What’s open, What’s Closed – presented by Lake of the Ozarks Animal Hospital, now R Veterinary at The Lake. Visit them online at http://www.lake.vet

 

Currently open:

Most lake area restaurants have reopened to the public

Marshalls/Homegoods.

Lake Ozark Speedway

Big Surf Waterpark

Ozark Amphitheater – Only for 1 event in 2020

Missouri State Fair – Livestock Show Only.

 

 

Closed/Cancelled.

All Ozark Jazz Society Concerts are cancelled until further notice

The Hero’s Outreach program has suspended all veterans gatherings until further notice

Events put on by the Camden County Developmental Disability Resources are cancelled until further notice.

Aquapalooza and The White Party have been cancelled.

Funky Buffalo in Camdenton – Permanently closed

Eldon Turkey Festival – Cancelled

Lebanon I-44 Speedway Closed – Remaining Season Cancelled.

Warsaw August 1st events (Cigar Box Music Festival/Art Stroll & Wine event) canceled.

Versailles Apple Festival Cancelled.

Fall Harbor Hop at the Lake Cancelled.

 

As the unemployment rises throughout Missouri due to COVID 19 closures and layoffs, so does the need for food assistance.

That’s why officials with the Missouri Department of Social Services say they’re boosting their staff to keep up with the increased demand.

Starting today, the Food Stamps (SNAP) Call Center will begin operating 7 days a week temporarily.

The new hours include Monday-Friday from 6AM to 6:30PM, Saturdays from 8AM to 5PM and Sundays from 10AM to 3PM.

To keep things simple, all Food Stamps interviews have also been temporarily suspended to allow for faster processing and assistance for Missouri residents.

A lake area business is stepping up to help residents and medical offices in the wake of COVID 19.

According to their Facebook page, Ozark Distillery has transitioned from making alcohol to hand sanitizer.

Co-owners Dave and Tiffany Huffman say there will be no charge for the product, and they plan to hand it out to whomever needs it.

All 4 OZ bottles and ½ Gallon Jugs of sanitizer meets current FDA and WHO guidelines.

The Huffmans say the larger jugs are being donated to area health care facilities, nursing homes and other high-risk places. Residents can request a single 4 oz bottle per person for their home or business.

Anyone wishing to donate can do so to help get them get more bottles and ingredients to make more product.

The Missouri Special Olympics is stepping up to the plate for those isolating at home.

Official with the organization say area athletes are putting together fun virtual classes daily on Facebook Live as well as uploaded videos on YouTube.

Officials say it’s there way of continuing to thrive despite having all activities postponed until the end of May due to the Coronavirus.

Some of the videos focus on workouts and stretching routines, while others focus on mental health and stress relief.

You can find their FACEBOOK LIVE videos here

You can find their YouTube videos here

 

Good news for job seekers who may have recently been laid off.

Officials with Walgreens and CVS say they’re hiring. Reports show that Walgreens is looking to add more than 9,500 full and part time roles in their stores nationwide. Some of those positions include customer service associates and pharmacy technicians. The chain says they would also give bonuses to those who start, including $300 for full time and $150 for part timers, starting in April.

CVS also says they’re looking to hire more than 50,000 workers and are promising a similar bonus structure up to $500.

The Viper Communications Group is asking you to keep News Director Reuben Perdue and his family in your prayers. Reuben suffered a serious stroke over the weekend and is currently hospitalized in Columbia.

Viper co-owner Dennis Klautzer says, “We are all saddened by the developments and hope the best for Reuben.” In the meantime, the radio station’s news department will continue to operate as normally as it can.

Former News Director John Rogger has been called upon to fill in and deliver the news in Reuben’s absence. Reuben’s prognosis remains unknown at this time.

A GoFundMe has been setup to help him and his family with the ongoing medical bills. You can donate by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/f/reuben-perdue-health-care-campaign

 

The City of Lake Ozark will take advantage of a student program at Drury University to help them plan for their future. It will be a partnership with Drury’s Center for Community Studies Studio. Students in the program work with cities to plan aesthetically, socially, culturally, and economically. Mayor Gerry Murawski says they’ll get a fresh perspective from the students.

Essentially, they’ll help city leaders determine what they want the city to look like as far out as 25 years from now. City Administrator Dave Van Dee says it’s also a great chance to get more community members actively involved.

The project is expected to be the first step in the process of updating the city’s long-term comprehensive plan.

Some items at lake area grocery stores and other retailers are in hot demand due to concerns being raised by the nationwide spread of the coronavirus…hand sanitzers, disinfectant sprays, bleach and other cleaning supplies are some items you might think would be in short supply. But why…of all items…is toilet paper getting hard to find in some stores…..?

Not to fear, while TP is seemingly flying off the shelves, there does appear to be enough paper towels to go around…just in case.

We reported on a conversation in Miller County regarding setting speed limits on gravel roads. Presiding Commissioner Tom Wright says that’s still on their radar, but it’s not a top priority right now.

Wright says crews are working hard to get caught up repairing roads damaged by rains in the winter months.

Wright says the commission does plan to bring up the speed limit issue again in the future. Sheriff Louie Gregoire has said he fully supports putting stricter limits in place.

All the hype and media attention nationwide being generated by the spread of the Coronavirus could actually prevent the spread of other everyday illnesses such as the common cold or the flu. That’s according to School of the Osage Superintendent Doctor Laura Nelson who, this week, directed a letter reassuring district patrons that the situation is being closely monitored. Doctor Nelson also says, if the virus should be discovered locally, a plan of attack is in place to work with the CDC and local health officials to minimize any potential spread of the virus. Among the tips for the general public to follow…

 — Wash hands often with soap and water

 — Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;

 — avoid close contact with others who are sick;

 — stay home when sick;

 — cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing;

–  clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

At the current time, the risk of the coronavirus in the lake area is considered to be low. More information on the virus can be found on the CDC’s website.

