Branson Courier

Month: December 2008

  • 2008 New Years Eve in Branson – A special memory

    Branson has a reputation for providing special memories and Branson’s 2008 celebration of New Years Eve will surely enhance that reputation. Nestled in the middle of the Ozarks Mountains, Branson, Missouri is noted for a variety of entertainment, natural beauty, shopping and activities that is rivaled by very few tourism destinations. Its 2008 celebration of New Years Eve will only serve to enhance that reputation.

    From the informal to the formal, big or small, early or late, or with children or without children there is an activity for everyone. Whether it’s a simple meal or a formal dinner, shows, cruises, fireworks, and from horses to Elvis, Branson’s celebration New Year’s Eve 2008 will have something for everyone.

    A lot of Branson’s restaurants such as Shorty Small’s, Waxy O’ Shea’s, and the Outback Pub, to name a few, are having bands and will have special celebrations at midnight. For those wanting to celebrate an alcohol free New Year’s Eve the Keeter Center, at the college of the Ozarks is celebrating New Year’s Eve with a special dinner menu and an evening of music and dancing with the NYE Trio.

    Those with families, especially those with children, where a midnight celebration is not central, might want to consider Grand Country’s Amazing Pet Show or the Dixie Stampede. The Amazing Pet Show at 10:00 a.m. on both Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 features dogs and cats performing some amazing feats and other surprises that the whole family will enjoy. Dixie Stampede, a perennial Branson favorite is an exciting family show complete with a four course meal integrated into a constantly unfolding family experience involving, horses, audience participation, and action that will entertain the whole family. Show times are 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Dec. 31.

    What would any special occasion in Branson be without shows? New Year’s Eve 2008 offers a variety of shows of just about every type from the Righteous Brothers and Bill Medley, with special guests Paul Revere and the Raiders to the magic of Kirby Van Burch and the Acrobats of China. From Jim Stafford’s comedy to the music, dancing and variety of Pierce Arrow, Magnificent 7, 50’s at the Hop, Grand Jubilee Hughes Brothers, and Elvis, as one of the stars being impersonated, in the Legends in Concert show, Branson’s shows will be celebrating New Year’ Eve in style.

    A lot of the shows will have special events before and during the show such as dinners, appetizers etc. as part of their celebrations. Among other places, specific pricing and a more complete schedule of shows is available through the Branson Tourism Center website or by calling 1-800-785-1550.

    Want to leave land and celebrate New Year’s Eve on the water, no problem; Branson offers two different cruises. The Branson Landing Princess, cruising Lake Taneycomo, will include a champagne midnight celebration welcoming in the New Year along with a buffet, dancing and an unrivaled view of Branson Landing and its Fire and Light Show on its New Years Eve cruise departing at 8:00 p.m.

    Silver Dollar City’s famed paddle wheeler, the Showboat Branson Belle, will depart its birth at the While River Landing on Table Rock Lake at 8:00 p.m. The cruise includes a three course meal, a special New Years Eve Show, the celebration of the New Year and the possibility of witnessing the fabulous fireworks display from the Chateau on the Lake.

    A spectacular fireworks display will be provided over Table Rock Lake by the Chateau on the Lake. The best area to view the display is from the area around the Table Rock Lake Dam. The display is the culmination of the Chateau’s New Year’s Eve celebration which starts at 7:00 p.m. and includes a reception, dinner, dancing, and a champagne celebration welcoming in the New Year at midnight.

    For excitement and entertainment, New Year’s Eve in Branson will be hard to beat. Additional information is available through the Branson Tourism Center web site, by calling 1-800-785-1550 or contacting the venue directly.

  • Auld Lang Syne or “Should high waters be forgot and days of Plooding fine”

    The aftermath of the April 2008 rains and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) robotic and bureaucratic adherence to “The Plan” will impact the Branson area for years to come. Early last summer in a column entitled, “Corps fiddles The Plood while local officials and leaders dance to the tune.” The Ole Seagull asked the areas elected and unelected leaders two simple questions about what was being done to correct the situation and prevent it from happening in the future.

    Those questions, were “Is there any official record anywhere that even one petitioned the Corps, on an emergency basis, for a temporary exception to lowering the Regulatory Stages at Newport until the Tri-Lakes levels, especially Bull Shoals, were back to safe levels? Did even one initiate official action with the Corps requesting a process be set in motion to evaluate changes to The Plan?”

    What happened in the Branson area, particularly after the April rain event was not as the result of a “flood” it was as the result of a “plood.” Almost everyone knows what a flood is, “An overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry and usually caused by an act of God.” To describe what happened to Branson after April the Ole Seagull coined the word “plood” and defined it as “The overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry or the constant real threat of such flow, usually caused by ‘The Plan.’”

    “The Plan,” simply stated, says releases from Beaver are dependent upon the elevation in Table Rock and Bull Shoals lakes; releases from Table Rock are dependent upon the elevation in Bull Shoals lake; and releases from Bull Shoals are dependent upon the “seasonal regulating stage” at Newport, AR, some 200 miles plus downstream from Branson.

