Branson Courier

Month: January 2007

  • Is the city of Branson’s use of TIFs a factor in raising school district taxes?

    It was recently announced by the Branson R-IV School District that they will be going to the voters for the first increase in the mil levy on real estate taxes for the district in about 20 years. Might not a reasonable person wonder about the possibility that the city of Branson’s use of Tax Increment Financing, (TIF) is a contributing factor in the need for increased taxes for Branson’s schools?

    Well, they need wonder no more. At a recent Branson Board of Aldermen meeting, the city of Branson’s city administrator, Terry Dody, addressed the issue of the city of Branson’s use of TIFs as relates to the proposed school tax increase. Among other things he said, “They are working enormously successfully and the school district is not having to raise its mil levy because of the TIF districts. The TIF Districts are actually positively impacting them.”

    Now the Ole Seagull isn’t too bright but is there just the possibility that the thousands of relatively low paying jobs that were created by Branson’s TIFs brought lots of new kids into the Branson school district resulting in the increase of thousands of dollars per student per year to educate them? Is it also possible that at the same time, one of the primary sources of funding for the school district, commercial real estate taxes, on the very property used to generate the new students, is being confiscated by the city of Branson for its own economic development purposes?

    “But Seagull, didn’t Dody say that the TIF Districts are actually positively impacting the school district?” Apparently so and in addition it appears that he closed his presentation with the conclusion that “it is absolutely incorrect to say that the school district is having to raise, in part, their mil levy because of the TIFs.”

    It has been the Ole Seagull’s experience that Dody says a lot of things but, at the end of the day, what’s important is the truth. May an Ole Seagull suggest that those having the responsibility for running the Branson school district, its board and administrators, are in a much better position than is Mr. Dody to provide that truth.

    From an Ole Seagull’s perspective, it is inconceivable that the city of Branson’s use of TIFs is not, in the very least, a contributing factor in the school district having to ask the voters for the tax increase. Said another way, and using a paraphrase of Dody’s closing statement, the Ole Seagull believes that “It is absolutely correct to say that the school district is having to raise, at least in part, their mil levy because of TIFs.”

  • Red, Hot… & Blue! Show Moves to Music City Centre

    The cast of Red Hot & Blue!

    A Branson favorite since its debut in 1996, “Red, Hot…& Blue!” is moving to the Music City Centre theatre, on the famous “Branson Strip.” Red, Hot…& Blue will perform nearly 150 shows throughout the 2007 season at its new venue.

    David Sandy, president of David Sandy Productions, Inc. whose company produces the shows at Music City Centre and operates the theater said, “I am so excited about “Red, Hot…& Blue” joining our family of award-winning shows here at Music City Centre.” He went on to point out that, “This show has been a favorite of mine ever since I came to Branson in 2002. I’m very happy to be working so closely with this very talented group of entertainers.” David Sandy Productions also produces the following shows at the Music City Centre, “The Haygoods”,” Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience” and “Tom Mullica’s Red Skelton Tribute.”

    Sandy also pointed out that the shows high-energy, professional team of eight entertainers present an award-winning nostalgic musical journey through the decades from Ragtime to Rock ‘n Roll and beyond. As anticipated, with a new season and location, audiences will enjoy brand new, exciting production numbers. Appealing to all ages, Red, Hot…& Blue continues their show-stopping formula of hilarious wigs, award-winning costumes, precise vocal harmonies, breathtaking choreography, unbelievable musical arrangements and first-class talent.”

    Over the last few years, in addition to its Branson performances, Red, Hot…& Blue! has been spent a lot of time touring and entertaining on cruise ships, in performing arts centers, and other venues over the last few years. Christopher Tucker, the director and co-creator of the show was extremely excited about the move to Music City Centre and said, “It’ll be good to be back performing in Branson on a consistent basis throughout the 2007 season.”

    During February and March Red, Hot…& Blue will be performing at 8 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday. Starting in March they will be doing 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. shows. Click here for on line schedule information or ticket purchase or call 1-800 or 417- for further information.

