⛈ Loving The Ozarks Life ⛈
May 27th 2022
Via The City Of Branson Mo.
BRANSON, Mo – A section of Gretna Road between North Wildwood Dr. and the entrance of B.A.T. Boys Automotive located at 570 Gretna Road will be closed to through traffic beginning Tuesday, May 31, 2022, through Friday, July 1, 2022, for road reconstruction. This closure also includes a section of N. Wildwood Dr. between the Mansion Theater and Log Cabin Circle.
This road reconstruction is a result of a substantial 12-inch water main break at Gretna Road and N. Wildwood Dr. that occurred on April 29, 2022. The water main break caused extensive damage to the road. While city crews immediately performed what repairs they could with the resources available, upon a thorough investigation of the damages, the repairs needed included road repair and replacement as well as sidewalk, curb and gutter repairs. The Branson Board of Aldermen approved the contract with Blevins Asphalt for the repairs, not to exceed $487,902.32, and approved adjusting the 2022 Budget for this repair at the May 24, 2022, regular Board of Aldermen meeting.
In addition to making immediate temporary repairs to accommodate traffic, city crews have monitored the road on a daily basis to make sure the road is drivable and make continued temporary repairs.
Signage will be in place to detour traffic around the road closure and to meet traffic safety standards during the closure. Motorists are asked to be aware of signage, traffic cones and work crews in the marked Work Zone. This road work is weather dependent. For questions regarding this project, please contact the City of Branson Public Works Department at 417-337-8559.
Make Sure To Visit The City of Bransons Website To Keep Up With All Their City Updates At:
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Aldermen approve contract on new fire station design service
May 11th,, 2022
Via The City of Branson
BRANSON, Mo – In a double read, the Branson Board of Aldermen unanimously approved a contract with Hoeffer Wekler, LLC for the professional design services for new Fire Station #4 that will be built at Champagne Boulevard at the regular Board of Aldermen meeting on May 10, 2022.
The fire station design is projected at a maximum of 11,000 sq. feet with a projected budget of $3.5 million from the half-cent Public Safety Sales tax Branson residents passed in 2017. The fire station will be designed to house up to six firefighters, three drive-through bays and a community/training room.
City staff will meet with the design firm on Thursday, May 12 for a design kick-off meeting and on-site visit. There will also be a meeting that is open to the public at 4:00 p.m. at the Pointe Royale Clubhouse where residents can meet the design team and provide input on what they would like to see in their new fire station.
The City put this project out for bid and received 11 Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for this project on July 20, 2021. These RFQ's were reviewed by a team of city staff who then selected the top 4 companies. Each of these companies' references were checked by staff and the findings from the reference check were presented to the selection committee. A contract has been negotiated for basic design services at 8.25% plus additional predesign supplemental services and optional services not to exceed the amount of $390,000 which has been allocated in the Public Safety Sales Tax budget.
May 7th 2022
Country Music Legend Mickey Gilley Passes Away at 86
Country music icon Mickey Gilley passed away Saturday May 7th in Branson, Missouri, due to complications after a recent hospitalization. He was 86 years old. Gilley’s publicist Zach Farnum said in a statement that he “passed peacefully” surrounded by family and close friends. He had recently returned home from the road after playing 10 shows in April, according to the statement.
If you ever had the opportunity to see Mickey Gilley Perform or meet him in person, then you would know what a great man Mickey was. He truly cared about his fan base and the community. Needless to say, Mickey will be greatly missed by the citizens of Branson Missouri as well as his fan base. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Family & Friends of Mickey.
RIP Mickey! We All Love You!
Branson AquaPlex opens May 28 – season passes now available
May 6th, 2022
Via The City of Branson Missouri:
BRANSON, Mo – The Branson Parks & Recreation Department will open the Branson AquaPlex, a 12,250 sq. ft. aquatic park featuring a pool with water slides, play structures, a climbing wall and a diving well on May 28, 2022.
This pool season will offer many programs, special events and facility reservation opportunities such as Swim Lessons, Toddler Time, Free Swim Days, Private Pool Parties, Sensory Swims and a Night Swim! Dates for these events, how to register for them and more information can be found on the Branson AquaPlex page under Programs/Special Events on our website, www.BransonParksandRecreation.com
The AquaPlex will be open Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 12:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The AquaPlex will be closed for open swim on Mondays.
Season passes can be purchased at the Branson RecPlex and will include incentives such as a daily 15 minutes early entry access into the pool. In addition, pre-purchased daily passes are available online.
