Branson Courier

Month: October 2008

  • Branson Hollister area offers safe Halloween alternatives

    Thanks to the efforts of a lot of people, Branson area children have a number of opportunities for a safe Halloween alternative to the traditional door to door trick or treating. From trick or treats to a haunted forest and hayrides, area children can have a “Boo of fun” and get lots of treats, all safely and for free.

    The Hollister Boo Bash and Halloween Walk is a cooperative effort between the city of Hollister and the Ozark Mountain Family YMCA. It will be held at the YMCA in the Hollister Industrial Park from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Talbird Lovan, Executive Director of the YMCA, said there will be a variety of activities including a carnival, a Haunted Maze and Hay Rides. He said over 800 kids participated last year, more is expected this year and additional donations of candy and treats would be appreciated.

    The carnival will have a number of activities and games such as the fish pond, a pumpkin toss etc. with prizes for each event. In addition there will be a costume contest with prizes. Big Brothers and Sisters will have Hay Rides leaving periodically throughout the evening.

    The Haunted Maze sponsored by the city of Hollister is a unique feature of this event. Margie Williams, Finance Director for the city of Hollister a.k.a. The Queen of Halloween said the Haunted Maze winds through a darkened area with exciting and scary “scenes” such as the Haunted Forest and Illusion Table waiting around each turn.

    Each of the “scenes” is performed by a volunteer from or representing the city of Hollister’s government and most involve actions intended to add an element of Halloween excitement to the maze. Williams reminds parents that some scenes it might be too “scary” for some smaller children and all they have to do is ask any of the volunteers performing in a given scene not to “perform” and they will stand motionless as the child passes by. There are additional treats awaiting those who complete the maze.

    Additional information on the even can be obtained by calling the YMCA at 417- 337-YMCA (9622.)

    Tanger Outlet Mall will offer trick or treating from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday Oct. 31. Although a spokesperson from the mall’s customer service could not be specific as to their design she did say that each of the participating stores will have distinctive signs. For additional information call Tanger Mall at 417-337-9331.

    Over 75 of the merchants in Branson Landing will be participating in the Landing’s 2nd Annual Safe Street Trick or Treat event on Friday, Oct. 31 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tammy Schloten, Director of Marketing for the Landing, said the event is open to costumed children up to the age of 12 and provides a safe Halloween alternative with lots of treats. All the activities will take place in the Landing’s promenade and Town Square.

    Sholten explained that each of the merchants participating in the event will have a “pumpkin sign” prominently displayed in their front window and will be handing out treats to the costumed children. She also pointed out that special Halloween decorations will be placed up and down the promenade and in Town Square and that the first 1,000 kids to visit the cool Halloween Witch in the Town Square will be given free Halloween bags, really big bags to hold all their treats. Legend has it this really cool Halloween Witch has lots of treats too. For additional information call Branson Landing at 417-239-3002.

    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • Branson has $60 million obligation to Branson Airport

    While the city was developing its 2009 budget, the Pay for Performance Agreement the city has with the Branson Airport LLC (BA) at Branson Creek was discussed. Under the agreement the city of Branson is obligated to pay up to $2 million dollars a year for the next 30 years to BA for a potential total $60 million.
    Under Section 2 of the agreement entitled “Pay for Performance Fees: Cap” the city has agreed to pay BA “$8.24 per inbound passenger arriving at the BA Airport on scheduled and charter flights from another airport of origin.” The amount paid shall be determined on a quarterly basis based on the “quarterly passenger count record, which shall be derived from the records of scheduled and chartered airlines serving the BA Airport and provided to the City by BA.” The agreement expressly provides that all outbound passengers from the BA Airport as well as passengers whose trip originates in Springfield and terminates at the BA Airport will be excluded from the passenger count used to determine the payment.
    Except for the term “inbound passenger” and the exclusion for outbound passengers and inbound passengers from Springfield there is no other performance criteria in the agreement. When asked if there was any other terms filtering what triggers the obligation of the city to pay the $8.24 in the agreement current City Administrator Dean Kruithof, who was not the city administrator when the agreement was signed said he did not. He continued, “In other words, Passenger A could visit Branson from New York by air every year of the agreement and the City would pay the $8.24 for each visit.”
    Kruithof went on to say, “I have always understood the spirit and intent of the agreement was to pay for visitors flying to Branson, with the hope they will stay in the city and contribute to our economy. I also understand the amount is calculated to break even if the visitor spends $100 in Branson, with any additional expenditures going to the benefit of our tax collections.”
    The agreement is subject to an annual appropriation by the city to meet its obligations and states that the city intends to appropriate adequate funds to meet its obligations under the agreement on an annual basis during the agreement. It also states that neither the city nor BA will challenge or contest the reasonableness of the terms, extent, or duration of the agreement.
    Neither the city of Hollister nor Taney County has signed a similar agreement with BA. Hollister City Administrator Rick Ziegenfuss said that although Hollister will support the airport in various ways it does not have a similar agreement. Presiding Taney County Commissioner, Chuck Pennell said that BA had approached Taney County to sign a similar agreement but they could not agree on a standard to use to determine which inbound passengers the fee would be paid on and which it would not.
    The schedule for the Taney County Commission shows it has a meeting scheduled with representatives of BA for 9:30 a.m. Oct. 29 for the purpose of discussing a “Revenue Sharing Agreement.
    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • ‘Legends in Concert’ has new home starting in 2009

    Celebrated tribute artist production ‘Legends in Concert’ announced today that they have signed a multi-year, multi-dimensional agreement with GEP, Inc., the owner of the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater, becoming its resident headline entertainment attraction commencing in 2009.

    "Legends has enjoyed tremendous success in the Branson market since 1996,” said Jeannie Horton, General Manager for Legends in Concert. “This new theater will allow the introduction of many exciting enhancements to our production that both our loyal Legends fans and new guests are certain to enjoy.” “We look forward to an even brighter future as our show moves to this fabulous new entertainment facility, a true state-of-the-art venue.”

    The ultimate Branson rock and roll complex, the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater boasts over 900 seats, yet its innovative design creates an intimate concert space with great sight lines to the stage, cushy comfortable seats with generous leg room, a dance floor, spectacular projection screens and fascinating memorabilia recalling the historic roots of rock ‘n’ roll and country music. “Legends” will perform daily at the Theater at 3:00pm and 8:00pm, except Wednesdays. The specific performer line-up and the announcement of the morning show for 2009, will be released by the company in the coming weeks. Current “Legends” performances will continue as scheduled through December 31, 2008 at The Legends Family Theater, including its traditional holiday themed version and New Year’s Eve Extravaganza, both long-time Branson favorites.

    "It has been our privilege and pleasure to showcase such enormously talented tribute artists and provide family-oriented, value-priced, high quality live musical entertainment in Branson for the past 13 years,” said Brian Brigner, chief operating officer for "Legends" producer On Stage Entertainment. “We are honored to join forces with Glenn Patch, GEP’s founder, visionary entrepreneur and revered Branson developer, and we are looking forward to working closely with his team to mutually benefit our respective business interests and shared commitment to the Branson marketplace”.

    “Many years ago, when we conceived the idea of building and operating this complex, we knew it was essential to recruit a truly world class live music production show, to be the signature entertainment for our guests,” said Glenn Patch. “I am delighted Legends in Concert has selected our theater and warmly welcome them to their new Branson home; it’s the perfect fit and will complete the experience for our patrons that we envisioned. We look forward to a fruitful long-term partnership with this outstanding attraction.”

    “As the developer of Branson’s premium recreation facilities including the country’s only Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater and Grill, a 30,000 square foot museum featuring one of the finest collections of pristine American-made automobiles from the year 1957 and an extensive collection of period memorabilia, we knew we had to have the very best live entertainment for our visitors,” said Tim Mahoney, President of GEP, Inc. “We are very pleased that Legends in Concert has selected our facility for their future; given how complimentary we know their special brand of entertainment is to all our activities in this market, we are committed to their continued success in Branson.”

