Branson Courier

Month: June 2007

  • Andrea Cantu -Teenager missing in Branson since Jun. 14

    The following email information was received relative to a missing teenager in Branson. “I am sending out this flyer in the hope that someone may help us find Andrea [Cantu]. She is my 15 year old granddaughter who disappeared from her home on June 14, 2007. We have not heard from her since that time. We have searched diligently but so far have turned up no leads. If you would please post this flyer or keep an eye out for her I would appreciate it. We believe she is still in the Branson area but we have not been able to confirm. Please keep all of us in your prayers, especially Andrea. Thank you.”

    The flyer, reproduced below, asks anyone having any information on Andrea’s whereabouts to call Rahl or Angie Cantu at 417-263-1418 or 263-7140 and states that there is a $2,000 reward.

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  • Branson celebrates the Fourth with multiple firework displays!

    The Fourth of July will be celebrated with numerous fire works displays throughout the Branson area. To insure a good viewing point it is suggested that you be in position at least an hour before “dusk.” For additional information please call the contact number given below.

    Fireburst -Fireworks Display
    Location: Kimberling City
    Contact: Kimberling City Table Rock Chamber of Commerce – Phone: 1-800-595-0393
    Date/Time: July 4/ Dusk
    Comments: Good Viewing Area: Right on Route 13 in downtown Kimberling City, near Kimberling City Shopping Mall, about 6 miles south of Branson West. Can be viewed very well from Table Rock Lake near the north end of the bridge..

    Chateau on the Lake
    Location: Just north of Table Rock Dam on State Highway 165/265
    Contact: 417-334-1161
    Date/Time: Monday, July 4, 2005/ Dusk.
    Good Viewing Areas: From Table Rock Lake via boat or park in loop just south of new over run floodgates on Table Rock Dam or the Chateau’s public areas.

    Hollister’s 4th of July Fireworks Display and Celebration
    Location: Historic Downing Street in Hollister
    Contact:Phone: 417-334-3050
    Date/Time: July 4/ Dusk
    Good Viewing Area: Along Business Hwy 65 in Historic downtown Hollister.

    Rockaway Beach 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks Display
    Location: Downtown Rockaway Beach
    Contact: – Rockawy Beach Chamber of Commerce – Carol Szabo – 417-561-4280
    Date/Time: July 4. Activities run from 3-9 PM with Fireworks starting at 9:00
    Comments: Activities, food, and fun for the whole family with entertainment, professional skateboarding exhibition, and Army Blackhawk Helicopter on display. Fireworks can be viewed from Lake Taneycomo.

    Big Cedar Lodge
    Location: Off State Highway 86 in Ridgedale.
    Contact: 417-335-2777
    Date/Time: July 4/ Dusk
    Good Viewing Area: In front of Registration Building or from Table Rock Lake.

    Show Boat Branson Belle
    No guarantees and you take your chances but the 8:00 PM Dinner Cruise has been known to anchor and watch Big Cedars display. Then they have their “Show.” Gets in about 45 minutes later than usual. Call 417-338-2611 for info

  • July Is Beach Boys Month At The RFD-TV The Theatre

    Beachboys to appear at RFD-TV the Theatre.

    The Theatre announces nine scheduled appearances with the Beach Boys during the month of July. Fans will have multiple chances to see the Boys in concert between July 2-5 and July 25-29. For two hours each night, Beach Boy original Mike Love and his Boys are turning the RFD-TV aisles into Branson Beach–literally.

    An American classic rock and roll band, the Beach Boys have recorded 26 U.S. Top 40 hits, selling more singles and albums than any other American rock band in history. Since their beginning in 1960, the band has sold out shows around the world and in 1988 band members were inducted into the National Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame. Popular songs include California Dreamin’, Wouldn’t It Be Nice and Good Vibrations among others.

    The RFD-TV concert dates in July are fitting. The Beach Boys are “America’s Band” and are widely associated with the 4th of July for good reason. It was Love’s idea to put on a free 4th of July concert on the grounds of Washington Monument, beginning in 1980 to celebrate America. But in 1983, Secretary of the Interior James Watt declared that the Beach Boys brought an “undesirable element” among their fans to the public property and he banned the Boys from holding their free concert. After an ensuing national uproar, Watt resigned and First Lady Nancy Reagan personally invited the band to come back to perform on July 4, 1984, leaving a mark in American history. Now it is time to make RFD-TV history.

    Tickets to this popular concert series go on sale Memorial Day for $44 plus tax. All shows start at 7:00 p.m. Once the concert is over, all RFD-TV and Beach Boys’ guests are invited to celebrate America by watching the spectacular Celebration City Laser Light and Fireworks Show atop the theatre’s hillside. RFD-TV The Theatre strongly extends a warm invitation to all families looking for a memorable night and vacation.

    For more information or tickets to see The Beach Boys in concert, please call (417) 322-2282 or visit www.RFDTV.com. RFD-TV The Theatre is located at 4080 West Hwy 76.

    Photo courtesy of RFD-TV website.

  • Branson – A fresh water fisherman’s paradise!

    By the Staff of the Branson/Lakes Area CVB

    Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
    President, Ross Summers, catching an early
    moring Rainbow trout on Lake Taneycomo.

    As quietly as possible you load your tackle box and gear into the boat. There are no other sounds as you walk from your cabin down to the dock. The chirps of a cardinal off in the trees or the sounds of ducks landing on the water don’t disturb your silence. Far removed from your usual hectic morning routine, it would take more than these sweet sounds to break your concentration. There are bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish cruising beneath the dock and along the nearby shoreline. You’ll want to fish your way out of the cove.

    Branson, Missouri, is one of the most popular fishing destinations in the country. Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo offer fishermen not only great angling but also some magnificent scenery and an extraordinary variety of accommodations. From a basic cabin or regular motel room to luxury lodging, Branson has it all, with more than 100 resorts adjacent to its pristine lakes.

    A fishing vacation to Branson has everything fishermen and women want. There are secluded places to fish, but you are close to all the other things you like when you are away from home: a comfortable place to stay, good food, fun, shopping and entertainment. And remember: What happens in Branson . . . becomes a treasured memory – whether it is the new fly rod you bought, the photos in your album, or a trophy fish on your wall.

