Branson Courier

Month: August 2007

  • An Ole Seagull’s review: Island Fire blazes onto Branson’ entertainment scene

    The Samoan cast of Island Fire during the finale

    To put it mildly, “Island Fire,” currently appearing at the Dutton Family Theatre, adds another sizzling dimension to Branson’s extravaganza of live entertainment. When the mystique of Polynesia, the excitement of fire and the beauty, grace, enthusiasm of a great cast of native Samoan performers is combined with beautiful Polynesian sets, authentic costuming, great choreography, and the obvious love of the cast for what they are doing, the result is a very different and special show. A show that shares the wonders, culture, and beauty of the cast’s native Samoa and Polynesian Islands while it entertains, educates, and amazes at the same time.

    Fire knife dancer Iefata Saoleitti

    For those who don’t want to read a whole review, here’s the Ole Seagull’s one paragraph review. From the first haunting notes of the Conch shell to the last beautiful notes of “Aloha Oe” in the finale, audiences are given a rare opportunity to experience the beauty, grace, excitement, and culture of Polynesia and Samoa. In between there is the graceful beauty of different styles of Polynesian dancing and music, the excitement of the, “Ailao afi,” fire knife dancers, the beautiful voice of David Lomond, and other fun filled and humorous activities. Anyone wanting to experience a little bit of all that is Polynesia, either for the first time or in reminiscence, or who is looking for a new and unique Branson entertainment experience will not want to miss this show.

    The show’s fiery and dramatic start, coupled with the Polynesian sets, helps transition the audience’s mind set from those things Ozarkian to things Samoan and Polynesian. By the time the cast says “Hello,” which is “Talofa” in Samoan, through a bit of audience participation and the performance of their first two numbers, the transition should be complete. Most in the audience will be infused with the spirit of Polynesia and ready to participate and appreciate the authentic Polynesian adventure unfolding before them.

    And what an adventure it is, as the extremely talented cast of 15 Samoans, not only share their native Samoan culture and heritage but the excitement of some of the other islands of Polynesia. The interactive production uses a varying mixture of videos, demonstrations, audience participation activities, Polynesian dancing and music, authentic costuming, and the skills, energy and personalities of its cast to share their Polynesia, from Samoa to the Cook Islands, Tokelau, Fiji, and the Hawaii Islands, with their audience.

    Each stop along the way is introduced through a short video which is seamlessly melded into the well choreographed production. Although the general rhythmic dancing and music of the south sea islands of Polynesia is present throughout the show, one cannot help but notice the subtle, well perhaps not so subtle, differences in the dancing and music from one island to the other. What a transition it is from the “hip style” dancing of the Cook Islands to the gentle lilting style of the Hawaiian Hula.

    David Lomond singing the
    Hawaiian Wedding Song.

    Another great thing about Island Fire is the way other educational and exciting features are integrated into the show at key spots. They add variety, excitement, surprise, and audience involvement. Where else can one go to learn how to make Samoan fruit salad and, perhaps more importantly, have as much fun learning how? Just how does one get milk from a coconut? They actually climb a palm tree during the show and do what? What is “Samoan Rubber?”

    If the dancing and music of Polynesia is the thread that links the various elements of Island Fire together, it is most certainly the fire knife, “Ailao afi,” dancers who add the fiery excitement to the “island.” The performance of 2004 World Champion Fire Knife Dancer, Anelu Iakopo and the very experienced Iefata Saoleititi, is simply amazing and must be seen to be believed. As beautiful and dramatic as the performance is, it becomes even more remarkable when it is realized that one end of the fiery “baton” is really a sharp knife! The other fire dancers working with Anelu and Iefata in some routines are Antonio Galu and Eliu Iakopo.

    The number “Wash That Man Right Outta of My Hair” from South Pacific, sung by Evette Dutton and the Island Fire Girls, and the “black light” number all add to the excitement and variety of the show. Indeed, the florescent black light dance is one of the most unique Polynesian dance presentations one will ever see!

    The remarkable voice of Branson performer and native Hawaiian, David Lomond, singing, among other songs, the “Hawaiian Wedding Song” adds yet another dimension to the show. David’s rendition of “America the Beautiful” as part of Bella Dutton’s honoring of the military and veterans is yet another wonderful memory.

    The dances and costuming of Tokelau.

    Over the Ole Seagull’s life, he has been to the Hawaiian Islands a number of times and has seen different Polynesian shows, including the one at the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu. He can not recall enjoying any Polynesian show that he has ever seen more than he did Island Fire. Add in the different elements unique to the Branson production and the result is one the most unique, educational, and fun filled Polynesian shows available anywhere.

    One thing that touched an Ole Seagull’s heart was the way the cast came down into the audience and thanked them for attending the show as they were leaving. They didn’t stand in front and wait for the audience to come to them, they, instead went to the audience. It is that “little bit of extra” caring, effort, and enthusiasm, illustrated by that act, that seems to permeate each element of the show and, at the end of the day, helps makes Island Fire a special, exciting memorable experience for their audiences.

    In keeping with that extra effort and to acknowledge their dedication, effort, and skills, most often performed during the show as part of a group, it seems appropriate to list the names of the native Samoans in the cast. The female members are Amataga Aloi, Luisa Tagomoa, Christina Lealiiee, Sharon Brown, Lorraine Sakaio, and Fa’ata O’Brien. The names of the male cast members not already mentioned are Periki Noaese, Hardy Fetu, Suasami Faagalu, and Ameto Galu.

    Photos by Basil Groman, click here for more photos of Island Fire

  • Pictorial Review:Taylor Hicks at the Welk Theatre

    On July 30, 2007 Welk-Sullivan Productions brought American Idol winner Taylor Hicks to the Welk Theatre in Branson, MO. Hicks gave the packed house a fantastic show, filled with the energy and his passion for the music.
    Showing off his trademark moves he performed a wide variety covering classic favorites as well as orginal songs. He performed soulful renditions of timeless hits inluding Chuck Berry’s Heart and Soul, Lynard Skynard’s Call Me The Breeze, The Beatles Don’t Let Me Down, and Rod Stewart’s Young Turks.
    During his finale he sat alone on the stage with his acoustic guitar and treated the audience to an original song called "The Fall." It was a great night that was filled with terrific music and fun.

