Bring in the New Year at John's Frosted Mug!

Country Mart Norkotah Russet potatoes! A bargain!

ORIGIN: Selected from a cross made in North Dakota between ND9526-4 Russ x ND9687-5 Russ and tested as ND534-4 Russ. Released by North Dakota in 1987.

CHARACTERISTICS: Russet Norkotah is an early to medium maturity cultivar grown primarily for the fresh market. Yields are medium and tuber specific gravity is low to medium.

Plants are medium sized, slightly upright; stems are medium thick with non-pigmented nodes and internodes. Leaves are medium in size, open and slightly pubescent. Buds are slightly pigmented, corolla is white and anthers are yellow-orange. Tubers are long to oblong, smooth, russeted and have shallow, bright golden eyes. Tuber flesh is white, dormancy is medium and sprouts are white with some purple pigment at the tip.

STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES: Russet Norkotah has a very attractive general appearance with a high percentage of U.S. No. 1 tubers. Tuber shape and type are very desirable for the count-carton market. The variety is not well suited for processing. It is adaptable to many of the growing areas.

Russet Norkotah is susceptible to most viruses and late blight. It is very susceptible to Verticillium wilt and early blight. It is reported to have some tolerance to common scab and silver scurf.

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Above are the basics concerning the five pound bagged potatoes that are offered at the Country Mart store located in Forsyth Missouri. I like to buy these to take home as they are an excellent value. Following are some raw stats I came up with:

Count per bag: ~12 potatoes costing $2.99

Avg small found in bag: 185 grams

Avg large found in bag: 234 grams

Avg combined = ~210 grams or 7.4 ounces per potato (a medium size tater)

Avg cost per per potato = .28 cents

Avg calories per potato = 204 calories

The above numbers came from a bag I purchased and from figures gleaned off the net. I noted that the calories weren't bad at all. I guess it might be the stuff we like to add (like butter) that can balloon those numbers up a lot! This article appeared at www.taneyweather.com!

Frosted Mug meal offering!

Forsyth MO. - Every year, for a long time, John's Frosted Mug located at 15861 US-160 in Forsyth Missouri has offered a great tasting Christmas meal on Christmas Day! And if I remember correctly, the meal is offered for much of the day starting at 11AM! Inquiries can be made by calling 417-546-4149!

Post Office mangles envelope and fails to get it delivered!

Forsyth MO. - I've spent the better part of a long life never having to worry about the mail system. But, in just the past few years, I've had my mail misdirected, received other people's mail (bank statements) and most recently I got the pictured payment envelope returned 17 days after it was placed into the mailbox at the local Post Office!

Late payments not only can incur fees, but can also do damage to a person's credit history. And, the add insult to injury, the number that the Post Office supplied to discuss this event was always busy, even after trying to call them nine times!Post Office mangles envelope and fails to get it delivered!

I've elected to bypass this agency as much as possible in the future.

Lots of activity at the roundabout near Forsyth MO!

Forsyth MO. - Anyone who has driven past the Shadowrock Lodge located near Peggy's Park Place may notice two things; 1) that the roundabout is getting a lot closer to completion and 2) that there has been some increased activity over at the Lodge. here are a few personal notes;

The Roundabout
When completed in a few weeks, the new bridge and roundabout will be able to handle the expected increase in area traffic over the next decade or so. This will benefit everyone in the area as vacationers, campers and fishermen return this spring to enjoy both the River Run and Shadowrock Park areas!

The Shadowrock Bar and Cafe
I had a chance to talk with one of the owners, a day or so ago, and learned that everything is progressing towards the opening of a bar sometime in early January. On the day of my visit, construction and communications people were in evidence, and while the interior was a work in  progress, I could see that this venue was going to become a popular social meeting place as we got into 2019. As soon as I'm given permission, I plan to release more details on the approval of the current management.

Did someone buy Charlie's?

