Branson News

April 12, 2008

The Army Corps of Engineers released a record amount of water from Table Rock Lake over the last couple of days to cope with the influx of heavy rain that Branson has recieved. Water flowing into Lake Taneycomo has peaked past flood level and flooded many homes and local businesses. Table Rock Lake is expected to crest at an all-time high of 933 feet above sea level as the Corps continues to release water at 34,000 cubic feet per second through Table Rock Dam.

April 5, 2008

Branson city officials are expecting new construction in Branson to again surpass $100 million for the fourth year in a row! Branson construction projects totaled almost $40 million for the first quarter of 2008, compared to $22 million in the first quarter of 2007. Multi-million dollar commercial projects permitted last month included Bed, Bath and Beyond at Branson Hills Parkway and the Roaring Falls Ride at Celebration City.

March 23, 2008

Branson is in its final stages in search of a new city administrator. Mayor Raeanne Presley stated she hoped to have the hiring process completed and a new city administrator employed with the city by May. The position requires experience in public administration, local government management, financial and leadership knowledge, and the ability to work with department heads, employees, the community and a variety of stake holders. The final day for submitting resumes for the city position was March 17th.

March 10, 2008

Skaggs Community Health Center recently opened the doors to its new 12,000 square foot Cancer Center. Since its initial inception, the facility has taken almost 10 years and approximately $5.5 million to complete. Skaggs built the Cancer Center with intentions to help locals who cannot afford the costs, time and energy to travel to Springfield for treatment. Several large donations came from the community, including a $500,000 donation from Sherry Herschend in honor of Dr. Peter Marcellus.

February 26, 2008

Great Southern Bank will soon open its third Branson branch, which will also include a full-service office for Great Southern Travel. The new 2,500 square foot building located at 1510 State Highway 248 will feature four drive-through lanes, an automated teller machine, a full-service lobby with safe deposit boxes and employ six associates. This will be Springfield-based Great Southern's 39th retail banking center in Missouri.

February 13, 2008

There will soon be another destination for Branson shopping. Aside from the new Target, TJ Maxx, Home Depot and Kohl’s opening in Branson Hills, Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, MC Sports, Petco, Michaels, Wendy’s, Books A Million and a new Wal-Mart Supercenter will soon be opening in the same area. The $300 million, 1,200-acre Branson Hills development is also constructing over 800 homes in the adjacent area ranging in price from $150,000 to $2 million. In addition to these new shopping and housing developments, there is also an 18-hole golf course being designed as a tribute to Payne Stewart.

February 5, 2008

Bookings for the Branson Convention Center have exceeded 2008 projections with over 200 events scheduled so far. According to a 2003 feasibility analysis done before the convention center was built, it would take 177 events to keep the convention center viable. Many of the events booked thus far have been multiyear, which means those planning to attend this year have made plans to come back the following year. Of the business booked thus far, over 60 percent of that is new groups who haven’t held events before in Branson. That’s great news for local businesses who hoped the publicity and advertising created by the Branson Convention Center would bring additional visitors and new demographics into town. Sounds like it’s working.

January 30, 2008

Branson music entertainer, Andy Williams has been named the recipient of the 17th Annual ELLA Award by the Society of Singers. Named after its first recipient, Ella Fitzgerald, the ELLA Award is given to singers whose significant musical accomplishments are equaled by their dedication to charitable and humanitarian causes both local and international. Almost 70 years after he began performing as a young boy, Andy is still singing regularly at his own Moon River Theatre in Branson.

January 20, 2008

The improved intersection at Fall Creek Road and Highway 76 will soon be completed. The $1.2 million dollar project, which has taken five months thus far to complete, has included signalizing the intersection, adding a left turn lane on Fall Creek Road, widening 76, and adding right and left turn lanes on it as well. City officials reported the project will be completed under budget and on time. The completion of the intersection marks the end of phase two of a three-phase project which hopes to extend Fall Creek Road to Roark Valley Road. The final phase will complete the extension of the two roads in which the city hopes to begin construction this summer.

