Branson Courier

Month: November 2008

  • FEMA Hurricane Ike Disaster Recovery Centers Open for limited time

    Depending on location, up to six inches of rain and winds gusting over 64 miles per hour hit as the major remnants of the Hurricane Ike passed through the Branson Hollister area between the hours of about 2:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. Sunday Sep. 14. The wind and rain caused wind and water damage and interrupted power service.
    The Taney County Emergency Management Office (TCEMO) has issued information that local residents in Taney and Stone Counties that sustained property damage from Hurricane Ike during the period Sep. 11-24 will have the opportunity to receive individual assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during the period Dec. 1 through Dec. 6.
    FEMA will be opening two Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs), one in Taney and one in Stone County. The DRCs will provide face to face assistance to those residents who sustained property damage and have opened a case with FEMA. The TCEMO information states the DRCs will not be able to help anyone who has not already “opened a case.”
    All it takes is a simple phone call to “open a case.” Call the FEMA Assistance line at 1-800-621-3362 (1-800-621-FEMA) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., seven days a week. It is extremely important to remember that the DRCs will not be able to help anyone who has not already opened a case by phone through the FEMA Assistance line.
    The DRC for Taney County will be located in the Rockaway Beach Community Center, 2753 State Highway 176 in Rockaway Beach. It will be open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1 and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2 and Wednesday Dec. 3.
    Taney County Residents are requested to direct all inquiries for information or requests for assistance to their local Emergency Management Offices at:
    Taney County – 417-334-3440 – Day 417-546-7250 – Night
    Branson – 417-337-8580 – Day 417-334-3300 – Night
    Hollister – 417-334-6565
    Forsyth – 417-546-4763 – Day 417-546-7250 – Night
    Rockaway Beach – 417-593-1490 or 417-561-9699
    Bull Creek –417-561-1111—Day 417-546-7250 – Night
    The DRC for Stone County will be located in the Reed Springs High School, 20277 State Highway 413 in Reed Springs. It will be open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4 and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday Dec. 6.
    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent https://bransoncourier.com/view_article.php?news_ID=41

  • It’s not ownership, it’s “butts in the seats” that counts

    This week while talking with Branson Airport (BBG) officials they said that the bottom line for the success of the airport is getting “butts in the seats.” Come to think of it, paraphrased a bit to “butts through the door” or “butts to Branson” doesn’t that describe what is necessary for the success of just about every business in Branson?

    Substitute the word “guest” for “butt” and that philosophy should surprise no one involved in marketing Branson. It is designed to bring guests to Branson. The more astute individual businesses market to do everything in their power to insure that when a guest comes to Branson they come into their business establishment. Why? Because, in a general sense, no guests through the door means no chance to earn revenue.

    In terms of ownership, the Branson Airport is a privately owned entity and the only one of its kind in the country. In terms of Branson’s economy, and the “butts in the seats” necessary to drive that economy, can anyone tell an Ole Seagull what difference the ownership of the airport makes?

    An Ole Seagull would suggest, “Not much.” Whether privately or publically owned, convenience of air travel to locals aside, the primary function of a commercial airport is to provide air service. At this stage in Branson’s economic development, the primary value of any airport to Branson’s tourist economy is how many guests that airport causes to come to Branson.

    Perhaps, although not as important as the similarity of function between privately and publically owned airports, there is something else to consider. In the typical airport situation, from concept to the operation of its first commercial flight(s), how many millions of dollars are involved in planning, building, getting a carrier(s), initial operating costs etc.? If it’s owned by the public the public pays the majority of the costs if its private, private investors pay the costs. In the case of BBG those costs are in the area of $140 million.

    To an Ole Seagull, it’s not a matter of whether or not Branson needs another airport. Quite frankly, what he believes Branson needs is competitive low cost fares that will maximize the use of air transportation to the benefit of Branson’s economy. Most will agree that has not happened up to now. The private entrepreneurs involved with BBG recognized that and saw an opportunity. Now, if things go according to schedule low cost commercial jet airliner service will start from BBG in early May of 2009.

    At this point, whether privately or publically owned, BBG is in exactly the same position as any other destination airport. The majority of publically owned airports and the carriers serving those airports are marketed by the public entities owning them. That marketing is done with public funds. In terms of its basic function, why should that be any different with BBG?

    Some will say, “Because it’s a for profit entity and no public funds should be used?” They are right, as far as saying it is a for profit entity, but so what? In terms of its basic air transportation function, hopefully BBG is doing what any other airport is doing. Shouldn’t Branson, as a community that markets everything from a pie contest to Ozark Mountain Christmas in an attempt to get guests to Branson, be as supportive of the Branson Airport to the extent that it does the same thing?

    To an Ole Seagull it’s not a matter of marketing the airport. It’s more a matter of how that marketing is done. The unique business paradigm and the “for profit” nature of BBG present marketing challenges. With the proper oversight, there should be no problem ensuring that public funds are used to market only in a manner that provides the general public with the same basic information provided by the majority of publically owned destination airports in their marketing.

    That same oversight should ensure that no public funds are used to promote the “for profit” aspect of the airport’s operation in any manner, either directly or indirectly. The responsibility for that oversight rests with the public entities providing the funding, the city of Branson and the Branson Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District, and their marketing contractor the Branson /Lakes Area CVB. The effectiveness of that oversight will determine the appropriateness of any public funding used to market the airport.

  • Branson questions proposed convention center budget

    The city has issues and questions about the proposed budget Hilton Hotels Corporation (Hilton) has submitted for the operation of the Branson Convention Center for the 2009 fiscal year. A primary issue relates to the allocation of expenses between the city owned Convention Center and two private hotels, the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel.

    Two primary documents relate to the financial operation of the Branson Convention Center. One is a “Convention Center Management Agreement (Management Agreement), dated June 1, 2005, between the city and Hilton. The other is a “Revenue and Expense Allocation and Cost Sharing Agreement (Allocation Agreement), dated the same date, between the City, Branson Landing Hotel, LLC, Boutique Hotel Development Company LLC and Hilton.

    On Oct. 10 Hilton delivered a proposed 2009 draft budget to the city. Under the terms of the agreements the city has a 30 day window in which to respond. On Nov. 5, within the 30 day window, the city sent its initial “Budget Response” signed by Branson City Administrator Dean Kruithof.

    Kruithof pointed out that the budget was to be a line item annual budget for each of the component units consisting of the Convention Center, the Convention Center Hotel, and the Promenade Hotel and was to address the allocation of shared costs allocated to each component. He noted that the proposed budget “addresses only the costs of the Convention Center and does not provide detail on the allocation of expenses between the Convention Center and two hotels as required by the Allocation Agreement.”

    Kruithof stressed that the allocation of expenses would be necessary so that the city could review the information to determine if the allocations were appropriate or further information was needed. He went on to say that after the city had the opportunity to review that information it would be in a position to submit a “true Budget Response” under the terms of the Allocation Agreement.

    He also asked for more details on six specific areas in the proposed budget. The items were laundry, marketing expenses, food and beverage, excessive increases in expenses, salaried positions, and bad debt. Kruithof expressed the opinion that food and beverage profits for the prior year was far below the industry standard and the “double-digit increased expenses” for certain items was excessive and asked for more analysis and information in those areas.

    Kruithof went on to say, “With the current state of the economy and its effect on municipal revenues, the City is experiencing challenges with the provision of basic City services such as Police and Fire, and the subsidy to the Convention Center is putting a strain on the city’s budget.” He expressed his hopes that a finalized operating budget would be forthcoming as a result of the receipt of the requested information and further discussion between Hilton, the City and the hotel owners.

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

  • Branson parents and teachers batting over “900”

    Relatively speaking, if the attendance of parents at the most recent parent teacher conferences for grades K through 8 in the Branson School District, was a batting average, the Branson Schools and the parents of the students in grades K through the Junior High would be in the Hall of Fame with an average of “940.” Averaged on a facility basis, the reports given to the Branson School Board at its last meeting indicate that parents representing over 94 percent of the students in grades K through the Junior High attended the most recent parent teacher conferences held during October.