With the recent rock slide along Highway-54 in Osage Beach still fresh in the minds of many, officials from MoDOT are looking ahead to the possibility of more such incidents happening in the future. That’s according to Central District Area Engineer Bob Lynch who says part of planning the next STIP includes taking a look at locations that are favorable to such an incident happening in the future…

The rock slide in Osage Beach, between Case Road and Nichols Road, kept part of the highway closed for the better part of three days. Lynch, who made his comments this week on “The Ozarks This Morning” on KRMS, says there are several potential locations across the district where a rock slide could happen.

Lake area fire districts often work together on mutual aid calls, and to prepare for those situations, they also train together as often as possible. This past weekend provided a rare opportunity. Lake Ozark Fire District Training Officer David Woodward:

Firefighters from Gravois Mills, Mid-County, and Sunrise Beach were training on the First Assembly of God Church that caught fire in January. On the other side of the lake, crews from Lake Ozark, Osage Beach, and Rocky Mount were drilling at the Lake Ozark training facility. Woodward says the exercises are vital to learn other departments’ techniques and equipment.

A Camdenton area church is rising from the ashes after being hit by fire earlier this year.

That’s Pastor Greg Mills from the Camdenton First Assembly of God, which was gutted by flames January 31st. Some good has come from that fire, which resulted in no injuries. Local firefighters trained on the structure this past weekend ahead of scheduled demolition. They plan to rebuild the church on the existing location. In the meantime, Mills says the fire brought their congregation closer together.

They hope to be in the new building by fall. They also plan to hold their annual Easter Egg drop April 11th and could use some help. If you’d like to know more about how you can help the church recover, call 573-873-2241.

Residents in Eldon and Jefferson City received a harsh reminder early last spring about the need to be prepared for severe weather in Mid-Missouri when they were hit by a tornado that many have not fully recovered from.

Steve Runnels is a Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Springfield. All this week is Severe Weather Awareness Week. Weather forecasters and news outlets along with emergency management offices will be working to educate people on how to be safe and ready for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and more.

The NWS recommends that you follow forecasts, sign up for alerts, and purchase a NOAA weather radio to help stay ahead of the weather. The statewide tornado drill will take place Tuesday morning, weather permitting.

All this week is “Public Schools Week”…a nationwide recognition of the public school system sponsored by the Association of American Educators. Doctor Laura Nelson, School of the Osage Superintendent, says the system provides a quality education for all students who walk through the hallways in the lake area…

Doctor Nelson also gives credit to the teachers in the lake area who are driven by one common passion…

 

The AAE is the largest national, nonunion organization representing professional educators. They say Public Schools Week celebrations are being held all across the country.

With springtime right around the corner, pet owners are being forewarned of a potential danger which, often, goes overlooked when letting their dogs run loose or while taking them for a walk. As the grass grows higher and the temperatures warm up, snakes will soon be making their annual appearances which could mean bad news for man’s best friend…

Ellen Page from the Dogwood Animal Shelter also says, whether walking your dog or discovering that it may have been attacked, having a dose of Benadryl on hand can go a long way in minimizing the potential affects of a snake bite…

That swelling, if not relieved fairly quickly, can cause pressure on the brain for some breeds.

While we may be partial to the joys of living and boating here at Lake of the Ozarks, now a popular website reinforces what we have been thinking for years. Boatingmag.com has updated its list of the top-10 places for boating across the country’s lower-48 and the lake appears on that list. Attributes identified for the lake, according to the website, include: nine public-access ramps, a long list of private marinas, the rental industry for boats and other vessels, available lodging, and the numerous dockside cafes and watering holes. Other areas appearing on the list include: Destin, Florida; Long Island, New York; Newport, Oregon; Chickamauga Lake in Chattanooga, Tennessee; Phoenix, Arizona; Seattle, Washington; Lake Murray in Columbia, South Carolina; Green Bay; and Traverse City, Michigan. The top-10 was compiled based on livability, public access, convenience and relaxation.

 

Operators of a natural attraction at Lake of the Ozarks are adding a program for teachers and students. Stark Caverns will be rolling out an in-cave, hands-on learning program next month. It’s designed for elementary and secondary school students and is a partnership with the Museum at Prariefire, an affiliate of the American Museum of Natural History. The curriculum is aligned with the Missouri Learning Standards. The program will consist of learning stations focusing on Social Studies, Science, and English Language Arts. Teachers are invited to learn more at a free sneak preview and informational event scheduled for February 27th. You’re asked to RSVP if you plan to attend. You can do that at www.starkcaverns.com/learningrocks.

The groundhog may have had his say a couple weeks ago but another harbinger that spring is right around the corner is the upcoming products and services shows here in the lake area. First up will be the Camdenton Expo-2020 the final weekend of this month…

Camdenton Chamber Executive Director Trish Creech, speaking over the weekend on the “No Wake Zone Boating Radio Show,” says interest in being part of the show this year is really a good sign of things to come…

The Camdenton Expo begins on Friday, the 28th, from 3-7pm continuing from 9am-5pm on Saturday, the 29th. Last year’s show attracted vendors and spectators from 81 different cities across Missouri and from five of the bordering states. KRMS will also be on hand broadcasting from the expo on the 29th.

A request for an inquiry into the Tri-County Lodging Association appears to be dead in the water for now. The matter was submitted to the Camden County Prosecutor by the County Commission. Prosecutor Heather Miller says her office is not an investigative agency and felt it would be better if the matter were handled by an outside agency in the interest of transparency. She sent it to the Attorney General’s office along with all the accompanying paperwork. After a thorough review, the AG’s office found no evidence of criminal activity and declined to open a formal investigation. The State Auditor’s office also has declined to look into the matter, saying they have no jurisdiction to perform an audit without a petition from each of the contributing counties.

Over 100 students at Camdenton High School are enrolled in the district’s new Army Junior ROTC program. The course teaches a wide variety of life skills.

That’s Retired First Sgt. David Dowell, one of the instructors for the course. He says the students that stick with the program will have even more opportunities as they progress. That includes competitive drill teams and rifle marksmanship teams.

The cadets will also undertake community service projects and fundraising efforts to support the program.

He’s one of the most popular artists to ever grace the stage at the Ozarks Amphitheater.