    Lake Taneycomo flows through historic downtown Branson and right by the new Branson Landing. The Powersite Dam on the White River created Lake Taneycomo. And with the completion of Table Rock Dam in 1958, which turned Taneycomo into a coldwater lake, it has become one of the best trout fishing areas in the United States. Nearly one million trout are released each year from the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery into Lake Taneycomo.

    This narrow lake winds through the hills and hollows of the Ozarks in Branson; and water coming from Table Rock Dam creates a current, making it seem more like a river than a lake. Fishermen go for record rainbow and brown trout, using bait as well as artificial lures. The upper portion of Lake Taneycomo is favored by fly-fishermen and waders.

    River Run Outfitters, owned and operated by Stan and Carolyn Parker, is located on Highway 165, just about one-half mile north of Table Rock Dam. In the spring of 2007 Orvis awarded River Run Outfitters with the 2006 Orvis Endorsed Outfitter of the Year. The presentation was made at a rendezvous of Orvis guides and outfitters held in Cody, Wyoming. The Parkers have fished rivers and lakes in this Ozarks area for more than 30 years. Their shop offers fly-fishing equipment for men and women, as well as everything for every angler’s fly-tying needs. For a unique experience in the Ozarks, they offer guided fly fishing trips in western-style drift boats.

    Lake Taneycomo is lined with resort motels and cabins, cottages, as well as bed and breakfast inns, with accommodations for every taste. If you are staying at or near Branson Landing, you’ll be close to the new Bass Pro Shops. It is a paradise for fishermen and has absolutely everything you need for fishing on Lake Taneycomo or Table Rock Lake, from bobbers ’n’ bait to boats. Table Rock Lake is more than 52,000 acres of clear water, with more than 800 miles of shoreline. Table Rock was designed built and is still controlled by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Any building along the shoreline is restricted. This means fishermen and boaters on the lake enjoy unspoiled views of Ozarks wildlife, rock bluffs and hundreds of varieties of trees. You might share your cove with a family of raccoons having a bite to eat along the water’s edge or maybe spot deer swimming across the water ahead of you.

    Table Rock Lake is famous for its bass fishing and plays host to many fishing tournaments each year. Largemouth, smallmouth, white bass and Kentucky spotted bass can make a fisherman’s dreams come true. And some anglers also love fishing for crappie, bluegill, catfish and paddlefish. The submerged timber makes a wonderful environment for the fish. Table Rock State Park Marina and other commercial boat docks provide fuel, supplies, and boat and equipment rentals… Along with advice about “what they’re bitin’ on this week.” Guide services are available, too, on both lakes.

    If your fishing trip to Branson includes some non-fishermen (but who doesn’t like to fish?!), there are plenty of activities to keep them happy, from morning ’til night. Table Rock Lake temperatures range from an average of 42°-47° in the winter to 85°-90° in the summer. Boating, swimming, skiing, parasailing, scuba diving and snorkeling are popular water sports here. Back on land, the shopping, shows, theme parks, family attractions and dining will entertain all of you.

    The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama and Silver Dollar City have attracted visitors to Branson for more than forty years. Celebration City is the newest theme park. They all offer daytime and evening fun for “kids of all ages.”

    The Live Music Capital of the World offers visitors more than 100 shows. Tap your toe to your favorite style of music or laugh it up with a great comedian, Branson has entertainment for everyone. And you certainly won’t go hungry! Enjoy cuisine from fine dining to all-you-can-eat buffets and everything in between.

    Branson resorts have a wide range of amenities and services. Big Cedar Lodge on Table Rock Lake offers guests rustic elegance, with accommodations that include log cabins and Adirondack-style lodges, a spa, several restaurants, boat dock and marina, as well as horseback riding, special activities for children, and more.

    Indian Point on Table Rock Lake is another popular spot for fishermen and other visitors to Branson. Resorts, motels, campgrounds, RV hookups, marinas, cruises, restaurants and shops are all available. Many of the accommodations on Indian Point, and other lodging around Branson, include kitchens so that you can enjoy a meal out on your deck… before heading out again to fish!

    It was in 1907, 100 years ago, that Harold Bell Wright’s The Shepherd of the Hills was published. People started traveling to Branson to see the beautiful Ozarks country he wrote about in his best-selling novel. Many things have changed over the years, but the wonderful hospitality of the people that live here is still the same! Great fishing, naturally beautiful scenery, wonderful accommodations, family attractions and Ozarks hospitality . . . Branson has it all!

  • The Ole Seagull’s review of Branson’s “Take It To The Limit Tribute to the Eagles”

    The Ole Seagull will readily admit that he didn’t even know who the Eagles were when he went to do a review of the "Take It To The Limit Tribute to the Eagles" appearing at Branson’s Grand Place theatre on the evening of June 19, 2007 but, trust me, he does now! Eagle fan or not, no gimmicks here, just about two hours of great music, number after number, presented by one of the most talented energetic casts he has seen.

    Eagles tribute band Take It To The Limit at The Grand Palace
    A tribute to the Eagles from beginning to end.

    For those who don’t want to read a whole review here’s the Ole Seagull’s one paragraph review containing all that most folks will need to know about this show. Eagle fans will just love it. Why? Well according to one fan who said that he has seen the actual Eagles perform, "You could close your eyes and you could almost swear you were listening to the original." Those who are not familiar with the Eagles will enjoy this show because of the variety of music covered, the musicality and enthusiasm of the cast, and the unique blend of five part harmony, great solo singing, and instruments that is just a joy to experience.

    Those wanting a high production variety show with dancing and comedy etc. need to look elsewhere. This show is unabashedly a musical tribute to the Eagles and their music, from the first to the last number.

    Branson's Eagles Tribute Band - Tim Coday
    Producer Tim Coday at the keyboards.

    The Eagles are famous for not only their hits but the sound they, if not created, certainly popularized; the southern California sound that combined rock and country into a unique sound that was just right for the 70’s. The show’s producer, Tim Coday, has done an excellent job in producing a show that takes full advantage of the versatility of the Eagles music and integrates it into a show that holds the audiences interest as it moves from one number to the next all the while providing variety, either in the type of music itself or the way it was presented.

