Branson Courier

Today: Thursday, July 2, 2009

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Local News

Grand Opening For Jim Bakker's Morningside

...he grand opening of Morningside, the residential community that is home to televangelist Jim Bakker. Morningside is a residential project on 560 acres... ...
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Branson welcoming signs one step closer

Currently, Branson bound tourists and visitors traveling north and south on U.S. Highway 65 see the standard highway signs... ...
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DWI a Branson experience no one wants

The message is clear to both local residents and visitors alike driving in the Branson area, "Don't drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs." ...
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Branson Landing not impacted by GGP Bankruptcy

The operation of Branson's largest shopping attraction, Branson Landing, will not be effected by what is being described as one of the largest commercial real estate failures in history. ...
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Arbor Day Celebration at Branson Landing

The Arbor Day Celebration begins at 12:00 noon with a host of special guests, award presentations, great entertainment, FREE trees and much more. ...
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Resurfacing to cause traffic delays on Highway 265

Branson tourists and locals planning on using State Highway 265, a popular route to and from Branson's Silver Dollar City and other points west of Silver Dollar City should plan for delays during the week of April 13. ...
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Downtown Branson Main Street Association Director resigns

Dawn Erickson, The Downtown Branson Main Street Association's (DBMA) director for the past year has resigned. ...
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Branson Tri-Lakes Chamber Chatter - March 27

Branson newest turf, glitz, a party and volunteers. ...
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Branson Tri Lakes Chamber Chatter March 15

Branson Hollywood Wax Museum $5 million make over, prom duplicates, "Never A Dull Moment," and Andy Williams momma's meat loaf. ...
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Public invited to Purple Heart Recipients press event

All those interested in participating in or getting additional information on Branson's first "Hand in Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients" event, to be held on April 24-25, are invited to attend a press conference/meeting at the Hamner Barber Theatre at 2:00 p.m. on March 3. ...
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Branson Airport service westbound weak

...viable connections with same day service on both the outbound and return flights for Milwaukee, Baltimore, New York City, Minneapolis, Boston, Orlando, and Atlanta," the same cannot be said for the connections to the west. ...
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Branson's Skaggs Hospital gets new name and look

The new name and identity of Skaggs Regional Medical Center places greater emphasis on the broad region we already serve, and the expanding array of premium healthcare services we provide. ...
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Making your personal Branson event special

Until now, no major Branson business has specialized in combining all that Branson has to offer, in one place, to specifically help people plan their own personal special event in Branson. That has changed. Branson Tourism Center has established a ...
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Branson ready after major ice storm

An article published at news.branson.com entitled, "Branson's Hot Winter Fun back on track after major ice storm," describes that Branson, Missouri is basically ready to continue to do what it does best, entertain its guests. What's amazing is that it is taking place in spite of just having gone through one of the worst winter storms Branson has seen in decades. ...
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Life on Buffalo Brings [Branson] Crew Together

The all Branson, MO crew of the "Buffalo," which is technically a "mine protective clearance vehicle," is made up of Sgt. Clinton Caperton, the truck commander, Spc. Michael Shields, driver, and Spc. Joseph Thompson, gunner. ...
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AFCO - Branson Airport developer and minority owner

Information on AFCO's web site, regarding its involvement with the Branson Airport, states "In its role as developer, AFCO is responsible for overseeing the design and construction of the project" and that "AFCO has a minority ownership and sits on the board of Branson Airport LLC." ...
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Grand Palace lobby receives extensive water damage

The front end, lobby area, of the Grand Palace suffered extensive water damage sometime prior to the arrival of the Branson Fire Department at 10:45 on Dec. 23. According to Branson Fire Department Division Chief Ted Martin, the department responded because, "Someone had called and said there was water pouring ...
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Branson Grey Line exclusive taxi/shuttle service at Branson Airport

Branson Gray Line, the locally owned and operated transportation experts, will exclusively operate all taxi, shuttle, limousine, luxury coach, charter bus and ground transportation services at the Branson Airport. ...
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GIS maps Branson's future

Copeland said, "GIS is a system of hardware and software used for storage, retrieval, mapping, and analysis of geographic data." He went on to note that in general terms, although most end users, see the data reflected graphically as maps, graphs, diagrams, etc., it is important to realize that everything being seen graphically is ...
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AirTran flies into Branson's future

At 9:57 a.m. a new era in Branson's history began as an AirTran Airways Boeing 717 touched down on the runway and became the first aircraft to officially land at the Branson Airport. ...
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Branson tax revenue reduction indicates caution

While discussing the most recent marketing report from the Branson Lakes/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), it was pointed out that Branson's sales tax revenues were down sharply for the month of October. ...
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Rockaway Beach Texas Hold-em Poker "checks"

Although there will be no buy-ins, custom card guards will be sold for varying amounts and, because those purchasing the card guards were considered "preferred customers," they would be given preferred seating at all tournaments. The prizes to be awarded at each tournament would be determined... ...
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Major Hollister arterial road near completion

Drivers going to and from the Hollister Highway 65 Interchange and the South Town Mall area from the east of Highway 65 will soon have a more efficient way to get there. The North Birch Street extension is currently being paved and, weather permitting is just a few weeks away from being opened to the public. ...
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Skill or gambling Rockaway gets Texas Hold'em Poker?

