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Surplus property online auction live now through April 4
March 11th, 2023 - By: City of Branson Mo.
The City of Branson is conducting an online auction, through Purple Wave Auction Company, to sell surplus property, that is live now and ends Tuesday, April 4, 2023.
The City has contracted with Purple Wave Auction, a company that specializes in internet-only auctions, to give bidders the chance to view items, read descriptions, see pictures, and place bids from the convenience of their computers. Items up for auction include multiple vehicles that are no longer needed by the City.
All items for this government surplus auction will be listed on www.purplewave.com. Instructions on how to register to bid are located on Purple Wave’s website. Additional questions can be directed to Purple Wave at 866-608-9283.
City of Branson Mo Logo
MSHP Investigates BPD Officer Involved Shooting
March 2nd, 2023 - By: Daryl Weather
Branson, MO | March 1st, 2023
The Branson Missouri Police Department has put out a Press release regarding the February 28th Officer involved shooting at Daltons Gas Station on W Highway 76 in Branson.
The following is the press release. You can view the news conference at the link at the bottom of the release.
We will provide more information on this incident as we learn more.
On February 28, 2023, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Branson officers located a known wanted subject at a gas station in the 1100 block of W. 76 Country Blvd. and made contact with the driver, who was alone in the vehicle with a dog.
After an initial investigation into the driver’s identity, it was determined that he was Randall Wesolek Jr., of Taney County. When officers instructed Wesolek to exit the car, a struggle ensued, a gun was produced and officers fired their weapons. The officers secured the scene and began performing life saving measures for Wesolek who died of his injuries on scene. His family has been notified. No officers were injured. Wesolek’s dog, a grey and white Pit Bull type breed, appeared to have been injured in the incident and ran off while the officers were securing the scene. Officers have not been able to locate the dog.
“This is a tragic situation and our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the involved persons and their families,” said Chief Schmitt. “We understand this incident will have long lasting impacts for all involved, as well as our community. Please remember that regardless of the circumstances of this incident, this community values human life. We should remember to give respect as we move forward. It is crucial that a thorough, fair and impartial investigation of this incident be completed. We will provide you information on how this process will proceed,” Chief Schmitt said.
One Sergeant and two patrol officers fired their weapons and all have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure for officer-involved shootings. Police Chief Schmitt has formally requested the assistance of the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) to conduct a full investigation into this incident which is also standard operating procedure. MSHP immediately responded to the scene and assumed control of the investigation. After their investigation is complete, BPD will conduct its own internal investigation then provide the information to the community in a critical incident briefing about this incident and the results of the investigations.
The Branson Police Department would ask the community to be patient as the investigation unfolds as it will take some time. It would also like to thank all neighboring agencies that assisted including the Branson Fire Rescue and the Taney County Ambulance District (TCAD), and the Taney County Sheriff’s Office.
You can find the news conference on this incident at www.bransonmo.gov/livestream.
Branson Mo Press Release
Registration Open for Parks & Rec Spring Youth Soccer
February 10th, 2023 - By: Daryl Weather
The City of Branson is looking forward to spring time and has opened registration for their Parks & Recreation spring youth Soccer. If you are interested in registering your child, Check out the following from the City of Branson.
Branson, MO |The Branson Parks & Recreation Department is now registering for spring co-ed Youth and PeeWee Soccer.
Youth leagues are available for boys and girls who are between five and 15-years old. Practices begin the week of March 6, 2023. Teams will practice once a week, with all games held on Saturdays starting March 25, 2023, and ending the last week of April. Individual and team entries are accepted. The deadline to register for the youth league is Tuesday, February 21, 2023.
The PeeWee program is available for children three and four years old and will be run by Branson Parks and Recreation staff members. Staff will facilitate fun drills and games to introduce social and motor skill development. PeeWee teams will have two Saturday practices beginning March 11, 2023, followed by six weeks of scrimmage games. The deadline to register for the PeeWee program is Tuesday, February 28, 2023.
For more information on Branson soccer leagues, including team and individual fees, go to the Youth Sports section of our website, BransonParksandRecreation.com. Register online HERE or in person at the Branson RecPlex.
