White River Grill in Rockaway Beach Now Open for Business!

If you plan on cruising through Rockaway Beach anytime soon, be sure and stop in at the White River Grill. A full service restaurant that recently opened for business and which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. After looking through the menu, I’d have to say that there are meals here for just about every taste and at affordable prices!

I made it a point to stop by on the first of July where I sat down for a good old fashioned hot dog and fries. The food was delicious and there are many more items that I will want to try out in the future. Also, I was impressed by how friendly and professional the service staff was. My order was taken promptly and the wait was very short. So, if you’re in the neighborhood, I would heartily recommend the White River Grill as a great place for the family to come and eat.

Valley View Sewer Update for June 2011

I would think it now safe to say that groundbreaking for the Powersite Sewer Project which also affects Valley View Village will not be happening this year. I'm not certain, but the absence of any material stockpiles is a good hint. I also don't have any idea how long the entire project, once started, will take. I'm guessing at least a year or more. Obviously, the flooding of Bull Shoals has hindered progress to some extent. For sure, the point at which the pipe will cross the river will have to wait for lower lake levels. That could be late this fall or even longer depending on how much rain we get.

What really concerns me, however, is how much the project could be affected by the planned work on the Highway 76 bridge that will be closed for up to a year starting in 2013. That alone will be a major undertaking and certainly one that will cause traffic delays in its own right. Add to that scenario, a major plumbing project that will affect over three hundred dwellings and you have the makings of a bad dream.

Whatever happens, it should be a most interesting period of time.

Highway 76 Bridge repair in 2013!

If any of the rumors I’ve heard are true, the bridge that crosses Bull Shoals just east of Forsyth Missouri will be shut down sometime in 2013 for the better part of a year. This is needed to be done as major repairs are needed to this structure that goes back to 1953.

The problem this will cause is obvious. The highway is a major artery for much of the commuter traffic that runs between cities like Forsyth, Taneyville and Cedar Creek to and from the Branson area. Likewise, many area businesses would be severely affected by any disruption in existing traffic patterns.

So, a solution must be found that would cause the least amount of disruption, not only to existing traffic patterns, but also to state budgets. One idea I had would be for a group like the Army to come in an erect a pontoon bridge adjacent to the existing one. A bridge wide enough to handle two-way traffic would be expensive, but if built in sections, could be used at other locations to satisfy future needs.

Almost two months later and the flood remains!

This side-by side-comparison of water levels in Shadow Rock Park taken May 9^th and June the 25th show why I’m concerned about the future use of the park areas that are so much a part of life here where I live in southwest Missouri. It’s a number of months since we experienced those spring rains that originally caused the problem, but now I’m beginning to wonder if the lake levels will ever get back to ‘normal’. I’ve lived in this area for over twenty years and cannot remember this stretch of Bull Shoals flooding as often as it has recently. I also don’t remember the water level staying so high for so long!

So, where’s the figurative plug in the drain? That would be the Bull Shoals Dam across the Missouri border in Arkansas. Problem is, if the officials were to release the backlog too quickly, they would potentially re-flood a good portion of the state as the White River meanders its way southward. (A casual inspection of the White river, using a site like Google Maps, shows that it runs a very convoluted course with many small towns located along the way). Small riverside towns like Batesville flooded along with many others when the heavy rains fell back in May. So, that’s part of the problem. Any large release up stream right now would just re-flood areas in Arkansas.

Adding to the woes of the Corps of Engineers, recent and continuing heavy rains in the northern Midwest states have added historic amounts of flood water to the Mississippi which is only now beginning to recede back to more normal levels. After nearly two months above flood stage, the waters are now at 47.95 feet early Wednesday, June 22, bringing along with it a shared sigh of relief from many. The question on everyone’s mind now is what the fall rains will bring.

As of this writing, the lake level for Bull Shoals stands at 690 feet plus change. (Check the river levels chart comparing the last three years for some insight as to what that means). Hopefully, that level should begin dropping more rapidly, especially if the Midwest remains relatively dry. Maybe we’ll all get a chance to use the park areas later this fall right before winter sets in!

