One Missouri lawmaker wants the term ‘non-essential worker’ eliminated from the Lake Area vocabulary.

Representative Sara Walsh is filing a bill that would do just that.

Representative Walsh tells KRMS News the bill, if passed, would prevent the state or any officials or agencies from adopting any policies that classify some workers as essential.

It also says any existing or future orders, ordinances or regulations that classify some workers as essential are null and void.

Rep. Sara Walsh Sponsors Legislation to

Protect All Employees from Unnecessary Shutdowns

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – State Rep. Sara Walsh wants to protect all Missouri workers from having their livelihoods threatened due to a government-enforced shutdown. Walsh filed HB 851 to put an end to the classification of “non-essential workers” and ensure all occupations in the state are designated as essential.

Walsh said it’s imperative to protect not just the workers on the frontline dealing with the pandemic, but all workers who play a vital role in keeping the state’s economy working, and who depend on their jobs to support their families.

“We’re all committed to keeping Missourians safe and healthy during this pandemic, but we must also protect individuals and families who rely on their jobs to pay the bills and stay afloat financially. Too many of the mandated shutdowns have come at the expense of hard-working Missourians because they aren’t deemed essential. I believe all workers and businesses are essential and we should do all we can to protect them from being harmed financially because of a decision made by government bureaucrats,” said Walsh, R-Ashland.

In addition to stating that all occupations in Missouri qualify as essential workers, HB 851 makes it clear the General Assembly occupies and preempts the entire field of legislation touching in any way the classification of essential workers. The bill says any existing or future orders, ordinances or regulations regarding the classification of essential workers are null and void. It also states that neither the state nor any official, agency, or political subdivision shall issue or adopt any order, ordinance, or regulation concerning which occupations are classified as essential workers.

HB 851 now awaits assignment to committee for further discussion.

For the third time in nine months, Ameren Missouri has shut down their Nuclear Power plant in the city of Fulton.

According to a release, officials say it was due to a non-nuclear operating issue involving a generator.

The company says the issue occurred when the plant was ramping up after maintenance.

Ameren has not announced when they expect the plant to be back online.

FULTON, Mo., Jan. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — During its return to full power as part of its 24th refueling and maintenance outage, Ameren Missouri’s Callaway Energy Center in Fulton, Missouri experienced a non-nuclear operating issue related to its generator. As a result, the Callaway Energy Center is not operating while the company investigates the cause, as well as develops and implements an action plan to safely return the facility to service.

“Our team remains dedicated to working safely and taking prudent actions for the long-term benefit of the customers and communities we serve,” said Fadi Diya, senior vice president and chief nuclear officer for Ameren Missouri, a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE).

Ameren Missouri’s generation resources remain adequate to meet its customers’ needs while Callaway is not operating. Ameren does not expect this matter to have a significant impact on the company’s financial results.

The ongoing, efficient operation of Callaway and Ameren Missouri’s other energy centers are key to Ameren’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while keeping rates affordable for customers. The net-zero goal is included in Ameren Missouri’s recent Integrated Resource Plan, a triennial filing that sets forth Ameren Missouri’s preferred plan to transform its electricity generation portfolio over the coming decades.

Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than 100 years, and the company’s electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. Ameren Missouri’s mission is to power the quality of life for its 1.2 million electric and 132,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. The company’s service area covers 64 counties and more than 500 communities, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit Ameren.com/Missouri or follow us on Twitter at @AmerenMissouri or Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri.