Macaroni Kid Press Release
Macaroni Kid Announces Renewel In Branson
January 30th, 2023 - By: Daryl Weather
Branson, MO | January 28, 2023: Macaroni Kid is excited to announce its renewal in Branson!
Macaroni Kid is a free weekly e-newsletter and website that highlights all of the great things for kids and their families to do in our community.
Parents in Branson can sign up to receive their weekly newsletter by visiting www.macaronikid.com and selecting Branson from the drop down list. In addition to events around Branson, we’ll be bringing reviews and insights about events and activities in Springfield, as well as featuring exciting ideas for family road trips and travel.
Ideas for articles and event listings can be sent to cassy@macaronikid.com. Read the full press attacment in this article
#MacaroniKid #Branson #Mo
Macaroni Kid Press Release
WonderWorks Welcomes Homeschoolers!
January 15th, 2023 - By: Daryl Weather
BRANSON, Missouri:
Homeschool families are invited to experience everything WonderWorks Branson has to offer at a discounted admission rate. Their annual winter Homeschool Days are taking place throughout January and February 2023. Each day when public schools are in session, homeschool guests can get admission tickets for only $12 per person, plus tax, before 2 pm.
“Homeschool Days are back,” says Faith Bovo, education sales manager of WonderWorks Branson. “We love hosting homeschool families, students, and teachers during this special event.”
Homeschoolers can have fun as they explore over 100 interactive exhibits focused on STEM topics (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The various areas guests can explore include meteorology, physical science, light, sounds and senses, space, Earth's elements, and the Wonder Art Gallery. From getting hands-on experiences with extreme weather and pressure to putting physical abilities to the test, there's something for everyone.
Homeschool groups of at least 15 people or more are eligible for an even lower group rate of $10 per person, plus tax, during this event. Groups must make an advanced reservation to receive this lower rate.
To get more information please visit the link provided
Lisa Marie Presley, Dead at 54 Years Old
Via The Associated Press: 1/12/23
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lisa Marie Presley — the only child of Elvis Presley — died Thursday after being hospitalized earlier that day, her mother said in a statement. The singer was 54.
“It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us,” Priscilla Presley said in a statement Thursday evening. “She was the most passionate, strong and loving woman I have ever known.”
The announcement came just hours after Priscilla Presley had confirmed that Lisa Marie Presley was rushed to the hospital earlier Thursday.
Los Angeles County paramedics were dispatched to a Calabasas home at 10:37 a.m. following a report of a woman in full cardiac arrest, according to Craig Little, a spokesperson for the county’s fire department. Property records indicate Presley was a resident at that address.
Paramedics arrived about six minutes later, Little said.
A subsequent statement from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said paramedics performed CPR and “determined the patient had signs of life” before taking her to a hospital in nearby West Hills immediately.
The city of Calabasas is nestled between the foothills of the Santa Monica and the Santa Susanna Mountains, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) northwest of downtown Los Angeles.
Read The Full Article at: https://apnews.com/article/health-lisa-marie-presley-priscilla-elvis-los-angeles-4cbc26cfe1a7bf0b41f21f0f0f6c677b
Photo Via Vogue.com : Lisa Marie Presley
City to replace aging infrastructure starting in 2023
January 6th, 2022 - By: Daryl Weather
The City of Branson announced that Branson residents & communities will see less water main breaks. The City plans to systematically replace water mains as well as service lines that are aging. the following is a release from the City of Branson regarding the areas that will see the replacements take place.
BRANSON, Mo – Branson residents and community members will see less water main breaks as the City begins to systematically replace aging water mains and service lines, beginning with the Hiawatha Heights subdivision which will start in 2023 and should be complete by late 2024.
These projects will replace existing water mains with a larger size which will supply more volume for better fire protection and will extend the longevity of the system.
“This isn’t a new challenge to communities across the country. It’s a massive undertaking and something we’ve been planning for and working on for some time now,” said Utilities Director, Kendall Powell. “I’m excited that we are at the stage where our residents will be able to start seeing some improvements. We will also coordinate with our Public Works team so any necessary road repairs/paving will cause less disruption to residents. We will do our best to limit the negative impacts but do ask for patience,” Powell said.
