Monday, November 25, 2019

Beaver Creek bridge in Taney County shut down! Repairs start Nov 26!

KY3 abstract: The Beaver Creek bridge in Taney County is now the third major bridge to be shut down by Missouri Department of Transportation in the last three weeks.

In just about a two hour period Saturday, dozens of cars made it as far at the road leading up to the Beaver Creek bridge and had to turn right back around. Many of the drivers told KY3 their only option is a 45 minute detour.

MODOT: U.S. Route 160 at Beaver Creek near Kissee Mills CLOSED Immediately Due to Bridge deterioration!

What: U.S. Route 160 at the bridge over Beaver Creek near Kissee Mills CLOSED immediately due to deterioration of the bridge structure

Why: A inspection of the bridge this week has shown extreme deterioration of the support components located under the bridge deck that connect the deck to the girders and other support structures. The bridge will remain CLOSED until repairs can be made. Currently, there is no timetable for completing repairs. More information will be announced later when repairs are scheduled.
Click to enlarge

Details:
  • Route 160 CLOSED at the bridge over Beaver Creek near Kissee Mills
  • The bridge was built in 1953 and carries 2,000 vehicles a day
  • Drivers will be able to get to entrances and driveways on either side of the bridge but will not be able to cross the bridge
  • Drivers are urged to use state routes to get around the closing including Route 125 and Route 76

(Weather and/or construction delays will alter the work schedule)
I'll post updates here if I get any news from MoDot!

UPDATE: Good news! This from MoDot - 'Repairs on the U.S. Route 160 bridge over Beaver Creek will start on Tuesday, Nov. 26, and could last until mid-December.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Please consider joining the Forsyth Chamber of Commerce!

Forsyth Mo. - The Chamber of Commerce in Forsyth Missouri needs everyone's support. I would encourage any interested citizens to stop by and to get an application to join and become part of the community of individuals and business owners who meet on a regular basis. The yearly dues for individuals is just $35!

Their office is located at 157 Main St in Forsyth Missouri and they can be reached by calling 417-546-2741 during regular business hours.

Rollings and Associtates coming to town!

Forsyth Mo. - A new insurance company called Rollings and Associates will be opening in Forsyth Missouri where the flower shop and tea room used to be located. No work on the exact date at this time.

Long Horn Family Dining has closed!

Forsyth Mo. - I recently learned that the populat eating venue known as the Long Horn Family dinign restaurant has closed. I tried call that location to see what was going on, but no one answered the phone.

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

The McRib is back!

Forsyth Mo. - The McRib is back and is (supposedly) available at the local McDonald's in Forsyth on Hwy 160 and Coy Blvd. For those who've never enjoyed eating one, it's 'a barbecue-flavored pork sandwich periodically sold by the international fast food restaurant chain McDonald's. It was first introduced to the McDonald's menu in 1981, following test marketing the year before. After poor sales, it was removed from the menu in 1985'. The previous statement was taken from Wikipedia. Well, that used to be true, but now the McRib is back to stay! And did I run out to purchase one with fries? You bet your ass I did! (Actually, I planned to go there about noontime and will report back when I confirm that it's available.) Update: They are available!

Now, what I'm still unsure of is whether or not this iconic sandwich is really back to stay or will it remain on the 'periodic offering' page? (The article I read was unclear either way). Whatever. The thing is, my body craves one right now! Sadly, whenever the body craves something, you can be sure that it's also not a particularly nutritious item to consume... As the panel, shown below clearly illustrates, the pork sandwich has 480 calories per serving all by its lonesome. Add in a medium order of fries and you're a tad over 800! Whoa Nellie! Thar goes my diet all to hell and back!


My next post will be titled: How I hide unwanted fat.


Monday, October 28, 2019

White Oak Conoco Station has some pretty cool stuff!

Forsyth MO - A local gas station slash convenience store known as the White Oak has some very fine folks working there and thus they get most of my gas purchasing business. But they also have some very good deals on items like cell phone charger cables and accessories!

One item in the display case that caught my attention was Iphone USB cables for only $5.99! That was one of the lowest prices I've seen in the area.

Monday, October 14, 2019

A visit to the Long Horn Family Dining restaurant!

Forsyth MO. - It was a rather night day in early fall in mid October that I got it in my head to re-visit a local eatery that serves up some pretty decent grub, including a breakfast dish known as the Works!