Rockaway Beach didn't get casino gambling but it just might be getting No Limit Texas Hold'em poker. ...Twin Lakes Card Club is expanding its operation from Arkansas into Missouri and would be offering "No Limit Texas Hold'em Skill Tournaments in Rockaway Beach staarting Dec. 4. ...
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FEMA Hurricane Ike Disaster Recovery Centers Open for limited time

Depending on location, up to six inches of rain and winds gusting over 64 miles per hour hit as the major remnants of the Hurricane Ike passed through the Branson Hollister area between the hours of ...
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Branson questions proposed convention center budget

A primary issue relates to the allocation of expenses between the city owned Convention Center and two private hotels, the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. ...
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Branson's new liquor ordinance implementation moving forward

The city of Branson is moving ahead with the planning and actions necessary to implement its new liquor control ordinances (LCOs). At the Nov. 20 work session meeting of the city of Branson's Board of Aldermen, city Finance Director Lori Helle, gave the board a status report on the process thus far. ...
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Branson parents and teachers batting over "900"

Relatively speaking, if the attendance of parents at the most recent parent teacher conferences for grades K through 8 in the Branson School District, was a batting average, the Branson Schools and the parents of the students in grades K through the Junior High would be in the Hall of Fame with an average of "940." ...
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Branson License bureau closes during transition

...the bureau will be closed on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 20 and 21, for transition to another operator and will reopen, in the same location, on Monday Nov. 24. ...
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Hollister School Board votes to put College District on ballot

Once placed on the ballot it is up to the patrons of the school district as to whether or not the Hollister School District becomes part of the OTC District. Regardless of the outcome, the Hollister School District has no further active roll in the process ...
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OMB seeks retroactive extension to convention center parking lease

Subsection 3.3 of the lease states "This Lease shall terminate in the event that OMB fails to exercise its option to renew during the then current Initial Term or Term. ...
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Branson Convention Center signs threaten selected convention center clients

The content of the temporary signs gave fair warning and did not bode well for those attending the FLW Stren Championship. They read, "Reserved For Ozark Mountain Bank-No Parking for FLW Stren Championship Violators will be towed." ...
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Hollister gains Branson's environmental champion

"Branson's loss is Hollister's gain that's for sure," said Larry VanGilder, the city of Branson's Public Works Director. The "loss" he was referring to was Debbie Redford, the city's long time Environmental Specialist, who will be leaving her position to accept the position of "Public Relations Coordinator and Grant Writer" in the Hollister School District effective Jan. 5, 2009. ...
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A warrior and Branson Junior High honors its Veterans

In a town where there were all sorts of Veteran's ceremonies and remembrances this week, one of the most special took place at the November Citizenship Character Assembly of the Branson Junior High School on Nov. 10 ...
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"Official" Branson website listing responsibility of business

Recently it was noted that not all businesses collecting and paying the retail tourism tax to the city of Branson and the Branson Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District (TCED) are listed on the website billing itself as the "Official Website of Branson, Missouri, www.explorebranson.com (website). ...
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Branson Airport seeks $400,000 in marketing funds from county

Branson Airport, LLC, the owners of Branson Airport, have asked Taney County for over $400,000 to assist in marketing Branson along the routes its carrier or carriers will be flying. ...
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Branson Boulevard becomes a Street and Fall Creek Road extension approved

...whether the street commonly called Forsythe "Street" would be changed to Forsythe "Boulevard." It was no issue until street signs designating the realigned street as "Forsythe Boulevard" showed up when the road was reopened. As a result of the public concern raised City Engineer David Miller went back and researched the name when Forsythe was originally accepted into the city. His research revealed the proper name was "Forsythe Street" not "Boulevard." ...
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"It's just that simple," national carrier networks and low fares key to Branson airport success

And the Survey said, "If there was low cost air service available to Branson from a given area, more people would chose to come to Branson from that area than would otherwise come." Jeff Bourk, Executive Director, Branson Airport, LLC, said, "That's basically the pitch, it's that simple." ...
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Proposition A increases odds against casino gambling in Branson

What the ads don't say is that if passed it will create a virtual casino gambling monopoly for the 13 Missouri communities where casino gambling is currently authorized by drastically increasing the odds against Branson, and other communities which do not currently having casino gambling, from ever getting it. ...
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Decision time for 2009 budget and Fall Creek Road extension

The 2009 Budget and the completion of the Fall Creek Road extension will be major topics of discussion at the Oct. 28 meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen. Both have been major items of discussion and consideration as the budget process has developed. ...
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Branson has $60 million obligation to Branson Airport

