News To Me

By Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagull, Editor
12/31/2005


A November 5, Washington Post article, entitled “It's a Victory for People Like Us,” was about why Carey and Tara Leslie, the mother and father of three children, voted for George W. Bush as president. The article used the Leslies to illustrate the 77 percent of, “the millions of voters, who describe themselves as ‘white evangelicals,’” who voted for Bush and who “said that moral values was the single issue that mattered most to them.”

The article pointed out that, “They are precisely the people that the Bush campaign built its reelection strategy on.” The type of people “who would put faith-based moral values above every other consideration when it came time to vote, including the war in Iraq, terrorism, the economy and, in the Leslies' case, a life that has been in financial peril since Sept. 11, 2001.”

“But Seagull why would millions of people vote for a President based on faith and moral values?”

“Fear of the moral direction that their nation is headed and the persistent and increasing pressures to remove all vestiges of their God and His spirit from public life and government.”

It was the one of the few opportunities, where the average citizen felt that they could be heard and do something to help reverse the downward moral spiral that our nation is in today. From the removal of prayer from our schools to the taking of “Christmas” out of Christmas they are frustrated with being offended in the name of offending someone else all under the banner of “constitutional rights” and being “politically correct.”

“Well, that’s all well and good but what does that have to do with Branson?”

“Branson’s future depends on the support of the same type of people who reelected George W. Bush as president.”

“Do you mean those ‘white evangelicals’ to whom moral values are the single issue that mattered most?”

“No, any Christian who gives moral values a high priority.”

The recent branding study conducted under the auspices of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and paid for by the City of Branson indicated that the strongest “identifier” people had with the “Branson brand” was values. Predicated in large part on “the character, personality and values of the Branson community” the study developed a marketing tool called “The Branson Promise.”

Although not the sole marketing tool that will attract the new visitors “The Branson Promise” is certainly a tool that will be used in that endeavor and one that the study says “Is the glue that holds the Branson experience together” for the “Loyals” who return to Branson.

Upon what is “the character, personality and values of the Branson community,” the “faith” referred to in “The Branson Promise,” and the “glue” that will make the visitors return to Branson based? An Ole Seagull would respectfully suggest that it is based on the same values that got George W. Bush reelected, the values of those who believe that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

“Isn’t that a little radical Seagull?”

“No, its Branson’s blessing.”

Interestingly enough, the article closed with Cary Leslie saying, “Jobs will come and go. But your character -- you have to hang on to that, it's what you're defined by.” As Branson heads into 2005, an Ole Seagull would pray that it would hang on to its unique character and profess it to the world because it is what we are defined by, what makes Branson the unique place that it is.

“Now Seagull, you need to be careful. If we have gospel songs or hold the name of Christ up as part of our shows, say “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holidays” or take a stand against shows that have off color jokes, etc. we might offend someone.”

“No, they will offend themselves.”

Mark Hartman Named General Manager of New Hilton Branson Landing Project

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 15, 2005--Hilton announced today that Mark Hartman has been named general manager of the new Hilton Branson Landing project that, when complete, will feature a 243-room boutique hotel, a 290-room convention hotel and a 225,000 square foot convention center to be operated by Hilton. Branson Landing is a 95-acre shopping, living and entertainment development on the waterfront in Branson, Missouri. The boutique hotel is set to open in June 2006, followed by the convention hotel and convention center in 2007.

A Hilton veteran for 22 years with extensive experience in opening new properties, Hartman joins the Branson Landing project from the Doubletree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center on Chicago's North Shore, where he has served as general manager since December 2003. In his new capacity, Mark will report to Tim Benolken, area vice president for Hilton's North Central Region.

Hartman began his hospitality career in 1983 at the Guest Quarters Suite Hotel in Atlanta as director of sales. In 1986, he joined the Compri Hotel as director of operations and director of accommodations. In 1988, he joined Doubletree Hotels, where he served in a variety of director-level roles at properties throughout the United States. He became rooms division manager of the Doubletree Hotel & Conference Center St. Louis in 1991, and then got his first general manager position in 1992 at the Doubletree Club Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina. He also served as general manager for Doubletree properties in Cincinnati, Dayton, St. Louis, Chicago, and, most recently, served as general manager for the Doubletree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center on Chicago's North Shore.

Hartman received his Bachelor of Science degree in agronomy from the University of Georgia at Athens.

Hilton Hotels Corporation is recognized internationally as a preeminent hospitality company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises approximately 2,300 hotels, resorts and vacation ownership properties. Its portfolio includes many of the world's best known and most highly regarded hotel brands, including Hilton(R), Conrad(R), Doubletree(R), Embassy Suites Hotels(R), Hampton Inn(R), Hampton Inn & Suites(R), Hilton Garden Inn(R), Hilton Grand Vacations Club(R) and Homewood Suites by Hilton(R).

Church reaching out to Hispanics

Sacred Heart has a plan for how to help immigrants, but it is lacking the funds.


Hispanics and the Catholic Church

# Percentage of U.S. Catholic population growth since 1960: 71

# Percentage of U.S. Catholics who are Hispanic: 39

# Percentage of Hispanics who are Catholic (2002): 72.6

# Approximate number of U.S. parishes with Hispanic ministry: 4,000

# Percentage of U.S. parishes with majority Hispanic presence: 20.6

# Number of Hispanic priests in the United States: 2,900

# Number of active Hispanic bishops: 25


Source: The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Web site
Want to go?

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development will host the following meetings open to the public:

# At 9 a.m. today at The Kitchen, at 420 E. Commercial St., to discuss the rehabilitation ministry at The Kitchen.

# At 7:30 p.m. today at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Branson to discuss the unskilled workers moving to Branson in search of jobs. The local Catholic churches are in the early stages of examining this issue.

• Police look at selling plane

• Strafford aldermen to vote on library branch

• Annual event a warm-up for rockhounds

• Church reaching out to Hispanics

• Swimmer's ear caused when bacteria grow in ear canal

• Catch a game and good food at Cooper Field

• Sitting on Capitol Hill

• Stuff to do

• Fun stuff

• Tell us about your WiFi experience


• School board to reject higher levy

• More people now eligible to donate blood

• Teens offer alternative to booze, drug use

• Panel backs away from endorsing closure of 3 schools

• Victory Mission helps kids get ready for school

• Three girls suspected in vandalism

• Kindergarten students more violent, teachers say

Juliana Goodwin
News-Leader

Members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Springfield have studied the needs of Hispanic immigrants. They have a plan to help. They just aren't sure how they will pay for it.

"This is a poor parish and we are struggling," said Sister Laureana Perez, "but it is the poor who help the poor."

Sacred Heart has seen its Latino congregation dramatically grow over the past six years, with more than 250 Hispanics packing the church for its Spanish-language Sunday Mass.

Two years ago, Sacred Heart formed a committee to better understand the needs of recent Hispanic immigrants and how the church might help.

They held meetings and interviews in both English and Spanish.

It wasn't easy, said Rolanda Avila, a committee member.

"Some were reluctant to share information because of fear of being deported. Some were hard to reach," she said.

Olga Kilmer, another member, agreed that gaining trust was a serious roadblock.

"The immigrants who come here have been through so much. Many times they are mistreated. They have struggled and don't know who to trust," Kilmer said.

On Sunday during a meeting with parishioners and two staff members from the national offices of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, the committee explained what is needed to help immigrants transition into society.

The committee found three things the church could do to help:

# An information center to assist Hispanics with basic information when they arrive in the area;

# Additional English as a Second Language classes, including computer-assisted classes that would not require a teacher;

# Assistance with legal immigration paperwork and services.

Avila said the committee found two types of Latino workers come to this area: those who are promised jobs and those in search of jobs.

Those in search of a job tend to face more challenges.

The information center would offer basic information on how to open a bank account, how to find an apartment, how to wire money and where to grocery shop, Emge said.

"They don't know where to go or how to rent a house," said Perez.

"It is awful the way some of them have to live. The health care is a serious problem. They have to wait until they are practically dying to get attended."

Many new immigrants do not have and cannot afford health care, she said.

Armida Lopez said the information center would also help people find a physician.

The church currently offers English lessons, but wants to expand this to computerized tutorials so people who work late, such as construction workers, can still learn English.

The last prong of the plan is to provide legal services and help with immigration paperwork.

Representatives from CCHD said they were impressed with the grass-roots effort and commitment from members of the church.

"What made the best impression on me is people just didn't decide what they want, they asked others what they need, which is at the heart of our program," said Lee Anne Adams, economic development specialist with CCHD.

As it stands now, the three-point plan is still a dream. The church is in the middle of a construction project but cannot fund it fully. Construction costs have escalated to $1.7 million from $1 million originally.

For the church's Hispanic plans to become a reality, it needs more money, volunteers, and training, Kilmer said.

Every November, Catholic churches across the country take up collections to help fund the CCHD campaign and those funds are later distributed in the form of grants. The representatives are visiting various churches and organizations in the area.

Founded in 1969, the CCHD is the domestic anti-poverty, social justice arm of the U.S. Catholic bishops, formed to tackle the root causes of poverty in America.

The church is considering applying for a grant from CCHD, but had not done so yet. Don Emge, director of Social Ministry at Sacred Heart, said first he wants the representatives of CCHD to understand what the church is doing.

Sister Perez was not sure where the funds would come from or how their dream would become a reality, but she believes it will.

"We will do all we can to start this center and see it come to fruition," Perez said.

I don't believe this post will ever be removed from the New York Times.

This page will never be removed from the New York Times. It is a part of history.

FROM DRUDGE MANIFESTO
By Matt Drudge and Julia Phillips
December 23, 1999
Hollywood, CA

[BOOT UP]

This is the most exciting moment in the history of News.

Anyone from anywhere can cover anything.

And send it out to everyone.

Reports on last hour's 8.7-mag. quake in The Kodiak Islands of Alaska, tomorrow's firing of ConnieChung from THECBSEVENINGNEWS, or next week's NEWSWEEK’s spiking of a piece on past Presidential predilection for penile pumping by plump, politically-placed, post-pubescent White House Pretties can be dispatched faster than an incoming inter-continential blistered nuke. Fired from Pakistan, compliments of U.S. tech stolen by China, sold to Iran, transferred from Russia on Taiwanese hardware processed by Israeli software.