UPDATED: City Releases Minutes Of 4/22 Closed Exec Meeting
April 29th, 2022
There has been some controversy over changes happening in the City of Branson as of recent from some of our local citizens. The City put out the following update to the release of minutes in the April 22nd closed executive meeting.
Via The City of Branson
BRANSON, Mo – Under the direction of Branson Mayor Larry Milton and the Board of Aldermen, the City of Branson is releasing the minutes of the April 22, 2022, closed executive session that was closed pursuant to 610.021.2 RSMO for real estate and 610.021.3 RSMO for personnel.
Because of the nature of closed executive sessions, not everything discussed is included in the minutes. According to the Missouri State Sunshine Law, 610.020.7, the minutes “shall include the date, time, place, members present, members absent and a record of any votes taken.”
While these minutes are available for members of the public and media anytime by submitting a records request found on the City’s website, BransonMo.Gov, Mayor Milton addressed making it easier for the public to access these minutes at the last Board of Aldermen meeting on April 26, 2022.
"This board is committed, and I mean committed to open transparency to the public and actions speak louder than words. Over time you will see this board be more and more transparent,” said Mayor Milton. “Our City administrator has agreed that when we do take it to a vote in executive session, you don't need to wait to go ask for a sunshine request, we are going to publish it so you know. That's another step of being transparent,” Mayor Milton said.
The minutes are attached to this news release UPDATE FROM MAYOR MILTON 4/29/22 2:00 P.M.: The City of Branson released the minutes from the Executive Session Meeting of the Board of Aldermen that occurred on April 22, 2022. The board authorized the creation of an agreement by employment counsel. The agreement is in conjunction with the previously-announced retirement of Mr. Stanley Dobbins.
Three New Branson Aldermen Sworn Into Office
April, 12th 2022
Via The City of Branson Missouri:
Three new Branson Aldermen were sworn into office at Branson City Hall on Tuesday, April 12, 2022.
During the first of two regular Board of Aldermen meetings, Mayor Larry Milton thanked and honored the outgoing members of the board for their time and service to the community. Bill Skains (Ward 1) served on the Board of Aldermen since 2018 and served on several boards and committees including the Finance Committee (formerly known as the Capital Improvement Committee), the Transportation Development District (TDD) Board and the M. Graham Clark Downtown Airport Board. Jeff Seay (Ward 2) served on the Board of Aldermen since 2020 and served on several boards and committees including the Human Resources Committee, the Advisory Park Board and the Planning Commission. Jamie Whiteis (Ward 3) served on the Board of Aldermen since 2020 and served on several boards and committees including the 76 Entertainment Community Improvement District (CID) Board, the TDD Board and the Chamber of Commerce Representative.
After the first regular Board of Aldermen meeting concluded, Marshall Howden (Ward 1), Charles (Chuck) Rodriguez (Ward 2) and Ralph LeBlanc (Ward 3) were sworn into office. They then took part in the second regular Board of Aldermen meeting.
You can read more about the new Aldermen as well as find contact information and their biographies on the home page of the City’s website, www.bransonmo.gov. Residents and community members are encouraged to reach out to the Aldermen who represent the Ward in which they live regarding any issues as they are elected to represent the people of their Ward.
Board of Aldermen meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers and are live streamed at www.bransonmo.gov/livestream. Branson is a fourth class Missouri City and operates under the Council/Administration form of government. The governing body consists of six Aldermen elected from three wards and a Mayor elected at-large. The Mayor and Board of Aldermen serve two-year terms and elections are held each April. New Branson Board of Aldermen 2022
City Taking Applications For Board & Committee Vacancies
April 5th, 2022
Via The City of Branson
The City of Branson is looking to fill several board and committee vacancies which provide opportunities for citizens to engage in local government, help make important decisions for the community and give their input regarding important city issues.
The deadline for applications is April 27, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. The City has vacancies on the following Boards and Committees:
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
BOARD OF APPEALS
FINANCE COMMITTEE
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE
ADVISORY PARK BOARD
PLANNING COMMISSION
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
To read about each of the above City Boards & Committees, what they do, and to apply go to the “Boards & Committees” section of the City’s website, www.BransonMo.Gov.
You can also find applications at the City Clerk’s office, located at 110 W. Maddux, Street. For any questions, please call the Branson City Clerk’s office at 417-337-8522.
Major Improvements And Repairs Starting At Cantwell Park
March, 31st 2022
Via The City of Branson & Branson Parks And Recreation:
Branson Mo,.. The Branson Parks & Recreation Department has started much needed repairs to the basketball courts at Cantwell Park located at N Sunshine and Mockingbird Ln.