    About Legends in Concert

    Celebrating its 25th year, “Legends in Concert” is a live musical celebration featuring the world’s greatest celebrity tribute artists. The product is owned and operated by Las Vegas based On Stage Entertainment, Inc. Widely recognized in the entertainment industry as the original celebrity tribute show, “Legends in Concert” has not only performed throughout the United States, but the show has traveled to 15 countries on five continents, entertaining more than 15 million fans. It currently operates numerous fixed-based, touring, limited-term and private engagements of "Legends" throughout the world. In addition to Las Vegas, "Legends" is presented year-round in numerous cities including Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Branson, Mo.; Atlantic City, N.J. and Auburn (Seattle), Wash.

    About GEP, Inc.

    GEP, Inc., is a Titusville, Florida based family wealth holding company, founded by Glenn E. Patch, a successful media entrepreneur. In addition to the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand theater, GEP, Inc. owns 57 Heaven Museum, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Grill, The Communities at Branson Creek, Branson Creek Golf Club, John Daly’s Murder Rock Golf and Country Club, and Harbor Village in Bigfork, MT.

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  • Branson’s Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas

    Christmas lights and and the true spirt of
    of Christmas fill Silver Dollar City.

    Silver Dollar City’s “An Old Time Christmas,” one of America’s most acclaimed Christmas celebrations, is kicking off its brightest season to date with new shows and activities, plus more lights than ever before presented throughout the streets of the 1880s-style theme park. Newly enhanced lighting, through the addition of thousands of energy saving “LED”* lights and all-new wrapping of 40-foot-tall trees, makes all the brighter the spectacular Christmas on Main Street, with its showcase five-story special effects Christmas tree and all-immersive light and sound show. Also new this year, the park presents Frosty, an interactive musical that invites kids to help bring the legendary snowman to life. An Old Time Christmas runs November 1 – December 30.

    Profiled as one of the top holiday celebrations in the country by USA Today, CNN Travel, and Good Morning America, An Old Time Christmas transforms the theme park into an evening wonderland with over four million lights and 1,000 decorated Christmas trees. The colorful Holiday Light Parade, with musical floats covered in lights, winds through the streets of the City each evening. The musical production, A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, returning by popular demand, boasts national reviews putting it on the caliber of a Broadway show. And for nighttime thrills, the roller coasters are open after dark with great views of the lights from above.

    Christmas 2008 also marks the premier holiday season of the all-new Silver Dollar City Culinary & Craft School with classes such as classic Christmas cookies, holiday pies, and traditional soups & stews. The new 3,000 square-foot timber frame building features a state-of-the-art kitchen, and a Craftsmen’s Showcase furnished with work of the park’s expert craftsmen.

    In the two decades of the festival, Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas has become one of the country’s most recognized events for spectacular lighting and world-class entertainment. “When we started the Christmas festival in 1988, we weren’t sure if it would even work during a time that was traditionally the off-season,” said Brad Schroeder, Silver Dollar City Entertainment Director, citing fewer than 50,000 guests that first year – a number that has now grown 7-fold. “As we expanded the festival, we’ve seen many families make it a holiday tradition, building to 350,000 guests in the two-month period of November and December.”

    Christmas on Main Street, with its one million lights including lights on buildings, in hanging canopies over the city streets and on 250 Christmas trees around the Square, has made the Silver Dollar City Square an unparalleled sight. “With the addition of even more lights and effects, we’ve dramatically enhanced the atmosphere on the square,” stated Trudie Kelly, Silver Dollar City Visual Supervisor. “The LED lights also help to cut back on energy consumption throughout the park.” As the 5-story tree blazes in synchronization with the musical movements of Christmas songs, the lights around Main Street flash along with it, accompanied by surround-sound, immersing guests in the experience. Performances run throughout the evening.

    Silver Dollar City’s acclaimed production, A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, is an original musical adaptation of the famous classic by Charles Dickens. The show features elaborate sets and visual effects, with flying spirits, vanishing ghosts, revolving scenery, pyrotechnic special effects and a cast of 14, accompanied by a live band

    The tastes of the season are in abundance throughout the park, including a prime rib buffet and traditional favorites such as turkey with cran-apple raisin dressing. Festive holiday desserts from apple dumplings to hot wassail can be found throughout the park. And for kids, there’s a lunch with Santa, available weekends throughout the festival.

    During An Old Time Christmas, Silver Dollar City is open Wednesdays through Sundays in November, Thursdays through Sundays through December 14, then open daily December 18-23 and December 26-30. Hours are 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. most days – check the website for exact schedules. For ticket information, show schedules and Culinary & Craft School classes, call 800-831-4FUN or visit www.silverdollarcity.com.

    * Light-Emitting Diode

  • Decision time for 2009 budget and Fall Creek Road extension

    The 2009 Budget and the completion of the Fall Creek Road extension will be major topics of discussion at the Oct. 28 meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen. Both have been major items of discussion and consideration as the budget process has developed.
    A public hearing and the first reading of the ordinance adopting the city’s 2009 budget and appropriating the funding for that budget will be considered. At the board’s Sep. 22 meeting the board postponed the approval of the city’s 2009 budget by passing a resolution permitting the continuation of the necessary and essential expenditures of the budget to operate the city through Nov. 3. The resolution was based on its finding that “good and sufficient reasons exist to allow a continuation because of the City Governments financial status.”
    At a Sep. 16 meeting of the board and the city’s Infrastructure and Budget and Finance Committees, Branson City Administrator Dean Kruithof said a system breakdown had occurred. He described the system breakdown as, among other things, a lack of effective contract management, no reconciliation to budget, no project accounting, and that the city has an obsolete financial system. At the Sep. 22 meeting Kruithof explained the continuing resolution was necessary so that the budget process could be completed, that they were in the process of working through the second round of budget discussions with the city’s Directors and were looking very hard at expenditures.
    The completed operating budget for the General Fund in 2009 shows total Revenues of $19,377,890, Budgeted Expenditures of $20,117,577 and a projected operating deficit of $739,687. The staff report accompanying the budget indicates that this will be the floor for all future budgets.
    On more than one occasion Kruithof has expressed his concern about the recent trend of declining Fund Balances. In general terms the Fund Balance is an indication of reserves. On Oct. 23, during a joint meeting of the board with the city’s Infrastructure and Finance and Budget Committee’s, Finance Director, Lori Helle said the 2009 ending Fund Balance of $6,002,028 “will be the floor for future budgets.”
    The public had an opportunity to express their opinion and give input about the 2009 budget in a public hearing on Sep. 22. There will be additional opportunities for such input on Oct. 28 during the public hearing and when the ordinance is proposed for adoption. If the item is removed from the Consent Agenda at the board’s rescheduled first November meeting on Nov. 3, the public will have another opportunity to be heard.
    The board will also consider a first reading accepting a bid proposal to complete the final phase of the Fall Creek Road Extension including the realignment and straightening of the segment immediately south of Highway 76/Fall Creek Intersection. Of the three qualified bids that were received on the project city staff recommended the award of the bid to Emery Sapp & Sons d/b/a Kennedy ESS Contractors who submitted the low bid of $4,545,681.
    In a memo to City Administrator Dean Kruithof entitled “Fall Creek Facts,” City Engineer David Miller points out that the Fall Creek Project has been included in transportation master and comprehensive plans as an integral means of improving traffic circulation on Highway 76. It goes on to point out that the cost benefit ratio for the project was 3.88, or that for every dollar spent on construction Branson would realize $3.88 in benefits. The city already has approximately $3 million dollars invested in the project to this point and has all the land rights etc. needed to permit the building and completion of the project should the bid be awarded.
    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • A letter from a Soldiers wife

    By: Heather Klein, “Wife of SPC Klein”
    Edited by: Gary J. Groman, a.k.a. The Ole Seagull

    This week’s column is a drastic departure from what most readers normally expect, in fact, except for this introduction it will not even be written by the Ole Seagull. Whether it is because he knows the people involved or feels that thousands of other soldier’s wives, mothers, grandparents, and loved ones hear the same comments and questions, the information, poignancy and emotion in the email from Heather Klein, the wife of SPC Kory Klein, currently serving with the U.S. Army Reserve in Iraq, needs to be shared and, except for some slight editing, is printed below as submitted.