    Shelly McConnell, Branson Primary Assistant Principal, described the parent teacher conference as a “Formal time set aside to continue building school/family relationships and to share updates regarding standardized testing scores, classroom work habits, citizenship and academic progress.” McConnell said, “During parent conferences, teachers share positive progress, areas of concern, targeted growth plans, and discuss ways parents can continue the instructional process at home.”

    She emphasized that the parent conferences was just one of many opportunities that parents have had to come into the schools and be a part of social and academic events that help connect, shape, and build home/school relationships. McConnell said, “Our staff recognizes that continual, effective communication with school families is a cornerstone of our school success.” She pointed out that teachers try to maintain contact with the families of students “by writing notes, sending email, making calls, updating websites and blogs, and scheduling regular meetings.”

    McConnell reported the Branson Primary school conducted 548 parent conferences and had an overall 90 percent attendance rate, Branson Elementary East conducted 396 conferences with a 91percent attendance rate and Branson Elementary West conducted 479 conferences and had an overall attendance rate of 92 percent. She described the excellent turnout for the parent conferences as “a tribute to the dedication and commitment of our families and staff to ensure the success of all our students.”

    The Intermediate School, grades 5 and 6, had a 96 percent over all participation while the Junior High, grades 7 and 8, averaged a phenomenal 98 percent. Brad Swofford, Principal of the Junior High, reported that they had “experienced participation at an outstanding level.” He reiterated the value of the parent conferences as a tool to provide an opportunity for the schools to deliver information to parents, receive information from parents, plan changes for specific students, as needed, and to build trust as parents learn that the school’s have teachers who truly care about their students.

    In talking about the overall results and how important the parent teacher conferences are, Brenda Romine, Communications Director for the Branson School District said the relationship between home and school is vital to the quality of education each child gets. She went on to say that the parent teacher conference is another important and vital part of developing that relationship.

  • Voice, Mufftar. Or “Malaguena,” Branson’s Doug Gabriel’s the real deal

    Doug playing "William Tell Overture" on the
    Mufftar.

    Doug Gabriel’s voice and instrumental talent are a Branson treasure and a joy to experience. The Doug Gabriel Morning Show at the Jim Stafford Theatre provides an excellent opportunity to not only hear and see Doug but ro experience one of the best live bands in Branson, the vocals of his wife Cheryl and catch up on the Gabriel family.

    Starting with the opening number “Firecracker,” Doug’s considerable vocal talents are displayed throughout the show. One of Doug’s signature songs, “Unchained Melody,” presented as only Doug can do it, will give most people “goose bumps.”

    Doug’s instrumental talents cover everything from the “Mufftar” to the piano. The “Mufftar” is a unique instrument made from the muffler of a 1969 Ford Thunderbird muffler by Doug’s dad, Don, when Doug first decided he wanted to play the guitar as a child. Doug still plays the original “Mufftar” in each show providing his audiences with a unique musical experience they will not hear anywhere else or soon forget. One thing for sure, no one has ever heard the “William Tell Overture” played like this before.

    Doug and Cheryl having fun as "Kenny and Dolly"
    with "Islands In The Stream."

    Doug’s considerable instrumental talents are also demonstrated in his piano rendition of “Exodus,” but it is his unique performance of “Malaguena,” on the acoustical guitar that provides the instrumental “show stopper.” To witness the combination of talent, passion, excitement, energy, and showmanship as Doug performs this number is to see something that most people will never forget. It adds new meaning to the term “something special

    The band consisting of Bob Roth on bass, Ed Synan on piano and synthesizer, Michael Hermsmeyer on the fiddle, steel guitar, acoustic guitar, synthesizer Mitch Kersey: guitar and mandolin Josh Gabriel on the Drums does an excellent job. The considerable musical talent and instrumental versatility of these talented musicians adds an exciting dimension to the show.

    Doug’s lovely wife Cheryl acts as the shows MC and does vocals. Her performance of “Through the Eyes of Love,” from the movie, “Ice Castles” was a beautifully done. Son Jordon and daughter Jasmine participate in the show on non school days. Josh and Jordon do a “bang up” job on a drum duet of “Wipeout” and ten year old Jasmine does cute number called, “You can Still have Fun on a Rainy Day” which she wrote herself. Mitch Kersey’s performance of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” is another example of the musical talent and versatility of the band.

    The second half of the show contains the Christmas Show. Oh it has the seasonal favorites such as “I’ll Be Home With Bells On,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “The Most Wonderful Time of The Year,” “Blue Christmas,” “Chestnuts Roasting on an open Fire (The Christmas Song)” and otherws. It even has Santa Claus, a rocking Christmas, multimedia presentations including a cute video with Toney Orlando and Doug singing a duet of “Christmas with Tony” written by Doug.

    One can feel the change in tempo and emphasis however, as Doug and Cheryl read the true Christmas story from God’s Holy Word and Doug, Mitch, Michael play an eloquently simple and beautiful acoustical performance of “What Child is This.” The true meaning and spirit of Christmas is wonderfully presented both musically and visually as the whole cast joins together for the “Hallelujah Chorus” and presents its finale “The Greatest Gift of All,” a song written by Doug. What a special way to end the show and say “Merry Christmas.”

  • Thanksgiving is all about to whom the “Thanks” is “given!”

    Common sense tells an Ole Seagull that something celebrated as “Thanksgiving Day” should be a day of “giving thanks.” Generally speaking, who among us says “thank you” to “no one?” When thanks is given it is for something and is “given” to the person or entity believed to have provided that something.

    Yet, even as some would take “CHRIST” out of CHRISTmas they would take the “Giving” out of Thanksgiving. To whom are we giving thanks? From Coronado’s 1541 Thanksgiving in Palo Duro Canyon, in what is now West Texas, through the 1600 Puritan Thanksgivings in New England, history testifies to the fact that our modern day Thanksgiving is rooted on giving thanks to God for blessings bestowed.

    The true meaning of “Thanksgiving,” and its involvement with the very foundation of our Nation can be readily gleaned from the Proclamations establishing it and history itself. One of the “First Thanksgiving Proclamations,” issued in 1676, by the Governing Council of Charlestown, Massachusetts proclaimed, “a day of Solemn Thanksgiving and praise to God for such his Goodness and Favor …”

    On December 18, 1777, after the victory over the British at Saratoga, the Congress recommended, “That at one time, and with one voice, the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts, and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine benefactor; and that, together with their sincere acknowledgements and offerings they may join the penitent confession of their sins; and supplications for such further blessings as they stand in need of.”

    On November 16, 1789, the First President of the United States, George Washington, issued a Thanksgiving Proclamation stating, “Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor, and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint committee requested me to ‘recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanks-giving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many single favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

    Perhaps Abraham Lincoln, in his 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation said it best. “No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”

    Particularly at this time in our Nation’s history, it would seem appropriate, during our Thanksgiving celebrations, to stop and give “thanks” to Almighty God for the many blessings he has bestowed upon this Nation and its people. As Lincoln so beautifully said, “No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God.”

    This annual Thanksgiving reprint is a wish from the Ole Seagull and the entire Groman family that you and yours will have a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.

  • Branson’s new liquor ordinance implementation moving forward

    The city of Branson is moving ahead with the planning and actions necessary to implement its new liquor control ordinances (LCOs). At the Nov. 20 work session meeting of the city of Branson’s Board of Aldermen, city Finance Director Lori Helle, gave the board a status report on the process thus far. Under the LCOs the primary responsibility for oversight, civil enforcement, and administration of the ordinances is assigned to a position designated as the “Director.”

    In the LCOs the city’s Finance Director is designated as the “Director.” The LCOs also provides that the Director, with the approval of the city administrator, shall designate a Liquor Control Specialist. Helle announced the appointment of Carl Garrett as the Licensing & Tax Compliance Supervisor which will include the duties of the Liquor Control Specialist. Garrett has been with the city finance department for a number of years and has been involved in various activities involving the administration of enforcement of issues involving the collection of city taxes and business permits.