January 14, 2008

Where there is a will; there is a way. Funds for a new Lake Taneycomo bridge are getting closer to being fully collected. The four major stakeholders, Branson, Hollister, Taney County and the Missouri Department of Transportation have raised significant funds over the last six months. MoDOT has pleged $4.3 million plus a possible $7.35 million in cost-share funds. Taney County will give an additional $5.1 million and Hollister is pledging $709,000, leaving roughly only $1.55 million to be collected. City officials believe the remaining funds can be accomplished.

January 2, 2008

Many state employees are celebrating not only the New Year, but a new raise. Starting this month, minimum wage in Missouri went from $6.50 to $6.65 an hour, a 15-cent raise from Proposition B in which Missouri voters approved in November 2006. The law established Missouri's minimum wage at $6.50 an hour or at the federal rate, whichever is higher. The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said the wage increase was determined by utilizing recent information published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

December 17, 2007

The majority of Branson shows used to operate between Memorial Day and Labor Day and then close January through March. Not anymore! Now more shows are staying open during the season which has become known as Hot Winter Fun. The Jim Stafford Theatre, Grand Country Music Hall and the Dutton Theatre are some of the several theatres remaining open during the winter months. Most of the shows open for Hot Winter Fun will be showcased in one big show at the Jim Stafford Theatre on February 11th. Don't miss it!

December 5, 2007

Mayor Raeanne Presley cast the tie-breaking vote in favor of going with the B-10 option after Branson aldermen were split on which Lake Taneycomo bridge option to go with. The B-10 plan calls for a roundabout to be placed on the Hollister side of the bridge and a second bridge to be built while the existing Lake Taneycomo Bridge is repaired. Alderman Jack Purvis made the motion to go with the B-10 option and Aldermen Dick Gass and Stan Barker also voted in favor. Council members Sandra Williams, Stephen Marshall and Bob McDowell were against it.

November 22, 2007

Local retailers are expecting to have another record-setting sales season this Ozark Mountain Christmas. Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving are considered to be the biggest shopping days of the year in Branson. In fact, many of the new retailers in town, including Belk, Target and Kohl's will be opened by sunrise. And to help with the increase in traffic, there will be 28 police officers working ten-hour shifts to relieve traffic congestion on Friday and Saturday. Positive tax figures for the year are looking great as well. The city of Branson's sales tax is up nearly 10 percent, totaling just under $6.5 million and the city's tourism tax is up more than 7.7 percent for a total of more than $7.2 million.

November 16, 2007

The wait is almost over! Officials from the Missouri Department of Transportation announced they'll soon be opening the southbound lanes of U.S. 65 from Hollister to the Arkansas line! However northbound lanes will be closed to one, as highway crews lay new asphalt surface. In addition, the Missouri 265 crossover will be closed in order for the new permanent approach to be adjoined along with new signal lights. Four access points after the Hollister Interchange will be limited to exits at Branson Creek, Missouri 265, Missouri 86 and Rochester Road. The stretch of highway from Hollister to the Arkansas has been under construction since the fall of 2006.

November 10, 2007

Say goodbye to the potholes! The 76 bridge over Lake Taneycomo between Branson and Hollister will be closed November 12 and 13, for repair and resurfacing. The Missouri Department of Transportation said the bridge closing is needed to complete the project safely, quickly and with the best results possible. Construction crews will prepare the deck for repaving by smoothing the pavement at the joints, pouring concrete patches and cleaning away debris. They will then lay a 1-inch layer of asphalt for a new and much-needed driving surface on the bridge. Total cost of the work is approximately $29,000.

November 7, 2007

Regional election results are in! Branson voters defeated Proposition A, the one-half cent sales tax slated for the Lake Taneycomo Bridge and economic development. Voters in Hollister passed a five percent transient tourism tax. Sparta voters dismissed a sales fire protection tax and voters in Douglas County approved their water and sewer tax.

