Ozark Country Crafts opens in Forsyth!

Wayne and Jean!

Forsyth MO. – Two new to the area resident, Jean and Wayne have recently opened a store front on Highway 160 next to the Bait Shop and just across from the Court House! I had a chance to stop by and check out a few of the many interesting products that they have to offer. I thought that their soy candles were a great idea as they are cleaner burning that regular candles with much less soot! I was also attracted to their display of lit containers including all sort of bottles! Also in evidence were wooden object de art along with original paintings done by Jean.

Ozark Country Crafts is really a fun kind of place to stop and shop in the Forsyth area. Their hours are 10-5 Tuesday thru Friday and Saturday 10-2. Also, be sure to stop by their very awesome web site at www.ozarkcountrycrafts.com where you can browse through their extensive catalog and even learn a little about these two very interesting people!
 www.taneyweather.com

eBay workshop offered in Branson!

Branson MO. - According to the November 1 edition of the Taney County Times, a workshop that will cover 'Buying and Selling' on eBay will be offered on November 14 starting at 6PM at the Taneyhills Community Library located at 200 South 4th Street in Branson Missouri!

Acclaimed local author Josh Young (Myths and Mysteries) will deliver an entertaining and informative talk on how to navigate, buy and post items on the very popular eBay platform.

This should be a very popular event and the organizers are urging interested parties to call and make a reservation in order to make sure they have a spot. You can call the library at 417-334-1418 to make the reservation and in case you have any additional questions.

Rockaway Beach to hold first Main Street meeting!

Rockaway Beach MO. - The first ever Town Hall Meeting for the Rockaway Beach Main street will be held on November the 9th, 2017 at 6:30 PM at the Community Center located at 2762 Street on Highway 176 in Rockaway Beach! In case you're not familiar with the Main Street Affiliate program here is a short explanation that was taken from their site:

'Main Street Alliance is a national network of small business coalitions working to build a new voice for small businesses on important public policy issues. Alliance small business owners share a vision of public policies that work for business owners, our employees, and the communities we serve.

The Main Street Alliance national network formed in 2008 to give Main Street small business owners a new voice in the health care reform debate, and has since broadened its focus to work on a range of issues that matter to small businesses and local economies. Our growing network includes small business coalitions in over a dozen states.'

According to an article published  on November 1 in the Taney County Times, 'The evening will begin with a presentation from Missouri Main Street about the Main Street Approach ( registered trademark) to Revitalization.'

Additional information can be obtained by calling Jim Harriger, Director of the White River Community Development at 417-880-0749 or via email at jmharriger@gmail.com!

Forsyth Events occurring on October 28!

Forsyth Halloween Parade!

Forsyth MO. – It's time for the annual Halloween Parade which is being hosted, once again, by the City of Forsyth. Registration is to occur in the parking lot of the Forsyth Presbyterian Church at 1PM on Saturday, October the 28th with the actual parade taking place from 2PM to 4PM. Pre-school through 4^th grade children are invited to participate. After the parade, and also in the 2-4PM time frame, will be the annual Trick or Treat Community Party which will be happening in the aforementioned parking lot!

Fall Cleanup Day set!

Not to be outdone with the kids parade, The Taney County Commission has designated October 28, as the day to allow Taney County residents to dispose of certain items at the two transfer stations – for free! One of the stations is located at 274 Buchanan Road with the other on Hwy 160 just three miles to the north of Forsyth near the Taney Center. From 8AM to 3:30PM, residents can dump; furniture, appliances and automotive batteries. Also allowed will be most anything made of metal or lumber. Glass will also be accepted as long as it is segregated from other items being disposed of. If you have any questions, you can give the Taney County Road and Bridge Department a call at 417-546-7268. You will be required to present some form of proof of residency before you will be allowed to dump stuff off. Note also that the Buchanan Road Transfer Station only will allow the dropping off of tires for a $1 fee per tire. The limit, per resident, is 12 tires at that location! www.taneyweather.com

Bridge project congestion? What congestion?

Forsyth MO. – With a number of weeks of construction now under its belt, the MODOT Bull Shoals Bridge project has proven to be something of a yawner as far as traffic delays have gone. As a matter of fact, I haven't even heard mention of it from the men I women who I know cross the bridge there on a daily commute. Now does that mean everything will run smoothly at all times? Surely not. However, it does appear as if the engineers do know what they are doing when it comes to scheduling trucks and equipment to lessen traffic impacts as much as possible.

