Charlie's was under contract to sell!

Forsyth MO - Charlie's Steak Ribs and Ale, a popular steakhouse located on the corner of Hwy 160 and Y was under contract to be sold with a closing date set for Friday, March 6th. Unfortunately, that fell through according to a spokesperson for the company that represents the property. So, it's now back on the market!

Forsyth Long Horn Update

I was able to drive by the former Long Horn and grabbed a quick pic. Yep, it was up for lease again! This happening after a guy named Jimmy dumped a lot of money into the establishment including the purchase of a new sign. (Maybe Italiano Jimmy was called back to Italy to get more pasta)....

Sonic and McD burgers!

Forsyth Mo. - February was not a particularly good month to embark on any kind of diet, as I recently discovered. It's generally cold and there's not much to do other than eat. So, of course, my thoughts always turn to one of food right about noontime. On this day, I decided to head out and grab a burger at McD's, but then had second thoughts. My last purchase of a Big Mac and a medium French fry was $7.56. I thought that was a bit much, and so altered my course to head over to the local Sonic instead.

When I got there, I ordered a Cheeseburger and medium fry at a cost of $7.13. Nutritionally the Big Mac and the Sonic Cheeseburger are pretty close with the Big Mac being a tad more diet friendly. 

The upshot of this was me thinking that is really comes down to a matter of taste and frequency. I planned to allow myself only once such visit a month in the future.

Mid Winter 2020 Forsyth restaurant news!

Forsyth MO. - Winter is a particularly hard time for many small business owners and especially for restaurants! I mean who wants to go out in crummy weather? At right is an impromptu listing of most of the food emporiums that existed within the city limits of Forsyth Missouri as of this post. Out of the total of twelve, 2 are closed with one re-opening soon.

One of the surprises for me, was the Hong Kong Express which I had avoided even though it had been open for some time. When I entered the venue for the first time, I was struck by two things right off the bat; it was very clean looking and the smell of food were out of this world. I asked for and got a take home men. I then wandered over to the buffet which was very clean with food that looked freshly prepared (the time was 2:30PM when I visited). I also learned from the manager that they have both combo platters and individual selections of beef and chicken dishes.

Everything on the menu looked to cost roughly 7 to 8 dollars, to order as meals, with the cost of the buffet (all you can eat?) unknown to me as I forgot to ask. That situation will be soon corrected when I next go there to actually order some food! The establishment offers a 'Dine In Take Out Drive Thru' range of choices with home delivery being available after a certain hour on meals cost over $10 for just $1.99 (not counting tip). Any interested party can give them a call at 417-546-2424 to verify the above information.  I plan to do a food review on this establishment in the near future and will have a link to that post here. One thing I did take note of was that anything on the menu that had the word 'Hunan' meant that it was spicy or hot! There are also little hot pepper icons next to any dish that could be considered hot.

Two other locations that I hope to visit fairly soon will be the Williams Mountain Pizza venue which I've heard also serves up some great pasta dishes and Yummy Donuts - Both of these will be getting full reviews also.

There was no word on when the former Long Horn Family Dining location was going to reopen other than that its new name was The Family Forsyth Restaurant. Also, the long delayed opening of the Shadowrock Bar and Grill is somewhat of a question mark.

The only other news of any import was the announcement that the Frosted Mug was planning to hold a 35th Anniversary party on April the 2nd. The theme was going to be the 80's with a DJ and specials on food and drinks being planned.

A late breaking rumor had it that Charlie's - the popular restaurant located on Hwy 160 and Y had been sold and was to re-open as a steak house. I had not confirmed this rumor as of yet.

Local restaurant news!

Forsyth Mo. - A few news tidbits concerning restaurants in town.

Long Horn - Apparently the Long Horn will re-open soon as they had a sign to that effect posted on their billboard which read The Forsyth Family Restaurant.

Update: Jan 30 - I did get a chance to talk to a man named Jimmy, an Italian who will be re-opening the restaurant 'soon'. He told me very little other than that they had finished hiring.

McD's - The McDonald's located at the intersection of Hwy 160 and Coy was still cranking along when I stopped there recently and ordered a Big Breakfast to go. The cost of $4.43 was acceptable for this 750 calorie meal a deal. At least to me it was.

Frosted Mug - Other than the Super Bowl Blowout planned for Feb 2, the Mug will also be offering a special Valentines Day meal for two at just $24.95 on Feb 14. I was unsure if the Stella beers were part of this deal and failed to ask.Update: I was told that the $3.75 beers were not part of the deal. Perhaps love means also buying your girl a Stella!

Charlie's Steak, Ribs and Ale - One recent rumor had it that this establishment that had been up for sale for a number of years was sold! I had not confirmed this as of Feb 9, 2020.

John's Frosted Mug hosting the Super Bowl!

Forsyth MO. - The last time the Chief's played in the Superbowl, the year was 1970! That was one heck of a long time ago and who knows when KC will get another chance to play in the big game? Make sure to get on over to the Mug early as I'm pretty sure that the seats will be filling up fast on game day!

As an added bonus, the weather in the Forsyth area will be in the mid sixties under sunny skies on that Sunday!

Nefarious activities reported in the Forsyth area!

Forsyth MO - A local resident reported to me that there had been break-ins reported in a mobile home park off Hwy 76 near Forsyth Mo.

If true, I'd advise everyone to be observant and if you see suspicious activity, to report that activity to local authorities.

Chiefs clinch a Superbowl spot while I watched at the Frosted Mug!

Forsyth MO. - Another Sunday football playoff game was to be watched in very comfortable conditions, even as it was chilly outside!

Surprisingly, considering that only one of three heating units was in operation at John's Frosted Mug located on Hwy 160 in Forsyth MO., it still was a very comfortable 75 degrees. I attributed this to the heat given off by a packed house that enjoyed watching the Chief's shellac the Titans in a decisive 35 to 24 game at Arrowhead. A game that saw the KC Chiefs headed to the Superbowl for only the third time (once in 1967 and again in 1970 in a year they won! That year the American Football League champion Kansas City Chiefs defeated the National Football League champion Minnesota Vikings by the score of 23–7)! 

This time around the Chiefs will face the San Francisco 49'ers at the Hard Rock stadium in Miami Florida. I betting that weather will not pose a problem for either team on Sunday, January 26 at 5:30 PM EST on Fox! Grab a choice seat now for only $20 payable to me.... just kidding.

Why the area parks may be in trouble for 2020!

Bull Shoals lake levels for 2019 versus 2020

Forsyth MO. - Even as it was only mid January, 2020, I had a gnawing suspicion that two area parks; Shadowrock and River Run just might already be in trouble.

Jan 18, 2020 - The rainfall number had already begun to pile up with my rain gauge showing 4.29 inches versus a monthly normal of 3.24 inches, I could see that the Bull Shoals Lake level was already trending higher that it had the year before!

Compounding the potential for problems were the two up stream reservoirs, Beaver and Table Rock that were 5 and 4 feet about normal levels! And, with the National Weather Service hinting at regions wide rains of anywhere from a half inch to an inch and a half next weekend, you can see why I feel the way I do.

Thankfully, we do have some time to go prior to the spring season and there's always a chance that the skies will dry up a bit over the next couple of months....

On a cold Sunday watching the big game!

Forsyth MO. - So, it was, I was in attendance at a local watering hole where I'd gone to watch the Chief's game on a Sunday in January. Upon entering, I was informed the heat wasn't working which explained the cold I felt as I located to last remaining chair at the bar. And, even as there was several flat screens located at different locations, only one had the game on. This was due to the fact that this bar has satellite only - and apparently CBS had decided to withdraw from their contact with the Dish Network a few days earlier. Thankfully, one of the bar patrons volunteered to bring a HULU unit which allowed for the viewing of the game on the one flat screen. Sadly for me, my view of the game consisted of watching a post!

Not to be defeated, I went to my cellphone where I had an NFL app installed that would allow me to see the game. Alas! This establishment had a DSL (digital subscriber line) Wi-Fi ((IEEE 802.11 refers to the set of standards that define communication for wireless LANs (wireless local area networks, or WLANs). The technology behind 802.11 is branded to consumers as Wi-Fi.)). An internet connection point the produced images which were blurry and tended to freeze every few seconds.....

So, there I sat, watching that post and occasionally gathering some idea of what was happening by the howls coming from spectators who enjoyed a better viewing angle!

As I sat there I wondered why the ownership didn't also have Mediacom with a fast cable wifi connection? Many other venues have just such an arrangement which allowed them to present many differing channel options along with lightening fast cell com abilities. (When I poised this question, one knowledgeable individual told me that the company with a cable monopoly named Mediacom goes out of their way to screw with such commercial setups by jacking up the cost)! Meh...

Thankfully, a couple of patrons left and the spot happened to be near the sole remaining working heat vent. I then was able to enjoy the game in slightly warmer conditions. And. after quaffing a few brewski's, I didn't even mind the cold...

Water outages mount in Forsyth MO.

Taneycomo Terrace – At a complex that routinely sees problems arise due to old infrastructural concerns and just bad luck, yet another page was added when yet another water pipe sprung a leak! A second such occurrence in under a month!

Crews began working on what appeared to be a small feeder line early in the day on Thursday, Jan 9, 2020. Six hours later, water services still had not been restored. After doing a drive-by, I was informed that it would be another couple of hours which set the repair effort for a six inch line at about eight hours. About 3 to 4 men were involved in that herculean effort! That we are seeing so many failures in water lines that were installed in the 90's is troubling to say the least.

In under a month, I'd experienced two power outages, two water supply interruptions and a cable problem. Yes, living in Taneycomo Terrace is anything but dull. 

Thanksgiving meal at the Frosted Mug!

Beaver Creek bridge in Taney County shut down! Repairs start Nov 26!

KY3 abstract: The Beaver Creek bridge in Taney County is now the third major bridge to be shut down by Missouri Department of Transportation in the last three weeks.

In just about a two hour period Saturday, dozens of cars made it as far at the road leading up to the Beaver Creek bridge and had to turn right back around. Many of the drivers told KY3 their only option is a 45 minute detour.

MODOT: U.S. Route 160 at Beaver Creek near Kissee Mills CLOSED Immediately Due to Bridge deterioration!

What: U.S. Route 160 at the bridge over Beaver Creek near Kissee Mills CLOSED immediately due to deterioration of the bridge structure

Why: A inspection of the bridge this week has shown extreme deterioration of the support components located under the bridge deck that connect the deck to the girders and other support structures. The bridge will remain CLOSED until repairs can be made. Currently, there is no timetable for completing repairs. More information will be announced later when repairs are scheduled.

Click to enlarge

Details:

• Route 160 CLOSED at the bridge over Beaver Creek near Kissee Mills
• The bridge was built in 1953 and carries 2,000 vehicles a day
• Drivers will be able to get to entrances and driveways on either side of the bridge but will not be able to cross the bridge
• Drivers are urged to use state routes to get around the closing including Route 125 and Route 76

(Weather and/or construction delays will alter the work schedule)
I'll post updates here if I get any news from MoDot!

UPDATE: Good news! This from MoDot - 'Repairs on the U.S. Route 160 bridge over Beaver Creek will start on Tuesday, Nov. 26, and could last until mid-December.

Please consider joining the Forsyth Chamber of Commerce!

Forsyth Mo. - The Chamber of Commerce in Forsyth Missouri needs everyone's support. I would encourage any interested citizens to stop by and to get an application to join and become part of the community of individuals and business owners who meet on a regular basis. The yearly dues for individuals is just $35!

Their office is located at 157 Main St in Forsyth Missouri and they can be reached by calling 417-546-2741 during regular business hours.

Rollings and Associtates coming to town!

Forsyth Mo. - A new insurance company called Rollings and Associates will be opening in Forsyth Missouri where the flower shop and tea room used to be located. No work on the exact date at this time.

Long Horn Family Dining has closed!

Forsyth Mo. - I recently learned that the populat eating venue known as the Long Horn Family dinign restaurant has closed. I tried call that location to see what was going on, but no one answered the phone.