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this release not based on historical facts are considered “forward-looking” and, accordingly, involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed. Although such forward-looking statements have been made in good faith and are based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance that the expected results will be achieved. These statements include (without limitation) statements as to future expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, strategies, objectives, events, conditions, and financial performance. In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, we are providing this cautionary statement to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. The following factors, in addition to those discussed under Risk Factors in Ameren’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, and elsewhere in this release and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations suggested in such forward-looking statements:

• regulatory, judicial, or legislative actions, and any changes in regulatory policies and ratemaking determinations that may change regulatory recovery mechanisms;
• the length and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impacts on our business continuity plans and our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity, including but not limited to the health and welfare of our workforce and contractors, supplier disruptions, and delays in the completion of construction projects;
• the effects of changes in federal, state, or local laws and other governmental actions, including monetary, fiscal, and energy policies;
• our ability to align overall spending, both operating and capital, with frameworks established by our regulators and to recover these costs in a timely manner in our attempt to earn our allowed return on equity;
• the ability to obtain sufficient insurance, including insurance for Ameren Missouri’s nuclear and coal-fired energy centers, or, in the absence of insurance, the ability to recover uninsured losses from our customers;
• the inability of our counterparties to meet their obligations with respect to contracts or insurance policies;
• the impact of weather conditions and other natural phenomena on us and our customers, including the impact of system outages;
• the construction, installation, performance, and cost recovery of generation assets;
• the effects of failures of electric generation, electric and natural gas transmission or distribution, or natural gas storage facilities systems and equipment, which could result in unanticipated liabilities or unplanned outages;
• labor disputes, work force reductions, changes in future wage and employee benefits costs, including those resulting from changes in discount rates, mortality tables, returns on benefit plan assets, and other assumptions;
• the impact of negative opinions of us or our utility services that our customers, investors, legislators, or regulators may have or develop, which could result from a variety of factors, including failures in system reliability, failure to implement our investment plans or to protect sensitive customer information, increases in rates, negative media coverage, or concerns about environmental, social, and/or governance practices;
• legal and administrative proceedings; and
• acts of sabotage, war, terrorism, or other intentionally disruptive acts.

New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all of such factors, nor can it assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained or implied in any forward-looking statement. Given these uncertainties, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements. Except to the extent required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information or future events.

SOURCE Ameren Corporation

Photo by Grant Durr on Unsplash

We now know just how big the Real Estate boom was for 2020 across the Lake of the Ozarks.

According to the Bagnell Dam Association of Realtors, the final 2020 property sales number reached over $1.1 billion dollars, more than 60% higher than the previous year.

Realtors say it’s due to people leaving major cities and states, trying to get away from the chaos.

Ron Yarbrough with PrimeLending tells KRMS News that buyers even bought large tracts of farmland.

He says realtors and lenders had a hard time keeping property on the market, often buyers were snatching up homes on the phone to beat someone from taking it.

In total, sales for listings over a million dollars jumped over 240% compared to 2019, and waterfront homes jumped to nearly 230%.

Another longtime member of the Lake of the Ozark’s water patrol is getting a promotion.

Officials at the Highway Patrol say Lieutenant Stephen Burgun is transferring to General Headquarters in Jefferson City on February 1^st, to serve as the assistant director of the water division.

Burgan started with the water patrol in 2008 and has been a zone supervisor at Lake of the Ozarks since 2014.

EMPHASIS: Lt. Stephen M. Burgun, Troop F, Transfers To General Headquarters; Named Assistant Director Of Water Patrol Division

Captain Michael Petlansky, director of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Water Patrol Division, announces the following transfer:

Lieutenant Stephen M. Burgun, Troop F, will transfer to General Headquarters effective February 1, 2021, and serve as the assistant director of the Water Patrol Division.

Burgun graduated from the Missouri State Water Patrol Academy in 2008, and became a member of the Missouri State Highway Patrol when the agencies merged on January 1, 2011. Burgun was promoted to corporal in January 1, 2014, and designated assistant zone supervisor of Troop F, Zone 16, Lake of the Ozarks. In December 2017, he was promoted to sergeant and designated zone supervisor of Troop F, Zone 16, Lake of the Ozarks. On January 1, 2020, Burgun was promoted to lieutenant and transferred to Troop F Headquarters, Jefferson City, MO.