I stopped by the site on Sunday, October the 8^th, as I wanted to get a few pics of the progress made thus far. Really, I was amazed to see just how rapid the progress had been! Already, there was sub structure work started on the water itself, along with work that had begun on the River Run side! It'll be interesting to see how far they come by the time of my next visit towards the end of the month!

Having never obtained my GED, I have little knowledge about much of anything. However, I do have an eye for color and odd shapes. And while I like to spend most of my time looking for such at the local grocery store, I do occasionally stumble  upon something that I have no clue as to its function or where exactly it will be inserted into the bridge framework. Whatever it is, it is 'female' and was therefore of interest...

Update: The OxBlue construction time lapse camera is up and running! Interested parties will be able to access it here.

Charlie's in Forsyth for sale?

Forsyth MO. - With recent information coming to me (Monday, Oct 2, 2017) that Charlie's Steak Ribs and Ale will be closed permanently, the question now becomes just how soon could it be
before some enterprising individual, group of individuals or consortium make a move to snatch up a property at what might be bargain basement prices? The structure, parking lot and location are all good. All it needs is ownership that's willing to make it in a competitive market!

The restaurant which is located at 139 State Hwy Y in Forsyth, MO is just across from City Hall and situated on Hwy 160 - a main artery that will soon see even heavier traffic when the Bull Shoals Bridge project and roundabout is finished in the fall of 2018. 

Update: As of mid July, 2018, the property was still being offered at $850K with leasing terms available.

Random thoughts heading into October!

No jeans, no job, lady!

Apparently a waitress was fired on her first day for showing up in a denim skirt! The dress code of Georgia Blue, a restaurant chain, requires the wearing of jeans. So, now she's suing the chain because her religion (Pentecostal) requires the wearing of skirts, not jeans at ones place of employment!

Me, I would much prefer women wearing skirts over jeans, any day!






Long time contributor gone from local paper!

Jann Clark, a long time correspondent for the Taney County Times is no longer officially with the paper as she has apparently decided to go look for greener pastures. I understand she will remain active, however, as a correspondent.

She will be missed greatly and the Times will have a hard time replacing her even assuming they get qualified people to answer the large call for reporters that they placed in a recent edition!





October 7 Harvest Moon should be fun!

The Forsyth Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the annual Harvest Moon Car/Truck Show and Craft Festival on Saturday, Oct 7 right smack dab in the middle of town on Main Street. I attended this event last year and greatly enjoyed the vendors, the music and the cars! The action starts at 8AM and goes until about 3PM.

Bull Shoals Bridge project - Traffic flow - Video 1!

Photo courtesy of Craig B Smith - Sept 20, 2017

Forsyth MO - In my never ending desire to make myself useless, I thought it to be a good idea to do a series of drives across the old Bull Shoals bridge just to see how much commuter traffic is affected over time. The project is expected to take about eight months or longer depending or weather and the potential for flooding. Click here for Video 1, taken September 25, 2017. That was on a Monday at about Noon! www.taneyweather.com

Stoplights needed at Highways 160 and Y?

Proposed roundabout!

Forsyth MO. – After a clean start on the Bull Shoals bridge project by both MODOT and Lehman Construction, it seems that all is well. Traffic problems have been reduced as much as possible considering the sheer size of the project and even the weather has been kind. So, I'm guessing somewhere down the road, say about seven to eight months from now, Taney County residents will have themselves a brand new bridge and roundabout. Once finished, I feel that the increased traffic loads expected over time will sail through that intersection in fine style!

But, there always seems to be a fly in the ointment and sure enough a friend, Scott Novak, asked me a question that made me take pause. He mentioned that during the rush times, both in the mornings and evenings, Highway 160 sees a large influx of cars, truck and school buses. Long line can often happen for traffic heading up the hill at Y Highway! He then wondered how much worst that could get with any increase in the rate of traffic flow at the Highway 76-160 junction where the roundabout will be created!