Taney County Fair 2011

Ask anyone who has ever thrown a large venue community event and they will tell you just how much work it is! This year’s Taney County Fair has the added challenge of being resurrected from scratch, courtesy of the flooding that has innervated the traditional site located in Shadow Rock Park.

The sheer amount of work that is involved to bring together the infrastructure required to put on an event of this size is mind boggling to me. Tons of earth has to be moved; fences erected and viewing stands put up. Then, there was the need for lots and lots of electricity to supply power for all the lights and rides. Finally, the rides have to be brought in and erected in time for it all to come together.

Just thinking about all the logistics makes my head hurt. The only thing that could hurt this fair’s success would be a failure of the public to show up! So, show up OK?

I encourage everyone in Taney County to make an effort this year to show your support for the hard work done by so few for the enjoyment of so many.

Additional information can be obtained by visiting the Fair Boards Web Site.

The Taney Fair is just days away!

Scheduled to open on Tuesday, June the 14^th, the Taney County Fair for 2011 is located at a brand new venue located off Hwy 76 just past the bridge at Corner Stone Drive (see maps). The new location was needed due to the flooded condition of Shadow Rock Park. A location, I understand, that will no longer be used by the county for future fair events.

I was very impressed with the amount of progress that the mostly volunteer group of men and women has made in such short time. The rodeo arena area looks to be almost complete and should work out quite well. It looks to me that all that’s needed now are the rides, vendors and people, of course!

I plan to attend the Fair on at least a few of the days. Each of the five nights is packed with some great events. Must sees for me will be the tractor pull events on Thursday the 17th and the Demolition Derby on Friday the 18th. Information concerning events to be held can be found at the Taney County Fair site.

Major bridge closing in 2013?

Here’s a bit of traffic I came across on the internet concerning the large bridge that crosses Bull Shoals and which connects the communities like Forsyth, Taneyville and Cedar Creek to Branson Missouri:

MoDOT and local officials in Taney County are discussing how to reroute traffic during a bridge construction project planned for 2013. The Highway 76 bridge in Forsyth was built in 1953 and is in need of major repairs. MoDOT spokesman Bob Edwards says the plan is to remove and replace the superstructure, or everything above the columns, and that would mean closing the bridge while the work is done”


The bridge they are referring to is a major and critical artery which allows thousands of commuters access from their homes to Branson each day. Closing it will mean that some travelers will have to extend their commute time to work by as much as an hour. This planned at a time when gas prices are very uncertain. Leaving it open is also not an option as the structure built in 1953 is in need of major repairs.

It’s my understanding that alternative routes are now being considered. I would love to know what ideas are being discussed. Whatever happens, count on delays increased commute times for some.

Work now proceeding on the 2011 Taney County Fair Site

Work is underway by volunteers connected with the Taney County Fair Board as they get things ready for the 2011 Taney County Fair. The Fair will be held this year at Shoals Bend Park due to the heavy rains that have closed Shadow Rock for much of the season.

According to Dennis House, President of the Taney County Fair Board, they still need finishing materials for the arena in addition to such items as a dump truck to help meet what is surely a tight schedule. I understand that the City of Forsyth is helping out with its equipment, but more is needed due to time constraints. The Fair is scheduled to run from June 14 to the 18^th and as you can see much remain to be done. That said, the folks on the Fair Board along with volunteers are used to challenges.

Anyone wishing to donate or find out how they can help is urged to call Mr. House at 417-527-5241. Also, check out the Taney County Fair Site for more information.

Tim’s Discount Outlet in Forsyth Missouri

In what my be seen as a trend of sorts, Tim’s Discount Outlet store located at 15521 US Hwy 160 in Forsyth Missouri is the second such store of its kind to open in the last six months. (The other being Save on Salvage store next to the Forsyth Hardware off Highway 160).