    “Heather’s Letter”

    As a military wife I am asked many questions. While I do believe that most people do genuinely mean well, I would like to share how some of these comments and questions affect the person who is receiving them.

    1. “I am against/for this war.”

    Seriously this comment does not help or make any military wife feel better. Nobody likes war, nobody wants war and most of all; nobody wants their loved one in the middle of a combat zone. One’s political standing on the war aside, if you really want to offer a wife or loved one something, tell them that you are praying for their soldier. Those few words will go a very long way in giving that loved one a bit of peace.

    2. “Do you worry about your spouse cheating? Is it hard to be faithful?”

    I can’t tell you how insulting and hurtful this question is. I married a man who believes his word is the most important thing he has to give. I did not end up with a husband serving a year in Iraq because he goes back on his word; I ended up in such a position because he lives up to his word. Be here at home or in a war zone, my husband does not break his promises, I never doubt his fidelity here at home, I don’t doubt while he was in Iraq. I am not an idiot.

    3. “I could not do it.”

    If I had a dime for every time someone said this to a military wife, I wouldn’t need a retirement fund. I don’t want to live a year without my husband but I married a soldier and by doing so, I made the choice to do whatever it takes. I don’t feel like I do it either, but I do not have too many options at the time. He was called up; he went and I did what I had to do to manage on my own. We often discover that we can do a great deal more than we believe ourselves capable when it matters.

    4. “Are you afraid your husband might hurt you now that he has killed other people?”

    This is a question that is a bit watered down because I have actually had people use the term “murder” in this dialog. No question enrages me more than this one. First, you are assuming that every soldier has killed someone. This is not true. While every single service member carries a gun in Iraq and other combat zones not all actually have to shoot them. When they are actually fired it is for preservation of their own lives or the lives of others. The men and women of our military are well trained but they are not murderers instead they are the people that are trying to keep others from murdering innocent civilians. I have never feared my husband. He is a loving and protective man who would never hurt me in any way.

    5. “Are you afraid for him?”

    I can only believe that this is a question because someone does not know what else to say. Any military wife who is not afraid is lacking something very basic inside. A military wife is afraid twenty four hours a day. I quit watching the news as often as possible because it only fed my fears. I also don’t like to talk about my fears because it put my emotions a bit too close to the surface.

    6. I know how you feel; my husband went away for a hunting trip a few weeks ago.

    You have no idea how I feel. I wake up every morning and pray “Please God, just let him still be alive at the end of today.” I always felt that if I ask for more than one day, I was being selfish, so I ask for one day at time. I have lived this for ten months now and six to go, which is less than many military wives go through.

    I spend most days not knowing for sure if my husband is safe or if he is hurt. Words such as “dead” have been removed my vocabulary because saying them might make them real. I didn’t do this for a weekend, I didn’t do it for a week, and I did this for going on almost a year now. I live with my stomach in a knot and at night as I sleep all my worst fears would play out in graphic detail in my dreams. Unless you have been there you have no idea how it feels to have your husband in a combat zone. Military wives are not made of steel and we are not much different from anyone else. We just have different circumstances.

    7. “Are you mad at him for doing this to you?”

    This question puzzles me. I have yet to meet a single military wife who is mad at her husband for doing “this” to her. I am still trying to figure out what my husband did to me. Yes, I had moments of anger and yes sometimes that anger was directed at him. The day the air conditioner broke and I couldn’t get it to start, I kicked the garage wall, cried and cussed at him. I was angry because he wasn’t here, I was angry because I didn’t know from day to day what was going to happen, I was just plain angry.

    He, of course, did not hear a word of any of it because he is half way across the world. I never felt that this was something my husband did to me instead I see it as something he did for me, our children, grandchildren and anyone who wants to live in a free country. I am proud of him, I am proud of his service and I am honored to be the woman that not only carries his name but his heart.

    As a military wife I have a lot to deal with. Yes, I am married to a soldier but just because I am a military wife does not give anyone the right to just blurt out whatever comes to their mind while I stand back and behave like the perfect and proper soldier’s wife. While I am the wife of a soldier, I am also human with feelings and I respond with emotion when you hit a raw nerve. Before saying something thoughtless to a military wife or anyone for that matter, consider that your words just might cause them pain.

  • Branson’s Celebration City closing ends the “celebration”

    Celebration City’s famed nightly
    laser show.

    The celebration has ended permanently for Branson’s Celebration City theme park. When the park ended its 2008 season as it closed at 10 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 25, it was also the permanent closing of the park. The first sentences of a “redirect” on the www.bransoncelebrationcity.com website to the Silver Dollar City website gracefully tells the story reading “Thanks for your interest in Celebration City! Please know that Celebration City closes at 10 pm on Saturday, October 25 and will not reopen for the 2009 season.”

    In announcing the closing, reports indicate Lisa Rau, spokesperson for Herschend Family Entertainment Corp (HFE), the owners of Celebration City, Silver Dollar City, and White Water theme parks in Branson said the operation of the park did not meet financial expectations. Rau said HFE is evaluating future options regarding the site.
    Rau also indicated that that efforts will be made to find the parks 18 full time employees jobs at the other HFE attractions in Branson. She said Celebrations City’s seasonal employees will be given the first opportunity to interview for positions at the other HFE attractions in Branson Silver Dollar City, White Water and The Showboat Branson Belle for the 2009 season.
    Celebration City is located at the west end of the Branson Strip in the location of the former Mutton Hollow and Branson USA amusement park immediately south of the intersection of State Highways 376 and 76. Branson USA was purchased by Silver Dollar City in 2001and went through a $40 million renovations prior to opening as Celebration City in 2003.
    One of the early news releases on Celebration City said it would have, “the nostalgia of an early-century amusement park with 24 rides and attractions, about half of which are vintage-style rides Silver Dollar City held onto after acquiring the Branson USA property. The park also will build a 10-story-tall wooden roller coaster by Great Coasters International.” In addition to its rides and entertainment Celebration City was noted for its spectacular nightly laser show just before the park closed each evening.

  • Proposition A increases odds against casino gambling in Branson

    The ads for Missouri’s Proposition A stress the alleged benefits to educational funding should Proposition pass. What the ads don’t say is that if passed it will create a virtual casino gambling monopoly for the 13 Missouri communities where casino gambling is currently authorized by drastically increasing the odds against Branson, and other communities which do not currently having casino gambling, from ever getting it.

    Ross Summers, President/CEO Branson /Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB said, “The board of the Branson /Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB has consistently taken a position against the expansion of casino gambling into the Branson area.” He went on to say that the passage of Proposition A would be consistent with that position.

    Proposition A is not an amendment to Missouri’s constitution. It is a modification to Missouri’s laws made by a vote of the people. If approved by the voters Proposition A enacts a new act entitled, “The Schools First Elementary and Secondary Education Funding Initiative” (Proposition A) which modifies Missouri’s existing laws governing casino gambling in seven specific areas.

    The “Title” for Proposition A voters will see on the ballot starts off with the verbiage, “Shall Missouri law be amended to:” followed by the list of the seven specific areas to be modified. One of the seven areas covered by Proposition A states, “restrict the number of casinos to those already built or being built.” The web site http://www.yesforschoolsfirst.com for one of the major organizations supporting Proposition A, “Yes on A Coalition” indicates the number of casinos will be limited to the current 13 if Proposition A passes.

    The full language of Proposition A covering the restriction of the number of casinos in Missouri states,“The Missouri Gaming Commission shall not authorize additional excursion gambling boat licenses after the effective date of this act that exceed the number of licenses which have been approved for excursion gambling boats already built and those under construction. For purposes of this section, ‘under construction’ means an excursion gambling boat that has a license application approved by the Commission for priority investigation and is under construction at the approved site prior to the effective date of this act. If one or more excursion gambling boat licenses issued under chapter 313 is forfeited, surrendered, revoked, not renewed, or expires then the Commission may issue a new license to replace the license that was forfeited, surrendered, revoked, not renewed, or expired.”