Forsyth MO. - There was a rumor going around town that the restaurant formerly know as Charlie's Steak, Ribs and Ale may have been sold. And not wanting to be the spreader of rumors, I promise to check this story out with the Real Estate agency that is representing the property. News to come shortly!

Update: I talked with the folks representing the property on Monday, Dec 3 and was told that though there had been some offers, none of those were accepted.

Ozark Firearms! A good place to shop!

Branson MO - Ozark Firearms is owned and operated by Mr. Grant Holcomb. I recently visited his home/store to make a purchase and would like to recommend his place to anyone looking for a firearm or ammunition.  Please give him a call!

 The store has a good selection of all types of handguns including Glock and Ruger, in addition to many types of rifles!

Bartenders! What's with them?

Forsyth MO. - I used to never give much thought to people involved in the service industry. They're self-employed and appear in my world as servers at restaurants, hair cutters at saloons and as bartenders at bars! So, what was the big deal?

Well, the big deal is that these hard working men and women generally are on their own in the business world. Their wages are often at or below minimum wage. Lots of times they get zero health benefits and no pensions. In other words, they are pretty much hung out to dry and depend heavily on tips to even survive.

Were I in a position of power, I'd change that paradigm in a heartbeat. As it is, I can only tip well and try to promote a few select and deserving souls. Jessi is one such very deserving woman. See her at John's Frosted Mug in Forsyth MO!

River Run Park open? No, it's flooded! WTF?

Forsyth MO. - After being informed that the access road off Baker Street in Forsyth Missouri was open, I thought to drive by and maybe drive down into the River Run Park area, a location that had been shut off to the public for over a year.

As I approached the upper entrance to the Park, the gate was indeed open. I did notice the warning sign that the area was flooded. I thought that a bit strange as the Bull Shoals water level was at 655' MSL. That was actually very low as flood levels needed to exceed 670' or more to flood the Park. Well, being the devil may care person that I am, I proceeded bravely down the inclined road towards the Park area proper. But wait! Lo and behold, there was a second series of horse-style barricades all proclaiming the flooded state of the Park! I found that somewhat mystifying, as I could plainly see a semi-dry Park down below. Confounded and confused, I turned around and went back. Perhaps these sign had just been put up, I wondered.

As I motored on back to my home, I ruminated on what was going on with the Corps of Engineers, a group responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of River Run. I concluded that it was one of 4 possibilities; 1) the Park was actually flooded and what I was seeing was an illusion,  2) that the Corps was psychic and foresaw an impending flood yet to come, 3) that the Corps could not afford the proper signage and used what they had or 4) the some individuals in the Corps were perhaps a just a bit psycho.

McD's to honor the military on Veteran's Day!

Forsyth MO. In what I assume is a Nationwide promotion, McDonald's is offering a Free Egg McMuffin Extra Value meal to all active or retired military personnel who present an I.D. This event is set for Monday, November the 12th which coincides with Veterans Day!

I fully embrace this concept, but would also like to see others like it. How about honoring our Men and women in Blue, or our Fire fighters or EMT's. Perhaps a special Service Day could be set aside for them in the future.

INFO 2 KNOW : Home Electrical Safety

Taneyhills Community Library announces another great INFO 2 KNOW workshop free to the public. Tuesday, November 13 at 6:00 pm, Stephanie Barney, owner of Lightspeed Electrical and a regular on KRZK, will present “Home Electrical Safety.”

Stephanie says, “Keeping your home safe around electrical outlets is important. This is especially important for Baby Boomers and any empty-nesters as their children age out and leave, they stop checking many basic things like switches, wall outlets and extension cords.”

The workshop session is open to all ages and will be full of valuable information about the electrical aspects of your home. As the weather turns cooler, we spend more time indoors and in turn, use more electricity.

