Photo by Elevate on Unsplash

The City of Lake Ozark is warning one local bar about how people can drink on the premises.

“Very often we have businesses who apply for extensions of their liquor licenses, so it can be outside the structure of their business” says Assistant City Administrator Harrison Fry, “maybe they’ll have tent set up out-front where they have a band and patrons maybe want to enjoy a beverage while they listen to music….those applications have to go through an additional process through our board, and very recently we’ve had an issue some businesses trying to circumvent that process.”

He tells KRMS News that bar got the attention of Lake Ozark police, causing the Chief of Police to scold the business for their mistake.

Fry says having a liquor license means you can serve alcohol to be consumed within the premises, but if you want to serve beyond those boundaries you’ll need a catering license.

Fry also says businesses owners need to know the difference between the two licenses and he also says a catering license for a special event will have a limited time frame.

***Additional Information***

For Immediate Release

5/14/2021

City of Lake Ozark officials have a stern warning for businesses that sell alcohol within the city limits:

Follow the rules or face possible suspension of your liquor license, or even worse your business license.

A local bar/restaurant recently violated city code when an employee allowed patrons to consume alcohol outside the boundaries of the premises three days in a row without the proper licensing. The business owner had acquired the proper state license but had failed to obtain a catering license from the City of Lake Ozark. Both licenses are required by law before alcohol can be consumed off premises – even then, the exact boundaries of the off-premises consumption must be outlined in the catering license application.

The issue arose when the bar/restaurant owner applied for a temporary catering license at the regular May 11 board of aldermen meeting for additional dates throughout the summer. The license was ultimately approved, but not before city staff and the Chief of Police scolded the bar/restaurant manager about the incident and warned him not to let it happen again.

“It was made clear to that business that he had to have a local city permit, but still continued to serve alcohol in the parking lot in violation of Missouri law,” Police Chief Gary Launderville said. “I have a hard time with the board okaying anything for this business. The license clearly states that the business is subject to all ordinances of the City of Lake Ozark and that the owner and employees agree to that, yet he violated those rules Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday.”

City Administrator Dave Van Dee reiterated that both state and city permits are required before alcohol can be served or consumed off the premises of a bar.

“The chief wants to know that the board understands that if it happens again the Police Department will issue citations and will forward the information to the proper state agency,” Van Dee said.

City Attorney Christopher Rohrer confirmed the violation. He witnessed the incident Saturday night of that recent weekend and alerted the chief of police.

Rohrer noted during the meeting that the police department is stretched well beyond its manpower with other issues and shouldn’t have to deal with permit violations when the owners or managers knowingly break the rules.

The business manager, given an opportunity address the board, said it was a misunderstanding as to what constituted the bar’s premises. He assumed it included the tent outside the business.

“The minute your patrons left your doorway and went to that tent, they crossed that line and put you and your license in jeopardy,” Van Dee said.

The bar owner said there are posted signs that alert patrons about taking alcohol off the property.

“I don’t see any ambiguity in this,” Mayor Dennis Newberry said. “It’s your job as business owner to know the rules and regulations.”

Chief Launderville said he and his officers will be watching closely for any violations and will take appropriate action which could include a citation or shutting the business down.

“From my perspective, we definitely want to support the businesses, but we also want to send a clear message that businesses must comply with our code,” Van Dee said. “We want to be user friendly and want businesses to be successful, but we have to have their cooperation and follow both state and local liquor laws. The responsibility is on the business owner, in my opinion.”

The city administrator stressed that following the rules and regulations of both the city and state applies to all businesses, not just those that serve alcohol.

The Aldi rumors are finally getting some teeth.

According the Lake Ozark planning and zoning commission, a site plan has been approved for the grocery chain at the Eagle’s Landing development.

The plan had originally been approved in 2018, however numerous revisions needed to be made before an official yes could be given.

The store will open just to the northeast of the recently approved Casey’s General Store site, both of which will face Business 54 and Krestel lane.

***Additional Details***

Osage Beach has openings in law enforcement, parks and recreation and public works – among others.

But there’s nobody putting in applications lately.

“I don’t know that we are dealing with anything that other cities, counties, other states across the nation aren’t deal with in some shape or fashion” says City Administrator Jeanna Woods, “I think it’s actually a national and state to state trend. All the meetings and different things that I’m involved with….I’m hearing that same story.”

She tells KRMS News the city wants police recruits “so if you are interested in receiving your post-certification….we will go through the hiring process, you get hired on as a police recruit. We will pay you salary plus benefits and we’ll pay for your academy.”

Woods says positions available in the City of Osage Beach include jobs at Parks and Recreation and in Public Works .

Woods was a guest on the KRMS Morning Magazine.

Plans are moving ahead in Lake Ozark to improve around 90 miles of streets in the city.

Voters in the city started the process last year by approving two ballot measures.

“The first of those was to have a use tax passed” says Community Development Director Harrison Fry, “if you live in the city limits, and you purchase something online…there will be an additional sales tax that goes to into our transportation fund.”

