Mountain Men at Rockaway Beach May 18-20

I don't have much intel on this event, sorry to say. Last year I've heard that these folks dress up in 1840 type garb and have an area in Rockaway where they camp out (everything in the camp is of the period also) and have a good time. Should be interesting.

The Junction Bar and Grill is not a biker bar!

I guess someone got in their heads that since the owner owns a Harley that his business must also be for bikers. Not true according to Mike Osterday, owner of the Junction Bar and Grill located in Kissee Mills off Hwy 160-76.  I’ve been there numerous times to eat and haven’t seen nary a bike parked out front. No, this is an eatery that caters to the general public and yes, I understand that bikers are very welcome there, but then again, so are roofers, retirees, public officials and just about everybody in between!

Just three weeks since they originally opened, I’ve already notice some nice changes with more to come according to Mr. and Mrs. Osterday. On my last trip out there for an outstanding hamburger, I met Mike’s better half – Maggie who was taking orders while her husband cooked. They both were just as pleasant as can be.

This is one eatery and bar that I sure hope hangs in there and ultimately becomes a success. Next time you swing by that way, please stop in and say hi! Oh, and did I mention that this eatery has a WiFi Hot Spot for anyone with a laptop? Need more info? The bar can be reached by calling 417-546-2550! You can also visit their website at www.junction-bar-and-grill.com!

New guardians stand at Empire Park

Looks like that local man with a chain saw was at it again! Rather than remove this stand of trees that were dying, he was evidently allowed to carve this beautiful figurines out of wood. They are a true tribute to his skills and add something special to tourists to see.

The rest of Empire Park looks to be all set for people to enjoy are the summer is now just around the corner. Lake levels look to be good and it doesn’t look as though we’ll suffer the torrential rains that fell last year!

Mediacom to jack up their rate for internet!

According to a statement I received from Mediacom with my bill was an announcement that ‘Mediacom works hard to control our costs in order to keep your prices fair and reasonable’ However, due to the rising costs they have incurred, they’ve decided to transfer that right over to you the consumer in the form of a ‘modem fee’.  This ‘modem’ fee will amount to $5 more per month for you to enjoy the same service you were getting the month before! Hmm, Why doesn’t that sound reasonable. Wouldn’t you think with all the competition out there, they would want to find ways to reduce the rate??

Well folks, as far as I’m concerned, this little game will last only as long as it takes innovative companies like NetZero to get their 4G towers up and running. Then we can kiss off the internet service and their stinking modem for a much smaller fee structure vis a vie the 4G linkup.

River Run running on half empty?

I have to admit that most of my information concerning the goings on at the River Run Park near Forsyth Missouri is based on conjecture. A term that the dictionary defines as: the formation or expression of an opinion or theory without sufficient evidence for proof. So, in effect, much of what I write about concerning this popular camping destination is shear guesswork. That said, there remains some interesting questions about the people who manage this resource, i.e. the Army Corps of Engineers.

Let me cite an example. Recently, I noticed that the Corps installed an under the road counting mechanism near the park attendant’s office. I had to wonder why they'd go to that expense what with the park operating on only about a third of the available sites. There are just ten locations that appear to be open for RV and campers to use. I have to assume the other sites are closed due to corroded power lines damaged from extensive months when the park was flooded. Just more conjecture mind you.

And, even though the camping fees have been jacked up this year, it seems to me that the park must be operating in the red. So, why that counter thingy under the road? Wouldn't it make more sense to fix the power lines going to the other sites first? Yet another secular mystery.

  Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.

The Junction Bar and Grill, a work in progress!

Donnie Oakley manning the bar and grill!

Now that's a great sliced tomato!

I say you can't have to many grills and the newly opened Junction Bar and Grill is a welcomed addition to the Kissee Mills area. Located near the junction of Hwy 160-76. And, according to the owner, Mike Osterday, 'it's still a work in progress'. That seems to be the case, too as every time I've gone there to eat or drink, I've found something new! On my most recent visit there to get a quick hamburger and a beer, I noticed that they now have bar stools, so you don't have to sit in a booth or at a table if you don't want to.

I'll tell you true, the service was fast and the food tasted great. I was even impressed with how fresh the tomatoes looked on my burger! I also understand they've added some new items to the menu, although I forgot to ask when I was there.

Forsyth Spring Fling May 19th!

I attended the first 'Spring Fling' event last year about this time and was impressed. The weather was awesome (I'm predicting good weather this year too) and a good number of people turned out to look at vendor offerings and listen to some excellent music. Here's a copy of the flyer for this year:

Click to enlarge

Here are a couple of pictures taken while I was there. Did I mention they had food for sale also?

For additional information, I'll assume you can contact the Forsyth Chamber of Commerce!