Lt. Burgun is a native of Bolingbrook, Illinois, and graduated from Kirkwood High School in Kirkwood, Missouri, in 1996. He is a graduate of John Wood Community College, in Quincy, Illinois, where he earned an Associate of Science in criminal justice. In 2018, Lt. Burgun graduated from the Police Leadership: The WestPoint Model course. He and his wife, Jamie, have three children.

The Missouri House of Representatives is canceling session next week, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise around the Capitol.

According to a release, the house is exercising an abundance of caution to protect staff, members and visitors.

It also means that house members will not be in session during President-Elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.

At this time, it’s unknown if the Senate will follow suit, but we will keep you posted on this developing story.

Missouri US Senator Josh Hawley is again being targeted for his decision to reject the electoral college results.

Hallmark is now asking Hawley to “return” donations that the company employees made to his campaign.

The Kansas City based company says numerous employees donated through their PAC, which totaled around $7,000 to Hawley’s campaign.

The company’s spokesperson says Hawley’s actions do not reflect their company values.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson is releasing money for Fiscal Year 2021 that was restricted.

The Governor says close to $127-million dollars is being sent in numerous areas including $26-million dollars for the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.

DESE will be getting around $1.5 million dollars.

Governor Parson says close to $127 million dollars is being released as the Missouri unemployment rate was 4.4-percent in November.

Parson says when close to $450 million dollars was frozen last year as COVID-19 was ramping up, the state’s unemployment rate was just over 16-percent.

If you’re an H and R block customer and you’re wondering where your stimulus check is, you’re not alone.

Officials say there have been issues for those who selected the “refund transfer” option and the money is accidentally being sent to a “temporary account.”

While the company is looking into the issue, they say the money will eventually make it to your direct deposit location, be sent as a check or deposited into your emerald card.

It’s expected that the direct deposits could be completed by January 6th.

The company says you can go to their website and click on “check my payment status” to see more details.

Photo Courtesy Of COMO Electric.

Power outages continue to be an issue into the weekend across Lake of the Ozarks.

While the number of outages is significantly lower than on Friday, an estimated 200 to 400 people are still without power in the region.

Part of the issue continues to be ice on branches and lines, where a simple wind gust causes a branch to fall and collapse a line.

You can check on the status of your power outage by clicking the links below:

Power outages for Electric Cooperatives across the state: COOP Outage Map

Power Outages for Ameren Customers: Ameren Outage Map

State Auditor Nicole Galloway

Counties that make up Lake of the Ozarks are likely owed money by the state of Missouri.

That’s the findings of State Auditor Nicole Galloway.

In a new audit of the County Reimbursement program, Galloway found that as of June 30^th 2020, the state still owes nearly $31 million dollars to counties statewide.

She says a combination of delayed reimbursements due to lack of state funding, and increasing incarceration costs, have led to the counties state wide having to rely on local resources only.

State law indicates these costs are supposed to be reimbursed by the state.

With the ice on the roadways, officials are warning against dangerous driving conditions.

In order to keep you safe, MoDOT is remind everyone about their app.

Adam Pulley is Communications Manager with MoDOT.

He tells KRMS News the best idea is to avoid traveling unless necessary.

You can find the MoDOT app in your device by searching MoDOT Map.

Keep informed of rapidly changing forecasts and prepare to respond accordingly. To check road conditions please go to MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at traveler.modot.org/map/  The map can also be downloaded as a free app for Apple and Android devices.

Here are some safety tips if you must travel in inclement weather:

• Please wear your seat belt and don’t drive distracted. Buckle Up Phone Down.
• Slow down and adjust your speed to the conditions. Do not use your cruise control.
• Keep mirrors, windows and lights clean.
• Remember to stay at least six car lengths back from snowplows and equipment. Plowed snow can create a cloud that can blind drivers following too closely.
• If your wipers are on, keep your headlights on. It’s the law.
• If you encounter car troubles or are involved in a crash, please remain in your vehicle.