  • Branson School district to ask voters for first levy increase in over 20 years

    Although there have been bond issues approved by voters over the years, it has been more than 20 years since the Branson School District has asked for an increase in the operating levy. The approval of bond issues were necessary to construct new school buildings needed to serve the rapidly growing student population in recent years.

    The school district will ask voters to approve a 45-cent tax levy increase on the April 3 ballot. Superintendent Dr. Doug Hayter reported Tuesday night that the increase will allow the district to hire at least nine new teachers and 14 support staff members. “We can compete with other schools in attracting staff,” said Hayter. “We also have an increase in fuel costs.”

    The recommended increase is also needed because of the district’s reliance on property taxes, some of which are affected by TIF (tax increment financing) districts in the Branson area. “We have the lowest school levy in the conference, as well as in either Stone or Taney counties,” Hayter said. “We will still be one of the lowest schools in the area with the increase.” The district is a member of the Central Ozarks Conference.

    The current tax levy is $2.75 for operating costs, and $.70 for debt service [$3.45]. The [$.45] increase will bring the total tax levy to $3.90 per $100 of assessed value. Board member Mike Booth said, “From a common sense standpoint, this is something we need to do. If we take care of our people, they’ll take care of our kids.”

    For homeowners, the increase will mean an increase of about $85.50 per year on property assessed at $100,000, or a little more than $7 per month. Chairman of the finance committee, board member Dr.Rick Tallon, commented, “Commercial growth in the area
    doesn’t reflect financially on the school district.”

    In another election issue, the terms of Tallon and Booth are both set to expire. Both men filed for re-election, but there was no opposition candidate, so according to state statute, the men will continue as school board members.

    Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • “Ideas In Ice,” Takes Branson’s First National Ice Carving Competition

    Winning ice sculpture "Ideas in Ice." Titanic
    -themed images by John Flottman of Oklahoma
    City. Photo By: TITANIC Museum Attraction.

    Cold temperatures and rainy conditions didn’t prevent several of the nation’s top ice sculptors from competing in Saturday’s National Ice Carving Association– sanctioned contest at the World’s Largest Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri.

    Spectators gathered under umbrellas during the five-hour outdoor event to watch as the sculptors’ Titanic-themed creations came to life. Several Branson celebrities including the Lennon Sisters and Presleys’ Country Jubilee cast members even dropped by.

    “We were very honored to host Branson’s first national competition,” said Mary Kellogg Joslyn, Titanic museum-attraction co-owner. “All of these carvers are incredibly talented and did an amazing job of memorializing the Titanic.”

    John Flottman of “Ideas In Ice,” based in Oklahoma City, took top honors and $2,500 in cash with his chronological vertical collage of Titanic images. The sculpture portrayed a celebration of Titanic’s maiden voyage, followed by the New York Times announcement of it’s sinking, and finally the wreckage, as seen by a submersible.

    Second place and $1,000 went to Stephan Koch of Indiana Ice Studio, Inc. from Yorktown, Indiana for his sculpture of the Statue of Liberty with the torch in one hand and Titanic in the other.

    Third place and $500 went to Kenneth Burkemper of Ideas In Ice, in Oklahoma City, for his rendition of Titanic’s crows nest and two watchmen.

    The World’s Largest TITANIC Museum Attraction plans to host next year’s National Ice Carving Competition on January 12, 2008. For entry information, please visit, http://www.nica.org/.

    The World’s Largest TITANIC Museum Attraction is Branson’s new landmark tourist destination. The 17,000 square foot, ship-shaped structure – built half scale to Titanic’s original size – towers more than 100 feet above its anchored position on Highway 76. A 90-minute, self-guided tour covers 20 galleries on two decks where more than 400 priceless artifacts that once belonged to Titanic’s passengers or crew are on display. None of the artifacts were retrieved from the ocean’s floor. A creative mix of music from the period is accompanied by dramatic lighting, ambient sound, photographs, video and hands-on devices that give visitors the sensation of being an original passenger on Titanic’s 1912 maiden voyage.

  • The foundation for Branson’s future success is the same as for its past success, values!

    Two things have had a great impact on the way that the Ole Seagull looks at the marketing of Branson. One was a primary finding of the Sterling Branding Study, initiated and paid for by the city of Branson a few years ago. That finding showed that the vast majority of the visitors coming to Branson loved “the product” and would return again.