    As part of the process, personnel from the Missouri Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Control will be coming to Branson in early Dec. to offer assistance to the city as it transitions into its new LCOs. This will involve, among other things, a review of processes, forms and applications that the city might use as it it implements the new LCOs

    Helle said it is anticipated that notice letters will be sent out to all current liquor licensees during the 2nd week of Dec. The letters will contain information on how the LCOs will impact them, their business, what they need to do to comply, when they have to comply, where they need to go for background and fingerprinting checks and other applicable information.

    One of the major impacts of the LCO is the requirement for a criminal history report. Sub section 10-11 of the LCOs requires that “The director or their designated liquor control specialist, or the police department shall obtain criminal history reports for each individual and shall charge each individual a fee in such amounts as shall be necessary to defray the cost of the city in obtaining criminal history reports for each individual.”

    At the work session there was discussion on the fact that the criminal history would require finger printing. Helle said that fingerprinting would have to be done in Springfield and the results sent to the city.

    Helle pointed out some of the other major considerations of the implementation of the LCOs such as employee training, the $250.00 per year application fee and another $50.00 per year for a Secondary License for Sunday sales. She said that each applicant will be required to list all employees that come in contact with alcohol and will be required to show proof that those employees have been trained before a license can be issued.

    Helle said that from an application and registration perspective, the new LCOs will only effect new applicants after Jan. 1, 2009 and will not impact anyone holding a current license until its renewal by June 30, 2009. Helle said that renewal letters will go out to current license holders by the end of March so that everyone has plenty of time to comply with the new changes.

    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • Branson’s Star Walk off to patriotic start

    In a memorial set up to honor those who have contributed significantly to what Branson has become, it seems fitting that the first honorees on the Branson Star Walk (Walk) were America’s Armed Forces. The first five commemorative squares on the Walk were dedicated in a special ceremony held prior to the start of Branson’s Annual Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11.

    Each of the squares honored one of the five military branches of service, U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said, “In a city where Veterans and their families are so central to our core values, it is fitting that we have this permanent memorial honoring America’s military services in the center of our historic downtown district.”

    The Walk is a project sponsored by the Historic Downtown Branson Business Owners Association (HDBBO) and supported by the City of Branson under an agreement approved by Branson’s Board of Aldermen. The agreement provided that the first five squares had to honor each branch of the U.S. Military and be placed on the four corners of the intersection of Commercial and Main Streets in the heart of Branson’s historic downtown district. The squares for all other honorees will be placed south of the military squares on Commercial Street.

    According to Terry Jones, who, along with his wife Jean, owns Branson Granite & Marble, each of the five military squares is 33 inches by 33 inches by four inches thick and is Black Galaxy Granite imported from India to match the color requirements established by HDBBO. Branson Granite & Marble imported the blank granite squares, engraved, painted each with a detailed colored insignia of one of the military branches and, in cooperation with the city of Branson, installed them. Jones pointed out that the long intricate process was completed in the rain the night of Nov. 10 just hours before the dedication.

    In making the HDBBO presentation to the board of aldermen for support Bonnie Johnson, at the time manager of the Classey Flea in historic downtown Branson and a member of the HDBBO Beautification committee, described the Branson Star Walk as “A point of interest to explore that will pull visitors into the heart of the historic district.” She explained that the Walk would accomplish that by honoring those people and events that have contributed to the history, heritage, and entertainment that has made Branson what it is today and America’s military.

    Except for the military squares, each square must honor a person connected with Branson’s shows, business or history. Future honorees will be selected by a seven person committee using the criteria set forth in the agreement.

    The selection criteria for the Show Category requires that the person “must have lived or worked in the Greater Branson Area for no less than 5 consecutive years or 5 out of 10 years.” It is further required that the person has distinguished themselves in the entertainment profession and “by their presence in this area, contributed to the charm, worldwide prominence and name recognition of Branson, Missouri.”

    The Historical category will include persons historically linked to the development of Branson. This includes early settlers and prominent “civic personalities with significant historical achievement who have distinguished themselves in service to the community.”

  • Branson License bureau closes during transition

    Branson License Bureau will be closed Nov. 20
    and 21 and will reopen Nov. 24.

    When the Branson License Bureau closes its doors on Nov. 19 an era will end. Ross Summers, President/CEO Branson /Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB said that for over 15 years the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce has operated the bureau under a contractual agreement with the state, but that will stop as of the close of business on Nov. 19.

    He said that the bureau will be closed on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 20 and 21, for transition to another operator and will reopen, in the same location, on Monday Nov. 24 under that operator. Summers indicated that the transitional closing is mandated by the state for auditing and inventory purposes and, except to say that it would be a “Fee Office” that was currently doing business with the state, had no other specifics as to the name of the entity that he could share.

    Summers said the decision not to continue the contract is based on the economics of increased costs to the chamber and shrinking revenues. He said the state used to pay a lot of administrative costs such as office supplies and postage but no longer does so.

    He went on to point out that the primary source of the bureau’s revenues were from fees the state paid on each transaction the bureau processed. While the state was increasing the bureau’s costs by reducing the amount of the administrative costs it paid it did not increase the per transaction fee it paid.

    Summers said except for the two days the bureau is closed for transition on Nov. 20 and 21 he anticipates that there will be continuity in the operation of the bureau. He expressed the opinion that the fee office operator who will be operating the bureau when it reopens on Nov. 25 will be doing so on a temporary interim basis and that after the new governor takes office a permanent operator will be selected through the Request For Proposal (RFP) process. He anticipates that the bureau will remain in its current location at least temporarily but acknowledged the possibility that the location could change in the future.

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

  • Hollister School Board votes to put College District on ballot

    By GARY J. GROMAN
    a.k.a. The Ole Seagull
    Hollister may soon be part of the Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) District. The Hollister School Board voted unanimously, on Nov. 13, to place becoming part of the OTC District on a future ballot. Dr. Tim Taylor, Hollister School District Superintendent said although the board did not set a specific date for the issue to go on the ballot he anticipates that the board will make that decision in the near future.
    Taylor said the reason the school board is involved is because of the recommendation of the Hollister Chamber of Commerce supporting the measure and that legally, the decision as to whether or not to place the issue of becoming part of the OTC District on the ballot must be made by a school board.
    Once placed on the ballot it is up to the patrons of the school district as to whether or not the Hollister School District becomes part of the OTC District. Regardless of the outcome, the Hollister School District has no further active roll in the process. Currently the OTC District does not include either Hollister or Branson even though OTC rents and operates a facility in Branson Meadows.
    The idea for the Hollister School District becoming a part of the OTC District was developed through a series of meetings with the Hollister Chamber of Commerce starting with a luncheon presentation by officials of OTC. Rob Dixon, Director Operations and Member Relations, Hollister Chamber of Commerce, said that after additional meetings the chamber became convinced that the addition of a full OTC campus in the Hollister area would provide a great educational and training resource for not only for Hollister and the surrounding area but the emerging job force the area will need as it moves into the future.
    Dixon shared his opinion that in addition to the reduced rates that students within the OTC District would pay for OTC Courses, the scope of courses offered by becoming part of the OTC District and having a campus built in Hollister will be much more extensive than the, primarily general education, courses offered at the OTC facility in Branson Meadows. Dixon said, “This really does benefit everybody and we’re excited about the endless possibilities that occur when a facility like OTC comes into the community.”
    One area Dixon was extremely excited about was work force training. He said, “The really neat thing about the way OTC approaches it is that they are able to tailor their work force development resources to the specific needs of the community.” He went on to say that becoming part of the OTC District will help provide an asset that has endless potential for everyone in our region.
    Lisa Westfall, president of the Hollister School Board of Education said the members of the board were impressed by the OTC presentation and that “We are always looking for more educational opportunities for the students of the Hollister school district.” Dr. Hal Higdon, president of Ozarks Technical Community College said that the presence of a community college is beneficial to an area and provides access to a quality, affordable education, furthers job creation, and enhances economic development.
    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • The new air service for Branson Airport is…..!