Be sure to reserve your place as space will be limited to 32 participants. Sign up at Taneyhills Library Front Desk or call 417-334-1418. KNFO 2 KNOW is an example of the services and community outreach the Library provides. Taneyhills Community Library is funded solely through donative and volunteer efforts.  The Library receives no local, State or Federal tax monies. 

Please place this event on your calendar if your organization maintains one.

Bull Shoals bridge blown!

Live video here!

Forsyth Mo. - At around 10:12 AM on a chilly Oct the 16th, the 65 year old Bull Shoals bridge superstructure was dynamited free of its supporting pillars. And it was a breathtaking event for hundreds of area residents, who gathered just to the west of the location, for a couple of reasons. For one thing, the blast was enormous as the entire structure came down in less that a second. For another, most of us were not prepared for it as the was not 'just before blast' warning given. So, everyone was shouting, 'did you get that'? Still, all in all, I was blessed to have witnessed something you just don't see every day!

In the field where I was located, I was surprised to see so many cars, this for an event that was word of mouth only. Yet, for all of that, emergency services were everywhere, both on land and water to make sure everyone was safe.

In this close up you can see how the blasts sheared the supports at the pillar hinge areas. The superstructure beams had been cut by acetylene torch beforehand. I understand that the remaining pillars will be removed once the steel superstructure and road bed is removed.
So it was, we locals bid a fond farewell to what had been a fixture in the Forsyth Missouri area for as long as many had been alive!

Demolition of Bull Shoals bridge getting near!

Forsyth MO. - Construction works and demolition experts were busy on Monday, October 15, 2018 getting the old bridge that spans Bull Shoals near Forsyth MO ready to be brought down. And while I'm not at liberty to disclose that actual date or time, I can state that it will be soon.

Sonic mini review! The All American Dog!

Forsyth MO. - Once in a while I develop a taste for a good old fashioned hot dog and when that happens I always think of the Sonic fast food venue located on the main Hwy 160 drag in Forsyth Missouri!

My only hesitation centered around the 'order box' where you can place an order in the drive thru lane. At times I've found it difficult to understand what was being said. On a few occasions, I just went ahead and repeated my order then drove forward, hoping for the best. Yes, it was that difficult to understand the little squeaky little voice coming out of that box! And yet, it was well worth the effort, as I could score an all American Hot dog and medium fries for only $4.31 including tax!

On this occasion, however, I breezed through the line, could clearly hear (see the short video) and was on my way in just a few short minutes!

Mintex Appliance Services!

Forsyth MO. - As my garbage disposal was making all sorts of noises, I looked around and heard about a company named Mintex that a few people had said performed excellent service. I gave them a call and was handled in a very professional manner. They also issued me a very complete quote. Technician/owner Chris Didlot arrived ahead of schedule and who was extremely courteous before getting right to work. Everything went smoothly and I was a very happy customer. Please, next time you need help with an appliance, give Mintex a call at 417-335-8308!

Forsyth Car and Craft Show - Oct 6,2018!

Forsyth Mo - The annual Forsyth Car and Craft show will be held at the town square near the court house on Saturday, October 6 from 9AM until about 2PM. There will be loads of beautiful cars to look at along with many vendors who will be displaying all sorts of crafts. Along with all that glam and glitter will be food vendors and live entertainment! The day is forecast as having a few scattered thunderstorms with a high near 85F. Winds will be SSW at 5 to 10 mph. So, there is no reason not to pack up the family and come on down to see the sights!

Update: I attended the event and while there were lots of cars and vendors, the place was a bit short of attendees as I found out that no one had apparently thought to really advertise the event ahead of time. That said, the one that did show up had a great time with lots of vendors present to browse through. I bought myself a bag of assort hot peppers from the vendor shown at right!

Oh, and before you go there, Peggy's Park Place Market, near the new Bull Shoals bridge, will be hosting a Customer Appreciation Day! They'll be handing out free hot dogs, chips and a beverage along with having a raffle for all sorts of great prizes! Folks, both these venues offer fun, excitement and good food so be sure to take some time out to have a last minute summer fling! Call the Chamber at 417-546-2741 for additional information.

Alzheimer Detection Workshop at the Taneyhills Library!

Taneyhills Community Library is hosting a special INFO 2 KNOW workshop on Tuesday, October 16th at 6:00 pm about Alzheimer detection.

This special workshop is free to the public and led by Melissa Ford, Community Educator for the Greater Missouri Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

“Alzheimer's: Know the 10 Signs Early Detection Matters” will separate myth from reality and address commonly-held fears about Alzheimer’s disease. You’ll find out how to recognize the signs, learn the benefits of early detection, and discover resources to help.

The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Missouri Chapter strives to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The offer care and support at no charge to families and individuals living with Alzheimer's and other dementia related illnesses.

Registration is strongly encouraged as space is limited to 34 people. Sign-up at the Library front desk to reserve your seat.(417-334-1418).

Frosted Mug gains a great new bartender!

Forsyth MO. - As an old and aging man, who like Judge Kavanaugh, enjoys a good beer now and then, the Frosted Mug has been a good an venerable watering hole for many decades. And while I love all the bartenders who have worked there, I also understand the need to bring the young and energetic up from the ranks. Ms. Jesse fills that bill. At this juncture in time, she was working on Sunday and Monday nights after 5PM. And, I was very impressed. Sure, she is pleasing to the eye, but even more importantly, this woman is AWARE. A very good and well liked trait for any patron whose drink is found wanting!

Peggy's Park Place Customer Appreciation Day!

I ran across this post in on a local media channel. Sure hope it's true!

'We're having a customer appreciation picnic on October 6th. From 11-2 we will be giving away hot dogs and drinks. We're also going to be selling raffle tickets during the picnic This awesome kayak cooler is one of many things to be raffled off. So come in and see us on Saturday October 6th for a chance to win something awesome. Thank you, for all of your continued business!'

17463 US-160, Forsyth, MO 65653 Tel

(417) 546-5845

Update: Oct 6, 2018 - Peggy's Park Place had a great turnout with lots of happy customers devouring free hotdogs, chips and drinks. 

Bull Shoals Roundabout drive bys! Sept 19, 2018!

Update: September 19, 2018 - It looked as though both lanes on the new bridge were open as construction now seemed to be focusing on the Roundabout end.

September 13 update video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGTbw0GwEHg&feature=youtu.be

August 14, 2018

One-Lane Traffic ?Round the Clock

At Route 76/Bull Shoals Bridge Further Delayed until Aug. 20

Forsyth Area, Taney County – Drivers can expect one-lane traffic with temporary traffic signals regulating traffic on Route 76 at the Bull Shoals Lake bridge project east of Forsyth starting Monday, August 20, the Missouri Department of Transportation said. The move to the temporary traffic pattern during this phase of the bridge project has been further delayed due to weather. Originally, the plan called for Route 76 to be closed for up to two weeks to connect the new bridge into the existing highway. However, after hearing strong concerns from the community about the closing of the Route 76, MoDOT committed to work with its project contractor to minimize the impacts to the traveling public. MoDOT and the contractor developed an approach to keep traffic flowing during this part of the project. It’s expected the one-lane traffic and temporary traffic signals will remain in place for up to two weeks. Mid-way through the process of building the new pavement connection, Route 76 traffic will move to the new bridge. However, one-lane traffic and the temporary traffic signals will remain in place until all the connecting pavement is complete. Drivers can expect delays on Route 76 during this phase of the project. They are urged to allow plenty of extra travel time and expect backups on Route 76 approaching the bridge. During the work, law enforcement officers will assist with traffic control during busy traffic times. Contractor crews along with law enforcement will assist first responders through the work zone during emergencies.

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Taneyhills Community Library to feature a talk on Lord of the Rings!