Mary Kay Von Brendel appeared on KRMS during her many media stops on Tuesday to make the official announcement.

Nugent of course is famous for his solo career along with his time in the supergroup Damn Yankees. When he comes to the Amp in July, he’ll be accompanied by The Artimus Pyle Band. Get ticket information online at www.ozarksamp.com.

If a gambling boat is ultimately approved to be placed at the Lake of the Ozarks, how it would affect the area in terms of crime is a relative unknown.

Sheriff Louie Gregoire says that, if it happens, he would reach out to other Sheriffs in counties that already have casinos for their input and advice.

Winter weather may have caused travel problems around the state the last couple weeks, but for at least one Mid-Missouri resident, it’s been nothing compared to what he’s been working in. Bud Steed has been driving the ice roads on the North Slope in Alaska.

Steed talked about his experiences on “The Ozarks Today” on KRMS. The long-time long-haul trucker said taking on the job was a personal challenge.

Steed is also a published author and is currently working on some books about his Alaskan adventures. Interested listeners should visit www.budsteed.com.

Kudos to a longtime law enforcement officer for being named the Highway Patrol’s Troop-F Officer of the Year. Sergeant Scott White, who lives in the lake area, was recently bestowed with the recognition by Troop-F Commander Captain Corey Schoeneberg. White says it was quite the honor…

White, a 25-year veteran in law enforcement, was selected as “Trooper of the Year” from among more than 100 others in Troop-F.

Water quality is a top priority to keep tourists coming and spending money at the Lake of the Ozarks. Several different stakeholders are charged with the task of ensuring that water quality, including LOWA…or the Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance. However, according to LOWA Executive Director Donna Swall, the volunteer group is limited in the scope of what it can offer in reaching that goal…

Swall also says that LOWA is now in the process of seeking approval and funding to expand, with plans to almost double its coverage of the ake from where it currently stops near the 19.5 milemarker…

LOWA is currently undertaking a project to slow erosion near the community bridge.

It looks like we’re in for another dose of winter weather. A winter weather advisory will be in effect until 6am Wednesday. That’s expected to produce a wintry mix of rain, snow, and ice accumulating up to an inch and a half. A winter storm watch will be in effect until late Wednesday night with 3-6 inches of snow accumulation possible. We’ll of course keep you posted on the forecast and any weather-related closures.

Community members continue to clamor for details regarding the deaths of a popular Lake Ozark couple found dead in their home. The bodies of Anand and Kourtney Torres were found in early November with no cause of death clearly evident. Since then, autopsies have been conducted along with toxicology tests. Camden County Sheriff Tony Helms says he understands that people want results, but it’s a lengthy process that’s out of their hands.

The sheriff says he’s seen times when six months was not considered a long time to get those results back. When they do come back, what gets released is partially dependent on the impact it has on the family if there’s no evidence of a crime.

In the meantime, Helms says there’s a possibility that some agencies could start using a different lab in hopes of getting test results more quickly.

While winter weather has required some other school districts to add make-up days or extend their calendar, at least one area district won’t have any make-up days.

School of the Osage Superintendent Dr. Laura Nelson says they do that because they they have high aspirations for themselves and their students.

The minimum hours required by the state is 1044.

In a story first reported by KRMS News, we told you about a long-time person of interest being arrested and charged with being an accessory to a 2001 cold-case murder in Miller County. But, after 19 years, what was the turning point in locating the suspect identified as, now, 53-year-old Tabatha Mae Carter…

Sheriff Gregoire also says, despite the length of time that passed between the murder and the arrest, at no time did the department give up on trying to find the person, or persons, responsible for the murder of Jerry Jeffries…

Carter was taken into custody in Oklahoma and transported, first, to Morgan County on a probation violation. Since then, she has been transferred to the Miller County Jail and formally charged with accessory to first-degree murder and accessory to armed criminal action…she is being held on no bond. No other arrests, to date, have been reported in the case.

A series of meetings in Miller County will educate parents on three areas of concern for young people.

That’s Jennifer Kempker from the Miller County extension office. The topics were chosen by parents who filled out an online survey. Kempker says several agencies are coming together to address the parents’ concerns.

The meetings begin February 4. There will be two sessions for each topic. One will be held at the Lake Regional Clinic in Eldon and the second will be at Iberia High School. Dinner and childcare will be provided at each session.

Internet Safety:

Feb. 4 Eldon Lake Regional Clinic…….www.lakeregional.com/safeinternetA

Feb. 11 Iberia High School……www.lakeregional.com/safeinternetB

 

Vaping:

Feb. 18 Eldon Lake Regional Clinic…….www.lakeregional.com/vapingA

Feb. 25 Iberia High School…….www.lakeregional.com/vapingB

 

Mental Health:

March 3 Eldon Lake Regional Clinic…..www.lakeregional.com/mentalhealthA

March 10 Iberia High School…..www.lakeregional.com/mentalhealthB

 

For the second time in about a week, the Ozarks Amphitheater announces another big act to make an appearance at the Lake of the Ozarks…

Tom Abbett, again with Mary Kay VonBrendel, making the announcement on KRMS about the Lynyrd Skynyrd band performing at the amphitheater. You can order tickets or get more info about the concert on the amphitheater’s website. The concert is expected to sell out pretty quickly.

As the new year began, so did a period of renewed hope of finding hundreds of missing persons from Missouri. Here in the lake area, according to the Highway Patrol, there were 11 active cases when the calendar changed over to 2020. Those cases included nine adults and two others classified as children or juveniles on the dates they were reported missing. The active cases date back to 1984 when, then, 37-year-old Gary Brumley and, then, 15-year-old Tammy Rothganger, both of Eldon, were last seen. An arrest and conviction was made in the Rothganger case despite her body never being found. Another lake area resident reported missing in 2010, Richard Hess of Versailles, has been presumed dead according to the courts. The three most recent cases were filed late last year…Timothy Nicholas of Tuscumbia in August, Jessica Teer of Camdenton in October and 16-year-old Brittany Burgess of Camdenton in November. A complete list of missing persons from the lake area and across Missouri is available on the Highway Patrol’s website. Anyone with information on any of the cases is encouraged to contact the Highway Patrol or local law enforcement.