Both stores offer great bargains on various goods at a time when the US economy is seeing huge numbers of its citizens out of work or underemployed. Add the astronomically high gas prices and you have a ready market of individuals who will want sundries close to where they live.

Tim’s Discount Outlet occupies what used to be Glen’s Grocery, a store that was around for many decades. The large floor space of some seven thousand square feet means that the current proprietor, Tim Watkins, has lots of space in which to place merchandise. On my recent visit, I noted everything from groceries, to over the counter drugs to gift items in abundance. There is even a section with automotive needs located on one of the isles.

At a time when everyone needs to stretch their dollars as much as possible, Tim’s brings welcome relief and fills a much needed niche in the community.

Empire Park is thankfully high and dry!

[May 2011 Forsyth Missouri] – While other popular recreational locations are still deep under water, Empire Park is open for business.

After record rainfall fell over much of southern Missouri during the later part of April, much of the area near rivers and streams is still under water. This is especially true of the parks in and around Forsyth Missouri where Shadow Rock and River Run are completely inundated.

I'm told it will take quite some time for the water to recede. However Empire Park, which is situated above Powersite Dam, is looking awesome and ready for business. This site, maintained by the Empire Electric Coop, has a boat ramp, restrooms and picnic tables and is open to the public.

Here's a link to some footage of Empire Park I took back in 2008, which ironically, was another year in which the other parks located down stream were also flooded.

A new way for Mediacom to run cable?

Perhaps this is a new thing, I’m not sure. It seems Mediacom has decided that, in some cases, the best way to route their cables is to route them the easiest way possible. Instead of burying them or employing existing telephone pole infrastructure, they have elected to just leave them wherever they happen to fall on the ground. These cables run from two junction boxes and in the process meander across the ground before crossing a busy street in Valley View Village. Apparently, this practice is okie dokey with the city official as one of the cables has been like this for over a year!

I’m not sure what the intent of the statement by Mediacom or its parent company Comcast is here? Is it that they are just too big to be bothered with local cable ordinances? Is this a new way to string cable and nobody told me? Is it a sign of crumbling infrastructure? I could understand a cable, especially a communications cable being managed this way for a week or so under extraordinary circumstances, but a year ore more. You go to be jacking me!

And it’s not like no one has complained about this situation. Letters have been written, phone calls have been made and officials notified. All to no effect. I’m not sure who to be the most upset with. Mediacom and its sloppy approach to service or the men and women who work for Taney County and who are responsible to see that codes are enforced. Either way, I hope this is not a sign of things to come. For more on Mediacom, be sure to visit Complaints Board and enter their name into the search box.

Chicago Dogs come to Sonic!

By chance, I happened to see a commercial on TV that indicated Sonic had added three new hot dogs to their menu. One was an All American dog, while another was a New York style dog looked  interesting, but what really caught my attention was the addition of a Chicago style hot dog! Too cool.

It’s been quite sometime since I last had one of these (see the real thing at right), yet just the memory gets my mouth to watering. According to Sonic's web site, their version of a Chicago Dog is 'a 100% pure beef hot dog topped with pickle, relish, tomato, sport peppers, celery salt and mustard all served up in a soft, warm poppy seed bun'. While that description is close to the one I remember eating in Chicago, I think an authentic Chi town Dog has relish that is iridescent green and the dogs were always served with limp fries. To be fair, I decided to buy one and decide for myself.

I was able to test this out recently when I motored over to the Sonic located in Forsyth, Missouri where I ordered a Chicago dog and fries. The total came to $3.76 which was a bit expensive, but I felt it was justified in the name of science.

For the record the dog packs a 440 calorie wallop not counting the small fries which bring another 220 calories to the game. (This is not a meal for the meek at heart or for anyone who is trying to live with a diet as I am). However, once again, since I’m doing this for a scientific cause, it’s OK to do today!

