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Comedian Bob Saget Dead at 65
January 9th, 2022
Bob Saget Passes Away At 65 Years Old
Known for his roles in "Full House 1987 to 1995 & Fuller House 2016 to 2020."
Bob Saget became known as "Americas Dad" (Danny Tanner). He also was the host of "Americas Funniest Home Videos" (from 1989 to 1997).
He also was the voice of narrator Ted Mosby on the sitcom How I Met Your Mother.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office confirmed the death of actor and comedian Bob Saget on Sunday.
A Tweet From The Orange County Sherriff's Office stated the following:
"Earlier today, deputies were called to the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes for a call about an unresponsive man in a hotel room. The man was identified as Robert Saget & pronounced deceased on scene. Detectives found no signs of foul play or drug use in this case"
Many of his Co-Stars have taken to Social Media to show their heartbreak, love and respect.
John Stamos Tweeted: "I am broken. I am gutted. I am in complete and utter shock. I will never ever have another friend like him. I love you so much Bobby."
Dave Coulier: "My heart is broken. I love you, Bob. Your forever brother, Dave."
He was in Florida as part of his “I Don't Do Negative Comedy Tour.”
R.I.P. Mr Saget.. You will indeed be loved and missed by so many!
Robert Lane Saget was an American stand-up comedian, actor, and television host. His acting roles included Danny Tanner on the sitcom Full House, its sequel Fuller House, and the voice of narrator Ted Mosby on the sitcom How I Met Your Mother. Wikipedia
Died: January 9, 2022, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, FL Trending
Born: May 17, 1956, Philadelphia, PA
Height: 6′ 4″
Spouse: Kelly Rizzo (m. 2018–2022), Sherri Kramer (m. 1982–1997)
Children: Aubrey Saget, Lara Melanie Saget, Jennifer Belle Saget
Siblings: Gay Saget, Andrea Saget
Branson Police Investigating Fatal Crash On Hwy 376
January 1st, 2022
Press Release From The City Of Branson:
The Branson Police Department responded to calls of a serious crash on Highway 376 near the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area overlook just before 6:00 p.m. on December 31, 2021.
Responding officers located a two vehicle head-on crash with both vehicles on their sides. A total of five people were transported to Springfield hospitals while an adult female was declared deceased on the scene.
The cause of the crash has not been determined and it is too early to determine if alcohol or drugs were involved. Branson Police are investigating along with the assistance of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crash Team.
The Branson Fire Department, Western Taney County Fire Protection District, Taney County Ambulance District, Mercy Ambulance in Stone County, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Stone County Sheriff’s Office all responded to and assisted with this incident.
Actress Betty White Passes Away
December 31st, 2021
Betty White Passes Away At Age 99
The Film & TV Industry as well as fans lost and mourn the passing of an Icon This New Year Eve. Betty White passed away at the age of 99. Just a little over 2 weeks before her 100th birthday.
Most people remember her for her role on "Golden Girls" & "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" Though there were many things and roles that Betty Accomplished in her life.
Not only was Betty White an amazing Actress, but also served in WW2 as a member of the American Women's voluntary services.
RIP Betty.... You will be missed and loved by so many people!
Betty Marion White Ludden was an American actress and comedian. A pioneer of early television, with a career spanning seven decades, White was noted for her vast work in the entertainment industry. Wikipedia
Born: January 17, 1922, Oak Park, IL
Died: December 31, 2021, California
Education: Beverly Hills High School
Spouse: Allen Ludden (m. 1963–1981), Lane Allen (m. 1947–1949), Dick Barker (m. 1945–1945)
Parents: Tess Curtis White, Horace Logan White
Charges Filed Against Suspect In May Double Homicide
December 30th, 2021
Press Release From The City Of Branson:
Due to the tireless work of Branson Police investigators and multiple state and federal agencies, the Branson Police Department has identified a suspect in the double homicide that occurred on May 29, 2021, that left two people dead in the 1800 block of W. 76 Country Blvd.