Camdenton’s new City Administrator is on the job. Jeff Hooker was hired to replace Jeff Hancock following his retirement. Hooker has relocated to the area from Florida and has been touring city facilities and meeting with department heads. The city’s Board of Aldermen will meet Tuesday and will hear an amendment to a city ordinance dealing with open burning, recreational fires, and portable fireplaces. They’ll also hear reports from their department heads and updates on capital improvement projects at Tuesday’s meeting, which begins at 6pm in Camdenton City Hall.

An event at Lake of the Ozarks this weekend will serve as a kickoff for what’s expected to be a large trade convention scheduled for later this year. The GROW Tradefest is designed to be a one-stop shop for businesses associated with the medical marijuana field. It will include everything from producers and testers to distributors and even businesses focusing on CBD.

Rachel Crawford is on the board for Tradefest and also owns Rustic Oils CBD in Lee’s Summit. The tradeshow in September will attract businesses and speakers from all over the country. This weekend they’ll be holding a kickoff event at the Lodge of Four Seasons.

The kickoff party is open to the public and begins at 7pm Saturday.

www.thegrowtradefest.com

Efforts continue within the city of Camdenton to become more autism-friendly. Parks Director Larry Bennett says last year they expanded their swim lessons and this year they plan to go a step further.

The program will be self-sufficient and require no additional expenses for the department. Bennett says he’s had the idea for a number of years, but with the city recently joining the Stars for Autism program, the timing is now perfect.

The Stars for Autism program began in the city last year and is designed to teach city workers and business owners how to create autism-friendly environments.

The Mid-County Fire District is mourning the passing of one of their own. Chief Scott Frandsen says that Delmar Dean Davis was one of the founding members of, what had been known as, the Camden Rural Fire Department…now known as the Mid-County district. Frandsen also says that Mister Davis’ hard work and dedication during the early years of the district made it what it is today and will be missed by the community. Memorial donations are being accepted in Delmar Davis’ name to the Dale Blair Memorial Cemetery or the Dogwood Animal Shelter.

 

Visitation is tonight (Jan. 13) at the Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home in Camdenton. Funeral service is at 10:00 Tuesday morning (Jan. 14) at Allee-Holman-Howe with burial to follow at the Dale Blair Cemetery.

Parks and Recreation directors from around the state will converge on the lake area next month. The Missouri Park & Recreation Association will be holding their annual conference at the Lodge of Four Seasons. Camdenton Parks and Rec Director Larry Bennett says he’s been going to similar conferences for 30 years and it’s always worth it.

Bennett says it’s also a great networking opportunity to share ideas with others in the industry.

The MPRA conference is scheduled for February 18-20th.

If you see a police officer today, don’t forget to say “thank you.” It’s a good message for any day, but January 9th is set aside each year as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Camdenton-based Concerns of Police Survivors says you can show support in many ways:

 – Wear blue
 – Shine a blue porch light
 – Send a “thank you” card
 – Donate blood in honor of an officer
 – If you’re on facebook, visit facebook.com/nationalcops to change your profile picture to support officers

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day began in 2015.

 

How far will it advance in this year’s General Assembly nobody knows…we’re referring to House Judiciary Rule-87 introduced by Lake Area Representative Rocky Miller. The proposed Constitutional Amendment would, if ultimately approved, expand the possibility of a gambling boat or floating facility to be located along the “navigable portion” of the Osage River as recognized by the U.S Coast Guard. The possibility of a gambling boat coming to Lake of the Ozarks brought reaction for, and against, from KRMS listeners…

 

OR

A copy of the proposed amendment, as introduced by Miller, is now available on the Missouri House of Representatives website. Adoption of the House Judiciary Rule would send the issue to the ballot boxes to be decided during the 2020 general election or in a special election if called for by the governor.

The Missouri Farm Bureau says that state needs to do more in the way of expanding access to rural broadband. That’s one of the legislative priorities they intend to focus on during the upcoming regular session of the General Assembly. Every December, Farm Bureau delegates meet to vote on the items they feel are most urgent. Some of the other items on their list this year include protection of property rights in lieu of approval of the Clean Line Grain Belt transmission line; agritourism and cooperation with local governments to help promote it; expanded used of biodiesel; and caps on productivity value increases on farmland leading to large increases in property taxes.

An officer from the Versailles City Police Department is being recognized for going beyond the call of duty to help bring an end a vehicle pursuit in Morgan County. Sheriff Norman Dills says the incident happened in June when his department requested assistance from the VPD. Officer Cassidy Keene responded to the intersection of Old Highway 5 and Route-W where the fleeing subject rammed her patrol car, resulting in the patrol car being partially disabled and leaving Keene with non-disclosed injuries. Keene was still able to pursue the suspect, eventually taking him into custody after he crashed into a field. The actions by Keene, according to Sheriff Dills, resulted in the felony arrests of two suspects and the seizure of a large amount of illegal narcotics. For her efforts, during the sheriff’s department’s recent annual awards banquet, Captain JD Williams presented Officer Keene with a certificate and a medal of merit.

It’s never too early to start looking for a good summer job, and a local camp for people with disabilities is already looking for their next batch of employees. Wonderland Camp is accepting applications for their 2020 season. They need counselors, lifeguards, kitchen and nursing staff, as well as instructors in several activities including ropes courses, archery, music, arts and crafts, and more. During the season, campers arrive Sundays at 2pm and stay until 11am Friday. After that, cabin staff get the rest of the weekend off. For more information including applications, go to www.wonderlandcamp.org.

A lake area law enforcement officer is among the cream of the crop after being chosen this year and completing the FBI National Academy course in Quanitico, Virginia. Captain Chris Moehle, from the Camden County Sheriff’s Department, was among the participants representing all 50 states and more than 35 international students for the prestigious training. The 10-week program provided coursework in several areas…among them: intelligence theory, terrorism and terrorism mindsets. The goal of the program is to improve the administration of justice and to raise law enforcement standards, knowledge and worldwide cooperation. Only one-percent of the nation’s law enforcement is chosen to attend the school. Capt. Moehle has been with the Camden County Sheriff’s Office since 2001.