    Branson Eagle Tribute Band - Take It To The Limit - Eric Rankin
    High energy vocals courtesy of Eric Rankin.

    The lead vocalist is Erik Rankin. He was featured in a number of songs such as "Life in the Fast Lane," "Wasted Time," "James Dean," and the Eagles remembrance of 9-11, "Hole in the World." His rendition of "Desperado" and "Hotel California" and the trumpet of Tim Coday and the guitar duet of Chris Wainscott and Larry Holiday on "Hotel California" made it a great way to end the show.

    Eagles Tribute Band in Branson, MO - Robbie Danna
    Greg Morton provided vocals and guitar.

    Like the original Eagles many of its members were excellent instrumentalists as well as vocalists. Except for drummer Dannel T. One, a.k.a. Taz and Chris Wainscott on Acoustic Guitar, all the other band members, Tim Coday on Keyboards, Robbie Danna, Bass Guitar, Chris Wainscott, Acoustic Guitar, Greg Morton, guitar, and Larry Holiday, guitar also do vocals in the show. Lance Conque, the other keyboard player was on his honeymoon the night of the review and Darrell Croy was sitting in for him.

    Branson Eagles Tribute Band Take It To The Limit - Larry Holiday
    Larry Holiday did a great job on guitar and vocals.

    The combination of Robbie Danna on doing the vocal and the beautiful trumpet introduction by Tim Coday made "Tequila Sunrise" really standout. Other show highlights were Larry Holiday as the featured vocalist in "Lyin Eyes" and "Take It To The Limit," Tim Coday, in "Take It Easy," "Already Gone, "and Peaceful Easy Feeling," and Greg Morton in "One of These Nights" and his beautiful rendition of "Love Will Keep Us Alive. The explanation of how "There’s A Hole In The World," came into being as well as the beautiful harmony involved as it was presented was special.

    Interestingly, the Ole Seagull took his two granddaughters, one going into her freshman year and the other sixth grade and both enjoyed the show and thought other kids their age would too. If you want to see a show with a unique sound, presented by an extremely talented and energetic cast, with music that has endured from the 70’s into the 21st century then "Take It To The Limit Tribute To The Eagles" is for you.

    The "Take It To The Limit Tribute To The Eagles" show will be appearing at The Grand Palace through October 27, 2007. Click here for access to addtional information and schedules.

    Photos by Basil Groman

    Complete more photos of Take It To The Limit – Eagles Tribute Show can be found here.

  • Excited About What Branson Believes & Sight and Sound Theatre

    I just wanted to say I really enjoyed reading what you said in what "We Believe." You HIT the nail on the head.

    I am so "excited" about the new theatre coming in about Noah’s Musical. There was an article in the Kansas City Star newspaper, and I have emailed several people about it already.

    Thank you for sending your informative emails to me.Brenda, Gladstone, MO. [Editors note: For more information about Sight and Sounds first Branson production “Noah-the Musical” click here.

  • The Shepherd of the Hills Celebrates Centennial

    The Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead and Old Mill Theatre in Branson will celebrate the centennial anniversary of the 1907 publication of the literary phenomenon, Harold Bell Wright’s, “The Shepherd of the Hills,” on July 6-8, 2007. The three day celebration, that is open to the public, will be attended by a host a dignitaries including Missouri’s lieutenant governor. A search is on for the thousands of cast members who have been in the outdoor drama over the past 48 years so that they may be honored.

    "It was the book that started it all," said Keith Thurman, director of the show, The Shepherd of the Hills. The outdoor drama is performed at the Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theatre to which tourists have flocked for 48 years. "It’s an uplifting tale of the people who lived in the Ozark Mountains of southern Missouri. The book became an immediate bestseller and started tourists coming to the Ozarks and the rest, the say, is history."

    Missouri’s Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder and Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley are among a host of dignitaries and celebrities who have agreed participate in the celebration, according to Thurman.

    "In the 48 years The Shepherd of the Hills has been performed here, there have been literally thousands of cast members," Thurman, said. "Some members of the cast have been with the show for years, such as Dorthy Kniffer who is celebrating her 40th season this year, others have been a part of the show for a single summer or less."

    Past cast members will be honored with a reception. Anyone who has been a part of show should contact Ashlee Ingram at 1-800-OLD-MATT (653-6288) ext. 4621 or e-mail aingram@oldmatt.com.

    Among the festivities are a specially prepared video presentation, fireworks and a parade through the Historic Homestead. Sunday’s events include a traditional "All Day Meetin’ with Dinner on the Grounds" with a church service on Inspiration Point, a gospel sing-along with Logan Ridge Revival and other gospel singers and games. Seating is limited, for reservations call 1-800-OLD-MATT.

    Each day’s activities will conclude with a performance of the most performed outdoor drama in the country recognizing the centennial release of Wright’s book, the first book in history to sell over one million copies, even outselling the works of such talented authors as Hemmingway and Gray.

    Wright was a Christian minister who was in poor health and discovered he could minister to a greater number of people through writing than he could from the pulpit. On a doctor recommended journey to find a gentler climate for his ill health, he was stopped in the Ozarks by the White River that was at flood stage. The ferry operator told him of the Ross Homestead where he would be welcomed until the river was crossable. Wright became so enchanted with the Rosses and the others in the community that he returned to their homestead for the next seven summers and penned The Shepherd of the Hills story. The pre-release of 1,500 copies was July 6, 1907 and quickly sold out. Fans of the book began flocking into the Ozarks to see the people and places Wright so eloquently described. The arrival of the railroad brought even more visitors, and by the early 1920s reenactments of the book were being performed on the lawn of the Ross home, or Old Matt’s Cabin, as it became known.

    The Shepherd of the Hills was required reading in Missouri schools and visitors continued to pour into the hills. A theater troupe performed the story on the Taneycomo lakefront in downtown Branson, and Marvel Cave began to develop into Silver Dollar City. The Mabe brothers started a music show for visitors and took on the name of the fierce vigilante group, the Baldknobbers. The Shepherd of the Hills found a permanent home in an amphitheatre carved into a rugged hillside on the Ross homestead, and Old Matt’s gristmill became the setting for the stage. The Presley’s soon joined in with their theater on Highway 76, and the tourism boom in Branson was well underway.