The Pay for Performance Agreement Branson has with the Branson Airport LLC (BA) at Branson Creek requires the city of Branson to pay up to $2 million dollars a year for the next 30 years to BA for a potential total $60 million. ...
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Branson Hollister area offers safe Halloween alternatives

Thanks to the efforts of a lot of people, Branson and Hollister area children have a number of opportunities for a safe Halloween alternative to the traditional door to door trick or treating. From trick or treats to a haunted forest and hayrides, area children can have a "Boo of fun" and get lots of treats, all safely and for free. ...
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Branson's 2009 Budget ready for public unveiling

If the budget process is any indication, the "system breakdown" relating to Branson's financial caution light, as explained by City Administrator Dean Kruithof at a meeting on Sep. 7, appears to be well along the way to repair. ...
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"The Pride of Branson" wins Ozark Mountain Marching Festival

Even as the band completed their last marching maneuver and exited the field as the last notes they played faded away over the darkening Ozark hills, those watching knew they had just seen something special. The rest was up to the judges. ...
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Branson's bond rating good but there are concerns

...Capital Improvement Committee received information about the city's bond rating, bonding capacity, debt obligations, and other information that could impact on the city's ability to finance needed capital improvement projects now and in the future. The city's bond consultants told the committee the city's bond rating was "good for a city of this size." ...
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Delays probable but detour on Roark Valley Road postponed

"...met with the contractor this morning and went over a revised phasing of the work on Roark Valley Road and we have come up with a way to modify the schedule and work process that will allow us to leave Roark Valley Road open to traffic until December 1." ...
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Possible delays but detour on Roark Valley Road postponed

...met with the contractor this morning and went over a revised phasing of the work on Roark Valley Road and we have come up with a way to modify the schedule and work process that will allow us to leave Roark Valley Road open to traffic until December 1." ...
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Hollister council receives thanks for Grape Festival Success

...expressed the Chamber's "Sincere gratitude for the City of Hollister's participation in the 2008 Grape and Fall Festival" and its appreciation of "the significant amount of labor, material, and other support that the City contributed to the effort." ...
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Branson seeking volunteers for Stockstill Park cleanup October 7

The city of Branson is once again putting a call out for volunteers to help repair Stockstill Park that was damaged by high winds and flash flooding from hurricane Ike earlier this month. ...
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Branson tourism report indicates continuing challenges

"Consumer economic fundamentals are worrisome and do not bode well for the leisure travel industry in the months ahead," Dan Lennon, Vice President Marketing & Public Relations, Branson Tri Lakes Chamber of Commerce & CVB, told the Branson Board of Aldermen... ...
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Branson board authorizes continuation of necessary and essential expenses

The written staff report introducing the resolution states, "City and State Statutes allow for the continuation of the budget into the following year for good and sufficient reasons. On September 16th the Board of Aldermen and the Branson Finance Committee acknowledged that good and sufficient reasons exist to allow a continuation because of the City Governments financial status." ...
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Branson extends Ward 3 storm debris cleanup deadline

The Branson Public Works Department has extended the special storm cleanup an extra two days due to the volume of limbs and brush residents have set out for the free pickup. That means residents in the city's Ward 3 will have their storm debris collected on Monday and Tuesday, September 29 and 30. ...
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Delay of Fiscal Year 2009 budget & liquor control highlight agenda

...the board will also consider matters relating to delaying the final approval of the city's 2009 fiscal year budget until the end of October and will again address the matter of a new liquor control ordinance. ...
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Hurricane Ike causes Corps to open Table Rock spillway gates

In a year filled with record rainfall and the highest lakes levels ever what wasn't needed by Branson was the rain remnants of Hurricanes "Gustov" and "Ike." By the time Ike had tracked its way through the Ozarks and Branson area lakes were well above their season normal levels ...
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City mourns death of former Branson mayor Lou Schaefer

Lou Schaefer, who served as Branson's mayor during the biggest growth period in the city's history, died early this morning at the age of 80 following an illness. Schaefer was mayor of Branson from 1995 to 2007, and he was the first mayor in Branson's history to be elected for six consecutive terms. ...
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Branson revenue stable but financial system breakdown strains budget

From a financial perspective, although Branson's revenues are stable, its finances will be challenging for the next couple of years as the city repairs what Branson City Administrator Dean Kruithof calls a breakdown of Branson's financial system. ...
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Branson's Fall Creek Extension in budget stress limbo

Whether or not the Fall Creek Road Extension will survive the current budget stress the city of Branson is working through remains in limbo. At its Sep. 8 meeting the Branson Board of Aldermen postponed a bill accepting the bid of Emery Sapp & Sons d/b/a/ ESS Contractor... ...
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Branson city hall and fire station used as collateral on Branson Landing Loan