We may not even be a week into the official winter season but there’s not a better time to start thinking about the next boating season. That’s according to KRMS’s very own Captain Bob May who hosts the “No Wake Zone” show which can also be heard worldwide. May says, believe it or not, the boat show season is right around the corner…

January is a busy month with boat shows also scheduled to begin on the 23rd at the Overland Park Convention Center and on the 30th at the America’s Center dome in St. Louis. And for those who want to do a little pre-shopping to save big bucks, the boat shows are the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Now that Christmas is officially over, it’s time for a program that has become another lake area tradition – getting rid of your tree. Bridal Cave wants to help. They’ll take your tree off your hands and use it to create fish beds. Over the last four years, they’ve converted over 300 trees into new habitats for the fish. The trees will be placed in the Niangua Arm this year. If you want to help, simply take all the decorations off of your tree and drop it off at Bridal Cave and Thunder Mountain Park, 526 Bridal Cave Road. Drop-offs will be accepted from 9am until 4pm daily with the exception of New Year’s Day. You’ll even get a coupon for 25% off admission for the 2020 season for every tree you donate.

A longtime career being on the road for the Highway Patrol comes to an end. Lieutenant Rick Buttram, who has firmly been entrenched in the lake area for the past 25 years, says hanging up the badge was an emotional decision…

Buttram also says, looking back, it was a career that often put his faith and marriage to the test…

All totaled, Lieutenant Buttram put 33 years in with the Highway Patrol. He’s not quite done yet. Despite turning in his badge and uniform, he will continue to serve in the way of doing inspections.

 

It’s not often, if ever, you get to see the top law enforcement officer of your county create a snow angel. However, that is just what Miller County Sheriff Louie Gregoire recently set out to do during this time of the year to remember one of his deputies killed in the line of duty…

Gregoire has since challenged Osage County Sheriff Michael Bonham and Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones to participate in the latest hash-tag challenge. A video of Gregoire’s angel creation can be viewed on the Miller County Sheriff’s Department’s Facebook page.

E-Sports could be taking off at Versailles High School. The Morgan County R-II School Board will meet in regular session Monday evening. One of the items under new business on the agenda is a request to establish a central treasury account for an E-sports club. E-Sports has gained popularity at several levels across the country and the world over the last few years, with many colleges now offering scholarships for good gamers. There’s even a site from the NCSA, or “next college student athlete,” that helps recruit and provide information on e-sports athletes. At the University of Missouri, they recently won the Rocket League championships in their first year of competition. Also on the agenda is an item relating to traditional sports. The board will vote on a proposal to replace the turf on their football field. That meeting is scheduled for 7pm Monday at the Middle School library.

Dock owners on the lake as well as the Osage River are being encouraged to start preparing now for the approaching winter drawdown. Ameren says they’ll begin the annual practice of lowering the lake level in January. It’s done each year to clear room in the reservoir for heavy spring rains. They say people below the dam should remove docks before freezing occurs. Those who leave docks on the water should take steps to winterize them, including:

– Lengthening your connector cables
– Ensure your hinges and other connections are flexible enough to follow fluctuating water levels
– Use a dock deicer
– Ask neighbors to keep an eye on your dock or retain a contractor who can respond to the site if your property is going to be unoccupied
You’re also encouraged to monitor lake and river levels. You can do so online or by calling 573-365-9205.

There’s some good news for parents and students alike in the School of the Osage District. SOTO officials say they’ll be expanding their free breakfast program district wide. Beginning January 6th, all students in the district will have the option of eating breakfast at no cost. The expansion requires no applications to be filled out by the parents. Free breakfast is currently available to elementary school students. This expansion makes it available for students in the middle and high school as well.

A lake area tradition is being rekindled this week. The Tonka Hills Restaurant in Linn Creek is set to officially reopen on Friday.

Travis Cash says his family has a restaurant background in the Kansas City area and it’s always been his dream to run one.

While the official opening isn’t until Friday, the public is invited to tour the restaurant during a ribbon-cutting and open house between 3 and 3:45 this afternoon.

We’ve told you about an organization helping people affected mentally by the tornado that struck in Eldon earlier this year. Some people, however, may feel they can’t afford to get the help they need after having paid to rebuild or repair their homes.

Gena Terlizzi is the Executive Director of NAMI-Missouri. She says their job is to help connect you with the people who can help you. So how do you know if your child needs help? Terlizzi says that question is answered differently for every parent.

For more information visit www.namimissouri.org.

It’s a popular line we’ve heard hundreds of times from a classic holiday movie, but according to a recent study, it’s no joke. Health officials at Children’s Hospital in Columbus analyzed injury data for air rifles, paintball guns, bb and pellet guns dating back to 1990.

That’s Dr. Chris Sampson, an emergency medicine doctor at University Hospital. He says if you are considering giving a projectile weapon for Christmas, or if you use them at any time of the year,make sure you emphasize safety, including wearing protective goggles.

CORRECTION:  An earlier version of this story said the Versailles and Osage bands will be performing….it is actually the choirs that will be performing

 

The public is invited to the Governor’s house this weekend. The annual candlelight tours and tree lighting ceremony are scheduled for Friday and Saturday. The Christmas Tree lighting will take place at 6pm Friday, with candlelight tours of the mansion to follow immediately afterward, lasting until 8pm. Additional tours will be offered Saturday morning from 10am until noon. In addition to the decorations inside the mansion, there’s also a new Christmas Village that’s been set up on the mansion lawn for visitors to enjoy. It includes a general store, candy shop, Santa’s house, and Santa’s workshop. Two area high school choirs are slated to perform Saturday. Versailles will perform at 10:35am and School of the Osage at 11:45.

Viper Communications will be providing live radio and streaming coverage of several boys basketball games around the area this season. Our “Hometown Hoops” scheduled includes 25 games featuring Osage, Camdenton, Iberia, Climax Springs, Macks Creek, Eldon, Versailles, and Stover. Our first game is this evening and features Climax Springs traveling to Stover to take on the Bulldogs. You can tune in to Classic Country 104.9 at approximately 6:45 for the broadcast. You can also listen online, through our app, or through your Alexa personal assistant.