    To the Ole Seagull, “the product” is the total experience that Branson gives to its visitors. That experience is a mosaic with a constantly evolving combination of live entertainment, attractions, and exciting activities, lakes, natural beauty, lodging choices, dining, shopping etc.

    Some might ask, “But don’t those things exist, to one degree or another in a lot of vacation destinations throughout the country and the world? What is it about Branson’s product that makes it unique?”

    An Ole Seagull would suggest that what makes Branson’s product unique is the foundation upon which it is built and presented. A foundation built and presented on individual entrepreneurship, patriotism, family values, and the heritage and tradition of the Branson area that somehow become an integral part of the Branson experience most of our visitors have.

    That ties directly into the second thing that impacts on the way the Ole Seagull looks at the marketing of Branson. The same Sterling study showed that “values” was one of the primary things that people identified with Branson. Folks, as good as Branson Landing might eventually prove to be for Branson, we could build two Branson Landings, neigh five Branson Landings, and they would not do as much for Branson’s brand as our values and the perception that our visitors have of them.

    The Ole Seagull was privileged to observe the Branson Marketing Summit, held on Jan. 16 and 17. One of the first presentations covered the “intuitive brand truth,” that, “Branson is NOT Las Vegas or New York and Branson is NOT intimidating.” To that an Ole Seagull would say, “Amen, and the more we try to be like them or change ourselves or product to try to be attractive to the types of people that prefer Las Vegas or New York the more of ourselves and the very uniqueness that makes Branson what it is, we risk losing.

    Where is the credible evidence that says Branson needed a new demographic or a new product? It’s interesting to note that although Branson’s percentage of first time visitors rose from 20.4 percent in 2003 to 23.3 percent in 2006 that Branson’s percentage of repeat visitors dropped from 79.3 percent in 2003 to 76.7 in 2006. What is bigger 2.6 percent of 76.7 or 2.9 percent of 23.3 and by how big a margin? In the opinion of an Ole Seagull, Branson’s prayer should be that the decline in the rate of return visitors is an anomaly and not the beginning of a trend.

  • 50’s At The Hop Says Farewell To The Jim Stafford Theatre

    Marvin & his sax - 50's At The Hop
    Marvin & his sax
    50’s At The Hop

    The afternoon of New Year’s Eve marked the final performance of 50’s At The Hop at The Jim Stafford Theatre. The enthusiastic crowd was rewarded with a show filled with energy and fun. Even though this was their final show at this theater, fans will be pleased to know that they are planning to re-open in April in their own theater amongst The Shoppes at Branson Meadows. Photos of this performance can be found in the 50’s At The Hop – Jim Stafford Theatre Album
    at 1Branson.com.

  • It’s a different “show” during Branson’s Winter Season!

    Jim Stafford - Branson, Missouri
    Jim Stafford will be performing during
    Branson’s Hot Winter Fun.

    The simple fact of the matter is that a trip to Branson, Missouri in January is not the same as a trip in August. Most people coming in January are aware of the weather differences and would not expect full slate of water and other outdoor activities more suitable for summer weather. What a lot of first time visitors don’t know, or fully appreciate, is that the show schedule for Branson’s “Winter Season,” is drastically reduced from that available during the “Season,” the rest of the year. Branson’s "Winter Season" runs from approximately the second or third Saturday in Dec. to until about mid March when Silver Dollar City opens and more shows start to open for the season.

    The Branson area has a promotion called “Hot Winter Fun,” which covers roughly the time period of mid December through March 31. It should be remembered when looking at a Hot Winter Fun promotional piece or their web site that, in the majority, the only establishments they are showing are those that are part of the promotion. There are many additional restaurants, shows, retail establishments, etc. that will be open during all or a portion of Branson’s Winter Season that are not part of the Hot Winter Fun promotion. In terms of shows particularly, it should be remembered that just because a show is listed doesn’t mean that it will be open all during the period covered by Hot Winter Fun or that one not listed will not be open for at least a portion of the same period.