The other two bits of bad news would be the cholesterol at 40 milligrams (livable) and the sledgehammer amount of sodium that come in at 2600 milligrams for both. Still, I reasoned, if I made sure to refrain from eating for the rest of the day (and maybe tomorrow), I'd make out. Now onto the esoterics…

The visual appeal of this meal was all that I expected and the smell was to die for. So, score a 10 on that part. The taste was pretty much as good as I remembered although the fries were just ordinary and not limp at all. The cost for the hot dog was $1.99 and the fries were $1.49, so not all that bad. Overall, a very good meal that I would encourage everyone to give a try! In the name of science, of course!

Google Scam Alert

If you see something like this in your mail. It is a scam by crooked foreign powers.

Dear Gmail User,

The Gmail infrastructure is going through an annual security and performance overhaul.
In this respect, you are requested to verify your account by clicking on the following link and login.
The Google Security Team is available to provide you all the assistance for secure communication over the Internet.

htpps://www.google.com/accounts/RP?c=CNE6ouyytXHe5wEQoMy85ta2d-8Np&hl=en 

You are requested to act on this immediately to guarantee the smooth functioning of your mail account.

Thanks,
Account Security Administrator
Google Security Team
Google, Inc.
Phone: +1 650-253-0000

In aftermath of storms, the Powersite dam is still flowing!

The Powersite dam is still flowing at a good rate (as of May the 3^rd, 2011) even though the water levels on the other side are now approaching normal levels. Hopefully, the levels in the parks downstream will now begin to go down and the locals will be able to enjoy planned activities this coming summer and fall.

 

While I was walking near the dam located, I came across this Zebra Swallowtail butterfly (Eurytides marcellus). This species is found throughout the middle and southwest parts of the county and is striking in it coloration.

May 2011 Powersite Sewer Project Update - I think!

I recently received a response from an engineer at the Powersite Sewer project who informed me that as of May the 3^rd, 2011, they were ‘in the process of staking preliminary sewer locations in the field and then verifying these locations.’ The engineer also stated that as of this date, ‘we have completed this process for the north half of the project, including the Valley View Village area.’

So that’s all I have been able to gleam from these folks thus far. I was also admonished to check the webpage for more updates. Interestingly the last one was on November 4 of last year. I still do not have a feel for when this group plans to begin the laying of sewer line or when they will want to being the process of having affected dwellings contact someone to fill in their septic tanks and get them hooked to the new line. Will it be 2012? I’m not sure. It would be nice to have some idea as the cost to homeowners will be significant and it would help if they could plan for that.

And the beat in Forsyth goes on...

The beat of rain that is, yes rain is once again falling all across southern Missouri with close to an inch and a half recorded for the first day of May. My weather station recorded a record monthly total of 19.08 inches for April, and now, it looks like the trend may continue. Where's Al Gore when you need him? Anybody seen good old Al?

As I am writing this, it's late Sunday, May 1^st and outside my window lightening is crisscrossing the nighttime sky as a light rain falls. The forecast for Monday is for, you guessed it, more rain. Guess I'll batten down the hatches and go to bed.

Save on Salvage in Forsyth Missouri

I found Save on Salvage to be a most unique kind of store. Like the name suggests, it has discounted salvage items of every kind for sale at discounted prices. Included are foodstuffs, can goods and even over the counter drugs like Claritin and aspirin.

The owner is Darrel Schutt who decided to open up this venue after the Mexican emporium did not work out. While I was there I purchased a bag of peanuts for fifteen cents and a tube of Pringles for $1.35. So, the prices are right!

How is he able to do it? I did notice that the expiration dates on most of the items I had purchased were about to expire or had expired, so that might have something to do with it. But, I assumed since I planned on consuming everything I bought in the near future, I figured it wasn't a big deal for me. If that's something of concern  to others, then they should check the label.

Save on Salvage is currently open Monday through Saturday, nine to five, but as always that could be subject to change. Best to call them ahead at 417-546-6810 and is located down from the Forsyth Hardware store at 16229 Us Highway 160, Forsyth, MO 65653. They currently accept Visa for purchases over $5, cash and local checks.

Two popular Forsyth area parks are now closed!