Hey, it’s The Zeroes.
Just hit the ENTER button.
I have. And lived to sell the tale.

If I'm not interesting, the world's not interesting.

If the DRUDGE REPORT is boring, the world is boring.

It’s Zero, Babies.
And if I’m boring, you’re boring.

24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a 12-month year, 10 years a decade, 10 decades a century and 10 centuries a millennium, as far as a chip can see, wire services from all over the world move raw data…all over the world!

I can access, edit, headline and…link to it all!

Throw it up on a website and wait for you to come.

I’ve reported when, how, and what I’ve wanted.
My only limitations have been those I’ve created.
There’s been no editor, no lawyer, no judge, no president to tell me I can’t.
And there never will be.

Technology has finally caught up with individual liberty.

On the boulevards, we call it “freedom of the brain”.

In this post-satellite dish era - when individuals can broadcast their wetdreams with neither a license nor a handbook of regulations issued by Government - The Elites, fearing loss of power, see chaos and anarchy.

I see only sunshine.

The world is interesting, I’m interesting, you’re interesting.

It all starts with the wires. It all ends with the wires.

Information being power and all.

A random Associated Press NewsAlert© begets CNNBreakingNews© begets Reuters© begets Rush Limbaugh©. If the Alert™ becomes A Story after 157 minutes, it’ll beget 20/20DatelineEntertainmentTonight60Minutes®. If it lasts 3¼ days, it’ll run above the fold in TheNewYorkTimes® and below in TheNationalEnquirer™. Give it two weeks and someone at the New Yorker© will pound out a re-write, win a Pulitzer©. A month, and ScottRudinSherryLansingHarveyWeinstein(sm) options it for PaltrowDamonMingella® or P.T. Anderson©, thinking Oscar© just as David E. Kelley©, demanding Emmy, races a secret script for a series starring SomeoneSuperSkinny[PatentPending]. Still bouncing in six months? Billboard© pronounces SonyMottolaLaurynHill’s© rap will wrap up Grammy®. A year in, PrNewswire© reports DonDeLillo’s© handed in his first 1000 pages on a National Book Award Winner® that began…with the stray AP NewsAlert© a thousand cycles ago.

Welcome to the Zeroes, pal.

You’ll get it where you want it.

The buffet’s bigger than at WynnBellagio©.

I like to start the meal with the XINHUA wire from China mixed with KYODO from Japan.

A soupcon of AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE stirred with ITAR-TASS from Moscow.

ISLAMIC REPUBLIC wire for curry and the JERUSELUM POST for matzo.

NORTH KOREAN CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY when it’s cold.

UK’s PRESSASSOCIATION when it’s wet.

AdAgeDeadlineE!ChannelBskyBBBCFoxNews if I’m lonely.

DeutschePresse-AgenturMSNBCHollywoodReporter when I’m blue.

It’s always waiting for you.

Anywhere you want it. You can get it.

For the first time in the history of communication, you don’t have to live in a corporate “newsroom” for access to instant information. With a modem, a phone jack, and an inexpensive computer, your newsroom can be your living room, your bedroom… your bathroom, if you’re so inclined.

You can take on the Big Boys between flushes.

You can beat CNN to the announcement of Princess Diana’s death by eight minutes, as I once did, thanks to an e-tip from a reporter on the scene.

As They debate, edit, re-write, fix ‘n’ figure what the real slant is, you’ve reported it and graduated it.

Dished it, dismissed it, moved it.



And proved it.



-----------------------------------

Miss you like crazy, Julia.

Drudge
January 03, 2002
Miami Beach

Blunt Appoints Hartzler to Missouri Women's Council
The Council is comprised of 15 members, of which 11 are appointed by the governor.


Harrisonville, MO - infoZine - Gov. Matt Blunt announced the appointment of Vicky J. Hartzler as chairwoman of the Missouri Women's Council.

Hartzler, 44 of Harrisonville, is co-owner of Hartzler Equipment Company and Hartzler Farms, Inc. Hartzler holds a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Missouri- Columbia and a master's in education from Central Missouri State University. Hartzler represented the 124th House District from 1995 through 2001.

The Missouri Women's Council was established in 1985 by the State's 83rd General Assembly to identify and address issues affecting the economic and employment status of women in Missouri.

Hartzler's appointment is subject to Senate confirmation for a term ending on Dec. 6, 2007. She replaces Kimberly Carlos who resigned

Posted on Sun, Aug. 07, 2005




NEWS FROM ACROSS MISSOURI


News from across Missouri


boonville

BOOKKEEPING CRISIS — Boonville City Administrator Selby Myers is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the city’s newly hired bookkeeper.

When Myers started in November 2004, the city’s books were several months behind and financial statements had not been prepared for some time. Myers’ predecessor, Tracy Walkup, was fired by the council in the spring of 2004. “I have no idea when we will be caught up,” he said.

columbia

TEEN NOT INEBRIATED — An 18-year-old who drowned in the Douglass Park swimming pool in June was not intoxicated, an autopsy report said.

Police said Omarr Burress, whose mother said he couldn’t swim, scaled a 7-foot iron fence to get into the pool after playing basketball with friends June 24.

dixon

OFFICER CHARGED — A police officer is accused of threatening his wife and striking his stepson.

James Scott Rhodes, 36, was charged with second-degree domestic assault. Rhodes’ wife, Loretta Rhodes, 34, said James Rhodes dragged her out of the truck she had been driving and struck his 17-year-old stepson in the forehead.

jefferson city

OPEN CONTAINER BAN — The City Council last week adopted ordinances aimed at strengthening the city’s liquor license regulations.

The council made it illegal to have an open container of alcohol on a city street, sidewalk or parking lot. Until now, police officers had to catch an offender taking a sip to write a ticket.

st. louis

DJS FIRED — A hip-hop radio station said it fired two of its radio personalities after an on-air discussion last month of ways to fight police officers.

The disc jockeys — whose professional names are DJ Kaos and DJ Sylli Asz — and callers to their morning show discussed how to fight for an officer’s radio so the officer can’t call for help. The comments were made eight days after a police sergeant was killed in Kirkwood.

TANEY COUNTY

WEST NILE WARNING — Several hundred mosquitoes collected from Taney County have tested positive for West Nile virus, prompting health officials to urge the public to take extra precautions.

According to officials with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, mosquitoes tested positive in 12 out of nearly 100 pools.

van buren

NEW JUDGE ASSIGNED — A Cape Girardeau County judge has been assigned to preside over the case of Lance D. Shockley, a 28-year-old Van Buren man accused of gunning down a Missouri Highway Patrol sergeant in his driveway.

A judicial assignment was filed last month with the circuit court in Carter County naming Presiding Circuit Judge William L. Syler to the case. Presiding Circuit Judge R. Jack Garrett recused himself on July 22.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
— Boonville Daily News — Columbia Daily Tribune — The Associated Press — Jefferson City News Tribune — The Associated Press — Branson Daily News — Daily Dunklin Democrat

Friday, August 12, 2005
Subscribe to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch











SITE SEARCH >> STORY FINDER







NEWS SUBSECTIONS


ST. LOUIS CITY / COUNTY


METRO EAST


ST. CHARLES


JEFFERSON COUNTY


MISSOURI STATE NEWS


ILLINOIS STATE NEWS


NATION


WORLD


NEWSWATCH


EDUCATION


SCIENCE & MEDICINE


DEATHS & OBITUARIES


COMMUTING & TRAFFIC


COLUMNISTS


EDITORIAL / COMMENTARY


SPECIAL REPORTS


PHOTO GALLERIES


CORRECTIONS


NEWS OF THE WEIRD


P-D ARCHIVES










JOURNAL HIGHLIGHTS


YOUR JOURNAL


ST. LOUIS' BEST BRIDAL









INTERACT


CONTESTS


EVENT CALENDAR


FORUMS


GET RSS FEEDS


MAPS & YELLOW PAGES


PERSONALS


SIGN UP FOR
E-MAIL ALERTS















News > St. Louis City / County > Story

Missouri's Hispanic population continues to boom
By Kim Bell
Of the Post-Dispatch
08/11/2005

The Hispanic population in Missouri grew by nearly 25 percent between 2000 and 2004, according to figures released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The bureau accounted for 148,201 Hispanics living in Missouri in the population estimates of July 1, 2004. That's an increase of 29,584 since 2000.

"They've continued at an impressive rate," said Daryl Hobbs, senior research associate at the University of Missouri's Office of Social and Economic Data Analysis. "It's a large increase. But the Hispanic population is still only 2 percent of the population of the state."

Hobbs said his office put together a Missouri map with census figures showing that all but 11 counties in the state saw an increase in the number of Hispanics. Advertisement


"Nothing on that map surprises me," he said. "The patterns of growth are very similar to what they were between 1990 and 2000."

In that decade, Missouri's Hispanic population grew to 118,000 from about 60,000, he said.

The Census Bureau's report, released Thursday, focused on county and state population estimates by age, sex, race and Hispanic origin. Hispanics, who may be of any race, are the fastest-growing minority group nationwide. In fact, they accounted for half of America's total population change from 2003 to 2004.

The bureau's figures also show that Texas has now joined California, Hawaii and New Mexico as states where minorities make up more than 50 percent of the population.

Illinois counted 1.7 million Hispanics in 2004, compared with 1.5 million in 2000.

Matthew Christenson, a demographer with the Census Bureau, said the population estimates for Hispanics try to take into account undocumented migrants. "However, we need to take (estimates) with a grain of salt because it's a difficult enterprise, and we don't have a good handle on the numbers of undocumented migrants," he said.

What's bringing Hispanics to the Show-Me State? Jobs - first and foremost, Hobbs says.

In the rural pockets of Missouri, such as Barry and McDonald counties, Hispanics largely come for jobs at poultry processing plants. But nearly three of every four Hispanics in Missouri live in a metro area. In mid-Missouri's Boone and Cole counties, "what's driving it are the jobs in health care and education. There's a need for a lot of support services, laundry, maintenance," Hobbs said.

