It's not your classic Radio Flyer but the more intimidatingly labeled Spyder tri-motorbikes that will be deployed by 6 officers of the Branson Police Department.
Here's the official word from the City of Branson:
Branson Police adds CanAm Spyder Motorcycles to fleet Branson will be the first police agency in Missouri to use these motorcycles.
The Branson Police Department has taken delivery of two CanAm Spyder motorcycles to add to their fleet of patrol vehicles. Branson PD will be the first police department in the State of Missouri to use these three-wheeled vehicles for police work.
Branson Police Chief Kent Crutcher reported that the police department started looking at the option of patrol motorcycles last year, as part of their efforts to offer more community-oriented policing strategies.
They ultimately decided on the CanAm Spyder vehicles because of several factors. “The CanAm vehicles offer better stability on the hills of Branson, and better safety ratings than traditional two-wheeled motorcycles” Chief Crutcher said.
Another benefit of the CanAm is that the time required to train the officers in the operation of the vehicles is less than traditional motorcycles. Six officers have been selected to receive in-house training before beginning to patrol the Branson streets on the new vehicles
The trikes are fit for off-road terrain increasing the capacity of the department to reach remote areas.
Commentary coming. One way to identify corruption.....
The Constitution states that every man has unalienable rights granted by our Father-in-Heaven. Such a profound accusation as to the rights of men has never had so great and profound effect on the state of mankind in relation to rule.
In theory, open government protects our rights. It allows men to exercise the right to "press". To press, or to publish enables self-rule as it provides information we need to govern ourselves. As an American, we are supposed to be a Republic ruled by representatives we elect. In order to elect the proper people we need to understand the workings of our public bodies - those who use our money to serve the people - or in some cases , launder it to their private investments.
Because malfeasance is probable with the stakes as high as they are i.e billions of dollars, imprisonment etc., laws regarding government bodies protect the availability of information. For news organizations the dialogue about democracy has another function , it generates cold hard cash.
If the government blocks the tools of democracy by distorting or not complying the open government laws a free-press goes out of business. The economics of a free-press have profound implications on the product citizens have in terms of news.
Distrust of the press has reached a record-high. Thorough exploration of this topic would take volumes more than will be posted in this story; however, it's important to note that the majority of local publications utilize a government officer self-reporting method.
This means politicians themselves report exactly what they want to be published ans the stories are run unabated. Information distributed through press releases is an important component of reporting but the practice of citing these sources has been an act of irresponsibility commonplace in regional publications. It also enables corruption as distasteful politicians can instruct news outlets print information they want the public to be aware of and hide information they don't want the public to know.
If we're doing our job correctly, we take information we're given and process this through a system of verification. A statement is an assertion of fact on its own and commonly appears in newspapers in the form, "so and so says such and such".
In many circumstances this is the only way to report an event; however, in many cases its the result of laziness as the tools to confirm or deny facts exist and can be communicated by those who choose to protect the public record.
The document above is a response to a request for incident reports from the Branson Police Department. Under Missouri's Sunshine Law the Chief of Police is a government entity subject to the Sunshine Law on his own,
If a government body doesn't want to protect access or reduce civil rights to information they can do one of three things.
1. Raise Taxes or Fees For Information (Such as charging $468 for two days of reports, poll taxes or Presley's new freedom of speech tax)
2. Regulate It - (Presley's public gathering ordinance)
3. Subsidize competitors (Over the past two years Presley's business partners KY3 and KSPR have fees waived and access without charge to city resources unavailable to other outlets)
Though some of these methods demonstrate corruption when access to information is being intentionally withheld utilizing these tools it sends off a warning flag that something is very wrong on the public dime.
Branson Airport's Branson AirExpress public charter service, is adding flights to Chicago and Indianapolis starting in September 10,2010.
The new service, operated by ExpressJet Airlines, will operate Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday to and from Chicago Midway Airport and Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday to and from Indianapolis International Airport.