    If Proposition A is approved by the voters it does not completely eliminate the possibility of casino gambling coming to the Branson area but it does create another considerable hurdle that must be overcome before that can happen. As the law currently reads there is no limit on the number of casinos authorized within the state.

    Currently, if the Branson area wanted to authorize casino gambling it would first have to get a constitutional amendment approved by a statewide vote authorizing casino gambling in the Branson area. If the amendment was approved by the voters the Missouri Gaming Commission could issue the license.

    If Proposition A is approved and the Branson area wanted to authorize casino gambling in the area it would still require a constitutional amendment approved by a statewide vote. The difference is that even though Branson would have the authority to do it Missouri law would prohibit the Missouri Gaming Commission from issuing a license to do so.

    For Branson to actually get the license necessary to build the casino the restriction on number of casinos that could be built in the state imposed by Proposition A would have to be modified to permit more than the 13 authorized by the Proposition. The “Yes on A Coalition” web site indicates that could be changed in a variety of ways such as the voter approval of a future ballot initiative, a referendum measure placed on the ballot by the legislature, or the legislature passing a law allowing additional casinos.

    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • Branson’s 2009 Budget ready for public unveiling

    If the budget process is any indication, the “system breakdown” relating to Branson’s financial caution light, as explained by City Administrator Dean Kruithof at a meeting on Sep. 7, appears to be well along the way to repair. After months of dedicated effort by the city of Branson’s staff, its financial consultants and advisors, elected officials, and its Capital Improvements and Budget and Finance Committees the city’s budget for 2009 will be presented to the Board of Aldermen and Public for review and comment at the boards Oct. 28 meeting.

    A preview of that budget was presented by city Finance Director, Lori Helle, at a joint Work Session Meeting of the Board of Aldermen, Capital Improvements Committee, and Budget and Finance Committee held on Oct. 23. Just how much a work in progress and challenging the budget process is can be illustrated by the difference in the figures presented in just a few days time.

    The tentative work budget for the General Fund, presented to the Budget and Finance Committee at its Oct. 15 meeting, for 2009 showed Budgeted Revenues of $15,440,350 and Budgeted Expenditures of $16,787,967 for a net deficit of $1,347,617 in the General Fund. As the budget process continued and was refined the net result presented in the Oct. 23 budget to be presented at the board’s Oct. 28 meeting showed Revenues of $19,377,890 and Budgeted Expenditures of $20,117,577. The projected net deficit of $739,687 in the Oct. 23 budget presented is about 45 percent less than was estimated just a few days earlier in the Oct. 15.

    Helle explained that a large part of the difference between what was presented in the Oct. 15 estimated budget and the Oct. 23 budget had to do with the way revenues and expenses for the Branson Convention Center are reflected. She said, “We should have been receiving all of the revenues from the convention center instead of netting them with the expenditures.” The estimated amount of this revenue for 2009, totaling $3,821,610, is reflected as specific revenue line items under “Misc. Revenue” in the General Fund.

    She also noted that the overall General fund Expenditures estimated for 2009 have decreased slightly from that projected for 2008. Helle also pointed out that the salaries for 2009 were budgeted with a 3 percent increase, health benefit costs have been budgeted at a 5 percent increase and that the retirement costs for city employees will increase the 2009 budget by about $178,000.

    An examination of the Oct. 23 budget indicates the General Fund will have an ending Fund Balance of $6,002,028 down $2,640,686 from its beginning Fund Balance of $8,642,714. Kruithof has expressed concern about the recent trend of declining fund balances. Helle said the 2009 ending Fund Balance “will be the floor for future budgets.”

    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • Branson’s bond rating good but there are concerns

    Branson’s budget took another step forward on Oct. 21 as its Capital Improvement Committee received information about the city’s bond rating, bonding capacity, debt obligations, and other information that could impact on the city’s ability to finance needed capital improvement projects now and in the future. The city’s bond consultants told the committee the city’s bond rating was “good for a city of this size.”

    Rick McConnell from Gilmore & Bell, the city’s bond attorney, reviewed the information about the types of bonds the city had and its capacity to bond further. He pointed out the vast majority of the city’s bond debt is not in the form of general obligation bonds but is guaranteed by annual appropriations and revenues from specific sources. McConnell pointed out that general obligation bonds required a vote of the citizens.

    When asked exactly what the bonding capacity of the city was, McConnell indicated there was no set defined legal limit and it depended on a number of factors. He explained, “There is no capacity for risk in the market” and was not certain as to what the market’s reaction would be to a big bond issue at this time. He also pointed out that the city’s 4 percent estimate for interest was low and thought a 6 percent figure would be more appropriate.

    Kelsi Powell and Dennis Lloyd from Columbia Capital Management gave a review of the city’s debt obligations. Powell said the city had an Annual Appropriation Credit Rating of Baa1 (Stable) from Moody’s and BBB+ (Stable) from S&P for bonds guaranteed under that method such as the Branson Landing Bonds and an Issuer Credit Rating of A1 (Stable) from Moody’s for General Obligation Bonds.

    She said that in terms of credit rating, Branson is unique because of the effect tourists have on its economy. She described the ratings as good and credited them to Branson’s steady tax base growth, consistent and strong financial performance, historical commitment to make annual appropriation payments, and the resilience of its tourism based economy during economic downturns.

    Powell pointed out there are credit challenges in terms of Branson’s high debt burden, the economic sensitivity of its main source of revenue and the risks commonly associated with major development projects. She specifically pointed out some potential rating agency concerns that could impact on Branson’s future ability to issue bonds.

    One of those concerns was depleting its existing reserves. Recently, in speaking of the city’s reserves, Branson City Administrator Dean Kruithof stated that Branson is where it needs to be for 2009 but he has concerns about what happens in future years if the current down trend in the city’s reserves is not reversed.

    Powell said the credit agencies would also be concerned about a significant and trending decrease in revenues. The estimate being used for the 2009 budget year is about a 4 percent decrease in revenue.

    In looking at the anticipated debt that will be needed in the not too distant future to finance sewer and water projects both McConnell and Lloyd cautioned the committee. They said that under the current conditions getting bonds issued is going to be a challenge for any community because investors are adverse to any risk. Lloyd pointed out that the more debt the city has the harder it will be to get bond financing in the future.

    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • Chamber Chatter – Hollister Boo Bash – Great Pumpkin Drop

    By: Kathryn Buckstaff, Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce

    The Great Pumpkin Drop – Faith Lutheran Church

    For the past three years, Faith Lutheran Church has hosted a free family party providing a safe celebration of Halloween. This year, it’s from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26, at the church. From the Bus. 65 roundabout north of Branson Landing, take the Parnell Street exit and go to 221 Malone St.

    There will be contests for best costume and burgers, hot dogs and s’mores cooked over a bonfire. The main event is the famous Pumpkin Drop. Last year—the first year—there was a hitch. The pumpkin—a member of the squash family—was suspended 20 feet above the parking lot from a light pole. The nylon twine had to pass through an eye hook as it dropped, and there was a small knot in the string.

    Tim Onnen, director of youth ministries, said he was certain it wouldn’t get stuck and would splatter on the ground as planned. But it hung up and dangled. Onnen got a ladder and climbed up for a second try, which was successful. “Everyone got to count down twice.”

    The pumpkin drop signals the start of trunk-treating in which people who have pre-registered line up their cars and kids get treats from the decorated trunks. Last year, about 300 people attended, he said.