While the repairs are expected to take up to one month to complete, the park, including the playground and open areas, will remain open. Residents and community members are urged to use caution around the basketball courts during this time.
Repairs will include replacing the retaining wall that supports the basketball court, new basketball goals, repairing the court surface, replacing the fencing to include a new entrance area, and installing new LED light fixtures.
The City of Branson has 16 parks and nearly 300 acres for our residents and visitors to enjoy. These parks offer a wide variety of amenities and range from small neighborhood parks to large wilderness areas. A complete list of the parks and their features can be found in the Parks section of www.BransonParksandRecreation.com.
Street Closing In Branson, March 29th -April 19th
March, 29th 2022
Via The City of Branson
A section of Long St. between Sycamore St. and Branson Landing Blvd. will be closed to through traffic beginning Tuesday, March 29, 2022, through Tuesday, April 19, 2022, for needed road repairs.
Drivers are asked to use alternative routes to access this section of Long St. during the road closure. Signage will be in place to detour traffic around the road closure and to meet traffic safety standards during the installation. Motorists are asked to be aware of signage, traffic cones and work crews in the marked Work Zone. This road work is weather dependent.
For questions regarding this project, please contact the City of Branson Public Works Department at 417-337-8559.
CoxHealth Has Named It's Next President and CEO
March, 25th 2022
Via Cox Health:
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — CoxHealth Board of Directors announced the next President and CEO of the hospital. Max Buetow has been named as the next President and CEO of CoxHealth and is set to take over the position on June 2022. Buetow succeeds Steve Edwards who has held this executive role since 2012 and will be retiring at the end of this coming May. Buetow currently serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He is responsible for leading and managing the operations of six CoxHealth’s regional hospitals.
The Following is a link to Steve Edwards Tweet Regarding The Announcement.
https://twitter.com/SDECoxHealth/status/1507373650273607686
First large snowstorm of the year cost the City $42,308
February, 17th 2022
Press Release From The City Of Branson:
The first large snowstorm of the year hit Branson on February 2, 2022, costing the City of Branson’s Public Works Department $42,308 in labor and material to clear.
While the February 2 winter weather event lasted three days, road crews were pretreating and clearing streets for four days. During those four days road crews used 49 tons of salt, 148 tons of rock chips, 200 gallons of beet juice, 600 gallons of salt brine, 1,076 gallons of unleaded fuel and 744 gallons of diesel fuel. Road crews drove a total of 7,042 miles, requiring a total of 901 man hours.
This particular weather event dropped a lot of snow. Citywide, road crews removed 398,933 cubic yards of snow which is about 80,783 tons. This is the equivalent of 1,769 Boeing 737 Jets.
When ice and snow are predicted, the City will call in 30 personnel from four different departments. These employees will work 24-hours a day, on rotating 12-hour shifts, on the City’s 13 different snow routes. Branson City crews clear and maintain approximately 250 lane-miles of roadway inside its boundaries. Every city-owned street will get cleared of snow.
For more information on the City of Branson’s snow and ice removal on city roads, go to the Winter Weather Preparedness section on the city’s website, BransonMo.Gov.
Parks & Recreation Receives grant for Youth Scholarship
January 18th, 2022
Press Release From The City Of Branson:
The City of Branson’s Parks & Recreation Department has received a $4,900 grant from the Skaggs Legacy Endowment to fund its Youth Scholarship Program which allows children to participate in its programs at a greatly reduced cost.
Parks & Recreation programs typically range from $35 to $65 for area youth. This grant will allow families to receive a scholarship to reduce program costs to as little as $7.00 to participate in programs like youth sports, archery clinics, day camps, swim lessons, and the swim team. The Parks Department estimates that the scholarship program will serve around 150 youth in 2022.
“We are grateful for the support from the Skaggs Legacy Endowment. This grant makes it possible for our department to offer scholarships for youth in our community who may not otherwise be able to financially participate in our youth programs that can add so much enjoyment and enriches a child’s life,” said Branson Parks & Recreation Director Cindy Shook.
This was one of 30 grants that were awarded to local agencies by the foundation and the fourth time the Parks Department has received the grant since 2015.
To qualify for a scholarship, a family must also qualify for the free and reduced lunch program at school. For more information on the scholarship program, income guidelines and to fill out an application, visit the Youth Scholarship section on the Branson Parks & Recreation’s website, BransonParksandRecreation.com, or visit the RecPlex in person.
Branson Parks & Recreation
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
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