Category Archives: Editorials

The game of Seweropoly between Taney County and Branson is a real stinker!

…health hazards caused by leeching septic fields and overflowing septic tanks… Continue reading

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Is Branson a “headache and a pain in the neck” for Missouri’s Sunshine Law?

…Aldermen hold closed meetings that the law doesn’t require them to… Continue reading

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Why won’t Branson’s major shows and attractions support the Gas Busters program?

Is the real purpose of Branson’s Bas Buster Program to get “free” publicity? Continue reading

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Is Branson’s outrageous shame, not protecting its pedestrians?

…the nearest pedestrian cross walk is not a viable choice…there are none.
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Will Branson’s children being educated in 2012 be as blessed as those being educated in 2005?

..what should be the primary concern, the quality of the education that… Continue reading

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Is it new stuff that will enable Branson to prosper in 2006 and beyond? Not hardly!

It’s remaining true to Branson’s values and family entertainment roots… Continue reading

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Not everyone wants to live in Branson’s Briar Patch

John Logan, Branson’s premier editorial cartoonist, shares his impression of being involuntarily annexed into the “big city.” 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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Australians did not get $5 million and other Branson Landing Info

Branson Landing answers from Branson City Administrator. 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Nixon and “Watergate” – is this Branson’s “Treegate?”

…Dody appears to “be a fountain bubbling over with misinformation”… 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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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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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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“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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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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Amendment 1 would create jobs

…a “yes” vote on Amendment 1 will be good for Taney County and Missouri. 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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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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Branson, the 800 pound TIF gorilla?

…overly creative 800 pound TIF gorilla named …. 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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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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A Seagull’s take on the separation of church and state – The Foundation

Can any reasonably thinking person really believe … Continue reading

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Is the “Secret Handshake Clique” alive and well?

“the city council and the city administrator are against this legislation.” Continue reading

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Once a “feat” always a “feat” but not if the “feater” is named “Fred!”

…the name he associated with the voice didn’t have a first name of Fred….
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Do “they” give a hoot about letting the residents of Taney county vote on issues affecting them?

..interesting concept, letting people vote on issues affecting their county… Continue reading

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“Yea! Yea! it’s a WOW” of an “Easter,” whoops sorry “Incentive,” egg hunt at Branson Landing!

Branson Landing “incentive truth” is somewhat like an Easter Egg hunt. Continue reading

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“Lemonade” from Highroad “prune” – at what cost?

“Highroad”…one of the heaviest traveled roads in southewest Miossouri? Continue reading

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Based on the public record – shouldn’t Branson city officials be commended?

Not “sainthood” just that we keep things in perspective… Continue reading

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“Blue light special” On Branson Landing Incentives!

Could make Martha Stewarts problems seem like a “blue light special.” Continue reading

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Branson Board of Alderman Huff puffs “humor?”

Huff wanted to add humor…here’s some potential “belly busters.” Continue reading

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Priority, dollars, image, and class – Branson Board of Aldermen style!

A rare glimpse into their deliberative process … Continue reading

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One Ward does not a “referendum” make!

Branson Landing will not be affected by Ward 1 results. Continue reading

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Is the “Herschend Plan” worth the gamble?

How anyone who believed that something was a cancer, could sacrifice … Continue reading

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Is Branson gambling by ignoring the expansion of alcohol into its theatres and attractions?

Seagull Musings Column for February 15, 2004 A recent article appearing in the January 30-31 edition of this paper entitled, “Pennel continues push for alcohol resolution,” reported on local resident Chuck Pennel’s continuing quest for the Branson Board of Aldermen … Continue reading

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Branafia for one, a “Merry Christmas” for most, and “let’s pray” for all!

Branafia for one, a “Merry Christmas” for most, and “let’s pray” for all! The Ole Seagull had the opportunity to speak at the Jan. 26 meeting of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB Board of Directors regarding … Continue reading

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WOW, financially Branson Landing might not be WOW!