    The public is invited to participate in this very special weekend planned by The Shepherd of the Hills cast and crew. For more information call 417-224-2077.

  • Branson’s elected officials are regaining the “benefit of the doubt position”

    Prior to the April elections, there was the sense of a basic disconnection between the government of the city of Branson and a lot of the people and businesses that it served. In large part this was caused by the public’s perception of the attitude of certain high level nonelected city officials and the failure of Branson’s elected mayor and aldermen to even recognize that there was a problem let alone correct it. While running for the office of mayor, prior to the April election, then candidate, now newly elected city of Branson mayor, Raeanne Presley described the situation as an “attitude at city hall that borders on arrogance” and pledged that if elected that attitude “will not stand.”

    Well the April elections have come and gone and the voters overwhelmingly voted for change as they voted out long term incumbents in both the mayoral and aldermen races. The net result is that out of the seven elected governing positions, the mayor and six aldermen, there are now four new people, mayor, Raeanne Presley, and three new aldermen, Stephen Marshall, Sandra Williams, and Bob McDowell. Alderman Dick Gass, Jack Purvis, and Stan Barker, from the previous administration, did not have to stand for reelection and comprise the other three aldermen on the board.

    The question that comes to mind is what has changed since the election? Perhaps a chance encounter that the Ole Seagull had recently can shed some light on the situation. As he was walking down the promenade at one of Branson newest attractions, Branson Landing, an employee standing outside the door of their establishment asked “Are you the real one?” After making sure that he liked at least some of his columns, the Ole Seagull “fessed up” and had the pleasure of chatting with him for a few minutes.

    The very first thing the person said was words to the effect of, “It seems like things are changing for the better at city hall since the election.” The very next thing however, was the question, “Are things really as they seem?” The answer to that question is an overwhelming, “Yes!”

    Perhaps the greatest evidence of the change is apparent in the actions and conduct of city of Branson’s administrator, Terry Dody, and its attorney Paul Link during the board’s business meetings. It is obvious to all in attendance that Mayor Presley has made good on her promise that if elected the arrogance at city hall “would not stand.”

    Prior to the election, the “Branson Namegate” issue caused great public concern not only because of the pettiness of the city of Branson saying it had some legal right to control the term “Branson” but with some of the abusive intimidating tactics involved with the effort to do so. One of the first acts of the new mayor and board of aldermen, after being elected, was to reverse the actions of the previous administration in this regard.

    In the short time the new administration has been in office, changes have been put into effect that make the city of Branson’s government more people friendly and open. As but a few examples, the city’s ordinances are now available on line, there are expanded written minutes, on line audio files of the board of aldermen meetings, and meeting agendas are available enough in advance so that the public and their elected officials have time to prepare for those meetings. Members of the public have been added to each of the city’s administrative/supervisory committees and there is open public discussion of topics that, in the opinion of an Ole Seagull, under the previous administration, would have been discussed primarily in closed executive session.

    When he was running for office prior to the Apr. election, then candidate Bob McDowell, in speaking of the manner in which he believed the public perceived the previous administration, said, “They have lost the benefit of the doubt position.” In an Ole Seagull’s opinion, in the short time of their new administration, aldermen McDowell, Williams, Marshall and mayor Presley have made huge strides towards regaining that “benefit of the doubt position” in the hearts and minds of those they govern. Thank you!

  • What came first, “the chicken or the egg” or Branson’s “the Dodink before the Dapprich?”

    At the city of Branson’s Alderman’s public Work Session on June 5, Alderwomen Sandra Williams said words to the effect that she disagreed with changing the time limit of speakers from ten to five minutes and that she would be making a statement against it when the issue came up at the Jun. 11 Branson Board of Alderman’s meeting but that she would be nice about it. Alderman Jack Purvis said words to the effect of, “As long as you’re nice about it.” Oh, that he had had the class and wisdom to stop there but, he demonstrated neither. Instead, Purvis went on to say, “Just don’t Dapprich us, OK.”

    Pam Dapprich had been waging a tenacious and persistent battle seeking an apology from the city of Branson for the now infamous “Branson Namegate” letter of Sep. 15, 2006. That’s the letter sent to her by the city of Branson and signed by its attorney, Paul Link that tried to use a blend of coercion, deceit, bullying, and harassment to force Dapprich to drop the name “Branson” from the name of her not for profit organization, the “Branson Sports Club Inc.” She also fought to get the city to back off the heavy handed legal tactics it was using as it tried to develop a legal claim that it currently didn’t have in a misguided effort to control the future use of the name “Branson.”

    It was a battle that received no support from the elected mayor or board that was then in power. However, it was a battle that highlighted very clearly, to the public, yet another example of how out of touch with the electorate the elected officials and the “Dodink Law” they failed to control was.

    “Dodink Law” was a term the Ole Seagull used to categorize his opinion of the actions of the previous mayor and board of aldermen regarding their failure to exert control over the actions of the city of Branson’s administrator, Terry Dody and its attorney, Paul Link. Actions that, in the Ole Seagull’s opinion, and as evidenced very clearly in the Branson Namegate letter of Sep. 15, 2006, appeared to involve the use of intimidation and coercion to try to get businesses to give into the demands of the city or face the alternative of fighting its unlimited resources.

    The good news for most people is that Dodink Law is a thing of the past because in the April election the voters took care of the portion of the problem they could by electing a new mayor and three new aldermen. The voters could not express their feeling toward Aldermen Purvis, Gass and Barker however because they will not be up for re-election until April of 2008. One of the first things the new administration did was reverse the position of the old administration regarding the Branson name change and issue a general apology for the letters that the city of Branson had sent out.

    At the Jun. 11 meeting of the city of Branson’s board of aldermen, when the Ole Seagull asked Purvis why he had made such an inane and divisive statement regarding Dapprich his reply was, “I made that Statement Mr. Groman because Mrs. Dapprich has used all kinds of verbiage to describe us from snakes to other descriptive adjectives. That’s why I made that statement.”

