“In the last days...I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” – Acts 2:17
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May 9, 2025 • Volume 6, Issue #18
INSIDE: • Around Town.... 12B • Churches.......... 11A • Classifieds........... 4C • Education........... 8A • Food................ 10B • Fun & Games...... 6C • Pets for Adoption �� 3A • Obituaries........ 10A • Weather........... 10A
PLUS:
Shifting gears with new SDC chaplain – SEE PAGE 1B. In this striking photo submitted by outdoors columnist, Larry Dablemont, an osprey soars above the Big Piney River, framed by thunderheads. See Larry’s column on page 11B.
Deadline is June 30 for senior property tax relief application
We celebrate Mother’s Day – SEE PAGE 1C
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer Area senior citizens who qualify for the Taney County Senior Real Estate Tax Relief Program must have the 2025 application to the County Collector’s office by 5 p.m. on Monday, June 30, 2025. Failure to submit the application on time will result in eligibility being delayed until the following year.
The program was passed by the Taney Commission in May 2024, in response to Missouri SB 190, and amended in October 2024, to adopt modifications due to SB 756. Application must be made each year to continue receiving the credit. The qualifications for taxpayers to be eligible for the program are as follows: • Age 62 years or older in
the initial credit year; • Owner of record of a homestead or has legal/ equitable interest, evidenced by a written instrument; • Is liable for payment of real property taxes on such homestead; • Occupies the homestead as their primary residence. The tax relief is a credit
equal to the difference between an eligible taxpayer’s real property tax liability for a given year and the property tax liability on the homestead in the year the taxpayer became eligible for the program, essentially protecting seniors from increasing tax assessments with which their income may not keep up. For taxpayers eligible as of January
1, 2025, the credit will be calculated using 2024 as the base tax year, with the credit applied to the 2025 real estate tax statement. Applications can be picked up in person at the Collector’s office, printed from the website www. taneycountycollector.com, or requested by mail with a stamped, self-addressed enSEE PROPERTY TAX, PAGE 4A
Purple Heart Recipient Reunion opening ceremony BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer Branson’s Purple Heart Recipient Reunion, going on this week, is designed to show honor and appreciation to those heroes who have received the Purple Heart during their time of service. The Purple Heart is a military medal that is given to the man or woman (or family thereof) who is wounded or killed while serving in the United States military. The Purple Heart Recipient Reunion, hosted by the Branson Veterans Task Force, got underway on
Tuesday, with an opening ceremony at the Pepsi Legends Theater. Said the Branson Veterans Task Force Chair Bob Smither in his opening remarks, “It is truly an honor for us to have our guests here for this special week. Their courage and sacrifice must always be remembered; it must be recognized.” The opening ceremony featured an introduction of the Purple Heart Recipients, who were escorted to their seats by local Jr. ROTC members as well as members of the Civil Air Patrol.
The Forsyth High School Junior ROTC posted the colors, and those in attendance joined in the Pledge of Allegiance. Following the National Anthem, the Purple Heart Recipients heard a brief message from Branson Mayor Larry Milton. Becky Jewsbury, past chair of the Branson Veterans Task Force, closed the ceremony by thanking those in attendance for their service and sacrifices. Said Jewsbury, “To everyone here today, thank you for joining us. Let us never forget that the free-
doms we enjoy were secured by the courage and sacrifice of those we have honored today. The price of freedom is high and it is paid by heroes. May we live each day with gratitude and strive to be worthy of their sacrifice. Above all, may we continue to build a nation where their courage inspires hope, unity and an unwavering commitment to freedom.” The event was followed by a special show, performed by the vocal group SIX, which was enjoyed by all.
Posting of the Colors by Forsyth Jr ROTC (Photo by K.D. Michaels)
The Beck Museums of Branson Welcome You to...
SPRING!