Bransons’ newest fire station, Station 4, on Champagne Drive off of Taney County 165 and Highway 165 held its grand opening with a ceremony and open house at the Station on May 1, 2024. The $5 million dollar project was completed on time and within budget. “The opening of this important station marks years of planning that we prioritized to move forward with action, construction and completion,” said Branson Mayor Larry Milton. “In approximately one year, we have gone from groundbreaking to the upcoming grand opening. This is one of several projects the current city administration is giving high priority, fast track attention,” said the Mayor. Branson Fire Chief, Ted Martin, gives a lot of the credit to their construction team, “Construction LLC.” He said, “Once the architects completed the plans and the city released the contract, they had a 300-day Gant Chart, day per day per day, laid out and they hit it all. This project was on time on budget!” Martin said that the project originally came in over budget because of the “then current market construction trends and bigger ‘factors’ they were originally looking at.” Once they realized the challenge, they “made some strategic changes to the building, and that allowed us to remain within budget.” Station 4’s design aimed to improve firefighters’ health and safety from the start. He said the firefighters were involved during the design phase. Martin said that the new station incorporates features consistent with the current firefighting trend toward cancer awareness. The open bay concept, coupled with a separate decontamination room and climate-controlled storeroom allows for the complete cleaning and decontamination and storage of their bunker gear free from cancer-causing agents and other “stuff.” Another feature is a steam shower in with their regular shower. This opens the pores and helps get rid of all the “bad stuff.” Another feature is the elimination of loud bells and noise to alert the firefighters to a call. Station 4 has three shifts, with four personnel each. Each shift comprises a captain, engineer (driver), and two firefighters. Each shift will have 24 hours on and 48 hours off. Unlike the more open concept of the other Branson Fire Stations, Station 4 has separate bedrooms for each position with three lockers in each, one for each separate shift. The firefighters buy their own food, so the kitchen has three refrigerators, one for each shift. Martin mentioned that many appliances and other kitchen items were generously provided by local residents who held a “Station Warming” event. Station 4 will have two key pieces of apparatus, a fire engine and a decontamination unit. The Chief said that initially the fire engine will be one of the city’s “reserve engines.” Station 4 ordered a new fire engine. The payment has been made. It is now in the queue to be built. However, it may take up to two years for the delivery. The decontamination unit, funded by the state and federal government, has the capability to decontaminate up to 1,200 persons per hour from any “icky gooey” bad stuff” they might be exposed to. In addition, he mentions that the city’s antique fire engine will be kept at the Station. There are three chief advantages to the public because of the new Station 4: reduced response times, increased capacity citywide, and a potential reduction in insurance rates. Currently, responses from Station 3 to certain spots within Pointe Royale can take up to 15 minutes, possibly longer with traffic. Martin says that Station 4 should reduce that to be within the five-minute target they have for the rest of the city. In addition, the four additional firefighters increase the overall capability of the city to respond to fire and emergencies by 25%. Martin said that after a year, we could approach the Insurance Services Organization to improve our rating from a “3” to a “2.” “This could hopefully, with the key word being hopefully, reduce insurance rates citywide,” he added. The facility would not have been possible without the Public Safety Sales Tax voters passed in 2017. “Every day someone from the public says, ‘Thank you for what you do.’ I just want to turn that around and say to the public, ‘Thank you for your support and trust. We are working for you every day.’”

