Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. – Acts 4:12
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May 23, 2025 • Volume 6, Issue #20
A date in the Ozarks for ‘50 Dates from 50 States’
INSIDE: • Around Town.... 12A • Churches.......... 11A • Classifieds......... 10B • Education........... 8A • Food.................. 8B • Fun & Games.... 12B • Pets for Adoption �� 3A • Obituaries........ 10A • Weather........... 10A
PLUS:
Josh the Otter teaches water safety – SEE PAGE 3A Ole Seagull, 2008
Matt Wurnig with his date, Savannah Skinner, in the Ozarks (Photo submitted by Matt Wurnig)
shopping district TIMES Downtown construction raises concerns
Which came first? Tourists or Branson Landing
Load up the Buick Sales tax up 7 - 10 percent
Plus
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
Two-for one hammer sale brings tourists in droves
Branson Vacation
‘It’s the Marketing, Stupid’ 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
It’s the marketing, stupid – SEE PAGE 1B.
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
2024 wreath ceremony (FILE)
Ceremony to honor fallen heroes BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer The Branson Veterans of America 913 will host Branson’s annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, in recognition of those brave military personnel who are no longer with us. The ceremony honors the men and women who gave their lives to protect our freedoms.
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 Seitz and keynote speaker
Army Colonel (Retired) Dick Burkhalter. 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.
The Beck Museums of Branson Welcome You to...
SPRING!