    Just a glance at the Hot Winter Fun Show Schedule for the period January 11 through 17, 2007 illustrates the general point. It shows only eight or nine theatres open during that period none of which are Shoji Tabuchi, Andy Williams, Legends in Concert, Darin Romeo, Cirque, Duttons, The Preleys’ Country Jubilee, Shepherd of the Hills, Gatlin Brothers, Oak Ridge Boys, Doug Gabriel, Jim Stafford, or many of the other Branson shows that people coming to Branson might normally expect to see.

    The thing to remember however is there are still plenty of excellent shows open that will entertain “your socks off” and that the schedule of shows opening is constantly changing from now until the “Season” opens. As but one example, although Jim Stafford is not open during the period January 11 through 17 he will be opening on Thursdays through Saturdays with a gradually expanding schedule starting on January 26.

    Obviously, those wanting to see a particular show should check to make sure the show they want to see will be open while they are in town. As was pointed out above, particularly as the Winter Season moves closer to its end there will be shows such as, but not limited to, Shoji Tabuchi, Presleys’ Country Jubilee, etc. that will be opening who are not listed as part of the Hot Winter Fun promotion.

    If the Ole Seagull wanted to see what shows were available on a given date, he would go to the site of a major reputable on line ticket agent such as Reserve Branson.com, enter the dates he was going to be in Branson and scroll through the alphabetical listing looking for shows that will be open on the dates that he indicated. Such a search would show that if he wanted to see the Shoji Tabuchi Show on January 24 he’d best get over it because “There is currently nothing available ” on that date. The same search for March 24 shows that there is a show at 7:30 p.m.

    Obviously, another way to do it would be to go to contact the individual theatres directly either by phone or through their web sites. Either way, a little pre planning can help avoid disappointment and help make your trip to Branson a pleasant experience you won’t ever forget and one that will bring you back to see us again.

    Originally Published In the Branson Courier on Jan. 13, 2007.

  • You can “bank” on a wonderful dining experience at Bottini’s

    Chef Bottini by entrance to the "vault room."

    Originally Published In the Branson Courier on Jan.13, 2007.

    With all the excellent restaurants in Branson why would anyone want to travel 45 minutes down the road to Harrison, Arkansas to go to a restaurant? Well, if it’s a special occasion you are celebrating you can “bank” on this, Bottini’s Restaurant will provide one of the most unique and satisfying dining experiences available anywhere.

    Starting with its unique location in an old bank building through its service and the excellent variety and quality of its food Bottini’s is a dining experience that a lot of visitors to Branson, as well as locals, will appreciate. From fresh baked bread to the desserts everything is prepared on the premises either directly by or under the supervision of owner chef Nicholas Bottini. The Ole Seagull has eaten there three times within the last six weeks with a variety of people and each time the experience has been consistent and delightful.

    We have had a number of Bottini’s appetizers such as Calamari, Chicken Mushroom Raviolis, and, the Ole Seagull’s personal favorite, Smoked Salmon Carpaccio. All have been excellent. Usually there is a choice of two soups, one of which is French Onion, a wonderful tasty combination of lots of onions languishing in a tasty broth that is topped with a crouton and baked cheese. Normally the Ole Seagull is a salad guy and passes on the soup but everyone who tried it raved about it so much I had to try it last time and boy was I glad I did.

    Bottini’s menu has something for everyone. From some of the best steaks you will ever put in your mouth, aged on the premises, to veal, a selection of pastas, seafood, and poultry. But the news gets even better because each item is prepared and served like it is a specialty item.

    Each entrée comes with a choice of soup or tossed green salad, freshly baked bread and an appropriate starch, wild rice, oven-roasted garlic potato, or pasta as appropriate. The Ole Seagull loves steak so he has stuck with the Tornadoes of Beef, twin filets of beef, pan seared and topped with a delightful mushroom cream sauce and sautéed fresh spinach. Well except for the last time when he just had to try the Tornadoes of Beef Oscar, twin filets of beef topped with fresh crab meat and asparagus and a tasty béarnaise sauce. It too was excellent. Another excellent dish that was enjoyed is the fresh Sea Scallops that are pan seared and topped with a mango cream sauce. Of the 14 meals that have been ordered by people with the Ole Seagull on his three visits to Bottini’s there has been nothing but raves on the food.