Nearly two years after country superstar Garth Brooks took the stage at the beautiful Thunder Ridge Nature Arena, the exquisite venue is again open for business. Much improvement has been done in and around the arena to make it even more user-friendly, including increased parking, improved roads to the venue, safer walkways and much more. Thunder Ridge Nature Arena is offering locals a sneak peek at their improvements with a fun-filled concert event on May 21. Billed as a Concert for Conservation, the proceeds from the event will benefit conservation efforts to protect the wildlife, the land and the natural habitats of the Ozarks area. The upcoming event features music from Chris Janson, John Anderson, the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, The Petersens and Clay Self. The exciting evening also includes an air show, parachuting flag ceremony and a family-friendly fan zone. Tickets for the May 21 event are only $10 per person, and there is no charge for parking. The concert event is slated to begin at 5:30 .pm. Other upcoming concerts include Morgan Wallen (May 25), Chris Stapleton (June 13), Luke Bryan (July 27) and Slightly Stoopid and Dirty Heads (August 31).  An air show and other events are also on the Thunder Ridge Nature arena schedule for 2024. For tickets or more information on the Concert for Conservation or any upcoming Thunder Ridge event, call 800-707-3520.

Saturday, April 27, was a fun day in downtown Forsyth at the annual Spring Fling. Community residents and friends enjoyed visiting dozens of vendors, chatting with local nonprofits and service organizations, meeting first responders and community leaders, and listening to live music, along with several competitions including a car show. Even the weather was favorable, with a pleasant Saturday sandwiched in between stormy days. Some competitions were new to the festival this year. In the Art Battle, sponsored by the Taney County Shrine Club, adult and children’s divisions were given a 20-minute time limit, using provided supplies, to paint a picture. An appreciative audience enjoyed seeing a variety of picture subjects and some very impressive work. Also new this year was the IronClad Classic of the Ozarks Strongman Competition, hosted by the Lake Taneycomo Elks Lodge #2597 and organized by Jeff and Andrea McCotter. Following up on the successful introduction of the Highland Games at the Harvest Moon Festival last fall, male and female athletes gathered to test their skills with Atlas Stones ranging 65 to 300 pounds, Tire Flip, Farmer’s Walk, Sandbags, and Overhead Log Press. As with the Highland Games, this year’s competition was an introductory one and new for the community, but next year’s festival will be an officially sanctioned event, meaning points can be earned toward national and international competition. To learn more, email ozarksstrongman@gmail.com. “Our Lodge wanted to bring something new and exciting to the area and to Spring Fling,” said Andrea McCotter. “We will be adding several new events to the competition next year as well.” The first Spring Fling pie-baking contest was also a success, with 12 contestants vying for some great locally donated prizes. It was a tough decision, but the winners were Courtney Stufft, first place and winner of a fire pit donated by Country Mart; Verna Harris, second place and winner of a Casey’s gift card; and Christal Valbracht, third place and winner of a gift card to Chappy’s Diner. Once the judges completed their tasting (someone has to do it!), slices of the pies were available for purchase, with everyone agreeing they were all delicious! The Forsyth Area Chamber of Commerce thanks all those who participated or sponsored this year’s Spring Fling, and the community is already looking ahead to next fall’s Harvest Moon. Follow the Chamber Facebook page to stay up to date as well as to see some great festival photos.

Concerned citizens across Missouri, including both Taney and Stone County, are continuing to work toward ballot measures for property tax relief for senior citizens.  Senate Bill 190, approved by the Missouri legislature and signed by Governor Parson in 2023, includes the property tax assessment freeze along with other measures to reduce financial burdens on seniors. However, that portion of the bill must be approved on a county-by-county basis, either by vote of the county commissioners or by a percentage of registered voters signing a petition requesting the issue be placed on an upcoming ballot. In Taney County, petition signatures exceeding the required minimum percentage of registered voters have been verified by the county clerk’s office as of April 29, and the County Commission will add the ballot approval as a meeting agenda item in the near future. Petition efforts have also recently begun in Stone County, where resident Denise Tomanek is spearheading the effort. Volunteers as well as petition signers are needed, to help meet the goal of 1,100 signatures before July, in order to allow time for verification to place the measure on the ballot in November 2024. Tomanek needs additional volunteers to distribute and collect petitions, as well as business owners willing to place a petition at their location. To volunteer, suggest or offer a location, or to clarify any questions about the bill’s content, Denise Tomanek at 678-367-4502 or email seniorsneedabreak@gmail.com.