    The Branson Airport (BA) has the potential to provide the Branson area with a level of air service that the area has never seen before. The whole area is atwitter with the expectation of the start of commercial air transportation, via one or more low cost nationally networked carriers in May of 2009.
    BA has announced they have signed one such carrier, but its identity, except for the anointed few is a “secret.” The Ole Seagull isn’t one of the anointed few but we’re he a guessing bird he would say “The new air service for Branson Airport is ‘going to need marketing.’”
    Now don’t get agitated because the Ole Seagull didn’t specifically give the name of the carrier. Although he did give a pretty good clue as to who he believes that carrier will be, just in case he’s right, he just doesn’t want to spoil the surprise. Instead it will be the Christmas gift for the community that has everything, the name of the initial carrier that will be providing Branson Airport’s first commercial air transportation service starting in May of 2009.
    A recent news article on Branson Airport, published in this paper, reported that Jeff Bourk, Executive Director, Branson Airport, LLC, said that their passenger projections are based on a survey they did. According to Bourk the survey established that if there was low cost air service available to Branson from a given area, more people would chose to come to Branson from that area than would otherwise come. He said, “That’s basically the pitch, it’s that simple” and continued on by saying BA is looking for air carriers that are low cost and have a national network.
    In a recent appearance before the Taney County Commission meeting Bourk presented projections of 250,000 inbound visitors for 2010, 450,000 by 2015 and 650,000 by 2020 and said they were conservative estimates. Here’s the rub, it’s not simply a case of build it and they will come. Without adequate marketing of Branson as a destination, the availability of a nationally networked and recognizable air carriers, and a low fares these projections are meaningless.
    If a desire to come to Branson is not created then it makes no difference how they don’t come, horse and buggy, car, truck, ship or plane, the end result is the same. The good news is, in the opinion of an Ole Seagull, that Branson has an excellent, flexible and evolving destination marketing plan in place his plan keeps Branson competitive with its destination city counterparts in the areas where the plan is able to be effectively implemented.
    As most people realize however, all the hype and hoopla about the new airport aside, unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the marketing of the availability of a nationally networked and recognizable air carrier or low cost air fares to Branson. As of this date the reasons are obvious. No one knows who the carrier is or just how low the fares will be and the airport appears to have neither the funds or marketing expertise to market the product that will hopefully entice passengers to travel to their airport, “Branson, Missouri.”
    The reason Boark was giving the projections to the Taney County Commission at the meeting referred to above was to ask them to give the airport $400,000 in marketing assistance. In an Ole Seagull’s opinion any money given to directly to the airport for the marketing would be the same as pouring it down a deep hole in terms of duplication of effort, marketing efficiency, and expense.
    That aside however, he truly believes that the airport chances of failing go up drastically without marketing dollars being allocated to market the that Branson has a full service commercial airport and low cost nationally connected air carriers providing convenient and low cost air transportation to Branson. He would respectfully suggest however that the best way to meet that need is to direct any additional marketing funds for the airport to the Branson Lakes Area CVB through the Branson Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District (TCED) for integration into the existing destination marketing effort.
    The obvious fact is that if commercial air transportation service starts into the Branson Airport and fails, and it more than likely will without adequate marketing, that it will make it extremely more challenging for Branson to get commercial air transportation services again in the future. It’s not a question of whether or not marketing is needed it’s simply a question of if it is done, how it is done and the consequences of what happens if it is not done.

  • OMB seeks retroactive extension to convention center parking lease

    Ozark Mountain Bank (OMB) is trying to retroactively extend the lease between itself and the city of Branson that was used as the basis for threatening to tow the cars of a major exhibitor from the city’s convention center’s parking lot on Nov. 7. In a Nov.10 letter ,Ozark Mountain Bank (OMB) President/CEO, C. Craig Richards said, “The purpose of this letter is to confirm that Ozark Mountain Bank has exercised its option to renew the Parking Lease for the additional one (1) year term beginning April 5, 2007, and the additional one (1) year term beginning April 5, 2008.”

    The lease in question is entitled “Parking Lease Ozark Mountain Bank” which became effective April 5, 2006 for an Initial Term of one year and which expired on April 4, 2007. Subsection 3.2 of the lease states “Prior to the expiration of the Initial Term and prior to the expiration of each Term thereafter as provided in this paragraph, OMB shall have the option to renew this Lease for additional one (1) year terms (each a ‘Term’)”.

    That same subsection states the option “Shall occur by OMB providing written notice of such renewal to the City not less than thirty (3) days prior to the expiration of the then current Initial Term or Term.” Subsection 3.3 of the lease states “This Lease shall terminate in the event that OMB fails to exercise its option to renew during the then current Initial Term or Term, as provided in Section 3.2 above.”

    An email was sent to the Dean Kruithof, Branson City Administrator, requesting along with other information copies of OMB’s latest request to renew the lease in accordance with Subsection 3.2. When no response had been received from the city by the morning of Nov. 12, Jerry Adams, Public Information Director was contacted. He said the email had been forwarded to OMB for their input and that the city had no documentation showing that OMB had exercised its option in accordance with the provisions of the lease.

    On the afternoon of Nov. 12 Adams said the city had a response from OMB. The response was OMB’s Nov. 10 letter. In a phone conversation on the afternoon of Nov. 12 Richards admitted that OMB has no documentation establishing that OMB ever exercised its option in accordance with the terms of the lease.

    Richards said that they have been paying the $30.00 per space required by the lease and the city has continued to accept their money. He also pointed out that the reason OMB got the lease was because when they sold OMB land to HCW Development, Inc. (HCW) for the convention center there was a provision that parking be provided for OMB. The Lease specifically acknowledges that the Lease is the vehicle by which the city will provide parking for OMB.

    Richard’s acknowledgement of OMBs failure to comply with the written provision of the lease aside, the letter concludes with the statement, “Unless we are immediately advised to the contrary, we will assume that the parties are in agreement as to the matters stated herein.” On Nov. 13, Kruithof said he has no problems with the general provisions lease.

    Click here for related article.

    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • Hollister gains Branson’s environmental champion

    “Branson’s loss is Hollister’s gain that’s for sure,” said Larry VanGilder, the city of Branson’s Public Works Director. The “loss” he was referring to was Debbie Redford, the city’s long time Environmental Specialist, who will be leaving her position to accept the position of “Public Relations Coordinator and Grant Writer” in the Hollister School District effective Jan. 5, 2009.

    VanGilder said that one of the first things Redford said when she became Branson’s first and only Environmental Specialist in 1995 was that she had been an environmental volunteer all her life and couldn’t believe that she was going to be getting paid for something that she loved to do, She said, “How much better than that can it be.” He went on to say that she has brought that enthusiasm to her job every day.

    Redford said that the thing she will miss most about the job is the people. She expressed her pride in the city of Branson for the financial commitment it made to the development of its environmental program pointing out that environmental programs are generally not self sufficient and Branson’s is no exception.

    While reflecting on some of the major accomplishments of her tenure with the city, Redford cited the development and expansion of the recycle center from a simple drop off point to processing facility as a major accomplishment for the city. Over the years, the city’s physical recycling capability has evolved,from a drop off point, into a facility with covered pole barns, glass crushers, and balers for items such as cardboard and plastics along with a household chemical facility for the collection of household chemicals.

    Another accomplishment was in the area of environmental education. She pointed out that the city has permitted her the flexibility to present programs and speak not only within the city of Branson but to other schools and organizations within the surrounding community.

    Redford said that operating a recycling center is extremely labor intensive and labor is expensive. The cooperative effort she has developed with local courts and organizations for the use of persons required to perform Community Service is an innovation she feels has enhanced not only the effectiveness of the recycling centers operation but its financial viability.

    Dr. Tim Taylor, Hollister’s Superintendent of Schools said, “She’s just the perfect fit and we are thrilled to have her.” Those who know Redford and what she has done for the development of the city’s environmental program might just echo Taylor’s statement saying, “She was a perfect fit and we were thrilled and lucky to have her.”

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

  • Branson Convention Center signs threaten selected convention center clients

    Sign threatening to tow convention center clients.