MoDOT also provides road condition information through its Customer Service Center. Dial 888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636) to speak with a customer service representative 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Another major company is making the move to Lake of the Ozarks.

Officials say that Guess and Company will be relocating their headquarters from Miami Florida to Osage Beach.

The company specializes in energy, health care, technology and real estate.

Officials say the business first opened in North Carolina and their main goal is the “revitalization of Rural America.”

Guess and Company plans to re-align the core states they service to include Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and North Carolina.

Guess & Co. Corporation – New Principal Office in Osage Beach, MO

Osage Beach, MO – The City of Osage Beach is excited to share the announcement made on December 17, 2020, that Guess & Co. Corporation, a privately-held corporation delivering product and services in energy, health care, technology, and real estate, has moved its principal office to Osage Beach, Missouri. On Dec. 18, 2020

(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Guess & Co. Corporation announced “that it has moved its principal office from Miami, Florida to Osage Beach, Missouri as of December 14, 2020. Guess & Co. Corporation was incorporated in North Carolina in 2015 and began operations in August of 2017. In 2018, the company chose to be based in Miami, Florida. In conjunction with the company’s commitment to revitalizing Rural America, the company chose to move its headquarters to the Midwestern United States.

The company secured office space in Osage Beach, Missouri and plans to begin hiring in the first quarter of 2021. “We are bullish on Rural America and while we will provide solutions throughout the nation, our focus is on revitalizing rural communities,” stated Jerry D. Guess, chairman and CEO.” “As part of the move, Guess & Co. Corporation also re-aligned the core states of operation.

The company is now operating in only four (4) states: Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, North Carolina. The company has dedicated 60% of its business and plans to revitalize communities throughout Rural America. The Covid-19 pandemic has spurred interest in rural areas as many families move away from cities.

Guess & Co. Corporation began exploring rural revitalization in 2018 and accelerated those plans amid the pandemic and is taking steps to implement its strategies in a prompt manner.”

“About Guess & Co. Corporation – Guess & Co. Corporation is an emerging stewardship solutions company with energy, health care, technology, and real estate units committed to revitalizing Rural America and select urban areas. We partner with communities, companies and governments to improve the welfare of people. Guess & Co. Corporation is a registered contractor with the U.S. Government to provide solutions to federal government agencies and members of our company have active top-secret/SCI clearances.

We are based in Osage Beach, Missouri. Our company operates in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and North Carolina. Guess & Co. Corporation was founded in August of 2017. The management team of Guess & Co. Corporation has over 50 years of combined experience.”

Hourly workers will be getting a bit more money in the new year.

The Missouri Department of Labor says the state’s minimum wage rate for 2021 will go up to $10.30 per hour.

It’s a result of Proposition B, passed by voters in 2018, which provides an 85-cent per hour increase through 2023.

The law does not apply to public employers.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has a new assistant superintendent.

Colonel Eric Olson is announcing Major Lance MacGlaughlin is being promoted to lieutenant colonel on New Year’s Day.

MacGlaughlin will also serve as the assistant superintendent under Olson, who serves as superintendent.

MacGlaughlin joined the Patrol in 1995 and was promoted to his current rank of Major in 2017.

He graduated from Marshall High School in Missouri and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in sociology at Missouri Valley College.

EMPHASIS: Colonel Eric T. Olson Announces Promotion Of Major Lance M. MacLaughlin

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces Major Lance M. MacLaughlin is being promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel effective January 1, 2021, and will serve as the assistant superintendent. In addition to acting in the superintendent’s absence and at his request, Lieutenant Colonel MacLaughlin has direct oversight over the Professional Standards Division, Public Information and Education Division, and the Patrol’s legal counsel.