For those who may never have had the pleasure, the Works Platter consists of the following combos; two eggs (made to order), toast or biscuit with gravy, a choice of meat and hash browns. I generally opt for sunny side up eggs, toast, sausage and the hash brown's with just a splash of A1 sauce. Throw in some jelly for the toast and I'm a very happy camper. With a cup of coffee, this meal-a-deal comes in at about eight and a half dollars. It's a tasty way to start your day that doesn't break the bank!

The Long Horn is located at 16039 US-160 in Forsyth and is just across from Fat Daddy's. I understand they serve breakfast until 11AM each day and do support both smoking and non-smoking areas. They can be reached by calling (417) 546-9751 during regular business hours. I always encourage area residents (and those just passing through) to make it a point to get out and visit business venues like this. The food is great and the income helps them all stay in business.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Tanco Lumber in Forsyth Mo to relocate?

Forsyth MO. - Apparently Tanco Lumber a lumber yard currently located at 240 State Hwy H, on the outskirts of  Forsyth Missouri, will be moving a bit closer to town to a new location that used to be Bob's EZ Package Store and which was renamed Pump 30 some months ago! The reason for the change of address remained unknown to me as the time of this post. Perhaps the ownership was going to keep the original Tanco location as a storage facility, but that would be idle conjecture on my part. 

One concern I had was the fact that this store slash gas island was used by many residents of both Rockaway Beach and Merriam Woods. Now, customers may have to drive a bit further down the road to get either food or fuel!

Friday, September 13, 2019

Shadowrock Park re-opens!

Forsyth MO - While driving by Shadowrock Park, located just to the east of the town of Forsyth Missouri, I noticed that the gates were no longer closed and so drove on through.

I did spot a few electric coop trucks effecting repairs and that was encouraging, in of itself. After many months of having been flooded, the park infrastructure didn't look all that bad. I mentally made plans to go on an impromptu picnic early next week. (That was assuming that it stayed open).

River Run Park, over across Bull Shoals still had a ways to go, it would seem. The lake level, on the day of this post, was 672.86 feet above msl. I was guessing that it would be another week or so before it too became accessible to auto traffic.

You can reach the people who man this Park by calling 417- 546-2876...

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Area parks had dried out, yet remained closed!

Forsyth Mo. - As the summer of 2019 drew to a close, I was happy to see the flood waters in the Bull Shoals Lake area receding to levels that were closer to normal. On the date of this post, the water level had dropped down to 673 feet msl and was dropping at a rate that averaged a third of a foot per day. At that average rate, it was still going to be another 49 days before levels got back down to the normal level of 659 feet! But it was at about 677 feet that Shadowrock Park was pretty much clear of water. (That occurred toward the end of August and so a couple of weeks later, most of it was high and dry). And, there had been evidence that park personnel (or perhaps volunteers) had gotten much of the debris removed to debris piles for removal or burning. I drove down there to snap some pics and to maybe walk around a bit. Sadly, the park remained locked down.....

I made a call to the Park people about when the park might re-open and was greeted with a message informing me that the park was closed 'indefinitely'.



Friday, August 30, 2019

Shadowrock Park emerges once again!

Forsyth needs its own Park/Tourist Center!
After spending yet another spring and summer season languishing beneath the waters of Bull Shoals, the one popular park located just to the east of the city of Forsyth, MO has emerged. And, as you may have guessed, there's a boatload of assorted debris that will now need to be hauled off.

With the final holiday of the summer just a day or so away, Labor Day will have to be celebrated at some other area park should one be so inclined. Empire and Shoals Bend are the two closest that I can recall. And while Empire Park does only have a few amenities, it still shines brightly when compared to Shoals Bend. Here's a very short rundown on all four;

Shadowrock Park - May become available a few days toward the middle of September.
River Run - I'm guessing the the Corps will keep this park shuttered until perhaps next year.
Empire Park - Open for business
Shoals Bend - This is actually not a park. It's a fair ground that few seem to want to go to... I definitely don't like going there after dark.

If I might be so bold as to say WTF? is the town of Forsyth so strapped for resources that we can't develop a fully functional and equipped park somewhere in the city limits? And, I'm not talking about a few picnic tables dumped on some vacant field with a porta potty. I'm talking about a fully landscaped area that could support such amenities as; flush toilets, a stage, a public indoor swimming poll and meeting hall, vendor sites. Well, you get my drift. All that's lacking is the public's will to plan and develop what I feel would be a true visitor attraction that could also pay for itself over the long haul. Will this ever happen... no, probably not.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

A Pittsburg salad with fries? And at the Frosted Mug? Uh no...

