In a cooperative effort with Taney County OATS Bus, Christian Action Ministries has expanded their “Outreach Programs”. On May 19th Taney County OATS will be providing transportation to Christian Action Ministries Food Pantry on the 3rd Tuesday of each month for Taney County Residents. This outreach will enable many residents to obtain food for their families.

Transportation must be arranged with the Taney County OATS Bus by NOON Monday, May 18th. Call: Lynn Parker at 230-4019
OATS will accept monetary donations in exchange for transportation. Food Orders must be called in to CAM’s Food Pantry at 417-334-1157 by NOON Monday, May 18th.

Please help CAM and Taney County OATS spread the word to those in need that this service will be available to Taney County Residents. For questions or additional information please contact Joan or Julie, Christian Action Ministries Food Pantry at (417) 334-1157 or Lynn Parker, Taney County OATS Bus Transportation Food Orders (417) 230-4019.

“Support for the community, by the community.”

Amid jokes about being fired and expiring, Gene Williams and his co-host Katie Lynn returned to the studio this week to update the weekly television show taped live in Branson, Mo., the Gene Williams Country Television Show.

Williams was recently released from the hospital and has been taking a break from the hectic weekly television show taping schedule that he has had for eight years in Branson. While a hiatus from regular taping has been recommended, he and Katie Lynn returned to the studio to tape updates for a new series of the Best of the Gene Williams Country Music TV Show.

The pair talked about what has been happening in Branson and announced the continuation of the guitar giveaways sponsored by All Star Music of Jonesboro and Batesville, Ark., and Poplar Bluff, Mo.

Williams also announced the addition of more affiliates on the Retro Television Nework (RTN). The Gene Williams Show is aired in Springfield, Branson, Little Rock, Jonesboro, Ark., Nashville, St. Louis, Decatur, Ill., Ada, Okla., Sherman/Denison, Texas, plus on all the stations of the Retro Television Network including 11 of the top 30 markets in the nation and the network recently added even more affiliates.

RTN first went on the air in July of 2005 in Little Rock with Equity Broadcasting, a station that has supported Williams’ show since its beginning more than 40 years ago. Luken Communications, headquartered in Chattanooga, Tenn., became the new owners in January. The Gene Williams Country Television Show was part of RTN’s main focus in 2008 of the new “Classic Hits All Day – Fresh Talk All Night” format. With the 2009 switch to digital television, RTN added many affiliates in 2007 and 2008. RTN airs classic television programming from the 1950s through the 1980s, and original programming, making Williams part of the line-up along with the likes of James Garner, Tom Selleck, Robert Wagner and Johnny Depp.

Known as the “Voice of Branson”, Allen Edwards is the host of the new “Ozarks LIVE!” radio program, and the premier webcast is scheduled for 7:00PM (CST) Sunday, May 17th. Co-hosted by K.D. Michaels, Ozarks LIVE! is a focus on the entertainers, events and activities in Branson.

Produced at the World’s Largest Golden Corral Restaurant in Branson, Ozarks LIVE! entertains with up close interviews with the Branson stars, their music, and show information. This week, Allen Edwards visits with Moe Bandy.

Join Allen each week on BWR as he visits with the people who make Branson fun! Every Sunday night at 7:00PM (CST). You can listen to the webstream by visiting www.bransonworldradio.com or at www.MyBWR.com.

Rated as the #2 Hot Country Radio Station on the Internet, BRANSON WORLD RADIO is heard over the “Live365” Network. With thousands of stations and more than 4 million listeners a month, Live365 is the world’s largest Internet radio network. Live365 is a two-time winner of the Best Radio Website Award from the Web Marketing Association, a two-time winner of the People’s Voice award for Best Music Site at the Webby Awards (2001, 2002), a winner of the Webby’s People’s Voice Award for Best Radio Site (2004), and has received Best-of-Web designations from Forbes.com and the San Francisco Chronicle. Since 1999, BRANSON WORLD RADIO now serves air radio stations in more than 50 markets, and has established a loyal Internet fan base in 43 states and 33 countries around the world.