MacLaughlin joined the Patrol on July 1, 1995, as a member of the 70th Recruit Class. Upon graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to Troop A, Zone 1, Platte County. He transferred to Zone 10, Saline County, in May 1997. MacLaughlin was promoted to corporal on August 1, 2001, and was designated assistant zone supervisor of Zone 10. On November 16, 2003, he was promoted to sergeant and designated zone supervisor of Zone 16, Benton County. On January 1, 2006, he transferred to the Training Division, General Headquarters, Jefferson City, as an instructor. In August of that same year, he transferred to the Professional Standards Division. MacLaughlin was promoted to lieutenant on July 1, 2007. He was designated assistant director of the Professional Standards Division on June 1, 2011. He was promoted to captain and designated director of the Budget and Procurement Division on September 1, 2012. MacLaughlin was promoted to the rank of major and designated commander of the Executive Services Bureau on September 1, 2017. As a major, he served as a member of the Patrol’s Command Staff with direct oversight responsibility for the Budget and Procurement Division, Governor’s Security Division, Research and Development Division, and legislative liaison.

Lieutenant Colonel MacLaughlin was born in Fort Benning, GA. He graduated from Marshall High School, Marshall, MO, in 1988. He earned a Bachelor of Science in sociology from Missouri Valley College, Marshall, MO, in 1991. In 2000, he earned his Master of Science in criminal justice administration from the University of Central Missouri (then Central Missouri State University). Lt. Col. MacLaughlin and his wife, Teri, have four sons, Bradley, Ian, Conner, and Cooper.

Photo by Vicky McLain on Unsplash

A bill to commemorate the centennial anniversary of historic Route 66 is on its way to President Trump’s desk.

If signed by law, the bill would create a 15-person commission to recommend activities to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the mother road in 2026.

The commission would include residents from each of the 8 states the road runs through, including Missouri.

Route 66 was the first all-paved US highway built in 1926 and it connected Chicago to Los Angeles.

The highway which is still in use as a spur road along Interstate 44, was decommissioned in 1985.

Ameren Missouri customers will soon see a slight decrease in their electric bills.

The Missouri Public Service Commission is approving the company’s request to adjust the renewable energy standard rate, lowering it by $0.27 cents a month.

For a residential customer using 1,000 kWh (kilowatt-hours) of electricity a month, the charge will drop from $0.44 a month to $0.17 a month.

The charge appears as a separate item on the monthly electric bills and it’s used to recover costs associated with Missouri’s Renewable Energy Standard.

The adjustment is expected to take effect in February 2021.

Photo by Campaign Creators on Unsplash

The Missouri job market showed improvement in the month November.

New numbers show 17,400 jobs were added during the month for an unemployment rate of 4.4-percent, and that’s down from 4.6-percent in October.

But due to continued layoffs from COVID-19, the November 2020 unemployment rate still falls one percentage point higher than the unemployment rate posted in November of 2019.

MoDOT continues work on that new interchange on Highway 54 in Lake Ozark.

That means reduced speed zones will stay in effect.

Adam Pulley with MoDOT says work continues on the new eastbound lane deck with concrete pouring scheduled next week.

Otherwise, Pulley says the traffic impact should remain the same through the holidays.

He also says additional road work is coming to Highway 54 between Lake Ozark and Eldon in 2021.

The work will be done on several intersections for safety reasons and input from people living in the area and travelers is welcomed at 888-ASK-MoDOT.

This stretch of Highway 54 averages 20-thousand cars and trucks per day is should cost around 6-million dollars.

The work should be finished by Summer 2022.

For Immediate Release

12/16/2020

Some major changes are in the works for several intersections between Lake Ozark and Eldon along Highway 54 as part of a safety improvement project announced by MoDOT.

MoDOT is inviting nearby residents and travelers to share their thoughts. For more information and updates about this project call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/central. Follow the MoDOT Central Missouri District on Facebook and Twitter for project updates.

It’s for safety

The Missouri Department of Transportation says safety improvements will be made to several intersections between the Cole County line and Lake Ozark. Traffic along this stretch of roadway averages around 20,000 vehicles per day. Intersections receiving updates were identified as safety risks through a road safety audit and in-depth analysis of the corridor. MoDOT also held several meetings with a local advisory group made up of local leaders to discuss residents’ concerns and possible solutions.