Flights will begin at $59 one way to Indianapolis and $69 to Chicago, according to a Branson Airport news release which is getting play through media outlets around the nation.
Service to Chicago and Indianapolis joins Branson AirExpress' flights to Austin and Houston, Texas; Des Moines, Iowa; Shreveport, La.; Gulfport-Biloxi, Miss.; and Nashville, Tenn.
"We are pleased with the success of our Branson AirExpress destinations and feel that the Chicago and Indianapolis routes will only continue that trend,” Branson Airport Executive Director Jeff Bourk said in the release. “These flights will expand the flexibility and convenience of getting to and from Branson.”
The airport now offers service to 11 destinations, including service through AirTran to Atlanta and Frontier Airlines service to Milwaukee and Denver.
Last night during an interview with a leading area Democratic organizer issued an honest answer to the question, "What is a Democrat?" "I don't know", she responded
When Branson's White House Theater was sold to Chinese Nationals, the official Communist Party published a press release. Having never visited their website, the headline, "China has taken over the Whitehouse", twitched my curiosity"
I suppose with Branson's soon to be proposed, "Mayoral Stimulus and Tax Increase Assurance Plan" (Red Pit was mandatory research). Branson's "Bureau of Revenue and Tax Distribution spokesman," Ross Summers was quoted in the Communist press.
Now that Branson's economy had moved my browser directly into the written irkings of Communist Chinese Propaganda, I clicked over to the history page. What I read knocked my political socks off.
The Chinese government publishes a five page history of the "great achievements of the party". It's commonly known that China has moved towards freer market philosophies but, this move in policy only now for the government spin.
The entire state published history argued that China wasn't moving towards capitalist models but rather bringing forth the Maoist dream through changes in "Official Party Doctrine". Hmm. Since we're all socialsts now, I thought I'd call a Missouri 7th District Congressional
The communists claim their new capitalist market isn't really capitalist at all. I'm confused. Apparently maintaining a two trillion dollar surplus is an ancient Chinese Communist accounting Secret.
Thank God,
But this is the problem of party worship. I understand you may have an idol of a donkey or an elephant in your living room that you want to stay true to but why? Does the iconic imagery match your beliefs? If you take a close look you might be surprised.
Concerned that burgeoning free market economies were the result of Socialist Regimes moved far to the left I immediately connected a Democrat to my batline. Tim Davis, Missouri's sole District 7 Congressional hopeful (until yesterday's filing) pitched me his take on what's important for the nation in 2011.He said, balancing the budget. I laughed. Shortly after he left his position as Branson's city attorney, publicly battled against an illegal tax (one of many, Branson's corrupt mayor was attempting to levy). So wait, here's an Oxford educated Southwest Missouri Democrat Economist that sets balancing the budget as the highest priority for the nation. And he fights taxes against a faux-republican politico? After he tries to sell me a textbook that he wrote on Economic Theory (published by his Alma Mater) he speaks of the virtues of Obama's agenda. He doesn't get into specifics but ribs, "Clinton was in office last time the budget was balanced."
What if the holy Donkey Idol® magically started speaking and tells you to be fiscally conservative, or the Elephant idol® tells you to take the US treasury and give it all to the bank and their private businesses?
Don't get me wrong, I'm all about freedom of Religion but, I'm weary of the ever-changing philosophies of political ministers.
Red State and Blue State,huh, Missouri is more, "The Color Purple" than Oprah Winfrey.
I hear this one all the time.
HE'S A LIBERAL and SHE'S A CONSERVATIVE!
And I wonder, really wonder, what do these labelsmean?
I know a lot of corporations put a cross on their logo.but I'm not sure what that means either these days I'm doing research for a National Politics Blog on politics and religion.
Personally, I'm a Netizen I and the people that work with me, firmly believe in the unfiltered expression of ideas, idealogy and religous faith.