Fry tells KRMS News the second ballot measure passed was the green light to borrow up to $6 million dollars to improve Bagnell Dam Boulevard and other streets in Lake Ozark.

Later this year, voters could approve the creation of a Transportation Development District, which would bring in money to pay off the city’s debt “and it should go before the voters in August, who live within that district….as long as everything stays on track the way that it has.”

Fry says a future TDD could collect up to $275-thousand dollars each year to help pay for road improvements.

***Press Release***

For Immediate Release

5/10/2021

Progress is slow sometimes, and the path to improve the city’s 90 miles of streets is moving forward.

That was the scenario presented to Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen during a recent workshop.

Lake Ozark voters approved two ballot issues in June 2020 that will help fund the street construction projects:

One was a Use Tax on the purchase of items online. Previously, online sales tax collected from various vendors remained with the Department of Revenue. Now, those sales tax funds will be distributed to a special City of Lake Ozark Transportation Fund from which debt incurred will be paid.

The other issue was granting the city the authority – with board of aldermen approval – to borrow up to $6 million over the next several years to pay for the street improvement projects affecting the 90 miles of city streets.

Now, the third phase of the transportation plan – formation of a Transportation Development District — is moving forward. The TDD would collect a small sales tax and would oversee improvements to Bagnell Dam Blvd.

The board of aldermen earlier this year endorsed formation of a TDD which would be an independent authority to collect up to ¾ of a cent additional sales tax from businesses within the TDD boundaries. Those funds, along with Use Tax funds and other possible sources, would help pay off construction debt on Bagnell Dam Blvd. improvements.

Preliminary estimates are that as much as $275,000 could be collected annually, which would be earmarked for street improvements and maintenance.

City Attorney Christopher Rohrer updated the board of aldermen on the TDD progress during the workshop.

He said the petition for TDD formation is now before the Circuit Court, which is part of the state-mandated process. The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission also must review and sign off on the petition.

Rohrer said he hopes the TDD issue will be ready for vote by mail in August or September. Only registered voters within the TDD boundaries would be eligible to vote.

While the TDD commission would be independent of the city of Lake Ozark, it would include a representative from the city of Lake Ozark. The commission would be subject to the state’s open records laws.

City Administrator Dave Van Dee reminded the board that voters approved the Use Tax and authorized debt for the construction, but the city still has to find ways to pay for the debt. The Use Tax, which only recently went into effect, has generated about $18,000. If that trend continues, the Use Tax could generate between $130,000 and $150,000 a year – again, all earmarked for street improvements.

Van Dee reminded board members that there are four components to funding the estimated $6 million cost to fix the streets. Cost for upgrading Bagnell Dam Blvd. from Quality Inn to Bagnell Dam is estimated at $3 million alone.

• The Use Tax (approved by voters in June 2020).
• Debt Authorization (approved by voters in June 2020).
• Formation of the Transportation Development District (anticipated late summer, early fall).
• Possible slight increase in property tax that would help fund the remaining street projects.

“If you want the roads to be done, we can either do a halfway job or do it right,” Van Dee said. “If we’re going to do it right, it takes time and planning.”

Photo by Arturo Rey on Unsplash

Food truck owners in Lake of the Ozarks can set up for business in most cities, but not in Lake Ozark.

The Planning and Zoning commission sat down with several local food truck owners interested in opportunities along The Strip.

While the P and Z says it’s committed to protecting established brick and mortar restaurants on The Strip, it’s also aware of the demand on social media for options beyond packed restaurants during popular events, like hot summer Night and the Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals, held earlier this month.

Lake Ozark says it’s working on an ordinance that would pave the way for local food trucks to operate within the vicinity of the Strip while protecting the restaurants already there.

***Press Release***

For Immediate Release

5/7/2021

Food trucks in Lake Ozark.

Currently, they are prohibited by ordinance. But growing interest from both the public and food truck vendors is keeping the issue on the front burner for city officials.

The Lake Ozark Planning & Zoning Commission spent about 45 minutes during its regular monthly meeting May 5 hearing from proponents of food trucks within the city and discussing the ramifications at length. No one spoke in opposition.

The issue was raised at the commission’s April meeting after the city received several inquiries from potential vendors. Social media was robust with conversation after the Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals car show during which many visitors and residents complained they could not find a place to eat because of the crowds. The social media solution is food trucks.

One thing P&Z members made clear at their meeting was that food trucks would not be allowed within C-1 (commercial) districts – The Strip. Their intent is to protect existing restaurants from mobile food vendors that don’t have the same type of overhead that brick and mortar businesses do, and that don’t have the vested interest in the city’s long-standing business district. It’s feared that food trucks located on The Strip could compete with existing businesses, the members agreed.

However, the door was left open to seek an amicable solution so residents and visitors have access to food trucks. After hearing input from proponents of food trucks and research by city staff, the board asked Community Development Director Harrison Fry and City Attorney Christopher Rohrer to craft an ordinance that would address the issue.