...entitled "Fund Payback" contained, among other things, a $750,000 per year payment from the city's General Fund to repay a loan taken out for the Branson Landing project using Branson City Hall and the city's newest fire station as collateral for the loan. ...
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Branson board meetings change to Tuesday

the board authorized a change in the day of the week the meetings are held from Monday night to Tuesday night. The change is effective Oct. 1 and will start with the board's first meeting in October scheduled for Tuesday Oct. 14. ...
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Branson detouring traffic on Roark Valley Road at Forsythe

Motorists driving Roark Valley Road need to be aware of a detour set up at the intersection of the newly designed Forsythe Boulevard. A temporary road parallel to Roark Valley is ...
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Unusual Saturday joint budget meeting to be held

... announce an unusual joint budget meeting on Saturday, Sep. 6 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting is unusual in terms of being held on a Saturday, its location, the Branson Rec Plex and that it will be a joint meeting of the city's three standing committees, Personnel, Finance, and Capital Improvements. ...
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Helle hired as Branson finance director

The search for a new finance director for the city of Branson has apparently ended. Lori Helle, the current director of finance and administration for the city of Chesterfield, Missouri has been hired as its new finance director and is expected to start on effective Sep. 22. ...
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Branson entities approve Taneycomo Bridge cost sharing application

Although it's a long way from being a done deal, Branson's new bridge across Lake Taneycomo took another necessary step forward Sep. 2 with the signing of the "MoDOT Partnership Development Cost Sharing Program Application" ...
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Volunteer effort mitigates Lake Taneycomo pollution

Raw untreated sewage has been running into Lake Taneycomo upstream from the city of Branson's drinking water intake for months. The source of the sewage is an area of homes and businesses located ...
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Tragic traffic incident claims life of Hollister Park Director

The city of Hollister lost a friend and valued employee and its park system lost its director, champion, and a primary force behind it planning and expansion. At approximately 12:06 a.m. August 18, Chad Fuqua, Director of Hollister's Park Department, was killed in a tragic traffic incident on Business Highway 65 near the Spirit Shop in Hollister. ...
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Special Prosecutor indicates Pennel's actions "a good heart" not nepotism

...and stating his belief that his investigation "went the extra mile" to find out what happened Cleek said, "I don't believe there's nepotism there." ...
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Pointe Royale golf course excepted from city's tree removal regulations

The Branson Board of Aldermen discovered that not all golf courses in Branson are exempt from Branson's tree removal regulations, just the Pointe Royale Course. The question came up at the boards August 5 work ...
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Branson blasts onto Dean's List

...a "hot list," an all inclusive list that would list the major projects, issues, and other things the city is working on. It was to provide a convenient tool to be used for both knowing what those items are and to follow-up and monitor the progress of those items. ...
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Branson Police "cruise" into increased liquor control during Super Summer Cruise

One major of the effect of the new amendment will be to drastically limit the consumption of intoxicating liquor in parking lots and other public areas adjacent to parade routes unless permission is given by the lawful owner or occupant of the property. ...
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Branson accepts $1 bid and rejects $100,000 bid for Forsythe Street

Nine months after it tore up the road commonly called "Forsythe Street," TanStone Group, LLC appears to have purchased it, from the city of Branson for one dollar even though there was another bid offering $100 thousand for the same property. ...
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Short "Happy Hour" for Branson's new liquor control ordinance?

"Happy Hour" for those wanting to see the sweeping changes proposed by Branson's new liquor control Ordinances (LCOs) should be during the Consent Agenda portion of the July 28 meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen. ...
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Branson's financial caution light could put stop to Fall Creek Road extension

Until recently, it was commonly felt that the final phase would be bid and continue on to completion giving the city of Branson another major north south traffic relief route. ...
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Town Hall Square Park - the spirit of Hollister

...setting of the park, commemorative bricks, its quarter mile walking trail passing over an authentic miniaturized replica of the historic St. James Street Bridge, strategically placed benches, planted trees and the parks distinctive period lighting serve as an ongoing testimony... ...
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Proposed liquor control ordinance proves controversial

One major area of concern was the new position of "Director of Liquor Control. (Director)" authorized by the new LCO. Even a cursory review of the LCO indicates that, within the LCO, the Director has a lot of authority and power. From the very first public comment there were questions on that position its cost, ...
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Corps Plan creates Branson's high lake levels

It is also the year that Branson's average business and citizen first realized, not only the existence of the "regulatory stage" at Newport, AR., but its direct impact on the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) ability to effectively and efficiently reduce the lakes levels of the Branson Tri-Lakes area lakes. ...
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Branson's Financial "Caution Light" still burns brightly

The operating financial condition of the city of Branson in a nutshell is, "Let's be very careful, especially when we have a couple of months coming up where we could see ...
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Branson increases control of solicitation on public property

The city of Branson's newest effort to control the accosting and soliciting of people as they walk down the public sidewalks in historic downtown Branson is but one step away from becoming final as the... ...
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MODOT meeting explains Branson's Taneycomo Bridge options