Forsyth Mo - Here’s the real deal, salad lovers. Sometimes we all want to eat a salad that’s simply full of lettuce and vegetables. Other times we want to eat a salad that’s full of lettuce, vegetables, shredded cheese, croutons, Ranch dressing, more cheese and more croutons.

But we had no idea we wanted to eat a salad that’s full of lettuce, vegetables, cheese and FRENCH FRIES.

That’s right. There’s an actual real life salad that’s topped with our favorite French cuisine — fries. WTF??

I had the occasion to observe this creation served, recently, at a local venue and had to admit that the patron who ordered it (special) seemed to enjoy the experience totally!

So, is this so-called salad now on the menu at the Mug? No. It would seem that only the intelligentsia has access that mere mortals, such as myself, can only dream...


Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Shadowrock Park may soon reemerge!

Park at 678' or just after it was closed for the 2019 season!
Forsyth MO. - After spending the bulk of the spring and summer resting beneath the waves of Bull Shoals Lake, a popular area park may once again make an appearance by early October or just in time for the end of the Summer season. The graph below is based on water level trends and assumes a relative dry month of August (dotted trend line). The more aggressive purple line represents the most recent trend based on higher release rates at the Bull Shoals dam.

Bull Shoals Lake level

Wednesday, August 7, 2019

What's missing regarding restaurant condiments?

I think that most everyone who lives in and around Forsyth Missouri has likely had a chance to  visit one of the many fine sit-down styled restaurants that my small town supports; Long Horn Family Dining, Fat Daddy's, Thrive and Mountain William's Pizza to name a few. All offer a great dining experience and my only, as of late, concern has been with the table condiment selections as of late...

Most venues have the basics always in place at each table; table salt, pepper, sugar and sugar substitutes being the most common. Other venue's table side condiments reflect the food that is served with places like Fat Daddy's also having a nice selection of sauces to go on that shredded pork sandwich or BBQ. But, there is most always something(s) missing, and I wanted to address that point in this post.

Even if unused, these open tubs must be tossed!
The picture above was taken at the Long Horn on the date of this post. Notice that there is no salt substitute or packaged jellies. Whenever I dine out that this venue, I often have to request the jelly and always have to bring my own ' fake salt'. Seriously, in a town with a pretty large population of older persons, you'd think everyone had gotten the message about why per capita salt intake is at record high levels! Likewise, I prefer that the jelly be in sealed packages along with the salt and pepper. Please see my other post on 'The Gross Reason You Should Never Pepper Your Food in Restaurants'!   




Saturday, July 20, 2019

July 19 power outage!

It was about 8PM, or so, on Friday July the 19th when I noticed that the cable had died. No internet and no TV. Then, about five minutes later the power went also. So, there I was sitting in the dark on one of the hottest evening of the summer....wondering...

Apparently, something blew at the Powersite substation above the Powersite Dam (which was also not working at the time). And so, I went on to bed and lay there in the dark wondering when things would get back to 'normal'. About two hours later, the power did come back on as did my air conditioner, so I was able to get some sleep. But as I fell to sleep, my mind pondered the question of out power infrastructure and what sort of shape it was in. Were the problems sporadic and local or were they more widespread? Following is the response I received from Liberty Utilities after I inquired as to the cause of the outage;

From: Doreen Maynard
Sent: Saturday, July 20, 2019 10:20 AM

Subject: Outage

Unfortunately we cannot promise service 24/7 but when we do experience an outage we respond as quickly and safely as possible. We did have and issue with a substation,  we can’t predict when this might happen however with the extremely high heat index we have experienced that may cause extra load on our equipment. With our lineman responding quickly and our customers conserving usage we will do our best to make sure outages are as infrequent as possible.

Thank you
Doreen Maynard | Liberty Utilities  (Missouri) | Customer Service Rep-Contact Center-Sr

VAT#123456
While I greatly appreciated the prompt response, I still could not help but be a little troubled. Was the power grid getting a bit old? Was it not able to keep up with the increased loads placed on it by a society that craves electrical devices? It was my sincere hope that Liberty Utilities, a Canadian owned power company, would stay on top of these questions.

Monday, July 15, 2019

Repairs to damaged gates could happen in early August!

