Predator World Wolf Shot Dead

One of the wolves that escaped from Predator World was found Saturday. Unfortunately, the wolf was found dead after being shot by a local farmer. The individual who shot the wolf claimed he was afraid the wolf might kill livestock. – Enter Speculation Here -

After the wolves escaped in February, Predator World began a public relations campaign to help educate residents most likely to come in contact with the wolves. Brent Wakefield of Predator World said, “There has never been a report of a healthy wolf attacking a human in the United States.” Wakefield was pleased with the community response. The wolves raised in captivity weren’t successfully seduced back into captivity with raw meat but responded well to dog food placed in the vicinity of reported sightings.

Wakefield said Predator World sent teams of ten to twelve staff members and volunteers out daily since the first week in March at a cost of $700 - $800 dollars per week. The teams scouted a two mile grid but were unsuccessful in finding the den. Wakefield felt it would be irresponsible to continue the search expenditure. “Wolves mate for life”, explained a not so hopeful Wakefield. A 500 dollar reward remains for the discovery of the den.

Peter Herschend on Gambling

Pete Herschend stepped up to the plate today to discuss gambling. The co-owner of the Herschend empire had a couple other issues on his mind today that he wanted to discuss face to face. From what I gathered it's going to be a tough trip to Jefferson City tomorrow. Herschend just got back from Atlanta which he prefers to the state capital. Herschend said, "In Atlanta I have family and people don't sleep by my door." The issue of the week is the St. Louis School District who will have to yield power to a transition board due to the fact they've shown incompetence in MAP (Missouri Assessment Program) Testing. When asked about the "funding formula" suit Herschend shared the results will have little impact, certain to be heard in an appellate court.
Back to Gambling - Peter Herschend reiterated his position. "We address Casino gambling the same way a doctor addresses Cancer." Herschend's philosophy is to contain gambling in Missouri to the 13 venues gaming already has and has presented concessions to ensure those who have established equity will get on the same page as him. The elimination of loss limits was presented by the anti-gambling lobby whose allies Herschend didn't want to reveal. Herschend's concerns stem from a moral stance in addition to a corporate philosophy of good corporate citizenship. He believes Gambling would inevitably result in the destruction of Branson's economic roots saying "if a large casino were established the theater industry disappear."

Mike Collins Retires Fat Payoff Likely

Opinion: Reprimanding Reeds Spring school teacher Mike Collins equated a political obituary for Superintendent Angie Bessendorf and the entire school board. The near riotous mob of public support that attended the last Reeds Spring school board meeting was unprecedented. Attendance jumped from 25 in Feb. Meeting to several hundred due to the popularity of Collins. A meeting is scheduled for Collin's reinstatement in just three days. As of yesterday the meeting is still scheduled. It's likely that behind the scenes a large payoff to Collins was being negotiated before the statement on Terry's Highway 13 was submitted. Obviously, the offer was one Collins couldn't refuse. There's probably a large "shut up" clause where Collins will have to return a treasure chest in the event he admits a payoff was made. Until the document is inked Reed Springs has to keep the meeting scheduled and after the cash starts rolling in Collins won't be able to talk about the details. It can be assumed that Collins intends to sign the offer and made one last stand of free speech before Collins signs on the dotted line trading freedom of speech for freedom to spend. Collins official statement is posted below. If I'm wrong, we'll hear about Collin's retirement package though I personally doubt we will.