The City of Branson’s Utilities Department took the number of water main leaks and compared that to the total footage of water main within each subdivision along with other variables to come up with high-priority areas. Besides Hiawatha Heights, the City has plans to do this work throughout the City, including the following areas:
- Lakeview Terrace/Eiserman and Parnell area
- Lucia Ridge
- Murphy Addition
- Gateway
- Downtown
- W. Branson Heights
- Branson North
- Cantwell
The first phase of the project (Hiawatha Heights) is expected to cost $10 million over the next two years and will be paid for with the Tourism Tax revenue, a tax residents passed in 1997 to improve and maintain infrastructure and to market Branson’s tourism economy. The City will also use federal grant funding when available.
You can find more information about City of Branson by visiting their website at the following link: https://www.bransonmo.gov/
Holiday Closures
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January)
Presidents' Day (Third Monday in February)
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
Independence Day (July 4)
Labor Day (First Monday in September)
Veterans' Day (November 11)
Thanksgiving (Fourth Thursday in November)
Day after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve (December 24)
Christmas (December 25)
Branson Police Chief & Sgt Resign
December 16th, 2022 - "Daryl Weather & Jera Shaw"
Branson, Mo - Branson Chief of Police (Jeff Matthews) & Sgt (Pat Gray) resigned on Monday December 12th. The two were put on Administrative Leave October 25th due to an ongoing HR investigation.
Springfield Television Station KOLR (ozarksfirst.com) had previously submitted a Sunshine Law request for any complaints against the Chief & Sgt, but they were denied their request.
As of December 16th, details of the investigation have not yet been released by the Branson Police Department or the City of Branson.
The new Branson Chief of Police was announced on December 15th.
Eric Schmidt was announced as the New Chief of Police for the City of Branson. Schmitt has been the Assistant Chief of Police since 2017.
Schmitt Spoke at the Announcement and thanked family, community and God. He also stated "I'm Here to Stay".
A new assistant Chief of Police has not yet been announced but the new Chief added that the Police Department would promote from within the department.
City of Branson Police Department
Mayor & Aldermen candidacy open Dec. 6 for April elections
December 2nd, 2022 - By: Daryl Weather
Before we know it, it will be election time in the city of Branson. Seats up for voting this year will be for 3 Aldermen and Mayor. Each of the 3 Wards will have an Alderman position.
Below is a release from the City of Branson regarding the Candidacies.
BRANSON, Mo – The City of Branson Clerk’s office will accept Declarations of Candidacy for the Mayor and three Aldermen seats for the upcoming spring local election starting December 6, 2022, through December 27, 2022.
Each of the City’s three Wards will have an Alderman position on the ballot as will the position of Mayor. 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 elected officials currently holding seats that will be considered in the April 4, 2023, election are:
- Mayor – Larry Milton
- Ward 1 – Clay Cooper
- Ward 2 – Cody Fenton
- Ward 3 – Ruth Denham
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 6, 2022, at 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on December 27, 2022.
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 and the 2023 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.
City of Branson prepared and ready for winter weather events
November 30th, 2022
Daryl Weather - Cold Winter snowy days are not strangers to the Branson area and all of us locals as well as some of ourvisitors know that our city streets and roads can become a challenge to say the least! The City of Branson Missouri has always done a fine job of keeping our main streets as clear as they possibly can. A HUGE "Thank You" to all the city workers that put in long hard and cold hours keeping our streets travelable during snow days,
The City says as the winter months approaches, they are prepared and ready for any winter weather that may impact the city roadways.
Below is a release from the City of Branson regarding our upcoming winter months.
BRANSON, Mo – As winter approaches and the temperatures get lower, the City of Branson is prepared and ready for any winter weather that may impact the 250-lane miles of roadway inside city limits.
The City of Branson reminds residents to limit travel if possible when winter weather hits. If you have to be on the roads, make sure to slow down and give salt trucks and other City vehicles plenty of space to operate.
The City of Branson began preparing for winter weather events in November when the snow plows and salt spreaders hold an annual winter weather training to practice snow routes and safety procedures. The City has a team that constantly monitors incoming weather. At the sign of any freezing precipitation, city plow drivers will immediately pretreat bridges and other high-priority areas. Street crews will work 24 hours a day, on rotating 12-hour shifts, on the City’s 10 different snow routes. Every city-owned street will get treated and cleared of snow.