Changes at each location could include the installation of J-turns which eliminate the need for drivers to cross lanes of traffic at right angles, as well as new or extended turning, acceleration and deceleration lanes.

Work will require individual lane closures and some intersection closures in order for construction to be completed safely. MoDOT will alert travelers and local residents of any closures ahead of time.

The project will be completed by a contractor for MoDOT and is scheduled to be awarded in the spring of 2021. Work is expected to begin in the summer and be completed the following year.

Motorists and area residents can find more details, ask questions or provide feedback on this project by visiting modot.org/Miller54Intersections. The online public comment period is open through Dec. 24.

Project Details

When: The project is scheduled to begin in 2021. Construction is expected to be completed by Summer, 2022.

Cost: The estimated cost is $6.2 million.

Work Taking Place: A variety of safety improvements will be made at several Hioghway 54 intersections. For full details click on each location on the project map or click here for project diagrams of each location. Primary locations are identified by blue markers. Secondary work, pending available funding based on the awarded bid for the project, are marked in green. Diagrams of proposed work are available upon request using the form below.

Traffic Impact: At least one lane will be open in each direction of Highway 54 and connecting roadways. The project will require various lane and crossover closures while work takes place. MoDOT will update drivers and local residents of any closures ahead of time through digital signs, social media and news releases.

Project descriptions

Lakeland Road Intersection

– Removal of paved median crossing
– New right-turn lane onto Lakeland Road
– New westbound acceleration lane onto Highway 54

Highway V Intersection

– New eastbound acceleration lane onto Highway 54

Walnut Grove Road Intersection

– New westbound right turn deceleration lane onto Walnut Grove Road

Howser Road Intersection

– New westbound J-turn west of Howser Road with acceleration and deceleration lanes
– New westbound acceleration/deceleration lane between Allen Road and Howser Road

Allen Road/Bear Lake Road Intersection

– Construction of eastbound J-turn with acceleration and deceleration lanes
– New eastbound right-turn deceleration lane onto Allen Road
– New westbound right-turn deceleration lane onto Allen Road/Bear Lake Road
– New westbound acceleration/deceleration lane between Allen Road and Houser Road

Copperhead Road Intersection

– Widened, tapered approach onto Copperhead Road

County Road 54-60/Tolwood Road Intersection (Secondary Work)

– New westbound right-turn deceleration lane onto County Road 54-60
– Median crossing widened for eastbound left-turn deceleration lane onto County Road 54-60

County Road 54-60, Tolwood Road Intersection

– Construction of eastbound deceleration lane onto Tolwood Road
– Addition of westbound deceleration lane to the median onto Tolwood Road

Mt. Carmel Road, Jamie Lane and Midway Road Intersection

– Removal of paved median
– Construction of J-turns with acceleration and deceleration lanes
– Construction of westbound deceleration lanes onto Jamie Lane
– Construction of eastbound deceleration lane onto Midway Road

There’s a new Chief Operating Officer coming to two resorts in the Lake Area, as Christian Blood reports …

Parent company Troon is appointing Robin Graf as the new COO and General Manager at The Lodge of Four Seasons and The Club at Porto Cima in Lake of the Ozarks.

Graf has 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry and comes to the lake after serving in a similar role with Provident Hotels and Resorts.

The Lodge of the Four Seasons has an 18-hole golf course on 350 waterfront acres.

The Club at Porto Cima opened in 2000 and has one of Missouri’s top golf courses, according to Golf Digest.

***Press Release****

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri (December 14, 2020) – The Lodge of Four Seasons and The Club at Porto Cima in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri recently appointed Robin Graf to serve as Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. Graf will oversee operations at both The Lodge of Four Seasons, a 358-room luxury resort property with 36 holes of golf, an award-winning spa and marina; as well as The Club at Porto Cima, a private facility with an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Design, a 17,000 square-foot clubhouse and a Yacht Club.