The following statement was received from Mr. Mike Collins on Wednesday, March 14, 2007, for publication on hwy-13.com. “On Jan. 26, 2007, I was suspended from my job as a biology and botany teacher with the Reeds Spring School District. The district charged me with immorality and violation of school board policies. My crime was using profanity while correcting students whom I believed were harassing and bullying other students. I was wrong to curse in front of these two students. I apologized to them, and I apologize to the community. “But for the district to charge me with immorality and seek my termination is over the top.
In an attempt to bolster its case, the district resurrected two other allegations from previous years that were mostly either false or greatly exaggerated, and for which I had already been disciplined. There was an allegation that I took responsibility for and again for which I was disciplined. “Last week I asked the Board of Education to allow me to return to my job with a dock in pay. It was very important to me to resume teaching and guide my students through the spring planting season, and the upcoming important testing period. I also asked the board to train its students and employees about bullying, which I believe is a significant problem in our school district. “The Board of Education refused to allow me to return to my job as part of any settlement. This saddens me because I will not be able to be back in the classroom to do what I love to do — teach and make a difference in the lives of my students and to make a difference in my community. “I believe that a majority of the board members have made up their minds to terminate me, before hearing the evidence and despite the large outpouring of support for me at the Feb. 21 board meeting and through petition drives. The Teacher Tenure Act gives me a right to a termination hearing, but this is a hearing in which the prosecutor and the judge are one and the same. To me, this is not due process. I also have to consider other people who might be called as witnesses in my hearing. I worry that they would suffer consequences if they testified on my behalf. “For these reasons, I am announcing my intent to retire to spend more time with my family, especially my new grandson, Jake Lucas, who was born on Jan. 23. “I want to thank all of the individuals who have supported me. Words cannot express my gratitude for the support that has been shown. I would like to especially thank all of my former and current students. I know you will make a difference in your community, county, state and beyond. That is already very evident. “Respectfully, Michael P. Collins.” Hwy-13.com could not confirm the location or current status of the March 19 special meeting of the school board that was scheduled to address the Collins issue, as it is spring break this week.

Reed Springs School Teacher Support is Unmatched

The photos above show David Catanese KY3 political reporter and a visual show after the Stone County Fire Marshall entered the building and emptied the room the school normally holds meetings in.
The Reeds Spring school board should prepare for a political lynching. Many of the school teachers were scared to go on record but the enviornment at the school is one managed by fear. Speakers spoke to the first amendment and what kind of teachers we need.
The Reed Springs high was packed last night as hundreds of students graduates faculty and concerned citizens tried to pile into the music room where the school board usually holds meetings. Hundreds waited outside before the Fire Marshall had the meeting moved into the gym which was filled to capacity as speakers expressed support for teacher Mike Collins who is currently on paid absence awaiting a school board hearing. .One of the speakers John Williams spoke to what kind of teacher Collins is and the kind of teacher Reed Springs needs.

John Williams

The crowd attending the Reed Springs High School last night was the largest the school has had this year to date. When the school board entered into closed session countless students teachers and parents bore testimony to the impact Mr. Collins has had on there lives. Mike Collins has won several awards for his contributions including Missouri teacher of the year but no honor could outweigh the crowded auditorium of people who came to defend his honor.



Details about the suspension of Reed Springs teacher Mike Collins were revealed last night as hundreds gathered in support of Collins reinstatement to the School. Collin's legal counsel confirmed the suspension was due to an expletive used towards to students who had been continually bullying mentally disabled students. The

School board has publicly stated there are many reasons for actions against Collins which will be revealed in a public meeting The meeting regarding what action the school board will take has been delayed. Collins is currently on paid leave. Joe Manlove voiced opinion that onetime Missouri Teacher of the Year Mike Collins was being punished for political opposition to the superintendent.

Joe Manlove……..



Many on hand spoke to the positive impact Mike Collins has had on their lives Several members of the faculty spoke off record expressing concerns in descent of Reeds Spring policies.
I tried to narrate the story before sending it to the station but my mouth felt like I was eating spoonfuls of peanut butter

Branson West Attraction Predator World Finds Wolves - PETA Attacks

Timing is everything. While PETA takes the offense Predator World shows extraordinary compassion for the captured animals. Here's the story we submitted to the paper yesterday.

Predator World has located the two missing wolves reported missing last week. Currently the Branson West attraction is letting the wolves remain at thier location until the female gives bitth to pups. Professional animal captors are on standby to recapture the wolves after the pups are born. The decision is based on safety concerns for the pups and the animal park is taking measures to ensure the wolves have adequate food, water and an enviornment where the animals feel safe.