    Hollister Halloween Boo Bash – Hayrides and Treats

    Everyone is invited to the free Halloween Boo Bash that will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, at the Ozark Mountain Family YMCA in the Hollister Industrial Park. It is sponsored by the YMCA and the City of Hollister. Kids are encouraged to wear “friendly” Halloween costumes, said YMCA director Talbird Lovan. There will be an inside haunted maze, costume contest, face painting, games and treats. Students from College of the Ozarks’ Bonner Scholars’ Program will help with the carnival. Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Ozarks will host hayrides.
    Last year, 800 parents and kids attended. Lovan said they’d welcome donations of funds and candy. Call Hollister Town Hall at 334-3262.

    Branson History Museum – Photos Show The Past

    Next time you’re in Historic Downtown Branson, stop by the Branson History Museum inside the office of the Downtown Branson Main Street Association at 119 W. Pacific, just east of Bus. 65. Director Dawn Erickson and the staff have a beautifully displayed collection of vintage photos and other memorabilia of Branson going back to the early 1900’s. Branson incorporated as a city in 1912.

    Among the photos are several of the first Adoration Scene that will again be lighted atop Mount Branson on Dec. 7 to kick off the 60th Annual Adoration Celebration and Parade. There’s also a photo of excursion boats lined up along the downtown Taneycomo lakefront, perhaps in the early 1930’s, that is labeled by hand “Branson Landing.” Erickson welcomes donations of historic items. Call 334-1548 or email dawnerickson@downtownbranson.org.

    Candidates Gathering

    The public is invited to a Meet-The-Candidates forum at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 15, in the Crystal Hall in the Lodge of the Ozarks, 3431 W. Missouri 76. The event will be moderated by Hometown Radio’s Scott McCaulley and aired on KOMC-FM 100.1 beginning at 6 p.m.

    The forum is being sponsored by several local Chambers of Commerce as well as area Republican and Democrat clubs. For information, call Jo Hadley at the Table Rock Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at 739-2564 or e-mail jhadley@visittablerocklake.com.

    Make The Connection!

    The local talk show about what’s going on in Branson airs Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. on The Vacation Channel with host Kathryn Buckstaff. This week, Jason Hughes of the Hughes American Family Theatre talks about “the biggest family in show business.” Debbie Young with OACAC tells about the need for foster grandparents. And Greg Bahler of Bahler Digital explains how he transfers old video tapes and even 8mm film onto DVDs and how he met Michael Jackson.

    Sponsored on this site by: Branson.Com

    Edited by: Gary J. Groman, a.k.a. The Ole Seagull

  • “The Pride of Branson” wins Ozark Mountain Marching Festival

    By GARY J. GROMAN
    a.k.a. The Ole Seagull

    The Pride of Branson Marching Band competed in the first annual Ozark Mountain Marching Festival hosted by Reeds Spring High School on Oct. 11. Even as the band completed their last marching maneuver and exited the field as the last notes they played faded away over the darkening Ozark hills, those watching knew they had just seen something special. The rest was up to the judges.

    As the scores of the divisional finals were announced it was obvious that the judges too thought the Pride of Branson Marching Band’s performance was something special. The band received an overall score of 83.8 to win their Division and won the only two peripheral awards given in their divisional final, best percussion and best color guard. In addition, Branson was the only band in the division to improve their overall score from the preliminaries held earlier in the day and won over two other excellent bands, the second place Parkview Viking Band and the third place Hillcrest Blue Wave Band by scores of 4.5 points and 8.2 points respectively.

    In the preliminary competition earlier in the day, the Pride had taken first in its Class with a score of 80.9. That automatically qualified them for a spot in the finals later that evening. The band was also awarded two peripheral trophies for the best horn line and the best color guard.

    In arriving at the overall score, the judges evaluated the individual areas of Music, General Effect, Marching and Maneuvering, Percussion, and the Color Guard. Based on that evaluation, scores are assigned in each of the areas down to one tenth of a point. That puts an extreme amount of pressure on each band member, one missed step out of thousands taken during the routine, one dropped rifle or flag by the color guard or a misplayed noted could mean the difference between winning and losing.

    In an earlier interview Branson Band Director, John Kerley, Jr. said how proud he was of the kids and the effort they have made this year. He pointed out that this year’s routine, entitled “Games,” is challenging from both a music and marching and maneuvering perspective. He said the kids are having fun and he could sense the pride they felt in each other and what they were doing.

    Kerley said that performances just don’t happen. They are the results of thousands of hours of individual and group practices. It involves a commitment to the band that lasts for months and covers 12 hour days of practice in the heat of summer to practices in the crisp cold weather of October with 5:00 a.m. wakeups for the 6:30 a.m. outside practices each morning, plus hours of individual practice just about year round to maintain their musical skills.

    As the band was finishing its early morning practice on Oct. 16, Kerley reminded the 140 members of the band and color guard of what they had achieved at the Ozark Mountain Marching Festival. He challenged them to bring that same performance to each of their remaining competitions.

    Drum Major Annie Treat said, “We have worked hard, put in a lot of effort, and have come a long way.” Treat pointed out that there is always room for improvement and that is something they strive to do in each practice and performance.

    The Pride of Branson Marching Band has two competitions left, the Ozarko Marching Festival at Southern Missouri State on Oct. 18 and the Greater St. Louis Marching Band Festival at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis on Oct. 25. In talking with Kerely it doesn’t take too much to see the pride he has in what the band accomplished or realize what he meant when he said it is their commitment, dedication and effort that adds the meaning to the words, “See the Pride, Feel the Pride, Be the Pride.”

    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.https://bransoncourier.com/view_article.php

  • 2009 year of deficit spending and declining Fund Balances

    Even with Branson’s “caution light” on and city revenues estimated to be going down about 4 percent in 2009, the city’s operating expenses are budgeted to go up about 4 percent from last year. The budget presented to the Budget and Finance Committee at its Oct. 15 meeting for 2009 showed Budgeted Revenues of $15,440,350 and Budgeted Expenditures of $16, 787,967 as compared to Revenues of $16,149,452 and Expenditures of $16,188,545 in 2008.

    At the meeting, Branson City Administrator Dean Kruithof said, “The only concern I have right now with the budget is that our revenues are still under expenditures.” In using the revenue and expense figures mentioned above for 2009 he said, “That’s deficit spending.”

    Kruithof went on to explain a bright spot in Branson’s budgetary process as he said Branson’s Fund Balance is at about $6,074,000” or about 20 percent. He explained that the GFOA (Governmental Finance Officers Association) recommends a 13 percent Fund Balance and that Branson’s anticipated Balance at the end of 2009 will be over 20 percent. “Under normal circumstances, He continued, “If a city has a fund balance of 20 percent they would be doing cartwheels.” He shared the example of Ft. Smith, AR, from where he just came, having a Fund Balance of 5 percent.

    Kruithof stated that in terms of reserves Branson is where it needs to be for 2009 but he is concerned about what happens in future years if the current down trend in the Fund Balance is not reversed. That trend shows an actual Fund Balance of $12,850,529 in 2007, a projected Fund Balance of $8,921,643 in 2008 and an estimated Fund Balance of $6,074,027 for 2009. He said, “We can’t continue to do that because eventually you are going to have zero, eventually you are going to get into the situation where the Fund Balances are not being met.”

    Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley asked Kruithof to explain what a “Fund Balance” was. He responded, “The Fund Balance is the very bottom number in which you look at your total available funds for the fiscal year, your total expenditures and basically what’s left over.” It is the balance carried forward to the next year which becomes the lead element in the total funds available for a given account the next year.

    The actual 2009 Annual Budget, as it has been developed so far shows that the $24,361,994 total available funds for the General Fund is comprised of the 2007 Fund Balance of $8,921,643and $15,440,350 of anticipated revenue during the year. If the Fund Balance was “zero” the total available funds for the General Funds would have been only $15,440,350 with no reserve left to make up the approximately $1.4 million in deficit spending it will take to operate the city in 2009.

    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.www.bransoncourier.com/view_article.php

  • We have met Branson’s “Bailout Package” and it is us!

    For those who might have missed it, there’s a good chance the country is going through one of the worst financial crises of its history. Unfortunately, unless an Ole Seagull misses his guess, most of our Federal leaders, both elected and non-elected, are like a lot of us and don’t have a clue as to what is going on. Yet, those same leaders are spending hundreds of billions of our tax dollars pretending to fix a problem that has yet to be defined.