A proven hospitality industry leader with 30-years of experience, Graf specializes in operations, building extraordinarily successful teams and revenue generation. Prior to his arrival to Lake of the Ozarks, Graf served as the Regional Director of Operations for Provident Hotels and Resorts. Before Provident, he was the Vice President of Operations Hawaii, New Zealand, Saipan for Castle Resort & Hotels. Graf spent several decades leading resort and hotel operations at properties across the Hawaiian Islands, including the Kauai Beach Resort in Kauai and Waikoloa Beach Marriott on the Island of Hawaii.

“Robin is a recognized hospitality industry leader and someone we are thrilled to have at the helm of our Lake of the Ozarks properties,” said Rob DeMore, president, Troon Privé. “His experience managing destination resorts, while enhancing service standards and operations will prove valuable at both The Lodge of Four Seasons and The Club at Porto Cima.”

Graf is a military veteran having served six years in the United States Air Force after graduating with a degree in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University. He also holds a degree in Physical Education from California State University Northridge where he competed on the University’s cross country team.

Troon has managed The Club at Porto Cima since December 2016, and The Lodge of Four Seasons since January 2018. In addition to being the world’s largest golf management company, Troon manages a variety of high-end, luxury resorts and residence clubs around the world, including Pronghorn Resort in Bend, Oregon; The Inn at Entrada in St. George, Utah; and The Rocks in Scottsdale, Ariz.

About The Lodge of Four Seasons
The Lodge of Four Seasons was founded in 1964 by Harold Koplar, father of current owner, Susan (Koplar) Brown and is regarded a major destination resort in Missouri and the Midwest. Set on 350 peaceful waterfront acres, The Lodge offers more than 60,000 square feet of meeting space, five unique dining experiences, four swimming pools, a full service marina and the nationally recognized Spa Shiki. The Lodge’s golf offerings include The Cove, an 18-hole, par-71 Robert Trent Jones, Sr. design and The Ridge, an 18-hole, par-72 Ken Kavanaugh layout. For more information on The Lodge of Four Seasons, visit www.4seasonsresort.com.

About The Club at Porto Cima
The Club at Porto Cima originally opened for play in 2000. The Club’s Jack Nicklaus Signature Course has seven holes that play beside or over the lake and is considered one of Missouri’s top courses by Golf Digest.  The Mediterranean-style golf clubhouse features a beautiful golf shop, men’s and ladies locker rooms – each with its own fitness area – meeting and banquet space, plus multiple food and beverage options in The Grille Room Restaurant, the 19^th Hole Lounge, a private member dining room as well as outdoor dining overlooking the 18^th hole and the Lake of the Ozarks. The Yacht Club, located adjacent to the golf clubhouse, features a 200-slip marina, a marina clubhouse, member swimming pool, tennis courts and a poolside dining option. While the surrounding Club at Porto Cima community offers single-family residential lots, custom homes and custom townhome products. For more information on The Club at Porto Cima, visit www.portocima.com or call (573) 207-8700.

About Troon
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf management company providing services at 440-plus locations around the globe, including managing 470-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses. In addition to golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s award-winning food and beverage division operates and manages more than 490-plus food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities. With properties located in 40-plus states and 30-plus countries, Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Honours Golf, OB Sports, Green Golf Partners, CADDIEMASTER, True Club Solutions, Cliff Drysdale Tennis and RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design. There are currently 67 Troon-affiliated properties featuring 87 golf courses on national and international “Top 100” rankings. Troon-affiliated properties include Quintero Golf Club in Peoria, Ariz.; Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast, Fla; Belfair in Bluffton, South Carolina; Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club in Puerto Rico; and Costa Navarino in Greece. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com, or connect with Troon on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Troon Chronicles, Press Room, or subscribe to Troon Magazine.