    Afterwards during his meet and greet he took the time to talk with fans and pose for pictures. Here he poses for a pictures with super fan Mallory Lankford.

    Taylor Hicks has a great band with him and he came across as a genuine person who really loves the music – it made for a memorable show.

  • Bookings climb quickly for Branson Convention Center

    South parking lot entrance to the Branson
    Convention Center

    The booking pace for events coming to the new Branson Convention Center is picking up and is in line to exceed projections. In an update report to the city of Branson’s board of aldermen at their regular Aug. 13 business meeting, Mark Hartman, General Manager, Hiltons of Branson, who is managing the convention center for the city of Branson, said that bookings for the partial year of 2007 have increased 9.5 percent in just two months.

    When Hartman gave a similar report on Jun 11 for the partial year 2007, the number of definite event bookings was 49 and tentative bookings was 25. Hartman explained that the events shown as tentative are more than just inquiries on possibly booking an event. They represent a situation that has progressed beyond a mere inquiry to the point where a prospective client has specifically requested a contract and that they are actively negotiating with that client to finalize the contract.

    During the Aug. 13 report, Hartman pointed out that the number of definite events for the partial year 2007 has increased to 67 and that the tentative events were 14. He said, “The real positive thing is that when I was here in Jun. we had 49 events that were definite and 25 tentative so we’ve sold 19 events into that definite column.”

    The portion of the report on “Booking Pace” uses the “Stabilized Year” data from a feasibility analysis of the proposed convention center, completed by Conventions, Sports and Leisure International, CSL, for the city of Branson, in Feb. 2003, as a base line for comparison. According to the CSL analysis, the total number of events in a stabilized year, a normal year of operation, would be 177 of which 44 would be conventions and trade shows. Hartman’s report indicates that the Branson Convention Center already has a total of 114 definite and 88 tentative events and 41 definite and 41 tentative convention and trade shows for 2008.

    Hartman reported that the booking pace over the past two months has accelerated quite a bit and that in the month of July alone they had booked about $680,000 worth of businesses into the Branson Convention Center. When discussing the sources of leads for the convention center Hartman emphasized the active cooperative relationship they had with the Branson/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and that it was one of their strongest lead sources in booking events and conventions.

    Alderman Jack Purvis asked Hartman how the startup of the Branson Convention Center compares to similar startups that he has been involved in. Hartman responded, “I think we are seeing a tremendous amount of activity before we would normally see it.” He expounded that normally there is a lot of activity from meeting planners after the facility opens but in the case of the Branson Convention Center there is a lot of interest prior to it opening. He said, “I think we are in very good shape moving forward.”

    Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • Southern Gospel Sensations Star at Silver Dollar City’s Southern Gospel Picnic

    Performers include Dove Award winners, Hall
    of Famers and top recording artists such as
    The Booth Brothers.

    Silver Dollar City’s popular Southern Gospel Picnic returns with more glorious gospel music and great harmonies from some of the top names in Southern Gospel music, along with a picnic feast of Chicken & Fixin’s. Performers include Dove Award winners, Hall of Famers and top recording artists, with 60 Southern Gospel acts during the festival, running August 30-September 9.

    Featured artists include 2006 International Bluegrass Music Association Gospel Recording of the Year winners Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver; Dove Award winners The Isaacs, Brian Free and Assurance, Jeff and Sheri Easter, Gold City and The Kingsmen; and Southern Gospel News Male Group of the Year for 2006 and 2007 The Booth Brothers. Performances throughout the day are followed by Southern Gospel Nights concerts each evening in the park’s 4,000-seat amphitheatre.

    “We have featured Southern Gospel at Silver Dollar City for decades, and when we started adding Southern Gospel evening performances in 1998, we found that our guests wanted more. We kept expanding the entertainment lineup until we launched Southern Gospel Picnic as a featured festival last year,” said SDC entertainment coordinator, D.A. Callaway. “Now, with 60 of the country’s top acts on seven stages and more than 300 performances over 11 straight days, it is one of the nation’s largest Southern Gospel events.”

    Along with Southern Gospel music’s rich harmonies, the festival features another American tradition — the home-cooked spread of an old-fashioned gathering. New this year, the House of Chicken and Fixin’s moves to the Square, featuring applewood smoked chicken, fried chicken and barbecue chicken with picnic-style fixings from scalloped potatoes and coleslaw to fried apples. An array of desserts completes the picnic, with pies and cakes that are long-time favorites at church socials and family reunions.

    And for tips on creating all-American style meals, the park hosts the Taste of Home Cooking School from Taste of Home Magazine on Sept. 7 & 8. A $5 fee covers the class and a gift bag with recipes for each participant.

    Silver Dollar City, an 1880s-style theme park located near Branson, Missouri, presents six world-class festivals from April through December. The park also features over two dozen rides and attractions including the new $6 million ride The Giant Swing, a dozen restaurants and over 100 demonstrating craftsmen.

    Throughout the Southern Gospel Picnic festival, the park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (9:00 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 1-2, and 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8). For further information or to purchase tickets by phone or on line through Reserve Branson.Com call 1-800-451-3791 or click here.

  • Comments on “Why aren’t more people playing at Branson’s shows?” editorial

    The Aug. 19 article "Why aren’t more people playing at Branson’s shows?" by Gary Groman tries to dismiss the concern of the shows and other community members regarding the recent trend of visitors seeing less shows while they are in Branson.

    Here are a few facts that should be considered:

    1) There are more total revenues in show ticket sales if 7 million people see 4.23 shows than if 8 million people see 3.66 shows per visit! Even with 120 shows dividing the pie, at a $20 average ticket price, the sales results mentioned above would result in each show generating $55K more PER SHOW with the fewer number of visitors seeing more shows each.

    2) The better marketers would have actually generated even more than this average amount, as they would have grabbed a larger portion of the now lost pie. Gary attempts in his article that the better marketers aren’t as impacted by the troubling trend. In fact, they should be even more concerned as they have even more to lose.

    3) The lost revenues would have been pure profit, as there are no additional incremental costs of having more people in the seats for each show. Therefore, every show in town would have had an average of over $50,000 more in additional profit if we had less people seeing more shows. And, significantly more net profit if there had been the increased number of visitors seeing the old number of shows per visit.

    4) As, or more importantly, the "trend" is heading in the wrong direction. Good marketers watch trends to determine if things are going in the right or wrong direction. If trends are going in the wrong direction, they try to determine "why" and adjust factors which might be causing the downward trend.