    The city of Branson is currently going through some budget challenges but at least, in an Ole Seagull’s opinion, the problem is fairly simple to understand. Simply put, the city is spending more than it is taking in.

    The fix is simple spend less than is coming in. But that’s where things start getting complicated because there are basically two ways for that to happen reduce expenses or increase revenues. City staff, the mayor, and the board of aldermen and the city’s Budget and Finance Committee have been working diligently to try to reduce operating expenditures for the 2009 budget. Unfortunately, the result is anticipated General Fund Revenues of $15,440,350 versus Expenditures of $16,787,967 for an anticipated 2009 operating deficit of about $1,347,617.

    In fact, even in the face of the “budget caution light” the budgeted General Fund expenses of $16,787.967 for 2009 exceed the projected 2008 expenses from that same fund of $16,149,452 by about $599,000 or four percent. That does not say too much about the effectiveness of using expenses reduction as an efficient tool to reduce Branson’s deficit.

    The situation becomes a tad more complicated when one considers debt service, hundreds of thousands of dollars paid to private developers by the city for things like common area maintenance, the operational loss involved with the city’s convention center and the capital improvement expenses needed for roads, sewer, water, fire and police equipment and facilities, etc.

    By now it is probably dawning on most readers that the most probably answer will involve, as it did at the federal level, a bailout based on the backs of its citizens and businesses. Some might ask, “Why is it a bailout?”

    To that an Ole Seagull would say, as was the case at the federal level, the budget situation in Branson was created by the decisions that its elected and unelected leaders made. What’s particularly sad in the local case is that the decisions were intentionally made whereas as at the federal level they, more often than not, were made by omission or failure to act.

    Two examples illustrate the point. The first is hundreds of thousands of dollars spent to maintain common areas of a private developer’s development. The second is the city not only building and financing a commercial laundry as part of its convention center in its zeal to make sure a hotel was built in association with it, but, if the information presented at a recent Budget and Finance Committee is accurate, entering into a contract whereby hundreds of thousands of pounds of laundry are being processed for two local area hotels for about $.22 per pound instead of the going rate of about $.50 per pound.

    How will the bailout be on the backs of its citizens? Water and sewer rates were already on the way to new heights. The 2009 budget contains $50,000 for a sewer and water rate study. Anyone want to bet whether they will be paying more or less for sewer and water in the not too distant future? Can anyone envision their personal property real estate taxes going up? Is it unreasonable to expect that user fees will continue to rise? How about impact fees on developers?

    Oh and let’s not forget about cutting back on infrastructure improvements such as Fall Creek (Epps) Road even though the voters that voted for the city Transportation Tax were promised it would be completed. Would one be making a bad bet if they bet it would be the individual residential and business taxpayer that will bear the brunt of getting rid of Branson’s budget deficit? An Ole Seagull doesn’t think so.

  • Possible delays but detour on Roark Valley Road postponed

    After much confusion most would say the final result makes sense. On the morning of Oct. 10, City Engineer David Miller said, “I have met with the contractor this morning and went over a revised phasing of the work on Roark Valley Road and we have come up with a way to modify the schedule and work process that will allow us to leave Roark Valley Road open to traffic until December 1.”

    The confusion started as a result of an announcement Miller made at the Branson Board of Alderman’s study session on Oct. 9. One could actually see the surprise on the faces of the Mayor and board when Miller announced that although Forsythe Road was expected to be open very soon that a detour would be placed at the intersection of Roark Road and Forsythe Road, perhaps as early as next week.

    Miller explained that the detour was necessary for the city to make the improvements to the Roark Valley/Forsythe Road intersection. As some of the board and the Mayor actually expressed their surprise at the detour they asked how long it would be, why it was happening during one of the busiest times of the year and how long it would take to finish. Miller indicated that the weather necessary to insure the completion of the project was a consideration as to timing, and that the plan, weather permitting, was to have it done by Thanksgiving weekend.

    Later that day, information was received from Miller and Jerry Adams, Public Information Director for the city, stating that the detour would become effective on Monday Oct. 20. Miller reiterated that weather permitting it was planned that the work on the intersection would be completed no later than the Thanksgiving weekend and hopefully sooner.

    On Oct. 10 Miller indicated that it was extensive feedback on the closure of Roark Road during the period of time the city had chosen to close it that led to the decision to delay the closing. Miller did point out that although they will basically keep Roark Valley Road open “There may be a few hours on some days when the road will be reduced to one lane and we’ll use flagmen.” Miller said that such temporary lane reductions could not be avoided and would be for short durations on one or two days.

    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • Delays probable but detour on Roark Valley Road postponed

    After much confusion most would say the final result makes sense. On the morning of Oct. 10, City Engineer David Miller said, “I have met with the contractor this morning and went over a revised phasing of the work on Roark Valley Road and we have come up with a way to modify the schedule and work process that will allow us to leave Roark Valley Road open to traffic until December 1.”

    The confusion started as a result of an announcement Miller made at the Branson Board of Alderman’s study session on Oct. 9. One could actually see the surprise on the faces of the Mayor and board when Miller announced that although Forsythe Road was expected to be open very soon that a detour would be placed at the intersection of Roark Road and Forsythe Road, perhaps as early as next week.

    Miller explained that the detour was necessary for the city to make the improvements to the Roark Valley/Forsythe Road intersection. As some of the board and the Mayor actually expressed their surprise at the detour they asked how long it would be, why it was happening during one of the busiest times of the year and how long it would take to finish. Miller indicated that the weather necessary to insure the completion of the project was a consideration as to timing, and that the plan, weather permitting, was to have it done by Thanksgiving weekend.

    Later that day, information was received from Miller and Jerry Adams, Public Information Director for the city, stating that the detour would become effective on Monday Oct. 20. Miller reiterated that weather permitting it was planned that the work on the intersection would be completed no later than the Thanksgiving weekend and hopefully sooner.

    On Oct. 10 Miller indicated that it was extensive feedback on the closure of Roark Road during the period of time the city had chosen to close it that led to the decision to delay the closing. Miller did point out that although they will basically keep Roark Valley Road open “There may be a few hours on some days when the road will be reduced to one lane and we’ll use flagmen.” Miller said that such temporary lane reductions could not be avoided and would be for short durations on one or two days.

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

  • Even in Branson “It happens” and there’s no “free flush”

    In the movie “Forrest Gump” one of the truest sayings of all time was uttered while Forrest was on his three and a half year run. A guy had joined Forrest and was running after him saying, “Hey man! Hey listen, I was wondering if you might help me. I’m in the bumper sticker business and I’ve been trying to think of a good slogan, – WOAH! Man, you just ran through a big pile of dog *hit!” Forest replied, “It happens.” The Bumper Sticker Guy asks “What, *hit?” and Forrest said, “Sometimes.” According to the movie, as an acknowledgement of this universal truth the “*hit Happens” bumper sticker was born.

    In terms of Branson and most other places, Forrest probably underestimated the situation when he said, “Sometimes” because, under normal circumstances, “It Happens” in just about every house, apartment, condo, hotel unit, and many other places in the Branson area tens of thousands of time a day. In fact, when coupled with the relief of bodily wastes in their liquid form, “It Happens” hundreds of thousands of times a day and with most such happenings there is an accompanying flush of a toilet causing the release of millions of gallons of sewage into the area’s sewage processing systems.

    To a large extent, within the Cities of Branson and Hollister and those areas served by the Taney County Regional Sewer District, when “It happens” the patrons being served by those entities have the assurance of knowing when “It happens” all they have to do is flush and its gone.

    With the flush, if all goes well, “It” and its accompanying sewage passes through the pipes of the place where “It” happened. Eventually, usually at the property line, “It” flows into a public sewage collection system for transportation to the nearest sewage treatment plant where “It” is treated to the point where it can be safely released into the environment.