    It should be pointed out that Dapprich was not involved, even remotely, in what was being discussed at the time Purvis made his gratuitous statement and in all the appearances she made before the city counsel there is no record of Purvis ever asking the presiding officer to call her out of order for anything she said as permitted by the council’s decorum rules. To an Ole Seagull, Purvis’s statement about Dapprich appears to be a chauvinistic sexist Freudian slip back to the way he believes things used to be run under the previous administration, where a lot of the city’s business was conducted in closed executive session and behind closed doors.

    Is it totally inappropriate to advise Purvis that the cloak of invisibility previously provided by the city’s inordinate use of closed sessions is not as wide as it used to be so he might want to consider exercising a tad more control over what he says in meetings? Before casting dispersions on Mrs. Dapprich maybe Purvis and those of like ilk should answer a paraphrase of the old adage, “What came first, the Dodink or the Dapprich?”

  • Branson’s Lake Taneycomo – expect running water…

    Since the last report, I have only gone fishing twice. Used the 100th ounce River Run Peach Fur bug fished on an indicator at a depth of about 4 feet using 6x Orvis Mirage fluorocarbon tippet and averaged about eight fish per hour. With the recent rain and Table Rock at about 917 plus, two feet over power pool, it is reasonable to expect that water will be running. As this is being written the tail water elevation is 705 it is normally 701.3 but yesterday it was up to 710 plus. To get the status of the current water flow from Table Rock Dam see “Dam Generation and Water Levels – Critical Considerations” below.

    Other Lake Taneycomo Fishing Reports

    River Run Outfitters – For their latest fishing report click here.
    Chartered Waters Guide Service and Fly Shop .-For the latest fishing report click here.
    Lilly’s Landing – For the latest fishing report click here.
    Scotty’s Lakefront Trout Dock – For latest fishing report click here.
    Guide Bob Klein of “Bob’s Guide Service” – The following standard default techniques produces fish routinely:

    Water Off Conditions (not generating power from Table Rock Dam) – Air injected night crawlers or Orange and Chartreuse Power Eggs, with the Chartreuse on shank of hook and the Orange on tip. Fish them off the bottom with no heavier than 4 pound leader, size 8 or smaller hooks, and just enough split shot to cast. Place the shot so that the bait floats 12-18 inches off the bottom. Spin-A-Lures and Little Cleos have been working well.

    Water On Conditions – Orange and Chartreuse Power eggs with the Chartreuse on shank of hook and the Orange on tip, white Power Eggs, bubble gum power bait, or inflated night crawlers bounced off the bottom using the standard "Lake Taneycomo Drift Rig." which is readily available at all Marinas and most resorts on the Lake.

    Dam Generation and Water Levels – Critical Considerations

    There is nothing that affects the fishing and the way a person fishes on Lake Taneycomo than whether or not they are running water from the Table Rock Dam. The number to call for a recorded message on current conditions is 1-417-336-5083. For on line information about water conditions go to http://www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil/WCDS/plots/Web/tab.htm or click here.

    Special Regulations in Trophy Trout Area

    Special Regulations apply to the Trophy Trout Area running from Table Rock Dam to the mouth of Fall Creek and to fishing Lake Taneycomo for trout., Click here for an overview of these regulations.

  • Branson’s Silver Dollar City’s National Kids’ Fest Beats the Heat with Circus of the Century – On Ice

    Clowns from "Circus of the Century–On Ice"

    On the heels of the launch of Silver Dollar City’s new ride The Giant Swing at the Great Barn, the Branson theme park presents its family entertainment lineup for America’s largest kids’ festival. Silver Dollar City’s National Kids’ Fest, June 9 – August 12, brings together a new show with acrobats, clowns and performing animals on ice, an activity center by an award-winning creativity-for-kids brand and the flash and style of a basketball world-record breaker.

    The all-new show “Circus of the Century — On Ice” is a circus-themed show with a cool twist for summer – acrobats and clowns on ice. Set inside the Red Gold Heritage Hall, hilarious clowns, acrobats and playful animals will perform aerial tricks, feats of strength and balance on wheels and stilts for a show of precision ice skating with circus flare.

    Kids can let their imaginations run wild in the new “Kid Concoctions Creativity Center,” from the award-winning books and television show. The 4-time Parents Choice Award winning brand presents an interactive area designed for kids where they can make their own Gooey Gunk or Splongee Ball, or learn to make a volcano as they explore combinations of art and science. Kids can invent their own creations or get hands-on with a Kid Concoctions product.

    Mixing basketball and comedy takes center stage in “Bounce – The All-American Basketball Show” starring Dave “Travlin” Davlin. Davlin, who set a world-record for spinning 12 basketballs on his body at the same time, brings his popular style of basketball performance to the Silver Dollar City stage delivering an interactive show with a positive message of “If I can dream it, I can do it.”

    “All-Star Dogs & Gold Medal Kids” is a new show presenting an athletic demonstration and spirited competition between young gymnasts and playful canines. The two groups square off against each other to prove the superior species in the areas of speed, agility and mental toughness.

    Kid-focused entertainment and activities occurring throughout the entire festival also include champion kid cloggers from around the country, the interactive musical show “Just Kiddin’ Around,” an all-American show from American Kids and a daily banana-split eating contest.

    Kids on Giant Swing seven stories in the air.

    The highlight for the season is Silver Dollar City’s Giant Swing – the hands-on, old-fashioned fun of a barn swing mixed with giant-sized, high-tech thrill power! The new $6 million ride launches riders more than seven stories in the air — and nearly upside down — at roller-coaster speeds for barn-bursting, high-flying, super-swooping thrills. The Giant Swing joins Silver Dollar City’s two dozen popular rides and attractions including last year’s Grand Exposition with 10 family rides in a new area of the park and the explosive launch roller coaster, PowderKeg, named the “Best Family Thrill Coaster on the Planet” by Thrillride.com.

    Silver Dollar City, located near Branson, Missouri, is open daily during “National Kids’ Fest,” June 9 – August 12. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. For tickets and information, call 1-800-831-4FUN, or visit the web site, www.silverdollarcity.com.