    5) It is a good thing that the theater industry is concerned about this negative trend and is looking at the possible reasons and suggesting ways to halt the very negative direction of sales results for our most important industry.

    6) Shows are the ONLY marketing edge Branson has over other tourist destinations. Shows are what makes Branson DIFFERENT than other tourism destinations. Differentiation is the key to marketing success. There are beautiful lakes and great shopping all over the country. What makes Branson different is that visitors can see over 100 live music, comedy and magic shows.
    Of course, shopping and lakes ADD to the appeal of Branson.
    But, without the shows, there would be far less people shopping and enjoying the lakes. So, the shopping and lakes business owners should be equally concerned about the health of the show industry. It is our goose. Without it, we have no golden eggs.

    Ignoring, or dismissing the trend, as Gary seems to do and influence others to do, might have the same dire results as ignoring the FACT that you are getting fewer miles per gallon as you are driving into the desert.

    Submitted by: Michael London, Branson, MO.

    Editors Note: Gary J. Groman, a.k.a. the Ole Seagull is a columnist. His job is to try to put issues in front of his readers in the hopes, not that they will agree with him, but that they will think about the issues and how those issues could impact their lives and community, make their own decisions regarding those issues, and react where appropriate and necessary.

    The column would not have been written had the Ole Seagull wanted to “dismiss the concern of the shows and other community members regarding the recent trend of visitors seeing less shows while they are in Branson.” Rather, it is an issue of such importance to our community that it deserves full and public discussion by the total community. To the extent that the column helps generate that discussion, and it is conducted in the manner in which Mr. London’s well written and reasoned letter does, it has served its purpose.

  • Why aren’t more people playing at Branson’s shows?

    There are people in Branson who actually believe that Branson’s shows are “down” because of a variety of alleged reasons from free shows being offered at Branson Landing to inadequate marketing emphasis. Give an Ole Seagull a break, 86 percent of all the people who come to Branson see one or more shows. If an Ole Seagull were a betting Seagull, he’d bet that, statistically, the only activities participated in by more people coming to Branson, day tripper and overnighter alike, than shows, are eating, shopping, and going to the bathroom.

    Branson’s marketing brand proudly proclaims to the world the illusion that “Someone you love is always playing in Branson.” What the message doesn’t promise is that the “someone” will “always” be “playing” in a show or theater and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

    One of the Ole Seagull’s favorite entertainers, Shoji Tabuchi, has from time to time explained the difference between a “fiddle” and a “violin” to his audiences. Shoji points out that both a fiddle and a violin are the same instrument and that the only difference between the two is the way one fiddles around with it. Said another way, the difference, to one listening, is the way the instrument is being played.

    In a similar manner, visitors coming to Branson are “playing” with the same entertainment mix and choices. It is how the visitor chooses to play within that mix that determines, not only the type of personal experience they will have while in Branson but, whether or not they will be playing in shows and, if so, what shows. The latest and best marketing statistics indicate that about 86 percent of the adult visitors coming to Branson will be playing in one show and perhaps in as many as 3.66 shows, while in Branson.

    Yet, the truth of the matter is that there are some shows doing real well, some doing alright, and others in trouble. There are shows that market well and those that don’t, shows that maintain a consistency of quality from year to year and those that don’t and there are shows that update their material and costuming every year to adapt to Branson’s ever changing audiences and entertainment environment and those that don’t. When it comes to the financing necessary for a show to succeed there are those, particularly new shows, that are adequately financed and those that aren’t. Oh, and not least of all, it should be noted that there are an awful lot of shows competing for each visitor playing in Branson.

    “But Seagull, the problems for shows don’t end there. They have to compete against everything else that Branson has to offer, outdoor activities, lakes, shopping, attractions, museums, just relaxing, fine dining, not to mention that about 63.4 percent Branson’s visitors go down to Branson Landing and spend about two hours each there.” Get over it! It’s not only shows that have to compete for the business of those playing in Branson, its what every tourism related Branson business has done for years and must continue to do to be successful.

    Shows should be rejoicing in the fact that 63.4 percent of the visitors coming to Branson spend a little over two hours of their total time in Branson visiting Branson Landing. Why? Well, why not? Isn’t it just another of the exciting ways that visitors coming to Branson can play. Besides, if the average visitor spends 4.17 days in Branson, of which only about two hours is spent at Branson Landing, doesn’t that leave an enormous amount of time for them to see a show? Also, the occasional show on the public square to the contrary, isn’t it basically a non-competitive environment?

    Evidently so, because the latest marketing statistics indicate that about 86 percent of the people coming to Branson see one or more shows. Isn’t the average number of shows seen per party about 3.66? “Ah, but Seagull, that number has declined from 4.23 in 2004.”

    May an Ole Seagull suggest that what should be important to a given show is the number of visitors playing in Branson that choose to make that show part of their Branson experience. If a given shows numbers aren’t what is expected or needed to be successful the question that must be asked is, “Why?” Is it more a function of internal factors directly related to that show and under its control or external factors over which it has minimal if any control? In most cases the answer will be obvious.

  • Is Branson’s concern about affordable housing a conspiracy to curtail growth?

    Is there a relationship between the need for low income housing in Branson and a possible conspiracy to curtail commercial business growth and wage increases in Branson? Well, according to “Grizzly” there just might be.

    This week’s column is based on a thread entitled “SLOW DOWN, Take Breath, GROWTH” started by a poster using the screen name “Grizzly,” on the internet site, www.1Branson.Com/forum, with which the Ole Seagull is affiliated. The thread is posted, under the sub-forum entitled “Local Branson Tri-Lakes Area Issues.”

    Grizzly writes, “The City of Branson has clearly taken on the new attitude toward growth that was explained and demonstrated recently in the media. Mayor Presley chose to use Mr. Dody’s departure to explain that while under his leadership we experienced massive growth in certain sectors we also fell short in developing lower income housing for employees of the area.”

    Interestingly enough, immediately after making that statement Grizzly says, “I AGREE however, that is not the responsibility of the city, or the city administrator. That is a matter for the market, and the market will not be capable of meeting the demand because the family income level is not high enough.”