At this time that intersection is basically a four way stop with one blinking red light suspended in the middle (see short video clip). Perhaps it's time for the County and the City to begin making plans to upgrade it with the installment of regular stoplights? www.taneyweather.com

Charlie's in Forsyth to close for good!

Sunday, October 1, 2017 will be the last day for Charlie's Steak Ribs and Ale. The establishment will close for about a week and reportedly reopen on Sunday, October the 8^th!

When it does reopen, there will be changes including a new name – C and C's Pizza and Pub (?) with menu changes in the types of fare offered to the public. Look for some new menu items including a salad bar, a buffet and pizza!

Personally, I think the changes will be fun and readily accepted by the local eating crowd.

Update: October 2, 2017 - I just learned that Charlie's, in Forsyth, has closed permanently...Perhaps the owner was in deeper trouble than was suspected (my opinion)... As of July 2018, the establishment still stands empty... February 29, 2020 - The business was under contract, but that fell through. www.taneyweather.com

Blues, Brews and BBQ festival!

BRANSON, Mo. – The Branson Landing invites the community to join them this Saturday, September 23^rd, for its inaugural Blues, Brews and Barbecue Festival.

From Noon to 10 p.m., live entertainment will be provided from the center stage by the Sister Lucille Band, Dylan Whitney Band, Papa Green Shoes, The Bel Airs and The Norman Jackson Band. The event will also feature BBQ, and brews provided via the Budweiser Beer Truck.

Additional activities will include bounce houses, children’s activities, ice cream floats by Kilwins and Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper Bottling Company and a raffle for a 2017 Ford Escape.

Raffle tickets are 25-dollars apiece. All proceeds raised during this event will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of the Ozarks. Additional information on this event can be found here. Story appeared on KRZK radio website and the article was written by Tim Church! www.Forsyth-News.com

Cabin deemed a safety hazard!

Forsyth, Mo -- This excerpt is from KSPR 33 - A piece of history in the Ozarks is now a safety hazard.

Yellow caution tape now surrounds the iconic homestead at Shadow Rock Park in Forsyth. After almost 50 years in that location right next to the water, city officials say it's seen at least 20 floods and now they have deemed it unsafe.

The homestead cabin was originally built in 1886. That makes it 131 years old. It was restored and moved to Shadow Rock Park in 1969.

While it was an actual house historical experts say there isn't a lot of the original features left. They even call it a “replica.”

City officials have been keeping a close eye on the building over the past few years.

“Over the years, we’ve inspected it after each flood and seen that each time it's gotten a little worse. This time we've had the historical society look at it, we've had FEMA look at it and we've had several people who know cabins have looked at it and they’ve all agreed it’s in disrepair to either repair or to move,” said Forsyth Public Works Director Chris Robertson.

The City of Forsyth wants to hear what you think they should do with the building. They are open to options and are going to be talking about that at Monday night’s city council meeting.

A call was made to City Hall to inquire in what manner should interested parties communicate with the council and was told that someone would get back to me.... I'll post an update when that happens...

Update: I received a callback from Public Works Director Chris Robertson who divulged to me that there were a couple of options already being considered. He indicated that a final decision would be made at the October 13th Council meeting. In the meantime, Mr. Robertson urged me to tell one and all, that if they would like to offer constructive opinions as to what to do with the building, to please give him a call at 417-251-1380 during regular business hours.

Bull Shoals bridge project may get webcam!

I received a note from the head engineer of the Bull Shoals bride project who informed me that they were 'looking at getting an Ox Blue construction webcam' if one was available. These are Internet accessible cameras that can allow the public to view to see what the traffic and overall construction progress looks like. Very cool if that were to happen.

He also wanted to reiterate that they were not anticipating back-ups beyond the normal morning and afternoon commutes since the contractor cannot 'close the road during peak hours'. He stated that it is also the 'contractor’s intent is to conduct flagging operations during non-peak hours while they pour the intermediate bents in the lake'.

Finally, he reiterated that 'the only road closure intended for the project will be the time it is needed to make the final tie-ins which can take up to 2 weeks'. But, that they intend to do everything they can ahead of time to greatly reduce this inconvenience. 

I was very happy to hear from them and to know that MODOT and Lehman Construction are doing the absolute best they can to resolve public concerns during the construction phase of a multi million dollar effort that is sure to cause some problems with commuters and emergency personnel even as the engineering experts will be striving to mitigate the pain. www.taneyweather.com

Hoofing it to the grocery store!