    The lower the seasonal regulating stage at Newport the less water can be released from Branson area lakes. That works out real well for the Newport area because the levels of the “seasonal regulating stage” were basically negotiated down from 25 feet to 12 feet over the years because of the political clout and influence of the agricultural interests of that area. There was apparently, no effective local governmental participation from the Branson Tri-Lakes area.

    Well time has passed, July has turned into the end of December and an Ole Seagull would close his last column of the year by asking basically the same two questions of the same leaders “Is there any official record anywhere that even one of you petitioned the Corps, on an emergency basis, for a temporary exception to lowering the Regulatory Stages at Newport until the Tri-Lakes levels, especially Bull Shoals, were back to safe levels? Did even one of you initiate any official action with the Corps requesting a process be set in motion to evaluate changes to The Plan?”

    Well maybe just a tad more. The Corp’s latest official Daily Reservoir Report for the White River System dated Dec. 24 shows the lake levels of Beaver and Table Rock at 1119.37 and 913.92 respectively. The same report shows those levels were 1113.4 and 910.5 respectively on Dec. 24, 2007.

    Does that mean what an Ole Seagull thinks it means? Is Beaver Lake 5.97 feet higher than it was a year ago at this time and Table Rock 3.42 feet higher? What could that bode for our area if 2009 has the same amount, or more, of rain than it had in 2008?

    Wait, is that the tune of “Auld Lang Syne” being sung on New Years Eve by our areas leaders? Yes, but listen to the lyrics they’re singing:

    “Should high waters be forgot,
    and never brought to mind?
    Should high waters be forgot?
    and days of Plooding fine.”

  • Grand Palace lobby receives extensive water damage

    The water flowed from inside the lobby of the
    Grand Palace to the middle of the road. How long
    the water had been flowing is indicated
    by the accumulated ice to the left of the engine.

    The front end, lobby area, of the Grand Palace suffered extensive water damage sometime prior to the arrival of the Branson Fire Department at 10:45 on Dec. 23. According to Branson Fire Department Division Chief Ted Martin, the department responded because, “Someone had called and said there was water pouring from the building.”

    Although there was evidence that water had flowed out of the front and side doors of the Grand Palace and froze, there was no evidence of water actually flowing out at the time. Martin indicated that the water had been shut off.

    Looking into the lobby of the building, puddles of water were visible at both ends of the stair case leading up to the second floor and in the middle of the lobby. It was obvious that the entire lobby area including the gift shop, concession and ticket areas were saturated with water.

    Martin said the damage appeared to be limited to the lobby area. He suggested the damage appeared to be caused by multiple breaks in the buildings sprinkler system which could have been caused by the extremely cold weather over the past few days. He also pointed out that they found a roof hatch open which was letting a lot of cold air into the attic area.

    He went on to indicate that buildings required to be protected by a sprinkler system are required to be monitored. The alarm will go off if the fire alarm or sprinkler system goes off. Martin explained the monitoring provides for early detection, early notification and a quick response.

    Martin continued, “Unfortunately this had flowed for a long long time before it was discovered.” He went on to say, “This is a prime case of excessive water damage that wouldn’t need to have happened had we had the fire alarm system monitored.” Martin went on to point out that even though building are not being occupied and used they recommend that the owners keep them maintained as far as fire alarms and sprinkler systems go.

    He recommended a minimum temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit to protect the sprinkler system. Martin also suggest the 50 degree minimum for two other reasons, one to cause the ambient temperature to go up and help keep attic areas and other areas that might have pipes from freezing and the second to keep electronics systems, such as fire alarms and security systems that could be effected by extreme cold, warm.

    Martin indicated that the theatre management was aware of the situation.

    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • Branson Grey Line exclusive taxi/shuttle service at Branson Airport

    The first class hospitality promised by officials of the new Branson Airport now extends beyond the terminal. Branson Gray Line, the locally owned and operated transportation experts, will exclusively operate all taxi, shuttle, limousine, luxury coach, charter bus and ground transportation services at the new facility, set to open in May 2009. This announcement comes just one week after Branson Airport, the first privately financed and operated commercial service airport in the U.S., announced that AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of Air Tran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), will be the first national network carrier to serve the new airport when it opens next spring.

    “My goal is pretty simple, to work in tandem with airport staff to provide a first-class hospitality experience like no other,” Scott Thompson, president of Branson Gray Line said.

    “The exceptional service you’ll get from AirTran and the Branson Airport won’t end when you land or leave the terminal. It’s our goal to make sure that whether you’re a tourist or a local, a family or an individual, here on vacation or here on business, you receive the most professional and efficient service possible, otherwise, I haven’t done my job,”Thompson said.

    Between now and the time the airport opens, officials at Branson Gray Line will be working tirelessly to organize services between area accommodations and the Branson Airport. As the exclusive provider of shuttle services for the airport, Branson Gray Line will be responsible for maintaining hotel and resort courtesy shuttles for those properties interested in offering such a service to their guests. Branson Gray Line recently came to an agreement with the Radisson Hotel in Branson and will serve as the exclusive transportation provider to the Radisson, offering timely transportation services to both individuals and groups staying at the property.