    Incredulously, in the very next sentence Grizzly goes on to state, “For those of you that love to see conspiracy in every action look long and hard at this one folks. The new theory is curtail commercial business growth and give the housing market a chance to catch up. OR at least that is the current rhetoric. What you may really be experiencing is an attempt to curtail wage increases and stifle [the] job market. Listen carefully and you hear how there are not enough employees to go around now, so we need to slow growth. EMPLOYEES of Branson let me interpret please.”

    The scariest part of the whole thing is the part where Grizzly says, “EMPLOYEES of Branson let me interpret please.” Let’s hope that the interpretation is better than the one given in this case. How can a reasonable person interpret a possible conspiracy to “curtail commercial business growth” and “an attempt to curtail wage increases and stifle the job market” from a statement reiterating the generally held community belief that there is a need for affordable housing in the Branson area?

    How is it a conspiracy “to curtail growth” if anyone who wants to develop a project in Branson is free to do so, providing they comply with the same applicable ordinances and procedures everyone else does and finance and build that project from their own resources, not from the public’s pocket book? To an Ole Seagull the answer is simple, “It isn’t.”

    Now, the Ole Seagull knows that there are a lot of folks who believe that it’s the big developers, government financing and intervention through Tax Increment Financing, (TIFs) etc., that “power” Branson’s economic engine. He would respectfully suggest however, that even as a car manufacturer builds a car so too do they build Branson’s economic engine.

    What powers the car is gasoline. The gasoline that powers Branson’s economic engine is its workforce. Without an adequate workforce Branson’s economy would move about as far down the road of economic success as a car without gas would move down the High Road.

    Is it more reasonable to use government funding, power, resources, and influence to help provide housing for that workforce or to use it for the benefit of a few big developers to create more of the same types of jobs and salaries that don’t permit the majority of those working those jobs to earn enough to raise their families? To an Ole Seagull the answer seems obvious.

  • MoDOT study to determine if, and how long, Branson’s Taneycomo Bridge will be closed

    Whether or not the Business Highway 65/MO 76 Bridge across Lake Taneycomo will be closed and, if it is, for how long has not yet been determined. It is but one factor that will be considered as the Missouri Department of Transportation, MoDOT, conducts a Value Engineering Study to address the problems presented by the bridges deteriorating deck and other related issues.

    Representatives of the cities of Hollister and Branson and Taney County met with officials of MoDOT’s District 8 at Hollister City Hall on Aug. 8 regarding the bridge and Hollister roundabout project. Chad E. Zickefoose, MoDOT’s District 8 Transportation Project Manager said that MoDOT is “Working to set up a Value Engineering Study with the tentative dates of Sep. 10-13.” He went on to point out that the study will bring people with varying areas of expertise, and others, together to study just that project in detail.

    Zickefoose said, “By the end of the three [or four days] they will develop a report and make a recommendation to senior management on what their preferred solution is to the problem.” The city of Branson’s Mayor, Raeanne Presley specifically asked, “Will the Value Engineering Study be just for the bridge and roundabout?” Kirk E. Juranas, MoDOT’s District 8 Engineer responded, “Just for the bridge and roundabout.” As other alternatives, including a new bridge, were being discussed Juranas pointed out that money was an issue and that MoDOT only had $3.5 million available for the bridge.

    After the formal meeting ended and Juranas had listened to all the comments and suggestions he was asked the question, “Will the Value Engineering Study be limited to a $3.5 million dollar solution or will it consider some of the other more costly alternatives? Juranas expressed his opinion that it would take a two pronged approach, one limited to the funding that is available and a second that would consider other practical and fiscally sound and possible alternatives.

    In preparation for not only for the Value Engineering Study, but the planning for a long term solution to the problems that people traveling over the bridge encounter everyday, Rick Ziegenfuss, Hollister’s City Administrator, suggested that it might be helpful to put together a list of imperatives to be used to help insure that the end result is one that, everyone can agree, solves the problem. As the meeting progressed a list of things that the “solution” should accomplish was developed.

    That list included, among other things, that the solution must be long term, not close the bridge for a long period of time, permit pedestrian access from one side to the other, maintain the old bridge structure, and provide adequate lighting. In discussing just how long the closing of the bridge was too long, Branson’s Mayor Raeanne Presley pointed out that MoDOT’s original statement, that it would be closed for one year, makes “anything less… an improvement.”

    The MoDOT officials present seemed acutely aware of the problems that the closing of the bridge would cause the community. MoDOT’s Zickefoose said, “There are other methods that can be used to reduce the time of closure.” One of those methods involves the pre casting of sections near the bridge, which can be done if there is space nearby.

    Although there were a number of suggestions made, most of them revolved around building a new bridge and keeping the current bridge open until that was done. The one suggestion that appeared to have the most initial support from the group was the building a new bridge across Lake Taneycomo that would connect with Branson Landing Boulevard.

    Interim Branson City Administrator, Frank Schoneboom, expressed his opinion that the idea had potential and said that Branson Landing Boulevard is a beautiful road that is “Really, at this point, under-utilized.” In a general discussion after the meeting it was also pointed out that such routing would also provide multiple routes for traffic to conveniently access to the businesses and services located in historic downtown Branson.

    A similar meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Sept. 5 at Hollister City Hall to discuss the issues and help provide input for the MoDOT Value Engineering Studies.

    Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • A rating of 3 out of 9 doesn’t mean Lake Taneycomo Bridge isn’t safe

    Representatives of the Missouri Department of Transportation, MoDOT said that Business Highway 65/MO 76 Bridge across Lake Taneycomo is structurally sound and is in no danger of collapsing. The major problem that the bridge has is a deteriorating deck.

    That information was part of an overall discussion that took place at a City of Hollister Work Session Meeting on Tuesday Aug. 7. The meeting, attended by representatives of MoDOT, the cities of Hollister and Branson, and Taney County, was held primarily to discuss, what most people call the “Lake Taneycomo Bridge and Hollister Roundabout” project. Early on, as the Lake Taneycomo Bridge was being discussed, the topic of the Interstate 35W Bridge disaster in Minneapolis last week came up.

    Kirk E. Juranas, MoDOT’s District 8 Engineer, pointed out that the two bridges are of different styles and that the problems with the deck of the Lake Taneycomo Bridge relate more to pot holes and the damage that they can cause to vehicles than to the possibility of the bridge collapsing. In terms of bridge ratings, under MoDOT’s guidelines the bridge is rated a 3 on a scale of 0 through 9 with nine being the highest.

