Author Archives: Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagull

About Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagull

Editor of The Branson Courier

The common thread from conception to eternity is cooperation!

Life’s a lot fuller for those who love to cooperate with others Continue reading

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Scotty’s and boat ramp provide downtown Branson access to Lake Taneycomo

Public access to Lake Taneycomo still available in downtown Branson. Continue reading

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The meaning of Easter – “So that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life!”

He is risen “so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life!” Continue reading

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Lake Taneycomo Fishing Report Mar. 21

Fishing- good but plan on water on conditions. Continue reading

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Numbers, even Branson style, represent dollars, lives, years etc.

Numbers generally don’t mean too much by themselves but… Continue reading

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Lake Taneycomo Fishing Report Mar. 19

Midges appear to be the ticket for fly fishers…is water pattern changing? Continue reading

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Branson Landing to open Spring of 2006

450,000 square feet of multi themed retail, entertainment… Continue reading

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A branding study, a promise, and Branson’s future

…an attempt to capture the unique character and values of Branson.. Continue reading

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New Table Rock Lakeshore Trail along Branson’s Table Rock Lake

the relative flatness of the trail and convenient entry and egress points makes the trail available and useable… Continue reading

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Insurance for fly fishing Branson’s Lake Taneycomo in heavy water

traveled hundreds of miles to fly fish and couldn’t because of the high water. Continue reading

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Good Taneycomo Fly Patterns To Start With

Good Patterns to Start With-“Current favorites” aside, River Run Outfitters suggests that the following will generally work as a starting point: Night: Black Bead Head Wooly Bugger, in size 6-10 (weighted). Day: Tungsten Bead Head Midge, Size 16 in either … Continue reading

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Special Trophy Trout/Artificial Area Regulations

Trophy Trout/ Artificial Area Regulation Overview The Trophy Trout/ Artificial Area, on Lake Taneycomo, runs from Table Rock Dam to the Mouth of Fall Creek, a distance of about 3 miles.Within this area no “bait” fishing is permitted, all fishermen … Continue reading

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Lake Taneycomo Fishing Reports moved

As of Mar. 13 the Lake Taneycomo Fishing Report will be found under “Outdoors.”
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BransonFest, Apr. 5-9, 2005 Super Shows

Shows and performers at each of the BransonFest Super Shows. Continue reading

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Is the city of Branson being “serviced” out of millions of dollars in tourism taxes?

same lodging and same ticket price…tourism tax paid should be the same. Continue reading

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KIS Midge fishing on Branson’s Lake Taneycomo

On Branson’s Lake Taneycomo, the midge is a major part of the Rainbow and Brown trout’s diet. Continue reading

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Branson’s “Bikings,” pillage and plunder and then ask school district taxpayers, “What’s in your wallet?”

The Bikings, the Branson Board of Aldermen and City Administrator Terry Dody, have created the problem … Continue reading

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An historic legend carries on – Devils Pool at Big Cedar Lodge

Osage Indians found a spring that they believed…flowed to the Devil himself. Continue reading

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Is the city of Branson on the hook for up to $52.5 million and climbing?

If it looks like an obligation and has to be paid like an obligation isn’t it an obligation?”
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The grave site of the man Branson is “kind a named after.”

..unknowingly drive by the grave marker of the man Branson is “kind a named” after. Continue reading

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Feb. 21 Fishing Report w High Water Running

If you have a boat fishing is excellent. Wading leave a lot to be desired. Continue reading

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Branson Landing – “A Train Track Runs Through It” is the name of a movie or a symphony, isn’t it?

A pedestrian walkway would provide functionality, convenience, and cohesiveness. Continue reading

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New fishing regulations impact Branson’s Lake Taneycomo

Trout Permit required on upper Lake Taneycomo and new daily limits. Continue reading

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Was a “deposit” instrumental in both the birth and death of Branson’s Liberty Tree?

It wasn’t what was done. It was the way it was done! Continue reading

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Fall Creek Bakery- A pleasant step back to the past

A pleasnt respite from today’s world of conveyer belt and truck delivered bakeries. Continue reading

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Feb. 13 Taneycomo Fishing Report

Plan on using deep water techniques but things may be changing. Continue reading

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Branson asks Mayor Lou and the incumbent aldermen, “Will you be my Valentine?”

People do get the type of government they want and deserve!
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Alleluia, at last my prayers have been answered; it’s not the “Chamber Tax” anymore!

…the tax was deficient in terms of accountability, efficiency, and, most of all fairness. Continue reading

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Four Chaplains Sunday ceremony January 30, 2005

The four chaplains saved more than 200 lives when they gave up their life jackets and their lives. Continue reading

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If there’s no “Merry Christmas” in Branson, Missouri now, then where and when?

… isn’t Christmas the official government name of the holiday being celebrated? Continue reading

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Should this man be elected?