    “This is a very exciting time for us. Getting people where they need to go is our business, and we’re good at it. The Branson Airport is going to bring a whole new market of travelers to the area, and we’re ready to meet all their transportation needs. It’s been a long time coming,” Thompson said.

    Branson Gray Line is Branson’s oldest and largest transportation and destination management company and the only internationally franchised motor coach company and event planner in the area. Operating in Branson since 1993, they are currently expanding to maintain a fleet of approximately 40 vehicles and employ 50 people locally. The staff of Branson Gray Line is committed first and foremost to excellence in customer service and safety. Branson Gray Line is a proud client of Digital Dispatch Systems, Inc., a world leader in providing wireless fleet management solutions. For more information about Branson Gray Line, visit www.BransonGrayLine.com.

  • Faith and individual effort will see us through

    There’s no doubt about it, our nation is facing some serious challenges. On one hand there is terrorism and economic upheaval with governmental systems seemingly running awry throwing billions of dollars at problems that no one has yet defined. On the other hand, the average American loses their job, watches their pension and retirement fund dwindle away, as home values drop and health care costs rise out of control. Some might even have the impression that things are beyond control.

    Some might say, “But Seagull, the government is spending billions and trillions to fix it, won’t that take care of it?” “Don’t believe it will.” In his 67 years of life it has been his general experience that the government produces nothing of economic value and simply redistributes the economic production of its citizens.

    Unfortunately, in the current crises, a lot of America’s past manufacturing capacity is outside her boarders, her military, in terms of both personnel and equipment, is stressed and stretched just about as far as it can be, illegal immigration runs rampant, and, with unemployment and healthcare costs, among others, rising, its citizens have less economic production for the government to redistribute.

    If an Ole Seagull were a betting Seagull he’d bet that the very individuals who put the country in this mess made money while doing it and are making money now on the “bailout.” The thing that brought it all into focus for him was the case of financier Bernard Madoff, who is alleged to have bilked people and organizations out of over $50 billion dollars.

    Madoff gets to go home to his fancy apartment under house arrest while the people he bilked billions from watch their life style and retirement funds disappear. Hum, come to think about it there are a lot of people these days, Madoff aside, who are watching their life styles change radically.

    The frustrating thing is that no one seems to know what the problem is or what will solve it. One thing is becoming painfully obvious; it will not be solved without sacrifice and more financial pain for the average American who can do very little, on an individual basis, to affect the final outcome.

    As we look to the challenges ahead, as individuals and a nation, perhaps the words Abraham Lincoln spoke at his first inauguration can give us some guidance and hope. Lincoln said, “Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity, and a firm reliance on Him, who has never yet forsaken this favored land, are still competent to adjust, in the best way, all our present difficulty.”

    When Lincoln said those words he was facing challenges that went to the very fiber of a young nation and whether or not it would remain a nation and slavery abolished. It took individual sacrifice of the greatest kind but, the price was paid, the issues decided and the nation was stronger because of it.

    In the current crisis, an Ole Seagull can do nothing more than face each day with optimism, do the best he can to support himself, his family, and his community and have faith in “Him, who has never yet forsaken this favored land.” His hope is reflected in the words in the Christmas carol, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” that say, “God is not dead nor doth not sleep, the wrong will fail the right prevail.”

  • Branson out “music events” all competitors

    Branson’s reputation as the, “the live music capital of the world” was recently reinforced. Branson was rated second in the category of “Most Music Events” in the 2nd Annual “Most Eventful Cities” report by Eventful.Com. Only one city, New York City, NY, had more music events than Branson. It ranked ahead of cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle, who ranked third through fifth respectively and Las Vegas which ranked a distant ninth behind Branson.

    In an interview with Jordan Glazier, Eventful’s CEO, conducted via telephone on Dec. 18, he stated although he had heard about Branson he was surprised by the results. Glazier noted that no one from Eventful.Com had visited Branson in connection with the report and stated the results are purely quantitative and based on an analysis of the over 8 million events entered into Eventful’s data base.

    The final rankings only consider raw numbers. Glazier said it is a simple ranking comparing the total number of musical events held during the reporting period in one city to those held in all other cities during the same period. He commented that no adjustments are made to the figures for population etc and went on to point out that Branson’s second place ranking was achieved because, during the reporting period, Eventful’s data base showed more than 24,425 music events had taken place in Branson.

    According to Glazier, the report, in general, provides a unique perspective on the character of U.S. cities and the interests and activities of their residents. In talking about Branson specifically, Glazier indicated that his statement could be expanded to also include the activities and interests of the tourist that come to Branson.

    Glazier describes Eventful.Com is an online community of more than 8 million members who share their events with each other. Those events run the gamut of everything from concerts, shows, and sporting events at the national level to children’s activities and events at the local level.

    He pointed out that each event is entered by one of Eventful’s eight million members and there is no charge to enter an event. He did note however that some members may choose to promote and advertise their events beyond just the basic listing. In acknowledging that this is only the second year of the “Most Eventful Cities” report Glazier said the report is based on one of the largest data bases of local events in the world containing up to eight million events at any one time.

    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • GIS maps Branson’s future

    GIS Coordinator Curtis Copeland
    demonstrating a GIS application.