I only beg for personal responsibility. You may hate my opinion, but don't think it's appropriate to send anonymous death threats to my phone because the candidates campaign you're running is hurt by a diatribe of pragmatic truth and dissemination of fact. Still, stand up for what you believe in, I respect people who do that. Put your PAC's name on my website too.
So, let's take a look. Obama says your primary political demography is "God and Guns."
Ooops All Candidates, libs, dems, cons, libs are Pro-Life/Anti Abortion and the majority are carrying members of the NRA.
I'm sorry to inform you , but if your greatest political concern is making sure Guns Remain Legal and Abortion Outlawed ; You're in good hands. And if you believe, a born again Christian should be elected to MO's 7th Congressional Seat, you can use your vote to buy a democrat too. ,
Here's your choice as a constituent in Missouri's Congressional 7th District.
God And Guns Democrat or God And Guns Republican
In fact, if the most important thing for you - that is - if you're campaign lobby is "More Abortions, Less Guns Inc.'You should probably vote Democratic.
And hey, while we're at it, if education is the most important to you - I bequeath Rep. Maynard Wallace, the only Republican endorsed by - well - every education lobby local to federal.
Oh wait, it doesn't stop there - You're thinking property rights is the most important to the family living in your Libertarian abode? Have you met Democrat Cathy Hilliard from the Real Estate lobby.
I know, I know, you're confused; the very foundations of your religion have been rocked. If you're up early, Chritstian Rabbi Eukel is taking calls and Non-partisan Christian Conservative talk show host Vincent David Jerichojust promised free advertising to companies hurt by the recession.
Really? I suppose if you're going to have such an interesting political mix it's appropriate to throw in a conservative Jewish talk show host who's really a Christian and a hard-line conservative who's handing out a personal stimulus package.
I was so confused that I called my favorite former Oil Executive and asked who the industry leaders had to bribe for expansion of Oil drilling rights. I can't divulge further details besides - Democrats. Ironically, they took away the massive health care account he invested in over 40 years of working overtime. Hmmmmm.
I can go on. But the election process in Missouri's 7th District seems to have been damaged by some strange "isms" that have little to do with the general issues.
The secret , the holy grail of Congressional politics, lays in your capacity to serve the citizens. The election speed moves too fast (once every two years) to not be responsive to constituent concerns.
Branson Tea Party? What the hell does that mean? Has there been a merger with the Red Hat Society? I'm waiting for Eric Farris to fill me in.
Come to think of it, there's some public space where a Liberty Tree once stood. The city has rights to allow public events down there....oh, wait, whooooops. Ewwwwww, what was that law past last week?
It's illegal in Branson to have a public gathering on the streets of Branson without a music theater managers approval? What, the Constitution of the United States of America is protected in the new city charter. I'm guessing someone's going to tell me some scumbag wants to double the lengh of the Mayor's term (guess who wants to do this, behind close doors). Ummmm
It's illegal to have a political march without the Money Laundering Polislut Presley? The biggest political whore in the 7th District.... we got a hardliner word for you - unbelievable , truly, you have to see it yourself. Presley's publicly lobbying group, what's the name..let me think - oh yeah, "League of Cities Against Democracy "linked me up to the historical achievements of" - Victor Berger, America's first socialist mayor.
"Milwaukee Socialists sought to reform the legacy of the Industrial Revolution on the local level by cleaning up neighborhoods and factories with new sanitation systems, municipally-owned water and power systems, community parks, and improved education systems. Progressivism and Socialism had different leaders and spoke different languages, but were, in many ways, remarkably similar in practice. Socialists rejected the Progressive idea of government regulation of industry. Instead, they sought to replace the capitalist system with a planned economy of state-owned industries that would protect workers from business monopolies. Socialists believed that this change would be inevitable as the working class became increasingly oppressed by powerful businesses. Although they believed in a type of class warfare, Socialists did not advocate a violent revolution as a means of achieving their goals. Rather, Socialism was to come by ballots. Until that time came though, Socialists supported measures to improve conditions for the working class and to achieve a more efficient administration of government. "
Suddenly, it all makes sense.