“I have no purpose to introduce political and social equality between the white and black races.” Continue reading

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The Upper White River, the mother water of Branson’s Tri Lakes – Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo, and Bull Shoals Lake

The Upper White River is the mother water for the lakes that provide the myriad of the outdoor water recreational activities in the Branson area.
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Australians did not get $5 million and other Branson Landing Info

Branson Landing answers from Branson City Administrator. Continue reading

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Jan. 16 Bret Rader’s deep water fly fishing technique

Deep water techniques are working best with this highwater. Continue reading

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Fountains over people, isn’t the new Branson amazingly obvious?

Is it possible that more planning, funding, and priority has been given to Branson Landing’s fountain by those governing the City of Branson than to insuring that access to the areas only emergency room is maintained? Continue reading

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A cartoon, a consent order, and a Branson Landing “Bingo”

…serve as the poster child for the impotency of Missouri’s election laws Continue reading

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Jan. 8 Be flexible- ESB Slip Float for Deep Water

Were back to running four generators hard. Continue reading

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Keeping “Christmas” in “Chirstmas” Presentation to the Small Business Development Advisory Council of the BLACC

Currently the emphasis seems to be on removing the very word “Christmas” from “Christmas.” Continue reading

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Is the generation pattern changing?

Waters been off, no generation since December 27, fishings been great! Enjoy it while you can. Continue reading

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Are “values” necessary for the success of both President Bush and Branson in 2005?

“…the millions of voters…who said that moral values was the single issue that mattered most to them.” Continue reading

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“Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings” my foot, ‘Merry CHRISTmas!”

The “Grinch” never came any closer to stealing the meaning of Christmas than has being “politically correct.” Continue reading

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With the wrong vision historic downtown Branson is a “dead man walking”

…are creating a new vision to revive the old sector… Continue reading

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Who is the Ole Seagull?

He is but “a lowly seagull walking along after the horse in the parade picking at the droppings.” Continue reading

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Branson, the expectation and the “Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire”

There is no way to judge “the future but by the past.” Continue reading

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56th Adoration Parade to use new parade route

5 p.m. Branson Adoration Parade on December 5 to use new route. Continue reading

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Owen’s Theater serves up some “White Chocolate”

… music has R&B roots with a funky, kinda groove -soulish thing. Continue reading

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A one percent retail sales tax on “Pampers” to bring more people to Branson?

…it seems as if the Branafia has eaten one Burger King too many. Continue reading

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Gary’s Big Four for Lake Taneycomo in Branson Missouri

four jigs and a fly for Lake Taneycomo Continue reading

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Thank “who” for “what” on Thanksgiving?

“No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things.” Continue reading

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Prospective first time visitors to Branson ask, “Can you hear me now?” – Branson better hope so!

…make sure your marketing strategy will accomplish what it is you want it to accomplish before you spend millions of dollars on advertising. Continue reading

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The federal judiciary – the perfect example of “absolute power corrupts absolutely”

…they are not elected, serve for life, and are without accountability… Continue reading

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A Halloween scare – The shortest war since the “six day” war between Israel and Egypt in 1967

One would be hard pressed to deny the reality of the active struggle going on between Branson and Hollister… Continue reading

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Give me a break- paying a tourism tax is a good investment for residents?

…marketing funds that it needs to effectively market all that Branson has to offer.

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Fishing Report- Lake Taneycomo October 24

No nonsense concise report by folks that love to fish Taneycomo… Continue reading

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Big box TIF at Branson Hills is a no brainer!

…driving a nail. Both a rock and a hammer will get the job done… Continue reading

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Fishing Report- Lake Taneycomo October 17

No nonsense concise report by folks that love to fish Taneycomo… Continue reading

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The TIF show and an Ole Seagull’s simplified “but for” TIF test

It will reduce the number of TIFs, their size, and put the risk where it belongs. Continue reading

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Fishing Report- Lake Taneycomo October 10

No nonsense concise report by folks that love to fish Taneycomo… Continue reading

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Branson Band Wins Vahalla Championship

The pressure was on, but months of practice, individual dedication, and commitment paid off… Continue reading

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Fishing Report- Lake Taneycomo October 3

No nonsense concise report by folks that love to fish Taneycomo… Continue reading

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Nixon and “Watergate” – is this Branson’s “Treegate?”

…Dody appears to “be a fountain bubbling over with misinformation”… Continue reading

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Branson’s Newest Attraction – Branson Balloon Soars

200,000 foot 10 story tethered balloon ride opened on August 31..an impressive experience. Continue reading

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Fishing Report- Lake Taneycomo September 26

No nonsense concise report by folks that love to fish Taneycomo… Continue reading

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Fishing Report- Lake Taneycomo September 21

No nonsense concise report by folks that love to fish Taneycomo… Continue reading

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“In Cold Sap” – a story of better government through communications?

…murdered, with chainsaw buzzing and chips a flying, the “Jimmy Jet’s Tree”… Continue reading

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Fishing Report- Lake Taneycomo September 13

No nonsense concise report by folks that love to fish Taneycomo… Continue reading

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Say it’s not so, a travel “time bomb” for students and staff traveling to the high school?