Jackson County, which includes Kansas City in western Missouri, has traditionally been a draw for Hispanics. The census numbers account for 43,000 Hispanics in that county. St. Louis County has the second-highest concentration of Hispanics, with 17,244.

Haniny Hillberg, who helps organize the annual St. Louis Hispanic Festival, has been in St. Louis for more than 30 years. She said St. Louis lacks a barrio for its Hispanics like Kansas City has, but she still sees a constant migration to this area.

She says she has known about 200 Hispanics who have moved to the city in the last four years. They come from Texas, Florida, Chicago.

"They come for better opportunities in the Midwest," she said. "During the summer, they find jobs in landscaping. People treat them very nice."

Hillberg, 57, of Florissant, said Hispanics "are exposed to Spanish language 24 hours a day, seven days a week in places like Chicago and Texas and Florida. Here in Missouri, you're forced to learn English because you have families, and you need to educate them."

Elisa Bender, 29, of St. Charles, is Hillberg's daughter. She said St. Louis' cost of living is lower than that of other large U.S. cities, and St. Louis has more rural areas nearby that provide farm work. She said the Hispanic communities in the St. Louis area can be found near Cherokee Street in St. Louis and in Fairmont City, Ill. St. Ann, Overland and the St. Charles area also have growing Hispanic populations.

Steve Bolhafner of the Post-Dispatch news research department contributed to this report.

Cities, counties to appoint tax board members

By Cliff Sain
BDN Staff Writer


A board trying to place a tourism tax on the November ballot will be undergoing some changes.

The Branson/Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement Board of Directors decided this week how it will transition from a board appointed mostly by chambers of commerce, to a board appointed entirely by cities and counties.

The board had to choose whether to simply allow chamber appointees' terms to expire naturally, or whether the chamber appointees should resign at the end of the month when new legislation goes into effect requiring the change in appointments.

"We chose option A," board President Kent Turner said.

The board is working to place an issue on the Nov. 8 election ballot that would, if approved, raise an additional $6 million a year to promote the Branson area. If approved, the legislation would allow a one-cent sales tax to be collected within a district that includes Branson, Silver Dollar City, Indian Point Village and State Park Marina. Only residents of the district will vote on the issue. The tax would not apply to hotels, theaters and ticketed attraction within the Branson city limits, because they already pay a four-cent tourism tax.

The tourism board would then take on the responsibility of determining what company would decide how to best spend the money.

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is the entity that administers the current tourism tax, which generates approximately $2.4 million a year.

This will be the second attempt for the tax, which fell to defeat in February 2002. This time around, the tourism board worked to have state legislation changed that would make the tax more appealing to voters. In addition to making the board more accountable to elected officials, the tax will also go almost entirely to tourism marketing, rather than other community programs.

The current board has five members, with two appointed by the Branson chamber, one by the Indian Point Chamber of Commerce, one by the city of Branson and one by the village of Indian Point. Two of the chamber appointees still have two years remaining on their three-year terms.

The board will now expand to seven members, with three appointed by the city of Branson, two by Indian Point, one by the Taney County Commission and one by the Stone County Commission.



One of the concerns with the transition process was maintaining a fair balance of members. Because of the way the legislation is worded, in 2007, Branson will end up with four of the seven board members, before dropping back to three in 2008, when the transition will be complete.

"The only way around that is if the city voluntarily surrenders an appointment for that year," Turner said.

Branson Communications Director Jerry Adams said it would be up to the city's Board of Aldermen to do that.

"The board of aldermen have not made a decision on appointments to the board," he said.




Story created Aug 12, 2005 - 09:46:00 CDT.

Branson Shows



THE GRAND PALACE

• Hot acts to take stage at Missouri State Fair

• 'Branson Jubilee' musical special coming to PBS

• 'Seascape' raises relationship questions

• First meal of Korean food tasty

• Quiet times add depth to crime film

• Film shows pope's struggles with Nazis, communists

• Area artists showcased in Missouri 50

• Moonlight Tour Benefit car show

• Orchestra auditions held

• Stones song not directly aimed at Bush, Jagger says


• Fine dining, with emphasis on fine

• Park Day a time to remember

• Theater a jewel in Harrison

• Longtime R&B band comes home to jam

• Campout perfect for music fans

• Rowdy 'Wedding Crashers' delivers fun summer comedy

• 'Dukes' stupid from start to finish

• Move, learn and play this weekend

• Outdoor Cinema Visit galleries tonight

• Free stuff

• Kidz Zone debuts at the 69th annual Ozark Empire Fair

• Cave a place of legendary beauty

• Free stuff

• Faith onstage

• Event aims to get kids outdoors

• Triple serving of fun coming up in Ozark

• 'Penguins' a rare treat

• 'Sky High' outlandishly fun flick

• Founders Park fun Charity rides

• Grandstand entertainment caters to variety of tastes



Here's a look at this season's shows and their times. Call ahead if you are going to see a specific show at a specific time.
Acrobats of China featuring the New Shanghai Circus: At the show's namesake theater. 336-8888, 1-877-212-4462 or www.acrobatsofchina.com.

Act of God (musical): At the Musical Palace. Shows at 10 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday through Dec. 10. 339-1960, www.actofgodbranson.com.

Bob Anderson Show: At Club Vegas, inside the Lodge of the Ozarks. Shows at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. 334-7535 or 1-877-574-8227.

Baldknobbers Jamboree: At Baldknobbers Theater. Shows at 8 p.m. (preshow at 7:15 p.m.) Monday through Saturday through Dec. 17 (closed Oct. 31-Nov. 3). 334-4528 or www.baldknobbers.com.

Moe Bandy: At the Moe Bandy Theater. Shows at 8 p.m. Sunday through Friday. 334-5333, 1-888-322-6394 or www.moe bandy.com.

The Biggest Magic ... Brett Daniels & Kirby VanBurch: At the Grand Palace. Shows at 2 and/or 8 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday through Oct. 30. 336-1220, 1-800-884-4536 or www.thegrand palace.com.

Bounce, the All-American Basketball Show: At the Legends Family Theater. Shows at 12:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday through Aug. 13. 339-3003, 1-800-374-7469, www.bounceshow.com.

The Branson Follies: Starting Sept. 13 at the Follies Theatre. 335-2000.

Braschler Music Show: At Hamner Barber Theater. Shows at 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 8 p.m. on Sunday through Dec. 16. 334-4363 or 1-800-789-7001 or www.braschlermusicshow.com.

Breakfast with Mark Twain and Norman Rockwell: At Owen's Theatre. Shows at 10 a.m. (breakfast at 9 a.m.) Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday through Dec. 31. 336-2112, 1-800-358-4795 or www.bransonsuperstars.com.

Brett Family Singers: At the Legends Family Theater. Shows at 10 a.m. Monday-Saturday. 336-4222, www.brettfamily.com.

Broadway! The Star-Spangled Celebration: At Branson Variety Theater. Shows at 10 a.m., 2 or 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday through Dec. 11 (Christmas show with Jimmy Osmond starts Nov. 1). 334-2500, 1-888-462-7267 or www.bransonvarietytheater.com.

Les Brown and the Band of Renown: At the Mickey Gilley Theatre. The season resumes in Sept. 28 and runs through Dec. 11. 334-3210, 1-800-334-1936 or www.gilleys.com.

Celebrate America: At Mansion America Theater. Shows at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday through Dec. 18. 239-1333, 1-866-707-4100 or www.mansionamerica.com.

Christmas Dreams: Starting Nov. 3 at the Grand Palace. Shows at 3 and 8 p.m. through Dec. 12. 336-1220, 1-800-884-4536 or www.thegrandpalace.com.

Circle B Chuckwagon Cowboy Music Show: At Circle B Chuckwagon. Shows at 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday (dinner at 5 p.m.). 336-1828, 1-800-678-6179, www.circlebchuckwagon.com.

Cirque: At the Remington Theatre. Shows at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Friday and Sunday; 2 and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday through Dec. 11. 336-1220, 1-800-884-4536 or www.remingtontheatre.com.

Comedy Jamboree: At Grand Country Music Hall. Shows at 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday through Dec. 31 (closed Sept. 4-10). 335-2484.

Country Tonite: At the Country Tonight Theatre. Shows at 3 and 8 p.m Thursday through Tuesday through Dec. 10. 337-9333, 1-877-336-7827, www.starlite- entertainment.com.

Cowboy Church with Norma Jean: At Branson Mall Music Theatre. Shows at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Free. 339-3939.

Dalena Ditto: At the Mickey Gilley Theatre. Shows at 10 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday through Dec. 11. 334-3210, 1-800-334-1936 or www.gilleys.com.

Dixie Stampede: At the show's namesake theater. Shows start at 5:30 and 8 p.m. daily; the season continues through Dec. 31, 337-9400, 1-800-520-5544 or www.dixiestampede.com.

Duttons: At the Dutton Family Theatre. Shows start at 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 2 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The season continues through Dec. 14. 332-2772, 1-888-388-8661, www.theduttons.com.

Elvis and the Superstars: At Owen's Theatre. Shows at 8 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; and at 2 p.m. Tuesday and Saturday through Dec. 31. 336-2112, 1-800-358-4795 or www.elvis inbranson.com.

The Elvis Experience with Tony Roi: At Music City Centre. Shows at 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 8 p.m. on Monday through August; the season runs through Dec. 30. 336-1600 or www.musiccitycentre.com.

Exploring Life in Heaven with Rose Martin: At the Nova Theatre. Shows at 10 a.m. Thursday and Friday. Free. 334-6806, 1-877-446-6824, www.exploringlifein heaven.com.

50s at the Hop: At the Jim Stafford Theatre. Shows at 2 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday; 2 and 8 p.m. on Sunday through Oct. 29; the Christmas show starts Nov. 1 and the season runs through Dec. 31. 335-5300; or www.50satthehop.com.

Justin Flom: Experience Illusion: At Branson Mall Music Theatre. Shows at 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Friday through Dec. 9. 339-3939.

14 Karat Country Music Show: At the Wildwood Flower Theater. Shows start at 2 p.m. Monday through Friday through Dec. 11. 334-7714, 1-866-886-1414 or www.14karatcountry.com.