The Historic Owen Theatre was packed last weekend when some special performers took the stage. On April 27 and 28, the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson hosted the second annual Special Abilities Showcase. The action-packed showcase featured a cast of performers—all with special abilities—showcasing their talents to family and friends. The special performers, each of whom has a developmental disability, did not let their situations stop them from living their dreams of singing, dancing, performing comedy and entertaining the audience. Nearly 40 entertainers took the stage over the two-night showcase, directed by Kyle Blanchard of the Branson Regional Arts Council. The Showcase, a joint effort between Barnabas Prep and the Branson Regional Arts Council, was held in celebration of Autism Acceptance Month.

Silver Dollar City will keep the title No. 1 Theme Park in America, winning this year’s USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for a second consecutive year. The City took the top spot in a competitive field of 20 nominees including Disney, Universal and SeaWorld properties. Nominees were chosen by industry experts and then voted on by fans during a rigorous, four-week voting period. "We are so thankful for our loyal, enthusiastic fans who visit us and vote for us," said Brad Thomas, president of the Silver Dollar City Company. “Our guests could travel to other states and other parks but choose to spend their family time making memories with us here in the Ozarks. Our Citizens strive to create unforgettable fun for folks. Their hospitality provides families an escape from daily routines and the opportunity to grow closer together as they experience our record-breaking rides, one-of-a-kind shows, award-winning festivals, homemade food and authentic culture in this breathtaking mountain setting.” Silver Dollar City also received a second national nod in USA TODAY’s annual readers’ poll. The Rivertown Ramblers ranked No. 2 for Best Theme Park Entertainment. The toe-tappin’ show takes audiences on a joyful journey jam-packed with the sounds of Dixieland Jazz with a unique twist. Silver Dollar City is an internationally awarded, 1880s theme park just outside Branson, Mo. The Ozark Mountains provide a beautiful backdrop for the park’s 40 rides and attractions, including the all-new Fire In The Hole — the largest indoor family coaster in the Heartland. Designated the “Home of American Craftsmanship” by U.S. Congress, The City also boasts a colony of more than 100 resident craftsmen demonstrating blacksmithing, glassblowing, pottery, furniture making and more, utilizing crafting methods of yesteryear. Silver Dollar City kicks off its Bluegrass & BBQ Festival on May 2, followed by the Ozark Mountain Summer Celebration from June 8 to August 4. Other family-friendly festivals throughout the year include a scare-free Harvest Festival with tens of thousands of illuminated pumpkins spanning the streets during Pumpkins In The City. The park really glows in November and December for An Old Time Christmas, six-time winner of USA TODAY’s 10Best “Best Theme Park Holiday Event” with more than 6.5 million lights lining nearly every board of every building. An operating calendar, along with more information, can be found at silverdollarcity.com or by downloading the free Silver Dollar City app on any mobile device.

