News briefs from around the region

PAULA DEEN IS COMING TO BRANSON (BY K.D. MICHAELS, STAFF WRITER) - Paula Deen is returning to Branson for a one-day event. Deen is a chef, television personality, cookbook author and the famous name and face behind Paula Deen’s Family Restaurant. Deen will travel to Branson for a book signing event at her Branson Landing Restaurant on August 22.  Wristbands will be distributed, beginning at 9 a.m. on the day of the event, to anyone making a purchase in the Paula Deen store. Wristbands will be given out, one per person, while supplies last. Deen’s appearance is slated for Saturday, August 22, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Paula Deen’s Family Restaurant, 545 Branson Landing Boulevard. 

MODOT: ROUTE 76 SLIDE REPAIR IN TANEY COUNTY TO BEGIN JANUARY 2027 (SUBMITTED TO BRANSON GLOBE) - The Missouri Route 76 Slide Repair Project between Lake Shore Drive and Business Route 65 in Hollister is to begin in January 2027, the Missouri Department of Transportation said. A public meeting will be held before construction begins to share information about the schedule, planned roadwork and anticipated traffic impacts. The first public meeting for this project took place in August 2025. Impacts include the closure of Route 76 between the Business 65  roundabout and Lake Shore Drive for up to 120 days. Visit the project website and sign up for project emails here: https://www.modot.org/projects/missouri-route-76-slide-repair-operations-taney-county 

STATEWIDE PROGRAM TO PREVENT TEEN SUBSTANCE USE BEGINS THIS MONTH (SUBMITTED TO BRANSON GLOBE) - Prevention coalitions around the region are participating with a media campaign Be Under Your Own Influence. Watch for posters, billboards and social media posts promoting the campaign, and share the messages with others.