The P&Z would then make a recommendation to the board of aldermen which would make the final decision.

Chairman Margaret Davis reiterated that the board is not in favor of taking away revenue from established brick and mortar businesses. There is also the issue of inadequate parking with food trucks possibly taking up valuable parking spaces.

“The discussion this time is the possibility of putting them someplace else,” she said.

“The simplest solution is that they not be allowed in a C-1 district, which is considered to be The Strip,” Fry noted. “As far as the parking issue, many communities don’t allow them on public spaces. But the city couild have mechanisms in place to allow them on private property during certain circumstances.”

Lake Ozark apparently is the only lake-area community that bans food trucks, according to one of the unidentified supporters of food trucks.

“There are several food trucks that are locally owned businesses that can’t operate in Lake Ozark. They can locate in Camdenton, Osage Beach and Jeff City but cannot operate in Lake Ozark,” he said.

It was noted that food truck permit fees range from $25 to $500 among those communities. Lake Ozark’s business license is $50.

Another proponent explained that he carries food liability and vehicle insurance, has property owner permission or leases property, is state certified and licensed, is inspected by Camden, Miller and Cole county health departments, pays sales tax, follows the same rules as brick-and-mortar businesses but does not have same overhead.

“My concern is that I’m not able to go out and make a living in Lake Ozark where I live,” he commented. “I’m president of the Lions Club (on Fish Haven) but can’t set up and do anything for the club because it’s residential even though the club owns all of the property.”

One food truck owner responded to the board concern that food trucks might cause a restaurant to fail.

“If that happens, they were going to fail already. It wasn’t the food trucks that did it,” he said. “We have an entirely different business model. With us, people say, ‘hey, there’s a food truck’ and buy a hot dog. We’re mostly a convenience, not usually a destination. Our business model is not to compete with the brick-and-mortar businesses.”

The discussion is expected to continue at the next P&Z meeting June 2.

Laclede Electric could soon be running electric service in the City of Lebanon.

Mayor Jared Carr says the talks are about figuring out whether or not customers would benefit from their electric service being managed by Laclede Electric Cooperative, as opposed to the City.

Lebanon and Laclede Electric say there will be transparent studies that’ll assess the pros and cons of the possible switch.

Carr says in a release all current city employees working in the city’s electric department would be retained even if the change does happen .

This is a developing story and we’ll keep you caught up with the latest here on KRMS.

***Press Release***

The City of Lebanon and Laclede Electric Cooperative to discuss the City’s Electric System

 The City of Lebanon and Laclede Electric Cooperative announced they have entered into discussions about the possible purchase or management of the City of Lebanon’s electric system by the Cooperative. The talks come as both organizations assess the uncertainty of increased electric distribution costs and labor, as well as forecasted increases in wholesale power supply costs.

According to Mayor Jarred Carr, the goal of the conversation is to determine if the City of Lebanon electric customers could benefit from increased efficiencies from the increased economy of scale.

Both parties will perform extensive and transparent studies to assess the potential benefits to the electric consumers of both the City and Laclede Electric. These studies will include long-range financial performance, rate stability, reliability, and operations.

City of Lebanon Mayor Jared Carr and Laclede Electric Cooperative CEO Marc Roecker commit that all existing employees, including the City’s electric department employees, will be retained if Laclede Electric Cooperative would purchase the City’s Electric System.

Officials expect these discussions will take several months before any recommendation can be made to either board.

Lake Race 2021 is less than a month away, and there’s another Lake Race social coming up Thursday night.

It’s going to be hosted by Paradise. It’s just a $10 donation, and you’ll get a fabulous appetizer buffet and all of the money raised goes back to Lake Race” says Executive Director Christy Janssen.

She tells KRMS News Lake Race is scheduled for June 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th “and it’s being returned to the Strip, where it was in the past, so we’re excited to have it back there. We’re going to have so many fun events…there’s just so much going on and we have so many people planning to come in for this year. It’s just going to be a fun event that nobody should miss.”

Janssen says more Lake Race socials are scheduled this month and you can learn more at http://lakerace.com

Wall-to-wall coverage of Lake Race will be happening on News / Talk KRMS and the Viper Communications family of radio stations.

For information on the social and how to get to Paradise, see below:

Paradise Tropical Restaurant & Bar

430 Tropical Trails End Rd

Sunrise Beach, MO 65079

24MM of the Main Channel by water

National Work Zone Awareness Week is not done, but MoDOT continues to urge caution as several projects are happening in and around the Lake Area.

“Our maintenance crews will be working on bridges over route 54 in Osage Beach, to try and improve some transition areas…when you go from the bridge onto the roadway. You’ll see that at Jeffries, Case and Nichols road” says MODOT Central District Engineer Bob Lynch.