    Service is an important part of the fine dining experience. The service at Bottini’s is excellent and unobtrusive. There is plenty of water and your every need is taken care of yet, there is not someone hovering over you poring water every time you take a sip or trying to sweep a bread crumb off the table cloth every time you drop one. We have had the same server on all our trips to Bottini’s, Marie. Her extremely personable, efficient, and accommodating service added substantially to the enjoyment of our total dining experience on each and every occasion we visited.

    Above all, save room for dessert. As with just about everything else Bottini’s desserts are all made on premises. Usually there will be a special dessert but their standards Tiramisu, New York style Cheese Cake, and Crème Brule are outstanding. The Tiramisu is so good that the Ole Seagull actually ordered it the second and third time he went instead of one his favorite desserts, Crème Brule. And it wasn’t that the Crème Brule wasn’t outstanding, it was, just that once he tasted his wife’s Tiramisu he had a new favorite.

    Bottini’s unique restaurant building, an old bank, is located at 103 West Rush Street, in Harrison, AR at the corner of West Rush and Business Hwy 65 (Main Street). It is open for lunch Tuesdays through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and for Sunday Brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is closed on Mondays. The phone number is 870-743-9873 and, on most evenings, particularly weekends, reservations are suggested.

  • First Place for the 2006 Branson’s news story of the year goes to “First PLACE”

    The 2006 news story of the year is the continuing story our community working together to make positive character traits part of what our children and grandchildren experience every day, at home, in school, and in the community. The First PLACE program is a commitment by teachers, school administrators and support staff, area businesses, parents, relatives, friends, local government entities, the College of the Ozarks, and others to “foster a community where character is highly valued and intentionally taught.”

    “Oh come on Seagull, you have to be kidding. With all that’s going on down at city hall, the New Branson, 25 story sky scrapers, the city of Branson trying to hijack the term ‘Branson’ for its own use, law suits on Branson Landing, etc. how can that be the local news story of the year?” Quite simply, because, to most people, the future of their children and grand children means much more to them than Branson Landing, the status of the convention center, 25 story sky scrapers, or even the community’s perpetual preoccupation with bringing more first time visitors to Branson.

    Each month of the year a particular character trait is taught and emphasized in the schools. That teaching is then reinforced within the community and at home through First PLACE Partners, businesses and individuals, who have committed to “demonstrating one visible action each month that ties into the trait of the month.” The First PLACE character traits are:

    Respect – treating others with courtesy and honor (September)
    Responsibility – taking ownership of what you say and do (October)
    Citizenship – being loyal to your country (November)
    Compassion/Kindness – caring for others (December)
    Commitment – being true to your word (January)
    Honesty – being truthful in what you say and do (February)
    Cooperation – working together toward a common goal (March)
    Perseverance – demonstrating persistent determination (April)
    Self-discipline – training and control of yourself (May)
    Hospitality – welcoming others in a friendly way (June)
    Patriotism – showing love for one’s country (July)
    Patience – waiting calmly (August)

    The story grows exponentially in importance when the fact that it’s not a matter of whether or not our children are going to have character is acknowledged. They are; it’s just a matter of what type of character they are going to have good, bad, or indifferent. On an individual basis, character is acquired, learned, and developed on a daily basis based on, among other things, environmental factors and the choices individuals make about how they live their lives and what they fill their minds with.

    Proverbs says it best, “For as he thinks within himself, so he is.” In an Ole Seagulls life this basic truth has evolved into a simple irrefutable master guide line, “We will become what we think we are and that is controlled by what we have placed in our minds.” The First PLACE program is dedicated to filling the minds of our children and grandchildren with positive character traits that will help empower them to live up to their fullest potential in a way that will be a blessing to themselves and to others.

    The Ole Seagulls favorite verse of scripture is, “Whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, of excellence, or worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.” As a community and as individuals, the First PLACE program provides the opportunity to not only “dwell on these things” but make them a vital part of the lives of our children and grandchildren, ourselves, and the very community that we call home. The First PLACE program, and the community’s continuing commitment to it, gets the Ole Seagulls vote for the top local story of 2006. What do you think?