From Patsy to Present: At Nova Theatre. Shows at 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday through Dec. 31. 334-6806, www.patsyinbranson.net.

Doug Gabriel: At the Jim Stafford Theatre. Shows at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday through Aug. 21. 335-8080, 1-800-954-8554 or www.douggabriel.com.

Doug Gabriel's Branson Spotlight show: At the Jim Stafford Theatre. Shows at 11 p.m. Friday through Oct. 21. 335-8080, 1-800-954-8554 or www.douggabriel.com or www.branson-spotlight.com.

Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers: Shows with Pam Tillis run Sept. 13 through Oct. 22; shows with the Lennon Sisters run Nov. 2 through Dec. 10. 337-7469, 1-800-734-5515 or www. sullivanshows.com.

Mickey Gilley: At his namesake theater. Shows at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday through Dec. 11. 334-3210, 1-800-334-1936 or www.gilleys.com.

Grand Jubilee: At Grand Country Music Hall. Shows at 3:30 and 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday through Dec. 31 (closed Aug. 21-27). 335-2484.

Grand Old Gospel Hour: At the Grand Palace, 10 a.m. Sunday all year. Free. 337-8888 or 1-888-840-1888.

Great American Songbook: At the Follies Theatre. Shows at 8 p.m. today, 2 and 8 p.m. Aug. 13 and 2 p.m. Aug. 14; the show resumes Sept. 21. 335-2000.

Greatest Stars Series: At the Grand Palace. Concerts with the Oak Ridge Boys, Alison Krauss, George Jones, Bill Engvall, Ricky Skaggs and others. 1-800-884-4536 or www.thegrandpalace.com.

Hank and Patsy Together Again: At Owen's Theatre. Shows at 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; at 8 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 30. 336-2112, 1-800-358-4795 or www.bransonsuperstars.com.

The Haygoods: At Music City Centre. Shows at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday through Aug. 25; the season continues through Dec. 30. 336-1600 or www. musiccitycentre.com.

Hamner Barber Variety Show: At Hamner Barber Theater. Shows at 8 Tuesday through Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 11. 334-4363 or 1-888-335-2080 or www.bransonvariety.com.

Hot Lix Revue: At the Nova Theatre. Shows at 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday through Dec. 10. 334-6806, 1-877-446-6824.

Hot Seat game show: At Hughes Brothers Celebrity Theatre and Dinner Theatre. Shows at 12:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday through Aug. 20. 336-3688, 1-800-635-3688 or www.hughes- brothers.com.

Hughes Brothers: At Hughes Brothers Celebrity Theatre and Dinner Theatre. Shows at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 7:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday through Oct. 29. Christmas shows Nov. 1 through 17 and Dec. 29, through 31. 336-3688, 1-800-635-3688 or www.hughes-brothers.com.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: At Mansion America Theater. Shows at 3 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday through Dec. 18. 239-1333 or 1-866-707-4100 or www.mansionamerica.com.

Tony Kenny's Ireland: Starting Oct. 11 at the Branson Mall Music Theatre. Shows at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday through Nov. 25. 339-3939, 1-866-306-7469, www.tonykenny.com.

Ladies of Motown: At Owen's Theatre. Shows at noon Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday through Dec. 31. Free admission. 336-2112, 1-800-358-4795 or www.bransonsuperstars.com.

The Legacy Lives On: A tribute to Jim Reeves: At the Nova Theatre. Shows at 3 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday through November. 334-6806, 1-877-446-6824.

Legends in Concert: At the Legends Family Theater. Shows at 3 and 8 p.m. daily; the season continues through Dec. 31. 339-3003, 1-800-374-7469, www.legends branson.com.

Lit'l Nashville Opry Show: At the American Jukebox Theater. Shows at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Friday through Dec. 16. Admission is free for veterans. Call 334-6113.

Lost in the 50s: At the Starlite Theatre. Shows at 8 p.m. daily through Dec. 10. 337-9333, 1-877-336-7827, www.starlite- entertainment.com.

Lowe Family: At the Welk Resort Theatre. Shows at 10 a.m. today, then Sept. 1 through Dec. 15 (closed Oct. 28-29 and Nov. 25). 337-7469, 1-800-734-5515 or www.thelowefamily.com.

Magic of Taylor Reed: At Branson Mall Music Theatre. Shows at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday through Dec. 10. 339-3939.

Magnificent 7: At the White House Theatre. Shows 7 p.m. Monday-Friday through December. 335-2396; 1-877-487-2386.

Splinter Middleton: At the Grand Country Music Hall. Shows at 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 335-2484.

MoTown Downtown: At the Nova Theatre. Shows at 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday through Dec. 31. 334-6806, 1-877-446-6824, www.motowndowntown.biz.

Murder in the Ozarks (murder mystery luncheon): At the American Jukebox Theater. Shows at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday through Dec. 15. 336-6100.

No. 1 Hits of the 60s: At the Musical Palace. Shows at 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday through Dec. 10. 339-1960, www.1hits ofthe60s.com.

Ozark Mountain Jubilee: At Grand Country Music Hall. Shows at 7 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 11 (closed Aug. 14). 335-2484.

Paul Harris: At Caravelle Theater. Shows at 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; plus at 3 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. 334-5100 or www.paulharrisshow.com.

Pierce Arrow Show: At Pierce Arrow Theater. Shows at 3 and 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday through Jan. 1. 336-8742, 1-877-687-4241; www.piercearrowtheater.com.

Gregory Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre: At Grand Country Music Hall. Shows at 10 a.m. through Sept. 10 and Dec. 24-31. 335-2484.

Peter the Adequate: At Owen's Theatre. Shows at 2 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 25. 336-2112, 1-800-358-4795 or www.branson superstars.com.

Presley's Country Jubilee: At the show's namesake theater. Shows at 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday through Dec. 10. 334-4874 or www.presleys.com.

Red, Hot & Blue!: Starting Aug. 14 at Grand Country Music Hall. 335-2484.

Rico J and the Hot Hit Show: At the Wildwood Flower Theater. Shows start at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday through Dec. 16. 337-7426.

Joey Riley Comedy and Music Revue: At Branson Mall Music Theatre. Shows at 2 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Saturday through Dec. 17. 339-3939.

Roy "Dusty" Rogers Jr. and the Highriders: At Happy Trails Theater in the Roy Rogers Dale Evans Museum. Shows at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday through December. 339-1925 or www.royrogers.com.

Shepherd of the Hills: At the Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theatre. Shows at 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 334-4191, 1-800-653-6288; www.theshepherd ofthehills.com.

Showboat Branson Belle: Cruises on Table Rock Lake depart daily from White River Landing. Call 1-800-775-2628 or visit www.silverdollarcity.com.

Showcase Jubilee: At the White House Theatre. Shows at 7 p.m. Saturday through December. 335-2396; 1-877-487-2386.

Siegfried & Roy Present Darren Romeo: At the Welk Resort Theatre. Shows continue through Dec. 10. 337-7469, 1-800-734-5515 or www.sullivanshows.com.

Red Skelton, a Performance Tribute by Tom Mullica: At Music City Centre. Shows at 5 p.m. Sunday through Friday through August; the season continues through Dec. 31. 336-1600 or www.musiccitycentre.com.

Yakov Smirnoff: At his namesake theater. Shows at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday through August; the season continues through Dec. 8. 1-800-336-6542 or www.yakov.com.

Spirit of the Dance: At Branson Variety Theater. Shows at 2 or 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday through Oct. 26. 334-2500, 1-888-462-7267 or www.branson varietytheater.com.

Jim Stafford: At his namesake theater. Shows mostly at 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday through Dec. 14, then reopening on Dec. 26. 335-8080, www.jimstafford.com.

StarMania: At Branson Mall Music Theatre. Shows at 11:15 a.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday through Dec. 10. 339-3939.

Ray Stevens: At his namesake theater. Shows resuming Sept. 12. 335-3000.

Stuck on the 70s: At the Starlite Theatre. Shows at 3 p.m daily through Oct. 22. 337-9333, 1-877-336-7827, www. starlite-entertainment.com.

Sunday Gospel Jubilee: At Grand Country Music Hall, shows at 2 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 11. 335-2484.

Shoji Tabuchi: At his theater. 334-7469, 334-7401 (groups) or www.shoji.com.

Tall Timber Lumberjack Dinner Show: At Tall Timber Theatre. Shows at 5:30 p.m. daily through Aug. 13; the season continues through Oct. 31. 338-2957, 1-866-338-2957 or www.talltimbershows.com.

Tatiana: At the American Jukebox Theater. Shows at 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday through Dec. 15. 336-6100.

John Tweed: At the Moe Bandy Theater. Shows at 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday through Dec. 10. 334-5333.

Two Fluffy Women: At Owen's Theatre. Shows at 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday through Dec. 30. 336-2112, 1-800-358-4795 or www. bransonsuperstars.com.

Bobby Vinton: Nov. 1 through Dec. 9 at Branson Variety Theater. Shows at 2 or 8 p.m. Sunday through Friday. 334-2500, 1-888-462-7267 or www.bransonvariety theater.com.

John Wayne Story: At the Wildwood Flower Theater. Shows start at 10 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday through Dec. 17. 334-9996.

John Wayne with America's Yodeling Sweetheart: At the Nova Theatre. Shows at 2 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. 334-6806, 1-877-446-6824, www.john wayneshow.com.

Andy Williams and Petula Clark: At Williams' Moon River Theatre. Shows Sept. 9 through Oct. 26. Christmas shows (Williams only) are Nov. 1-Dec. 11. 334-4500, 1-800-666-6094.

Gene Williams Country Music Television Show: At the Wildwood Flower Theater. 2 p.m. Aug. 21; Sept. 11; Oct. 2, 23; Nov. 13; Dec. 4, 23. Free. Call 332-0167.

World Famous Platters: At the Starlite Theatre. Shows at 10 a.m. Monday-Saturday through Dec. 10. 337-9333, 1-877-336-7827, www.starlite-entertainment.com.