He tells KRMS News MoDOT continues repairs on roads damaged by harsh winter weather and there are other projects happening as well “we’re also putting in pipe across the areas, some of the crews are patching various routes still coming out of the winter time, trying to repair the roadway that was damaged due to the winter.”

Lynch also says there is still some work happening at the new interchange just opened on Route 54 and Route W “contractor’s completing work up on 54 that we had to do, so pay attention to that work zone…..as there will be a lane drop through that area this week. We’re also beginning to build the new roundabout between W and Business 54, as part of the last phase of that project.”

He also says chip-seal work is happening near Lebanon in Laclede County.

Lynch says you can expect road construction and repairs to be happening all over Missouri throughout the warm summer months.

A rumor floating around social media says that Woods Supermarket in Lake Ozark is planning to close, is not true.

According to Store Manager Paula Gibbs, the only thing that will be changing is the meat counter operations.

Gibbs tells KRMS News the decision to replace its fresh cut meat section with pre-packaged options from a new vendor comes from corporate, not the local store.

At this time, Gibbs says she has not been given an official timeline as to when this change will occur.

The company also is planning a re-model of their Sunrise Beach store, which is one of the newest locations for Woods in the state.

The City of Osage Beach is announcing a new police officer recruitment program.

Qualified candidates will be sponsored at a police academy and they’ll be on track to become an officer in the Osage Beach Police Department.

They’re looking for people with good communication skills, a desire to serve people and higher education is also welcome.

Starting pay for a police officer in Osage Beach is just over 36-thousand dollars annually and a 12-week Field Training Officer Program is also part of the process.

You can go here for more details: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/osagebeach/jobs/3054992/police-officer-recruit?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

A Lake Area animal shelter now has a grant from the Petco Foundation.

“This year we were given $5,000 from Petco’s foundation, to help with our shelter activities, rehabilitating animals and getting them back into new homes” says Mark Engstrom with Ozarks Kat and K-9.

He tells KRMS News the shelter’s been working with Petco for around five years.

He says two years ago another donation paid for a transport van to take animals to different locations.

Engstrom also says more volunteers are needed and you can visit their website for details.

Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

The City of Osage Beach is loosening up restrictions on family members working with each other.

It’s happening because good applicants are hard to find right now.

“The Missouri Constitution obviously contains anti-nepotism provisions and the city of Osage Beach, like many other cities, have code ordinances that support that. However, we’re not seeing as many applicants for different jobs throughout the city, and one of those is our seasonal for parks, airports and public works” says Jeanna Woods is the City Administrator for Osage Beach, “long story short…this is just a temporary requested waiver, just to see how it goes and it’s only for seasonal employees…not city wide.”

Woods tells KRMS News this is the first time she’s aware Osage Beach has relaxed its rules against hiring relatives of current city workers “if there are a few particular employees that have some relatives that are interested, this is the best way we can preserve our anti-nepotism, but at the same time…hopefully…we can get a few applicants who are interested.”

A new interchange on Highway 54 is about to open in Lake Ozark, and MoDOT wants you to help spread the word.

“Mention it to anyone you talk to, just say “hey did you hear the interchange is opening!” says MoDOT Central Engineer Bob Lynch.

He tells KRMS News things might look different at the new interchange at Highway 54, Route W and Osage Hills Road “we will have signs up that will, hopefully, guide traffic where they need to go. It’s typical standard signing and people need to pay attention to what they’re doing.”

Lynch says lane closures will also be happening as some traffic signals are removed and MODOT is worried that “old habits” could be the biggest issue for drivers “the issue is, you know…they’ve had a behavior over a lot of years. And that’s going to be a challenge, we understand that…they’re just going to be some people who are not going to understand what’s going on.”

MoDOT says the interchange took over a year of construction and more than two years of planning.

Lynch was interviewed by Guy Wehman on The Ozarks This Morning.

***Additional Details***

New Route 54 Lake of the Ozarks Interchange to Open Wednesday
Current Intersection Will Close to Connecting Traffic

LAKE OZARK – A major milestone on a two-year project will occur next week. The opening of the Lake of the Ozarks new interchange will take place in time for the annual increase in traffic headed to the area.

As part of the Missouri Department of Transportation’s ongoing effort to bring improvements and increase the safety for the traveling public, contractors are scheduled to remove traffic signals at the intersection of U.S. Route 54, Business Route 54, Miller County Route W, and Osage Hills Road. The removal of those signals will coincide with the opening of the new multi-million-dollar interchange that will tie in those roads with Route 54 in a more efficient manner.

“This is a tremendous next step in the process of constructing the new interchange”, said Central Area Engineer Robert Lynch. “When the signals at the intersection are removed and the new interchange is opened, traffic will be able to flow more freely and safely through that area. We’re excited to reach this landmark moment in the project.”

Lynch advises that once the signals are removed, traffic from Route W, Osage Hills Road and Business Route 54 will no longer be able to access Route 54 at the existing signal location and will be required to use the new interchange.