November 1, 2007

Funds are still available for homeowners with septic tanks. More than 220 homeowners have participated in the successful Table Rock Lake Water Quality program which qualifies $50 back after having their septic system pumped out. Maintaining a septic system cost an average of $100 once every three to five years. The septic tank pump out program has 170 rebates still left for homeowners in the Table Rock Lake or James River area. The program is a cooperative effort of the Missouri Department of Conservation, James River Basin Partnership, Bass Pro Shops, Table Rock Lake Water Quality, Inc., and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

October 24, 2007

The city of Hollister (Branson's next door neighbor) announced plans for an indoor water park, public arena, hotel, restaurants and retail stores on 112 acres of land just east of Highway 65. Local developer Justin Gage is behind the creation of one of the world's largest indoor water parks which will be built across and connected via skywalk to the publicly funded arena. The $26 million dollar arena will be financed through property and sales tax.

October 15, 2007

The Taneycomo Bridge will close for six hours overnight for the next three nights between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Emergency vehicles will be allowed to cross the bridge during the closing each night, but drivers will have to find an alternate route each of the three nights. MoDOT crews will take samples from the bidge deck, columns and arches as part of a study underway to determine the best option for rehabilitating the historic structure.

October 12, 2007

Beginning November 1st, the 2007 Branson Area Festival of Lights drive-through will be located at Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Expressway Lane, close to the new Sight & Sound Theatre. The magical 1-mile drive features over 120 displays and promises to be memorable. In addition, lighting displays will be held at Silver Dollar City's Old Time Christmas celebration, the Enchanted Forest on Indian Point Road and the Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills. From fabulous Christmas shows and dazzling lights to spectacular shopping and breathtaking scenic beauty, Branson is a great place to visit during this festive time of year.

October 8, 2007

Last night, six-time Grammy and ten-time American Music Award winner, Randy Travis performed a Christmas show taping at The Mansion Theater in Branson. The concert, sponsored by Feed The Children, was free and open to the public and was filmed for an up-coming Feed The Children Christmas television special due to air later this year. Travis sang songs from his new Christmas album, "Songs of the Season" to a packed house.

September 26, 2007

Branson will soon have three wineries! Construction of a new winery in the Branson area is set to begin in November, while another is slated to open early next year. Branson already is home to Stone Hill Winery, which draws over 450,000 visitors a year. Now under construction, the $2 million Mount Pleasant Winery is set to open in February and the $8 million Branson Ridge Winery is scheduled to open early 2009. Branson Ridge Winery sits on 18 acres just north of Branson on U.S. Highway 465. The 35,000-square-foot complex includes a 1890s-era stone barn and banquet hall, a 1918-era Americana barn and bistro, a 1930s-era specialty foods market, and a modern glass and steel-covered foyer for special events.

September 13, 2007

Over 30,000 spectators were in Branson today to watch the individual time trials of the Tour of Missouri. Today's grueling 18-mile cycling course began at the Branson Landing and ended at the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. U.S. Pro Champion Levi Leipheimer came in first place with a time of 39:37. Australian Nathan O'Neill came in second by just 16 seconds and three-time Swedish time trial champion, Matti Helimen finished third, a minute and a half behind the leader. Afterwards, several of the 112 world-class cyclists commented on the challenging course our scenic Ozark hills provided.

September 10, 2007

Branson's fiscal year ends later this month and the city is slated to have generated over a billion dollars in gross sales! That's up more than $124 million in comparison to last year. Tourism tax revenues increased by 9% with sales and transportation taxes up 15% over the same time last year. Tourism taxes collected through July total $9.6 million compared to $8.8 million last year. Sales taxes collected total over $12.6 million in comparison to $10.9 million in 2006. The city of Branon's fiscal year runs from October to September.