    The saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words” describes an important management and development tool the city of Branson uses on a daily basis, its Geographical Information System (GIS). Curtis Copeland, GIS Systems Coordinator of the Geographical Information Systems Division of the city’s Engineering Department describes GIS as an important tool for use in mapping Branson’s continuing development and future growth.

    Copeland said, “GIS is a system of hardware and software used for storage, retrieval, mapping, and analysis of geographic data.” He went on to note that in general terms, although most end users, see the data reflected graphically as maps, graphs, diagrams, etc., it is important to realize that everything being seen graphically is based on data in a data base that is related to a particular geographical point.

    Copeland said the data used for GIS could be, “Just about anything geographically related to the city of Branson or the surrounding area.” As to the specific types of data that could be used, either singularly or layered in conjunction with other data, he mentioned data bases related to zoning, mapping, voting wards, land ownership, business locations, tax districts, water and sewer lines, fire hydrant locations, public easements, trails, streets, and demographics etc.

    When asked if the data stored in the data base could displayed in a useable graphic format Copeland replied, “Absolutely, the ability to take the data in a data base and present it in graphic form is what sets GIS apart from other mapping applications.” He went on to say that although the GIS end product looks the same as other mapping programs most of them are presented strictly from a graphical stand point. The difference in GIS is that maps are associated with a data base so you can actually do analysis and queries.

    Copeland used the example of the city building a new road. They could use GIS not only to graphically show the proposed road but to show all the parcels of property along the new road and also generate a list of the names and addresses that the city needed to notify or contact in association with building the road.

    The graphic result would involve the use of multiple data bases such as one containing the coordinates for the road and one showing property parcels associated with the road and their boundaries. In addition, the names and address of the property owners could come from yet another data base. Copeland went on to point out that in addition, if needed, other layers could be layered in to the graphic map such as topographical data, easement information, and water and sewer line locations.

    Copeland described the application of GIS to problem solving in the city as being limited only by the amount of data in a digital format available for the system to use. He pointed out that thanks to the farsightedness and planning of City Engineer David Miller, the city began acquiring plans and mapping information in digital format since the early 1990s and that new data, either generated by the city or obtained from other sources such as Taney County, is constantly being added to expand both the scope and efficiency of the GIS.

    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • Santa coming to Hollister via “Christmas Express

    Even the current economic and budget problems will not keep Santa Claus from a pre-Christmas visit with the areas children at the Hollister Train Depot. Santa will be visiting the children on a train at the depot on Sunday, Dec. 14 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. This will be the second year in a row where Santa needed a little assistance from his helpers in the area to make his pre-Christmas visit possible and continue what has become a Hollister Christmas tradition into its 16th year.

    Last year the Santa Train carrying Santa Claus, operated by the MNA Rail Road, had to cancel Santa’s pre-Christmas Hollister visit because of the ice storm and other weather related conditions experienced throughout the state of Missouri that started the week before his scheduled visit. Some of Santa’s helpers, in the form of Hollister Mayor David G. Tate, the employees of the city of Hollister, the Hollister Chamber of Commerce and the Western Taney County Fire District made special arrangements with Santa to reschedule his visit via an alternate mode of transportation and Santa was delivered to the train depot by Fire Engine.

    For a while, it seemed that Santa’s 16th pre-Christmas visit to Hollister might be derailed again when the MNA Rail Road announced it would not be running the “Santa Train” this year because of budget cuts. But again, Santa’s Hollister helpers stepped in and worked with Santa and his friends at Branson Scenic Railway.

    As a result, Santa will arrive at the Hollister Train Depot, at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday Dec. 14, via the “Hollister Christmas Express,” a train provided by Branson Scenic Railways. Children will be able to board the train to visit with Santa and tell him what they want for Christmas until the train leaves at 4:30 p.m.

    In addition to visiting with Santa, there will be other activities and treats for the children. “Flower Pot” will be doing face painting and “Ronzo” the clown will create his balloon art. In addition, the Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce will provide popcorn, drinks and gift bags.

    After visiting Santa families can take in Hollister’s Christmas lighting displays. From the animated lights on Historic Downing Street and others at Town Hall and the Chad A. Fuqua Memorial Park, to its lighting center piece, a 26 foot high Christmas Tree in the city hall area, the lighting displays help illuminate the wonders of Christmas.

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

  • Can there be Christmas without CHRISTmas?

    This column was originally written over 11 years ago and is modified and republished each year as an Ole Seagull’s testimony as to what Christmas means to him. The political correctness of “Merry Christmas” may change but the true meaning of CHRISTmas will never change.

    The “Grinch” never came any closer to stealing the true meaning of Christmas than has trying to be “politically correct.” In recent years there has been a strong move to change the traditional Christmas greeting of “Merry Christmas” to the “politically correct” terminology of “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings.”

    “But one wouldn’t want to offend those who are celebrating Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, or something else would they?” Absolutely not, but most people are not offended by the use of the term “Merry Christmas.” Yet, it is important to the vast majority of Americans to whom the celebration of Christmas is so significant and special and to those who want to preserve the spirit, history and tradition of the “Christmas” that the U.S. Congress designated as a legal holiday on June 26, 1870.