After three days of torrential rains, both Shadow Rock and River Run parks are closed for the foreseeable future. After receiving close to a foot of rain over the Easter weekend and with forecasts calling for even more rain in the offing, parks authorities had no apparent choice. One park worker told me that he had heard the river level may rise higher than it did in the flood of 2008!

The closing of the both these locations and especially that of Shadow Rock Park, will put a monkey wrench into many of the planned activities right at a time when so many were planned to take place. While I have not heard anything concrete, I’m sure that some events will be moved to higher ground with announcements of that fact coming soon.

For their part, the National Weather Service is forecasting dry weather next week after one or two more rounds of rain occurring between now and the weekend ending on May the 1^st.

Weather extremes slam the Forsyth Missouri area!

What had been normal, to slightly dry conditions for much of southern Missouri, turned wet and wild over the course of a three day period that saw copious rainfall, frequent lightening and overcast skies. Beginning on Friday, April the 23rd a cool dry zone clashed with warm and moist gulf air to produce training precipitation that left many waterways overflowing their banks. Some areas, including Branson and Forsyth in Taney County Missouri received a foot or more of rainfall which resulted in property damage due to rapidly rising waters.

In Forsyth, the park authorities closed River Run on Monday after flood water began encroaching area campsites. My thought is that Shadow Rock Park may follow suit soon.

Forsyth area rainfall good to see!

With April 2011 now winding down, it has been good to see the rainfall totals picking up a bit and perhaps making a dent in the mini-drought we’ve all been experiencing.

As you can see, there are a few campers out and about, even though the weather service is calling for a rainy period right on through the weekend. That hasn’t stopped these folks or the fishermen and women who looked to me to be having pretty good luck.

I took an average of some of the rainfall reading for Thursday, April the 21^st and as you can see, the average is about an inch. Month to date, the area has seen about four inches with a general average for the month at about four and a third inches in a normal year. Now, the focus turns to the rest of this month where we may get too much of a good thing!

Thunder Road Motorcycles and Accessories!

There’s no doubt that gasoline prices are now at record highs and may go even higher if some industry experts are to be believed. (How far is that three or four dollar gallon of gas getting you now)? What better time to shop for a motorcycle that is not only energy efficient, but fun to drive too!

Thunder Road Motorcycles and Accessories is a relatively new business that has re-opened after being closed for the winter. It’s located at 13159 US Highway 160 which is just past Highway H. I stopped there this date and was amazed to find a super clean showroom loaded with bikes as well as other gear such including helmets shirts and pants.

While I was there I met a gentleman named David Jacobs who was nice enough to show me around. David knows his stuff and has worked on bikes for many years. He explained to me that not only do they sell cycles, but they also service them at that location! That was a big plus in my book. He also mentioned that they plan to carry metrics which are often much less expensive than the Harley line. I noticed he had a nice V-Rod for sale which looked to be in excellent condition as were all the used bikes on display that day.

If you have time, be sure and stop by to say hi to Kenneth and to look around. Thunder Road can be reached by calling 417-546-2453.

Update: After trying to reach this venue in March 2013, I found the number to be disconnected! Also, a friend informed me that the business had apparently closed.

Pictured at right is a 2007 V-Rod that appears to be in excellent condition. 

Primo’s Pizza and Pasta! A great place to meet and eat!

Located at 17447 Hwy 160 (right next door to Park Place Market) in Forsyth Missouri, Primo’s Pizza and Pasta offers the diner a quaint and cozy hideaway that has room for more than twenty hungry patrons. This dine in/carry out/delivery eatery features a full menu which includes appetizers, salads, tomato-basil wraps, chicken clubs, toasted subs, wings and pasta of course! Everything is fresh, tasty and affordable.

On a visit in the near future, I plan to put off my diet for a day and will order one of their specialty pizzas. I think I’ll go for the Supreme pizza which comes with generous helpings of pepperoni, sausage, onions, green peppers, mushrooms and black olives. (This being just one of an entire line of specialty pizzas, each with different toppings designed to suit almost any taste). In addition to the choice of toppings, you can specify the type of crust you want; be it thin, New York hand tossed or deep dish ($1 extra). On that day, I plan to order the deep dish version as it reminds me of pizzas I used to eat while living in Chicago.