In the meantime People for the Ethical Treatment of animals (PETA) has called for an investigation of Predator World claiming they're in violation of the Animal Welfare Act. Corespondence from PETA to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) cites containment requirements for animals in captivity under the Animal Welfare Act.

In a press release from PETA the organization voiced opposition to all animal attractions categorically similiar to Predator World. stating, "Roadside zoos like Predator World deprive animals of their basic needs, and when the animals see an opportunity to escape their dreary lives, they often take it.....Predator World failed to properly enclose these wolves and put their safety—not to mention the safety of the community at large—at risk because of it."

Predator World said that no humans were in danger and they are keeping the location of the wolves silent to ensure the animals remain safe from human harm.

Branson West Turns into/Remains a Predator World

"Don't shoot the wolves...they're protected!" reminds a spokesperson from the animal park Predator World in Branson West. Raised in captivity they're not expected to be aggresive nor seeking human attention. A preserve near the Branson West location is where the animals are expected to be.

KRZK reported friday....
Authorities in Stone County say a pair of timber wolves escaped last night from Predator World. Predator World owner Breck Wakefield says in a release from the sheriff's office that the two wolves will probably avoid human contact, and are likely to stay together while on the loose. One wolf is an adult silver-gray female, about 130 pounds and pregnant. The other is a dark chocolate adult male, weighing around 100 pounds. Wakefield believes the animals are probably still in the immediate area of Predator World, near DD Highway and Highway 13. Anyone sighting the wolves should contact the sheriff's office or Predator World.

Branson West side - Stone County Considers TIF

This Story will be published tomorrow in the Stone County Gazette. The implications of the TIF will affect the economy for 23 years. Tax Increment Financing routes tax dollars to private interests. They've been the source of controversy as the intended use - job creation for displaced workers - have been used to finance private development and projects far from what they were originally designed for. Speculation over the true fiscal impact of these types of public - private relationships have been the source of community divide. For instance, Taney County Government officials have threatened to sue Branson over TIF allocation. It's also been suggested that a desired increase in taxes being proposed by the Branson School District is a direct result by taxes being allocated to increase corporate welfare. One of the many recent beneficiaries is Wal-Mart. In Lake of the Ozarks one developer has threatened to move a project to another city if the community being pitched doesn't fund a hotel through TIF's. Back to Branson - If voters pass a tax proposal allocating money to a particular project can the city override the people's vote by siphoning money to an unrelated private interest? On the other hand these projects can generate new sources of revenue and spur development, a strong argument for cities to pay to play. TIF reform is an issue that may arise during our current legislative session....Stone County is holding a public meeting in which a proposed TIF will be discussed.

By Sam Clanton

The Stone County Commission is meeting Tuesday morning, Feb. 20 at
9 a.m. on the third floor of the Stone County Courthouse. On the agenda
is a vote to approve Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for a period of 23
years, which would fund road improvements at Indian Point Road and
its intersection with Hwy 76.
By approving the TIF, the county would relinquish one half of future
revenues exceeding 2006 revenues for a period of 23 years within the
TIF district, which includes Silver Dollar City.
The funding mechanism is set up so that 2006 tax revenues are
capped. The TIF would capture half of the increases in revenues over
and above revenues in 2006.
“With any future revenue increases, half will go to the county and half will
go to the TIF to pay off bonds,” Southern District Commissioner Jerry
Dodd stated.
Silver Dollar City would purchase the bonds on the estimated $5 million
project.
Financial information released in the 2007 Stone County budget reveal
a seven percent increase in sales tax and property tax revenues
countywide in 2006.
The 2007 budget was drawn up projecting similar increases, with
expenses totaling $7,289,175.00.
Total sales tax revenues for 2006 were $4,408,309.37, an increase of
$338,649.29 over 2005 actual sales tax revenues.
Property tax revenues increased $45,785.90 in 2006 for a total of
$540,289.51.
Commissioners estimated 2007 sales tax revenues to increase to
$4,526,381.00 and property tax revenues to increase to $667,300.00.
The hearing Feb. 20 is open to the public.