The state capitol might be getting busy again with the pre-filing period for the 2019-2020 General Assembly opening up next week. The upcoming session sees no changes in the representation for the lake area. House Representatives will include Rocky Miller in the 124th district, David Wood in the 58th, Suzie Pollock in the 123rd, Rudy Viet representing the 59th district and Tom Hurst in the 62nd district. In the Senate, representing the lake area, are Dan Brown in the 16th district and Mike Bernskoetter in the 6th district. The first day of the regular session is set for Wednesday, January 8th, with the final day set for Friday, May 15th.

It is Thanksgiving Day…a day for family gatherings, maybe watch a little football, do a little reminiscing and partake in different beverages and the traditional feast. However, according to Lake Area historian Bill Moulder…speaking earlier this week on the “Morning Magazine”…that traditional feast back in the day would be quite a bit different than what’s generally being served up today. Moulder also says traveling for the holiday back then was usually no more than maybe a 20-mile trip each way with no comparison to the travelling of today. Rabbit, squirrel and fish were among other traditional fares back in the day during a time when the original holiday celebrated a successful harvest.

If you’re doing your Thanksgiving shopping this weekend, check your receipt when you’re done. According to the American Farm Bureau, Missouri residents will pay less than the average American to prepare a traditional holiday dinner for 10. It’s estimated that a meal consisting of turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, peas, a relish tray, cranberries, rolls, pumpkin pie, coffee and milk will cost $46.67. There have been significant price drops this year on turkeys, sweet potatoes, stuffing, and cranberries. Nationwide, the average cost for the same meal will be a couple dollars higher at $48.91.

Students and staff at School of the Osage are gearing up for one of their biggest showcase events of the year.

Miriam Hill says they expect a packed house of 500 people or more for their 33rd annual Senior Citizens Banquet. The night features performances by students from elementary through high school, along with the dinner itself, which is provided at no cost for the seniors. It’s scheduled for Thursday, November 21st with performances beginning at 4:45, dinner at 6pm and the production of Cinderella at 7pm. Reserve your spot now by calling 348-0115.

Students in the Camdenton R-III school district will have a couple new classes to choose from. Superintendent Dr. Tim Hadfield says they’ll be adding a wind ensemble class and a course on a contemporary mathematics. The math class is dual-credit program with OTC.

Hadfield says their staff is constantly reviewing new curriculum to make sure they’re teaching the most up-to-date and helpful course material. Those new courses should be available to students beginning next school year.

Lake Regional Health Center is recognizing a group of employees vital to patient health as well as their long-term protection. It’s forensic nurses week through November 15th. Forensic nurses not only take care of their patients, they’re also responsible for conducting evidentiary exams, collecting and documenting evidence of crimes committed against the victim. That process is important for law enforcement and prosecutors charged with holding the perpetrator accountable. Lake Regional employs eight FACT nurses. FACT stands for “Forensic Assessment and Consultation Team.” The FACT nurses complete their exams at the hospital, as well as at Kids Harbor in Osage Beach and St. Robert.

An annual holiday event for charity at the lake has a new name this year. What used to be known as “Deck the Docks” will now be called “Christmas on the Lake.” That’s not all that’s different about the event. Captain Joe Harvey with the Celebration cruise boat says they’ll be setting sail in a different part of the lake this year.

In the past, the cruises have served as a fundraiser for Dogwood Animal Shelter. This year they’re going to spread that around a little.

The cruises will be held Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays beginning November 22nd. Book now at www.cruiselakeoftheozarks.com.

Would you know what to do to save yourself, and others, if an active shooter situation developed at your place of employment or worship? Most people don’t and that’s the reason for the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department offering “Active Shooter Defense” classes. Captain J.D. Williams is spearheading the training which, he says, extends past places of worship or employment and can happen just about anywhere. The training includes questions and answers, and how to use tourniquets and pressure bandaging. More information about the training is available by getting in touch with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department.

The holiday season can be particularly hard for individuals and families dealing with the loss of a loved one. A program at Lake Regional is designed to help you cope with grief during this time of the year. Whether your loss is recent or years ago, you’ll learn tips for coping and have a chance to honor your loved one in a remembrance ritual. The event is free and will be held Thursday at 2pm. Get details by calling 348-8222.

If the unthinkable happens and you become trapped in a house or another type of structure fire, you call 9-1-1 and the fire department comes to your aid. But what happens if a firefighter, or firefighters, encounter unexpected difficulty and become trapped themselves…?

Lake Ozark Battalion Chief Ryan Vaughn goes on to say that the problem is magnified because of a wide variety of potential challenges that present themselves while fighting fire during an interior attack…

Knock on wood, over the course of Vaughn’s 20 years of experience in the field, a firefighter rescue has not happened. But, just in case it does in the future, RIT training is now a part of routine training for fire district personnel.

With the official beginning of the winter season only a little more than a month and a half away, MoDOT is busy gearing up for what many are saying could be a rough season. Central District Area Engineer Bob Lynch says part of the preparation involves equipping equipment with GPS…

Lynch goes on to say that using GPS can also be a handy tool in cases when MoDOT trucks are accused of being responsible for broken windshields or other damage while out in the course of their everyday duties…

If you are out and about on Thursday, you might see more MoDOT trucks than usual as the department goes through the motions of the annual winter operations drill. The drill, here in the lake area, should begin around 8:00-AM and be finished up by 3:00-PM.

You’re told twice a year to change your batteries in your smoke detectors when you change your clocks. This weekend you can save a little money doing that. ServPro Lake of the Ozarks and Porter’s Building Center are teaming up for their annual battery giveaway. Swing by and pick up the batteries you need for your detectors free of charge. Sunrise Beach Fire Chief Joe LaPlant says don’t forget to put some in your carbon monoxide detectors, too. Several sources can emit CO into the home.