The deactivation and removal of the signals is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, April 21. The removal of the signal and existing pavement will require eastbound and westbound lane closures on Route 54 through Friday, April 23. Motorists are advised to proceed through the area with caution.

Construction on the new interchange began in February of 2020. The new interchange is designed to increase traffic safety and improve traffic flow in an area where numerous traffic accidents have occurred. In addition to the new interchange, the project involves building several new connecting roads and three roundabouts in the same area.

This work is weather permitting and could be delayed. For more information and updates about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/Miller54Interchange. Follow the MoDOT Central Missouri District on Facebook and Twitter for project updates

MODOT and the city of Lake Ozark say the new Highway 54/Business 54/W Interchange we’ll be ready to open this coming Wednesday.

Officials say they will start by removing the old traffic lights along Highway 54 at the original interchange, once they’re ready to open the new on and off ramps at the bridge.

Drivers will have the ability to enter and exit from the bridge in 3 directions, with the only exception being the exit from 54 Westbound, which will utilize the original exit by the gas station.

MODOT says removing the old concrete will require additional lane closures through April 23^rd.

***Press Release***

New Route 54 Lake of the Ozarks Interchange to Open Wednesday
Current Intersection Will Close to Connecting Traffic

LAKE OZARK – A major milestone on a two-year project will occur next week. The opening of the Lake of the Ozarks new interchange will take place in time for the annual increase in traffic headed to the area.

As part of the Missouri Department of Transportation’s ongoing effort to bring improvements and increase the safety for the traveling public, contractors are scheduled to remove traffic signals at the intersection of U.S. Route 54, Business Route 54, Miller County Route W, and Osage Hills Road. The removal of those signals will coincide with the opening of the new multi-million-dollar interchange that will tie in those roads with Route 54 in a more efficient manner.

“This is a tremendous next step in the process of constructing the new interchange”, said Central Area Engineer Robert Lynch. “When the signals at the intersection are removed and the new interchange is opened, traffic will be able to flow more freely and safely through that area. We’re excited to reach this landmark moment in the project.”

Lynch advises that once the signals are removed, traffic from Route W, Osage Hills Road and Business Route 54 will no longer be able to access Route 54 at the existing signal location and will be required to use the new interchange.

The deactivation and removal of the signals is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, April 21. The removal of the signal and existing pavement will require eastbound and westbound lane closures on Route 54 through Friday, April 23. Motorists are advised to proceed through the area with caution.

Construction on the new interchange began in February of 2020. The new interchange is designed to increase traffic safety and improve traffic flow in an area where numerous traffic accidents have occurred. In addition to the new interchange, the project involves building several new connecting roads and three roundabouts in the same area.

This work is weather permitting and could be delayed. For more information and updates about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/Miller54Interchange. Follow the MoDOT Central Missouri District on Facebook and Twitter for project updates.

The City of Camdenton says you should expect some delays on some streets, possibly through June.

Water line replacement’s happening on Cedar, Illinois, College, Sherman, Cherry and Kansas Streets.

Signs will be in place to help guide traffic and city officials say you may want to find an alternate route while the work’s going on.

***Press Release***

The City’s Contractor, Persons & Son, have begun water line replacement along Cedar Street and will continue on Illinois Street. SW, College Avenue, Sherman Street, Cherry Street, and Kansas Street SW during the months of April, May and June.  This work will progress from Cedar Street to the Kansas Street SW and South Business Route 5 intersection (see map).

Crews will make every effort to allow traffic to pass but allow for a delay as the streets may be completely closed for short periods of time. Please use caution and obey all signage in this area or make plans to take an alternate route during this time.

Thank you for your patience as we work to improve the quality of life in Camdenton.  If you have any questions you may call 573-346-3600 or 573-346-7293.

If you’re an Ameren Missouri customer, you might be paying more for utilities.

State regulators confirm the utility company is looking to increase electric revenue by about $300-million dollars per year to help cover costs related to electric grid upgrades and wind generation facilities.

If it happens, you could be spending an average of $12 dollars more per month for electric.

Ameren also wants to increase rates for natural gas customers for another $9.4 million dollars each year.

That would mean an average increase of around $4 dollars per month for Ameren customers.

Some people in Camden County can expect faster internet speeds with new equipment now coming into the area.

Wisper ISP has been working with the Camden County Commission for several months to improve coverage in rural parts of the county.

“Wisper also just got a contract to put their equipment on that huge tower up on Highway 7 between Greenview and Climax Springs, so that’s going to help a lot of people” says Camden County Commissioner Don Williams.

He tells KRMS News another wireless company, Splash-dot-net, has put up another tower near Ballparks National “so wireless internet is increasingly being made available to residents in rural Camden County everyday. The internet has become like a utility, it’s just as important as telephone and electricity for daily life.”

Williams says he took an interest in better internet access and speed for rural Camden County because he lives in the country and knows how critical hi-speed internet is.

A Lake Area boat dealer is expanding.