    Under MoDOTs guidelines the three major components of a bridge, super structure, sub structure, and deck are each rated. David O’Connor, District 8 Maintenance Engineer and former MoDOT Bridge Engineer, who was not at the meeting but was contacted later, pointed out that the unusual architecture of the Business Highway 65/MO 76 Bridge, its open-spandrel arch design, as compared to most modern bridges, poses some challenges in terms of ratings.

    He said that the bridge’s substructure, including piers and arches, is rated a 6, the deck, including the surface that vehicles drive on, is rated a 3, and its super structure, including the columns coming up off the arches is rated a 3. He went on to point out that the overall rating of 3 that the bridge received is based on the lowest rating of any of the three components being rated. Any rating of 2 would cause the bridge to be closed.

    O’Connor said, “The bridge went from a 4 to a 3 rating during the last year.” He went on to point out that the primary reason for the the deterioration of the bridges deck was water and salt saturation.” From the general discussion that took place at the meeting, it appears that the 3 rating of the super structure is related to the unique architectural structure of the open-spandrel arch type bridge. Some of the floor beams, attached to the columns of the super structure coming up off the arches are poured as part of the deck. O’Connor stressed that there is minimal deterioration to the columns or the floor beams.

    Chad E. Zickefoose, MoDOT’s District 8 Transportation Project Manager stated that the bridges deck will receive a scheduled one inch overlay this summer. He pointed out that although it would not increase the rating of the bridge it would help reduce the decks rate of deterioration, provide a temporary fix of about two or three years and provide users of the bridge with a more smooth ride.

    Zickefoose also said that, “A Value Engineering Study” regarding the “Lake Taneycomo Bridge and Hollister Roundabout” project would be conducted Sep. 10-13. The recommendations of that study will serve as the basis for determining a long term solution to the decks problem and a determination if and for how long the bridge will have to be closed.

    Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • Orvis 2006 Outfitter of the Year to Branson’s River Run Outfitters

    Stan and Carolyn Parker doing fishing Lake
    Taneycomo.

    How does the fact that Orvis, a world leader in the area of helping to provide fly fishermen with a world class fly fishing experiences, awarded its 2006 Outfitter of the Year award to Branson’s River Run Outfitters add new meaning to the phrase, “Someone you love is playing in Branson?” Quite simply, it defines and exemplifies the variety and world class quality of the experience that one can have while “playing in Branson.”

    It shows that “playing” in Branson goes beyond the shows, attractions, and shopping that Branson is noted for. Where in the country, perhaps the world, can one get all that Branson has to offer plus the chance for outdoor adventures that are available within minutes of each other? Fishing, hiking, boating, hunting, shooting, archery, biking, or scenic beauty, Branson has it all has it all, and in most cases, in a quality that provides a world class experience.

    The recent selection of Branson’s River Run Outfitters as the Orvis 2006 Outfitter of the Year testifies as to just how high a quality that experience can be. The coveted award was presented to Stan and Carolyn Parker, the owners of River Run Outfitters by Perk Perkins, the CEO of Orvis and Dave Perkins, the Vice chairman of Orvis at the 2007 Orvis Guide Rendezvous in Cody Wyoming.

    Scott McEnhaney, Orvis Eastern Director for Endorsed Outfitters, said, “The award is based on customer satisfaction surveys and the evaluation of the quality of the overall operation by Orvis.” The 2006 Orvis Outfitter of the year award to River Run Outfitters is confirmation by Orvis of just how successful the Parkers and their dedicated professional staff, particularly Manager of Retail Sales, Shannon Roberts and Senior Guide Jim Lund have been in doing just that.

    As they received the award, Carolyn Parker, gave the credit for the award to their great guides and staff pointing out that it’s them that “Make us what we are.” The Parkers went on to point out that the most important thing they have to offer is customer satisfaction.

    According to co owner Stan Parker, with over 30 years of trout fishing experience on Lake Taneycomo and River Run’s Chief Guide, it is River Run’s pioneering use of the western style, non motorized drift boats on Lake Taneycomo that is at the heart of their outfitting operation. He feels that the combination of quality equipment, experienced personable guides with their specialized knowledge of the Lake Taneycomo fishery and its unique water flow conditions, and the drift boat experience provides their clients with a unique and satisfying world class fly fishing experience.

    Another specialized aspect of River Run Outfitters is the emphasis on working with and encouraging woman fly fishers. Carolyn is not only an extremely accomplished fly fisher and guide, but has been trained and certified as a fly casting instructor by the world renowned fly caster and instructor, Joan Wulff.

    Carolyn’s day to day involvement and perspective enables River Run Outfitters to focus on the needs and desires of the single largest segment of the populations getting involved in fly fishing, women. Among other things River Run conducts special classes and instruction for women, carries a full line of equipment and clothing designed to meet the specific needs of the women fly fishers, and, including Carolyn, has two women guides on staff.

    In any fly fishing situation, the choice of flies used is critical but even more so in Lake Taneycomo. The entomology of Lake Taneycomo marches to its own drummer and a lot of the classic hatches one reads about in the fly fishing magazines either don’t happen or don’t happen with enough frequency to be relied on. The good news is that River Run Outfitters has one of the, if not the largest selection of flies available in Branson to equip fly fishers with the flies that are producing fish on Lake Taneycomo “right now.” A lot of these “local flies” were developed by River Run and all are tied by local fly tiers, most in the shop, and sometimes, for a really “hot fly” that is working now, while you wait.

    In addition to running their business both Stan and Carolyn travel to various fly fishing clubs giving presentations on fly fishing in Lake Taneycomo, are involved with the local chapter of Trout Unlimited, and have, for the last four years sponsored and conducted a multi day fly fishing class for the children attending the Boys and Girls Club.

    River Run Outfitters, in operation since 1999, is a full service Orvis fly fishing outfitter operating primarily on the head waters of Branson’s Lake Taneycomo, one of the mid-west’s finest trout fisheries. The operation is based out of its well stocked fly fishing shop located, in Branson, near the foot of Table Rock Dam at 2626 State Highway 165 and is open seven days a week to serve Branson’s fly fishing needs. Contact River Run Outfitters by phone at 417-332-0460 or via its web site WWW.River Run Outfitters.Com.