The City has plenty of material to treat roads with two salt barns that, when full, have a combined total of 1,200 tons of material that includes road salt, rock chips and mixed material the city uses depending on the type of weather event. The City also has the ability to produce salt brine, beet juice and calcium chloride mixtures for pre-treating roadways.
For more information about how the City of Branson prepares for winter weather and clears local roads, visit the Winter Weather Preparedness section on the City’s Public Works/Engineering section of its website, BransonMo.Gov or call 417-337-8559.
City of Branson Missouri
Two People Found Dead In Branson Area Shooting
November 19th, 2022 - By: Daryl Weather
Update: 11/19/22 - 7:25 PM
The investigation has revealed that a Male & Female were in a domestic altercation that ended with the Male shooting the female and then shooting himself
The Taney County Sheriff's Office has not released the names or any other details until the next of kin is notified and that there is No Threat to the public.
Original Article: Daryl Weather
Branson, Mo: Taney County Sheriff's office is currently investigating the deaths of two people who were located inside a home Friday Evening. (11/18/22)
According to a Facebook post Via the Taney County Sheriff's office, they received a report of gunshots near the area of Rhinehart Road. When Deputies Arrived, they found two people dead.
This also caused the Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks to go into Lock Down shortly after 6 PM. The staff followed emergency protocols and were given the All Clear at 6:22 PM
The Following is a Media Release From Taney County Sheriff, Brad Daniels:
"At approximately 6 PM tonight our Dispatch received information of shots fired at a residence near Rinehart Road in Branson. When officers arrived on scene they located two subjects who were deceased. This case is still being investigated so we can release limited details at this time. We would like to inform residents of the area that there is no threat to the public. Further details will be released at a later time"
This remains a developing story and we will update as more information is released
Silver Dollar City's "Frisco Dollar Line" Train Derails
October 28th, 2022
Daryl Weather -
Wednesday evening October 26th. The "Frisco Dollar Line Steam Train" Derailed at Silver Dollar City. Silver Dollar City later released a statement on their social media accounts that 6 guests and one employee were taken to local hospitals by ambulance. Stone County Officials also stated that none of the injuries were life threatening.
On Thursday, the Missouri Division of Fire Safety stated that they had concluded the first stage of their investigation into the derailment. This included the equipment, scene examination, document reviews and interviews. The investigators stated that they will return at a later date with an engineering firm to investigate even further.
Investigators have not determined the the cause of the derailment.
Also on Thursday, Silver Dollar City stated that four train cars had derailed and had approximately 160 people on board. The capacity for the train is 250 passengers
A Missouri Division of Fire Safety Spokesperson did say that the ride an up to date permit. Silver Dollar City has and continues to cooperate in the investigation.
As soon as we know more, we will provide future updates on this story.
Photo Courtesy: Missy Coulter
W. 76 Lane Closure 10/25/22 for Christmas Tree Installation
October 20th, 2022 - By: Daryl Weather
Branson Missouri:
Hard to believe that it's that time of year again! Christmas Season in the Branson area starts the first part of November. That means it's time for the city to start their yearly chores of setting up all the Christmas decorations.
That being said, on October 25th, the city will be closing down the Westbound Lane of Highway 76 in front of the Titanic Museum from 8 AM to 11 AM to assist the Branson Christmas Coalition in setting up the 30 ft Christmas Tree at The Titanic Museum
You can learn more on the City of Branson Website:
Branson Dog Saves Dad During Stroke
October 6th, 2022
Daryl Weather - Via: www.ozarksfirst.com
We can always enjoy a heartwarming story and this hero dog saves Dad during a stroke! Pretty amazing story if I say so myself
According to the article from Ozarksfirst, A Branson couple were sleeping in bed when suddenly their dog began biting one of them. The dog was trying to warn them that something was wrong.
On October 4, Tracy Leach was already asleep when her dog, Rocky, began biting her hand around 1:25 a.m.
“I kept saying, you know, Rocky… lay down… it’s not time to get up yet… and he wouldn’t leave me alone,” said Leach. She said Rocky would jump on Leach’s husband, Gil, and then jump back to drag her hand over to him.
Read the complete Article on www.ozarksfirst.com at the following Link:
