Christine Riutzel has gained local notoriety as a muralist, and for her bold, contemporary art style.

This column was going to start out as a plea on behalf of the many performers who give their blood, sweat, tears, and other bodily fluids on the stages and streets of Branson every year.

Chris Carlson is causing rampant chaos and confusion in the Branson Tri-Lakes area. At least, that’s how it sometimes seems.  For the record, I’m not referring to myself in the third person, but to the other Chris Carlson. Of course, depending on who you ask, I’m the other Chris Carlson. All…

I had no idea Christmas 2020 would be the last Christmas with my mother.

This is the third in a series of stories written by Guy J. Howard about his time growing up in the Branson, Missouri area and his experiences as the son of the Walkin’ Preacher of the Ozarks, Guy Howard. It has been divided into two parts. This is part two.

I’ve listened to pastors for many years go on and on about the sovereignty of God and how He has things in our future we can’t see but are perfectly prepared to come at exactly the right time. 

This is the second in a series of stories written by Guy Howard Jr. about his time growing up in the Branson, Missouri area and his experiences as the son of the Walkin’ Preacher of the Ozarks, Guy Howard.

One of the beautiful aspects of the Branson area is being able to experience the various and bountiful forms of art. Whether it’s music shows and concerts, paintings, sculptures, poetry readings, or multiple other forms of creative expression, Branson and the surrounding area is a rich and d…

On today’s episode of “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things”, we will discuss armchair quarterbacks, the responsibility in having an online presence and being a good human.

Thanksgiving will be here before we know it, and there’s going to be an extra turkey around the Carlson household this year. 

Eli climbs into the car as he’s done literally thousands of times in his life, gives me a small hug with a “Hi Dad!” and puts on his seat belt. The routine of exchanging between his mother and myself for visitation hasn’t really changed in 17 years other than vehicles being a little differen…

During a recent discussion with friends, one of them began to talk about the “good old days” and how it seemed like when we were in our 20s life was hard but didn’t seem quite as crazy and stressful. They remembered the times when they had less money, lived in an apartment rats would think w…

The United Nations is not running the Branson city government and the United Nations is not going to take over the Branson city government.

For a large part of my life, I’ve been a fan of print, design and artwork. Even before I probably realized it, the art involved in these things have had an outstanding effect on my life. I can’t pinpoint exactly when and where it took place, but I imagine an early indicator of my love of thi…

October is one of my favorite months. I enjoy cooler weather and the month of October ushers in a break from the heat. I also enjoy watching the foliage change colors, Halloween decorations and scary movies. I like candy too, and the calories from candy don’t count during the month of Octobe…

The Branson Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau recently held a major event at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater to announce their 10 year plan for the city of Branson. 

Madge Bennett and Nelly Clark, they brought back some memories. These two old ladies just popped into my head the other day. I don’t know why, but I’m thankful to them for staying with my memories of Branson, where I was trying to grow up in the 1940’s and 50’s.

“Why didn’t you print anything about this?”

There are subjects I was taught as a child not to discuss, feelings I was taught to push aside, and things done to me which I was told not to focus on. 

Gale Wade: A stubborn, determined, Ozarks born know-it-all, and one of the nicest people I ever had the pleasure of talking to.

The Ozarks is my favorite place in the world. It’s where I live and what I know. It’s where my family planted its roots many, many years ago. This is a brief account of the Hazell family of Branson; one whose way of life is likely relatable to many generational families from the area.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, when mental health advocates and organizations try to have the uncomfortable conversations most people want to avoid about mental health, serious struggles, and suicide.

‘I Read Banned Books’ reads a popular t-shirt and other merchandise. 

I don’t know if it’s my family’s German heritage, or just the East Coast culture, or we just really have traditionally had poor interpersonal communication, but it was not common for men in my family to share their feelings or thoughts. We always had the stoic kind of mindset where you didn’…

The annual Rock The Spectrum concert, to benefit a local charity aimed at making Branson more “inclusive” for the families of children with autism and other special needs, is taking place Saturday, Sept. 17, at Branson Landing. 

There are sayings we’ve heard so many times it almost goes through our brains without being processed by whatever remaining brain cells are rattling around in our skulls.

The pop trio Echosmith had a song on their last album called “Lonely Generation.” The song talked about the way our current youngest generation spends so much time on their phones, iPads, computers, and other electronic devices most of their relationships are electronic.

If you knew for little over a dime a day you could open up an opportunity for you to get away and find some peace from skyrocketing food and gas prices, endless political shouting, and the increasing stress of our daily lives, would you be interested in it?

Always read the fine print.

The last thing I expected when I made a quick trip to Springfield to see the opening of a friend’s photography show was to find a time machine.

Longtime readers of this fine publication know we are dedicated to serving Taney and Stone counties and strive to bring you the important events of our area. However, on the rare times we are actually off-the-clock (because, let’s face it, news never really sleeps) Tim and AJ and I have hobb…

A night with the Taney County Sheriff’s Office showed a department with deputies who are dedicated to their community; who strive to keep the community safe; and who also know the importance of keeping a spare uniform in the office.

I was sitting along Table Rock Lake this weekend working on a few stories for today’s edition of the paper when I saw something pop up in my Facebook timeline feed which grabbed my attention.

Readers might have noticed something different in the last two editions of the paper. They might notice a new byline. 

If you’re reading this column on the date of publication for this edition of the Branson Tri-Lakes News, then it’s exactly one year since my mother was able to ask Jesus face-to-face about what He was thinking when he created a platypus.

On the list of places you want to spend your Easter morning, Room 521 at Cox Medical Center Branson is not one which would rank high.

Local nerds and comic fans are in mourning after a loss struck our community. 

Being completely honest with you, my morning ritual has not changed much in years. I wake up and try to get off the bed without waking up the cat. I obtain some level of equilibrium and stumble toward the bathroom. Look at my reflection in the mirror. Wonder who the old man is looking back at me.

I care about what is going on in the community. I just don’t know everything. 

Last August, I wrote a little piece about two gentlemen I was spying on while they were having a smoke outside of the King’s Castle Theatre. They were debating an entertainer who performed a little further west on the strip, with one man adamant the performer was “famous” and the other dismi…

I can not believe it has been a whole year since I began my journey here at the Branson Tri-Lakes News.