Yearys Music Show: At the Musical Palace. Shows at 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday through Dec. 11. 339-1960 or visit www.sweetheartsofbranson.com.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

'Branson Jubilee' musical special coming to PBS



Want to watch?
Branson Jubilee, a two-hour music special, will air on Ozarks Public Television at 5 p.m. and midnight Saturday. For more details, visit www.bransonjubilee.tv.


• Spanish finds home on air

• 'Branson Jubilee' musical special coming to PBS

• First meal of Korean food tasty

• Film shows pope's struggles with Nazis, communists

• Orchestra auditions held

• Moonlight Tour Benefit car show


• 'Unforgettable' crams 70 TV moments into 90 minutes

• Girls buy into naughty books

• Update your look to enjoy high school reunion with confidence

• Christian lessons at the carnival

• Brumley to perform in Branson

• Springfield Playhouse puts new spin on 'The Three Little Pigs'

• Simpson hired trainer for 'iconish' role

• First Baptist Church to host Battlefield Community Picnic

• Raising prize pigs

• Without our support, Springfield Regional Opera may fade away

• Fluffy proves to be friend to birds

• Translator resurrects voices of Japanese from World War II era

• Etheridge ready to get back onstage

• Learning to share housework

• Sleepovers call for planning

• 'Companion' tells about all things bathroom

• Play days at the fair

• Newly designed nickel expected to be hit with coin collectors

• Directing the Ozark Empire Fair

• Film will focus on Christ's childhood



Kathryn Buckstaff
News-Leader

BRANSON — A two-hour music special taped in Branson will air twice on Ozarks Public Television on Saturday. Locally and nationally known entertainers will be featured.
Over the next two months, "Branson Jubilee" will be shown in more than 100 television markets in 29 states including New York, Florida and California. The exposure is expected to bring new visitors to Branson and could lead to a weekly variety series, said Debra Moreno-Lowther, who produced the show with her husband, Springfield attorney Jerry Lowther.

This project has been the focus of Moreno-Lowther's efforts for more than two years. About 500 hours of entertainment has been taped and 10 shows are completed with more editing to come, Moreno-Lowther said.

That PBS is airing the program indicates television is ready for a wholesome, family-oriented variety show, she said.

"After 9/11, people started realizing we need a little kinder, gentler programming," she said.

Moreno-Lowther has a long resume of performance onstage and in films and television. She came to Branson in the mid-1990s to perform in "Blondes, Blondes, Blondes," a show she wrote and produced in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

She's also known for her support of veterans and has co-produced and performed on Tony Orlando's Yellow Ribbon Salute to Veterans for several years.

The special hosted by Jimmy Osmond includes performances by Mickey Gilley, Ray Stevens, Jim Stafford, Tony Orlando, Doug Kershaw, Les Brown Jr., Glen Campbell, Crystal Gayle, Restless Heart and Jake Simpson. It was produced by the Lowthers' Branson Entertainment LLC, Bel Air Productions in Los Angeles and WLIW-TV in New York.

"Branson Jubilee" also will showcase the area's diverse attractions, she said.

"It's about the region, the beauty of the Ozarks," she said.

And the show's Web site offers vendors a chance to market Branson-related products.

Arlen Diamond, general manager of Ozarks Public Television, said "Branson Jubilee" is among shows being offered by PBS to its stations during the current membership drive.

"She pulled together a lot of performers who appeal to the segment of the public TV audience age 50 and up," Diamond said. That demographic also is among public television's most generous supporters, he said.

In some markets, "the Branson name may not be the draw, but the performers are universal. If you like Glen Campbell, it doesn't matter where you live," Diamond said. PBS stations also may use a DVD of the show as a thank-you gift for those who pledge.

If the show pulls in pledges, it could lead to a series, Diamond said.

"They're testing the waters," he said. "It's a good-looking show."

"Branson Jubilee" could become a "big deal" for Branson, said Ross Summers, director of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.

"It will introduce people to what we have to offer," Summers said. "The quality of the production is outstanding, and the talent is very good."

Branson poised for 'Super Summer Cruise'

CHANDRA HUSTON
Bulletin Staff Writer
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Photo by Kurt L. Moore


Hundreds of classic cars and trucks will be on display at the Shepherd's Super Summer Cruise today through Sunday in Branson, Mo. The four-day event features a daily show and shine, Saturday midnight cruise down Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and a new elimination burn-out competition at the Remington Theater parking lot.
Shepherd's Super Summer Cruise Schedule

Today


8 a.m.-5 p.m. — Vehicle registration


8 a.m.-5 p.m. — Vehicle show and shine at The Shepherd of the Hills


10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Entertainment, DJ, and music


8 p.m. — Kick-off and welcome at The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theatre


8:30 p.m. — Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama performance


(All Thursday registered guests get in free)


Friday


7 a.m.-5 p.m. — Vehicle registration


8 a.m.-5 p.m. — Vehicle show and shine at The Shepherd of the Hills


10 a.m. — Judging begins and continues throughout the day


10 a.m. -noon — "Enos Strate" from the "Dukes of Hazzard" personal appearance with the General Lee, Hazzard patrol car and Cooter's Tow Truck


10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Entertainment, DJ, music and games hosted by Street Machines of Table Rock Lake, Host Car Club Members


8:30 p.m. — Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theatre production


10:30 p.m. — Preliminary round of the new Ozarks Tire Fryer Elimination Burn-out Competition at the Remington Theatre


Saturday


7 a.m.-noon — Vehicle registration


8 a.m.-5 p.m. — Vehicle show and shine at Shepherd of the Hills


9 a.m.-1 p.m. — Judging is concluded for the event


10 a.m.-noon — "Enos Strate" from the "Dukes of Hazzard" personal appearance with the General Lee, Hazzard patrol car and Cooter's Tow Truck


10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Entertainment, DJ, music and games hosted by Street Machines of Table Rock Lake, Host Car Club Members


1 p.m.-4 p.m. — "Enos Strate" from the "Dukes of Hazzard" personal appearance with the General Lee, Hazzard patrol car and Cooter's Tow Truck


4 p.m. — Best of Show presentation, Pavilion Theatre at The Shepherd of the Hills


8:30 p.m. — The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theatre production


10:30 p.m. — Finals of the new Ozark's Tire Fryer Elimination Burn-out Competition at the Remington Theatre


Midnight — The Shepherd's Super Summer Cruise


Sunday


10 a.m. — Church service in the Pavilion Theatre, open to the public.




BRANSON, Mo. — The tourist town of Branson is well known for its traffic jams. Today through Sunday will be no exception, but it will be a fun traffic jam.

An annual car show and cruise featuring the oldest and the latest in automobiles will invade the town beginning today and continuing throughout the weekend.

Shepherd of the Hills gets in on the automotive action with its annual Shepherd's Super Summer Cruise. The four-day festival is famous for its show and shine and midnight cruise down Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.

This year's cruise takes place Saturday night instead of Friday. The cruise will begin on Highway 76 from Gretna Road and then down Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.

Also new this year is the elimination burn-out competition at the Remington Theater parking lot. The preliminaries will be Friday at 10:30 p.m. with the finals Saturday at 10:30 p.m.

Shepherd's Super Summer Cruise draws thousands of visitors to the old homestead, where Harold Bell Wright wrote his book "The Shepherd of the Hills," to take a gander at hundreds of classic cars, trucks, roadsters, jeeps, kit cars and unique creations.

Shepherd of the Hills officials promise this year there will be more cars, more music, more entertainment and more vendors.

Ticket prices for Shepherd's Super Summer Cruise are:


Today — $10


Friday — $12


Saturday — $14.

A three-day pass is $30, and a two-day pass is $20. Tire Fryer admission is one night for $10 and two nights for $15.

Exhibitor and cruise registration is $25 in advance and $30 at the gate. The fees includes event T-shirt for the first 500 cars, dash plaques for all registered cars on the park, midnight cruise, cash awards, trophies and plaques.

Tire Fryer burn-out competition fees are $25 advance and $30 at the gate. A combination registration for the cruise and burn-out is $40 advance and $50 at the gate.

Another car show, Cruisin' Branson Lights, is usually held at the same time as the Shepherd's Super Summer Cruise, but the event has been pushed back to Aug. 25-28 at the Ramada Inn grounds.

chuston@baxterbulletin.com

Jail tax in the works

By Cliff Sain
BDN Staff Writer
The Taney County Commission agreed Monday to ask voters to approve an eighth-cent sales tax in November to help with operating costs of a new jail.

According to Taney County Presiding Commissioner Chuck Pennel, the commission decided to hire an attorney to draft the ballot language. He said it's necessary for the county to be able to operate the jail, which will be part of a new judicial facility that will be under construction early next year.

He said the county could likely pay the $25 million price tag of the facility, but not day-to-day operations.

"We figured it will take $1 million additional income annually," Pennel said.

The judicial facility will be located downtown near the current courthouse and jail.

The new jail will have 238 beds. Pennel said if it opened today, Taney County could fill approximately 120 to 130 of them. Currently, the county pays to house many of its prisoners in other counties.

Ballot issues for November need to be registered with the county clerk by Aug. 23. If the commission misses that date, its next opportunity to place the jail tax on the ballot would be in February. Pennel said he did not want to wait that long because the commission plans to award a construction contract in January or February.

If the tax makes it on the November ballot, it will share the ballot in much of Taney County with a one-cent tourism tax. Pennel attended a meeting of the Branson/Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District's board of directors to inform them himself Monday of the county's jail tax plans.

"I know it's not what you guys want to hear," Pennel said. "It's a necessity. We need a jail."

The tourism tax would affect a district that primarily includes Branson and State Park Marina in Taney County. It also includes Indian Point Village and Silver Dollar City in Stone County. Only residents within the district can vote on it. If approved, it will raise an additional $6 million a year to promote tourism.

Pennel told the tourism tax board the commission is considering placing yet another issue on the November ballot to establish zoning codes for the county. Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ross Summers insisted the county at least hold off on that issue.

"You'll bring out every naysayer in the county," Summers said. "You'll kill both issues."

Time shares fuel Branson construction boom

During 2003, they generated $430 million in sales and 6,565 jobs.



A member service representative, Jason Conner (right), explains a package plan to Greg Howard and his wife Pam of Naples, Fla., Wednesday afternoon at Fairfield Bay Resort in Branson.

