area. Residential, commercial, construction and resorts. Call 417-527-3340.
FREE ESTIMATES AND TIMELY RESPONSE. Full remodels, decks, pole barns, garages, fencing and small projects. Call 417-699-1635.
GOLDENDOODLE
PUPPIES: 4 months old. Healthy. Exceptional quality, vaccinated and well socialized. Three blacks, one gold, both male and female. $600 ea. It doesn’t cost a thing to look. 417-230-5775 Branson/ Hollister.
ESTATE SALE: ATTN COLLECTORS. We have Carnival glass in various colors, household items. Everything must go. Friday, May 30 & Saturday, May 31, 8 – 4. 267 Petunia, Hollister. Follow the signs.
CAN’T SELL your Branson property? You’ve tried everything else. Let’s trade! Email information to: broadcastpioneer@gmail.com - I will send my property list to you for a possible trade.
FOR SALE: China cabinet 6’ 6” high, 46” wide, 20” deep with two lights and one wrawer which is 28” deep x 38” wide x 12” high. It has 13 nutcrackers and smokers along with 22 Steinbachs inside. All German, asking $4,500 OBO. Over $8,000 value. Call 417-396-8877 or 417-396-8844.
NOW SELLING: Whole cows, half cows and quarter cows. Your style of cut. Delivery available. Call 785477-8712.
RENT TO OWN AUTOS:
Low down payment. NO initial taxes & license fees. NO credit check. Free 1 year warranty on motor & transmission. Rent to own your auto today! 1119 E. Hwy. 76, Branson. 417-335-5400. renttoownautosbranson. com
HOUSE MATE FOUND! THE GLOBE DOES IT AGAIN!
FOR LEASE: Just remodeled, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath. 2 car garage, large fenced-in backyard. No smokers or large dogs. 185 Morningside Lane, Hollister. $1,300 per month + security deposit, $2,600 and $55 background check. Call or text Carolyn at 417-337-0398 and leave message. I will call you right back.
LUXURY
1 & 2 BR APARTMENT HOMES 1-1/2 BATHS, POOL, REC.ROOM
1 BR STARTING @ $615/MO 2 BR STARTING @ $725/MO
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.
Furnished Units, Carports & Lakeviews Available CALL 417-546-3334 Shepherd of the Hills Estates www.soheapts.com
MR. GILBERTI’S PLACE: NOW HIRING ALL POSITIONS. Fun, working atmosphere. Come in and fill out an application. 1451 Acacia Club Rd., Hollister.
HELP WANTED: Looking for an exp. drywaller, hanging and finish. Also need construction help, must have own vehicle. Call 417-712-4115. LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT employee?
Place an ad in the Branson Globe, and fill that position FAST! An ad just like this one costs just $16.75/week! PLACES TO
56. Least daffy
Whirlpools
Brisk wind
Paying attention
Burn reliever
Matures
Dish out
On this date in history...
• 1430 Joan of Arc is captured at Compiegne and sold to the English 1785 Benjamin Franklin announces his invention of bifocals
• 1867 Jesse James’ gang robs a bank in Richmond, Missouri, killing two and taking $4,000 1903 1st automobile trip across US leaves San Francisco for New York, (arrives July 26)
• 1934 American outlaws Bonnie and Clyde, are killed by police in an ambush near Sailes, Louisiana 1969 Track Records releases The Who’s double album rock opera “Tommy” in the UK
• 1977 US Supreme Court refuses to hear appeals of Watergate wrongdoers H. R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman & John Mitchell
Tack on
Princely
Old saying
Does nothing
Consumed
Lip
She, in Barcelona
Ramble
Oahu garland
Be mistaken
• 1980 Horror film “The Shining” released directed by Stanley Kubrick, starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall, based on book by Stephen King • 2019 More than 170 tornadoes reported in a week in US states of Missouri, Oklahoma and Iowa, killing seven and causing widespread damage
Sudoku
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