Find out more about this powerful marketing opportunity for the 2009 season by contacting us through the BWR website at www.bransonworldradio.com, Email at [email protected], or call us (870) 743-1311.

The Best of Gene Williams Country Music TV Show returns with one of the Telly Award-winning show’s most historic guests, Johnny Cash’s Tennessee Three, on this week’s telecast of the weekly television show based in Branson, Mo.

“Of all the guests I’ve had on my show, the Tennessee Three is one of my favorites because of my close association with Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Three. Because of the popularity of the movie ‘Walk the Line,’ the Tennessee Three have been discovered by even more fans,” said Gene Williams who grew up with Cash in Dyess, Ark., and worked in country music with Cash himself. “My friends, guitarist Bob Wootton and WS Holland on drums, the longest standing members of Johnny Cash’s band, are carrying on the tradition they started more than 40 years ago.”

Williams is the star and creator of the Telly Award-winning show that was taped live at the 50’s at the Hop Theatre at the Shoppes at Branson Meadows.
The TV show with the Tennessee Three will be telecast May 9 and 10. For more information go to the website genewilliamscountry.com.

Williams was recently released from the hospital and is taking a break from the hectic schedule he has had for eight years in Branson due to health problems. A hiatus from taping has been recommended. The Gene Williams Country Music TV Show will continue to be aired in Springfield, Branson, Little Rock, Jonesboro, Ark., Nashville, St. Louis, Decatur, Ill., Ada and Ardmore, Okla., Sherman/Denison, Texas, plus on RTN which is over 100 stations including 11 of the top 30 markets in the nation.

The 8th Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, presented by the Branson Christian Business Men’s Committee, will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2009 from 6:45a.m. to 8:30a.m. at the Tri-Lakes Center, located at 2527 State Hwy. 248 in Branson, Missouri. The public is invited.

Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley will host this year’s event, held in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer, as an opportunity for guests to unite in fellowship as they pray, enjoy breakfast, and listen to an inspirational keynote address.

This year, the Branson Christian Business Men’s Committee presents keynote speaker Gil A. Stricklin, founder and CEO of Marketplace Chaplains USA and International. Stricklin’s Dallas-based company provides cross-denominational, multi-ethnic chaplain services to businesses nationwide as an employee care program. Marketplace Chaplains has 2,388 corporate chaplains caring for 524,814 employees and their family members in 767 cities in 44 states, as well as in Mexico, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and most recently, in the United Kingdom.

A highlight of the breakfast is the announcement of the 2009 Don Gabriel Kingdom Builder Award recipient. The award is given each year to someone in the community who exemplifies the love of Jesus Christ through their work in improving our community for the glory of God. Past recipients include Don Gabriel, Cliff Wagner, Larry VanGilder, John Baltes, Edd Akers, Barbara Brezavar and Brad Swafford.

Tickets for the 8th Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast are $25.00 each or $175.00 for a table of 8, prior to the day of the event. Tickets may be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis at the door on the day of the event for $27.50 each. For more information or to reserve tickets, call (417) 334-6308 or visit www.bransoncbmc.com.
The Branson Christian Business Men’s Committee is the local chapter of the national Christian Business Men’s Committee, a movement of men dedicated to prayer and sharing the gospel and hope of Jesus Christ.

The Best of Gene Williams Country Music TV Show returns with two of the Telly Award-winning show’s favorite guests, Johnny Cash’s Tennessee Three and the Plummer Family, on this week’s telecast of the weekly television show based in Branson, Mo.

“Of all the guests I’ve had on my show, the Tennessee Three is one of my favorites because of my close association with Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Three. Because of the popularity of the movie ‘Walk the Line,’ the Tennessee Three have been discovered by even more fans,” said Gene Williams who grew up with Cash in Dyess, Ark., and worked in country music with Cash himself. “My friends, guitarist Bob Wootton and WS Holland on drums, the longest standing members of Johnny Cash’s band, are carrying on the tradition they started more than 40 years ago.”