Branson's newest market is political tourism -24% of our recent economy.
I thought it was funny that the first Branson Tea Party was kicked out of the public square. The whole lot tried to stuff themselves on a patio at the steak joint.
If there's one thing I've learned from Branson's City Leaders is that liberal, conservative and socialist policies are fine by most individuals if they can profit from it.
Sadly, since that time - the rules of public expression and free-enterprise have eroded further in Branson. It's not really about Democracy or Republicanism or Socialism or Holierthanthouism (someone accidentally funded a highly succesful parade and made Andy Williams top dog instead a state-sponsored-entertainment family). .
But it should be about Freedom. And quite frankly it theirs a coffee party or a tea party and they don't have the courage, audacity or frankly balls to stand up to Presley Government Industrics LLC (a publicly funded venture) in the public square don't tell me about Thomas Paine, John Adams, Abraham Lincoln or Andrew Jackson. If you're going to reserve the Constitution from some political two-bit hillbilly hoedown (for a 50 dollar fee music included) your worthy of public despise - not because you are a liberal, democrat, christian, atheist, republican democrat or for that matter lesbianalbinomidgeteskiom - because, you don't believe in standing up to the fundamental freedom that makes us American.
Excuse me for not stopping this rant earlier but I've been waiting for them to finish construction on the Taneycobama Bridge. Apparently, it's against the law to pray out there too. Is there a method of removing Reanne's Presley name from the plaque on the public square or are the personal interests of slithering the only group legislatively protected?
I have to stop and buy some gas, There's a store, once called Dalton's in midtown Branson where I can buy alcohol, gas and a rifle in a one stop . I gotta stop, I'm going fishing, anyone have quarters for the worm vending machine?
Branson's packed 76 strip was bittersweet for locals as tourists flocked to "the live music capital of the world." But for many tourists showtime at theaters were an afterthought.
Al Roker cruised the Branson Landing between eating pie at the Branson Convention Center where he along with psuedo-celebrities tasted sweet baked wares.
Chateau on the Lake hosted a wine festival and the weather was cooperative for Springfield residents seeking a short weekend getaway.
Democratic politicians were seen strolling the Branson Landing as Jackson Days ensued. Larry Milton's sponsorship of a ceremony for Purple Heart recipients drew a crowd as well with not too many onlookers leaving when his business partner Raeanne Presley took the stage.
2008 sported record income for Branson and though local media outlets failed in coverage of this spectacular happenstance 2009 looks like it's going to be a prosperous year.
Recessions don't have the same effect on Branson's tourism numbers as other parts of the country and for good reason. Hotels in Branson range from 26 dollars a night to 200.
It's cheaper to stay in Branson than any roadside motel along the way. The value proposition of a vacation to Branson can entertain even the most deficit of budgets.
(Photo: View of Branson from Hollister Hilltop by Darin Codon)
Three bills which expand the power of Branson City Government were proposed by Alderman Sandra Williams today during a planning session.
The first would give Alderman the ability to fire a city administrator with a simple majority vote of the board. Similarly, Branson's City Clerk and Branson City Attorney would also be hired and fired in the same manor.
The bills were initiated by City Alderman Sandra Williams who openly criticized Branson's City Attorney during several Branson City Council meetings earlier this year.
Movement to create an easier method of "removing" former City Administrator Terry Dody was well under way before his resignation last year.
Branson Alderman selected a new administrator last month after a year long vacancy.
Branson's Mayor and Alderman Williams denied the city was trying to move positions on the board from a volunteer to a paid body during a brief discussion this afternoon.
Branson Missouri will be Missouri's Capitol for a day Thurday, May 22nd. Governor Matt Blunt will hold a press conference and meet with citizens from 1:00 to 2:30 at Branson City Hall. From 1:30 to 2:30 Missouri Department Directors will be available for citizen inquiry.