September 7, 2007

The new downtown Branson Hilton Convention Center opened today as Branson officials held a ribbon cutting for the event. Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley thanked city staff, current and past board of aldermen and others who made the Convention Center a reality. The building offers 220,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including two exhibit halls totaling 50,000 square feet, which connects to a 23,000 square foot ballroom. The convention center offers a wide range of services, including complete onsite catering, audio visual services, Internet, event management, and connects directly to the Hilton Branson Convention Hotel, a 12-story luxury hotel with 290 rooms and suites.

August 31, 2007

Say goodbye to summer! Branson City Officials are expecting large crowds to roll into the Tri-Lakes Area this weekend for what many consider to be the last weekend of summer. In fact, the Table Rock Lake Corps of Engineers reported that all 13 Corps' campgrounds are booked solid. They also expect to see many boaters as well as full crowds on Table Rock Lake’s popular beaches. Live telecasts and several concerts will held downtown at The Branson Landing as they hold their Labor Day weekend tradition of raising money for Jerry Lewis' annual Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon.

August 19, 2007

Secretary of State Robin Carnahan announced election results from "Choose Your Favorite Missouri Music" which her office sponsored at the State Fair. Over 3,000 voters participated in the election which was twice the voter turnout over last year. Fairgoers overwhelming selected Branson Country music, which received 56% of the vote in a four-way race. The official election results are: Branson Country 1,692, Ozark Bluegrass 553, Kansas City Jazz 396 and St. Louis Blues 359.

August 7, 2007

A search committee is being formed to begin the selection process for a new Branson City Administrator. Assistant City Administrator and California native, Frank Schoneboom will serve as Interim Branson City Administrator until the replacement position for Terry Dody is filled. In addition to assisting the City Administrator in the oversight of all the Departments of the City, the Assistant City Administrator serves as the Administrative Services Director of the City of Branson, which oversees the activities of the Health Department, City Clerk/Municipal Court, Parks %26 Recreations Department, CIS Department and the Communications Department. Frank Schoneboom has served as Branson's Assistant City Administrator since June 2004.

August 1, 2007

Gage's Branson Landing Marina %26 Shoppes will soon have boat cruises on Lake Taneycomo once again. The new Lake Queen, named after the original Lake Queen, which was a major attraction for over 30 years, is almost complete. The original Lake Queen will be an exhibit at the marina, paying tribute to the original sight-seeing tours. A second boat, Branson's Landing Princess will also provide cruises. The marina, once completed in spring 2008, will feature retail shops such as Shorty Smalls restaurant, Ben and Jerry's ice cream parlor and many others. A 300-seat banquet room, 18 boat slips and pontoon rentals will also be available.

July 27, 2007

Congratulations to the Presley family! The Presleys' Country Jubilee Theater was recently honored at their 40th Season Celebration Show in a surprise ceremony which included a proclamation signed by Governor Matt Blunt. Also during the ceremony, recognition was given from the State of Missouri, The City of Branson, Taney County, and the Branson Lakes/Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB. We wish the Presley family continued prosperity and success.

July 18, 2007

Up until now, Branson has seen over $65 million in construction for 2007 and officials estimate a total of $100 million for the year. Construction progress continues to move steadily along Branson Hills Parkway, where the new Wal-MartSupercenter will open next spring and Kohl's this fall. Crews are also diligently working to realign Forsythe Boulevard off Highway 76 in hopes to reduce the steep grade and make room for additional retail development. And just across the bridge, in Hollister, the city has recorded over $7 million in construction for the year, much of that going towards residential development.

July 12, 2007

The new Branson Chamber Board of Director election results are in. For the Accommodations Category: Mark Hartman of the Hilton Promenade-Branson and Rachel Wood, Outback Roadhouse Motel. For the Attractions Category: John Joslyn of the Titanic-Branson and Dustin Rogers, RoyRogers-DaleEvansMuseum. And for the General Business Category: Troy Hill, BKD and our own Charlie Gerken of Gerken & Associates Realtors.

July 1, 2007