Big Thunder Marine has taken over Lakeport Marina, located at the 19 mile marker.

“We’re going to call it Big Thunder at the Grand Glaize. It’s really going to grow and we’re really going to create something special here at the lake” says General Manager Jeremy Anderson.

He tells KRMS News they’ve also added a Summer Surf Experience for kids and adults “we’re going to have Mastercrafts available for teaching people how to surf. We want to be able to take them out for an experience to learn to surf, and really spend a couple of hours behind the boat, just to see if they like it.”

Anderson says they’re also expanding with another location now in Florida.

At this time, Anderson says there’s still a shortage of boats to buy in Lake of the Ozarks and that may continue into the summertime.

This year Lake of the Ozarks follows a record-breaking year in attendance in 2020.

That record might be tough to break in 2021 …

“But what we will break this year, is the amount of money we make this year. Our business…they will be open and they won’t lose that month like last year during COVID” says Lake Ozark Mayor Gerry Murawski.

He tells KRMS News having the month of April this year should put many Lake Area businesses ahead of where they were last year heading into the summer.

Murawski also says this year is off to a faster start with more people continuing to show up in Lake of the Ozarks during the winter months.

Murawski was interviewed by Christian Blood on the KRMS Morning Magazine.

The Lake West Expo was another huge success for the Lake West Chamber of Commerce.

The event broadcasted live on KRMS was held at the Lake Christian Academy in Sunrise Beach, showcasing businesses and their products for the 2021 season at the Lake.

It’s the 2^nd expo for the lake this year and officials say attendance exceeded their expectations.

A change is coming to a longtime bowling alley in Osage Beach.

According to a post on Facebook, Eagle Lanes says they will be closing on March 31^st after 17 years.

The facility however won’t remain closed…new owners are taking over, making a few cosmetic changes and it’s slated to re-open on April 1^st as the “Bowlmor Lanes 2”.

The bowling alley is asking for residents to share any photos of the “good times” at the alley before they close.

***From the old owners….

“Good evening everyone!! It is with great sadness that we must announce we are closing on March 31. After 17 years of being with this community and becoming a household name, there are no words to express how we feel about this situation. It is not how we expected to be leaving our business.

No Asbestos.

That’s the findings of a recent inspection conducted by the Department of Natural Resources at the Camden County Justice Building and the Sherriff’s offices.

According to the report, this inspection report will allow them to move forward with the installation of the Polycom video system that was purchased through the CARES Act funding.

“1.6 Million for the County Law Enforcement and Courts…That’s where $751 of that was the Polycom Court Audio system and $853 was the Sheriff’s radio system” says Camden County Auditor Jimmy Laughlin.

He tells KRMS News the video system gives the Jail the ability to communicate with the Justice center and the Missouri Department of Corrections instantly, including prisoner video conferencing for court appearances…rather than having the inmate taken from the jail into the actual courtroom.

An inspection of the remaining Camden County buildings by the DNR is planned, however no dates on those inspections have been set as of yet.

The Missouri Small Business Development Center at State Fair Community College will be hosting three no cost webinar sessions to help business leaders in the Lake of the Ozarks learn how they can recruit and retain workers.

The sessions start on Wednesday February 24^th, then again on March 3^rd and March 10, all between 1-2PM.

Session one focuses on using Data to Understand Workforce, session two helps with developing Strategies to Effectively Retain Your Workforce and session three focuses on community Efforts to Attract and Retain Workers.

The Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Lake of the Ozarks Council of Local Governments and the University of Missouri Extension are sponsors of the webinars.

You can learn more below:

The Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at State Fair Community College will host, at no cost, three webinar sessions to help private and public sector leaders in the Lake of the Ozarks Region to learn how they can recruit and retain workers within their businesses and communities. The sessions will be held online 1-2 p.m. on Wednesdays, Feb. 24, March 3 and 10.

Session one on Feb. 24, Using Data to Understand Workforce, will introduce attendees to Labor Market Information tools. In session two on March 3, Developing Strategies to Effectively Retain Your Workforce, attendees will learn about the Workforce Matchmaking program and improving their recruitment and retention efforts through an assessment of current workforce. Session three on March 10, Community Efforts to Attract and Retain Workers, will focus on how communities can take steps to strengthen worker retention and to identify ways in which community leaders, employers and higher education can collaborate to strengthen local workforce.

The Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Lake of the Ozarks Council of Local Governments serving Camden, Laclede, Miller, and Morgan Counties, and the University of Missouri Extension are sponsors of the webinars.

There is no cost to participate, but registration is required for each session. Participants can go to www.sfccmo.edu/thelearningforce; select Schedule of Courses link; and locate the SBDC schedule on the webpage to register. People also may contact Kelly Asbury, SBDC director, at kasbury1@sfccmo.edu or (660) 596-7350.

The Missouri SBDC is made possible by a funding partnership through the federal Small Business Administration, the University of Missouri Extension and State Fair Community College’s The LearningForce.