    As most patrons on publically funded sewer systems are finding out, even as there is “No free lunch” there is “No free flush.” The city of Branson is in the third year of a five year plan that has already raised sewer rates 45 percent and will raise them an additional 30 percent over the next two years. The city of Hollister is currently in the process of raising its sewer rates about six percent on it residential and business patrons, and the Taney County Regional Sewer District just voted to accept a 58 percent increase per 1000 gallons of sewage treated through Hollister’s treatment plant which will be reflected in the bills of their patrons in the near future.

    Now here’s the bad news, that’s not the end of it, in fact there is no end of rate increases in sight for the immediate future. Why? “It happens” and when “It happens,” it costs money to process “It” and those costs are constantly escalating. Unfortunately, for too long and for whatever reasons, sewer patrons have been receiving artificially low rates that did not reflect or cover the actual operational costs of processing their sewage. The artificially low rates were made possible only because of subsidization from other budget areas such as the general fund, tourism taxes, capital improvements, and other funds.

    To the best of an Ole Seagull’s knowledge, there is not one public sewage entity, even with the proposed rate increases, that will not have a significant operational deficit during the coming year. If systems can’t even raise enough to pay for their current operations how will they support the capital improvement costs necessary to simply maintain the basic infrastructure of the current systems, replace old sewer lines and build new plants, etc?

    An Ole Seagull couldn’t possibly know but this he believes, elected leaders at all levels should have the honesty, courage, and fortitude to do what should have been done years ago, tell people, “It happens,” here’s what it costs to get rid of “It” and here’s what you pay to get rid of yours” It’s the “pay as you flush” variation of the “pay as you go” concept.

  • MDC increases Trout Permit fees 43 percent in 2009

    For most people, the price of fishing on Lake Taneycomo will be going up in double digit amounts in 2009. As the result of a recent year-long review of sport permit regulations by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), the Missouri Conservation Commission passed sweeping changes to its sport permit regulations that will impact on the cost of fishing in Lake Taneycomo for locals and visitors alike.

    The cost of a Trout Permit will go up 43 percent from the current $7.00 to $10.00 per year for adults and be reduced 28 percent from the current $7.00 to $5.00 for youth under age 16 starting Mar. 1, 2009. Under MDC regulations a Trout Permit is required under two circumstances.

    The first is to keep or possesses trout. Generally that means doing anything with the trout except catching it and immediately releasing it back into the water unharmed The other circumstance is when fishing on Lake Taneycomo in the area upstream from the Highway 65 Bridge across Lake Taneycomo to the Table Rock Dam, regardless of whether or not trout are kept. Just fishing in the area requires a Trout Permit.

    The Trout Permit is a separate permit and is required in addition to any other required fishing permit, which, in most cases, will be a Resident, Non Resident, Daily Fishing Permit or the new “Fish Forever Permit.” The Trout Permit is also required in the vast majority of cases where no other fishing permit is required, such as youths under the age 16 or seniors over the age 65 by Mar.1 2009.

    The Trout Permit is issued for an annual period covering Mar. 1 to the end of February each year and is not prorated based on the date of purchase. The cost is $10.00 ($5.00 for youth under 16) whether purchased on Mar. 2 or Sep. 15 and is the same for a resident as it is for a nonresident.

    The cost for most fishing permits will also be going up in 2009. Resident Fishing Permits will be going up 16.6 percent from $12.00 to $14.00 while the Nonresident Fishing permit will rise 5 percent from $40.00 to $42.00. The Daily Fishing Permit, required when a permit is required and the fisherman elects not to purchase the appropriate resident or nonresident permit, will raise about 7 percent from $7.00 per day to $7.50 per day.

    How will these increases reflect on the total cost of both a Trout and Fishing Permit? For residents the total cost of a Trout Permit and Resident Fishing Permit will go up 26 percent from $19.00 to $24.00, nonresident cost will go up 11 percent from $39.00 to $42.00 and the first day of a Daily Permit will go up 25 percent from $14.00 to $17.50.

    Lamar Patton, the owner of Scotty’s Trout Dock and Marina, located on Lake Taneycomo in the city of Branson’s camp ground, said he didn’t think the increase in fees would impact on his business very much. Patton said, “In terms of what the typical fisherman spends to fish and what someone coming to Branson spends on their trip for fishing the relatively small increases will not keep those wanting to fish Lake Taneycomo from doing so.”

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

  • Casino gambling a viable Branson entertainment option

    Casino gambling a viable Branson entertainment option
    By GARY J. GROMAN
    a.k.a. The Ole Seagull

    Casino gambling can now be added to the repertoire of exciting entertainment options available to visitors while they are in Branson. Although casino gambling is not available in Branson it is available, as a lot of other things are in Branson are, as a “day trip.” Day trips are not anything new to Branson; they have been around for years and are basically a trip for the day from Branson to do something else such as visit Silver Dollar City, Eureka Springs, rent a boat and cavort on Table Rock Lake, or fly fish on beautiful Lake Taneycomo and now, thanks to the entrepreneurship of Steve Monroe, to visit and be entertained in a Las Vegas style casino.

    Initially, Monroe intended to use his 34 passenger bus for scenic tours around the Branson area. As he sought to develop his business he got a constant stream of inquiries from people asking if he did runs to the casinos.

    The scenic tour aspects of the business did not develop as Monroe hoped it would and he started to search for casinos within a reasonable round trip days driving distance of Branson. His goal was to allow for an early evening same day return to Branson. He said he wanted his guests to be able to enjoy the evening in Branson whether at a show, playing miniature golf, shopping, eating a leisurely meal, just plain relaxing or doing one of the myriad of other things available to entertain Branson’s visitors.

    Most recently, the Gas Buster Tour casino trips have been to the brand new “Las Vegas style” Downstream Casino owned and operated by the Downstream Development Authority for the Quapaw Tribe. Downstream is located where the Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas state borders meet near Exit 1 on Interstate 44 about seven miles southwest of Joplin or about two hours from Branson.

    In describing the basic itinerary for the trip, Monroe said the bus leaves Branson at 7:40 a.m. and, after making some intermediate stops on the way, arrives at the Downstream Casino between 10 and 10:15. At about 4:00 p.m. the return trip to Branson starts with an arrival back in Branson at about 6:30 p.m.

    In keeping with the great Branson tradition of entertainment Monroe is quick to say, “A Gas Buster Tour to the casino is more than a bus ride,” and goes on to describe it as an entertainment experience. It starts off with the serving of coffee and donuts prior to boarding the bus and continues with free bingo, games, and prizes conducted by his helpers “Hollywood” and “Lucky” on the way to the casino.

    Monroe says his service is virtually free to his guests. He charges each guest $20.00 for the trip, but upon arrival the casino gives each guest on the bus a $20.00 chit use just like cash while at the casino.

    Monroe feels he is meeting an entertainment need that is not currently being met in Branson. He says that his service provides a convenient opportunity for those Branson guests that want to gamble to do so without actually having gambling in Branson.

    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • Should the created change the laws of the Creator?