NOPPADOL PAOTHONG / NEWS-LEADER

Time share facts

Statistics for time-share resorts from the American Resort Development Association:

# More than 5,425 resorts worldwide

# 1,590 in the U.S.

# Most resorts: Florida, South Carolina, California

# Average one-time price in U.S. to reserve a week a year for life: $14,500

# Average maintenance fee in U.S.: $385 per week of annual use

# Time-share owners pay property tax, more than $249 million in the U.S.

# Median age of owner: 54

# Median household income: $85,000

# Attended college: 46 percent

• Diversity hard to see in area, but growing

• Spanish finds home on air

• DNR: Ozarks unsuitable for wind energy

• 'Branson Jubilee' musical special coming to PBS

• Good times ready to roll

• Area artists showcased in Missouri 50

• Road crews keeping busy

• Webster County to weigh zoning

• Teens offer alternative to booze, drug use

• Enrollment scheduled at school district


• Going out with a show

• School board retreat focuses on technique

• Branson pioneer Dailey dies at 76

• Branson D.A.R.E. officer receives top state honors

• DNR: Tug's spill poses minimal environmental threat

• Veteran event planned for 2006

• Branson marketing tax on Nov. 8 ballot

• Toddler Town sparks young minds

• Liberty Tree recycled for Branson eatery

• Area anti-drug forces to get grants

Kathryn Buckstaff
News-Leader

BRANSON — Locals call it "Time-share Valley."

Hundreds of multistory condominiums inhabit both sides of a mile of Wildwood Drive in the heart of Branson. Until 1994, it was a rocky glade dotted with cedars.

Thousand Hills Golf Resort runs through the center of the valley. It opened in 1995 when, as developer John Redford recalls, Andy Williams hit the first golf ball.

Because of sound land management practices, the course teems with water features, native grasses, wildflowers and trees that give sanctuary to deer, wild turkey and quail.

Time-share companies, which sell time at a resort on an annual basis, soon discovered the location, and a boom was born.

Over 10 years, the time-share industry has become a significant economic generator for the town, and there's no end in sight, say time-share industry experts.

Twenty-three time-share resorts in several locations now call Branson home. For the first six months of this year, the construction value of new condominiums was $13.5 million, 20 percent of total construction value, said city spokesman Jerry Adams.

Plus, the time-share industry now brings in about 12 percent of the estimated 7 million tourists each year, said Ross Summers, director of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. Many are coveted first-time visitors to the area.

"It's a pretty big rock in our pond here," Summers said.

They boost local revenue through direct purchases of hotel rooms and attraction tickets to offer as sales tour incentives. And they create thousands of jobs for resort and construction workers. In 2003, Branson time-shares contributed $430 million in sales and 6,565 jobs, a survey by the American Resort Development Association found.

"I think time-share has made a major contribution to this town," Redford said. "The economics of time-share has been phenomenal."

HAPPY CAMPERS

Fairfield Resorts Inc. opened one of the country's first time-share resorts in 1966 in Fairfield Bay, Ark. In 1993, Fairfield built its first Branson resort. Fairfield now has a total of 438 condos at three resorts: the Falls, the Meadows and Mountain Vista, said communications director Jim Cohn. Fairfield employs 371 people.

As part of its sales tours, Fairfield this year will buy 161,000 nights at area hotels and about 40,000 attraction tickets, said John McIntosh, regional vice president of sales for Fairfield.

"The theaters are in huge demand," McIntosh said. "People are really interested in them, and we have a lot of repeat guests."

This year, an estimated 28,679 owners and their guests will stay at the resort. Time-share parties spend an average of $1,795 per week in Branson, according to a study by the American Resort Development Association in Washington, D.C.

Lewis Ann Thomas — "named after my father" — and her husband, Emmett Thomas, of Clarksville, Ark., bought into Fairfield in Kissimmee, Fla., 10 years ago. They've traveled to resorts in Pigeon Forge and Nashville, Tenn., but Branson's Fairfield has become the site for Thomas family reunions.

This week was their second trip to Branson in less than a month, said Emmett Thomas, 63, retired after 26 years as a deputy sheriff.

"We come and bring his folks with us and meet other relatives here," she said. "We have Christmas dinner up here all together."

He said time-share is a good way to vacation.

"We just really highly recommend it for people that just love to go and get out and be with people," he said. "It's the greatest thing for the money we know of."

FEWER COMPLAINTS

In the early years of the time-share industry, there were problems. Greg Howard of Naples, Fla., looked into time-share 25 years ago.

"It was a pretty high pressure," Howard said. "Get the sales at whatever cost."

In 2004, they bought time at Fairfield Resorts, and made their second visit to Branson last week.

"We just haven't found that at all with Fairfield," he said.

Several factors changed the time-share industry. One was legislation making companies more accountable. In Missouri, complaints about time-share sales continue to decline, said Jim Gardner, spokesman for Attorney General Jay Nixon.

From 2001 to 2002, they logged 671 complaints statewide. In 2003 to 2004, that dropped to 356, Gardner said.

"Certainly, consumer-protection issues have been a high priority for Mr. Nixon, and the consumer complaint unit has worked hard and aggressively on any violations," Gardner said.

Another change was the entry of established corporations such as Marriott International Inc., raising the level of product and service. Horizons by Marriott Vacation Club International opened in Branson in November 2001. It has 88 units now, and plans to expand over the next few years to 414 units, said sales manager Rick Renda.

Customer demand also created change.

Most time-shares now offer more flexible packages than the old way of selling time by the week. Now, they sell points. Points can be spent in a variety of ways. Busy families often would rather take a weekend trip, and save some of their points for the next trip, Cohn said. The points also may be deeded to survivors as a legacy, often an incentive for families to buy, he said.

Pam and Greg Howard put their Fairfield points to work. Through partnerships Fairfield provides, they are redeeming points for airfare and a hotel when they go to British Columbia in September where their oldest son is getting married.

"It's just not as restrictive as it used to be," Pam Howard said.

NO END IN SIGHT

Bluegreen Vacation Club based in Boca Raton, Fla., is adding units to its two Branson area resorts. Three buildings with 29 units will be added to the Fall Village. And just south of Branson in Ridgedale, 64 units and 11 cabins will be added this year to the Wilderness Club time-share at Big Cedar Lodge.

Fairfield also continues to grow, although not in Branson at this time, Cohn said.

Bonnet Creek Resort in Orlando, Fla., near Disney World opened last year with plans to build 1,500 units. Some 4,000 people have already bought time in the resort, Cohn said.

There is growing demand for more than a hotel room, Cohn said. In a condo, there can be multiple bedrooms, a kitchen, living room and more.

Cohn's family recently vacationed at Fairfield Ocean Walk Resort in Daytona Beach, Fla. His children are ages 7 months and 3 years.

"I can't imagine not having a washer and dryer," Cohn said.

'Act of God' Breaks Branson Show Mold
BRANSON, MO, (NAMC) - "Act of God" is a live production currently being performed at the Musical Palace in Branson and consists of great music and story telling, but what's unique about this new Branson show is it breaks every traditional Branson mold.

One of the first things this 100 percent God-centered show does is pay tribute to our nation's veterans, but it doesn't do so in the typical Branson tradition which for years has been by asking veterans in attendance to stand.

After speaking with veterans, they confirmed my feeling that this practice was uncomfortable for them too. It's true that a tree doesn't eat of its own fruit, and likewise, these men and women didn't serve to glorify themselves but to preserve a godly heritage for their children's children. "Act of God" insightfully pays tribute by exorcizing one of the essential freedoms that our soldiers fought, sacrificed and died for, the freedom to pray. Thankfulness is quickly established with a simple prayer devoted to our country's soldiers and leaders while at the same time glory is given to God where it belongs.

At the end of the production the cast walks out in front of the closing curtain to greet the audience. What's different is these cast members model their behavior after the Apostle John's encounter with the angel in the book of Revelation where he kept bowing, forcing the angel to remind him that it was inappropriate for him to bow to an angel because angels were merely humble servants like him. If you ask one of the cast members for their autograph don't be surprised if they pull out their own autograph book and ask you for yours. If that's how "Act of God" begins and ends, imagine what happens in between. With ten original songs and four “Carol Burnett Style” skits all derived from the Lord's Prayer, it will be an unforgettable experience you may just have to see to believe.

The "Act of God" pricing: Standard adult rate is $19 (tax included). Children 12 and under accompanied by a parent are free. Family pass is $39. Groups of 10 or more are $13. Youth groups are $5 per child until Aug. 28, 2005. From Sept. 3 through Dec. 10, 2005 youth groups will be 50 percent off standard $19 rate.

"Act of God" schedule: From July 12 through Aug. 28 performances will be Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday. From Sept. 2 through Dec. 10 performances will be Tuesday through Sunday. All shows at 10 a.m.

"Act of God" is currently being performed at the Musical Palace located at 2353 W. Hwy. 248 in Branson, MO at 10 a.m. For more information contact "Act of God" on line at www.actofgodbranson.com or phone (417) 339-1960.



Contact:
John Lindsay
ACT OF GOD
586-615-4242

Water demand high in Branson
By Cliff Sain
BDN Staff Writer

The city of Branson says it recently had two days of water usage among the three highest in history.

On July 23, the city's two water plants and the city's wells produced 6.19 million gallons of water, the second highest day in city history. On July 31, the city produced 6.05 million gallons, the third highest. The highest was 6.2 million on Aug. 17, 2003, according to the city.

Most of the city's water comes from Lake Taneycomo, but during busy times, its wells act as a supplement.

"We run the wells during peak times, usually on weekends and usually between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.," said public works division head Mike Ray.

City officials say they have been able to provide plenty of water, despite a dry summer. The city performs weekly echo-soundings of each city well, and those tests indicate the water levels are in good shape and not fluctuating.

"Lake Taneycomo provides Branson with a more long-term, dependable source of water than dependence on wells," Public Works Director Larry VanGilder said. "When demand for water is high, like it was during the two peak days in July, city wells supplement that water supply. If demand were to continue at that level and drought conditions persisted, the wells would have to run day and night to keep up, causing wear and tear on the pumps and lowering the water table."