Forsyth MO. - On or about June the 28th of this year, some form of flood debris damaged a part or parts of a pneumatic line that was used to inflate air bladders that would raise or lower the gates as needed. When this line was 'cut', a goodly section of the barrier lowered, allowing water to flow freely from Taneycomo. On July 15, I was able to get in touch with a spokesperson at Liberty Utilities who informed me that repairs would have to wait until the water level on the Bull Shoals side had dropped enough for it to be safe. I was told that level would be 685 feet above msl. (I had posted 675 feet and got a correction notice from Liberty Utilities - see update below)! A situation that could be hampered due to Bulls Shoals Dam in Arkansas having to restrict their release rates, somewhat, until things improved on the Mississippi (my assumption).


While it may be hard to see in the graphic above, those little black triangles represent sensors that show when the body of water they are located on is above flood stage. It would appear that the Missouri and Mississippi rivers were both a little high, (to say the least). What is not apparent, yet, would the be effect of all the rainfall dropped on the Mississippi by tropical storm Berry. Again the bottom line is, in my limited view, it could be quite a long period of time before these main waterways get back to something close to normal.

 Update From Liberty Utilities:

'Heavy rain and flooding conditions in the lower Mississippi river valley have impacted several of the lakes in our Southwest Missouri area. 

Flood debris recently caused damage to two sections of the spillway gates at our Ozark Beach dam on Lake Taneycomo. Because of the damage, these spillway gates can’t be raised due to broken or cracked air lines. A breach to the dam has not occurred, and there are no immediate safety concerns. Crews will repair the air line damage once the water level in Bull Shoals lake has dropped to 685 feet, allowing them to safely access the dam equipment. Until that time, residents may experience dropping lake levels at Lake Taneycomo. 
If you plan on boating at Lake Taneycomo now or in the near future, please check the lake levels before entering the water and practice caution while traveling on the lake. Repairs will be made to our Ozark Beach dam as soon as conditions allow.'

Extrapolating from that new guideline and assuming that we do not experience any more heavy rainfall in the near term, I cam up with the following graphic click on to expand):

If correct, the 685 foot level could be reached at or before August the 10th! That's a big 'if', however.

Sunday, July 14, 2019

Frosted Mug to offer spaghetti meal on Sunday in Forsyth Mo!


Date: Sunday, July 14, 2019
Time: 11 to 5PMish - Call for exact times.
Location: 15861 US-160, Forsyth, MO 65653
Tel: 417-546-4149 

Some fun pasta facts:
  • Spaghetto is the singular word for spaghetti. ...
  • Before machinery, pasta was kneaded by foot. ...
  • Al dente pasta not only tastes better, it keeps you full longer. ...
  • There are approximately 350 shapes of pasta... ...
  • The average Italian eats 60 pounds of pasta per year... ...
  • And a typical portion is only 100 grams.

Update: While this special was not over, I did get a chance to ask a customer how he felt about the fare. He told me that the sauce was great, the spaghetti a little over done, the garlic bread good and the small salad OK.


Disclaimer: Quantities may be limited, price subject to change, Sunday only

Thursday, July 11, 2019

Powersite Dam barrier broken and utility company seems clueless!

Forsyth MO. - On or about June the 28, Powersite Dam suffered a mechanical failure in a water blocking mechanism that normal projects up a few few allowing water to be withheld up to 702 feet or so. This insures that folks living along the Taneycomo waterway have water for their boats and docks to ride on. When it fails, the water is allowed to flow freely and so some dock owners awoke to find their stuff high and dry! Now it's been a couple of weeks and no repairs had yet been forthcoming.

I was also told that the Corps of Engineers were withholding water from Table Rock dam in an effort to get Taneycomo's level down far enough to replace what had broken. Powersite Dam, which is run by Liberty Utilities (formerly Empire), seemed clueless when a recent call to their Corporate office came up empty. No one seemed to know what the status of this repair effort was at! And, while they promised to call me back when they had an answer, I was left wondering just who is in charge concerning the Canadian owned enterprise... I'll post an update when I hear back from these folks.

Update: Monday, July 15, 2019 - I talked with a spokesperson from Liberty Utilities and was informed that the damage was to a pneumatic line that services the movable gates and that it will be inaccessible for repair until such time as the Bull Shoals water level drops to or below 675 feet msl. This morning Bull Shoals was at 687 feet.

Forsyth MO restaurants and other eateries in July 2019!