Friends of Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley have come up with an interesting way to celebrate her 50th birthday. Friends, colleagues, and residents of Branson are invited to share in her special day this Monday, October 29th, at Catina Laredo Mexican Restaurant, at the Branson Landing from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Instead of gifts for her, Presley, has asked that guests bring toys. Those toys will be donated to to charitable organizations in the Tri-Lakes area that will distribute them to children in need this Christmas. Organizers are hoping to collect at least 50 toys, one for every birthday the Mayor has celebrated.
'To honor Raeanne’s perennial ‘young-at-heart’ disposition as well as her dedication to serving our community, we would like guests to show their support for our area’s kids,' says organizer Ann McDowell. For more information, or if you are unable to attend but would like to donate a toy, please call Tracey Barton at (417) 335-7357. (by Kathee Baird)
The Thundering Red Rockets have performed at local nightlife venues for years. Scorching heat didn't stop tourists and locals from showing up and packing the house.
August 17 to December 31, 2007 Budget Income $1,111,342 Expenses 713,358 Department Profit 397,984 Total Deductions 574,460 Income before Fixed Charges (176,476) Fixed Costs: Real Estate Property Taxes, Insurance and Other 71,043 EBITDA (247,519) Management Fees 62,500 Profit/Loss (310,019)
The photos and information posted above were part of a presentation given to Branson officials last Monday. The aerial photo is fairly recent. Hilton's marketing plan is available for Branson area businesses that want to hit the group/convention market aka Social, Military, Educational, Religious and Fraternal(SMURF. All of you Branson, Missouri SMURF hunters take heed and take advantage of increased frequency in your marketing plan. After all, you're funding the first exposures!
As Compiled by "Spiritual History of the Ozarks author Gaye Lisby"
1808- Osage Treaty ceded rights to land including Ozark Mountains to U.S. government.
1818-Schoolcraft is first White to chronicle travels through interior of Ozarks. Notes only a few White families in what is now known as Stone, Taney and Christian Counties. Notes Indian settlement at what is now Shadowrock Park, Forsyth and mouth of James River in Galena.
1820’s-Displaced woodland tribes and early re-settlement Cherokee begin to appear. Delaware, Peorias, Weas. Piankashaws are included.
1821-Missouri Compromise – Missouri becomes a state after the government compromised to add Missouri as a slave state after Maine is added as a non slave state
1824-Missouri passes a law making it illegal for Indians to remain in the State.
1837-Taney County Formed. First Post Office is established at what is now known as Shadow Rock Park.
1837-Jesse Jennings settler in valley, now known as Rockaway Beach. First country courts convenes at his log cabin home.
1838-Mormon extermination order made by Governor Boggs. Mormon’s forced out by state militia in what is now termed the “Mormon Wars.”
1838-1839 Forced removal of the Cherokee in what is known as “The Trail of Tears.”
1838 Baptist Circuit riders preachers make semi-annual tours through the Ozarks.
1839 Roving bans of bushwackers begin random acts of violence on region’s settlers.
1840 Jesse Jennings conducts Taney County’s first census. Only five slaves are listed.
1841-Methodist Church adds Taney County circuidt to their Southern District’s missouary ministry. Preachers travel through about every other month.
1851-Stone County formed after Taney County
1852-Steamboat, The Yohogony, was the first to reach Forsyth.
1857-Fancher Wagon Train, Composed of people from the Land of Taney was massacred at Mountain Meadows, Utah by Mormons and Indians
1859-Christian County established out of territory from Taney, Greene and Webster counties.
1861-Civil War erupts. Forsyth courthouse destroyed by artillery shells in actions known as Sweeny’s Raid on Forsyth.
1862-Congress enacts the Homestead Act which gave 160 acres of land to the head of every family who could “prove up”
1862-Infamous bushwacker, Alf Bolin, killed by Union soldier. His head is cut off and carried to Ozark where it is mounted on a pole. His body is thrown into a ditch near Swan Creek.