A few miles from my home is one of two grocery stores in the small town of Forsyth Missouri. The one I prefer (and which is also the closest) is called Country Mart. I like this store for the great variety of foodstuffs offered not to mention the very efficient checkout staff.

 

As I am also a very OCD kind of individual, I like to keep good records on what I purchase there. I keep the records in a data file and am about to produce a number of useful reports as a result. This report shown at right, reflects my purchases on a typical Saturday in September. I generally like to shop about twice a week, getting only the items I would need for the next several days. And, as a person living on a fixed income, I look for generic or for stuff on sale. Still, I've noticed that the cost of groceries has slowly crept upwards over time. Seriously, twenty bucks just don't buy all that much anymore. 

If I were to state any complaints, it would be the manner in which you 'save' on particular items. I've always felt that these supposed savings are somewhat contrived. Just give me the best deal you can and I would be happy!

Bridge construction side benefits?

Forsyth MO. – The long awaited building of a new bridge that will span Bull Shoals has finally begun. And, while some people were already complaining, it came to me that there might be some side benefits to the businesses in and around Forsyth!

While enjoying a libation at Charlie's Steak Ribs and Ale near Y Highway, I overheard one of the servers stating that their lunch time crowd had swelled a bit due to a number of bridge workers who showed up with empty stomachs and bulging wallets. It suddenly occurred to me that the nearly year long project would see a goodly number of workers from MODOT and Lehman Construction. I also guessed that some of them would be staying in town for varying periods of time, and so, might help bolster the income of many businesses by their presence...

I've formally requested that Lehman Construction set up a live camera feed on the Internet so that commuters and emergency personnel could be aware of traffic conditions on the bridge while construction is underway!

Bull Shoals Bridge Project September 11, 2017

Forsyth MO. – I thought to go down and see what was going on with the Bull Shoals Bridge project, a 10.4 million dollar effort to replace another older bridge structure that had been constructed back in 1951.

The water level in Bull Shoals had dropped to 667.66 feet msl (mean sea level) and so, was almost back to 'normal' levels. Even River Run looked to be drying out! And, since it had been about a week since the official start of the construction effort, I wanted to get some idea of any progress that had been made.

When I arrived in the park area, I noticed that the gate for access to the back of the park had been closed. There were two white vehicles inside along with a couple of men. I couldn't tell if these people were from Lehman Construction (bridge project guys) or were part of some cleanup crew that was trying to get the park back on its feet. 

Off towards the base of the bridge, I could discern what looked like a pile of rocks and maybe some other equipment. Perhaps this was the area (along with the balance of the park behind it) that would serve as a staging ground for materials yet to come. After all, building a structure as a large as a bridge will require an awful lot in terms of components!

I'm hoping to have the opportunity to visit and take pictures of the new bridge as it is erected over the next year. I'm also sure I will hear about the challenges that the city will have to endure in terms of emergency service response times, the busing of students and how the commuters will feel about all this!

Thrive Coffe Shop and Cafe!

Forsyth MO. - Just across the street from the Library, sits a cozy little eatery that caught my interest during the early going of September. I'd seen the marquee a few times when cruising up Main Street and had heard from a couple of friends that it was a sort of unique experience. So, curiosity killed the cat once again.

On my first visit, I talked to one of the owners, a nice woman named Charyle who quickly filled me in on some of the particulars of the place. I learned right off that she was one of four sisters who ran the shop, a venue that is open from 7AM to 2 PM Monday through Friday. And while they do not have carry out menu, at that point in time, did maintain a large chalkboard with all the days offerings. I was amazed to learn that everything offered in the way of pastries was made on site! 

As I talked to Charyle, I learned that Thrive was a smoke free establishment which seats about 30, has restrooms and takes Visa card payments. Even more interesting to me was the fact that they offer community WiFi so that a diner can sit and browse the Internet while enjoying a cup of coffee or a sandwich. As I understand it, the pass code for access was 'drinkmorecoffee'! Inquiries can be made by calling 417-251-2375 and the formal location is 153 Main Street, Forsyth MO 65653.

Sadly, I did not have time to stop and sample any of their offerings, but will do so in the future and plan to enter the experience via an update to this post!