The suspect, 34-year old Miguel Angel Melendez-Torres, was located in the Boston, MA area and was arrested without incident on October 5, 2021. He was extradited to Missouri and remains in custody at this time. Melendez-Torres is charged with two counts of Murder in the second degree, first degree Armed Robbery and Armed Criminal Action.
During the course of the homicide investigation, it was discovered that Melendez-Torres and a 26-year old female associate were also identified as suspects in the armed robbery that occurred in downtown Branson on May 26, 2021. The female was found out of state in St. Augustine, FL, was arrested without incident on September 30, 2021, and was also extradited to Missouri. She remains in custody as well. In relation to this incident, Melendez-Torres is being charged with first degree Armed Robbery and Armed Criminal Action. The female is being charged with first degree Armed Robbery.
This investigation was one of the most complex and detailed investigations ever undertaken by the Branson Police Department. Due to the complexity and extreme amount of work required, Branson Police partnered with multiple agencies throughout the investigation that includes the Taney County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the United States Secret Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Mid-States Organized Crime Information Center and the Taney County Prosecutor’s Office.
Throughout this investigation, the Branson Police Department has worked closely with the family of the victims of the double homicide, Krystle Buhl and Richard "Rocky" McMahan. The Branson Police Department wishes to publicly thank them all for their patience and understanding throughout the investigation.
“These crimes have impacted the families and our community and our sense of safety. I am thankful for the assistance of the community, their support and patience as we have progressed through this investigation,” said Branson Police Chief Jeff Matthews. “I am extremely proud of our entire department and our law enforcement partners as they remained focused on facts and followed the evidence from the start,” said Chief Matthews.
The Branson Police Department would also like to thank Sheriff Robert Hardwick and the Saint John County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, The Boston Police Gang Unit, The Massachusetts State Police and The US Marshall’s Fugitive Task Force for aiding in this investigation.
Branson City Website: https://www.bransonmo.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1503
Legendary Coach John Madden Passes Away
December 28th, 2021
From NFL.COM:
The game of football has lost a legendary figure.
Pro Football Hall of Fame coach and legendary broadcaster John Madden died unexpectedly on Tuesday morning, the NFL announced. He was 85 years old.
"On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our condolences to Virginia, Mike, Joe and their families," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "We all know him as the Hall of Fame coach of the Oakland Raiders and broadcaster who worked for every major network, but more than anything, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Madden spent 10 seasons as head coach of the Oakland Raiders and brought the franchise its first championship with a win over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI. From 1969 to 1978, Madden never had a losing season in his head coaching career and compiled a 103-32-7 regular-season record. He was the youngest coach in NFL history to eclipse the 100-win mark when he achieved the feat at the age of 42, and Madden remains the winningest coach in Raiders history. He also holds the best winning percentage by an NFL head coach (minimum of 10 seasons) at .759.
You Can Read More On Coach Madden At The NFL Website Below
https://www.nfl.com/news/john-madden-legendary-hall-of-fame-coach-dies-at-age-85
Human Remains Found in Branson Identified
December 27th, 2021
Press Release From The City Of Branson:
On Monday, December 27, 2021, a forensic odonatologist was able to confirm that the human remains discovered in the woods near the 3700 block of Fall Creek Rd. on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, are those of David Koenig, the subject of a missing person investigation that began in March 2020.
On Wednesday, December 22, 2021, a man who was looking for deer antlers located suspected human remains in the woods near the 3700 block of Fall Creek Rd. Officers from the Branson Police Department responded and confirmed that the remains were human. Investigators from the Branson Police Department and the Taney County Coroner’s Office conducted a meticulous search of the area, recovering most of the remains and several other personal articles.
The examination of the remains conducted by a forensic pathologist determined that there was no trauma and that the death did not appear to be the result of foul play.