If you have questions about placement of CO detector, the Sunrise Beach and Gravois Fire Districts will both be on hand at the event. It will be held at Porter’s in Laurie from 10am until Noon.

 

For the third time since July, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates on Wednesday but, probably, not by as much as most would like to see…by one-quarter of a point from 1.75% down to 1.50%. With the change, according to Bill Lacasse from SRG Financial in Osage Beach, the markets will likely respond in a positive fashion…

 

Lacasse also says any move by the market could be short-lived based on commentary by Fed Chairman Jerome Powell who indicated that, based on current conditions, no future reductions should be anticipated any time soon…

A combination of factors including soon-to-be released GDP numbers, strong consumer spending and corporate earnings plus near-record low unemployment should keep the market fairly stable and heading in a good direction. Yesterday the DOW, Nasdaq and S&P all closed with strong gains for the day.

 

 

 

Firefighters in Lake Ozark are also getting into the Halloween spirit. They’re also using the fun holiday as a way to teach valuable lessons. The Lake Ozark Fire Protection District will be hosting “Tips & Treats Night” at their Bagnell Dam Boulevard station Thursday night. They’ll have food and treats, a bounce house for the kids, and fire prevention tips for everyone, along with a kid-friendly spook house. That event runs from 5:30-8pm.

A lake area home is being used as an example of how you save money by using different energy sources. The 3800 square foot home in Sunrise Beach was developed by Dave Leathers, owner of Showcase Publishing. It features propane appliances, including a high-efficiency furnace, water heater, range & oven, and fireplace. The Missouri Propane Education and Research Council says using propane can help reduce your carbon footprint and save cash on your energy bills.

A doctor running for the Missouri House of Representatives says her profession has uniquely prepared her for a job in politics.

Dr. Lisa Thomas is running to replace Rocky Miller as the Representative for the 124th House District. She says, if elected, she’ll make funding for mental health treatment a budgetary priority. Mental health has been identified by Lake Regional as the number one health-related concern in the tri-county region.

It may be a group that many don’t know much about and is really under-appreciated…that is, until they deploy to do their thing during times of severe weather. We’re talking about HAM radio operators who, often, can play key roles during emergencies because, when all else fails, the “hammies” are still able to keep communication going…

 

That is Steve Bouck and Glen Commons from the Lake of the Ozarks Amateur Radio Club. The club is teaming up with the Lake Career and Technical Center to sponsor an entry-level, one-day training session to be held this Saturday at the Mid-County Fire District Headquarters in Camdenton. More information and registration is available online on the amateur radio club’s website (www.LOARC.com).

Congratulations to a pair of Camdenton High School students. Reece Waters and Caden Kowal won the High School Fishing Lake of the Ozarks Open this past weekend. They caught five bass weighing 11 pounds, 7 ounces to take top honors in a field of 56 teams.

There was a college tournament held on the lake last weekend, as well. Top honors in that competition went to Cole Breeden and Cameron Smith representing Drury University. Their five bass limit weighed in at 18 pounds 9 ounces.

More than a million dollars in grants have been awarded to Missouri schools and the Department of Public Safety to improve security measures. The funds can be used to educate and train faculty and students to support first responders when they arrive on scene following an incident of violence. Stoutland R-II schools will receive just over $84,000 while Warsaw R-IX has been awarded more than $142,000. Both fall under the School Violence Prevention program, which can also include training for law enforcement, metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrents.

Accurate information and communication are two things vital to increasing safety during severe weather. You can learn more about both this coming week. The National Weather Service and Camden County Emergency Management are hosting a free weather spotters class Tuesday night. Then Saturday, there will be a one-day entry level training course for people interested in being HAM radio operators. The eight-hour course will cost you $10 in advance to register and $15 the day of the event that will go directly to the FCC. For more information on the weather spotter class, call 346-7108. For the ham radio course, call Lake Career & Technical Center at 346-9271 or visit www.loarc.com.

You may have noticed that some area firefighters are spending a little more time on education recently. The Mid-County Fire District has been doing fire prevention presentations for the past two weeks. Chief Scott Frandsen says they’re stretching fire prevention week and taking advantage of what is fire prevention month.

The Mid-County district will also go into all the daycares and senior centers as well, doing presentations most of the month.   So what are they talking about?  Fire Marshal Lianne Johnson says it’s mostly the basics, covering several safety tips.

Johnson says this year they’re also emphasizing that people should sleep with their bedroom doors closed to give them more time to escape through a window in the event of a fire.

Millions of Americans are preparing for the “big one.” Shakeout drills conducted on Thursday are designed to make sure you know how to react in the event of an earthquake. An estimated half a million Missourians signed up, possibly spurred by recent activity felt within the New Madrid Seismic Zone.

Projection models show that a magnitude 6.5 quake in Missouri’s bootheel would cause at least 100 deaths and more than 2500 injuries. It would also result in widespread structural and infrastructure damage, power outages, pipeline interruptions, and more problems over several states. SEMA Earthquake Program Manager Jeff Briggs says the New Madrid is capable of producing even larger, more damaging quakes.

Similar drills are conducted annually all across the globe. Learn more at www.shakeout.org.

It’s not one of the infamous “double dog dares,” but the Miller County Sheriff’s office is challenging young people to be drug and alcohol free. Their D.A.R.E. program reaches out to kids all across the county.

D.A.R.E officer Andy Wickham says the curriculum even includes segments on tobacco and vaping use. Sheriff Louie Gregoire says it’s about preparing kids to make good decisions.

They need a little help to do that, though. They’re holding a biscuit-and-gravy breakfast to benefit the D.A.R.E. program October 22nd at the Tuscumbia 1st Assembly of God. For more details contact the Sheriff’s Office.

The program did recently get a financial boost thanks to a $2500 donation from the Eldon Walmart.

 

Warsaw is being recognized statewide for their efforts to turn their community into a tourist destination. They were recently presented with the Innovator Award at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism. Mac Vorce with the Warsaw Area Chamber says it’s a result of years of planning and teamwork.

The award specifically recognizes their efforts to improve recreational tourism through their waterfront trail system, bike trails, and walking trails, all linking to a revitalized downtown.