Charlie's to offer a salad bar!

Forsyth MO. - I only recently learned that Charlie's, a popular restaurant, located near the intersection of Hwy 160 and Y, was planning to change things up a bit. One of the changes was the desire to set up a salad bar that would offer customer a tantalizing array of veggies from which they could build their own creations. I don't mind telling people I know that I thought this was a great idea!

One other location, to my knowledge, offers or offered a salad bar - The Longhorn Family Dining establishments salad bar (pictured above) has always been a big draw and I'm hoping that Charlie's (soon to become C's Pizza and Pub) will be also fully stocked with all sorts of tempting goodies!

Pizza at Charlie's?

CC'S PIZZERIA & PUB COMING SOON!

 Forsyth Mo. – Things are a changing at Charlie's Steak-Ribs and Ale as we all tumble into September 2017! Earlier in the year, the owner decided to make the Forsyth location SMOKE FREE! A move I heartily have endorsed. Then, a recent decision was made, to change the menu, (another great decision, in my view).

So, starting on Friday August 25, 2017 – Charlie's will be moving in a new culinary direction, including a revised menu (September?) and even a salad buffet! The latest innovation, as I understand it, will include a glass display of pizza's at $2 a slice! Just how much 'pizza' this will represent for the buck will be the subject of a followup report at this post, as I plan to weigh and otherwise nutritionally dissect, these offerings to see how well they measure up to the other local area pizza dispensary outlets including Casey's which offers their pizza slices at $2.79!

Update: The pizza's offered were of three types and the special $2 a slice offering was for Friday, August 25 only! The pizzas looked to be traditional pan styled crusts and were offered in three varieties. My next update will contain more details....

Update II: After trying a slice of their pizza, I had two comments; 1) the pizza tasted pretty good and 2) problems with the display unit result in a product that became degraded rather quickly. No ones fault, just an understanding that this new direction was still a work in progress. I will await the next offering before casting any judgement....

Update III: Friday, September 1 - The second offering of pizza was a much better experience! The crust was much softer and I enjoyed a couple of slices. I also heard that all of the proposed changes including a new sign will be done by the end of September.

Will these pizza's be a hit - not in their current form, I'm thinking.

Update IV: Friday, September 8 and the pizza's were definitely getting better looking and tasting as evidenced by the sales. 

That bag credit offered by Country Mart!

 Forsyth MO. – A local grocery store named Country Mart is my store of choice for all my sundry needs. That said, there are a few things I don't particularly like, chief of which is the so-called 'bag credit. A credit of 3 cents, if a patron comes in with their own means of carrying out their purchases. I assume they give this credit in order to save on the plastic or paper bags they would otherwise have to supply.

My problem is that the savings to a customer is likely minuscule when compared to what it costs the store to supply all that paper and plastic to the consuming public! At three cents saved per visit, one would have to visit the store over 600 times in order to recoup @20! That's sort of a joke, if you ask me.

Charlie's to change their menu?

Forsyth MO. - Beginning sometime in September the popular eatery know as Charlie's Steak, Ribs and Ale, in Forsyth MO, will be changing their menu and even possibly their name! Yes, Charlie's will be leaning more in the direction of a pizzeria-styled enterprise complete with a fully stocked salad bar! That is, if all the talk is correct.

Some later information, I garnered, indicated that they will continue to serve some hot meals like burgers and fries along with other cold sandwiches and pizza, of course.

 One of Forsyth's Charlie's great servers, prepares the newly acquired salad bar that will see service in September 2017!

Farmer's Market in Forsyth!

Forsyth MO. - Every summer, vendors gather together in the parking lot just across from the Courthouse to offer interested buyers a wide array of mouth watering produce. On this day, I decided to see if I could score me a few home grown tomatoes - you know the kind that are the exact opposite of the hot house variety and which are a signature ingredient in BLT's - a summertime favorite of mine!

As you can see from the photograph above - one vendor had a good selection of all kinds of produce including other items like jars of honey! However, it was the tomatoes that I was after and it was tomatoes I got! Later that same day, I made myself one of the best sandwiches I've ever had!

Senior Center Thrift store in Forsyth MO!