Since Mr. Koenig was reported missing, the Branson Police Department has continuously partnered with several area law enforcement agencies in their search for him. This led to multiple searches of properties in Taney and Stone Counties in Missouri, and Boone County, Arkansas. Two of these searches included excavations of suspicious areas of disturbed earth. Additionally, several volunteer groups including the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and cadaver dog groups have organized searches of large areas in the area for Mr. Koenig.
“Our department and the amazing group of volunteers never stopped in our efforts to find Mr. Koenig,” said Branson Police Chief Jeff Matthews. “While this is not the ending we hoped for, we offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Koenig,” said Chief Matthews.
The Branson Police Department is grateful for the continued support from the family, volunteers and regional partners, who all teamed to dedicate thousands of hours to search for David Koenig. Among the agencies who participated in the investigation, were the following:
• Branson Police Department
• Taney County Sheriff’s Office
• Missouri State Highway Patrol
• Stone County Sheriff’s Office
• Taney County Coroner’s Office
• Hollister Police Department
• Boone County (AR) Sheriff’s Office
Branson Police Investigate Human Skeletal Remains
December 23rd, 2021
Press Release From The City Of Branson:
On Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at approximately 12:00 pm, the Branson Police Department received a 911 call regarding a person locating skeletal remains off Fall Creek Road.
Responding units located several skeletal remains in a heavily wooded area. The remains have been identified as human. The Branson Police Department and the Taney County Coroner investigated the scene throughout the day on Wednesday and are on scene again Thursday morning continuing the investigation. The investigation is in the preliminary stages. No identification of the remains has been made.
The Taney County Coroner is coordinating with a forensic odonatologist and medical personnel to identify the remains and seek a cause of death.
This remains an active investigation. Additional information will be shared when it becomes available.
Undergrounding utilities on W. 76 Country Blvd 1/5/22
December 20th, 2021
BRANSON, Mo – The City of Branson will begin the undergrounding of utilities from Presley’s Country Jubilee to the Branson Ferris Wheel starting on January 5, 2022, to enhance the visual aesthetics of W. 76 Country Blvd.
This project will relocate all overhead power lines underground. It is the result of the positive partnership between the 76 Entertainment Community Improvement District (CID) and the local government at City Hall and is an important step to continue the 76 revitalization project. The Branson Board of Aldermen passed the final contracts with the utility companies for the project in August 2021. The project will cost $1.7 million that is funded through the 76 Entertainment CID.
Weather permitting, the project is expected to be complete by the end of April, 2022. Winter weather precipitation and cold temperatures could prolong this date of completion. This project will involve temporary lane closures, equipment trucks and crews working in the area. Great effort is being taken to ensure minimal impact to businesses, customers and properties in the area.
You can always learn more about city projects at more by viting the city website at the following link:
Non-Credible Threat at Branson High School
December 10th, 2021
Press Release From The City Of Branson:
On Friday morning at approximately 7:00 a.m., the Branson Police Department responded to a 911 call regarding a threat at Branson High School.
The on-duty School Resource Officer, along with additional Branson Police Officers who responded, quickly identified and found a student who was making the threats. Both officers and school staff determined the threat to be non-credible. Officers are coordinating with the Taney County Juvenile Office regarding the student’s conduct.
At no time were the students or staff of the Branson High School in danger. The threat was specific to the Branson High School and no other campuses were involved. The Branson Police Department and the Branson School district have a strong partnership and will continue to make the safety of students and staff a top priority.
Water line repair on Main Street Monday, Nov. 22
November 20th, 2021
Press Release From The City Of Branson:
BRANSON, Mo – City of Branson crews will be working on the sidewalk and parking lot area in the 100 block of West Main Street, near Dick’s 5 & 10 on Monday, November 22, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. to repair a water line. While water service is expected to remain on, this work could cause traffic congestion in this area which should last approximately six hours. Drivers are asked to use caution in this area. Motorists are asked to be aware of signage, traffic cones and work crews in the marked Work Zone.