    The content of the temporary signs gave fair warning and did not bode well for those attending the FLW Stren Championship. They read, “Reserved For Ozark Mountain Bank-No Parking for FLW Stren Championship Violators will be towed.”

    At 12:50 on Nov. 7 the signs were conspicuously posted on about 25 of the parking spaces in the city of Branson’s parking lot located immediately off the main south entrance to the Convention Center. The temporary signs were interspersed with permanent signs reading “Ozark Mountain Bank Permit Parking Only.”

    The official event calendar on the Convention Centers web site indicated two main scheduled events for the day, the “FLW Stren Series Championship” and “Branson Veterans Task Force” (BVTF). There was no mention of the “Branson Veterans Task Force” on the temporary signs in the parking lot only the “FLW Stren Series Championship.”

    The event calendar describes the Stren Championship as “$1 million bass-fishing championship for the Stren Series. Tournament includes free Family Fun Zone and Outdoor Show Nov. 7-8 at the Branson Convention Center and indicates the tournament’s weigh in will be at 4:00 p.m. on both days.” For the BTVF event it says it’s the new location for the BVTF Tactical Operations Center (TOC) and that the Headquarters & Vendor Village will be located at the Convention Center and be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily November 6 through 10.

    The city of Branson was contacted about the wording on the signs and its potential counterproductive impact on a major organization using the convention center for their event. The city furnished a copy of a lease signed on April 5, 2006 between the city of Branson and Ozark Mountain Bank (OMB) specifically providing for the leasing of 25 parking spaces in the lot on the “terms set forth herein.”

    Under the terms of the lease OMB pays a “monthly rent rate” of $30.00 for each space and the city must designate “a total of twenty five (25) parking spaces in the Parking Lot” for OMB’s use. The lease further states that each “Parking Space shall be designated by the City in the Parking Lot by signage which indicates reservation of such spaces for the exclusive use of OMB during the hours set forth in Section 6.1 below.”

    Neither the permanent signs nor the temporary signs had any hours on them. Section 6.1 of the lease states “The Parking Lot” shall be open for use by Parking Licenses during the hours of ___ a.m. to ____p.m. Monday through Friday.” There was no time filled in either blank. Further, there is no requirement in the lease for the city to post event specific signs threatening to tow the vehicles of those Branson guests holding events in the convention center.

    When the city was initially unable to answer questions about the wording of the signs threatening to tow vehicles and why only one of the events being held at the convention center was mentioned OMB was contacted. Roger Frieze, Director of Marketing for OMB said the signs were not their signs, they would not “have worded it that way,” OMB did not put up or authorize the signs and did not know who had. Calls back to the city indicated that perhaps Hilton, as the manager of the city’s Convention Center would know.

    Bill Derbins General Manager, Hiltons of Branson said they put up the temporary signs, in addition to the permanent signs, a few times a year to protect the OMB leased spaces so they didn’t get complaints from OMB. He said that the effected clients are told about the temporary signs prior to their signing a contract. When asked if the notification was part of the contract Derbins said it was not but that it was made to the “contact person.” He offered no rationale why the signs only contained the name of one of the organizations with scheduled events during the day.

    The “Wal-Mart FLW Stren Series Championship” is a major national bass fishing tournament being held at Table Rock Lake Nov. 5 to 8 which was sponsored by the Branson/Lakes Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Lynn Berry, Director of Public Relations for the CVB estimates that the public relations value of the tournament and the televised weigh-in on Fox Sports Network South to Branson will be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Berry pointed out that the CVB is sponsoring one of the six major qualifying “Wal-Mart FLW Tour” tournaments on Table Rock Lake March 12-15, 2009.

    A drive through the convention center parking lot at about 3:00 p.m. indicated the temporary signs had been removed.

    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • Curtis wins $155,000 in Stren Series Championship

    FLW Stren Series Chamption David Curtis.
    Phot 0Courtesey FLW Outdoors

    It was a production in the finest Branson tradition. The final weigh-ins for the Stren Series Championship at the Branson Convention Centeron Nov. 7 and 8 had it all glitz, excitement, entertainment, style and class. The culmination of four days of tournament fishing on Table Rock Lake was streamed out over the internet live and will be shown on the Fox Sports Channel on Jan. 12, 2009.

    The tournaments field was composed of 188 of the top bass fishermen in the country consisting of the top 20 fishermen in each of the Stren Series Divisions. After two days of fishing the field of 188 professional fishermen was narrowed to a final field of 10 for the final two days of the tournament. Overall there were 48 bass weighing 132 pounds, 11 ounces caught by the 10 finalists Saturday. The catch included eight five-bass limits.
    With a final-round of 10 bass weighing 35 pounds, 10 ounces, Yamaha pro David Curtis of Trinity, TX won a total of $155,000 in cash and prizes including a $15,000 bonus for using a Ranger Boat and a Yamaha motor. He was followed closely by Kellogg’s pro Greg Bohannan of Rogers, AR with a total of 30 pounds, 6 ounces.,
    In describing his final day of fishing, during which he caught five fish weighing a total of 22 pounds, 12 ounces Curtis said, “It was an absolutely phenomenal day.” Curtis said he caught more bass the final day than he caught all week long and used three key baits: a Caroling-rigged Brush Hog, a ¾-ounce Bass X jig and a Norman DD22.
    Rounding out the eight positions in the tournament including the number of fish, weights and prize winnings were Rick Martin of Cherry Valley, IL, 10 bass, 27 pounds 8 ounces, $24,000; Brennan Bosley of Benton, AR, 10 bass, 27 pounds, 3 ounces, $27,000; Ott Defoe of Knoxville, TN, 10 bass, 25 pounds, 13 ounces, $20,500; Robbie Dodson of Harrison, AR, 10 bass, 23 pounds, 11 ounces, $14,000; Ricky Scott of Van Buren, AR, 9 bass, 22 pounds, 6 ounces, $18,250; Michael Iaconelli of Runnemede, NJ, 8 bass, 20 pounds 1 ounce, $12,500; Bobby McMullin of Pevely, MO, 8 bass, 14 pounds, 12 ounces, $11,750; and Lendell Martin Jr. of Nacogdoches, TX, 6 bass, 13 pounds, 14 ounces, $16,000.
    In addition to winning the tournament, fishermen were also trying to qualify for the biggest award in bass fishing, the $2 million Forrest Wood Cup in Pittsburgh, Pa., July 30- Aug. 2, where the winner will earn as much as $1 million. Curtis said, “I came here wanting to win this tournament but to be able to make it to the Forrest Wood Cup is amazing,” Curtis said. “I am ready to pack my bags for Pittsburgh.” Packing their bags along with Curtis will be highest finishers from their respective Stren Series divisions, Bohannan (Central Division), Iaconelli (Northern Division) Cody Meyer of Redding, CA(Western Division) and Defoe (Southeast Division).

  • A warrior and Branson Junior High honors its Veterans

    Wounded combat Veteran, U.S. Marine
    Sgt. Jason Arellano, speaking at Veterans
    assembly on Nov. 10.

    In a town where there were all sorts of Veteran’s ceremonies and remembrances this week, one of the most special took place at the November Citizenship Character Assembly of the Branson Junior High School on Nov. 10. Its specialness wasn’t in the appearance of famous people, entertainers, or dignitaries, it was in the quiet dignified sincere way that the school, administration and students honored the Veterans personally related to their students and in the simple heartfelt speech of a warrior.

    The Veterans were invited to sit in a special seating section on the floor level of the gym where they were joined by their student, son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, niece or nephew. Brad Dolloff started the assembly by sharing a bit the history of World War II involving the heroic action of the Army Rangers at Point du Hoc during the Battle of Normandy. The Rangers scaled steep cliffs in the face of overwhelming enemy fire to gain a vital foothold and force the enemy artillery back from its permanent emplacements where it would have been able to place withering fire directly down on the off leading ships and their fellow soldiers fighting their way ashore.