  • The Ole Seagull’s Review of “Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express”

    For those that don’t want to read an entire review, here’s the Ole Seagulls “one paragraph review” on all that most people will need to know about “Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express”. From the fast paced opening number “Me and My Gang” to the beautiful finale “In God We Still Trust” there is no doubt that this is a country music show based God, family, and country that is presented by an extremely talented cast. It is one impressive, high energy and entertaining show that has it all, excellent singing, great choreography and dancing, and an excellent live band.

    Clay Cooper performing in Branson, MO
    Clay Cooper shows off his amazing vocals.

    The shows opening number, “Me and My Gang” gets the show off to an exciting and active start setting the tenor for what is to follow. The number features Clay as the lead singer but also introduces the majority of the shows 15 member cast, Jenna Crispin, the shows featured “Youth Singer,” Matt Gumm, the shows comedian and featured singer, the Country Express Dancers, the Country Express Band, and Johnny Lonestar, the shows featured roper and gunslinger. The number is fast paced, entertaining, and is choreographed beautifully.

    Obviously Clay Cooper is the star of the show and from beginning to end does a great job. He not only sings extremely well but is the shows “defacto” master of ceremonies because of the relationship and rapport he establishes with the audience. Clay sings a number or songs representing different styles well but if an Ole Seagull were to pick three as his personal favorites they would “I’m Country,” the Conway Twitty medley, and “Me and God.” His rendition of “Tough” coupled with the dancing of his wife, Tina, who is also the choreographer for the show and one of the dancers, was a joy to experience.

    Johnny Lonestar and his roping tricks

    Johnny Lonestar wows the audience
    with his roping skills.

    Even the integration of Johnny Lonestar, the shows roper and gunslinger is choreographed and flows seamlessly with the shows flow. As Clay is singing “Thank God I’m a Country Boy" Johnny performs some amazing rope tricks. Just how does he get that loop that big? In the second half, he adds new meaning to the term “Blaze of Glory” as he performs a great a gun slinging and whip routine. What a master this guy is at what he does!

    Matt Gumm, a featured singer in the show does the shows comedy routines. Just how does he make all those moves with that harmonica? Besides, where else can you see and hear the “Flusherphone?” It’s just about guaranteed that you will never see or hear of version of “Stars and Stripes Forever” that will be as pumped up as this shows version.

    Young Jenna Crispin showed tremendous
    poise on stage.

    Jenna Crispin, has a beautiful strong clear voice and did an excellent job on the “Muleskiner Blues” and “Cowboy Up,” a song with a neat message that was delivered beautifully. Tina Cooper does a great job not only with singing vocals such as "Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under," but as a dancer and the shows choreographer. This show just flows seamlessly from one element to the next.

    The Country Music Express Dancers, Larry Miller, Tim Lewis, Laura Posavitz, and Tina Cooper add a consistent, beautiful, and graceful element to the show. Their dancing is excellent and the way it is choreographed and integrated into the show results in a wonderful and unique entertainment experience with moments approaching elegance.

    Colt Cooper works his fiddle
    Colt Cooper just havin’ fun!

    The appearance of three year old Colton Cooper in select comedy and musical segments of the show adds yet another entertaining dimension. Colten’s fiddle duet with Trent Wideman will provide one of the most unique and endearing renditions of the old fiddle classic “The Orange Blossom Special” that you will ever see or hear.

    The Country Music Express Band composed of Jimmy Hyde on drums, John Lance on guitar, Trent Wideman on fiddle, mandolin, and guitar, Carl McKinney, guitar and Bob Hempker, steel guitar, and directed by R.P. Harrell on piano, was simply outstanding. From the solo singing numbers to dancing and comedy routines their ability to play and adapt to the constantly changing flow of the show around them adds yet another important element to the total success of this show.

    Other personal show highlights include the dueling hammered dulcimers, the singing of R. P. Harrell, in numbers such as “Peace,” and the beautiful dancing of Larry and Laura as Harrell sang and played “What Did I Do to Deserve You.” As with the rest of the show the finale was beautifully choreographed and presented in a manner that powerfully and convincingly tells the world “In God We Still Trust.”

    This show is billed as “the new road to country music.” “New” is relative but the talent, choreography, and flow of this show makes it an entertaining road to country music that should be traveled by those wanting a relatively fast paced show with excellent, singing, dancing, choreography, and a band to match.

    Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express is appearing at the Clay Cooper Theatre at 2215 W. Highway 76 at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday with an additional 10:00 a.m. show on Tuesdays and Thursdays until December 16. For further information or to purchase tickets by phone or on line, call 1-800-451-3791 or click here. To see additional pictures taken of the show but not in the review click here.

    Photos by Basil Groman – Click here for the complete gallery.

  • The Branson Landing’s “shoppertainment” ads a new dimension to Branson Tourism

    Heading down the promenade to Bass Pro.

    Five years in the making, spanning nearly 100 pristine waterfront acres, the $420 million premier tourism destination, Branson Landing has boasted 4.9 million visitors in its first year of operation.

    “By strategically mixing entertainment, eateries and unique shopping opportunities, we’ve created an environment that appeals to a wide segment of both area residents and tourists,” stated Richard Huffman, CEO of HCW Development Company—the Branson based developer of the Landing. With traffic counts exceeding first year projections by over 20 percent, consumers are proving this formula of “shoppertain-ment” has taken the 93-year-old Branson market into a new era of tourism. Visitors experience an eclectic blend of shopping, outdoor and indoor entertainment and lodging—creating an extremely successful marriage of integrated experiences.

    Shopping

    Five and Dime General Store

    Over 100 retail establishments are divided into six key shopping districts. Flanked by national chain, Belk’s Department Store and regional icon, Bass Pro Shops, a strategically designed mix of select strong brand chain retailers and specialty shops line the pedestrian oriented urban streetscape. Consumers discover a host of shopping opportunities that aren’t accessible anywhere within the area.

    Guests won’t find the typical mall offerings or outlet stores. “The Branson Landing is the only location within the region for such retailers as Justice—Just for Girls, an affordable, “tween” apparel shop and Fresh Produce Handpicked, a specialty store featuring casual resort and sportswear for women and children,” explained Tammy Scholten, Marketing Manager for Urban Retail Properties Co. “In addition, we’ve included brands geared specifically towards the male demographic with such stores as the Bud Shop and Cardinal’s Clubhouse where fans can choose from a fantastic assortment of merchandise and souvenirs.”