Forsyth MO. - If the town of Forsyth Missouri can boast about anything, it can concerning the number of eateries available to its some 2300 residents. Everything from fast food to family dining to Asian and Mexican specialty houses abound! In this post, I wanted to take a quick peek at all of them;

McD's - As you enter town from the north on Hwy 160, one of the first venues you'll likely run into would be McDonald's, a fast food enterprise situated on the corner of 160 and Coy Blvd. And, while I haven't stepped inside the place for some number of months, it looks to always be doing a brisk business. [One rumor I had heard was that this location was to soon sport auto cashier stations. I've also noticed that the prices are on the high side.]

Sonics - Just a little further south on Hwy 160, also on the left side and just past the Country Mart grocery store is a Sonics. I still do the drive thru from time to time and generally order a premium hotdog and fries. This is one of very few locations where you can get yourself a good dawg at a reasonable price.

Mountain William Pizza - This relatively new venue that used to be the Mexican Burrito place has an interesting menu in that they offer both pizza and pasta dishes. I really wanted to stop in an order a gold old dish of spaghetti and meatballs, but a current diet I was on prevented me from going there. I hoped to remedy that sometime in early August when I was a bit slimmer.

Yummy Donuts - Located just down the line of this eatery killers row is a place that I had not yet attended. As a man on a low carb diet, I just haven't had the nerve to step across the threshold. Others more bold than me tell me that the food there is divine.

Frosted Mug -  This venerable old location is one of the few all smoking restaurant/ bars in the area. When I go there to eat, I'll often order either tacos (a special on Wednesday) or the French dip and French fries which are specially priced on Tuesdays. You can eat there or have carry out. Your choice.

Oaxaca - The one and only true Mexican restaurant in town sports a very large menu selection. I ate there, recently, and enjoyed the food. I had a taco, burrito and rice combo which was great although I also felt that the prices were just a tad high.

Long Horn - Another long standing family dining affair serves up a mean hamburger and fries. I go there on a regular basis for both breakfast and lunch.

Fat Daddy's - Pulled pork on a bun with a side of fries is a favorite of mine. FD's is all about BBQ and they live up to the fine tasting rep they have.

Charlies - Currently closed.

Thrive bistro - Situated just across from the Forsyth public library is a nice little venue that serves an assortment of Italian leaning entrees. Recently, when I dined there I had their angel hair spaghetti and sauce offering with garlic bread sticks which was fabulous!

Shadowrock Cafe and Grill - Currently closed.

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Just water under the bridge! Circa 2019!

Forsyth Mo - On April 18, 2010, I recorded a sound set by a band at the Frosted Mug. The song was about life experiences now under the bridge. As a Nation, on the eve of our Declaration of Freedom from foreign shore tyranny and oppression, a date which we call Independence Day, I do so submit this rendition... enjoy - https://youtu.be/2fAjqskLXJQ

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Powersite Dam problems!

Forsyth MO. - On or about  the 28th of June, 2019, a air bladder mechanism failed at Powersite Dam resulting in the top retention area lowering. This allowed water levels at Taneycomo Lake to plummet to such an extent that some dock owners went out to find their docks were resting on mud!

The effects of lowering water levels fro 702 feet msl to 698 were easy to see! Areas that were normally covered with two to three feet of water were laid bare!


Friday, May 31, 2019

Mountain Williams Pizza to open soon!

Forsyth MO. – A new pizza/pasta eatery was scheduled to open in Forsyth Missouri on the first day of June and I could hardly wait to try out some of the great looking items I saw on a copy of their take out menu (see above graphic)!

The restaurant is located at 15709 US Hwy 160 in Forsyth Mo. and replaces the former Mexican Burrito that had been in operation for a number of years. The property, which I think, was still owned by KDML Properties LLC certainly had the exterior redone. I was guessing that the establishment was to open any day, say with the first week of June! This restaurant can be reached by calling 417-546-2012 from 10AM to 10PM daily. They also have a Facebook page for anyone interest in following them.

I hope to be posting a food review of sorts in the near future as I plan to sample both their pizza offerings as well as a couple of the pasta selections. I can hardly wait!

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

While watching two area parks sink beneath the waves...

Entrance to Shadowrock Park!
Forsyth MO. - On what was likely to be one of my last drives through Shadowrock Park, located near Forsyth Missouri, I couldn't help but to lament the loss of a great recreational area....once again.