Forsyth MO – Located in the back of the White River Plaza off Hwy 160 is the Senior Center Thrift Store that is open Monday through Friday 9AM to 5PM and Saturday 10AM to 3PM. I stopped by as I was doing some laundry at the adjacent laundromat and was curios to see what they offered.

Inside the store, I was met by some very nice ladies who told me that the proceeds or profits from the store were going to help build the planned new Senior Center as soon as the funds became available. I was impressed with the great selections they have of clothing (some racks held clothes were as little as $1 as part of a sale), shoes, curios and jewelry just to name a few.

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Charlie's offering meal discounts!

Forsyth Missouri - It was my understanding that Charlie's Steak, Ribs and Ale located in Forsyth Missouri will be offering discounted meals to veterans seven days a week and to seniors on Mondays! Note that the discounts are for the Forsyth location only! For the exact details, you can call 417-546-2011 to ask questions and to make sure of the details!

When Charlie's is no more!

Forsyth MO. – It's no secret that Charlie's Ribs, Steak and Ale is for sale, and has been for sale, for some time. Struggles for sales being a likely cause for the decision by the owner to sell. The question now is what fate lies ahead for the popular and upscale eatery...

When I asked around as to why Charlie's was experience problems, one answer I heard sounded pretty good. I was told that the owner built 'a Branson sized restaurant in Forsyth'. Yes, I could see that, when compared to other eateries in that town, Charlie's was definitely the king of square footage. And that can be a problem, as the upkeep or overhead can be a little too large when compared to the income stream supported by two thousand or so area residents. In addition, record rainfall early in the year essentially closed down most of the park sites that drew many vacationers and fishermen during the spring and summer months! The loss of revenue was sure to adversely affect many Forsyth-based businesses, not just Charlie's.

So, when the place does sell and I think it will, the question becomes what type of business will it likely be transformed into? I can't it staying as a simple restaurant bar, but perhaps it will morph into some combination of businesses that would stand a better chance of survival....

Restaurants in Forsyth Missouri!

For whatever reason, Forsyth Missouri (population 2400 give or take) is blessed with quite a number of eateries. Last time I took a count, there were about eight of them within a three mile radius. All vying for attention of a relative few dinners. A situation made all the more competitive with area parks and the vacationers they normally bring out of commission for the year. So, here is an ad hoc sort of, off the cuff report about some of them...

MacDonald's

I don't go there much as they are charging pretty much the same prices for food that I can get at the more upscale joints. I can still fondly remember when you could get a burger there for fifteen cents! That ain't happening no more!

Sonic's

Whenever I get a craving for a great tasting hot dog, Sonic's is the place I head for, as they offer the Chicago Dog with fries for a very reasonable price. I also like the fact that the location is well maintained and the staff friendly and efficient.

 Hong Kong Express

I haven't had the pleasure of dining at this newly opened facility, but have heard both good and bad things about it from other people. Personally, I just tend to shy away from food that is left out on a buffet styled table for long periods of time...

I did note that HKE is offering home delivery for anyone who might be interested.

  

Chinese-Mexican

In spite of the rather honky look to the place, it's been quite popular for a lot of folks as anyone can see if you drive by there around lunch time on any given day. The downsides are few with one of them being the limited parking spaces and the good chance that you won't be able to get a table if you arrive much after 11:30 AM.

The Frosted Mug

If you enjoy some drama, the Mug is a great place to go for a brew-ski and some food. I've frequented this venerable restaurant slash bar for many years as I find the entertainment factor to beat what's on TV most every time. I've never had a bad meal there and would highly recommend their French Dip (a special on Tuesday) and their crunch tacos which are offered at sharp price points on Wednesdays!

The Long Horn Family Dining

 While I don't eat at the Long Horn as often as I should, I do love their extensive menu and the quality of their food. My only complaints have been that the seating, in the booths, are a little too hard edged for my personal taste. Their signature hamburger and fries are a welcome throwback to the old diners of the past and one of the menu items I almost always order when I go there.

Fat Daddy's

I've always given bonus points to any eatery that has a name like Fat Daddy's. (Like we all need to be reminded of our expanding waistlines). But, having said that, this is a really first class establishment that has gained a very loyal following over the past few years. Whenever I get the urge for a pulled pork sandwich, this is the place often I head for...