    Local Veteran Charlie Engram read the names of the 40 some veterans, representing just about every branch of the service and conflict from the Second World War to the current War on Terrorism. In his introduction Engram called all the Veterans sitting in front of him “Heros. He acknowledged, “There are some of you that will say not me” and went on to say that’s not true because “You are heroes.” Engram stressed that as a as a nation we enjoy the freedoms we have today because of the service and sacrifice of our Veterans.

    As Engram read the names of the 40 plus Veterans present each stood until all had been acknowledged. With all the Veterans standing, the assembly gave a standing ovation.

    The Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps color guard made up of Ashley Powers, Lindsey Rainey, Alexis Rabe and Chelsea Collins smartly presented the colors. Jared Campbell lead the “Pledge of Allegiance” followed by the National Anthem sung by Kris Spencer.

    The guest speaker, U.S Marine Sergeant Jason Arellano was introduced through a video clip. The clip showed him being carried off the field of battle after receiving serious injuries in a fire fight in Fallujah, Iraq when there was serious doubt as to whether or not he would survive.

    As he started his presentation Arellano asked two questions, “When you look at our flag what do you see and feel? When you hear our National Anthem what do you hear and what does that mean to you?”

    Rather than talk about himself extensively, Arellano brought the sacrifice of Veterans home by simply reading the citations of two posthumously awarded Navy Crosses of fellow Marines. One gave his life in the jungles of Vietnam and the other, Arellano’s friend, in Fallujah on the same day Arellano was severely injured. He summed it up by saying that’s what our military does; perform heroic and amazing deeds in the face of great danger.

    Arellano suggested when we look at our flag and hear our national Anthem that what we should see, feel, and hear is respect for what they represent, our country, people, freedom, way of life and the price that is being paid, and has been paid, on their behalf. A price paid in blood, sacrifice, and pain by America’s active duty military and Veterans, a price that never should be taken for granted.

    The last advice Arellano gave the students was “Live your life for those that can’t.” After thanking the assembly, the humble combat tested warrior left the podium to a standing ovation.

    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • Inspiring Branson remembrance ceremony at “The Wall”

    Members of Chapter 913 of the Vietnam Veterans
    of America rendering a salute as they place the
    memorial wreath in front of “The Wall.”

    In but one of many special memorial ceremonies, services and programs conducted as part of Branson’s Veteran’s Homecoming Celebration, the 58,000 plus American heroes who gave their life in the Vietnam War were honored at the opening ceremony for “The Wall” at the Welk Resort at 10:00 a.m. on Nov. 5. “The Wall” is a traveling half scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. It spans almost 240 feet in length and lists the names of the over 58,000 American’s who gave their lives in the Vietnam War.

    The quiet dignified ceremony started with the presentation of the Colors by the Chapter 913 of the Vietnam Veterans of America followed by the Pledge of Allegiance lead by Mimi Lennon.
    A special moment in the ceremony was the Lennon Sisters “a cappella” rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner.” Even as they sang the familiar notes and lyrics that have been heard so often and have almost become common place, the simple beauty of their voices and their manner of presentation reminded all that were present that what was being remembered was anything but common place.

    The most poignant and stirring moment of the event was the Wreath Laying Ceremony. The wreath was formally marched forward and placed in front of “The Wall” by two members of Chapter 913 of the Vietnam Veterans of America. As they raised their hands in a silent salute the lilting sounds of “Taps,” played by Bob Smither, and a rifle volley fired by Korean War Veterans floated over “The Wall” in memory the duty, honor and sacrifice of those whose names it commemorates.

    “The Wall” runs the length of grass outdoor area immediately behind the Welk Resort Hotel and Theatre. It is open to public viewing through Nov. 11. Each panel is numbered and there is a special locator book, located under the “blue” canopy in front of the exhibit that can be used to find individdual names.

    While on display volunteers will be continually reading the names on “The Wall” during the hours on 8:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. Additional volunteers are need for this effort and are encouraged to call Jacque Cheary at 1-800-808-9355.

  • An Apology for Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

    The republication of this evolving tribute is respectfully dedicated to America’s veterans and active duty military with thanks and gratitude for their service and sacrifice.
    It is a sad fact of life that the politicians, and those in power, start wars and that the people of the nations involved bleed, die, suffer, and otherwise pay the price of war. Even in today’s world of terrorist attacks, as the people of countries or ideologies make war on each other they fall into two general categories, “Military” and “Civilian.” The Military, the fighters, generally kill each other and the civilians they believe are making war on them, the old fashioned way, directly, with bullets, bombs, suicide or otherwise, planes, etc. History testifies to the fact that they, and the civilians their actions impact on, are generally the first to bleed, suffer, and die.
    The Civilians of warring nations provide the means for the military to kill each other and the bodies to replace those that are killed or maimed. History records that the bullets, bombs, torpedoes, planes, ships and other implements of war used by Japan, to destroy the peace at Pearl Harbor, during the war in the Pacific and by America, to reestablish that peace, were made by civilians.
    Prior to December 7, 1941 there was peace between the United States and Japan. At approximately 7:55 a.m. Hawaii time, on Sunday, December 7, 1941, while Japanese diplomats were in the process of negotiating to maintain that peace with Secretary of State Cordell Hull in Washington, DC, and without warning, the country of Japan shattered that peace by spilling American blood in a cowardly surprise attack on the United States Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor. The attack killed over 2,400 and wounded over 1,175. On Monday December 8, 1941 President Roosevelt went before Congress and declared December 7, 1941 as, “A date that will live in infamy.” Congress declared war against Japan on that date.
    Upon the death of President Roosevelt on April 12, 1945, over three years and 200,000 American lives later, Harry S. Truman, became the 33rd President of the United States. He was a Missourian known for his honesty and one of the most respected politicians of his time. The war in Europe was over and the Axis Powers of Italy and Germany had been defeated. All that remained between war and peace was the fanatical and kamikaze like resistance of the Japanese people and their army of over 2,500,000. In spite of the repeated warnings to surrender and that the alternative “was complete and utter destruction,” Japan refused to surrender and continued to fight.
    Truman had served as an Artillery Officer in France during World War I and, prior to becoming President, was not aware of the “Manhattan Project” and its Atom Bomb. His advisors estimated the war could be shortened by a year and that 1 million Allied casualties, 500,000 of them American lives, could be saved if the Atomic Bomb was used on Japan. He decided that enough American blood had been spilled in trying to reestablish the peace that Japan had shattered. Truman said, “Let there be no mistake about it, I regarded the bomb as a military weapon and never had any doubt that it should be used.”
    At approximately 9:15 a.m. on August 6, 1945, after repeated warnings for Japan to surrender, the Atomic Bomb was dropped from the “Enola Gay” on Hiroshima. In spite of the horrific carnage and destruction that resulted Japan did not capitulate. On August 9, 1945, another Atomic Bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. Japan sued for peace the next day and the formal surrender papers were signed, on the deck of the Battleship U.S.S. Missouri, on September 2, 1945. Peace had been restored.
    Some say America owes Japan an apology for using the Atomic Bomb. The lives sacrificed at Hiroshima and Nagasaki saved many times the lives, Japanese, American, as well as others, that would have been spent if the war had continued. Without Pearl Harbor and the refusal of Japan to end the war that they had started, not only would there have been no Hiroshima or Nagasaki, but millions of people, Japanese as well as others, would not have died. If the people of Japan are due an apology it more appropriately should come from their own government.
    Some say that Japan owes us an apology for Pearl Harbor. No apology can undo history, the treacherous cowardice of that attack, or bring back the lives that were lost. Rather than seek useless insincere apologies let us thank God that the nuclear power used to end a terrible war, has never been used in war since. At the end of the day, the blood of her sons, and ours, staining the sands of remote Pacific Islands such as Peleliu, Okinawa, Saipan, Iwo Jima and others, solemnly testify to the futility of such an apology.

  • Highlight Schedule for Branson’s Veterans Week Celebration

    From Thursday through Monday, Veterans Village will be open at the Hilton Convention Center, from 9:00am – 4:00pm each day. Visit each day and pick up your tickets and have them validated for a lunch at the Belk’s Parking Lot at Branson Landing. Veterans are free.

