Tough day for incumbents in Branson’s April 3, 2007 Election as voters vote for change
It was a tough election day for incumbent candidates in Branson, Missouri on April 3, 2007. By a huge margin, about 83% to 17%, the voters of Branson, elected Raeanne Presley as its mayor over 12 year incumbent mayor Lou Schaefer. In the only aldermanic election involving an incumbent, retired Branson City Clerk, Sandra Williams, easily won over 12 year incumbent Ron Huff as a Ward II Alderman by a margin of about 73% to 27%. Bob McDowell won a contested election against a non incumbent, who had previously been an alderman, for a Ward I seat and Stephen Marshall ran unopposed for a Ward III seat.
In general the election was about change in the way things are done at city hall. During the campaign Bob McDowell probably summed the situation up best when he said, that the leadership of city government had to earn back “the benefit of the doubt position” from the community.
Mayor Presley and aldermen, Marshall, McDowell, and Williams should take their oath and assume their duties at the April 9 meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen.
Andre Kole, America’s foremost inventor of magical effects and the International Magician Society’s “Inventor of the Decade,” will perform in a rare Branson appearance during the “Solid Gospel Sunday Service,” 10:00 am at the Hamner Barber Theater on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.
The free, inter-denominational service officiated by Pastor Dave Hamner is open to the public. “We are excited that our dear friend Andre Kole has offered to perform and share his personal testimony this Sunday morning,” stated Hamner. “Andre has performed throughout the United States and in 79 countries around the world. Millions of individuals have witnessed his incredible talent and we are fortunate to have him take the time to visit us here in Branson for this very special occasion.”
BransonFest needs volunteers to help throughout the event April 10 – 14 from 9 am – 7 pm! Volunteer opportunities include directing traffic to parking areas, driving golf cart shuttles, assisting in the food tent, helping with daily clean-up, providing information to visitors, assisting in the entertainment tent, transporting decorations on Saturday (trucks are needed). Contact Jessica for more information 1-417-334-4084 ext. 327.
The “Circle of Champions” is coming to the Tri-Lakes Center on Mar. 23, 2007. “Millions watched the Indianapolis Colts win the Super Bowl this year. The amazing victory gave the Christian players and coaches a platform to share their personal testimonies of faith in Jesus Christ. On March 23, 2007 at 7:00pm, Hunter Smith, number 17 of the Indianapolis Colts will be here, along with national recognized Chaplain Ken Johnson to speak to men and boys of all ages. (Ladies are welcome too!).” Also appearing will be nationally sought NASCAR Chaplain Barry McGee who will be sharing his hilarious stories. For further information contact Pastor Dennis Webb at 417-527-3880 or via email at webb51@suddenlink.net.
Find out what’s happening for the week of March 15 - 21, 2007 during Branson’s Hot Winter Fun. Complete schedule can be found here.
First Presbyterian Church in Branson is celebrating a century of worship and service to its community. The highpoint of the year-long First Century Celebration is Sunday, March 18th when the congregation will celebrate, to the day and nearly to the hour, the establishment of the church 100 years ago.
The worship service will include special music, featuring the accompaniment of Credo Sinfonia, an eight piece orchestra from Russia. Credo Sinfonia is touring the United States under the sponsorship of The Messiah Project in Springfield. The special Sunday service will also incorporate a special history reading and an old fashioned potluck dinner will follow the service.
The Ole Seagull’s Note: First Presbyterian Church is located at 420 W. Main in downtown Branson. Its phone number is 417-334-3468.
The water at Table Rock Dam has been off a lot lately which has made it a lot easier to fly fish the upper end of the Lake. Although the Ole Seagull had not been fishing much the last couple of months the great weather, no generation, the slight overcast, and minimal wind was more than he could resist. In terms of pure numbers, the result was hard to beat, easily 15 to 20 Rainbows per hour using the sized 16 Red Bead Head Midge. It would be hard to conceive of a trout fishing experience that could be more fun for the average person than trout fishing on Lake Taneycomo right now. The fishing report dated Mar. 14, 2007 entitled “The size 16 Red Bead Head Midge starts the season off with a bang!” published in the Branson Courier contains a detailed description of just how good it is and links to four other Lake Taneycomo fishing reports that continue that theme. Fished for a couple of hours on Mar. 14 and it was a “ditto” of what happened on the 13th. Put simply, the trout fishing on Lake Taneycomo is great right now, don’t miss this opportunity!
Shades of the past, the Branson Mall recently announced the opening of their new indoor Carousel for young and old alike! The carousel, located out the west door of Wal-Mart, is open daily and rides are just $1.00 except for Tuesdays when there are free rides with the presentation of a same day Branson Mall tenant receipt
Branson’s Darren Romeo, the magician with the magic voice, opens his 2007 season at the Welk Resort Theatre at 8 p.m. March 12, 2007. The musical and magic production, featuring NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon’s #24 Dupont Chevrolet, will be performing at 8 p.m. through Sept. 3.
Grand Opening Area Appreciation rates for Stone & Taney County residents and workers are available thru March 31 at a rate of $5.00 per ticket. The Stage Door Restaurant is also participating in Area Appreciation with a 25% discount for Stone & Taney county residents/workers.
Find out what’s happening for the week of March 8 - 14, 2007 during Branson’s Hot Winter Fun. Complete schedule can be found here.