On Tuesday, April 23, Elevate Branson celebrated the spring graduates from the Elevate Entrepreneurs program. The 12-week course is designed for individuals who desire to own a small for-profit business. Students meet three hours per week, with an additional hour per week of focused business work outside of class. “Some people would call it homework, but in reality, it’s taking what we learn in class and applying it to your business,” said Chris Hunter, VP of Operations at Elevate Branson and co-director of Elevate Entrepreneurs. “It’s the things that we need to do, but often don’t get around to doing.” For instance, after learning about pricing strategies, students are assigned to research possible competitors and look at their pricing, decide on their own initial pricing, and then make revenue projections. Throughout the class, students are introduced to several individuals in the community who will contribute significant expertise and whose services will be needed: ·       An accountant who explains the importance of keeping personal and business finances separate ·       A banker who explains how to open a business account ·       A lawyer to explain and discuss the benefits of different business classifications like LLCs and S-Corps ·       An insurance company that will discuss the types of coverage that might be needed Some of the class topics include these important aspects of business ownership: ·       Business idea feasibility ·       Basic business cycle ·       P&L statements ·       Basic bookkeeping ·       Budgeting ·       Cash flow management The class is led by college professors, and volunteers from the community act as financial coaches and marketing coaches. The Spring 2024 graduation included 10 Elevate Entrepreneurs with some exciting businesses: 1.     Marlene Barger, 3D-Lishus Designs, digital designs for 3D-Printable cookie cutters 2.     Melissa Bollinger, residential and commercial cleaning 3.     Jonathan France, handyman and lawncare 4.     Trace Haddock, TH Mobile Detailing LLC 5.     Dixie Henrichson, Weave Got You LLC, Black Beauty Supplies 6.     Gwen Markus, Getting Better with Gwen, a wellness business 7.     Doug Parker, Doug Knows Branson blog 8.     Cassie Pickle, Creation’s Bakery 9.     Jill Rodriguez, Frosted Crumble Bakery, personalized sugar cookies 10.   Clint Wehrman, Where Man Travel Do you have an idea for your own small business that you’d like to develop into a profitable primary occupation or enjoyable side hustle? Studying and applying the topics covered in these classes can be a big boost toward success! Learn more about the program at www.ElevateBranson.org, or email Chris Hunter at Chris.Hunter@ElevateBranson.org.

Each year, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation hosts a Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg, Maryland, to honor firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. Family members of those heroes, as well as families of those lost in years past, gather in recognition and remembrance of the service and sacrifice made by their loved ones. The special weekend includes opportunities for connection and sharing of stories, as newly bereaved families are greeted at the hotel by returning families, who escort and assist them in activities such as creating a tribute video and making a rubbing of the plaque that will be added to a Memorial Wall. A family day at the Memorial Park, a candlelight ceremony, and a special Memorial Service, at which families receive an American flag, are also part of the weekend. Fire fighters who lost a colleague also attend to participate in the Fire Service, as escorts to families. Communities nationwide are invited to participate in the Weekend by watching the Candlelight Service at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, and the Memorial Service at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 5, 2024, online at the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation website [https://weekend.firehero.org] and on social media channels. Other suggestions for communities wishing to honor fallen firefighters include these: ·       Sign up for Bells Across America on May 5, as communities and individuals across the nation pause in honor and tribute; ·       Light the Night in Red: From May 1 through 5, light up homes, landmarks and businesses in support and tribute; ·       Sound the Sirens: Many fire stations across the country will sound their sirens at noon on Sunday, May 5; ·       Lower the American flag; ·       Sign the virtual Remembrance Banner; ·       Issue a community proclamation. Visit the Foundation website for more details about any of these suggestions and to sign up to show your individual or community support.

A longtime Branson business has a new manager and a new name. The Friends of the Library Book Store, formerly the Taneyhills Library Used Book Store, is located in the lower level of the Library Center of the Ozarks. The Book Store has been in existence for close to 30 years, having opened shortly after the most recent addition to the library was completed in the mid 1990s. Always popular with tourists and locals alike, the Friends of the Library Book Store provides a second life to books that have been gently loved. "When we receive donations, the Library Manager is the first to review them and see if any can be added to the Library collection," explained Karen Oswald, the Book Store's new manager. "Alternately, when the Library weeds out books from their collection, they are given to the Book Store to sell. It is a good partnership for both sides." Oswald