If anyone has any questions, please call the Utilities Department at 417-243-2740.
City of Branson Missouri website: www.bransonmo.gov
Steve Edwards Announces Retirement From CoxHealth
November 19th, 2021
Article is Courtesy of: www.ozarksfirst.com
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.- CoxHealth President and CEO Steve Edwards announced he will be retiring from Cox in 2022 after 30 years. According to a press release, his last day will be May 31, 2022. Edwards shared in a letter to employees that in 2021, he found out he had cancer.
“In the past year, I discovered I had cancer. I was privileged to receive amazing care guided both by our team at CoxHealth and the Siteman Cancer Center. After successful surgery, I am recovering well and I feel strong. However, in this cancer journey I was blessed to gain perspective, which affirmed my decision to retire,” Edwards said.
Read The Full Story At The Following Link.
Fire Breaks Out At Silver Dollar City
November 18th, 2021
VIA: Silver Dollar City Attractions
Silver Dollar City officials confirm there was a fire today (11/18), discovered prior to opening, from Heartland Home Furnishings to Flossie’s Fried Fancies in the lower western portion of the park. There was damage to three structures.
Southern Stone County Fire Protection District responded quickly to the fire. The fire began at approximately 12:45pm and was contained within the hour. While the front entrance area had opened, as usual, one hour prior to the park opening.
The majority of the park had no guest access. The exact cause of the fire is still being determined. Silver Dollar City will open tomorrow, as scheduled, but will not open today.
Silver Dollar City Thanks Everyone For Their Understanding
Aldermen Candidacy Declarations Open 12/7 for April election
November 17th, 2021
The City of Branson Clerk’s office will accept Declarations of Candidacy for three Aldermen seats for the spring local election starting December 7, 2021, through December 28, 2021.
Each of the City’s three Wards will have an Alderman position on the ballot. The Branson Board of Aldermen consists of six aldermen, two from each Ward, and the Mayor. Each of these is elected for two-year terms.
The Aldermen currently holding the seats to be considered in the April 5, 2022, election are:
- Ward 1 – Bill Skains
- Ward 2 – Jeff Seay
- Ward 3 – Jamie Whiteis
Declarations of Candidacy must be filled out in person at the City Clerk’s office, located inside City Hall, and will be accepted beginning on December 7, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on December 28, 2021.
Candidates’ names will be placed on the ballot in the order they file their candidacy. For all candidates who file for candidacy on the first day, the order will be determined by a random drawing at the City Clerk’s Office.
For more information, including a description of the Aldermen duties and the 2022 sample election packet, visit the Boards & Committees section of the city’s website, BransonMo.Gov. Paper packets are also available in the Clerk’s office inside Branson City Hall for pickup.
Local News
Two Arrested After Car Fire At Branson Landing Parking Garage
November 9th, 2021
According To A Press Release From The Branson Police Department, On November 7, 2021, at 8:15 p.m., Branson Police Officers responded to an initial report of an explosion at the Branson Landing parking garage located at 3 Branson Landing. Two vehicles, as well as the parking structure, were damaged in this fire. Branson Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire and Branson Police initiated a criminal investigation into the cause of the fire. The investigation revealed that a drill had been used to remove gas from the vehicle gas tank when the fire started. Further investigation found this was the second location in which this act had occurred as the suspects had removed gas from a vehicle in the Cox Hospital parking lot earlier that same evening. A 23-year-old male and a 19-year-old female, both from Springfield, were located and arrested. The two were then also tied to significant damages to one of the ball fields at Ball Parks of America, located at 1000 Pat Nash Dr, which occurred after the fire at the parking garage. This is an ongoing investigation. Formal charges will be sought from the Taney County Prosecutor. All persons involved in this incident were located and there is no continued threat to the public.
Source: https://bransonmo.gov/