    “As a nation, when was America the most successful? Was it when God, His precepts and power were an integral part of our daily lives from both a national and a personal perspective? Or. is it now when seemingly as a nation, and in a lot of cases from a personal perspective, the U.S. Constitution and the Federal government has been substituted for the precepts and power of God?”
    A recent Associated Press story entitled “Atheists Sue President Over National Prayer Day” reported “The Freedom From Religion Foundation” (FFRF), the nation’s largest group of atheists and agnostics, is suing President Bush and other elected official over the federal law designating a National Day of Prayer. According to the article the FFRF is “arguing that the president’s mandated proclamations calling on Americans to pray violates a constitutional ban on government officials endorsing religion” and “creates a hostile environment for nonbelievers, who are made to feel as if they are political outsiders.”
    Now before he writes much farther an Ole Seagull, while acknowledging his own imperfections and failures as both a man and Christian, must state his unequivocal belief in the Christian God and in the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, who died that all might have eternal salvation. Yet even in his imperfection God can use even an Ole Seagull for His purposes and will do what He will with him when those purposes have been accomplished.
    What “constitutional ban on government officials endorsing religion” is the FFRF talking about? One would presume its First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the applicable portion of which reads, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech…”
    The FFRF’s suit is also suing “over the federal law designating a National Day of Prayer.” A reasonable conclusion is that the law being referred to is the 1998 entitled, “National Day of Prayer” (39 USC 119). It says, “The President shall issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.”
    From a personal perspective and his recollection of U.S. History back in the days of the founding fathers, as well as the testimony of at least the first one hundred years of our nations actual history, an Ole Seagull has a tough time believing the early Congresses of the United States would have batted an eye over passing legislation similar to that establishing the “National Day of Prayer.”
    Some might ask, “But how could they have done that in the face of the first amendment?” That’s pretty simple. The power of the federal government was strictly construed and a law to encourage prayer was not the “establishment of a religion” by Congress. Indeed it would have been consistent with other actions the early Congress and leaders of the country took in that regard.
    To an Ole Seagull the wording of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America is an acknowledgement of the Founding Fathers that they, the created, could not change the laws and percepts of the Creator. God had established His church and it was in the hearts and soul of those who has accepted His Son as their Lord and Savior not in the halls of the governments created by man.
    Yet over a hundred years after the First Amendment went into effect some of the “created” decided to expand the verbiage in the First Amendment to create an alleged doctrine of “separation of church and state.” In an Ole Seagull’s opinion, the doctrine is nothing more than an attempt to separate a “government of the people, by the people and for the people” from the very God whose spirit and grace was the foundation upon which their Nation was built.
    The fact that the FFRF can even bring such a lawsuit, the removal of prayer from schools, the attempt to take Christ out of Christmas, etc. shows how successful they have been. One could almost get the impression that the created believe that what they have created supersedes the laws of the Creator and they’ll take it from here. Is the Ole Seagull the only one who believes that is a horrible mistake?

  • Hollister council receives thanks for Grape Festival Success

    At its Oct. 2 meeting, the Hollister’s city council heard comments and received a letter from Rob Dixon, Director, Operations and Member Relations, Hollister Chamber of Commerce. Dixon made comments about Hollister’s Grape and Fall Festival held on Sep. 27 and presented the council with a letter of thanks from the Chamber.

    The letter expressed the Chamber’s “Sincere gratitude for the City of Hollister’s participation in the 2008 Grape and Fall Festival” and its appreciation of “the significant amount of labor, material, and other support that the City contributed to the effort.” It went on to acknowledge that without the city’s help and involvement the event would not have been the success that it was.

    The letter went on to say, “The 2008 Grape and Fall Festival was a success by many measures. The event attracted approximately 4,500 people to the Downing Street area, and a significant number of those visitors were new to our community. Our food and craft vendors benefitted from the large turnout, as many reported that they had high sales and that they want to participate in next year’s festival and any others that take place in Hollister. Downing Street merchants benefitted from increased traffic through and in front of their shops, and we worked with them in order to maximize their exposure to the large crowd.”

    In other business the council approved the first reading of an ordinance to amend Chapter 245 of the city code by adding a new section 245.035 entitled “Temporary Health Permit Fees.” Rick Ziegenfuss, Hollister City Administrator said the amendment is intended to to cover the cost of inspections and other administrative fees associated with the serving of food at temporary events such as Hollister’s Annual Grape & Fall Festival.

    Under the new ordinance it is the responsibility of the Event Organizer to complete a Temporary Food Event Organizer Application, make sure each food vendor completes a Temporary Food Service Operator Application, and submit all required applications and designated fees to the city 30 days prior to the event. The Event Organizer Fee is $50.00. The fees for for each temporary food vendor is based on a sliding scale fee based on the number of food vendors participating in the event with a fee of $25.00 each for 0-10, $20.00 each for 11 to 20, $15 each for 21 to 30 and $10.00 each for 31 or more vendors.

    Kelley Beets, Senior Loss Control Consultant, Missouri Intergovernmental Risk Management Association (MIRMA) announced MIRMA is awarding Hollister a $6,500 grant toward the $10,000 purchase of new video surveillance equipment for the Hollister Police Department to replace the older equipment currently being used in the jail. The city of Hollister will pay the $3,500 difference. MIRMA is an alliance of governmental entities, of which the city of Hollister is a member, providing comprehensive, competitively priced insurance and risk management services to its members.

    The council had the second and final reading amending Section 401.070 permitting more flexibility for sediment and erosion control plans and requiring their submission with the grading permit application and required fees. It also heard a report on some of the progress being made in the Ashley Square Subdivision including the installation of new stop sign, area cleanup, increased police monitoring of traffic, and a request to Empire Electric for additional subdivision lighting.

    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • Branson plans to get bigger “slice” of Spring business

    By GARY J. GROMAN
    a.k.a. The Ole Seagull

    The Branson area is getting ready to expand the “Ozark Mountain” brand in an effort to get a bigger slice of business for its spring season. The idea for expanding the Ozark Mountain brand into the spring as “Ozark Mountain Spring” with a new event, “Branson’s First Annual Great American Pie Show,” was presented to the general public at the Annual Meeting of the Branson Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District (TECD) on Sep. 30.

    The concept was presented by the Titanic’s Mary Kellogg on behalf of the Branson Tri Lakes CVB/TECD Marketing Committee (Committee).Kellogg stated that the area has done a great job of marketing and branding Ozark Mountain Christmas. She said, “It is a brand you own in town” and indicated the same brand would be used to develop “Ozark Mountain Spring” featuring a new event, “Branson’s First Annual Great American Pie Show.”

    She explained that the concept of branding means that different things can be put into it each year. Kellogg said, “One of the great things this community has to offer is so many events that have already been established and that we can add to.” As she displayed what she called the “marketing tent pole” she continued, “Most communities would love to have this.”

    Branson’s marketing tent pole is a list of the major events that are already established and scheduled during the spring season in Branson and, from an events perspective, set the marketing parameters of when spring starts and ends, basically March through Memorial Day. Ozark Mountain Spring will take those spring events and add selected events which will provide opportunities for getting national coverage as well as marketing to help promote Ozark Mountain Spring.

    Kellogg said that after considering different events and other factors, the committee decided the first such event to be added to Ozark Mountain Spring will be “Branson’s First Annual Great American Pie Show” to be held at the Branson Convention Center on Friday April 24 and Saturday, April 25, 2009.

    In describing the goals for the event she said, “We are setting our sights pretty high” and that they would like to have 10,000 people attend Branson’s first Great American Pie Show. The pie show would have other, as yet undetermined, events associated with it such as cooking schools, a 5k race, etc. and was an event that would be designed to grow each year as it promoted and marketed itself, Ozark Mountain Spring and all the events associated with it.

    Kellogg stressed that it was extremely important to bring a particular type of person into the market to help promote the event. The person she suggested as the type of person needed was Al Roker, nationally known weatherman with NBC. She said what he would bring to the event is an opportunity for a large amount of publicity from the local level to the national level in all media forms.

    TECD Board member Bill Skains said he thought the idea was a great opportunity, that there were a lot of businesses like his that would appreciate a boost in the spring and thanked Kellogg for providing the spark necessary to make it happen. TECD Board Chairman Ed Akers pointed out that they had heard the presentation at the board’s last meeting. He went on to say, “The board agreed to set aside up to $150,000 for this effort as a marketing tool to let folks know about the Branson area and this tent pole concept of all the things that go on in Branson in the Spring, but specifically to highlight the national publicity we could get through an Al Roker person being the spokesman for that event.”

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

  • Branson High School presents “All I really Need to Know I learned in Kindergarten”

    The Branson High School drama department will present “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” October 2 and 4 in the Auditorium. Both performances begin at 7:30 and tickets may be purchased at the door.

    The play is based on Robert Fulghum’s book by the same title which was first published in 1986. The cast will include more than 20 students under the direction of Debbie Corbin.