2 • July 22 - 23, 2020 LOCAL • OLIVER Continued from page 1 ‘friends’ were a main attraction on the Branson Belle for 13 years. Oliver competed, and fared well, on the popular TV show America’s Got Talent, season 7, in 2012. “I was a top four finalist,” Oliver said. “It helped with drawing folks to the shows, and I received an offer for a my show to play a casino in Vegas, but I passed on the offer. It was was not a good move for me at the time.” Before returning to the Branson show scene, Oliver had been ‘touring’ in performing arts centers, dinner theaters and community concert series. “I still enjoy the road,” he said. “My wife and daughter join me for short trips from time to time, and I was blessed to be home between tours and shows so it did work out. The thing is I had control over my schedule. But with Branson, it turned out to be another great blessing. Playing a tourist destination, and especially Branson, is quite a bit different than a theater road date.” Oliver received a call last year from Shepherd of The Hills General Manager Jeff Johnson asking if he might be interested in playing Branson again. “I knew who he was from the Showboat days,” Johnson said. “He had a good reputation and we were able to put something together.” Ventriloquism attracted Oliver when he was a child. “As a kid I was infatuated with those little Wooden headed dummies,” he said. “They can get away with saying things everyone is thinking and they always have a charming way to make it funny.” It also brought the 10-year-old boy through a tough time. He received his first ventriloquist dummy on Christmas morning. Just three days later his father passed away from cancer. “That little Ventriloquist dummy helped me deal with my loss and sadness,” he said. “I also discovered that the little character could make other people happy too.” He began performing his “act” whenever he could. After High School he began printing his act in schools, clubs and cruise ships. As showmen know, there has to be constant changes to an act to keep audiences entertained. Todd came up with an idea that not only got attention. It changed his life. “One day I was looking at my dog and thought, ‘I bet you would have a lot to say if you could talk,’” he said. A few months later, Oliver’s Boston Terrier ‘Irving,’ premiered as ‘America’s real talking dog.’ Throughout the years there have been six ‘Irvings.’ Each one has been family pets and lived out their lives in our home.” After Irving became the famous ‘talking dog,’ Oliver’s success attracted Hollywood agents and he was asked to make appearances on David Letterman’s Ventriloquist Week, The Tonight Show, other national TV shows and some weekly series episodes. Oliver has played theaters across the country, and is glad to be back in Branson. “I’ve been very blessed. TV is great fun, but a ventriloquist makes his living doing shows,” he said. “Making families laugh together is the goal. My best memories are those of me and bransonglobe.com my family all laughing together. I want to make that happen for families across America.” Showtimes are at 11 a.m., 4 p.m. (5 p.m. after July 27) and 7 p.m. Call (417) 334-4191 City of Forsyth passes face mask ordinance By a unanimous vote at Forsyth’s Board of Alderman Meeting Monday night, the city has passed an ordinance requiring face masks be worn in the city to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The ordinance, which goes into effect on Wednesday, states the people inside the city limits BRANSON, Mo – Two traffic signals on Branson Landing Boulevard will be shut down for one hour this week for routine maintenance. Temporary stop signs will be in place during the repairs. On Tuesday, July 21, the traffic signal at Branson Landing Boulevard and Commercial Street will be shut down from 9-10 a.m. On are required to wear face coverings or masks except in certain circumstances outlined in the ordinance. Businesses should post signage stating that face coverings and social distancing are required. A fine of up to $100 can be levied for violation of this ordinance. Traffic signal work on Branson Landing Blvd. Wednesday, July 22, the traffic signal at Branson Landing Boulevard and Long Street will be shut down from 9-10 a.m. Traffic delays are expected during these repairs. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes if possible. Please be aware of signage, traffic cones and work crews in the marked work zone. COVID-19 in Stone and Taney counties, by the numbers: (As of 7/14/2020. Data provided by TCHD and SCHD websites) DEATHS CONFIRMED POSITIVE CASES TANEY COUNTY 152 STONE COUNTY 35 RECOVERED CASES TANEY COUNTY 52 STONE COUNTY 8 TANEY COUNTY 3 STONE COUNTY 0
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