1872-Forsyth Masonic Lodge is established. First Masonic Lodge in Taney County.
1880-Knights of Labor founded Eglinton Colony,a secular, utopian, socialist colony near Taneyville. Most of the members had attended school in the “old country” and had belonged to the Church of England.
1882 Reuben Spalding settles on seven acres of land purchased from Thomas Jefferson Berry and applies for US Postal Permit. Branson is founded.
1882 Nat Kinney slips out of Springfield and reappears in Oak Grove (Down T-Highway)
1884-1889 Bald Knobber years
1898-November, Jimmy,Pete and Steve Bilyeu killed in a shootout by Bud and Bob Meadows and Hosea and Martin Bilyeu near the Christian Taney County line
1901-August. Jennie Silvey murdered by Sam Ward who then committed suicide
1901- Terrible drought. No rain for 100 days
1901 –Reverend James Forsythe, Prysbyterian missionary to the Ozarks arrives to stay
1901- William Hawkins re-files Branson Postal permit in the name of Lucia
1902-Feburary. Thomas Berry Jefferson supposedly hangs himself in Branson.
1903-May. Henry Berry, T.J.’s son mysteriously dies
1903-October 2, plat of Lucia filed. October 26 plat of Branson filed. First lost sold from Branson plat is for saloon. Henry Sullenger, owner.
1903-December.Henry Barchman shot at Kirbyville store by owner Jjames Madison Parnell.
1905-Presbyterian minister Harold Bell Wright travels to the Ozark Hills and begins writing his novel
1906 Trains begin traveling through Ozark Mountain country with stops at both Branson and Hollister.
1907 Reverend Forsythe begins The School of the Ozarks . Masonic Lodge donates cornerstone.
1907 Wrights’s novel Shepherd of the Hills is published and becomes an immediate best seller. First American novel to sell more than one million copies.
1908-Spearheaded by Dr. Elizabeth McIntyre, Branson residents begin a fundraising drive for the construction of Branson’s first permanent church structure. Saloon keeper, Henry Sullenger is first contributor.
1909-The Temperance League attempts to outlaw strong drink. Law is defeated. 1911-New church is finally completed. Now known as Old Stone Church.
1912-January, Jim Miles kills Enos Rush in the downtown meat market
1912-August . Fuire destroys nearly all of Branson. Most residents are at the Miles trial in Forsyth that day.
1913-Powersite Dam finished. And Lake Taneycomo is formed flooding Old Jesse Jennings Cemetery where Indians are buried. Willard Merriam begins Rockaway Beach where a resort community begins to flourish.
1916-Willard Merriam begins Rockaway Beach where a resort community begins to flourish
1917 WWI takes its first group of Taney County draftees.
1918-Francis Jennings, one of the first draftees, becomes Taney County’s first war casualty.
1918-Flu epidemic sweeps the country including Taney County. Many dir.
1920-Town of Melva swept away by enormous tornado.
1922-John Carroll, struggling father of nine children, opened a White River mussel shell and found an enormous pearl worth $336.00
1924-Congress granted citizenship to all Native Americans born in the U.S.
This shot reminds me of my favorite poem contained in my 5th Grade textbook. It was written in regards to industrialization and the movement of America from an agrarian society.
Carnation Milk Carnation Milk is the best in the land Here I sit with a can in my hand
No tits to pull, no hay to pitch you just put a hole in the sonofabit..
College of the Ozarks is an institution where you can get an education in exchange for 15 hours hard labor per week. You can work in your field during your last couple of years and leave with a diploma debt free. The Keeter Center, at the entrance includes an excellent menu with milk pulled from the cows outside...fresh. Whole wheat flour and an assortment of other products from the mill can be found in the gift store at the Keeter center. They're a whole lot cheaper than the grocery store - if your local mart even has such products. If your visiting the Branson area, this unique institution is a must see. Students must live be a strict standard. Last year, several star basketball players were expelled for attending a party busted by Hollister PD. The suspensions and expulsions came at the price of back to back NAIA basketball championship rings. The speakers the school has brought to the Branson Area is impressive and include George H.W. Bush, Gerald Ford, Margaret Thatcher and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Next , expect British Prime Minister Tony Blair to speak. I think of College of the Ozarks like this: Take the communist dream - remove the communists - add Christianity, sprinkle democracy and wallah...