  • Branson Lake Taneycomo Bridge concerns

    On the morning after the Minneapolis bridge collapse, on my way to work, I crossed the old bridge spanning Lake Taneycomo. [Highway 76 between Branson and Hollister.]

    And I did so with more than the usual trepidation that I feel during my twice daily crossing of that 76 year old bridge. I am sure that many Taney Countians feel the same. Who hasn’t sat on that bridge during high traffic periods and felt the bridge shake and tremble? If you were at the Partners for Progress meeting on July 19 you would have heard MoDOT district engineer Mr. Kirk Juranas say things that could not inspire confidence in the bridge. Describing the bridge he used the word "rot," said that the deck was in "very poor" condition, said that the deck had "deteriorated severely," said that the bridge would have to be brought down if it was not soon rehabilitated.

    Is there any doubt in your mind that the bridge is not structurally deficient? According to the bridgehunter.com website, the Taneycomo bridge was last inspected in 2001, when it was rated as structurally deficient. That rating may be merely programmatic to MoDOT, but it is not encouraging to the thousands of people crossing the bridge everyday. The deficiencies in this bridge cannot be remedied anytime soon.

    Closing the bridge is not viewed by many as an option. In the light of these facts, and in order to instill some confidence in travellers, MoDOT should undertake an immediate and exhaustive inspection of the bridge. In addition to that, Taney County should hire an engineering firm to conduct an independent inspection and evaluation. Then, and only then, might regular travellers of the bridge feel some confidence in its safety. In the meantime, MoDOT and Taney County officials should begin planning for the financing and construction of a new bridge as soon as possible. Not to do take these measures would seem irresponsible. Phil Carman, Hollister

  • Beach Boys Served Up Summertime Fun in Branson

    When you think of Branson in the summer, surfing probably isn’t one of the first activities that comes to mind. But when the Beach Boys took the stage of the RFD-TV Theatre in July, you couldn’t help but to have thoughts of fast cars, pretty girls on the beach, and finding that perfect wave. For over two hours without an intermission they treated a packed house to almost 40 songs that are as timeless as they are fun.

    Beach Boys Mike Love and Bruce Johnston in Branson MO
    Mike Love and Bruce Johnston have been
    performing together for over 40 years.

    Front man Mike Love is the only remaining original band member and Bruce Johnston while not an original member has been with the band since the mid-sixties. Although the remaining band members are more recent additions, they did not disappoint. They sounded great and looked like they were having as much fun on stage as we were in the audience.

    As the show started the emcee invited the children in the audience to sit right up in front of the stage. This really added to the "fun factor" as it was neat to see the kids dancing and enjoying the music just the way it was meant to be enjoyed.

    Mike Love of teh Beach Boys at RFD-TV Theatre
    Lead singer Mike Love still knows
    how to entertain.

    They opened with favorites like California Girls, Do You Wanna Dance and When I Grow Up. Part way into the show they got people dancing and doing a cell phone wave to the sounds of Wouldn’t It Be Nice.

    Another nice highlight was the performance of Be True To Your School. Lead singer Mike Love started the song by bending down low and holding that first opening note for as long as he could after which he commented go the crowds delight, "That was a lot easier 30 years ago."

    Another crowd favorite was the segment paying tribute to fast cars. We could feel the speed with classics like Little Deuce Coupe, 409, and Shut Down. During the songs the audience had a great time dancing to the music a knocking a big beach ball around. Little touches like the beach ball just added to the summer fun feel of the concert.

    The Beach Boys bring the kids up on stage
    The kids get to joind the Beach Boys on stage.

    They concluded their set bringing the kids up on stage to dance and have fun while they played Barbara Ann and finished out the surfing theme with Surfin’ Safari and Surfin’ USA. They returned to the stage for an encore where they played Kokomo while local entertainer Tina Renee performing a hula dance throughout the number. The finished the night with Summertime Blues and Fun, Fun, Fun.

    That was a perfect song to end the show. Years have passed and they move a little slower than they did 40 years ago, but their music and performance still took us on a journey back to a time where fast cars, fun in the sun, and surfing ruled the day. What can I say? We all had Fun, Fun, Fun!

    Photos by Basil Groman
    Complete Photo Gallery: Beach Boys 2007 Photos

  • Branson’s Silver Dollar and Celebration City Awesome but…

    We recently re-visited Branson, MO. We have been there many times in my lifetime and have brought our children there to visit your fair city as they have grown up. Progress is taking its toll however…

    The kids were small the last time we took them on Sammy Lanes Pirate Cruise and we were sad to learn it was no longer there. The Branson Scenic Railway doesn’t have the outside appeal it did before just because Historic Downtown Branson right around it no longer looks historic. What price are you willing to pay to make a profit? Branson is losing something with some of these modern additions. Tradition seems to be dying these days…
    My husband thinks the city got ripped off purchasing the Fire and Light show. Why not have the fountains dancing all the time for the hefty price tag!! The short show we saw was not very impressive but maybe it is cooler to see at night when the fire is going… We don’t know… We were busy watching the evening shows at Celebration City and Silver Dollar City. Those shows were AWESOME. There was both water and fire at the Celebration City light up the night show. We were very impressed with that.

    The main point I would like to make is that when you go in and change some things like you have to create Branson Landing you are sacrificing the simplicity that Harold Bell Wright wrote about in The Shepherd of the Hills novel. When you take away and don’t relocate attractions like the Sammy Lane Pirate Cruise and you deface areas such as the one around the Historic Branson Railway Station you lose part of what made you special. Look at the Rockaway Beach area… It is a sad sight to see today… One day Branson could suffer the same fate and you will be left with a bunch of ugly buildings and it will be impossible to recover the beauty of the Ozarks. Jaylynne, Andale, KS

  • Separation agreement for Branson city administrator, Terry Dody, effective Jul. 31.

    A press release from the city of Branson stated “City of Branson Board of Alderman announces the departure of Terry Dody, ten year employee and city administrator since January 2000.” It went on to point out that “A separation agreement was drafted last week and approved by Branson Alderman yesterday. Mr. Dody’s last day is July 31.”

    The press release also said that Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said, “Change is never easy,” but that, “In this case, however, it is a positive move for everyone involved. The Mayor also said, “We appreciate the long hours and diligent effort provided by Dody during a very dynamic and demanding period in our city’s history.” To view the entire press release click here .

  • Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers to have new Branson home in 2008

    Steve, Larry, and Rudy Gatlin interacting with
    crowd at the announcement.

    At a Jul 31, lunch time press conference, held at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre, Glenn Patch, the owner of the theatre, announced that Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers will be performing at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre. Larry, Steve, and Rudy will join the roster of stars already performing at the theatre including such greats as the Righteous’ Brothers Bill Medley, Paul Revere & the Raider, Bobby Vee, Fabian, Bill Hailey’s Comets and many others in April of 2008.

    Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers are scheduled to perform at 8 p.m. on Mondays and at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays through Thursdays April 14 through May 29, 2008. During Sep. 8 through Dec. 13, 2008 they are scheduled to perform an 8 p.m. show on Mondays and a 10 a.m. show on Tuesday through Friday. Saturday shows are scheduled for Oct. 4, Nov. 15 and 22, and on Dec. 6 and 13.

    In making the announcement and stating their desire to move up onto Branson’s strip, Larry Gatlin acknowledged the relationship that they have had with Joe Sullivan and the Welk Theatre for many years. When brother Steve said that he hoped they’d be performing in Branson for another 30 years the audience roared when Larry gave a sample of what he thought that would sound like. It wasn’t pretty but it sure was funny.

    Highlighted by Larry’s tenor voice, the familial harmonies of the Gatlins have been delighting audiences and fans for decades with hits like “All the Gold In California,” “Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer to You), ” “Broken Lady” and many more. Larry pointed out that they enjoy being in Branson and performing for their fans who travel here from all over the nation not only to hear them but simply because they love visiting Branson.

    Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • Will $1.1 million microstudy answer Branson’s $1 million mass transit question?

    By: Gary J. Groman, a.k.a. The Ole Seagull

    Is there a mass transit bus system in Branson’s future? If the “million dollar” question can be answered there just might be, and it might be a lot closer than a lot of people think. According to a presentation given by Dr. Montel Wilder, on behalf of Branson Trolley and Transportation Inc. at the July 23 meeting of the city of Branson’s board of aldermen, such a system could be in operation in Branson within a period of nine to twelve months time if their proposal is adopted.

    The question about whether the plan was for a “trolley” or “bus” system was answered early on. In the process of introducing the topic, Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said, “You’re going to talk trolleys to us.” Wilder immediately replied, “We’re going to talk bus systems.”

    In making his presentation Wilder said, “There has never been a comprehensive mass transit plan, with the city of Branson’s backing, attempted in the Branson area before.” The plan Wilder proposed would involve three general phases, a microstudy, capital acquisition, and actual operation.

    Although he gave a general mention of the capital acquisition and actual operation phases of the plan they are contingent upon the microstudy, establishing the practicality and feasibility of the total plan. The microstudy, will among other things, cover routes, stops, rolling stock, facilitates, advertising, marketing, financial and legal issues, budgeting, and operating contracts. One of the primary purposes of the microstudy will be to test the preliminary ideas and concepts which, he says, Branson Trolley and Transportation Inc. have already developed.

    Wilder said, “Someone from our group has been working on some aspect of this venture almost constantly for over the last eight years. That’s why we have specific ideas about what to do and specific ideas how to do it,” He went on to say, “What we need to do is to test it out, tweak it, and hone it so that virtually all of the uncertainty is taken out of the equation and we know exactly where to go and exactly how to get there.”

    Wilder mentioned that the microstudy must also answer what he called the “million dollar” question, “How do we keep the trolleys from sitting in traffic with all the other cars?” He went on to point out that Dr. Nathan Gartner, who according to his presentation, is “the foremost expert on putting together computer models in order to alleviate traffic flow and to mitigate traffic stoppage” is working with them on the project, give an extensive list of Gartner’s qualifications and say, “Preliminarily speaking, Dr. Gartner is confident that an excellent workable system can be created.”

    The estimated total cost of the micsostudy would be $1.1 million of which $600,000 would come from state and federal grants and $500,000 in matching funds from private investors. Although the city of Branson would provide no actual funds for the microstudy it would be necessary for the city to apply for the grant funds from federal and state sources.

    The board had questions regarding routes to the rex plex, who would prepare the paper work for the grants, the actual control of the grant money, and other areas of the proposal. No formal vote was taken by the board regarding the presentation and it was suggested that the matter be further coordinated with city staff.

    Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • Ex Branson city administrator gets $151, 278 and no formal performance evaluations

    By Gary J. Groman, a.k.a. The Ole Seagull

    A press release from the city of Branson, issued late in the day on July 31 announced, “the departure of Terry Dody, ten year employee and city administrator” pursuant to a separation agreement approved by Branson Alderman on July 30. What it failed to announce was just how much the separation would cost the city of Branson and the fact that it insured that no current employee performance evaluations would be part of Dody’spersonnel folder as he departed.

    The city of Branson’s board of aldermen held a closed door executive session starting at 11:00 a.m. on July 30. The publicly released minutes of that meeting indicate that Aldermen Stan Barker, Sandra Williams, Bob McDowell, Dick Gass, and Stephen Marshall were present and that, although absent, Jack Purvis joined the discussion by phone. Others present were the city of Branson’s administrator, Terry Dody, assistant administrator, Frank Schoneboom, Mayor, Raeanne Presley, and Human Resources Director, Deb Durler.

    The minutes further state that there was discussion and that “Alderman Purvis joined the discussion by phone from 11:20 to 11:50 am.” The minutes do not describe the substance of that discussion but do state that a “Motion to authorize the Mayor to sign the Separation Agreement and Release with Mr. Dody in the amount of $151, 278.08” was made by Alderman McDowell, seconded by Alderman Gass and was approved by all the aldermen present.

    The agreement specifically states that “It is the mutual desire of Dody and the city to now end Dody’s employment with the city” under the terms contained within the agreement. The agreement specifically requires the city of Branson to pay Dody the gross amount of $151,278.08, less applicable payroll deductions, within eight calendar days after the execution of the agreement.

    The minutes of the meeting contain no detail of how the amount of $151,278.08 was arrived at or what it constitutes. The agreement however, states that for the purposes of the agreement both the city of Branson and Dody agree that $151,278.08 is an “amount equal to any and all compensation that would otherwise be due or arguably due to Dody” under his current employment agreement.