Officials said the city can produce more than 10 million gallons of water per day.

However, just because there is plenty of water, that's not a reason to waste it. City Environmental Specialist Debbie Redford recommended that residents avoid watering during the middle of the day, and to check for water drips and leaks. Even turning off the water while brushing your teeth or shave can save five gallons of water each time you stand at the sink, Redford said.

Branson strikes at virus

Jeff McRoy, with the Branson Health Department, sprays pesticides along a treeline Thursday at Branson Lakeside RV Park along Lake Taneycomo in an effort to rid the area of mosquitoes following positive test results for West Nile virus. The city will continue to spray public areas, including city parks, later this month. BDN photo by Krystal J. Carman
By Krystal J. Carman
BDN Staff Writer

Following the announcement of the presence of West Nile virus in Taney County, the city of Branson has begun spraying for mosquitoes.

On Thursday, Branson Health Department officials chose two locations - Branson's city campground on Lake Taneycomo, and Sunset Park - to spray insecticides to eliminate mosquitoes that could be carrying the virus. Earlier this month, the county received word that 12 pools of mosquitoes out of approximately 100 tested positive for the virus.

Although the city will continue to spray at the city campground and city parks, officials say it is up to residents to eliminate breeding conditions.

"We can spray and kill the mosquitoes there are now, but that's not going to take care of all of them," said Jeff McRoy, with the Branson Health Department, which is spearheading the effort. "You have to get rid of places where they can breed. In standing water, brush, anywhere they can breed."

To guard against infected mosquitoes, health officials suggest wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors at dawn and dusk; wearing insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus; and reducing mosquito breeding sites by removing weeds, trash and places that hold standing water.

McRoy said he did not know whether the city plans to spray along city streets in the future, but did say the spraying of public areas would begin later this month.

With the discovery of the virus in Taney County for the second year in a row, Taney County Health Department officials say the public is at a higher risk of catching the virus.

In October of last year, mosquitoes from a neighborhood in north Branson along Lake Taneycomo tested positive for the virus. Taney County is one of 16 counties in Missouri that have tested positive for West Nile virus in mosquitoes.

The infected mosquitoes were trapped over the past few months by Branson Health Department officials, with each pool containing between 5 and 50 mosquitoes. Another 100 pools of mosquitoes were recently sent to the state for West Nile testing. West Nile Virus is an infectious disease that arrived in the United States in 1999.

Al Brumley and an all-star band will perform two shows Thursday in Branson.

NEWS-LEADER FILE PHOTO


Want to go?
What: Stroll Down Memory Lane with Al Brumley Jr.


When: 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Thursday


Where: Tri-Lakes Center, 2527 Missouri 248 in Branson


Cost: Tickets are $5


Call: 336-0219


• Spanish finds home on air

• 'Branson Jubilee' musical special coming to PBS

• First meal of Korean food tasty

• Film shows pope's struggles with Nazis, communists

• Moonlight Tour Benefit car show

• Orchestra auditions held


• Raising prize pigs

• Without our support, Springfield Regional Opera may fade away

• Fluffy proves to be friend to birds

• Translator resurrects voices of Japanese from World War II era

• Etheridge ready to get back onstage

• Learning to share housework

• Sleepovers call for planning

• 'Companion' tells about all things bathroom

• Play days at the fair

• Newly designed nickel expected to be hit with coin collectors

• Directing the Ozark Empire Fair

• Film will focus on Christ's childhood

• Godly Play workshop offered

• Live it up in August

• Writer's life revolves around work

• Jean: Music heading toward mash-ups

• Smart UPN series 'Veronica Mars' shows up on CBS

• Murphy goes bareback for Jordache ads



By Michael A. Brothers
News-Leader

Al Brumley Jr. wants to take audiences on a journey down memory lane next week, but it won't necessarily be a straight path.
The two shows Brumley and an all-star backing band will perform Thursday at the Tri-Lakes Center in Branson will feature pop songs, country songs and gospel songs. It will have pop vocal elements with Brumley and Detroit native Debbie Brady singing, and it will have plenty of swing with members of the Les Brown Band of Renown backing them up.

"We're really shooting for '40s, '50s, '60s type of music," says Brumley. "Music like 'Sittin' On Top of the World' and 'Sleepwalk.'"

Both concerts will be captured on video for possible use on PBS television stations around the country during pledge drives and on cable television, though no deals have been inked yet.

"In a way it's a pilot," Brumley says.

Brumley is best known as a gospel singer, and his father, Albert E. Brumley, is famous for the more than 900 gospel songs he composed in his lifetime, including classics like "I'll Fly Away." His brother Tom, who also will perform on the show, is a member of the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame and has played onstage and in the studio for Buck Owens, Dwight Yoakam and many others.

"It's a lot of the old pop standards and a lot of dad's songs," Tom Brumley says. "I think that will appeal well to the people who come to Branson."

Al Brumley Jr.'s most recent recording project is a collection of standard and original pop songs backed by a big band.

In addition to players from the Brown Band, members of the Lawrence Welk Band and a handful of string players from the Springfield Symphony will flesh out the sound at the Branson performance.

"It's dynamite," Brumley says. "It's a good, full sound."

Brumley says he wanted to keep the ticket price low at $5 to get as many people as possible into the massive 2,700 seat Tri-Lakes Center, formerly the Mel Tillis Theater. A good audience makes for a better television product, and Brumley is hopeful the program will be able to help PBS stations.

"That's the whole thing — for the pledges," he says

P&Z puts off decision about commercial development

By Cliff Sain
BDN Staff Writer
The Branson Planning & Zoning Commission decided this week to table a decision about a hotly contested commercial subdivision.

Wehr Industrial Center Developments, LLC, had requested the approval of a preliminary application for a group of commercial lots along Missouri 248 and James F. Epps Road. However, several residents of adjacent subdivision Branson North objected.

"I have concerns about compatibility with Branson North," said Branson North resident Eric Farris. "Branson North is a special area. It's a unique and treasured subdivision."

According to Planning Director Don Stephens, the development would include approximately 20 lots for commercial use along 248 and a second road that would run from Epps Road west, to 248 east, approximately 400 feet from the entrance into Branson North.

Jim Rader, who spoke on behalf of the developer, said he anticipates the development will bring another medical building to 248, which has seen several similar facilities spring up in the last couple of years. He said the developer is also looking at a financial institution and "maybe a restaurant."

"I see nice stuff - upper-end stuff," Rader said. "They'll have to be (upper end) to be able to afford it. (Missouri 248) is going to be a main corridor."

Much of the commission's concern with the development had to do with traffic. With an entrance several hundred feet from Branson North's entrance, there were safety concerns. In addition, the entrance from Epps Road raised concerns because of the amount of school traffic from the Branson School District's Cedar Ridge campus.

Rader said the eastern entrance could be eliminated from the plan, but he was less concerned with the Epps traffic because he said school traffic is congested for only 20 minutes, twice a day and will be reduced when the district moves the fifth- and sixth-grade students to a new building next year.

In other business, the P&Z Commission:

€Approved language for an ordinance regulating when and how search lights can be used at a business. The ordinance now has to be approved by the city aldermen.

€Approved language for an ordinance to regulate the brightness of computerized message boards. It also needs aldermen approval.

€Denied a request to change zoning of property along Hugo Drive from single family to apartments.

Jennifer M. Phelps
News-Leader

With live shows, outlet shopping and Silver Dollar City, there are plenty of reasons to load up the minivan and head to Branson.
By the end of the year, Paul Rasmussen hopes people add a visit to Montana Mike's Steakhouse to their to-do list.

Rasmussen, president of ITEC Attractions, will introduce the casual dining restaurant to the tourist destination in November. ITEC owns Branson's IMAX Entertainment Complex.

He discovered Montana Mike's during a road trip through Kansas in January.

"I was really impressed by the quality of food and menu prices," he said.

That led him to stop at another Montana Mike's on the way home later that week. There he decided the restaurant's rustic, hunting lodge theme — mounted deer heads adorn the walls — would fit Branson's "down-home country atmosphere."

He learned about franchise opportunities and found a location. Renovations began last week on a vacant Country Kitchen at the intersection of Missouri 76 and Gretna Road, next to the new Titanic museum and the Best Western Centre Pointe Inn.

"It's soon to be Branson's hottest corner," Rasmussen said.

When Montana Mike's is complete, Country Kitchen's old gray-and-pink exterior will be dark green, trimmed with logs and topped with corrugated sheet metal.

The 8,000-square-foot restaurant will seat 235. The menu will feature steaks, grilled chicken, seafood, pastas, salads, soups and appetizers, like onion rings breaded fresh to order. There's a children's menu, too.

Rasmussen says his beef will be aged 28 days prior to being served, creating a more tender piece, and will be cut by an in-house butcher.

A date for the grand opening has not been set.

Mark Scholler, director of operations for Montana Mike's, said there's a lot riding on this venture.

Based on the success of the Branson location, another eight to 10 restaurants could open in the Midwest by the end of 2006.

Branson bucks building trend

By Cliff Sain
& The Associated Press
Branson continues to enjoy a surge in construction spending while, nationally, builders are cutting back.

According to city officials, Branson issued permits for more $8.3 million in construction in July, continuing on a pace that will make 2005 one of the city's highest ever. Among the significant permits issued in July include that of Target, the first permit issued for Branson Plaza, a large retail project located on Branson Hills Parkway. The city is currently reviewing plans for a Home Depot on the site, but no building permit has been issued.

''We're seeing a nice diversity of new businesses,'' City Communications Director Jerry Adams said.

The Target building is valued at $4 million, according to the city, and is expected to open in spring 2006. For the year, the city has permitted $67.6 million worth of new construction, putting it close to last year's entire total of $76.5 million and already surpassing 2003's total of $61.4 million. Branson's biggest year for construction came in 1993 at $119.5 million.

At a national level, builders, showing some restraint, trimmed spending on construction projects around the country in June, marking the fourth consecutive monthly cutback.