There’s a new manager at the Lake Regional Clinic and Express Care in Osage Beach.

Becki Harris will oversee daily operations of both clinics and has been part of Lake Regional Health System since 2010.

Harris previously served as assistant manager of the Cancer Center.

Lake Regional Announces Osage Beach Clinic Manager

OSAGE BEACH, Mo. — Lake Regional Health System is pleased to announce the promotion of Becki Harris to manager of Lake Regional Clinic – Osage Beach and Lake Regional Express Care – Osage Beach. She oversees the daily operations of both clinics, ensuring that patients are provided exceptional care from staff and providers.

A Lake Regional employee since 2010, Harris started as a HUC/Tech for the Emergency Department. She most recently served as the Cancer Center assistant manager. Harris lives in Lake Ozark.

Lake Regional Health System provides comprehensive health care services to residents and visitors throughout the mid-Missouri region. To learn more, visit lakeregional.com.

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CAPTION: Becki Harris, clinic manager of Lake Regional Clinic – Osage Beach and Lake Regional Express Care – Osage Beach

Lake Race is announcing Christy Janssen as its new Executive Director for 2021 and into the future.

“Shes’ a long time lake area staple in the fundraising and charitable organizations. She has a heart of Gold and she wants to give back” says Tom Abbett, President of the Lake Race Board. “She’s also going to be our event coordinator for all things Lake Race going forward.”

This year’s event is set for June 3^rd through the 5^th and Abbett says the races are a lot like NASCAR on the water….

“It’s not just a straight line event, or drag boat racing or anything like that. These are 40 to 28 to 52 foot offshore boats, catamarans and v-bottoms.”

Abbett says he’s expecting to announce soon the relocation of Lake Race back to its original location in Lake Ozark after a two-year hiatus.

“There’s a few formalities to cross off the checklist first, one of those being the regatta permit, which is what we’ve applied for through the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s water division.”

Offshore at the Ozarks was the only circle track power-boat race held in the Lake Area in 2020 as most events were cancelled due to the pandemic, including Lake Race.

Lake area Mercedes-Benz drivers, listen up.

The company is recalling some 1.3 million cars because of a software glitch in the emergency call system is sending first responders to the wrong location.

The recall covers several vehicles from 2016 through 2021, including CLA, GLA, GLE, GLS, SLC, A, GT, C, E, S, CLS, SL, B, GLB, GLC, and G, along with the company’s Daimler Vans between 2016-2020, Metris vehicles and 2019-2020 Sprinter vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz indicated that they will be notifying all affected owners and updates to the software will be offered at no cost starting this April.

Photo by Duangphorn Wiriya on Unsplash

The Home Grown Fishing Market’s happening Saturday in Camdenton.

It starts at 9 am and the Community Christian Church and will continue until 3 pm.

There will be custom and hand-made fishing equipment and art, all from Missourians.

Proceeds from the event benefit Lake Area Helping Hands Shelter, Lighthouse Mission, Share The Harvest, Lamb House and the Salvation Army.

Photo from Google Maps

Re-zoning for the ‘old quarry’ site east of Highway 54 in Lake Ozark could happen later this month, and it could pave the way for more development in the city.

“If this re-zoning is approved, as it looks like it will, they will have the option to do some general commercial down there…which is typically going to be retail, could be some hotel space, and there will also be a portion of it that will be light industrial.”

Assistant City Administrator Harrison Fry tells KRMS News plans could also include an automated storage facility.

He says there’s a group that’s in the process of buying the land right now and that dynamic is nothing new for Lake Ozark.

“The city has over the last few years, done a wonderful job of creating an environment that is hospitable for developers to come in, with ease, and start their business.”

Fry points out the ‘old quarry’ has been out of service for nearly 15 years and is not the same location as the ‘new quarry’ located off Highway 54 and Osage Hills Road, site of a possible future industrial park.

For Immediate Release

2/10/2021

An eyesore on Highway 54 that has caught the attention of tens of thousands of motorists for more than a dozen years may be getting a facelift.

The Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen approved first reading of an ordinance that would allow the rezoning of four parcels of land north of the Osage River Bridge and east of Highway 54 be rezoned to allow for possible development.

Second and final reading will be at the next regular board of aldermen meeting Feb. 23.

The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the rezoning at its Feb. 3 regular meeting.

The area is referred to as “the old quarry” where mining operations were halted many years ago. There was talk of commercial and/or retail development there at one time, but those plans never materialized.

Now, Richmond Capital, LLC, is asking that the four parcels be rezoned. Owner of the property is Osage National Commercial Holdings, LLC, of Kansas City, Mo. Mark McLaren, co-founder and vice president of BlueBoat International, LLC, is the applicant for the rezoning on behalf of his partners and Richmond Capital which has an option on the property.

The request is to rezone the parcels as follows, with Parcel A being the northernmost piece of property and Parcel D closest to the Osage River.

Parcel A – from R-1 single family residential to M-1 light Industrial.