“The Plummer Family Show was one of the first and best theatres in the Branson area. Darrell and Rosie Plummer opened their theater in May 1973 and performed for 18 years. Darrell and Rosie and their son Randy are great guests on my show. Randy is a talented songwriter and showman,” said Williams, the star and creator of the Telly Award-winning show that was taped live at the 50’s at the Hop Theatre at the Shoppes at Branson Meadows.

The TV show with the Tennessee Three and the Plummers will be telecast May 2 and 3.

Ten young local dancers from the Dance Branson Stars dance team have been selected to perform at the Great American Pie Contest Saturday, April 25th at 9:15am.  The girls, ages 6 to 9, will be performing right on the cooking stage at the Pie Contest at the Branson Convention Center.

Lia Bernhardi, Anna Henderson, Ali Kelly and Gabbie Lisemby, all 3rd graders from Branson, will perform “Trolley Song,” followed by 1st and 2nd graders Ana Bernhardi, GraceLynn Holloway, Sandra Jaroon, Gracie Lisemby, Molly Sparks and Darcee Stone who will tap dance to “Codfish Ball.”

All of these wonderful young dancers study ballet, tap and jazz at Dance Branson under the direction of Rae Owen, Tonya Coker and Regina Laughlin

Books in Bloom, a free literary festival ,is being held Sunday afternoon in May 3rd in the gardens and conservatory of the historic Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, AR. The festival is a project of the Carroll and Madison Public Library Foundation.

This year’s featured authors include Jory Sherman, Jennifer Chiaverini, Mara Leveritt, and John Brummett.  There will also be readings and signings on-going in the garden. presented by a variety of regional authors. The festival runs from Noon- 5PM, and will take place rain or shine. This is the fifth anniversary of the festival, which is held in conjunction with the May Festival of the Arts in Eureka Springs. For information, visit our website, www.BooksinBloom.org or call festival co-chair Jean Elderwind at 870 423-5300.

Please join us at noon on Friday, April 24th in Branson Landing’s Town Square, right in front of the Branson Landing fountains, as we celebrate Arbor Day.
It has been over 135 years since J. Sterling Morton founded Arbor Day, a nationally-celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care.  His simple idea of setting aside a special day for tree planting is now more important than ever.

The Arbor Day Celebration begins at 12:00 noon with a host of special guests, award presentations, great entertainment, FREE trees and much more.  With Master of Ceremonies, Yakov Smirnoff and special performances by John and Ambrus Presley, as well as the amazing group – SIX, this special Arbor Day Celebration will be one not to miss!

With the objective of reforesting and maintaining trees throughout the Branson and Taney County Area, 200 Red Twig Dogwood Seedlings will be distributed as well as 500 Holly Bushes donated by Empire Electric.  Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate Arbor Day in a personal way by planting a tree yourself.

For more information on Arbor Day, visit www.arborday.org today!

The team at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen announces a grand opening event on Monday, April 20 at the new Luigi’s restaurant, located at 3452 W. 76 Country Boulevard in Branson, next to the Dutton Family Theatre, across from White Water and Mickey Gilley’s.  Community members are encouraged to come see the new location and enjoy a complimentary slice of pizza from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Luigi’s on the 76 Strip will be giving away free slices of pizza Monday afternoon (one per person) with no purchase necessary. Additionally, from 3 p.m. until closing time, Luigi’s is offering large specialty (classic or gourmet) pizzas for 50 percent off.  These specials cannot be combined with other offers, discounts or coupons and are available at the 76 Strip location for dine-in or carryout orders only.

It might seem strange that a local, independent restaurant owner would give food away and cut his prices in half during what many consider to be harsh economic times.  Chris Jordan, owner of Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen in Branson and Nixa, has a philosophy of his own.

“Above all else, we are enthusiastic, positive and grateful. We’re excited about our new location because it’s going to open so many more doors for us, and we know that we wouldn’t have been able to do this without the support of the community at large. The locals keep us in business and give us the opportunity to grow and expand.  This is our way of celebrating a new beginning, saying thanks to the community that has supported us for more than 10 years, and introducing ourselves to people who may not know about us yet,” Jordan said.