    The agreement also contained a provision that the city would not to place any evaluation or other documents into Dody’s personnel file after Dody’s execution and return of the agreement to the city. At the July 3, Alderman’s Work Session, as the matter of an annual evaluation of Dody was being discussed, Mayor Presley pointed that it did not appear that any formal annual evaluations involving Dody’s performance had been conducted by previous councils or the mayor. Alderman Gass responded, “No, he got the same raise as everybody else.”

    In response to Mayor Presley’s further statement about the fact that the former board and mayor did not have any kind of process that they went though to evaluate Dody’s performance Gass said, “Well, because we laid out his agenda and he accomplished it or didn’t accomplish it.” Mayor Presley asked, “When did you lay out his agenda?” Gass Responded, “Well, in our city council meetings when we came up with what was going to be done.”

    Mayor Presley pointed out that the board members had each received information that Alderman McDowell had obtained from the Missouri Municipal League that could be used to establish a formal evaluation process and recommended that they review it with the goal of conducting the evaluation by the end of July in closed executive session.

    Under the agreement, the city is obligated to furnish Dody a complete copy of his personnel file, as it exists “at the end of the City’s regular business day on Wednesday, August 8, 2007, within eight calendar days after his execution and return of the agreement to the city. The agreement indicates that it was executed and returned to the city at 4:45 p.m. on July 30.

    Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent. https://bransoncourier.com/view_article.php?news_ID=41

  • Isn’t Branson Landing’s public square truly “our” public square?

    The truth of the matter is that for the next 99 years or so, the public square at Branson Landing is not “owned” by the public. Yet, never has the public had more access to, or made more use of, the area occupied by Branson Landing’s public square.

    First, the reality of the situation because, like it or not, it is what it is. In a general sense, the land east of Branson Landing Boulevard to the eastern boundary of the city of Branson in Lake Taneycomo is, for all practical purposes, private for about the next 99 years. Why? The owners of that land, the city of Branson, entered into a 99 year lease with the developer of the Branson Landing project, HCW Development.

    As is the case with any other lease, as long as the lessee, HCW Development, HCW, pays the rent and otherwise complies with the conditions of the lease, it has the right to use the property in any legal manner it chooses without interference from the lessor, the city. Does that mean that Branson Landing it is not subject to city regulations and laws?

    Absolutely not, but it is not subject to any additional requirements either. As an example, city health inspectors may inspect businesses located on the private property of Branson Landing just as they would inspect any other business. City police and fire would respond to, and treat, situations at Branson Landing in the same manner as they would similar situations on any other private property in Branson.

    The bottom line is that the “public square,” or as some call it the “town square, is for all practical purposes under the control of HCW for the next 99 years subject only to the conditions in its lease with the city. If there are no conditions in the lease relating to a particular use or situation in the lease the city has no control. If there is, the city has the control authorized by those conditions.

    Basically, the lease contains no provision that gives the city of Branson any real control over what the public square is used for. If the lessee wants to sell beer out of kiosks in the public square, and can do so legally, the city can’t stop it under the terms of the lease. Could the city have negotiated a provision into the lease prohibiting the sale of beer from kiosks on the public square? The answer is “Yes” but what it could have done, might have done, or, in some people’s minds, should have done, is immaterial. It did what it did.

    The major provision in the lease giving the city a say over the use of the public square relates to the city’s right to use it for events that it wants to sponsor and up to 12 days per year of events sponsored by other organizations, designated by the city. However, among other conditions, such use is subject to availability and the payment of certain fees to reimburse HCW for the costs of providing the necessary services and facilities. Since the opening of Branson Landing, over a year ago, the city has made minimal use of this provision.

    Yet, on most days, thousands of people use the public square to view Lake Taneycomo, watch the fire and water show, or just relax for a moment while they are at the Landing. At other times, thousands gather on the public square to listen to the concerts or participate in the entertainment or other events that HCW is providing, generally for free, as part of the ambiance that makes up the Branson Landing experience.

    In the final analysis, Branson Landing’s public square, in a very real and practical sense, is available and used on a daily basis for the use and entertainment of Branson’s citizens and visitors alike. In an Ole Seagull’s mind that makes Branson Landing’s public square our public square and, to him, that’s a good thing.

  • Current city ordinances provide city minimal ability to regulate liquor and alcohol

    The city of Branson’s board of aldermen held a special meeting at 10:30 a.m. on July 30 for the purpose of discussing the city’s liquor license policy and to review and approve current applications for liquor licenses submitted to the city of Branson before they were forwarded to the state by the city. There were three applications for liquor by the drink licenses, commonly called the “Resort Restaurant License,” for the board to approve Hillbilly Inn Restaurant on West Highway 76, Ernie Biggs Piano Bar and the White River Fish Company both in Branson Landing.

    City Attorney Paul Link and the board discussed the general procedure that an applicant for a liquor license goes through to get a Resort Restaurant License within the city of Branson. Link said that basically, the applicant applies through the city, city staff reviews it for compliance with applicable city ordinances regarding zoning, health, and other applicable city requirements, and issues a Letter of Intent which is forwarded, with the license, to the state Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control for their approval. The city has no direct control over that approval. If the state approves the license it is then forwarded back to the city for the final issuance of appropriate city licenses.

    Alderman Dick Gass asked if the city code had any authority to deny a license once the state granted a license. Link said, “As our code currently sits we don’t have anything in our liquor laws or alcohol laws that would allow us to deny a license to that business if they came forth with a valid state license.” There was some discussion that the city code did contain some restrictions on the number of package liquor sales and beer licenses that the city could issue.

    The board approved forwarding the Letters of Intent and the three license applications to the state by unanimous vote of all those present. Alderman Jack Purvis was the only alderman not present. After a short discussion, the board voted unanimously not to take any formal action on any future initial application of a business for a state liquor license in Branson. They did however; request that a copy of each such application be placed in their box for review.

    Mayor Raeanne Presley later said, “One of the purposes of the Liquor and Alcohol Task Force will be to examine the current city ordinances covering the licensing and serving of liquor and alcoholic beverages within the city limits of Branson.” She went on to point out that as a result of that examination she would anticipate that the task force would determine what, if any, changes were necessary and would present their recommendations to the board of aldermen for their evaluation and decision. Mayor Presley further expressed her hope that the Task Force would be appointed by the end of August.

    Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.