Primo’s can be reached by calling 417-546-0591 and they also have a Facebook presence. Be sure to stop by,say hi and tell'em DanO sent ya!

Update: This business is closed as of Nov 2011.

Will this café re-open soon?

That’s the rumor I keep hearing although I have not confirmed it as of yet. Like many towns in the area, Rockaway Beach has suffered a little from the depression that swept the United States in 2008 and which continues to deepen in 2011 on the heels of rising energy costs.

Still, it would be great to see this place re-open under new management.

Update: July 2011 - The White River Grill opens for business - See blog.

Just another leak or a sign of more problems to come?

This leak, which occurred recently by a water meter in the Valley View Village housing complex, was very close to the site of another similar leak that occurred last year. The question that came to my mind was whether this was just a coincidence or does it hint at an aging infrastructure.  Could the water pipes that lie underground become the source of increasing problems as time passes by? I’m guessing that the current underground system is thirty or more years old. That’s about the time I understand Valley View came into being. The pipes are metal whereas newer systems use PVC. If that’s the case, how long will the metal last before rust becomes a problem? I’m not sure.

This area, in which I live, is also the site of a sewer installation project. Last fall, I was told that the time line for installation of sewer lines to replace the septic systems now in use would be somewhere within twelve months or so. Problem is I haven’t seen much in the way of progress and it already mid April. Perhaps everything will all get done in a couple of months towards the end of the year.

The Angel Inn in Branson Missouri!

My first impression of the Angel Inn, which is located at 2350 Green Mountain Drive in Branson Missouri was one of cleanliness combined with efficiency. The are over a hundred rooms at this location. Offering everything from small singles to large suites. The Lobby is nice and professional and has an eating area with indoor pool and Jacuzzi. My stay there happened to coincide with the kind of beautiful weather you can only get in the spring here in Southwest Missouri. Seventies, sun and light breezes make for a nice day no matter where you happen to be staying. It’s just nicer when you happen to find a well run and clean hotel.

The location places this hotel very close to all the action without all the sounds of traffic during the busy season. It is only a few blocks from Thousand Hills Golf course and one block from the Grand Palace and Andy Williams Moon River Theater. There is a Panera Bread restaurant almost across the street and the Jubilee Grocery store is a half block away. Interestingly, Green Mountain Drive runs more or less parallel  the Highway 76 (aka The Strip), so you can maneuver pretty quickly from one side of town to the other without getting caught in the gridlock that is 76 most days and evenings. That’s makes a person’s visit much less traumatic, take my word for it.

The one flaw I found was the noise you have to endure if you stay in a room next to the numerous stairwells. As people come and go, the entire room I was staying in shook. A problem that was exacerbated by one overweight and flabby idiot who decided that the stairs were his personal exercise machine. He routinely ran up and down three flights of stairs for twenty minutes at a time, shaking the entire building as he did so. (I thought to tell him that he may be headed for a major coronary, but decided that the world has enough people in in already). The problem with sound could be minimized by placing all weather carpet on the landing and stairs. You’d think someone would have thought of that when the place was built.

Like most of the hotels here, check in time is 3:00 PM and checkout is 11:00 AM in the morning. Pool hours are from &AM to 11PM with a complimentary breakfast served from 6:30AM to 9:30 AM daily. I stayed here for two days and give it a solid D overall.  While it is not a bad place overall, the noise thing was a definite turnoff.

Adventure Ziplines of Branson Missouri

What combines the feel of flying with the excitement of bungie jumping? Ziplining, of course. Adventure Ziplines of Branson located at 501 North Wildwood Drive has to be seen to be believed. If you’ve never tried zip lining before and are the kind of individual that loves an adrenalin rush, this just might be for you!