    Many attractions, shows and businesses offer special veteran discounts. Be sure to ask!

    SOME EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
    Wednesday, Nov 5:
    1:00pm: Skydive by Dana Bowman followed by the Opening Show featuring many Branson stars at the Mansion America Theater
    7:00pm: Showboat Branson Belle Tribute to Veterans

    Thursday, Nov 6:
    10:30am: Rose Petal Ceremony and Luncheon at the Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks honors women who’ve given their lives in the service of their country
    6:00pm: Candlelight Military Memorial Service at Skyline Baptist Church

    Friday, Nov 7:
    WWII Reenactment Set Up at Branson Creek Golf Course south of Branson on Hwy 65
    10:30am: Gold Star/Blue Star Mothers and Gold Star Wives Luncheon at the All American Cafe. Brunch is complimentary for Gold Star, Blue Star Mothers & Gold Star Wives.
    2:00pm: RFD-TV the Theatre will raise the world’s largest free flying flag. Special performances by Penny Gilley and Jeff Brandt from "The Penny Gilley Show featuring Jeff Brandt".

    Saturday, Nov 8:
    10:00am & 2:00pm: WWII Battle Reenactments at Branson Creek Golf Course
    3:00pm: USO Show at Branson Creek Golf Course

    Sunday, Nov 9:
    10:00am: WWII Field Church Service at Branson Creek Golf Course
    5:30pm: POW Network Gala at the Chateau on the Lake

    Monday, Nov 10:
    5:30pm: US Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Chateau on the Lake

    Tuesday, Nov 11:
    8:00am: Breakfast with Lt. Col. Oliver North at the Hilton Convention Center Ballroom
    11:00am: 74th Veterans Parade in downtown Branson
    2:00pm: Tony Orlando Yellow Ribbon Show at the Welk Theater

    For a complete schedule, www.bransonveterans.com or call 417.337.8387.

  • “Official” Branson website listing responsibility of business

    Recently it was noted that not all businesses collecting and paying the retail tourism tax to the city of Branson and the Branson Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District (TCED) are listed on the website billing itself as the “Official Website of Branson, Missouri, www.explorebranson.com (website). The website URL is owned by the city of Branson. It along with the site content, as it existed as of Feb. 27, 2007, was leased to the TCED for a period of three years for the purposes of promoting tourism within the TCED.

    The financing for the website comes from two basic sources, the one percent TCED retail sales tax on most retail items purchased within the District which encompasses an area covering all Branson, the State Park Marina and out to Indian Point including Silver Dollar City. The second source is the 25 percent of the four percent city of Branson Tourism Tax on accommodations, restaurants, shows, and attractions. It is estimated that about $6.6 million will be available from these two sources for marketing in Fiscal Year 2009.

    The Branson Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), under a contract with the TCED does the marketing for the TCED, including the management and marketing of the exploreranson.com website. CVB Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations, Dan Lennon, Lennon said that all any retail or tourism business collecting either of the city of Branson’s tourism taxes has to do to be listed on the site is call James Little, Director of Web Services at 417-334-4084 Ext. 313.

    Lennon points out that the CVB is transitioning from a “membership based” marketing organization to a “constituent business” based marketing organization and is functionally separate from the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. Lennon said that under the old membership system marketing opportunities did relate to membership. He stressed that under the new constituent business concept that is no longer the case and every retail and tourism related business collecting either the city or TCED tourism tax is eligible to take advantage of the CVB’s marketing opportunities on an equal basis.

    These opportunities include one free basic listing on explorebranson.com. He said that, currently, additional listings, links, and advertising are available to all constituent businesses on an equal basis. In addition, constituent businesses are equally entitled to share in any of the myriad of marketing opportunities offered by the CVB. Lennon said that the CVB is constantly looking for ways to improve and market Branson more efficiently and invites any constituent business or organization to participate in the process.

    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • Branson’s Veterans Week Opening Show at Mansion America Theater

    Starting with a sky dive by world-famous Dana Bowman, the Opening Show promises a great kick off to another exciting Veteran’s Week in Branson. Bowman, a former member of the Golden Knights who lost both legs in a mid-air collision in 1994, will amaze and inspire you.

    “We’ve put together a great show. I’m excited that our Branson entertainers so willingly give their time to honor our veterans,” said event coordinator Steve Weyher. Performers include the Oak Ridge Boys, Yakov Smirnoff and Bob Anderson. Internationally-known artist and motivational speaker, Richard Hight, will create a work of art on stage.

    Army Major General (R) Lee Baxter is the keynote speaker. Major General Douglas Carver, US Army Chief of Chaplains, and evangelist Keith Moore of Moore Life Ministries will give the invocation and benediction.
    Dana Bowman’s skydive is scheduled for 1:00pm on the theater grounds; the show begins at 2:00pm. Admission is free and theater seating is open. Come early for good seats.

    The Opening Show is sponsored by the Branson Veterans Task Force. The BVTF office is located at 138 Pointe Royale Drive in Branson. To contact the office call 417.337.8387 (417.337.VETS) or visit www.bransonveterans.com. A complete schedule of the week’s activities is posted on the website.

  • “It’s just that simple,” national carrier networks and low fares key to Branson airport success

    The following article was printed in the Oct. 15 edition of the Branson Daily Independent and is republished with permission.

    And the Survey said, “If there was low cost air service available to Branson from a given area, more people would chose to come to Branson from that area than would otherwise come.” Jeff Bourk, Executive Director, Branson Airport, LLC, said, “That’s basically the pitch, it’s that simple.”

    In describing the process used to arrive at that conclusion Bourk said it involved a comparison of where the millions of people who visit Branson each year are coming from against the national networks of the low cost carriers serving those areas. Each carrier has the daily potential to bring people to Branson from each of the cities in their network. He said, “You have airlines with 1,500 people a day to 3,000 people a day already coming to Branson” which could represent up to 30 flights per day in these networks.

    Bourk explained that the success of the airport does not depend on getting carriers to put in 30 flights a day. He said, “Originally we want them to put in two or three flights a day to get the service started.” He went on to say that even in this economy there are a lot of potential passengers who want to come to Branson and compared the number of passengers necessary for the success of the airport to getting a bucket of water out of the ocean.

    The airport surveyed over 12,000 people from the major areas where Branson’s visitors already come from. The survey revealed that if low cost air service was available to Branson about 75 percent more of the people from a given destination and its surrounding area would chose to come to Branson that wouldn’t otherwise come because of the long drive or having to take a bus. That’s not counting the people who would convert from “drive to fly” if there was a low cost carrier flying into Branson.

    When discussing fares Bourk said, “Springfield and Fayetteville are some of the highest priced airports in the country.” While acknowledging that Springfield had Allegiant, a great low fare carrier to the few relatively few destinations they fly to, he pointed out that the rest of Springfield’s service was very costly.

    Bourk went on to explain that Branson Airport is looking for air carriers that are low cost and have a national network. Although he could not give the specifics of the carrier or carriers that have agreed to service the airport he said the type of low cost nationally networked air carrier they are looking for would be, in alphabetical order, carriers such as “AirTran, Allegiant, Continental, Frontier, Spirit, Sun Country, and, airlines like that.”

    A comparison of the maps of the low cost carrier national networks against the destinations where Branson’s marketing data establishes the majority of its visitors come from indicates two things. The astute selection of the right low cost carrier or carriers can make Branson an affordable air destination from the majority of the major airports in the United States and, if the survey is right, “It’s just that simple.”