    Dining

    Famous Daves Bar_B_Que.

    The uniqueness of the Branson Landing extends far beyond shopping. Visitors can select from an array of signature waterfront dining options, from highly themed restaurants to intimate cafes, including
    such national family favorites as Famous Dave’s BBQ, Joe’s Crab Shack and Garfield’s Pub & Restaurant. In addition, guests can stop in at any of the many specialty food shops and kiosks for a light snack or lunch. Plus, with upscale adult oriented dining options including Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Cantina Laredo and Bar Louie, there is something to satisfy every consumer’s taste. Moreover, with the much-anticipated openings of Piztro’s Pizza Bistro Bar, Bass Pro’s White River Fish Co., Wedding Italiano, Ernie Biggs Classic Dueling Piano Bar and more – the food fare options are abundant.

    Entertainment

    Between shopping and dining, visitors are treated to a wide range of entertainment. Patrons of the Landing will meet a diverse mix of street entertainers. From enjoying the antics of local comedians, magicians and clowns to watching a real cowboy in action, over a dozen talented entertainers will delight audiences of every age. The Landing’s major focal point of activity centers around the Town Square where a series of live, free concerts and events are slated throughout the year including a special summer concert with Sony Recording Artist, Jake Simpson, 2004 Star Search Winner, an MDA Benefit Concert featuring the region’s favorite band, M-Dock, and an exclusive performance by the Springfield Symphony with special guest, Andy Williams.

    The outdoor waterfront stage is back by a $7.5 million spectacular water attraction featuring the first-ever merger of fire, light, water and music. The dazzling interplay of 120-foot geysers and fountains complimented by blasting fire cannons and a musical lighting show create a beautifully choreographed spectacle. Daily performances of the Branson Landing Fountains run at the top of every hour from noon to close. In addition to free entertainment, waterfront adventures, including Ride the Ducks—a one hour sightseeing land and lake tour and Gage’s Branson Landing Marina and Shoppes—specializing in cruise experiences on historic Lake Taneycomo are easily accessible to visitors.

    Lodging

    With shopping, eateries and lakeside entertainment all encompassing a 1.5-mile waterfront destination, the addition of premiere lodging completes the overall tourism package. Opening in August,
    the 12-story luxury Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel with 293 rooms and suites and the Branson Convention Center offering 220,000 square feet of meeting space, exhibit halls and a grand ballroom will provide the perfect facility for individual families and large group events. The recently opened 242-room Hilton Promenade located near the Town Square, offers travelers an indoor pool, health club, meeting rooms and dining at their Famous Liberty Tavern Restaurant.

    “Clearly, the addition of the Branson Landing has not only assisted in increasing our overall tourism traffic but has proven to be a magnet for attracting day trippers from our region. Our city tourism tax revenues are up by 12.6 percent for the year and a large percentage of these dollars are utilized to fund Branson’s marketing budget,” explained, Dan Lennon, Vice President, Marketing & Public Relations for the Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

    Thus, the opening of this monumental, one-of-a-kind, shopping venue has launched Branson into an entirely new realm of local, regional and national appeal. For additional information and a complete list of shopping, entertainment, dining and lodging options, visit the Branson Landing website at www.bransonlanding.com.

  • What “We believe” is Branson’s past and its hope for the future!

    What will bring visitors to Branson is the expectation of experiencing what they believe Branson is, shows, shopping, attractions, family entertainment, lakes, values, etc. What will bring them back to Branson, or not, is the actual experience they have while visiting Branson. Even with all the great things there is to see and do in Branson, very little will affect that experience as much as the way they are treated while they are our guests.

    A few years ago our community developed the “Branson Promise.” In an Ole Seagull’s mind it does two things, provides our visitors with an expectation that transcends things and activities and reminds those of us having the privilege of living and working in these beautiful Ozarks hills of what it is that makes Branson so special.

    With some slight omissions and the addition of the word “God” where it appears, the “Branson Promise” says:

    “We believe that a vacation is not an escape from reality but a connection to what is real, you, your family, laughter, music, pure fun, and doing the things you really want to do, together….

    We believe you deserve to take a break from your regular life while preserving the security and comfort that comes from feeling ‘right at home.’

    We believe the best experiences are live and personal. They affect you – and you affect them. The most memorable experiences have always been personal and unique spontaneous and unexpected – not planned or manufactured.

    We believe in families, and that vacations can belong to everybody in the family. …

    We believe in our American values and celebrate them everyday, respect for God, the individual, patriotism, faith, hope, optimism, family, courage, generosity, and opportunity for all. We believe in the home….

    We believe that new people aren’t strangers, just friends who haven’t visited.

    We believe that every guest can be a part of our Branson family. From headline performers to the folks who sell the tickets, we invite you to become part of the fun we create every day as the families who built this community.

    We believe that world-class entertainment doesn’t need to cost a world-class fortune!

    We believe that money is hard earned, and respect the work that sits behind every dollar spent by our guests. We still think it’s possible to be surprised about how much money can buy, especially in Branson.

    We believe in Branson, Missouri, nestled in the lakeside beauty of the Ozark Mountains.

    We’re proud of who we are and where we are going. We’d love to show you around, because we love the ways in which we will surprise you. We’ve found what we want in Branson, and we know you’ll find what you want here too. Our doors are open, come on in.”

    As it has done since its earliest days, Branson’s constantly evolving and changing “product” of providing a great family entertainment experience will continue to draw millions of visitors to Branson. An Ole Seagull’s prayer is that, as a community, we are convicted of what it is that we profess “We believe,” and that through a smile, extended courtesy, greeting, personal relationships, etc. make that belief and the Branson Promise an integral part of insuring that every visitor to Branson has a pleasant, memorable, and unique experience that will bring them back again.

  • Will Branson’s public comment meeting procedures change without your input?