Once you arrive at the facility which is now in its second year. You’ll be greeted by an experienced and certified staff that will teach you everything you need to know about Ziplines. Then, after a quick ride on an ATV, you’ll ascend a 65 foot spiral staircase from which you will soar from tower to tower with a few rope bridges thrown in  for added excitement. Want even more excitement? The facility does night runs! Earthbound guests can watch intrepid zipliners from the comfort of the climate controlled guest center.

Call Jared Story, the general manager, at 417-239-3030 to make reservations and to ask questions. They can also be found on the net at AdventureZiplinesofBranson.com. Me? I’ll stay on the ground taking pictures!

Bridge project in Branson proving to be difficult for some businesses!

I had a chance to stop in at a local grocery store for the first time recently located in Branson Missouri at 416 South 2nd Street. I used to drive by this place every day on my way from work when I headed  from Branson to Forsyth via the old bridge. The place is known as the Apple Market and today I had the chance to shop there. I was very impressed with the overall layout and pricing of the food offered there.

It’s unfortunate that with the turnaround bridge project for the Branson Landings now in full swing the access to the road has been temporarily cutoff. While this situation will not last forever, it will make survival of this and other businesses along South 2nd street very difficult. If you live in the Branson area and if you would like to see this family owned business survive, I would urge everyone to give them some business. The mega food grocery chains are doing great right now, it’s the little family owned shops that need us through these difficult times.

Gasoline at $10 a gallon. The reality of what that would mean!

Should some really bad things happen to our oil supply, then the price of gas could go into the upper stratosphere at some point. America has made it official policy to ignore the exploitation of its own reserves in favor of getting it from people who basically hate both us and our lifestyle. I think that much is common knowledge. We all knew in the back of our minds that someday, bad things could happen where the oil we buy may get partially or completely cut off. Sadly, that day is now upon us as a country!

 

Ask a person living in Arctic Village, Alaska what its like to try and live with $10 a gallon gasoline. They’ve been paying that for some time now and will tell you that while life does go on, it’s not one they would wish to have. Up there, filling up a Chevy Suburban gas tank costs about $310! So, just getting around at all is a luxury. Going to a grocery store up there is also a bit of a shock as the high fuel costs have placed even some common items off limits for all but the wealthy.  In 2008 a bag of flour costs $55 in some locations. I wonder what it costs these days.

 

In reality, such an increase would pretty well spell the end of this country and others. On a bright note, the death spiral would be pretty short.

What is Taney Services?

TaneyServices.com is actually two concepts at one location. It’s a site to promote computer help to those who need it in the Taney County Missouri area and it’s a location that will feature articles concerning other service companies that I feel are a good value.

The computer help portion of this site is intended to provide an income source for myself while at the same time acting as a support center for citizens who want or have a computer but are experiencing problems. I’m targeting senior citizens or anyone else who might need help with the ins and outs of system selection, setup and getting the equipment to do what they want it to do. I’ve found it can be extremely frustrating to have a problem with no one to turn to. Over the years, working at companies both here and in other states on computer systems, I’ve come across just about everything that can go wrong and have the resources to fix them. My major areas of expertise include; system selection, setup, troubleshooting and software instruction.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THIS SITE!

The second part of the site has to do with other services that are available that I feel offer excellent value for the money. This section which I call ‘Super Services’ consists of local home businesses that provide services like electrical and plumbing and with which I’ve personally vetted as being a company that can get the job done at a fair price. This area will be a work in progress for some time as I travel around looking for and weeding out the professionals from the ones that never show up.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THAT LOCATION!

Is the Powersite Sewer Project backed up?

According to an article that appeared in the February 19^th edition of the Branson Tri-Lakes News, the budget for some high profile projects including the Powersite Sewer Project have been cut. The article states that due to a ‘mis-communication’ between Regional Sewer District Administrator John Soutee, the county commission and County Auditor Rick Finley, the budget had been reduced from 14 million to just under ten million dollars. Such a reduction, if allowed to stand, could have significant impacts on the time table for completion. The funding has come from a special half cent tax and apparently Commissioner Ron Houseman has jumped in to correct the problem.

