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Does one-half cent Transportation Sales Tax extension make cents?
Let’s look at it from a “cents” perspective. The financial foundation of Branson, a town of about 13,000, depends on about 7-10 million...

Gary J. Groman
2 min read


Is Branson in an economic war for its very survival?
To most, losing a competition results in a kumbaya moment where the losers congratulate each other after a football game...

Gary J. Groman
2 min read


Yester Year’s Echoes: The Branson does not own the name ‘Branson’ Election
At the May 29 meeting of the AE Board of Aldermen, they voted unanimously to rescind the current program, which the BE Board initiated...

Gary J. Groman
4 min read


The ‘Branson Promise’ is the key to Branson's future success
Over two decades ago, Branson developed a document called the "Branson Promise." It does two things. It provides our visitors with...

Gary J. Groman
2 min read


One Branson Alderman does not speak for the city!
The Branson Municipal Code contains both a specific definition and list of duties to think “Mayor” but none for “Alderman.” Article II...

Gary J. Groman
2 min read


It is not only fitting but a matter of honor
The military squares were taken up, moved to Patriot’s Park, and set up against a wall during Phase I of the Downtown Streetscape Project...

Gary J. Groman
2 min read


The truth: Incomplete show listings plague ExploreBranson.com
One of the first things he saw on the page was an option for “Live Shows,” which he selected. That took him to a page with the headline...

Gary J. Groman
3 min read


Branson's promise: A permanent memorial honoring America's military services
he ceremony was to dedicate the first five commemorative squares of what was to be the Branson Star Walk (Walk)...

Gary J. Groman
2 min read


An Ole Seagull's 2025 New Year's Resolution: Remember the Battle of Chosen Reservoir
Saying that the “war” would be over by Christmas and vastly underestimating what China would do, General Douglass McArthur...

Gary J. Groman
2 min read


Yesterday's echoes: Is it 'Merry Christmas' or 'Happy Holidays?'
How many people wish someone a "Happy New Year" by saying "Happy Holidays," particularly during the week after Christmas ...

Gary J. Groman
3 min read


If you didn't vote, please keep your whining to yourself!
There’s nothing more infuriating to an Ole Seagull than hearing someone claim they don’t vote because it doesn’t make a difference.

Gary J. Groman
2 min read


KISS: The 2024 election may decide the future of the American dream
In an Ole Seagull’s mind, the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 has had far-reaching consequences beyond that country’s borders.

Gary J. Groman
3 min read


An Ole Seagull on abortion rights and other proposed Constitutional changes
These proposals cover a myriad of topics, including Sports Wagering, Abortion Rights, a new casino near Lake of the Ozarks...

Gary J. Groman
3 min read


How could a person feel otherwise?
The fund is available to provide grants to cities and counties for temporary shelter and other eligible costs associated with...

Gary J. Groman
3 min read


Yesteryear echoes: Revised proposed smoking ordinance is worth puffing on
“Then why go through this process?” “To come up with a SBO that fits Branson, its businesses, citizens and tourism industry.”

Gary J. Groman
3 min read


An Ole Seagull's Primary Fork on the Trail of Life
Some are minor forks and lead back to the main Trail, but there will be one Primary Fork at a time, with its own forks along the way...

Gary J. Groman
3 min read


Accountability acrobatics: The unacceptable art of evading aldermen's questions
It was a life safety issue impacting just about all of Branson’s hotels and commercial businesses, yet, unlike other issues...

Gary J. Groman
4 min read


Yesteryear's echoes: Branson meets China as Chinese audiences really get into it with The Haygoods
At first the crowd had no clue what we were all about, but after a few back flips and some up-tempo tunes, they REALLY got into it.

Gary J. Groman
2 min read


Angie Teel: Helping Branson progress with heart and vision
The city of Branson is currently conducting a feasibility study on expanding the Branson Convention Center.

Gary J. Groman
3 min read


Is it 'nuts' to use Branson tourism taxes for marketing outside Branson?
To an Ole Seagull, if that person spends $150 per night or $900 for the six nights of lodging outside of the city of Branson, it doesn’t...

Gary J. Groman
3 min read
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