50 years ago

Aug. 27, 1975

— AREA, STATE STILL HAVE LEAD IN FESCUE SEED The U.S. tall fescue seed report arrived this week with some of the following information reported by Ken Morris of the University of Missouri Extension office. The U. S. production was 10 percent below 1974 and acreage harvested was down 17 percent. The average yield was 272 pounds per acre compared to 1974 at 253 Ibs. and 1973 yield of 291 lbs. As usual, Missouri was by far the leader in acres and pounds of seed produced. Missouri had 255,000 acres, 67,600 thousand pounds and 265 lbs/acre. Oregon produced 10,220 thousand pounds for second place and Kentucky harvested the second largest acreage with 23,000. While no county breakdown figures are available, Barry County in general and Cassville in particular are considered the center of tall fescue seed production. The area claims the title of Fescue Capital of the U.S.A. The carry over of fescue seed is the second highest on record, 1974 was the highest. Farmers hold 9.5 million, a record amount; dealers hold 17.9. The total carryover is 10 percent less than a year ago. Imports dwindled to 10,200 as compared to 175,600 a year earlier. Going on to other statistics, Morris notes; Timothy seed isn’t quite as important crop as it once was but Missouri is in second place in acreage and production. Minnesota produced 7,350 thousand pounds to Missouri’s 2,625 thousand pounds. Carryover of timothy seed is the largest since 1971 in spite of the 56 percent acreage decline in Missouri and 42 percent nationwide. Apple production in Missouri is estimated to be 63 million pounds, up 19 percent over last year. Jonathan is the leading variety with 44 percent of the total production, red delicious makes up 30 percent and golden delicious makes 17 percent. One quote from the hog report may tell much. “The small supply of pork coupled with some rise in consumer demand for pork products in the fall would point to moderate price advances for hogs and pork later this summer and fall”.

— OPA SAYS TOURISM BUSINESS ON INCREASE A major tourism promotion organization, The Ozark Playgrounds Association, this I week reported 15 to 40 i percent attendance increases over 1974 in attractions I throughout the four-state area. Jim Schermerhorn, OPA president, said in a progress report, ‘tourism segment of our Ozarks is increasing at a faster rate than the agriculture or manufacturing segments of our economy.” Schermerhorn also noted interesting statistics, quoting the value of a tourist dollar to community businesses. Businesses and their percentage of business related to tourism includes: Motel/hotel, 94.5%, Restaurants 49.5%, Taverns, liquor stores, 34.8%, Amusements, 33.1%, Gasoline Stations, 31.5%, General mdse. 18.6%, Auto dealers & garages, 15.8%, Food (retail) 13.8%, Apparel & Accessories, 13.6%. Lumber, hardware & bldg. material 13.1%, Furniture & Fhgs. 12.1%, Other retail 12.2%, Drugs 11.4%, Farm supplies & agricultural prod. 8.5%, Other service firms 4.5%.

Aug. 28, 1985

— AUGUST RAINFALL NOT MOST RECEIVED IN THIS VICINITY At least 6.46 inches of rain has fallen in the Cassville area during this month, but the moisture officially recorded here hasn’t created any record for August. At least the records haven’t been achieved now, but could well fall with only the few days left in the month.

Official records at the U. S. Forest Service show 6.46 inches of rainfall as of Monday. If predictions hold, that measurement at the Cassville district headquarters of Mark Twain National Forest, will hold until the last part of the week. And, as Rick Linebarger at the station said recently, it depends on “whose gauge you are measuring what the rainfall might be.” Linebarger was referring to measurements of at least five inches more that might have been recorded in areas between Cassville and Beaver Lake in Arkansas. While the August rainfall was contrasted with last year’s total measurement of 1.14 inches, it still isn’t a record. For both 1981 and 1982 over eight inches were recorded in the Cassville area. Not concerned about records, agricultural and tourism interests welcomed the rainfall, which skirted this area from June 22 through July. The precipitation, often accompanied by lightning and isolated hail, brought to a total of 37.96 inches in the area for the year. Average is about seven inches more than we have received currently. As a contrasting year for moisture, August usually provides the hottest and dryest time of the year. In the instance of 1985, moisture has been good and recent weeks have provided temperature readings in the 50’s for morning time. Cause of the weather, termed by some as unusual, but not really considered that by records, is an “undulating jet stream that is running farther south than usual.” Weather folks said the cool frontal systems that have been passing through Barry County typically stay over the northern plains this time of the year. When the cooler weather collides with traditional hot, muggy air over Missouri, the rainfall we’ve witnessed is the result. National Weather Service observers speculate this month’s unseasonably cool weather might mean the hottest days of the year are over. Hail situations apparently were to the east and south of Cassville. The most experienced as Friday night as a storm hitting here first, washed out a couple of Cassville rodeo events. Spectators going home, said they were pelted fairly heavily enroute to their residences in the Table Rock and Stone county areas.