And those rates, they just keep a rising!

 Forsyth Missouri - Ever since last fall, I’ve been keeping an eye on the utility companies that serve Taney County Missouri. That’s when the customers served by Empire Electric got socked with a 13.35% rate increase. This to be followed in June 2011 by another whopping 9% slam dunk. Those may be added to if fuel costs rise (you mean like they are right now?).

Now Water District #2 is joining in with a 3% increase in the cost of water beginning April the 1^st. Did anyone get a memo on this when that was passed? And who was it that voted for the increase? The only mention of this I could find was a piece written on the internet by a local radio station. No mention as to why the rate increase was needed or how it is justified.

Next up this fall, will be the famous sewer projects which will affect some folks and which will add about $30 to their monthly list of bills. While this may save the environment, it is certain to sink some homeowners who are struggling now just to keep their heads above water.

Silver Creek is pretty darn dry!

This picture of Silver Creek right before it empties into Bull Shoals speaks of the dry conditions we’ve experienced in the Forsyth Missouri area since the beginning of last month.

Normally this area receives about 35.72 inches of precipitation (Data: West Plains, Mo.) each year. Last year in 2010 we had about 35 inches and so we were pretty close to normal.

In December 2010, however, the water spigot seems to have been shut off and since the first of that month; we have received only about three tenths of an inch. Now, in mid January where we could look for about two inches, we have had virtually nothing fall from the skies. I understand that this area experiences drought conditions once about every five to seven years and wonder if 2011 will be that kind of year. Update: Total precipitation for January was .38 of an inch!

Forsyth Flower Cottage & Tea Room

16052 Hwy 160
Forsyth, Missouri 65653          
Phone: (417) 546-5848

Mon-Fri: 11am - 2pm

[Forsyth Missouri, 2011] The Forsyth Flower Cottage and Tea Room located just off Highway 160 in the middle of town is owned an operated by Rene Newman. It’s been in business for 9 years now and has earned a reputation as a good alternative to the fast food emporiums that litter the area. What makes it unique is the flower shop located on the premises that offers innovative arrangements for all occasions. I’ve purchased flowers there for years, but never had the opportunity to enjoy lunch there. Honestly, the richly appointed dining area feels more like someone’s home than it does a restaurant. That may be due, in part, to the professional and yet homespun attention you get from servers like Carol. She took my order promptly and then delivered one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever tasted! (I think it was called the Carol Melt). It was a grilled pattie-melt type sandwich with some of the beat cheese I’ve ever tasted. This particular order selection also came with a salad, potato chips and a couple of cubes of cantaloupe. It was perhaps one of the nicest lunches in memory and was made all the more satisfying by the rustic décor scattered throughout the dining area itself. As they say, it’s the little touches that mean so much!

If you’re in a hurry, I understand they can handle carry outs and will even cater an event at your home or company. The Tea Room is generally open from 11AM to 2 PM Monday through Friday with limited seating, so if you’re planning on bringing a group, you might want to call ahead.

Please give this eatery a shot. I did and now I plan to make it a regular dining stop.

Note: The information contained in this blog are the opinions of the author and may not represent those of the owner. 

Powersite Sewer Project moving forward!

Apparently representatives of the company that will be installing a sewer system is going around house to house asking homeowners as to the location of their septic systems. I was told by the rep that they think they are now eight months to a year out from getting this effort completed.

According to the web page, ‘the purpose of the sewer project is to provide the area with a centralized sanitary sewer collection system in order to protect lake water quality by the removal of private treatment systems and residential septic tank/drain field systems.  The proposed collection system will consist of nearly 70,000 linear feet of new gravity sewer lines and force mains and associated lift stations.’

I inquired as to how much the hookup was going to cost home owners but could not get a definitive answer at that time. It is my understanding that anyone with questions can call Shawn Barry at 417 886-7171 to make inquiries. His email address is shawn@greatriv.com.