Branson MO - J. R. R. Tolkien lovers will not want to miss this opportunity to join with James S. Baumlin, Distinguished Professor of English at Missouri State University, to discuss the inspiring literature of The Lord of the Rings on October 2nd at 6:00 pm in the Stanley and Elaine Ball Tech Room at the Taneyhills Community Library. In this talk and Q&A session, Baumlin will explore the ways that literature—Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings specifically—accompanies us through our life stages.

Baumlin will read select brief passages and encourages audience members to bring their own copies of Tolkien.

This rare FREE opportunity is being provided in part through Ozark Public Television’s The Great American Read program. The Great American Read is an eight-part series that explores and celebrates the power of reading, told through the prism of America’s 100 best-loved novels (as chosen in a national survey). The series appears on OPT Tuesdays at 7:00 pm.

Space is limited. Please stop in at the library and sign up at the front desk for this free session or call 417-334-1418 to make a reservation.

The forgotten Park - River Run!

Forsyth MO. - One of the great pleasures of living in a rural setting that is hilly, green and blessed with water ways are the parks, wherever and whenever you find them.

The Forsyth Missouri area in southwest Missouri is blessed with two great recreational parks; Shadowrock Park which the town leases from the Corp of Engineers and River Run which is run by the Corps. Shadowrock has faced some challenges over the last year or two with the construction of a nearby bridge and roundabout. That process, thankfully, is nearing an end and the hope is that this great park will be restored to full usefulness. River Run had also been impacted by the bridge construction but additionally faced other obstacles,  notably the aforementioned Corps of Engineers. And that is the topic of this post.

Two gates control access!

Years ago, I lived in a neighborhood that was adjacent to River Run and for many years, I fully enjoyed the covered RV sites and the boat launch. Then sometime around 2012 or 2013, a pair of gates (see diagram above) were erected at the Hwy 76 junction and at the top of the hill on Baker street. When they were closed, the park was effectively closed. I recall that the first time I really paid attention was during the government shutdown in October of 2013. Over the course of the years to come, these gates were closed more and more often. Many times it was explained by the Corp that it was over 'safety' concerns due to flooding. OK. But I wondered about all the decades that came before there were gates. Whenever the park flooded, folks knew not to drive there... Whatever, now the Corps had a convenient way to completely shut down that park whenever the mood hit them.

Then, a series of event occurred. First, it was the installation of sewers and then it was the bridge construction that keep both gates closed most all the time. And I could understand the reasoning there. However today, not so much so. You see, even as it may be proper to keep Gate 1 closed due to road construction for the new bridge, Gate 2 could be opened. Guys with boats could then use the boat ramp while others could walk or picnic. Sorry! There is a sign at gate 2 that states the park is flooded - Uh, no the Bull Shoals level was only at 657 feet msl, or about two feet below normal! So, you can see my confusion here.

While all these events were going on, the park has continued down the path of neglect and decay, not showing much in the way of care that I could determine from my viewpoint across the river. Hey! That's my park they're messing with!

Here's my thinking for 2019. Why not encourage the Town of Forsyth to take out a lease on River Run, like it has for the other park? It seems to me that the Corps of Engineers may be too busy doing other stuff (what stuff I have no clue?) to be effective and perhaps our City Hall might even make a few bucks off it come next summer. Just a thought.

Kar Lot Oil & Lube!

Forsyth MO. - Oil changes are fact of life, and after I discovered that the Mobile One facility had closed yet again, I went on search of a new facility. I quickly discovered the Kar Lot Oil & Lube located close to the Long Horn Family Dining restaurant at 16099 US-160. The garage is run by a gentleman named David who told me has had decades of experience and who I personally found to be very professional....

When and if you need service that includes oil changes, but which also which encompasses just about everything other than transmissions and exhaust work, a quick call to 417-546-8484 will allow you to set up an appointment. When I arrived at mine, I my auto was serviced in a fast and friendly fashion. David not only changed the oil, but also check my fluid levels, adjusted my tire air pressures and did a good overall inspection. The whole process took only about twenty minutes and while I was waiting, I was impressed with David's attention to detail and the manner in which he kept his garage in almost immaculate condition. A good place to try for your next service needs!