    What do “Happy Holidays,” and “Seasons Greetings,” have in common with “_ _ _ _ _ _ mas?” They both leave “Christ” out. So what? What does Christ have to do with the celebration of Kwanza, Hanukkah, Santa Claus, presents, office parties, red nosed reindeer, decorating trees, wreaths, holly, sleigh bells, retail sales, booze, atheism and feasting? Not much.

    What does Christ have to do with CHRISTmas? Everything! Without Christ there can be no CHRISTmas. There can be a holiday, a season, festivals, and religious observations of every persuasion but, without Christ there can be no CHRISTmas, in either fact or spirit. One cannot even say or spell the word “CHRISTmas,” let alone explain its actual history, meaning or origins, as it is celebrated in the United States, without Christ.

    The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia states that Christmas is “Christ’s Mass in the Christian calendar, the feast of the nativity of Jesus.” The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines “Christmas” as “A Christian feast commemorating the birth of Jesus.” Jesus who? Jesus, the Christ Child, the only begotten Son of God, born of the virgin Mary in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago.

    First there was Jesus Christ and because of Christ there is the celebration of His birth, CHRISTmas. Secular customs and traditions have developed since; but, first there was Christ.

    Even the greatest current secular symbol, the “Ho, Ho, Ho” jolly old Santa Claus seen everywhere during the Christmas season, was first made popular in New York during the 19th century. And before that the European traditions of “Sinterklaas,” and Saint Nicholas can be traced back hundreds of years; but, first there was Christ.

    Why, there are even some who would try to replace the bright guiding light of the Star of Bethlehem with the red glow of the nose of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Rudolph’s nose has been guiding Santa’s sleigh since 1939 when Robert May wrote a verse for a Montgomery Ward promotional comic book. In the late 1940’s his brother-in-law adapted the verse and used it in the song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer;” and the cowboy crooner, Gene Autry, made Rudolph famous but, first there was Christ.

    When someone says “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings,” rather than “Merry Christmas,” those wanting to share the gift of Christmas could ask, “What Holiday?” or “What Season?” What better way to create or reinforce an awareness of the “reason for the season,” that very first Christmas when “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life?”

    If we keep the spirit of the Christ Child and His love in our hearts and share it with others, Christmas, in its truest sense, will be with us every day of the year, Merry Christmas folks, Merry Christmas.

    An Ole Seagull, and the rest of the Groman Family would take this opportunity to wish you and yours a blessed Merry Christmas.

  • Branson tax revenue reduction indicates caution

    While discussing the most recent marketing report from the Branson Lakes/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), it was pointed out that Branson’s sales tax revenues were down sharply for the month of October. The report, presented by Ross Summers, the CVB’s President/CEO and Dan Lennon, Vice President Marketing & Public Relations, was a marketing performance update through Sep. 30, the end of the third quarter of calendar year 2008.

    Although the report shows year to year growth in the collection of both Branson’s 1% Sales Tax and 4% Tourism Tax through Sep. 30, Alderman Stephen Marshall suggested caution. Marshall pointed out that the report only covered the period through Sep. 30 and said, “We all know what has happened since then.” He specifically referred to the collapse of Wall Street and its effect on Main Street America.

    Marshall expressed his concern that based on the report, the media would report that things were up and things were good. He went on to state, “We all know that as of October and November it’s like they turned off the spigot.” He indicated that he would brace for a different picture at the end of the year.

    After additional discussion relating to the concern expressed by Marshall’s and its potential impact Mayor Raeanne Presley said some of the initial October tax numbers had just become available. She asked Branson City Administrator Dean Kruithof to share those figures.

    He pointed out that some of the indicators they had been monitoring suggested that October and November would be “soft” months. He asserted that they had just received most recent sales tax figures for October earlier that day and that the overall city sales tax collections for October were down. He requested Finance Director, Lori Helle to give the specifics on the October sales tax receipts. Helle said that the 1percent City Sales Tax is down 11percent and the 4 percent Tourism Tax is down 9.4 percent for the month.

    Mayor Pressley pointed out that the more recent October figures are based on a cash flow basis and represents all cash actually received during October. She said some of that could be payments due from previous months. Helle confirmed that and pointed out that the same thing applied to the October receipts. The Mayor also noted that the reduced percentages being discussed were as compared to the 2007 October receipt of taxes, not the 2009 budget.

    Kruithof said that in addition to having budgeted very conservatively for 2009 that they would be monitoring the city’s spending trends very closely. He told the board that changing revenues and expenses, as they relate to the budget, would be watched very closely.

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

  • AirTran flies into Branson’s future

    AirTran Airways Boeing 717 “touches down” on
    the first official landing at Branson Airport.

    At 9:57 a.m. a new era in Branson’s history began as an AirTran Airways Boeing 717 touched down on the runway and became the first aircraft to officially land at the Branson Airport. The AirTran jet taxied up to the parking ramp to the welcoming applause of dignitaries and others who had assembled for the official announcement of who would be the first carrier for the airport.