Both options provided that the Bridge would in fact become a two bridge system consisting of the existing bridge and a new companion bridge that would be constructed on its downstream side. Under both options the existing bridge would remain open while the new companion bridge was constructed. It is estimated that the construction of the new companion bridge would start in the Fall of 2009 and would be completed by the Fall of 2010 ...
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"Kum Ba Ya" theme song for TanStone Development Agreement

After many miscues, meetings and negotiations regarding the TanStone Development on Forsythe Road, a little "kum bay ya" paved the way for the city to "ease" into the final approval of a Development Agreement with TanStone Group LLC (Agreement), the developers of the project. ...
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Branson City attorney and Clerk under board control

The changes to the Branson Municipal Code (BMC) that the board approved on first reading at its June 9 meeting substantially reduces the role of the city administrator in appointing, terminating, and supervising Branson's city clerk and attorney. ...
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Back to drawing board for Branson's solicitation ordinance

After a considerable amount of debate on a change to add a more restrictive definition of "Solicit" to the ordinance at its June 9 meeting, the Branson Board of Aldermen (Board) unanimously voted to postpone any further... ...
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Hollister expands city limits north along Lake Taneycomo

With the voluntary annexation of approximately 4700 feet of Empire District Electric (Empire) property the northern city limits of Hollister have been extended about nine tenths of a mile north along the shores of Lake Taneycomo. The voluntary annexation of the approximately 27 acres, consisting of... ...
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Increased Branson board control over city attorney and clerk proposed

If proposed changes to the Branson Municipal Code (BMC) are enacted, it appears that the role of the city administrator in appointing, terminating, and supervising Branson's city clerk and attorney will be substantially reduced and the roll of the Branson Board of Aldermen... ...
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Easement issue impedes "access" to TanStone Development Agreement

A rose may be a rose, but as the developers of one of Branson's newest proposed developments, the TanStone Development, TanStone Group LLC, are finding out, a rose also has thorns. ...
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Forsythe Road TanStone Development Agreement Near

The Development Agreement will require TanStone to fund and construct both Forsythe Road and the Roark Valley Road improvements with the city reimbursing TanStone's cost for the Roark Valley Road improvements, including financing costs, up to a maximum of the $1,908,610... ...
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Board selects Kruitof for new city administrator

After a long and careful process, the Branson Board of Aldermen has unanimously decided to offer the position of City Administrator to Dean Kruitof, who is currently serving as the Deputy City Administrator in Fort Smith, AR. ...
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Hollister's back door underwater annexation of South Lake Shore Drive

Most of the residents along the southern end of Lake Shore Drive will soon have the city of Hollister as their immediate "back door" neighbor to the west. In fact, if the two voluntary annexations that the Hollister Board ...
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Downtown Branson show owner disputes police claims

When asked if there was any mention of time share or vacation clubs during the show Ehlert responded, "Absolutely none, for 14 years none." ...
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And the survey said...

During March/April ETC Institute, a professional survey, planning and technology company from Olathe, Kansas, conducted and analyzed a detailed community survey for the City of Branson. According to Chris Tatham of ETC, during his overview ...
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Downtown Branson solicitation problems result in proposed ordinance change

The solicitation of tourists on the public sidewalks of downtown Branson by vacation clubs and time share sales personnel may lead to a change in the Branson Municipal code (BMC) to help control the problem. ...
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Branson's Financial Caution Light is on

Amid all the glowing reports of a billion dollar in retail sales and that the bookings at the Branson Convention Center are ahead of what was programmed there appears to be a "Caution Light" starting to blink. ...
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Branson Board considers conflict of interest policy

City Attorney Paul D. Link said, "The general rule on ethics is that if you as an alderman stand to make a financial gain on something then you should abstain from voting." ...
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Developer financing negotiations delays Forsyth Road project tries board's patience

The Branson Board of Aldermen is any indication, no one has a clue when Forsythe Road will reopen and the board is losing patience with the reasons for the delay, financial or otherwise. ...
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Branson honors outgoing aldermen

Branson paused a moment, at the April 16 meeting of its Board of Aldermen, to honor the service of the two aldermen who were leaving the board, Alderman Jack Purvis and Alderman Dick Gass ...
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Flood potential "ain't over till it's over!"