The McRib is back!

Forsyth Mo. - The McRib is back and is (supposedly) available at the local McDonald's in Forsyth on Hwy 160 and Coy Blvd. For those who've never enjoyed eating one, it's 'a barbecue-flavored pork sandwich periodically sold by the international fast food restaurant chain McDonald's. It was first introduced to the McDonald's menu in 1981, following test marketing the year before. After poor sales, it was removed from the menu in 1985'. The previous statement was taken from Wikipedia. Well, that used to be true, but now the McRib is back to stay! And did I run out to purchase one with fries? You bet your ass I did! (Actually, I planned to go there about noontime and will report back when I confirm that it's available.) Update: They are available!

Now, what I'm still unsure of is whether or not this iconic sandwich is really back to stay or will it remain on the 'periodic offering' page? (The article I read was unclear either way). Whatever. The thing is, my body craves one right now! Sadly, whenever the body craves something, you can be sure that it's also not a particularly nutritious item to consume... As the panel, shown below clearly illustrates, the pork sandwich has 480 calories per serving all by its lonesome. Add in a medium order of fries and you're a tad over 800! Whoa Nellie! Thar goes my diet all to hell and back!

My next post will be titled: How I hide unwanted fat.

White Oak Conoco Station has some pretty cool stuff!

Forsyth MO - A local gas station slash convenience store known as the White Oak has some very fine folks working there and thus they get most of my gas purchasing business. But they also have some very good deals on items like cell phone charger cables and accessories!

One item in the display case that caught my attention was Iphone USB cables for only $5.99! That was one of the lowest prices I've seen in the area.

A visit to the Long Horn Family Dining restaurant!

Forsyth MO. - It was a rather night day in early fall in mid October that I got it in my head to re-visit a local eatery that serves up some pretty decent grub, including a breakfast dish known as the Works!

For those who may never have had the pleasure, the Works Platter consists of the following combos; two eggs (made to order), toast or biscuit with gravy, a choice of meat and hash browns. I generally opt for sunny side up eggs, toast, sausage and the hash brown's with just a splash of A1 sauce. Throw in some jelly for the toast and I'm a very happy camper. With a cup of coffee, this meal-a-deal comes in at about eight and a half dollars. It's a tasty way to start your day that doesn't break the bank!

The Long Horn is located at 16039 US-160 in Forsyth and is just across from Fat Daddy's. I understand they serve breakfast until 11AM each day and do support both smoking and non-smoking areas. They can be reached by calling (417) 546-9751 during regular business hours. I always encourage area residents (and those just passing through) to make it a point to get out and visit business venues like this. The food is great and the income helps them all stay in business.

Tanco Lumber in Forsyth Mo to relocate?

Forsyth MO. - Apparently Tanco Lumber a lumber yard currently located at 240 State Hwy H, on the outskirts of  Forsyth Missouri, will be moving a bit closer to town to a new location that used to be Bob's EZ Package Store and which was renamed Pump 30 some months ago! The reason for the change of address remained unknown to me as the time of this post. Perhaps the ownership was going to keep the original Tanco location as a storage facility, but that would be idle conjecture on my part. 

One concern I had was the fact that this store slash gas island was used by many residents of both Rockaway Beach and Merriam Woods. Now, customers may have to drive a bit further down the road to get either food or fuel!

Shadowrock Park re-opens!

Forsyth MO - While driving by Shadowrock Park, located just to the east of the town of Forsyth Missouri, I noticed that the gates were no longer closed and so drove on through.

I did spot a few electric coop trucks effecting repairs and that was encouraging, in of itself. After many months of having been flooded, the park infrastructure didn't look all that bad. I mentally made plans to go on an impromptu picnic early next week. (That was assuming that it stayed open).

River Run Park, over across Bull Shoals still had a ways to go, it would seem. The lake level, on the day of this post, was 672.86 feet above msl. I was guessing that it would be another week or so before it too became accessible to auto traffic.

You can reach the people who man this Park by calling 417- 546-2876...