As The World Turns has there plot line written. The producer of the soap opera is to the far right second to last in the back. As I understand it Andy Williams is going to be part of the action as one of the characters (Michael Landon's Daughter?) has aspirations to pursue a career in music. The plotline will integrate her going onstage with Williams ...by the way ..what a stud...Williams still has it going on and the Moon River Restaurant does too. Place is swank. Good food - lot's of my exes hanging out (so you know he has good taste). I'll be filling in the blanks on this one after tonight. If you're in town - listen for the British accents - it's a big part of the As the World Turns posse.
Joplin Schoolteacher and blogger Randy Turner is always talking about the big Branson money that pays off the Jasper Senator that represents him. Studying the Branson lobby has been a pet project of mine. This path led me to Tsunamis night club in the dark side of Branson called district III (not really so dark, but, if you like - imagine). The truth is Branson has many lobbying interests and they're not all on the same page. But who, why would anyone from Branson want to pay off Gary Nodler? My quest led to the 'pimp and ho' contest just a block away from Nodler's top contributer. As it turns out, the winner of the contest is TJ (seen above). TJ is a hustler. He sells travel club memberships (if you don't know then you're not laughing). Thing is, travel clubs get in quite a bit of trouble from time to time with the Attorney General. Earlier this year, a record $1.9 million punishment was delivered to a Branson Travel Club. The judge, now retired, said the demonstrated ethics, or lack thereof, threatens our entire tourism industry. Many agree, thus the great divide in lobbying interests. TJ, winner of the Tsunami's Pimp contest, happened to sell Nodler into one of his products. TJ says, donations help keep "the man" aka "the Attorney General Man" off his back.
Silver Dollar City formally submitted a proposal to ease traffic congestion to Indian Point and Silver Dollar City. This will be Stone County's first TIF (Tax Increment Financing) project and I'm currently working on copy to inform citizens of Stone County about TIF's and what the implications of the project are. I'll be posting more on this issue shortly; but, if a picture is worth a 1000 words than click on the image above to view the engineering diagram of the project. According to the Stone County Commission, Silver Dollar City sales tax revenues account for 20% of the overall Stone County collected sales taxes. The plan will provide unfettered access from HWY 76 to the park and enable Indian Point residents to bypass Silver Dollar City traffic on Indian Point Drive. Hershchend Family Entertainment Corporation is hoping to increase access to Silver Dollar City and believes approval and completion of the project may help the Missouri Department of Transportation continue to develop arteries through Branson via HWy 76 and southbound on HWY 13. Traffic congestion is a major problem according to Silver Dollar City manager Brad Thomas and easing access is good for Branson, Stone County and tourism to the region in general. More to come...
We believe that a vacation is not an escape from reality but a connection to what is real. You. Your family. Laughter. Music. Pure fun. Doing the things you really want to do…together.
We believe you don’t have to go far from home to feel far from home. We believe you deserve to take a break from your regular life while preserving the security and comfort that comes from feeling right at home.
We believe that the best experiences are live and personal. They affect you – and you affect them. The most memorable experiences are always personal and unique. Spontaneous and unexpected.
We believe in families, and that vacations can belong to everyone in the family. While on vacation everyone can and should have a child’s sense of energy and enthusiasm – especially adults.
We believe in our American values and celebrate them every day. Respect for the individual, patriotism, faith, hope, optimism, family, courage, generosity and opportunity for all. We believe in the home. Homemade. Homegrown. Homespun. We believe that new people aren’t strangers, just friends who haven’t visited. We believe that every guest can be a part of our Branson family. From headline performers to the folks who sell the tickets, we invite you to become part of the fun we create every day as the families who built this community.