    Tad Hutcheson, vice president of marketing and sales for AirTran announced that AirTran would begin service to Branson effective May 11, 2009. The service will be a single roundtrip nonstop flight between Branson Airport (BMG) and the world’s busiest airport Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) scheduled to depart ATL at 11:30 a.m. and arrive at BMG at 12:10 p.m. daily. The return flight to Atlanta is scheduled to depart BMG at 12:45 p.m. and arrive at 3:30 p.m. daily.

    AirTran Airways is a subsidiary of AirTran Holding, Inc., a Fortune 1000 Company. It offers coast-to-coast flights and connects to 54 destinations through Atlanta including Orlando, FL, Las Vegas, NV, New York City, NY and San Juan Puerto, Rico. It was ranked number one in the 2008 Airline Quality Rating study. Following behind AirTran in the top five were Jet Blue, Southwest, Northwest and Frontier.

    In describing the Branson Airport project and what the announcement of the carrier meant, the eyes of Steve Peet, CEO, Branson Airport had an excited sparkle as he said, “This is a big deal.” He described it as a fascinating project and commented that he really likes projects where everybody can win, believes this is one of those projects and that he couldn’t be prouder of the way things unfolded. Peet gave the credit for the vision and idea of an airport to Glenn Patch and that, “He [Peet] was just along for the ride.”

    When asked about potential competition from the Springfield Airport trying to match Branson’s low cost fares, Peet said he thought it would be a great thing and that “Low airfares in southwest Missouri is exactly what everyone wants and needs.” He commented that if there were lower fares in Springfield it would benefit everyone including the Branson Airport and would stimulate all kinds of business including air travel and tourism.

    Rick Ziegenfuss, Hollister City Administrator said that Branson Airport and the announcement of AirTran beginning commercial passenger jet service to the area will add a new dimension to the development of not only Hollister, but the entire Branson area. Ross Summers, President/CEO Branson /Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB described the announcement of the AirTran commercial jet service to the immediate Branson area as the opening of a new highway into Branson.

    Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said that expanded air service into Branson was great for both our visitors and our citizens. She felt that the airport and the air service it is bringing will provide more opportunities for people to travel to Branson and stay longer.

    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • Major Hollister arterial road near completion

    When completed in a few weeks, Birch Street,
    shown looking toward its northern end with
    Business Highway 65, will extend south all
    the way to Branson Creek.

    Drivers going to and from the Hollister Highway 65 Interchange and the South Town Mall area from the east of Highway 65 will soon have a more efficient way to get there. The North Birch Street extension is currently being paved and, weather permitting is just a few weeks away from being opened to the public.

    Rick Ziegenfuss, Hollister City Administrator said the improvement was a $2.8 million dollar project. He said that although the project was a joint public and private project, the vast majority of the funding, all but approximately $30,000, was financed with private funds raised through the South Town Community Improvement District and developers in the area.

    Ziegenfuss said that one of the major benefits to the citizens of Hollister, of the road being completed, is that it permits them to move from the traditional downtown area of Hollister out to the South Towne area without having to go through the interchange or having to take the circuitous route out in front of the College of the Ozarks. He pointed out, although Hollister’s population center is still in its east side, with the expansion of Hollister’s city limits to the south and west from the current downtown area, that the Highway 65 Interchange has become the geographic center of Hollister.

    In terms of the completion of the perimeter or outer road system for the Highway 65 Interchange, Ziegenfuss said the completion of North Birch Street to Business Highway 65 will extend the outer road system on the east side of Highway 65 from Business Highway 65 south to Branson Creek. He pointed out that the outer road on the east side of Highway 65, the Gage Drive extension south of McDonalds, extending just past the front of the Hollister Police Department and west back to its intersection with Historic Highway 165 is complete. It completes a loop that eliminates the need to cross over multiple lanes of traffic to get to the College of the Ozarks, downtown Hollister or other points west on Historic Highway 165.

    Ziegenfuss said another benefit of the completion of the North Birch Street extension is that it will permit more efficient use of the Highway 65 Interchange. He said it is designed to handle 60,000 cars a day. Currently, because the outer road system on the east side is not complete, the intersection is substantially loading only from the west side. In addition, all the traffic back into Hollister from the east side of the interchange has to use the interchange further reducing its efficiency. He believes these problems will be substantially mitigated with the completion of the Birch Street project.

    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • What’s the best bet for Branson pies or poker?

    The question is, “What will do more to bring more people to Branson and get Branson the most public relations (PR) exposure for each dollar spent, a three day pie show with a nationally recognized celebrity or a free three day $150,000 minimum prize Texas Hold-em tournament? Recently, the Branson Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District (TCED) Board was told that the area should be thinking “out of the box” to help jump start Branson’s Ozark Mountain Spring season.

    The “out of the box” idea presented was the “Great American Pie Show” and the board conditionally authorized $150,000 for the event. Actually, the Ole Seagull believes, providing someone makes a great Pineapple Cream Pie, the pie show, while more out of the oven than the box, run the way this community would run the event, would enjoy success.

    In the world of poker playing hands are rated. The higher rated hands beat the lower rated hands, four Aces beats three Kings, two pair beats one pair etc. Branson is getting ready to bet at least $150,000, which will probably be closer to $250,000 before all is said and done, on a hand holding the “Great American Pie Show.”