  • Can the “New Branson” ever be Branson?

    I was reading the letter that was written to you about the drastic change in Branson in the past few years. I agree totally!!!! It seems to me that the "little guy" is not welcome there anymore. We have been coming to Branson for 15 years. It was appealing to us because of the tremendous history and "hillbilly" atmosphere. Now it seems that it is appealing more to those other than the "average Joe". What really was heartbreaking for us is what happened 2 years ago. We watched as the downtown lake front and city park was demolished only to bring in corporate America stores that DO NOT say Branson. What happened? We miss Branson. When it comes to choosing the almighty dollar over history, (which is what Branson was about, then I have to say "What a shame." Branson may prosper in the "new way", but it will never be Branson again? Ken, Greenville, MS

  • The Grand Jubilee

    Though the image of Branson is in transition, there are plenty classic Branson type shows. Long time Branson visitors often think of The Presley’s or The Baldknobber’s when they think of classic Branson shows. Both of those are great shows that the whole family will enjoy. But I would argue that today The Grand Jubilee is also a new Branson classic.

    People come to Branson to see great music and comedy. That is what put Branson on the map. The Grand Jubilee is one of those great shows that you should put on your list when in town.

    The 76 Country Music Hall at the Grand Country Square houses one of the most intimate and comfortable theatres in town. This is also where you can see one of the best country/variety and comedy shows around.

    I knew that management had made some pretty substantial changes to the show and cast since I had last seen the Grand Jubilee. I have to admit that I was a little leary about what I might see. Would it be as good? Could they possibly improve on what I remembered as one of the best shows in town? With just five minutes of the show behind me, all my fears had faded away.

    The curtains opened and the show was rolling. New South came out singing Only In America, and really got the show off to a great start. The two new members of New South seem to fit perfectly with the show. Mike Patrick, the show producer and MC, really changed the look of the show by adding Matt and Scott. My wife leaned over and said just what every husband loves to hear from their wife. She whispered in my ear, "he’s a hottie." Ladies, they are nice looking men. The show has a much younger and more contemporary feel. However, looks can only take you so far, and along with Trey and Mark, the returning members of the quartet, they continued to astonish the crowd all night with their tight harmonies and smooth sound.

    In the first half alone you will hear New South perform tunes ranging from Bobbie Sue, which seemed to be created just for Mark’s barrel dropping bass voice, to songs like Elvira, Tennessee River and many more that are too numerous to list.

    The show also featured the vocals of Todd Bradshaw and Callie Chambliss. Both lend their phenomenal talent to the production. Before intermission you will hear classic Loretta Lynn at its best and Todd’s rendition of "Behind Closed Door" will have you holding your own sweetie a little closer.

    The close of the first half was my favorite segment of the show. Who doesn’t love good southern gospel music? These guys can do it very well. I was able to sing right along as they lead with classics like How Great Thou Art and When The Saints Go Marching In.

    During intermission the whole crew gathered in the hall to greet and talk to their guests. It does not take long when milling around the crowd to realize that there are many true fans of this show. They come back time-and-time again to be with the friends on stage. I felt that the performers really appreciated their fans. No doubt, that is one reason this show is so popular.

    The second half started with a very unique Elvis tribute. I must admit that I am not the biggest Elvis fan. But that could not stop me from having a great time watching. They started with Jail House Rock and strolled through the "Kings" musical life before landing on Fools Rush In. By the time they were finished, there were at least a half dozen Elvis on the stage, including what I would assume is the only singing female Elvis Impersonator in Branson.

    They ripped through every decade from the 50’s through today. There were guest appearances by the Beatles, Sonny & Cher, the Jackson Five, and Dolly just to mention a few. While the music was as perfect as ever, the audience was in stitches as surprise after surprise paraded across the stage.

    There is no way I could even begin to think about finishing this review without some careful consideration of the Grand Band. Their title truly describes their talent. In an entertainment town full of great musicians, this conglomeration of talent is GRAND. They are as much a part of the production as the vocals. Honestly, there were several times when I wished that there had been more band solo sets.

