Bridge project congestion? What congestion?

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

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

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

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

Charlie's in Forsyth for sale?

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

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

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

Random thoughts heading into October!

No jeans, no job, lady!

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

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






Long time contributor gone from local paper!

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

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





October 7 Harvest Moon should be fun!

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

Bull Shoals Bridge project - Traffic flow - Video 1!

Photo courtesy of Craig B Smith - Sept 20, 2017

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

Stoplights needed at Highways 160 and Y?

Proposed roundabout!

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

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

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

Charlie's in Forsyth to close for good!

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

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

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

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

Blues, Brews and BBQ festival!

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

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

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

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