NFTRL is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to foster friendship among members and help them get involved in community, social, civic and educational causes—a great way for new residents to learn about the area.

The Missouri Department of Transportation invites Missouri students in grades K-12 to help fight litter in Missouri—and to have creative and educational fun—by participating in the 2026 “Yes You CAN Make Missouri Litter-Free” trash-can-decorating contest. The contest is part of MoDOT’s annual “No MOre Trash!” statewide litter campaign, which is held in April. The contest encourages school-aged kids to join in the fight against litter by decorating a large trash can with the “

Each fall, the team meets with mansion staff to dream up that year’s theme—sometimes elegant, sometimes nostalgic, always meaningful. Together, they imagine the kind of Christmas that invites every visitor to stop in the doorway and whisper, “Wow.”

As part of the program, students learn valuable basic skills for starting their own business, including financial planning, studying the market, promoting their business and more.

Kimberling Area Library volunteers are excited to announce their children’s programs for January 2026. Lego Club: The Lego Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month, starting January 6. The Club meets at 4:15 p.m., making it a great option for families busy with school or work during the day. The club has been popular and is a great way for children to make friends around a fun shared interest. Money Matters Story Time: Monday, January 12, starting at 10:30 a.m. Thanks

Possible theological concerns aside, the story’s theme of giving our best to Jesus resonated with children and parents.

Written on Christmas Day, 1863, the poem is Longfellow’s personal reflection while hearing church bells during such a tumultuous time in our country’s history.

Friday’s activities included instrumental workshops on guitar, mandolin, fiddle, bass and banjo, followed by a songwriting workshop led by Sandi McClary.

“I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky, and all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by…” And I remember a long ago and cold December evening, standing, ready for bed, barefoot, wearing one of my dad’s worn out white t-shirts as a makeshift nightgown, while a PBS personality of sorts — I’ve no idea who — began reading “Sea Fever” by John Masefield. The guy looked very appropriately poetic standing with the sea behind, while wearing a thick

The next day, true to his word, the General had contacted his counterpart at Ft. Riley and a Huey gunship landed at Sherman Field at 8 a.m. sharp. I looked at the cameraman Jim Conlon who promptly said, “I don’t do helicopters.”

I cope in practical ways by simply turning on more indoor lights, and I may light a candle or two. I might turn on my fireplace. All seem to bring me comfort.

So where does the "Table Rock" name come from? Well, go upstream a few miles above Branson and there's a turn in the river, a large bluff that features a rock formation that was recognized as being as flat as a table top.

This reminds me of what James wrote concerning the brevity of our life; “It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (Ja. 4:14). Life on earth is indeed short. The passing of family traditions is a stark reminder of this.

I am no Spring chicken but can safely say that in my entire lifespan, I have neither known anyone or heard anyone say, in passing, that they have ever tasted or consumed a persimmon! After reading about them, I’m looking forward to tasting one. We have never heard of a persimmon pie OR persimmon jam—like—what is the deal? It seems there are two types of the fruit; one version called “Fuyu” and the second referred to as “Hachiya.” They are a great source of fiber and loaded

Dr. Richard Baker, AIF®, is the CEO and executive wealth advisor at Fervent Wealth Management. My wife is a little disappointed. We are recent empty-nesters, and for the first time in years, there is no one home to look forward to her Advent calendar full of little notes and candy. Still, her disappointment isn’t anything like the disappointment that Europeans are feeling this winter. For years, European leaders told their citizens that if they went all in on the green en

Each year, a number of prestigious awards are presented to the community's most deserving individuals, businesses and leaders who leave a lasting impact on the Branson area.

Branson was recently selected to be a part of the "Merriest Main Streets" series of NBC's Today Show. The segment featured Olivia Pritchard of KY3 TV in Springfield.

Rau was the head of Public Relations of the area's largest attraction throughout the Branson Boom, when the area received tremendous national acclaim, and she played a key role in making Silver Dollar City the internationally known entity it is today.

Loyal to the Cheifs!