    What if that hand were playing against a hand that held one of the largest non-alcohol, smoke free, and free Texas Hold-em Tournaments ever, with a minimum of $150,000 in prizes? The governing word here being “free,” no pay to play. Given the same level of funding, promotion, and community effort as the pie show, in terms of the potential number of people that the event could bring to Branson and the value of the PR Branson could get, which ranks higher, the pie show or the tournament?

    Now let’s not get all emotional, hostile, and judgmental about the morals of gambling and how it will destroy our community. We’re only talking about one three day event. Besides, isn’t gambling used for charitable purposes by some organizations within the Branson community to further the good works and services performed by them? That brings two things to mind.

    The first is, “Would these organizations use gambling as a method to raise funds if they thought gambling was morally wrong, after all, what kind of example would that set for the community?” The second is, “Why base a charitable event around gambling in the first place?” An Ole Seagull would respectfully answer, in order, by saying, “No” and “Because it’s a fun entertainment thing that people like to do and helps attract people to the event.”

    One doesn’t have to go back too far to find just such an event, the “Skaggs Bash” held at the Branson Convention Center on Oct. 11. One of the ads for the event said, “Monte-Carlo is known for its food, casinos, and gambling, so you won’t be disappointed with the night’s events.” It went on to say, “A reception kicks off the night at 5:30 p.m., dinner follows at 6:30 p.m., and casino fun begins at 8.”

    The tournament would be an annual event and open to anyone over 21 and would not cost any player one penny to play. The total number of players would be limited only by the size of the venue(s) and the rules and limits of the tournament. How many players could fit in the Branson Convention Center? Free registration would be available in advance, on the internet etc. If more registrations are received than there are seats available the players would be assigned seats through an appropriate random method, drawing etc.

    Is the Ole Seagull saying forget the pie contest, absolutely not, he’s merely suggesting that there are other ideas out there that could help get Branson, not only the number of people and PR it wants and needs, but target a lower age demographic. Why can’t Branson eat pie and play poker too?

  • Rockaway Beach Texas Hold-em Poker “checks”

    Those anticipating playing Texas Hold-em Poker in Rockaway Beach have been delayed. While about five people were observed registering for the free membership offered by the Twin Lakes Card Club at approximately 11:35 a.m., no playing of poker by any member of the public was observed during the period 11:35 a.m. to approximately 12:15 p.m.

    During an interview held at that time Jason Williams, the clubs’ owner, indicated that although the basic games and structure had not changed there had been a major change. The change, based on communications he has had with the Missouri Gaming Commission and State Police since the original interview on Dec. 1, involved buy-ins. During that interview he said that although membership in the club was free that “buy-ins” were required for all tournaments, a fact also reflected on the clubs web site.

    As of today, he said there are no more buy-ins and all members can play for free and buy-ins for Rockaway Beach have been removed from the website. Williams said they intended to have the free play all along. When asked why he didn’t mention that fact during the Dec. 1 interview he said he did not want to confuse anyone.

    Wiliams went on to point out that although there will be no buy-ins, custom card guards will be sold for varying amounts and, because those purchasing the card guards will considered “preferred customers,” they will be given preferred seating at all tournaments. The prizes to be awarded at each tournament would be determined after seating and could run the range of token prizes to cash prizes and seats in higher value tournaments depending on the value of the custom card guards represented by those in the tournament.

    At approximately 2:32 p.m., when contacted for some further information, Williams indicated that he had had further conversations with law enforcement officials after our initial interview and that “preferred seating” was no more. When asked how the value of the prizes would be determined, Williams indicated, in what appeared to be a frustrated voice, that the minimum prizes would be determined after the seating for each tournament.

    Williams said that if they could get things worked out with “them” and there were enough players it was his intention to have a tournament at 7:00 p.m.

    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • Branson’s Adoration Celebration honors Christ

    Branson’s 60th consecutive annual Adoration Day celebration will be special. Edd Akers, one of the community coordinators involved with the celebration said the purpose of the celebration over the past 60 years has been to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and honor Christ.

    He pointed out that this year’s 60th celebration will include an event that was part of some of the earlier Adoration Celebrations but has been absent in recent years. In addition to the traditional Nativity Scene Lighting and parade there will a presentation of G. F. Handel’s “Messiah” by the Branson Area Community Chorus and Orchestra at Branson’s First Baptist Church. The performance starts at 2:00 p.m. and is free.

    The “Messiah” performance will be followed by the 60th Annual Adoration Celebration in historic downtown Branson and Branson Landing. The celebration starts with the Nativity Scene Lighting Ceremony at the intersection of Commercial and Main Streets starting at 5:00 p.m. The highlight of the ceremony will be the lighting of the Nativity Scene high atop Mount Branson on the opposite side of Lake Taneycomo.

    The Nativity Scene has figures in it that can readily be seen from downtown Branson as well as Branson Landing. Some of the figures are in excess of 30 feet high. Akers said that as spectacular as the scene is lit up at night it will be easier to view in daylight thanks to the efforts of the art class students at Branson High School who refurbished and repainted all the figures this year.

