Hollister Highway Construction Ahead of Schedule

Cliff Sain of the Branson Daily News (BDN) reported Hollister highway contruction is ahead of schedule in this weekend's edition of the paper.

By Cliff Sain
BDN Staff Writer

HOLLISTER — According to city officials, Hollister motorists could be driving on a new interchange as early as June.

Although several factors could yet cause delays, City Administrator Rick Ziegenfuss said that state and construction officials claim that, if all goes well, traffic could be driving on the interchange in two months.

“They are targeting mid-to-late June on having the interchange driveable,” Ziegenfuss said.

At that time, traffic will get off and on U.S. 65 at one interchange, located just south of SouthTowne Centre. Traffic would also begin using a “flyover” bridge that will carry motorists, traveling on Business 65 and V Highway, over 65. Drivers would no longer be able to get off of Business 65 at that location.

Ziegenfuss said crews are preparing to pave.

“Next week starts 30 straight days of paving, so the project will begin to look significantly different,” he said.

In the next two weeks, motorists will likely be driving on the northbound bridge over the interchange, rather than using what will eventually be the interchange exit lanes.

He also said crews will begin pouring concrete on the new bridge over Lake Taneycomo in the next two weeks.

As the project starts to more closely resemble the finished product, Ziegenfuss said it is causing a new problem — motorists driving on unfinished roads.

“We’re having problems with people driving on closed portions,” he said. “People have to stay off those.”

Hollister's Trains

These pictures were shot of the city hall as seen through a train. The train station seen serves as the Hollister City Hall headquarters.
 
 
 
  

Hollister's 36 Million Dollar Picture

  
What's the 100 million dollar picture? Rick was talking about?

Truth is I don't know. But, the zoning and planning office in Hollister was kind enought to send me this photo of planned Highway and corporate development.

I asked what was different about Hollister today? "We're a much more user friendly city for developers", stated Trent Bowers.

Is this the 100 million dollar picture, I asked? "This is about 36 million." Rick casually stated.

Special thanks to Don Klein for sending the photo, Don is the inspector and goto guy for GIS imagery.

Hollister YMCA

The Video from the Hollister Chamber of Commerce luncheon features Hollister City Administrator Rick Ziegenfuss asks for funds to build an aquatic facility here.
After Taney County commissioner Ron Herchend and Hollister Mayor David Tate started boasting weight loss numbers the Branson Edge promised to match a dollar for every pound the politicians lose.
The YMCA in Hollister provides a wide range of community service from day care to adult wellness.

Hollister YMCA Contact Info:
Address: 175 Industrial Dr. Hollister, MO 65672
Phone: 417-337-YMCA (



 
 
 
  

Politicians Hanging Out on Election Day

These shots were taken on April 4th, 2006.
 
 
  

College of the Ozarks

It's the epitomy of capitalism fullfilling the communist dream. College of the Ozarks is technically, Point Lookout Missouri, but, chances are if you don't live in Point Lookout you call it Hollister.
The small school has pulled some big names in Politics over the past years to speak to the students. Local Artist and CofO graduate Kim Bess has renderings posted of a gift she gave Netanyahu on one such visit.
College of the Ozarks is famous for its work study program. Students participate in the community and work on campus in exchange for tuition. The signs on campus reflect the values the institution teaches.
 
 
  

Ellison Cemetary - Hollister Missouri

The photos below are of a grave site approx 30 yards from the bridge being constructed over Highway 65 in Hollister, MO.

Most headstones were marked with the Ellison name and were dated from the late 1800's to 1980.

The oldest was a mausoleum (photo below).

The most common message on headstones was the enduring nature and power of love.
 
 
 

Hollister Administrator Pleas Chamber Members for Support of YMCA

Though the video quality is low, the heartfelt plea of city adminstrator Rick Ziegenfuss comes through clear. Though the meeting was a Chamber event, not a fundraiser all local politicians present expressed a plea for support of the YMCA. The complexity of political interest is addressed. 100 million for a highway, no problem; YMCA wants to build an aquatic center - and it's a community struggle.

Newest Member of the SchoolBoard on Board With SkateBoards

Crisp (seen above)was recently elected to the Hollister Schoolboard. The Branson Edge has long supported a skate park in Hollister.
Each year Hollister Mayor Tate and a local bank create starter accounts for kids to learn financial responsibility. An account is opened for each child with a dollar to get them started. Last year the students were asked "What would you change about Hollister?". The Mayor recieved an overwhelming response from students wishing Hollister had a skatepark.
Before the election, Crisp resonded to the idea of Hollister building a skate park. With everyone on board things are looking good for California sports in Hollister Missouri.