If you’re interested in planning a day trip, you can start by visiting www.welcometowarsaw.com.

Lake area residents took five of the top 10 places in last weekend’s Costa FLW Central Division season finale. Dylan Hays of Arkansas won the event and took home over $37,000. Casey Scanlon of Lake Ozark was third, followed by Ben Verhoef of Osage Beach and James Dill from Sunrise Beach. Rocky Mount’s Cory Steckler was 7th and Brian Maloney of Osage Beach took 8th place. The winning weight for the tournament was 15 bass weighing 43 lbs, 14 ounces.

It seems it’s been a busy year for boating accidents at the lake, but statistics indicate just the opposite. According to Troop F of the Highway Patrol, preliminary numbers show a decline for incidents occurring on Lake of the Ozarks. From January 1st through October 1st of 2018, there had been 85 boating crashes with 62 injuries. Through the same time period this year, those numbers are down. There had been 75 boating crashes as of the beginning of this month, resulting in 47 injuries. Last year there were three drownings. That’s up by one this year. Charges for boating while intoxicated are way down, from 82 to 54.

You’re familiar with the bell ringers and red kettles you see annually during the holiday season, but starting Friday, you’ll be seeing another group out asking for donations for a great cause.

Kevin Connelly says the Knights of Columbus will be out at area stores for their annual tootsie roll drive.

All money raised this weekend will go toward Autism research and local charities. The drive runs Friday through Sunday.

Firefighters all around the lake are busy this week spreading the word about fire safety and prevention. It’s National Fire Prevention Week. All the area districts are visiting schools and talking to the general public to give them safety tips and information that could help save their lives.

Chief Joe LaPlant from Sunrise Beach Fire District says they’ll talk to the kids about the dangers of fires, ways to protect themselves in the event of a fire, and how to escape a burning structure.

LaPlant says all families should have an escape plan that they practice regularly. You can learn more at their safety fair this Saturday. It will be held at the station house on Porter Mill Spring Road from 11am until 2pm.

Another 500+ smoke detectors were distributed in an annual event sponsored by the Community Foundation of the Lake and Farmers Insurance. The smoke detector giveaway was held Saturday in Camdenton. The detectors that were left over were given to the Mid-County Fire District and are available upon request for those that need one. Farmers Insurance donated $10,000 to the Disaster Recovery Fund to pay for the event. They’ve given $40,000 for the event over the last four years.

Today in our final installment of Wings, Waves, and Wheels we focus on the efforts of the water patrol to educate and prevent accidents at the lake. Corporal Stacey Mosher says the key is to be proactive…so you don’t have to be reactive.

 

Mosher works with the water safety council, she and other members of the water patrol do presentations to schools, businesses, anyone that will listen regarding water safety, wearing lifevests, and respecting the dangers that come with being around water.

 

To prevent accidents, it’s important to know as much as possible about what causes them. Many people ignore or are ignorant of a law requiring them to report accidents.

It’s estimated that there are over a hundred unreported accidents at the lake every year.

Of course Missouri does have a boater safety requirement, but only for those born after January 1st of 1984. Mosher says education, and what is being taught, is important for state residents and visitors alike.

 

Missouri law only requires you take the course once, but Mosher says she wouldn’t mind seeing a required refresher course.

 

Another common problem that refresher courses could help with is something Mosher describes as “buoy fatigue.” There are thousands of buoys on the lake and many people mistakenly think they’re all the same.

 

Despite the number of water patrol officers at the lake, their efforts only go so far…the biggest part of staying safe ultimately comes down to following the existing laws……and that’s what the Patrol is here to remind us of.

 

This series has been brought to you by Castle Defense 360 security consultants. See them online at www.castledefense360.com. We’d also like to extend our gratitude to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Sgt. Scott White, Sgt. Dustin Metzner, Trooper Matt Acord, and Corporal Stacey Mosher for their outstanding cooperation, without which this series would not have been possible. Thank you for tuning in to Wings, Waves, and Wheels.

There’s no arguing that some jobs are more dangerous than others with law enforcement and the fire service arguably, at least, near the top of the list. But now with recent reports that firefighters are some 17 times more likely to be diagnosed with cancer compared to other professions, how will the industry be affected in years to come? Mid-County Fire Chief Scott Frandsen says it’s already tough enough having a full complement of staff and volunteers available without having to answer questions and concerns about coming down with cancer just because you did your job..

Frandsen also says a good first step towards making sure the industry doesn’t suffer in the way of manpower is to make sure firefighters and their service are not forgotten years down the road..

It’s often a thankless job until something happens to you or your family and you need that firetruck to roll up with enough personnel to take care of your problem. The main question now is what can be done for those who come to your aid to help them survive the fire service.

As if running into a burning building to rescue someone or put out a fire isn’t dangerous enough, headlines today are indicating that firefighters are now being diagnosed with cancer at a much higher rate than other professions…most likely caused by exposing themselves to cancer causing elements produced by fires. Obviously the need for firefighters won’t go away anytime soon but what is being done to minimize that exposure, mainly to hydrocarbons and carcinogens before, during and after fighting a fire…?

Mid-County Fire Chief Scott Frandsen also says, it’s not just fire calls that expose personnel to potentially dangerous materials and elements which is, often, the beginning of another battle years down the road…dealing with doctors and insurance companies when it comes time to pay those medical bills. Tomorrow on the final part of our three-part series we take a look at how the recent reports of firefighters being more likely to be diagnosed with cancer will affect the industry, as a whole, in the future.

Firefighters from the Lake Area and across the country recently gathered in Kansas City to train and talk about how to survive working in the fire service. Mid-County Fire Chief Scott Frandsen, a cancer survivor himself, was at the conference which focused on firefighter health, safety and what is being identified as an uptick in the numbers of firefighters being diagnosed years down the road with cancer…

Frandsen also says a cancer diagnosis rate being 17 times more likely for a firefighter compared to other professions is now an issue which is really under the microscope…

Tomorrow on part-two of our three-part series we take a look at what fire districts, nationwide, are doing to help their own “Survive the Fire Service.”