That leftover bridge could be utilized!!

Forsyth MO. – Sometime in the coming fall of 2018, the new bridge over Bull Shoals will be completed. When that happens, it's my understanding that the old bridge will stay, be sealed off with foot and bicycle traffic still being allowed.

While looking at a picture of that bridge (above), it occurred to me that there is a decent amount of space along that span! Space that perhaps could be utilized to some extent in future years.

Specifically, I was thinking about small vendor stalls being erected along one lane that could be made available to anyone who wanted to walk up and purchase whatever it was being sold. Of course, parking spaces would be needed at the end opposite the turnaround. I was thinking something like 20 or so spaces where someone could park their vehicle and then stroll along the bridge. Perhaps even steps could be created just before the turnaround area to give walkers access to and from Shadowrock Park. Now, I'm aware that this would be a tall infrastructure order. The area would need power, water and toilet and waste facilities. Still, if done right, it would be unique...

Such a setup, if done properly, would be sure to garner some national press. Something that would be very good for our area.

Restaurants where are yee?

One of the reasons I've tended to shun the local restaurants in and around Forsyth MO as of late could be summed up in the picture taken out of my daily diary. As mortal man, it is all to easy for me to consume foods that are not in our best interests! Even a simple meal of small portions as shown above can be a dietary wrecking ball! You could just imagine, then, what some of the breakfast offering do to the heart and waistline at some of the local eateries... I'd love to see them begin to offer up fruit plates, creative salads - Well, you know, stuff that no one wants to order...

Ozark Country Crafts opens in Forsyth!

Wayne and Jean!

Forsyth MO. – Two new to the area resident, Jean and Wayne have recently opened a store front on Highway 160 next to the Bait Shop and just across from the Court House! I had a chance to stop by and check out a few of the many interesting products that they have to offer. I thought that their soy candles were a great idea as they are cleaner burning that regular candles with much less soot! I was also attracted to their display of lit containers including all sort of bottles! Also in evidence were wooden object de art along with original paintings done by Jean.

Ozark Country Crafts is really a fun kind of place to stop and shop in the Forsyth area. Their hours are 10-5 Tuesday thru Friday and Saturday 10-2. Also, be sure to stop by their very awesome web site at www.ozarkcountrycrafts.com where you can browse through their extensive catalog and even learn a little about these two very interesting people!
 www.taneyweather.com

eBay workshop offered in Branson!

Branson MO. - According to the November 1 edition of the Taney County Times, a workshop that will cover 'Buying and Selling' on eBay will be offered on November 14 starting at 6PM at the Taneyhills Community Library located at 200 South 4th Street in Branson Missouri!

Acclaimed local author Josh Young (Myths and Mysteries) will deliver an entertaining and informative talk on how to navigate, buy and post items on the very popular eBay platform.

This should be a very popular event and the organizers are urging interested parties to call and make a reservation in order to make sure they have a spot. You can call the library at 417-334-1418 to make the reservation and in case you have any additional questions.

Rockaway Beach to hold first Main Street meeting!

Rockaway Beach MO. - The first ever Town Hall Meeting for the Rockaway Beach Main street will be held on November the 9th, 2017 at 6:30 PM at the Community Center located at 2762 Street on Highway 176 in Rockaway Beach! In case you're not familiar with the Main Street Affiliate program here is a short explanation that was taken from their site:

'Main Street Alliance is a national network of small business coalitions working to build a new voice for small businesses on important public policy issues. Alliance small business owners share a vision of public policies that work for business owners, our employees, and the communities we serve.

The Main Street Alliance national network formed in 2008 to give Main Street small business owners a new voice in the health care reform debate, and has since broadened its focus to work on a range of issues that matter to small businesses and local economies. Our growing network includes small business coalitions in over a dozen states.'

According to an article published  on November 1 in the Taney County Times, 'The evening will begin with a presentation from Missouri Main Street about the Main Street Approach ( registered trademark) to Revitalization.'

Additional information can be obtained by calling Jim Harriger, Director of the White River Community Development at 417-880-0749 or via email at jmharriger@gmail.com!

Forsyth Events occurring on October 28!

Forsyth Halloween Parade!

Forsyth MO. – It's time for the annual Halloween Parade which is being hosted, once again, by the City of Forsyth. Registration is to occur in the parking lot of the Forsyth Presbyterian Church at 1PM on Saturday, October the 28th with the actual parade taking place from 2PM to 4PM. Pre-school through 4^th grade children are invited to participate. After the parade, and also in the 2-4PM time frame, will be the annual Trick or Treat Community Party which will be happening in the aforementioned parking lot!

Fall Cleanup Day set!

Not to be outdone with the kids parade, The Taney County Commission has designated October 28, as the day to allow Taney County residents to dispose of certain items at the two transfer stations – for free! One of the stations is located at 274 Buchanan Road with the other on Hwy 160 just three miles to the north of Forsyth near the Taney Center. From 8AM to 3:30PM, residents can dump; furniture, appliances and automotive batteries. Also allowed will be most anything made of metal or lumber. Glass will also be accepted as long as it is segregated from other items being disposed of. If you have any questions, you can give the Taney County Road and Bridge Department a call at 417-546-7268. You will be required to present some form of proof of residency before you will be allowed to dump stuff off. Note also that the Buchanan Road Transfer Station only will allow the dropping off of tires for a $1 fee per tire. The limit, per resident, is 12 tires at that location! www.taneyweather.com

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.