    The Branson Municipal Code Section covering the right of the public to speak during public comment meetings, Section 2-55, is in the process of being revised and will be one of the few regular agenda items discussed at the regular business meeting of city of Branson’s board of Aldermen on Jun. 11. Section 2-55 is important because it is what gives those wishing to speak during such meetings the right to speak and sets forth the conditions under which they may speak.

    It logically follows that any changes to this Section can either enhance the opportunity for open government and the effective exchange of information between those wishing to speak and the city of Branson’s elected representatives or reduce that opportunity. For what it’s worth, with a tweak here and there, in an Ole Seagull’s opinion, the proposed changes, on balance, are positive and improve the opportunity for open government and the effective communication of information between those affected by the actions of the board and the board.

    The major impetus for the change was a situation where newly elected alderman Stephen Marshall wanted to ask a question of a speaker after they had spoken. He was informed by city attorney Paul Link that, under the code provisions governing the meeting, although he could ask the question, the person to whom he was asking the question could not respond.

    The proposed change to specifically address that specific issue provides that “There may be an additional five minuets for comments and questions from the mayor, board of aldermen, and/ or city staff directed to the speaker for the speaker’s response.” This is intended to provide the aldermen, the mayor, or city staff a chance to ask questions and get additional information to effectively respond to the speakers concerns. It is important to note that these five minutes is an option that is solely within the control of the mayor, aldermen, and city staff and is nothing over which the speaker has any control to trigger.

    Probably the major change is the wording that, at first blush, appears to reduce the time speakers have to speak from ten minutes down to five minutes. In actuality that is not the case simply because under the current language any aldermen could ask any question or make any comment they wanted during the ten minutes the speaker was allocated and it came out of the speakers ten minutes. If a speaker had been speaking for one minute and an alderman wanted to make comments for nine minutes the speaker’s time was up and that was it.

    Although the proposed change only gives the speaker five minutes to make their presentation it extends that time by any time the speaker is interrupted by questions or comments from the “mayor, board of aldermen and/ or city staff.” The ability of the mayor and board of aldermen to interact with the speaker while they are speaking without taking away from their time should, in the opinion of an Ole Seagull, enhance the opportunity for effective communication between those speaking and the city of Branson’s elected representatives.

    The only real problem the Ole Seagull has with the proposed changes relates to the provision that adds “city staff” to the list of parties that may interrupt the speaker during their allocated five minutes. In an Ole Seagull’s opinion, the speakers five minutes should be uninterrupted except for questions and comments from the very elected officials the speaker has signed up to address. City staff should be listening, taking notes, and responding, as appropriate, during the five minute period set aside for additional questions and comments.

    In any event the specific changes are on line at http://cityofbranson.org/ and can be accessed by going to Agendas and Minutes and clicking on the Agenda for 06/11/07. Those wishing to express any concerns or suggestions regarding the changes have an opportunity to do so, either by contacting one of Branson’s elected representatives prior to the meeting and/or by attending the meeting and doing so.

  • Was the “Branson Name Issue” resolved by “Different ears listening” or the difference between “directed” and “directing?”

    Particularly in these initial stages of the city of Branson’s new administration, there has to be a way of separating the actions of the new mayor and current board of aldermen from the actions of the old mayor and old board of aldermen. Even as “AD” for “Anno Domini” and “BC” for “Before Christ” provides a clear distinction for dates, the Ole Seagull hopes that the term “AE”.” for “After Election and “BE” for “Before Election” will provide a simple means of differentiating between the two administrations and their actions.

    At the May 29 meeting of the AE board of aldermen they voted unanimously to rescind the current program which the BE board initiated in the Fall of 2006 to try to give the city of Branson rights to the name “Branson” that it did not have. “But Seagull, how could it have been unanimous, aren’t three of the BE aldermen still on the board?” Yes, aldermen Purvis, Gass, and Barker, from the BE board, did not have to stand for reelection in the April election and are on the AE board.

    During the meeting, BE Alderman Jack Purvis said, “As of the last meeting I can no longer take a stand on this name issue concerning Branson because the attorney who was supposedly a well informed person on this specific issue basically waffled, rolled over on us, and told us that really we didn’t have a stand on this issue.” The meeting Purvis is referring to was a closed executive session meeting held, after the recent April election and prior to the May 29 meeting.

    AE Alderman Marshall pointed out that during that meeting the statement, “It appears as though you are giving different counsel during this particular meeting,” was made to the same attorney that Purvis was talking about. Marshall pointed out that the attorney’s response was “No I am giving you the same advice but there are different ears listening.”

    What an indictment that appears to be. The BE Board was told that they “didn’t have a stand on this issue” and yet voted to spend tens of thousands of tax payer dollars, probably hundreds of thousands before it was all over, pursuing the issue.

    BE Alderman Gass then responded by saying, “I will tell you this, when we met with that attorney he told us that this is what you do. It wasn’t what do you think. He said, ‘This is what you do, this is the law and you are going to prevail in this thing.’ He was pretty adamant about it and that’s the way we were directed and that’s the way we went right, wrong, or indifferent.”

    And, therein lays the reason why the people of Branson wanted and got, by a huge percentage of the vote, a change in their elected government. In this issue, as it appeared to do in a lot of other issues, the BE administration was in fact “directed,” by certain nonelected forces to the conclusions that, for whatever reason, “they” wanted.

    Does an Ole Seagull believe the statements of Purvis and Gass relative to the legal advice they were given? Absolutely. Does he believe that they were given the same legal advice in the original meeting prior to the election that they were given at the most recent meeting after the election? Absolutely not!

    Although he might disagree with some of what they say, do, or fail to say or do he has never had reason to doubt their integrity, honor, or commitment to Branson. Unfortunately for them, in this case, they got a taste of their own medicine and the frustration that some in the community have felt regarding their actions or failure to act. “Ah Seagull, can you say the same for city administrator Terry Dody or attorney Paul Link?” Surely that’s a rhetorical question but just in case its not, absolutely not!

    For what it matters, an Ole Seagull sincerely believes that this same thing would not have happened under the AE administration. Why? Simply put, because they are “directing” rather than being “directed,” do not blindly accept what they are told by city administrator Terry Dody and city attorney Paul Link, and will hold all, including themselves, accountable for their actions. What a positive and refreshing change.