took over management of the store on April 1. However, she was already familiar with the store and many of its volunteers. "My background is in administration," said Oswald. I've worked as an Executive Assistant at the President and Vice President level most of my career. I worked as an Executive Assistant at Cox Hospital for five and a half years. After that position, I began work at the former Taneyhills Library, now the Library Center of the Ozarks. I was at the desk for two years and had overlapping tasks with both the Thrift Store and the Book Store, so I am coming in with familiarity with the store." In addition to accepting the position as Book Store Manager, Oswald is President of the Branson Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, a group of citizens who support the Branson Police Department through fundraising and community promotions. She also volunteers with Elevate Branson and holds a part-time job. Prior to Oswald's transition into her new position, much of the work in the Book Store fell to Kay Gerken. Kay, who sits on the Friends of the Library Board, served as the President of the Taneyhills Library Board, volunteered in the Library, and spent a great deal of time making sure the Book Store ran smoothly. She was largely responsible for a transformation the Book Store underwent a few years back. "In 2019, the Book Store manager's health was failing, and the store was needing some reorganization and weeding of books that had been on the shelves too long," Gerken explained. "I took on the project of having three major book sales to give us room to work. During the Covid shutdown, another volunteer, Beth Urich and I revamped the entire Book Store, adding more category sections, signage, etc.  Jen Harmon, the Library Manager, gave us insight and recommendations on how to best display the collections according to the public's interests. I saw my role in the Book Store as a lead volunteer, not really a manager. Many of the volunteers who had been involved with the Book Store many more years than me were willing to pitch in and help with the major book sales. The updating and reorganizing of the Book Store collection was a group effort that paid off with customer compliments and repeat business." Joyce Coogan, President of the Friends of the Library, shared her thoughts on the Friends of the Library Book Store, noting that there is a stark difference in this store. Said Coogan, "We have works of fiction categorized by author, and works of nonfiction, categorized by major topic or interest. Topics range from gardening to politics, religion, war, health, cooking and much more. In addition, we have a large collection of children's books. One unusual feature of our Book Store is that we have a section for classic and vintage books. Our volunteer clerks welcome customers into the store and help them find the types of books they are interested in. In other words, we function like a full-service book store, but at a greatly reduced price." Like many book stores, the Friends of the Library Book Store also offers a variety of games and puzzles, as well as a large selection of DVDs available for sale. The Book Store has a staff of approximately 20 volunteers, who work the desk, checking out customers, as well as sorting donations and shelving books. Oswald has plans to add more volunteers in the near future, as the Book Store continues to grow, and special events are added. The store is always accepting applications for new volunteers. Gerken noted that past customers have truly enjoyed shopping at the Book Store. "Many of our repeat customers are tourists that come to the Book Store whenever they come to Branson. They love that it is clean and well organized, with friendly volunteers to assist," said Gerken. "We hope that the residents and visitors alike will continue to come visit the Book Store and see what is new on the shelves." Oswald plans to keep the store operating in the same manner as in the past. Said Oswald, "My intention is to get to know my volunteers, listen to their ideas and comments, hear from them what our guests and customers are saying. Based on those discussions, if there is a trend of something that needs changed or fixed, we will. Also, if there is something that is working well, then we can enhance that and use that as a means to bring in more customers. I have had some volunteers already suggest some program ideas that may bring in customers who have never walked through our doors, so we are actively planning those events. You will be seeing more advertising of the Book Store in print and on social media." The Friends of the Library Book Store is a nonprofit entity. "Funds from the Book Store will be used toward purchases and projects of the Friends of the Library," Coogan explained. "We are currently assessing how best we can serve the Library Center of the Ozarks, with one idea being to pay for special programs or speakers brought in or held at the Library. Another could be to provide materials for special projects. The Friends will consider many ways to best use the funds to meet the interests and needs of our community." The Friends of the Library Book Store is located in the lower level of the Library Center of the Ozarks, at 200 South 4th Street in downtown Branson. The store is open Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Said Oswald, "If you aren't familiar with the Book Store, please stop in and see for yourself what we have. Also, since it's spring cleaning season, if you have any books in good condition, DVDs, puzzles or games, please consider donating them to us!"

