Western Taney County Fire Department - Photo - Deer in a fence

Great shot and story sent to me by James Single. I like these stories. Sometimes, my mind is spliting trying to get to the bottom of a story leaders really just don't want you to know about. Getting some stories is like pulling teeth. Another thing, acts of everyday heroism is something we just don't read enough of. I love getting these type of stories, but feel obligated to report information people need to be "free and self governed"

Branson, Missouri Tourists Complain about Travel Clubs

Complaints about travel clubs have been hitting my inbox at a high rate over the past few weeks. The Springfield News-Leader published an interesting article last week on the topic. The big news was a record settlement passed down from the circuit court at the beggining of the year.

The Politics of Abortion

Few people lack opinion when it comes when it comes to abortion and few Supreme Court cases are quite as well known as the feud known as Roe vs. Wade. What some have labeled a partial overturning of the famous ruling has given states the right to regulate abortion.
In Missouri, minors must have written permission to terminate pregnancy. Matt Blunt sees the distinction between his pro-life stance as a wedge issue to divide Missouri voters in his direction - challenging what he calls gubernatorial hopeful Jay Nixon's "abortion on demand" policy.
Is it a good gamble?
Stance on abortion seems to be a divisive issue within the Republican ranks. Local Representative Maynard Wallace chose education rights over the party line when it came to abortion earlier this year. Branson native Jolie Justus called the abstinence only policy in education a blow to women's health. Will Blunt's stance on abortion and recent radio campaign pay off?

Bill Engvall visits Branson

Interesting blog post by comedianBill Engvail
...Branson is like Vegas without the gambling, hookers, and topless bars.

....It is an amazing spectacle, families walking from amusement to amusement, which by the way is the only way to get anywhere because the traffic rivals Los Angeles. Mainly because there is one two lane road in and out of town....It is Family, everything in Branson is geared to the family. That was a nice thing to see because it is something that you dont see much anymore. I cannot wait for my next trip to Branson..

Branson and the Politics of Alcohol

(Original Picture Post - Beer, Gambling and Prostitution...)
Branson's board of Aldermen heard from a couple Branson conservatives about alcohol and the Branson Landing. Instead of addressing a laundry list of prepared issues I joined in the discussion. Seemed like fun.
Little trivia for you here in response to a law enforcement officers request. In Branson, it's illegal to sell alcohol to a habitual drunkard. Interestingly, the State of Alabama voted to legalize drinking in a dry county so they could provide a Branson-like entertainment venue. For those of you on the west coast, some counties in the Southern United States have outlawed the distribution of alcohol.
As you can see from the link above, the city of Branson has the right and currently regulates alcohol consumption within the city limits. Currently, a booth in the town square allows visitors to purchase beer for $5 a cup.
Hilton management currently has plans to build a permanent structure (transfer to the Hilton was slated months ago). Some feel the values promoted by the businesses that built Branson's tourism industry are being ignored while others say, "What's the big deal?"
The irony of the Alabama legislation is the presumption that a "Branson like city" can't be built without booze.

Linn Windle

I ran into "Pie Man" Linn Windle today. If you run into him, order the pecan.
It was just in time, there's a story breaking that has me heavy hearted. More to come...

Branson Missouri - The 34th Most Dangerous City in America

The notorious Red Hat Gang and the Blue Hairs are battling for turf in the Branson underground. Thrift store shops and semi-annual sales are no longer safe. Want to be first to a garage sale -fat chance- beware the occasional 5 AMgarage sale drive-by. Will Branson, Missouri ever overcome its reputation of having 8 million tourists - over a million of which are believed to be angry post- menopausal women?

Hmmmmm......

Media outlets around the country are reporting the statistical anomaly. If you subtract 5-8 million transient members of the Branson population and pretend only 5,000 people live in Branson - you have a per capita crime rate that would rank Branson as the 34th most dangerous city.
The notion of course is absurd. I read the crime reports every week (in fact, I'm the only member of the press who does) and if Branson is on the top 500 list, America is in great shape.
Most of the crime in Branson is non-violent. For instance, a man was jailed last week for driving a moped while having a suspended license - he wasn't wearing a helmet. Like any other city in America, crime happens. The odds of something happening to you in Branson, Missouri - You have a much better chance of winning the lottery.