— GOLDEN FIDDLERS’ TO ATTRACT MANY ENTRIES Somewhere between 15 and 20 entries will be on hand for the 33rd annual Fiddlers’ Contest Saturday night at Golden. Sponsored by the Golden Circle Shores Association, competition will be in an outdoor arena beginning at 7:30 p.m. Doris Mann, secretary, said entries would be received until 7:00 p.m. that evening. Beginning at. 5:30 p.m. ladies of the Table Rock Lake community association will serve dinner. Service will be until showtime. Music for intermissions in the contest will be provided by Fred Black and the Black Mountain Bluegrass of Washburn. Master-ofceremonies will be Leroy Brat-tin of Cassville. Cash and trophy prizes will be awarded in four places. Cassville Chamber of Commerce participates in sponsoring prize money for the event. One of the oldest organizations in the Barry County area of Table Rock Lake, the Golden Circle Shores Association uses the fiddlers’ contest as its principal money-making effort. Included in past uses have been to provide additional fire fighting equipment for the Eagle Rock-Golden-Mano volunteer department.

30 years ago

Aug. 23, 1995

— TABLE ROCK LAKE OFFERS THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS In the 1950s, after several years of planning and negotiating for the purchase of land, the U.S. any Coms of Engineers completed construction of a flood control dam across the White River this dam formed Table Rock Lake. The dam is located at river mile 528.8, about six miles southwest of Branson. There are 4,020 square miles of drainage area above the dam. The shoreline length is 745 miles at the top of the conservation pool. Groundbreaking for Table Rock Dam was held at Branson on Oct. 10, 1954. The dam was completed in August, 1958. The construction of the powerhouse and switchyard was completed in June, 1959. Commercial generation began in June 1959, with the completion of the installation of the remaining two generating units in April and August of 1961. Overall construction was completed at a cost of $65,420,000. Table Rock Dam was constructed in the upper White River basin for the control of floods and the generation of hydroelectric power. It has led to the development and growth of many of the communities surrounding the lake, providing excellent business and recreational opportunities. Although the Table Rock Lake area has experienced tremendous growth, it still has small town charm. Many of the tourists that visit Table Rock end up moving to the area. The quality of life has made it a great place to relocate and to retire. Area residents welcome newcomers with Ozark hospitality and warmth. The Ozarks are believed to be some of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. The area is one of the fastest growing non-metropolitan regions in the country. Located around the lake are resorts, marinas, boatdocks, campgrounds, parks and many restaurants with breathtaking views. All the towns on the lake are vacation spots, and each is only minutes from Branson, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Several lake towns are famous for their holiday celebrations. Shell Knob and Kimberling City celebrate the Fourth of July with spectacular fireworks displays. From chair or boat, sparkling explosions of color dance through the sky and reflect on the lake. Kimberling City also hosts the Port of Lights, a Christmas celebration. Table Rock Lake’s water activities are as varied as the rugged mountain terrain that encircles it. Water skiing, swimming, scuba diving, boating, sailing, jet skiing, para sailing or fishing are all popular lake activities. Nationally known as a largemouth bass haven, the lake features varied water depths, rock bluffs and wooded shoreline. Springtime brings running white bass and crappie. Summer days and nights bring trophy size bass, blue gill and the fight of channel catfish. With some of the world’s best fishing and no limit to good fishing areas, the lake is truly a fisherman’s paradise. Table Rock Lake is enveloped by a colorful patchwork quilt of forest, fields and towns. Sightseeing is enjoyable anytime of the year. Flowering dogwood and redbud trees proclaim the beauty of spring. Summer features lush, green covered mountains. Explosions of rich brown and gold announce fall and winter is cedar and snow reflected on the lake water. Table Rock Lake has the best of both worlds. It is surrounded by serene, peaceful beauty and provides multitudes of activities to enjoy.