On June 9, 2024, Veterans of the Ozarks and the Kimberling City Elks are teaming up to hold a fundraiser to support the Kimberling City K9 Police Officers, “Zesta” and “Sig.” The care and feeding of the Department’s two K9 officers is presently underfunded, with the K9 officers’ handlers footing the bill for food, veterinary care and other aspects of their well-being. The planned fundraiser aligns with the goals of VOTO and the Elks in terms of community involvement, as both organizations are committed to seeing needs and finding ways to meet them, particularly needs involving those who have served or presently serve our country and keep our communities safe. “It is not uncommon to find that K9 officers in general are supported mainly by community donations in other areas,” said VOTO officers in a social media post. “Therefore, we are stepping up to assist in closing the budget gap to ensure our K9 officers receive their basic needs.” This entertaining and worthwhile evening will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 37 Beach Blvd. in Kimberling City. Cost is just $300 for a table of eight. Activities will include the following: ·       A picnic-style chicken dinner ·       K9 Officer demonstration ·       Rounds of police/military movie trivia ·       Live and silent auctions ·       50/50 drawing Space is limited to 15 tables, so get your trivia experts together, form a team, and make your reservations soon! For reservations or more information, call Dave “Mac” McAllister at 417-230-1283.

A new restaurant with a unique name now graces Branson's 76 Country Boulevard. The Side Chick is located at the Track Family Fun Parks, in the former location of Fuel Fresh American Grill. As their name explains, the Side Chick specializes in chicken of all kinds—rotisserie chicken, broasted chicken, whole birds or half birds, chicken tenders, chicken wings, chicken sandwiches and more. The Side Chick menu also includes a variety of side dishes, delicious desserts, appetizers, and beverages, including tea, lemonade, Coke products and alcoholic beverages, as well. One thing that sets the Side Chick apart from other restaurants that specialize in chicken is the use of a pressure fryer that results in chicken that is crispy on the outside, but juicy inside. Owned by the creators and owners of the wildly popular Gettin' Basted BBQ eatery in Branson and The Pour House in Hollister, the Side Chick concept was originally planned to be an off-shoot of Gettin' Basted, with a chicken eatery located on the side of the BBQ giant. However, when the current location became available, the owners revamped their plans and the standalone Side Chick Restaurant became a reality. The Side Chick owners also have a local franchise of Bahama Buck's and Mythical 'Wich. The Side Chick is located at 3405 West 76 Country Boulevard, as part of the Track Family Fun Park and Five Star Parks and Attractions. The Side Chick is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Two talented artists are bringing a special new mural to downtown Branson. Located on the corner of Commercial and Pacific Streets, the mural can be seen on the side of the Branson Centennial Museum. Artists Christine Riutzel and Delanie Cooper bonded over a shared love of art and Rose O'Neill, the famous Ozarkian who created the Kewpie Doll. Christine is a professional muralist from Hollister. She serves as the President of the Southwest Missouri Arts Connection and is a member of the Board of the Hollister Parks and Recreation. She enjoys creating fine art and public art.  Delanie, an artist and online retailer, was raised in Springfield, but now resides in Kansas City. Delanie credits the Ozarks for inspiring her art and her everyday life. Christine and Delanie have a goal for the mural—to bring about awareness of Rose O'Neill and Bonniebrook, meaning more visitors to Bonniebrook, the art gallery, museum and homestead of Rose O'Neill, located near Branson in Walnut Shade. O'Neill was a cartoonist, illustrator, artist, writer, suffragist, activist and philanthropist. She was most known for her creation of the comic strip character Kewpies, and became the United State's first female cartoonist to be published. Christine and Delanie are asking for your help in keeping the memory of Rose O'Neill alive through donations to fund their unique and exquisite mural. The 28 ft. by 21 ft. mural is expected to take $500 in paint and $300 for UV clear coat. The cost of the lift for the month it will take them to complete the mural is estimated at $1,800, and the cost of labor, at $30 a square foot, is more than $17,000. Christine and Delanie have a fundraising goal of $20,240 for the Rose O'Neill project. If you would like to donate to the Rose O'Neill project, Christine and Delanie are accepting donations through Venmo (@Rosemural), CashApp ($RoseMural) or PayPal (paypal.me/RoseMural).