The latest snapshot of construction activity released by the Commerce Department showed that builders have been paring spending each month after the value of all construction projects surged to an all-time high of $1.13 trillion, on an annualized basis, in February.

Spending on all construction projects dipped by 0.3 percent in June from the previous month. Even with the decline, though, the value of all projects was still at a healthy level of $1.1 trillion, at a seasonally adjusted annualized rate.

The drop took analysts by surprise. Before the release of the report, they were predicting construction spending would rise by 0.5 percent.

''The biggest worry is material costs, plus widespread tight supplies of cement,'' said Ken Simonson, chief economist for Associated General Contractors of America. ''Although recent numbers have been a bit sluggish, there are plenty of indicators that activity will gain momentum in the second half of 2005 and beyond.''

In June, spending cutbacks were mixed. Spending by private builders on residential projects declined, as did their spending on factories, hotels and motels and power plants. Spending by private builders on office buildings and transportation facilities increased.

Major projects permitted in Branson in July, other than Target, include Branson Regional Eye Center, located on James F. Epps Road and valued at just under $1.2 million; and a new parking lot for the Branson School District bus barn on Bee Creek Road, valued at $165,000.

''The medical field continues to grow in Branson,'' Adams said. ''There's also more shopping, which is an activity (tourists) can do during down times.''

The government trimmed overall spending on construction in June. Cuts in spending on power plants, highways and streets, schools and health-care facilities swamped spending increases on offices, transportation projects and public safety facilities.

Even with the moderation in overall construction activity over the last three months, the economy grew by an energetic 3.4 percent in the April-to-June quarter, the government reported last week. Analysts believe the economy will perform even better in the current quarter if businesses rebuild inventories of supplies.

With economic growth solid, Federal Reserve policy-makers are focusing on making sure inflation doesn't become a problem to the recovery. The Fed is widely expected to boost interest rates by another quarter-point when it meets next week. That would mark the 10th interest increase of that size since the Fed began to tighten credit in June 2004.

Although builders are keeping a watchful eye on the supply of new residential projects, sales of both new and previously owned homes soared to record highs in June.

''Private residential construction is likely to shrink gradually over the next year. But there isn't likely to be a crash,'' Simonson said. ''Long-term interest rates are still remarkably low and builders remain optimistic, with large backlogs of unused permits.''

Greenspan has expressed concern about ''speculative fervor'' in the booming housing market, which in some local market may have propelled house prices to ''unsustainable levels.'' If prices were to drop or if interest rates were to suddenly shoot up, some home buyers and lenders could find themselves in a bad financial situation, the Fed chief has warned.

|| News ||

August 05, 2005

Gay couples mark first anniversary of Missouri marriage ban


Erick Semenske and Tim Coleman joined hands Wednesday, then walked into a St. Louis City Hall office and asked for a marriage license. A clerk politely directed them to another office where they could register as domestic partners, and Recorder of Deeds Sharon Carpenter then met Semenske, 25, and Coleman, 35, in the hallway and explained why the marriage license couldn't be issued. "It's the law," Carpenter said. "We must follow it."

Their request was intended as a peaceful protest of a Missouri constitutional amendment passed one year ago. The St. Louis couple and several other gay and lesbian couples across the state planned to apply for marriage licenses on the anniversary of the passage of Amendment 2, which defines marriage in Missouri as being the union of a man and a woman. The two said they were simply seeking the same rights as a married heterosexual couple and hope Missouri will one day recognize same-sex marriages and allow them custody, inheritance, medical, and other rights.

At an afternoon rally, only a handful of supporters turned out. Meanwhile, one gay organization opposed the action, feeling it could harm other efforts for gay rights. "In our opinion, it's gong to do nothing but drive resentment and hate toward the gay and lesbian community," said Charles Stadtlander, president of the St. Louis chapter of the Log Cabin Republicans, a national gay political group. (AP)

Posted on Thu, Aug. 04, 2005






Missouri mistakenly directs Medicaid calls to Montana

DAVID A. LIEB

Associated Press


JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Missouri Department of Social Services acknowledged Thursday that a typographical error in a letter informing 339,000 Medicaid recipients of impending cuts wrongly listed a Montana woman's toll-free number as the state help line for hearing or speech impaired people.

The letters mailed Monday already have resulted in hundreds of calls to Sharon Rivera, who lives in Columbia Falls, Mont. - more than 1,200 miles northwest of Missouri's capital - and books concerts for an American Indian folk singer.

Many of the callers are older - some are weeping, others cursing - and don't understand when she tries to explain the mistake, Rivera said. So instead of hanging up on them, she has been listening.

"This has been a nightmare for me. It swallows a huge amount of my time. My phone rings constantly," Rivera said in a telephone interview. "And I honestly am feeling very, very sad for the people who call. My heart aches for them, and of course, there's simply nothing that I can personally do."

The state plans to reimburse Rivera for the phone calls. And officials in the Division of Medical Service plan to decide Friday how notify Medicaid recipients of the mistake, said department spokeswoman Deborah Scott. One possible way: another round of letters, which cost the state about $80,000 the first time, Scott said.

At the urging of Republican Gov. Matt Blunt, the GOP-led Legislature this year eliminated Medicaid health care coverage for about 90,000 of Missouri's 1 million Medicaid recipients. It cut services such as dental care, eyeglasses and crutches for an additional 339,000 adults remaining on Medicaid, and imposed new co-payments ranging from 50 cents to $10.

Several thousand adults were dropped from the rolls starting July 1, and a federal lawsuit claims those notification letters violated due process rights.

The latest letters informed people that certain services would no longer be covered effective Sept. 1, and that co-payments also would be required beginning then.

The end of the two-page letter lists a correct toll-free number for the Medicaid program's voice-automated recipient services section. But in the letterhead are two other toll-free numbers - one for voice calling and the other for text telephones used by the hearing or speech impaired.

The number for the text telephone is off by one digit, resulting in calls to Rivera's home-based business, Hawkstone Productions. Rivera books concerts and sells music for Jack Gladstone, who promotes himself as a singer, songwriter, lecturer and storyteller.

The department spokeswoman said Rivera has been very kind with them - just as she has been with Medicaid callers.

"She's been very gracious," Scott said, "and we have let her know that we obviously will be compensating her for her time and her phone expense."

---

The correct toll-free number for hearing or speech impaired Medicaid recipients is 800-735-2966.

ON THE NET

Social Services: http://www.dss.mo.gov

LIfe expectancy climbs, abortions drop in Missouri
BY DEBORAH L. SHELTON
Of the Post-Dispatch
08/04/2005

Life expectancy, births to unmarried women and births by Caesarean section reached record highs in Missouri last year, according to data released Thursday by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Abortions hit a near-30-year low.

Life expectancy reached 76.8 years, according to provisional statistics. The improved life expectancy reflected a 4 percent decline in the overall death rate from 9.7 per 1,000 population in 2003 to 9.3 in 2004.

But life expectancy in Missouri remained lower than the national average of 77.6 years in 2003.

"We're not sure of the reasons for the difference," said Joe Stockbauer, chief of the health department's bureau of health data analysis. "It's good that life expectancy increased, but obviously it could go higher." Advertisement


Both male and female life expectancy hit records. For women, it climbed to 79.4 years from 78.9. For men, it rose to 74.1 years from 73.8 years.

C-sections jumped by 7 percent last year and 47 percent since 1994, reaching 29.4 percent of all births. The rise could be the result of more elective surgeries, Stockbauer said. "This is a phenomenon that's going on all over," he said.

Abortions decreased by 3.8 percent, from 12,476 in 2003 to 12,000, the lowest number in nearly 30 years.

The rate of births to unmarried mothers reached 37 percent. Teen births overall increased 1.3 percent, but births to teens under 18 decreased 2.7 percent.

Heart disease was the state's No. 1 killer, followed by cancer, stroke, chronic lung disease, unintentional injuries, diabetes, pneumonia and influenza, Alzheimer's disease, kidney disease and suicide. Suicide replaced blood poisoning as the 10th-leading cause.

Deaths caused by six of the top 10 causes - heart, stroke, chronic lung disease, diabetes, pneumonia and influenza and kidney disease - decreased in 2004. The remaining four - cancer, unintentional injury, Alzheimer's disease and suicide - all increased.

Heart disease has been the leading cause of death in Missouri for 85 consecutive years. But the gap between deaths from cancer and heart disease has been narrowing because heart disease mortality has been declining for several decades, and cancer mortality has remained relatively stable. If the trend continues, cancer will overtake heart disease as the state's No. 1 killer by 2016.

Cancer is the leading cause of death for people younger than 85 nationally - and has been in Missouri since 2001.

Among other leading causes of death, pneumonia and influenza decreased 13.5 percent, diabetes decreased 11.3 percent and stroke deaths decreased 2.1 percent. The reduction in pneumonia and flu deaths, primarily due to the absence of a major flu outbreak, likely helped lower deaths from other causes, particularly chronic diseases.

Although there was little change in overall unintentional injury deaths, motor vehicle crash deaths declined sharply, while injury deaths such as falls and poisonings increased. Homicides and AIDS deaths rose last year after reaching low points in 2003.

The infant death rate decreased, from 7.8 to 7.5 per 1,000 live births. But Missouri's infant death rate remains above the 2004 national rate of 6.6 per 1,000 live births.

Despite the decrease in very small babies, the overall rate of low birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds) rose from 8.0 percent in 2003 to 8.3 percent in 2004, the highest such rate in more than 40 years. The largest increase was in moderately low birth weight infants of 3.3 pounds to 5.5 pounds.

Live births increased 1 percent to 77,709, the highest count since 1991. That contrasts with the peak of the baby boom in 1959, when there were 98,537 live births in the state, Stockbauer said.

Multiple births remained at 3.4 percent of births, the same as 2003, but 26 percent above the 1994 rate.

Top 10 causes of death in Missouri, in descending order:
Heart disease
Cancer
Stroke
Chronic lung disease
Unintentional injuries
Diabetes
Pneumonia and influenza
Alzheimer's disease
Kidney disease
Suicide

Source: Missouri Dept. of Health and Senior Services

Reporter Deborah L. Shelton
E-mail: dshelton@post-dispatch.com
Phone: 314-340-8203