Some probably expect another column cautioning about the possibility of..but.. Continue reading

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Does this add new meaning to C of O’s Five Fold Mission or what?

College of the Ozarks fires the messenger keeps the problem. Continue reading

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Is the success or failure of Branson Landing linked to its incentive process?

“Could the incentive process be prostituted?” Of course it could but… Continue reading

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XMAS, Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings or CHRISTmas?

Without CHRIST you can’t even spell CHRISTmas….. Continue reading

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Cost to city taxpayers for chambers private web site “millions” – benefit to the chamber “priceless”

Millions spent and city doesn’t own a website! Continue reading

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Without “Giving” There Is No “Thanksgiving”

To whom are we GIVING “Thanks?” Continue reading

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Would Truman Apologize For Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

Truman said, “Let there be no mistake about it Continue reading

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Billions to rebuild Iraq’s infrastructure while ours is deteriorating – that’s nuts!

The politicians start wars and the people they serve bleed, die … Continue reading

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HCW invests $180 million in what “has been likened to San Antonio’s Riverwalk” or, is it the Titanic?

…investment in the project…is 180 million” where has it been spent? Continue reading

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The “Odyspin Virus” – Part 2 – Liquor regulation in Branson is what “Odyspin” dictates

the expansion of the drinking of alcoholic beverages into its theatres …
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Seagull Mussings- The “Odyspin Virus” – Part 1 – Silence the public

In the perfect illustration of “much ado about nothing,” … Continue reading

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The State Auditor says “thank God” as an Ole Seagull says “God help us!”

At State Auditor’s Audit Report presentation, on July 30, 2003… Continue reading

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Is it still the “chamber tax?” Probably so but it doesn’t have to be!

In its current form it’s still the “Chamber Tax” but that can be changed. Continue reading

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“Remember the Alamo” and celebrate its spirit

It represents that which is courageous, honorable, and worthy of commitment in the hearts of individuals and nations…. Continue reading

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Let’s go to the theatre, grab a beer, and complain about gambling in Rockaway Beach

What’s the difference between drinking in Branson’s theatres or gambling? Continue reading

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It’s “cockamany” – they report what they want to report the way they want to report it

Newspapers report what those who control them want them to…… Continue reading

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If this is “visionary” then being an “againner” can’t be all that bad

The June 2, 2003, “Ozarks Business” column entitled, “Branson needed its againners for better deals,” written by Springfield News Leader Columnist Paul Flemming, was about “againners” and “visionaries.”The column appears to be based on the unsubstantiated opinions of long time … Continue reading

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Will the high road, drinking, and gambling help Branson – Like DUH!

What could the High Road have to do with gambling and drinking? …… Continue reading

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Teaching – nobleness in its truest sense

In terms of a “profession” America’s future does not lie in the hands of Presidents, politicians, lawyers, doctors,…. Continue reading

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WOW! A dire warning for Branson Landing?

Could a recent article, about the Wonders of Wildlife Museum … Continue reading

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“Y” is Branson “shook” up on the “trail” to a fitness center?

Why would both the City of Branson and the Tri Lakes YMCA are consider building, competing fitness centers? Continue reading

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The “Seagull’s View” on “Our View” – the voters have spoken!

Branson voters support Branson Landing 58% to 42%? Continue reading

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Will the Governor “slobber” in his cornflakes too?”

City/developer STIF indiscretions could cause the Governor to Continue reading

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“The buck stops here” – Governor Holden

Is Branson eligible for $23-80 million in State TIF? Continue reading

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Americas “nobleness” – Her Teachers

America’s future does not lie in the hands of Presidents, politicians,… Continue reading

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Branson has the Highroad, how can it have traffic congestion problems?

What is the millions spent on the Highroad had actually been spent on solving Branson’s traffic problems? Continue reading

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Abide these nine, but the greatest of these is “responsibility”

Responsibility, taking ownership of what you say and do, is not a matter of choice. Continue reading

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