    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent

  • Branson Boulevard becomes a Street and Fall Creek Road extension approved

    Three issues involving new roads were resolved at the Branson Board of Aldermen’s meeting on Oct. 28.
    One involved whether the street commonly called Forsythe Street would be changed to Forsythe Boulevard. It was no issue until street signs designating the realigned street as “Forsythe Boulevard” showed up when the road was reopened.
    As a result of the public concern raised City Engineer David Miller went back and researched the name when Forsythe was originally accepted into the city. His research revealed the proper name was “Forsythe Street” not “Boulevard.” City Administrator Dean Kruithof said the road would be called Forsythe Street and that the signage would be changed to reflect that fact.
    The board vacated the right-of-way covering the old location of where Forsyth Street used to be, just west of its current location. The land has been sold to TanStone Group LLC. The title company however had some problems with the fact that the transfer did not include a right of way vacation by the city. The action taken by the board vacates the right of way and resolves any further ownership issues in that regard.
    The Board also gave first reading approval for the final phase of the Fall Creek Extension project. The project will provide the completion of the final phase of a project, on which $3 million dollars has already been spent, providing a new north/south arterial road between Highway 76 and Roark Valley Road.
    The project will also include the realignment and straightening of the segment of Fall Creek Road immediately to the south of Highway 76. According to studies done in connection with the Branson’s 2001 Comprehensive Transportation Plan, when the project is completed the road will have over 9,300 cars per day traveling it.
    While acknowledging the tightness of the current budget situation board members expressed their belief that it was a needed project and 2009 provided a financial window to get it done without bonding before other major projects came up in a few years that could require bonding. The board’s approval also contains a bonding option, as insurance, that provides additional financial flexibility to the city in financing the project.
    Original estimates prior to requesting bids earlier this year were as high as $7.5 million and even while the bids were out, the lowest estimate was about $5.5 million. When the bids came in, Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. d/b/a ESS Contractors, came in with a low bid of $4,545,681 and was the low bidder of three on the project. When the acceptance of the bid was first presented to the board back in Sep. it was postponed until the Oct. 28 meeting while the budget was being finalized.
    The project is scheduled for completed within 360 days of its start and its first phase is scheduled to be the realignment and straightening of the segment of Fall Creek Road immediately to the south of Highway 76.
    The third item was the change of the name of “Motley Drive” to “Sight & Sound Drive.” This item has been discussed and approved on its first reading at the boards last meeting and was approved as part of the consent agenda.
    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent,

  • Branson Airport seeks $400,000 in marketing funds from county

    The following article was pubished in theBranson Daily Independent on Oct. 31 and is reprinted with its permission.

    Branson Airport Terminal shot from
    across ramp. To the right is taxiway
    from runway which is completed.
    Branson Airport is schedule to open for
    passenger serviec in 2009.

    Branson Airport, scheduled to open for commercial service next May, is billed as the nation’s first private airport designed for commercial jetliner service built totally with private funding. Branson Airport LLC (BA), the owners of Branson Airport, have asked Taney County for over $400,000 to assist in marketing Branson along the routes its carrier or carriers will be flying.

    Jeff Bourk Executive Director, BA made a presentation and presented a proposed agreement to the Taney County Commission on Oct. 29 requesting that the Commission “Approve a tax revenue sharing program designed to promote tourism to the region and increase county sales tax revenues.” Bourk pointed out that if approved the agreement would reinvest a percentage of the new county tax dollars generated by the presence of the airport to promote additional tourism to Branson and Taney County via the airport.

    BA requested that the County Commission approve a tax revenue sharing credit equal to the amount of “on airport tax revenues” estimated to be generated in the first full year of operation, $418,632. Further, Bourk requested that the first revenue sharing credit be given in advance on Dec 1, 2008 or when the first national network carrier has announced service to the Branson Airport. He said that BA would like to receive the same benefit for about ten years but that the payments in all future years would be based strictly on the tax revenues collected from on airport tax revenues. “On airport tax revenues” are taxes from things such as rental cars, ticket sales, restaurants, and gift shops.

    He went on to say that the marketing funds would be used to promote travel to Branson in the major cities along the routes of the carrier or carriers flying into the Branson Airport. Bourk said that BA had received a commitment for marketing assistance from the Branson CVB and stressed how critically important such marketing would be, particularly in the first year of the airports operation, for the success of the airlines serving the airport. He pointed out that if carriers pulled out of the Branson Airport because of lack of passengers it would be extremely difficult to get other commercial service to Branson in the future.

    Presiding Taney County Commissioner, Chuck Pennell, expressed his consternation that with all of the planning and money that had gone into the airport and its development thus far that no funding had been set aside for something as critical as marketing. Bourk replied that it was planned that the local governments would fund the majority of the marketing covered by the agreement.

    Western Taney County Commissioner Ron Herschend made a motion to approve the agreement subject to some conditions, but Eastern Taney County Commissioner Danny Strahan made a motion to postpone any decision for a period of two weeks which was seconded by Pennel and approved by a unanimous vote of the Commission.

    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • Doesn’t downtown Branson have any restaurants?

    Well not many, according to the city’s official web site. Let’s just say the “Demrep” family from Indianapolis, Indiana is visiting Branson for the first time, thanks to the Branson Airport, and was looking for a family style meal their first evening in town. They had heard about historic downtown Branson and wanted to eat there on their first night in town. As people are prone to do these days, they went to the internet and ended up on www.explorebranson.com and were really impressed when they saw the words “Official Website of Branson, Missouri.”

    With anticipation they clicked on the “Dining” link and were taken to http://explorebranson.com/dining/. It has a nice general narrative about dining in the area and gives the guest the option of clicking on a list to view “All Dinning Listings” or to “Browse Locations.” This was the Demreps first trip to Branson, they had no idea about its different restaurants, they knew the location of where they wanted to eat, down town Branson, so they selected that option from under the “Browse Location” list.

    To say the least they were surprised and not very impressed when only four items showed up for “Downtown Branson,” were McDonalds, Wendy’s, Pappa Johns, and the Candle Stick Inn Restaurant. John Demrep said to his wife Michelle, “Why Mother we have most of these same restaurants at home.” Michelle said, “But Father we don’t have Candlestick Inn. It sounds family like and is downtown. Let’s try it.”

    They and their two children left their hotel on the western edge of Branson’s strip and started east on Highway 76 to the address shown on the website for the Candlestick Restaurant, 1316 W. Highway 76, Suite 199. When they got there, needless to say they didn’t find the Candlestick Restaurant at that location. When they called the phone number listed 417-335-3633, which they had dutifully written down from the website prior to leaving their motel, they were informed the phone had been disconnected.

    Seeing as how they were on Highway 76 heading east and the traffic going west bound was heavy they just continued eastbound, and ran into downtown. As they drove around Branson’s beautifull, quaint and homey downtown they noticed a number of restaurants such as Clocker’s, Branson Café, the Farm House, Rocky’s, and the Bleu Olive. They decided on the Bleu Olive Mediterranean Grille & Bar and, as the story goes, had a great meal starting off with some of the best Asiago Cheese “Flambe” they had ever had.

    “Wait a minute,” some who know where the Candlestick Inn is located might say, “Why is the address for Candlestick to a place on West Highway 76? Isn’t Candlestick’s great food, atmosphere, and beautiful view of Branson Landing and downtown Branson located off of East Highway 76 at 127 Taney Street high atop Mount Branson?” The answer of course is “Yes.”

    Still others might ask, if the web site is owned by the city of Branson, leased to the Tourism Community Enhancement District (TECD), is being run for both under a contract with the Branson Lakes Area CVB financed by tourism tax dollars collected and remitted by all the restaurants downtown why aren’t all the restaurants in downtown listed? Who is responsible for looking out for the interests of all the small businesses collecting and remitting the tax to make sure they are adequately covered on the web site and other promotional activities paid for by city of Branson and TECD Tourism Taxes?

    Some would suggest, “Isn’t it Branson’s elected officials and the TECD Board of Directors?” Other might ask, “Why aren’t the two associations representing the downtown businesses monitoring the situation and taking the appropriate steps to get things changed?”

    The pathetic thing is that no one seems to care enough to monitor what is happening or do anything about it. Alexis de Tocqueville said that “In a democracy, the people get the government they deserve.”

    It is inconceivable to an Ole Seagull that the TCED board can spend $400,000 of tax payer money collected through the efforts of the businesses and people in the District to help promote the Table Rock Chamber of Commerce, which isn’t in the District, while businesses within the District are treated and ignored in this manner. And besides is Candlestick Inn really in downtown Branson or does a river flow through it?