We believe that world-class entertainment doesn’t need to cost a world-class fortune!
We believe that money is hard-earned and respect the work that sits behind every dollar spent by our guests. We still think it’s possible to be surprised by how much money can buy, especially in Branson.
We believe in Branson, Missouri, nestled in the lakeside beauty of the Ozark Mountains. We’re proud of who we are and where we are going. We’d love to show you around because we love the ways in which we will surprise you. We’ve found what we want in Branson, and we know you’ll find what you want here too. Our doors are open – come on in.
Photo By: Hans Arne Nakrem Chuck Berry is coming to Branson as part of the "Living Legends" series. Joe Sullivan shared some perspective in an interview with the Branson Edge yesterday. Sullivan's vision was to bring "Legends of Rock" to Branson. Before his death, James Brown was scheduled to play March 1st. Though there was some speculation about who might take his place Sullivan has decided not to schedule another act during that time frame. His reason, other acts in Springfield, MO will be playing at that time and he doesn't want to schedule regional competition for fans on the date. The first in the series was BB King who performed last Winter. Sullivan's intent is to bring artists to Branson that have had substantial influence on the development of Rock n' Roll. He's currently in negotiations with other legends which haven't been announced. Sullivan believes Branson has substantial promise and plans to engage new demographics coming to the region. Sullivan states,"Younger people are discovering Branson....it's not just a place their grandparents can enjoy." Sullivan sees and schedules according to the changes in demographics he sees during different times of the year.
Theatre Lodging and Restaurant StatsTheatres 52 Hotel/Motels Lodging Facilities 27 Hotel and Motel Rooms - 18,578 New Lodging Facilities 2 Increased Hotel Capacity: 674 Rooms
Branson Restaurants Total Restaurants 440 Restaurant Seats 37,048 New Resaurants 30
Branson Theaters Total Theaters 52 Theater Seats 58,267 New Theaters 5
Branson's Newest Theatres 50's at the Hop Magic Parlor & Imagination Theatre Branson Hot Hits Sight and Sound Millenium Plaza
In an interview conducted by the Branson Edge Senator Goodman discussed Senate Bill 64 which is his second attempt to enact legislation aimed at discouraging early school start dates. According to Senator Goodman, administration backed by powerful education lobbyists and multitude of special interests overshadow who should have the ultimate say over how our children are educated. He states the priority should be the needs of students first, parents second, teachers third and administrators fourth - a reverse pyramid of the educational power as it stands. Goodman anticipates the bill will graduate from the educational committee sometime over the next couple of weeks. He also anticipates a 17 day maximum clause will be removed. Under the current constructs of the bill Missouri school's wishing to start more than 10 days before the Labor Day holiday will have to hold a board meeting where parents can submit opinions to their elected school board representatives. ***** Opinion/Backround/Perspective Randy Turner, teacher, author, award winning blogger and education advocate failed to answer questions about the downside of the bill when engaged with questions several months ago. In fact, Randy, who does an excellent job of educating us about lobbying efforts consistently avoids the special interests which are so close to his heart. Though we understand not wanting to bite the lobbying hand that ensures his trough remains full, we find his "flaming" of anyone who dares challenge the dictatorial authority of highly paid bureaucrats by asking for a reasonable explanation....downright offensive. As a result of my inability to obtain wisdom from my fellow blogger, several administrators were questioned in regards to the issue. To date, the most valid response came from an area superintendent who admitted the real issue is that “school's don't like to be told what to do.” Branson has significant interest in the bill's passage as does the entire state of Missouri. As Senator Goodman pointed out Missouri experiences 1.5 million dollars a day in tax losses everyday school's choose to start before Labor Day. Many who live in Branson experience extreme poverty in the off-season. Though I'm inclined to support increased education funding - highly paid bureaucrat’s egotistical interests come second to ensuring my family and neighbors live without experiencing extended poverty. .