…when the next accident …will be fatal.
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“Fuel” for thought – who needs “full-time jobs with benefits that aren’t seasonal?”

Well golly gee whiz, so the key is to… Continue reading

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Fishing Report- Lake Taneycomo September 5, 2004

No nonsense concise report by folks that love to fish Taneycomo… Continue reading

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Score: “Birds and Trees,” 10 – “City of Branson, DBMA, and Downtown Restaurants,” 0

…and sing “kumbaya” or is someone going to …address the problem?
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Independent my foot- it’s “my way or the highway” and it’s my Highway!

Ron Herschend..”I believe we need a different vehicle to address the issue.” Continue reading

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Fishing Report- Lake Taneycomo August 15, 2004

No nonsense concise report by folks that love to fish Taneycomo… Continue reading

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The Chamber Tax Law

unofficial copy as contained in Chapter 67 RSMo …prepared and formatted by Gary J. Groman, aka The Ole Seagull … Continue reading

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Festival of American Music and Craftsmanship at Silver Dollar City 2004

…over 100 visiting craftsmen and juried artists… Continue reading

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“Family friendly” Branson has no say on the serving of alcohol in its theaters and attractions?

ignored the expansion … of intoxicating liquors into…theatres and attractions Continue reading

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Back to normal generation? Fishing is excellent

Water off for at 0600 for 4th morning in a row…Fishing excellent Continue reading

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Missouri Law & Supreme Court Case- ability of cities to regulate the sale of alcohol

The court, after careful analysis, concluded that the authority of the state to issue a resort license under 311.095.1 was not intended to deprive an incorporated city of the specific authority granted in section 311.220 to license the sale of liquor. Continue reading

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The joy of fishing Chartered Waters for trout on Branson’s Lake Taneycomo

…catch fish…breath taking beauty of upper Lake Taneycomo. Continue reading

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Fishing Report- Lake Taneycomo August 9, 2004

No nonsense concise report by folks that love to fish Taneycomo… Continue reading

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Gays and Lesbians plan a “gay” Labor Day weekend ?

Probably not. Continue reading

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God works His perfect will according to His timing for His purposes, you can bet on it!

Robert Low ..the fight’s not over…”If you are right, you fight.” Continue reading

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On this “the word of God is clear”- He loves those that will vote YES on Amendment 1!!

…wouldn’t our churches be “mired” in loneliness without us sinners? Continue reading

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Fishing Report- Lake Taneycomo August 1, 2004

No nonsense concise report by folks that love to fish Taneycomo… Continue reading

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Branafia egos too big for a “Godfather” but….!

the Highroad …speaks volumes about the Branafia’s… Continue reading

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Fishing Report- Lake Taneycomo July 22, 2004

No nonsense concise report by folks that love to fish Taneycomo… Continue reading

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Branson, Rockaway Beach, Gambling and the World’s Greatest Lies

If gambling comes to Rockaway Beach abortions will increaseand … Continue reading

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What’s the better comparison Rockaway Beach to Las Vegas or Branson to Laodicea?

Of what value is Branson’s vaunted environment of morality, Christianity, and family values… Continue reading

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Fishing Report- Lake Taneycomo July 11, 2004

No nonsense concise report by folks that love to fish Taneycomo… Continue reading

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Branson, the 800 pound TIF gorilla?

…overly creative 800 pound TIF gorilla named …. Continue reading

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Fishing Report- Lake Taneycomo July 1, 2004

No nonsense concise report by folks that love to fish Taneycomo… Continue reading

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“Truth” or “Droppings?” – The public is wise enough to know the difference!

…relate to the reality of what the column actually said about as much… Continue reading

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Well Virginia you’re right “It’s just not fair!”

..their primary motivation has more to do with economics… Continue reading

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Look, up in the sky, it’s the “secret handshake clique” – no wait, it’s the “Branafia!”

“What is the ‘Branafia?” It’s a term that …. Continue reading

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Fishing Report- Lake Taneycomo June 13, 2004

No nonsense concise report by folks that love to fish Taneycomo… Continue reading

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Is the “Herschend Plan” inconsistently consistent or consistently inconsistent?

…”they” want to control what the voters get to vote on and … Continue reading

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Will crime and Viagra sales increase if casino entertainment comes to Rockaway Beach?

…we could not ask for better neighbors.” Continue reading

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If there’s such a thing as a “good tax” the Branson Transportation Tax just might be it!

…best when residents and visitors alike travel on good roads… Continue reading

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Red White & Bluegrass Weekend at SDC 2004

Silver Dollar City Red White & Bluegrass Weekend May 28-30 Continue reading

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Plumb Nellie Days Festival and Craft Show – May 16-18, 2004

Three days of arts and crafts, food, fun, games, special events, and sales… Continue reading

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Branson OZ Award Winners for 2003 Announced

Doug Gabriel Show dominates 2003 Branson Oz Awards … Continue reading

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