With the Bull Shoals water level at at little over 677 feet (normal levels would be 659), I could see that very soon the only access road was likely to be covered with water. Just before that happened, the city authorities would close and lock the two gates that allowed traffic to flow through. And when that happens, the area will be minus two of the three parks that give so much pleasure to so many during better times.

Picnic canopies nearly covered!
Over across the way, the other park aka River Run had been inundated for a week or more as it was located at a slightly lower elevation. And now, with Shadowrock disappearing, that left only Empire Park to for boating, fishing and walking. So, who or what was to blame?
Empire Park always is high & dry!
When you factored in the fact that most of southwest Missouri had experienced near normal amounts of rainfall, one had to go a bit further afield to understand exactly why things were just slightly sideways. And, that search need go no further than northwest Arkansas where the Bull Shoals dam is located and which empties out into what amounts to a large stream. (A 'stream' that meanders its way down to the Mississippi River which is currently experiencing its own problems resulting from floods in the central and northern tier of states)! So, one could say that in cases were other states get excessive rainfall, that sort of event will sometimes (always) also impact the trio of lakes (Beaver) Tablerock and Bull Shoals) where I live.

In my view, this is not a very good state of affairs, not only for the Tri-Lakes area but also for other areas that were suffering even worse problems. I wonder if anyone, say the Corps of Engineers, has a clue as how to improve things in the future.


Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Empire Park 1000 foot sidewalk!

Forsyth Mo. - On any given nice day, I like to get out and stretch my legs by walking the 1000 foot sidewalk walking pat over by Empire Park near Forsyth Missouri. The round trip distance is about .38 of a mile and is quite restful.

On a recent trip, I noticed four pairs of ducks that had each given birth to a herd of about five to six ducklings each.

Monday, May 13, 2019

Sonic in Forsyth MO a very good deal!


Forsyth MO. - Whenever I make a decision to go and visit a fast food emporium, cost is one of the main factors I consider before making a commitment. Right after that, I will also generally consider overall food quality and consistency.

I was going to visit McD's on an otherwise fine day in May, but at the last minute, swung on into the local Sonics. I did so as I remembered that the last time I went to the other joint, the cost of a Big Mac and medium fries was almost seven bucks!  By contrast, a Sonic all beef hot dog and medium fries ran me only $4.53 including tax. The food tasted great and what with the trade war now in effect with China, I wanted to be a frugal as possible!

Saturday, May 11, 2019

Charlie's Steak, Ribs and Ale May 11th auction failed to capture a buyer!

Forsyth MO. - On a rainy and frankly a rather cold day in May, an upscale restaurant formerly known as Charlie's Steak, Ribs and Ale went on the auction block.

The owner's had hired Larry McKnight, owner of McKnight Auction Service and Reality, LLC as the agency that was going to do their best to sell the property lock stock and barrel. Mr. McKnight informed those assembled that the property was being 'sold as' is and that whatever price it was sold at would not have any hidden fees or attachments other than the regular closing costs associated with the sale of commercial properties. I estimated that the number of individuals was at about 25 plus. Sadly, the auction proceeded with not a single bid coming forth from anyone present.

Mr. McKnight did inform me that their company would explore 'other options', but to also make sure and tell anyone who had an interest in buying that they would work very hard to move this fine piece of commercial Real Estate. McKnight Auction is located at www.mcknightauctionservice.com!


Thursday, May 9, 2019

Art Competition shows off stellar work by area High School Students!

The 28th Annual Adelyn Valett Art Competition, exhibition, and reception took place Tuesday, May 7, at 7:00 pm at the Taneyhills Community Library in Branson. High School students from Branson and Hollister participated in 14 different categories of artwork including pottery, various painting and drawing mediums, and photography.  Cash prizes along with ribbons were presented to the top juried winners.  All participants received certificates for being part of the elite group selected to participate.

Max Chapman of Branson received the evening’s top honor Best of Show for his Mixed Media “Lemons.” The coveted Judges’ Top Choice prize went to Yijie Zhas of Branson, for an Ink piece titled “The Worst of Times.”

Master of Ceremonies, former art teacher and Taneyhills Board Member, Faye Pfister, congratulated all the participants in this year’s competition and congratulated the art educators from both schools for their dedication and leadership in advancing art in todays world.  Art Instructors from Branson were Sunshine Ridinger, Ashley Hawkins, and Jessica Blackburn.  The Art Instructor from Hollister was Reggie Roepke.

Judges for the competition were Kelly Wrenn, John Swaffar, and Mark Lee.