INFO 2 KNOW : In-Home Safe Wi-Fi and DATA workshop!

Taneyhills Community Library announces another great INFO 2 KNOW workshop free to the public. Tuesday, September 11th at 5:30 pm, K. Michael Prince, Director of Becausefamily.org, will present “In-Home Safe Wi-fi and Data.”

Michael says, “Don’t let your home be smarter than you. I strive in teaching people to be in the loop of their tech capabilities when dealing with modems and smart home products.”

Prince’s workshop will highlight securing your home modems and learning the vulnerabilities of smart tech products such as smart thermostats and Amazon Alexa.

Be sure to reserve your seat as space will be limited to 32 participants. Sign up at Taneyhills Library Front Desk or call 417-334-1418. KNFO 2 KNOW is an example of the services and community outreach the Library provides. Taneyhills Community Library is funded solely through donative and volunteer efforts.  The Library receives no local, State or Federal tax monies. 

Empire Electric to build a billion dollar wind farm!

Empire Electric. now Algonquin Liberty out of Toronto Canada, is building a new Wind Farm in Missouri at a cost of one billion dollars. Until 2020, there will be huge credits given out by the Federal government. That money will greatly enhance the profit picture for the company's investors, many of who are Canadians. Prior to its sale in 2016, empire levied one of the biggest increases of any other electric service in Missouri, over 63%. That made us one of the highest payers for electricity anywhere around. Then in May, Empire levied another 'fuel cost' tax to offset increased fuel costs. This idea of paying on costs has been a tried and true tactic. One of my favorites was the manner in which they offered cash for anyone who installed certain efficient air conditioners and suck. Sadly, the customer that didn't upgrade, ended up paying for those who got checks! Now, they are cashing in on tax credits that will bolster the coffers of the company in Canada and which will like result in higher not lower rates over time.

In my view this will turn out to be yet another ripoff as we move through time. Orchestrated by a socialist democracy off to our north! You can contact the Missouri Office of public Consul and complain at:

Governor Office Building, Suite 650
200 Madison Street
PO Box 2230
Jefferson City, MO 65102-2230

Voice: 573-751-4857
Toll-Free: 866-922-2959
Fax: 573-751-5562
mopco@ded.mo.gov

A day in August!

Forsyth MO. - It was a nice Friday. A hazy sort of day that promised gentle winds and warm temps somewhere in the low nineties. In other words, a pretty typical, late summer sort of deal. My agenda was also straightforward and rather simple; get some breakfast and then go grocery shopping.

People on diets tend to eat quickly!

My choice of eatery was the Long Horn Family Dining establishment that was located along the main highway that snaked through my very nondescript town. The restaurant was being managed by a very nice lady by the name of Lyn. She followed me to my seat, took my order and got me a hot cup of coffee all within just a few minutes. And five minutes after that, my food arrived! Wow! Great service and I enjoyed my selection called the Works - a great dish at under $9.

Next, I was off to the Country Mart, one of two grocery stores inside the city limits. At the 8AM hour, it was slow which was just the way I liked it. After grabbing a cart, I almost immediately ran into one of the stores star employees - A gal by the name of Sheila. (If your a bit down, spending just a few minutes talking to her will definitely brighten your day).

Peggy's Park Place features new Nacho Machine!

Forsyth MO. - I recently discovered that Peggy's Park Place located at 17463 US-160 in Forsyth MO had just installed a new hot 'Nachos' cheese machine! For about $4 bucks you can take your chose of any of the 3 1/2 ounce bags of Tostitos, Fritos or Cheetos and cover them in specially made bags. Just zip one open, hold it under the spout and hit the button. Wow!