Parcel B – from R-1 single family residential to M-1 light industrial.

Parcel C – from M-1 light industrial to C-2 general commercial.

Parcel D – from R-1 single family residential to C-2 general commercial.

Public meeting

McLaren hosted an in-person informational meeting at Osage National Resort in late January prior to the Feb. 3 P&Z meeting and then a virtual meeting to outline the request for rezoning and provide a tentative plan for the property.

He said the most immediate plan is to build an upscale, climate-controlled storage facility on the northernmost parcel of land (Parcel A), which is proposed to be rezoned to M-1 light industrial. He hopes the remaining three parcels will be developed into commercial and retail ventures.

“Our intent is to set the zoning so we can develop this in a way to benefit the City of Lake Ozark through the development of commercial properties whether it be a hotel, a restaurant, or retail, all of those driven by business,” McLaren offered.

The southernmost parcel, that closest to the Osage River, could be developed into a big-box store, although McLaren said nothing specific is in the works.

Harrison Fry, assistant city administrator and community development director, noted that the city believes there is no perceived gain to leave the property zoned as it is, and rezoning would not have a negative impact on the area.

In the city’s 2006 Future Land Use Plan, these lots were identified for commercial/industrial use.

Brief history

The old quarry area has a long history.

Here is an unofficial synopsis:

The quarry started as a sand and gravel operation as the lake grew. During the late 1990s, APAC Missouri became operator of the quarry and added an asphalt plant. After some challenging financial issues involving several subsequent owners and developers, the area came under the ownership of Osage National Holdings, LLC.

The land was at one time presented for major retail, but that never materialized.

Lake Regional Hospital welcomes Trish Creach as its new director of Philanthropy.

She’ll take over the post in April and she’ll lead Lake Regional’s efforts to expand the health care network’s services and community support.

Creach will be leading the ‘Commitment to Caring’ initiative, which focuses on enhancing heart and cancer care.

Creach has previously served as president of the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Missouri and chair of the Southwest Board of Regents for the U-S Chamber of Commerce.

Lake Regional Welcomes Trish Creach, Executive Director of Philanthropy

OSAGE BEACH, Mo. — Lake Regional Health System is pleased to announce Trish Creach will join the Lake Regional team to serve as executive director of Philanthropy. Beginning in April, she will lead Lake Regional’s efforts to rally community support for enhancing and expanding Lake Regional services to provide the best possible health care now and in the future.

“Trish joins Lake Regional with a wealth of local experience and established relationships,” said Lake Regional CEO Dane W. Henry, FACHE. “She has served the last nine years as executive director of the Camdenton Area Chamber of Commerce and previously served 18 years as executive director of the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. We are thrilled with the talent, professionalism, character and potential she brings to this new role.”

As executive director of Philanthropy, Creach will have a long-term philanthropy development focus and will lead the “Commitment to Caring” initiative, which is currently focused on a project to enhance heart care and cancer care. More than $1.19 million has already been raised for this initiative, and much of the support has come from the Lake Regional Development Council. This volunteer group is comprised of six committees focused on building relationships and inviting the community to come alongside Lake Regional and take pride in advancing local health care.

Creach said she is honored to be a part of Lake Regional’s team.

“Lake Regional Health System is vital to our community, and I have watched it grow from a smaller community hospital to a regional state-of-the-art medical destination,” Creach said. “I am excited to serve as executive director of Philanthropy to further engage the community with the ongoing transformation taking place at Lake Regional.”

In addition to her local chamber roles, Creach has served as president of the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Missouri and chair of the Southeast Board of Regents for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism at the University of Missouri – Columbia and received the Institute of Organizational Management designation following four years of study with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Former director of Fund Development, Terri Hall, CTFA, will continue with Lake Regional as the full-time director of Auxiliary Services. She will focus on rebuilding the volunteer and auxiliary program following the pandemic shutdown.

Lake Regional Health System provides comprehensive health care services to residents and visitors throughout the mid-Missouri region. Lake Regional is the only hospital between Columbia and Springfield that is a state-designated center for trauma, stroke and heart attack. The hospital is a Level II Stroke Center, Level II STEMI (heart attack) Center and Level III Trauma Center. Lake Regional also provides a wide range of specialties, including cancer care, heart care, orthopedics and women’s health. Plus, Lake Regional operates primary care clinics, Express Care clinics, rehab therapy clinics, programs for home health and hospice, and retail pharmacies. To learn more, visit lakeregional.com.

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CAPTION: Trish Creach, executive director of Lake Regional Philanthropy

The Camdenton Chamber of Commerce is now on the hunt for a new Executive Director, as current director Trish Creach will be leaving on March 26th.

Creach served the chamber for 9 years before taking a philanthropy role at Lake Regional Hospital this week.

A Search committee has been enacted to help find the new leader for the Chamber.

Details on how to apply can be found below:

Camdenton Chamber of Commerce Seeking Ap