As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. – John 9:4
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March 14, 2025 • Volume 6, Issue #10
INSIDE:
Milton: Branson is stronger than ever before and getting stronger!
• Around Town.... 12A • Churches.......... 11A • Classifieds......... 10B • Education........... 8A • Fun & Games.... 12B • Pets for Adoption �� 3A • Obituaries........ 10A • Food.................. 8B • Weather........... 10A
BY GARY J. GROMAN, Independent Journalist “The state of our great city is stronger than ever before and only getting stronger!” said Branson Mayor Larry Milton to a packed house in the city council chambers in his State of the City speech on March 11, 2025. Milton noted that he has witnessed Branson’s successes and challenges for over 30 years. “Through it all, I have come to realize the true success of our city is not just the responsibility of one person or organization–but the combined partnership, growth and respect that we all must champion in order to carry forward our history and values to build a brighter, more prosperous Branson...As we look to celebrating the many milestones of our city this evening, we also should be reminded that just like America, Branson’s best days are ahead of us with our plans and vision for 2025 and beyond,” he added. The following, in the order given, are the mayor’s quotes from some of the key topics of the speech: Economic Growth: “We are a wave of economic growth. The truth is in the numbers. This past year, our value for build-
PLUS:
Happy Birthday, Mickey! – SEE PAGE 1B
Staycation for spring break? – SEE PAGE 7B.
Branson Mayor Larry Milton presenting the 2025 State of the City speech on March 11 (Photo by Gary J. Groman) ing permits has increased by over 14%. This significant metric is a complement to our city’s future– as it demonstrates new and existing businesses are actively choosing to invest in Branson as their home. In fact, in just the past five years, our city has benefited from more than an estimated $400 million in actual development.” Branson is Open for Business and Red Tape Review: “Over the past year, we have taken major steps to support, grow and
empower businesses. We launched a Red Tape Review Initiative to remove outdated regulations, streamline processes and create an even more business-friendly environment where innovation and investment can thrive. “A few of our first successful Red Tape Review initiatives were reforming short-term rentals, cutting burdensome regulations for developers, and removing barriers for food trucks. We also amended the Land Disturbance Code to be
more developer friendly. These changes were made with the help of our developers and business owners. Despite these wins, this is just the beginning of our Red Tape Review Initiative, and we’re working on more every day. Thank you to Director Amanda Ross and Alex Girard for doing DOGE before DOGE was cool. “We will continue to identify and remove unnecessary obstacles that stand in the way of local business growth, and we
will continue to operate at the Speed of Business. Donald Trump just showed us a new definition of Speed of Business...I can proudly proclaim Branson is Open for Business.” Quality of Life: “One of the most important things we continue to do is listen to our residents and businesses. Beyond the bright lights of our theatres and attractions, Branson is, first and foremost, a community. A place where families start, SEE STATE OF THE CITY, PAGE 3A
Hollister Chamber’s Alice Yeager retires
5586 W. 76 Country Blvd.
417-386-0100
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Hollister Chamber Director John Hagey with Alice Yeager (Photo via Facebook) BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer The February 27 Hollis-
ter Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon was a day filled with “Best Wishes,”
as the group bid “Happy Retirement” to long-time Chamber Administrative Assistant Alice Yeager. “This is the best community there is, bar none,” said Yeager, who was greeted with a standing ovation and rousing applause as she walked to the podium for special recognition by Hollister Mayor Jeff Long. At a reception held later that same afternoon, business and community leaders shared special memories, many saying Yeager’s encouragement was instrumental in their own business or professional development; others emphasized her role
in helping the Chamber develop into a successful source of community networking and support. The Yeagers moved to the Forsyth area in 2013, and Alice worked at Shoji Tabuchi Theatre and CoxHealth before accepting the Chamber position. “It sounded interesting,” she said, “and the rest is history! I have met so many wonderful people and formed friendships I would never have otherwise.” Yeager said she intends to remain active in the Chamber as a member and volunteer, along with continuing to work in the children’s ministry at Forsyth
First Baptist Church and enjoying her hobbies of gardening, basket weaving and crocheting. “I do not believe in letting myself get bored,” she said. She is also looking forward to spending more time with her sister in West Virginia. The February luncheon also featured the last State of the City report by Hollister City Administrator Rick Ziegenfuss, whose retirement was announced last December and is effective April 1. In thanking other city officials and the Chamber for their support, Ziegenfuss assured luncheon attendees that the SEE YEAGER, PAGE 6A
The Beck Museums of Branson Welcome You to...
SPRING!