    As great as the vocals and the band were, I must admit that I am a sucker for the comedy. As a critic, I am open to see any show in Branson regardless of the style. However, personally I always prefer comedy. This show had everything I was looking for. The comedy seemed well timed and kept me laughing all night. Jamie Haage, aka Jim Dandy, has been in Branson for years. He has been part of the Grand Country family for the last few seasons. His comedy style is different from many of the comedians in Branson. Though some of his stuff is physical, I would not describe him as a physical comedian. He does not rely on tons of funny costumes or makeup changes to keep the audience going. There he is in his trademark orange suit. The way he interprets a story, delivers a punch line, or plays off others in the cast will make it easy to see why he is considered one of the funniest men in Branson.

    Make time in your next Branson vacation to see the Grand Jubilee. It is a high energy two hours that you will be telling your friends about when you get home.

    The Grand Jubilee is performed at the Grand Country Music Hall. The theatre is very easy to find. It is located in the heart of Hwy 76. Just look for the huge fiddle sticking out of the building. They perform in the 8:00 p.m. time slot all year. For more information, reserve tickets or check the show schedule visit them online at www.grandcountry.com or call the theatre at (417) 335-3535. Tell them that Heath from the Branson Courier sent you.

  • Does this provide an insight into the reality and truth of “guess who?”

    During the Dec. 11, 2006 meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen, the city of Branson’s highest paid employee, city administrator Terry Dody, took issue with the media’s general coverage of the pitiful display of professionalism and decorum that he and city attorney, Paul Link displayed at the Oct. 23, 2006 meeting of the board. Among other things, Dody was apparently concerned about the Ole Seagull’s column of Dec. 10, entitled, “Is Dody right, should the record reflect that the board is taking no action in violation of our city ordinance?” which is available on line at www.bransoncourier.com under “Editorials.”

    The reason the word “apparently” is used is because Dody never used the word “column” in his comments but instead refers to the very column he is addressing as “an opinion letter to the Branson Daily Independent.” The question could be asked, “Doesn’t Dody know the difference between a “letter,” opinion or otherwise, and a “column” as they normally appear in a newspaper?

    One could get the impression that Dody is no more versed on the difference between an “opinion letter” and a “column” appearing in a newspaper than he is with the “Decorum” provisions contained in sub section 2-54(o) of the Branson Municipal Code. In an Ole Seagull’s opinion, that would be an erroneous impression and Dody’s very carefully chosen choice of words provides an interesting and revealing insight as to his version of reality and truth as compared to the way that most other people would view them under similar circumstances.

    Dody said that he thinks “that there needs to be some clarification” and was going to have “our city attorney make some comments regarding the facts and the comments that were made in that letter.” Those words jumped out at the Ole Seagull because to him, when Dody uses the “C” word, “clarification,” it’s a warning to compare very closely what he is saying to the reality and truth of the situation as most people would understand it given similar circumstances.

    He further states that he wants that clarification “for the public.” The public that read the column read it in this news paper which is distributed free. What better way to provide clarification to that public, and the public in general, than through a written press release to all the media or, at the very least, a letter to the editor of the very paper that published what it was that allegedly needed clarification?

    “Ah Seagull, if he had done that wouldn’t the public have had convenient documented access to exactly what he said from the “horses mouth,” been able to evaluate it, and comment on it?” Of course they would, but how many people who said and acted like Dody did at the Oct. 23, 2006 board of aldermen meeting would really want that to happen?

    Dody, then asked city attorney Paul Link “to make some comments regarding the facts and the comments that were made in that letter regarding that there was no reason that person should have been called out of order…” May an Ole Seagull suggest that, the column, which as indicated above, is on line for all to read, contained no “facts” or “comments” stating there “was no reason that person should have been called out of order” or “was not out of order.”

    “But Seagull, Dody says it does.” Well, although that doesn’t, in the opinion of an Ole Seagull, make it so, it does provide yet another opportunity to the public for a clarifying, interesting, and revealing insight as to his version of reality and truth as compared to the way that most other people would view them under similar circumstances.