    Immediately after the Nativity Scene is lit the first of over 54 units, 16 bands, 38 floats and walking units, will step off for the 60th consecutive Adoration Parade. The bands and floats will be competing and will be judged at different locations during the parade route. Two of the “performance areas” are in front of the reviewing stand at Commercial and Main Streets and by the Branson Landing Fountains as the parade comes down the Branson Landing Board Walk.

    The parade route starts at Branson Landing Boulevard (the former Long Street) at the south end of Branson Landing. It will proceed west to Business Highway 65 and turn north onto Business Highway 65. At the “y” junction of Business Highway 65 and Commercial Street the parade proceeds down Commercial Street, through the entire historic downtown area to its intersection with Branson Landing Boulevard. At that point it will turn north onto Branson Landing Boulevard and go to the north to the end of the Belk parking lot where it turns east and crosses the parking lot until intersecting with the Brandon Landing Board Walk. The parade will continue south on the boardwalk to its end.

    Akers pointed out that the Adoration Celebration is unique in a few respects. The 60 year tradition transcends Branson’s current tourism popularity and started as a way for the community to honor the true meaning of Christmas. The continuation of that tradition, combined with the non commercialism of the celebration, the theme of “Keeping Christ in Christmas,” and the time of day it is held all adds to its uniqueness. He pointed out that the Adoration Parade is one of the few nighttime parades held anywhere.

    Click here for Adoration Parade Route.

    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • Branson’s Adoration Parade Route and Map

    Branson’s Adoration Nativity Scene Lighting Ceremony starts at 5:00 p.m. with Adoration Parade starting after the ceremony in the 5:20 to 5:30 p.m. area.
    The parade route starts at Branson Landing Boulevard (the former Long Street) at the south end of Branson Landing. It will proceed west to Business Highway 65 and turn north onto Business Highway 65. At the “y” junction of Business Highway 65 and Commercial Street the parade proceeds down Commercial Street, through the entire historic downtown area to its intersection with Branson Landing Boulevard. At that point it will turn north onto Branson Landing Boulevard and go to the north to the end of the Belk parking lot where it turns east and crosses the parking lot until intersecting with the Brandon Landing Board Walk. The parade will continue south on the boardwalk to its end.

    Courtesey of City of Branson GIS Division.

  • Skill or gambling Rockaway gets Texas Hold’em Poker?

    Rockaway Beach didn’t get casino gambling but it just might be getting No Limit Texas Hold’em poker. A recent publicity announcement sent out by Concept Marketing announced that the Twin Lakes Card Club is expanding its operation from Arkansas into Missouri and would be offering “No Limit Texas Hold’em Skill Tournaments in Rockaway Beach, at 2691 State Highway 176, starting at 12:00 p.m. Dec. 4.

    The announcement said the tournaments were 100% payback “With buy-ins to fit any budget.” The club’s web site states they will be opening in Rockaway Beach on Thursday Dec. 4 and will have buy-ins from $20 to $350. The buy-in for Sit-N-Go will be from $40-100, Field Tournaments from $125 to $350 and Seat Tournaments $60. The web site goes on to state, “We offer legal skill Tournaments. From large Multi-Table, to single table Sit-N-Go tournaments, we do them all.

    In a telephone interview on Dec. 1, Jason Williams said he was the owner of Twin Lakes Card Club and it is a sole proprietorship. He described the club as a private club that sponsors no limit hold’em skill tournaments and TV shows. Williams said there is no fee to join the club and anyone 21 years of age or older can become a member.

    He explained that there is a buy-in for the tournaments and the main objective is to get to the $350 game on Saturday. He went on to say that the champion of the $350 tournament on Saturday would go on to the TV show and play for $15,000 in prize money. Williams said the show will be made in January and will be entitled “Hometown Hopefuls.”

    Using the example of a ten player $40 Sit-N-Go tournament, Williams explained that the one winner of the tournament would get a $240 seat at Friday’s tournament while the other nine players would get nothing because the only prizes available in the Sit-N-Go Tournaments are seats in the other tournaments leading up to the $350 game on Saturday. He went on to explain that all of the buy-in money is paid out in seats to tournaments or in prizes in the form of gift cards and that all his profit will come from the TV show.

    Gail Bavuso, who handles business licenses for Rockaway Beach, said that a business license had been issued to the business to conduct the tournaments. Les Hahn, a member of the Missouri Gaming Commission’s gaming enforcement staff indicated that they had no jurisdiction over private card clubs. When Williams was contacted as to what state agency had issued him a license for he said, “The Department of Revenue.”

    Section 572.010 of the Missouri Revised Statues (MoRS) states, “a person engages in ‘gambling’ when he stakes or risks something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under his control or influence, upon an agreement or understanding that he will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome.” Section 572.020 MoRS states “A person commits the crime of gambling if he knowingly engages in gambling” and defines it as a Class C Misdemeanor.

    Section 572.030 MoRS states, “A person commits the crime of promoting gambling in the first degree if he knowingly advances or profits from unlawful gambling or lottery activity by,” among other things, receiving more than one hundred dollars in any one day of money played in the scheme or enterprise. Violation of Section 572.030 is a Class D Felony.

    Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.