The current flood event didn't start with the torrential rains during the night hours of April 9 into the early morning hours of April 10 nor will it end after the spillway gates on Table Rock Lake are closed, as planned early this week. ...
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Branson-Table Rock Lake - No more "dam" water released until elevation 931

No more additional, water will be released from Table Rock Lake until and unless the lake level rises to an elevation of 931. ...
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One major Branson highway project nears completion as another moves closer to approval

...the project to four lane U.S. Highway 65 south of Brason to the Arkansas boarder (four lane project) is fast nearing completion and that the planning for the design and financing of Branson's Business Highway 65/MO 76 Bridge project and ...
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Hollister Waterpark resort ground breaking to be followed by cinema complex

The Feb. 29 groundbreaking ceremony for Hollister's Wilderness in the Ozarks Waterpark Resort is the first major step in the development of the Hollister Interchange Entertainment District (The Interchange). Another major step will be the building of a 60,000 square foot entertainment center containing a movie complex ...
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Branson Convention Center Manager Retires

Mark Hartman, General Manager, Hiltons of Branson, and the personification of the Hilton image within the Branson community, has announced his retirement effective March 27. ...
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Branson tops 1 Billion in actual retail sales

the total retail sales value for the period was $1,002,591,743. This was up from $920,136,098, or about 9 percent, for the same period in 2006. ...
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Area legislators say Taneycomo Bridge will not be closed!

Representative Wood said that they had been told by MoDOT leadership that the "bridge closing is not an option" and that "something else will be done." ...
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Search for Branson's new city administrator winds down

After a careful and deliberative process to select an executive search firm to handle a nationwide campaign to help the board find and select the best qualified, available, and interested candidate for the job, the process... ...
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Branson's Edwards wins William Jewell humanitarian services award

William Jewell College has announced the recipient of the John and Mary Pritchard Humanitarian Service Award for 2008. This year's award winner is Brittany Edwards of Branson, Mo. ...
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Branson CVB to market Hollister other Taney County tourism entities

Beginning July 1, the Branson/Lakes Area CVB (CVB) will include Hollister, and other tourism related entities located outside the Branson/Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District (the District), in its tourism marketing effort. ...
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Some Branson Landing retailers have concerns others don't

Amid all the great revenue reports on the great sales tax revenues coming from Branson Landing (Landing) there appears to be some businesses, mostly the smaller independent owners or franchisees, who have some concerns. ...
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Branson's Finance Director departs suddenly

Hired to replace the city's former Finance Director, Deanna Schlegel, less than a year ago, Brown's last day on the job was Tuesday, Feb. 12. ...
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MODOT sinks hopes to eliminate Taneycomo Bridge closing

After months of negotiation between the cities of Branson and Hollister, Taney Country and MoDOT's District 8, local officials received word late last week that both District 8 and MoDOT at the state level had decided that MoDOT's portion of the project cost was too much. ...
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Branson CVB sole Branson organization eligible for $660,000 in state tourism funding

Lennon was also quick to stress that the $660,000 would not be available for use until MDT's Fiscal Year which begins on Jul. 1. He also pointed out that to get the $660,000 from MDT the Branson Lakes Area CVB must spend $1.3 million because, in addition to the programs built in maximums, it will only reimburse up to 50 percent of eligible marketing expenses ...
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Independent audit shows "Our house is in good financial shape"

After hearing the summary of the independent audit conducted on the city of Branson for the year Sep. 30, 2007, Alderman Stephen Marshall said, "Our house is in good shape" and that he was pleased... ...
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$200,000 in Branson tourism tax funds might be used to market Stone County

A portion of the retail tourism tax collected by Branson retail establishments, theatres, hotels, motels, restaurants, and attractions for marketing within the Branson/Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District (TCED) may be diverted to market areas outside of the TCED as far away as Galena, Crane,... ...
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Convention Center bookings exceed projections

According to the quarterly report received by the Branson Board of Aldermen at their Jan. 28 meeting, bookings for the Branson Convention Center are exceeding benchmark projections. ...
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Branson Skyscraper Building height issue raised

...requested that the decision that the previous board and mayor made to permit a 300 foot skyscraper to be built on one of Branson's most prominent pieces of land be reversed. ...
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Hollister's new tourism tax effective Apr. 1

The proposed ordinance provides that the 5 percent tax must be collected and paid, on certain transactions, to the city of Hollister by every person engaged in the business renting or leasing ...
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$5.1 million to help bridge the gap for Branson's Taneycomo bridge

Of the $6.6 million left to be funded locally, the $5.1 million authorized by the county leaves a gap of $1.5 million, $2.5 million if the interest cost is factored in. ...
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Branson's city clerk receives professional recognition

It was a night of roses and congratulations when Branson City Clerk Lisa Westfall recently received recognition and certification as a Missouri Registered City Clerk at a recent Branson Board of Aldermen's Meeting but it took a lot ...
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City of Branson and Taney County health departments close to merger

At its Jan. 7 meeting, the Task Force passed a resolution recommending that both the Branson Board of Aldermen and the TCHD Board of Trustees approve an intergovernmental agreement that will, for all practical purposes, merge the city of Branson's Health Department (BHD) and the Taney County Health Department into one... ...
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Major 2007 news story will "bridge" into 2008

The community was almost in shock when, in June, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) announced its intention to close the Business Highway 65/MO 76 Bridge across Lake Taneycomo (the bridge) for a year. The announcement came from MoDOT's District 8 ...
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Branson's elected officials have concerns about new Taneycomo Bridge

Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley recently said that there are some concerns among Branson's elected officials regarding the construction of a new bridge over Lake Taneycomo. ...
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Branson retaining outside company to help oversee convention center management

The city of Branson and the Hilton Hotels Corporation have something in common, neither one has managed a municipally owned convention center before. At its Dec. 18 meeting of the city of Branson's Budget and Finance Committee (the committee) met with members of the Senate Hospitality Group (Senate) to discuss an asset management relationship. ...
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Hollister Santa Tradition Continues

Santa's arrival was delayed about a week because of weather, but when he finally arrived at the Historic Hollister Train Depot on Dec. 16 the kids, parents and grandparents waiting for him did notseem to care. He arrived safely at about 3:00 p.m. in a Western Taney County Fire Protection Rescue Truck with a Hollister police escort. ...
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Ex-Branson alderman wants "in your face" building height reduced

If ex-alderman David Edie's request is honored, the decision that the previous board and mayor made to permit a 300 foot skyscraper to be built on one of Branson's most prominent pieces of land will be reversed. ...
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Hollister road projects address major traffic concerns

When the downtown Lake Taneycomo Bridge was closed for repairs for about a half a day in November, two major areas of traffic congestion were apparent. One was the back up of traffic coming off the south bound Highway 65 ramp to take Business Highway 65 back through Hollister. ...
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Board supports Christmas as part of Ozark Mountain Christmas

"Christmas" has always been an inherent part of Ozark Mountain Christmas now it's official. At the Dec. 10 meeting of the city of Branson's Board of Aldermen,... ...
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Board to decide how much Christmas is in Ozark Mountain Christmas

Alderman Marshall presented a resolution supporting "the celebration of Ozark Mountain Christmas." ...
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Board narrowly supports new Taneycomo Bridge

By the narrowest of margins, Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley breaking a 3 to 3 tie vote of the city of Branson's Board of Aldermen, the board voted to support the building of a new bridge across Lake Taneycomo just north of the current Business Highway 65/M ...
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Branson's Board to consider three financial support requests totaling $119,000

At its Nov. 26 meeting, the Branson Board of Aldermen might set a record for the number of requests for funding from the city's Tourism Tax Contingency Fund (the fund) ever handled at one meeting. The board will consider two new requests and give its init ...
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City of Branson prepared for "Blitz" Friday Shopping

This is the 11th year for the Thanksgiving Traffic Solution that involves extra police officers at the 11 busiest intersections directing traffic, and public works employees wearing orange vests located around the city to distribute city maps, provide dir ...
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Taneycomo Bridge to be closed for 14 hours starting at 11 a.m. on Nov. 12

...The Business Highway 65/MO 76 Bridge across Lake Taneycomo between Hollister and Branson will be closed for repairs for 14 hours between 11:00 a.m. Nov. 12 and 1:00 a.m. Nov. 13." ...
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Taneycomo bridge problems could cause Fall 2008 closure

The bridge's deck is deteriorating, the Missouri Department of Transportation [MoDOT] has about $5.5 million for the rehabilitation of the bridge, it will be necessary to close the bridge for about a year to make the repairs, and those repairs could begin ...
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Branson retail sales to top $1 Billion

...at a billion dollars gross retail sales for the Fiscal Year. That's about $200 million over the best of any previous year. ...
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Branson's Veterans Homecoming in full swing

...the nation's largest Veterans Day event Nov. 5-11 as it holds its 14th annual Veterans Homecoming. The formal event grew from a Branson history and tradition of honoring veterans and is highlighted by the annual Veterans Day parade that has been held i ...
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Will the Christmas stars shine in Branson?

The Christmas stars that have lit up the Ozarks Mountain Christmases of the past might not be shining as brightly this Christmas, if at all... ...
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City obligated to pay up to $425,000 per year for Branson Landing maintenance

...that the city of Branson is paying $115,000 in fees for the maintenance of some common areas in Branson Landing. In addition to the up to $310, 000 per year the city is obligated to pay for the operation and maintenance of the Branson Landing Fountains ...
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Branson Board approves trail expansion, vests for police

The trail would be on the south side of the creek, from near the pedestrian bridge to the west boundary of the park and could eventually extend to the west, as additional easements are obtained, and connect to Henning Conservation Area. ...
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Preservation and parking among major concerns of Historic Downtown Branson Business Owners

The group expressed concern about the preservation of some of the downtowns remaining historical sites. They said projects to preserve these sights would require funding and the mayor was asked ...
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Branson's TanStone permits in place, tree fine tops $36,000

According to a presentation given by city of Branson staff members, all the appropriate permits for excavation, tree removal, and blasting were in effect when work started on the TanStone Plaza commercial ...
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Branson board takes steps to increase visitor parking in the historic downtown area

With the completion of construction and the recent openings of both the new garage and the Branson Convention Center, the city of Branson's board of aldermen took steps to expand the availability of parking in the downtown area. ...
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Cost of alternatives to Branson's Taneycomo bridge closing range from $13 to 36.8 million