 Peggy's Park Place is located near the intersections of 160-76. questions can be answered bu calling 417-546-6845 during normal business hours!

M.A.B. Computer & Electronic Repair!

Walnut Shade Mo - It was on a beautiful Tuesday in August, 2018 that I happened to run into a young man at the Long Horn Family Dining cafe where I had gone to enjoy an early breakfast before heading out to vote. His name was Brandon Baldwin and I mentioned to him that I'd noticed a truck out in front that bore the MAB logo. Since he was the only young person in the place (the rest being old farts like myself), I made the logical connection.

Brandon told me that he can perform all type of computer repair at very reasonable prices and had no problems with visiting customers on site. Since there was really only one other computer place in town, I thought to give this young entrepreneur a plug. His web page is located at www.mabtech386.com.

What is this place?

Kissee Mills, MO - While driving down Hwy 76 in Kissee Mills, I had just reach Highway O when I noticed an establishment on the left. Large lettering announced that it was 'The Outpost', but that was all. A small sign indicated they were open, but with nothing else to go by, I decided not to stop.

It's election time - August 7, 2018!

Taney County, MO.  - It's time to elect or even to re-elect some very good people to demanding jobs in both the State and in Taney County. Here's a complete voting sheet as provided by KSGF radio at 104.1 on the FM dial

 Election results available here!

Photo of sky taken at the time of the Duck boat accident.

The photo was taken at my residence balcony located at Lat 36.69045541922207, Long -93.12413837409667. Elevation 241 meters. Time of photo ~7:05 PM, July 19, 2018. Below is the direction line of the location of the Ride the Ducks accident some 12 miles straight line distance.

Google map showing this line.

It's my thought that what the photo maybe showed indications of what  was a micro-burst in progress which struck the boat that saw 17 individuals lose their lives.

Bull Shoals Bridge video cam ...gone!

Forsyth MO. I get it. Things sometimes break. But, then they can get repaired, right? That, apparently, has not been the case with the Ox Blue video cam that was recording time lapse photography at the Bull Shoals Bridge Project just east of town. It broke on July the 12th and was still non functional on July the 23rd. And while I was uncertain as to how many citizens really paid any attention to the site - see https://app.oxblue.com/open/modot/cams, I thought it would be neat to have a visual record of the new bridge construction available for future generations.

Update: July 23, 2018 - Apparently MODOT removed the camera as they felt that the project was 'completed'. This in the face of the asphalt not yet being laid, nor the roundabout being completed.... 

Following is a statement from a MODOT spokesperson: 
 

'The camera at the Bull Shoals bridge project has been removed. The camera was in the way of the new roundabout being built at Route 160/76 at the north end of the new bridge. It will not be reinstalled on the project.' 

So, it would have been nice to have had a 'video eye' on that intersection during a phase of construction when traffic was to be the most impacted....

On Country Mart and slippage!

Forsyth MO. - On a promised to be hot July day in 2018, I wandered into a local grocery store known as Country Mart and as I stepped into the Produce Department, a line from Stephan King's book. 'Dark House' came to mind. It concerned the term 'slippage'; 'It’s a feeling of a kind of inevitable, sometimes hard to detect degradation into darkness. Everything is in a state of entropy. So, you’re either working to improve or letting things degrade and break up.' Half empty bins, containing limp produce greeted my eye in a department that heretofore had always been a shining example of veggies done right! I was going to purchase some Romaine, but after looking at the ragged offerings, I passed.

As I quickly exited the area, the damage had been done and now my mind was queued in to spot other areas and shelves with products that had gaps in between one item and the next. An image that was not at all like the one pictured above... Like I said, slippage was apparent most everywhere on this date and in this store....

Update: The very next day, the Produce area looked a lot better (see picture at right)! Just perhaps, I did show up on an off sort of day.... I was also informed that the long term employee, Randy, who did such an outstanding job maintaining that area had moved on...