In the final analysis, the inconvenience to local residents and users of the Business Highway 65/MO 76 Bridge across Lake Taneycomo between Hollister and Branson will be directly related to the funding available to correct the bridges deteriorating deck a ...
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Parking issue for downtown businesses to be addressed by Branson's aldermen

...the City intends that the top level of the Reish Garage and the spaces in the parking lot commonly known as the "Awbery Lot, at the southwest corner of Atlantic and Commercial Streets," shall remain free and open on a first come first-served basis ...
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Business 65 Taneycomo Bridge safe but functionally obsolete and structurally deficient

The "functionally obsolete" and "structurally deficient" but safe condition of the Business Highway 65/MO 76 Bridge across Lake Taneycomo will be the major topic of a Missouri Department of Transportation, MoDOT Value Engineering Study next week in Spring ...
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Branson Landing flood plan map revisions not a life safety issue

...the lower portion of the buildings remaining in the flood plain, such as parking garages, loading docks, and storage areas, will require additional dry or wet flood proofing documentation in order to bring them into compliance with the City's floodplai ...
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Branson board postpones action on business district skateboard ordinance

Is a skateboard a bicycle? The answer to that question, as well as some other apparent points of confusion on the ordinance, caused the city of Branson's board of aldermen to postpone action... ...
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Bookings climb quickly for Branson Convention Center

The booking pace for events coming to the new Branson Convention Center is picking up and is in line to exceed projections. In an update report to the city of Branson's board of aldermen at their regular Aug. 13 business meeting, Mark Hartman, General Man ...
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MoDOT study to determine if, and how long, Branson's Taneycomo Bridge will be closed

Whether or not the Business Highway 65/MO 76 Bridge across Lake Taneycomo will be closed and, if it is, for how long has not yet been determined. It is but one factor that will be considered as the Missouri Department of Transportation, MoDOT, conducts a ...
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Will $1.1 million microstudy answer Branson's $1 million mass transit question?

Is there a mass transit bus system in Branson's future? If the "million dollar" question can be answered there just might be, and it might be a lot closer than a lot of people think. ...
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Separation agreement for Branson city administrator, Terry Dody, effective Jul. 31.

A press release from the city of Branson announces the departure of Terry Dody, ten year employee and city administrator since January 2000." ...A separation agreement was drafted last week and approved by Branson Alderman yesterday. Mr. Dody's last day i ...
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A rating of 3 out of 9 doesn't mean Lake Taneycomo Bridge isn't safe

The bridge's substructure, including piers and arches, is rated a 6, the deck, including the surface that vehicles drive on, is rated a 3, and its super structure, including the columns coming up off the arches is rated a 3. He went on to point out that t ...
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Ex Branson city administrator gets $151, 278 and no formal performance evaluations

City of Branson press release announcing departure of Terry Dody, city administrator does not mention just how much the separation would cost the city of Branson and the fact that it insured that no current employee performance evaluations would be part ...
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Current city ordinances provide city minimal ability to regulate liquor and alcohol

The city of Branson's board of aldermen held a special meeting at 10:30 a.m. on July 30 for the purpose of discussing the city's liquor license policy and to review and approve current applications for liquor licenses submitted to the city of Branson befo ...
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State enforcement agency admits that Branson Landing kiosk beer permit vague

Representatives of the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control stated their opinion that they could not enforce perimeter or premises violations against the licensees of the "Chicago Dogs Kiosk" in Branson Landing as the license is currently writ ...
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Branson Water and sewer rate increases and beer on tap for next Branson aldermen meeting

ole-seagull-branson-beer-landing-aldermen-mayor=raeanne-presley-alcohol-beverages-water-sewer-rates-Missouri-Division-Alcohol--Tobacco-Control ...
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Branson alderman warns city administrator and attorney about erroneous information

Things really heated up at the Jul. 17 work session meeting of the city of Branson's board of aldermen as Alderman Stephen Marshall suggested that he had been given erroneous information by city attorney Paul Link and warned city administrator Terry Dody ...
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Andrea Cantu -Teenager missing in Branson since Jun. 14

Tradition of Heros - Armed Forces Day Ceremony

Armed Forces Day, a tradition of heroes, will be commemorated in Branson on Saturday, May 19, at 9:45 a.m. in the fountain area at Branson Landing with Col. Steve Danner of... ...
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Branson Busts Gas Prices Again

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB is responding to increasing gas prices by offering visitors to Branson a Gas Buster discount card, accepted at dozens of live shows, area attractions, lodging properties, retail shops and restaurants, worth a ...
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Whisper Cove - Branson's newest and most unique Table Rock Lake development

A mixed-use residential resort development on Table Rock Lake off Highway 265 between Table Rock Dam and Highway 376. The development is only two miles from Branson's entertainment and attractions and provides the closest Table Rock Lake area access point ...
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