Bull Shoals Roundabout drive bys! Sept 19, 2018!

Update: September 19, 2018 - It looked as though both lanes on the new bridge were open as construction now seemed to be focusing on the Roundabout end.

September 13 update video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGTbw0GwEHg&feature=youtu.be

August 14, 2018

One-Lane Traffic ?Round the Clock

At Route 76/Bull Shoals Bridge Further Delayed until Aug. 20

Forsyth Area, Taney County – Drivers can expect one-lane traffic with temporary traffic signals regulating traffic on Route 76 at the Bull Shoals Lake bridge project east of Forsyth starting Monday, August 20, the Missouri Department of Transportation said. The move to the temporary traffic pattern during this phase of the bridge project has been further delayed due to weather. Originally, the plan called for Route 76 to be closed for up to two weeks to connect the new bridge into the existing highway. However, after hearing strong concerns from the community about the closing of the Route 76, MoDOT committed to work with its project contractor to minimize the impacts to the traveling public. MoDOT and the contractor developed an approach to keep traffic flowing during this part of the project. It’s expected the one-lane traffic and temporary traffic signals will remain in place for up to two weeks. Mid-way through the process of building the new pavement connection, Route 76 traffic will move to the new bridge. However, one-lane traffic and the temporary traffic signals will remain in place until all the connecting pavement is complete. Drivers can expect delays on Route 76 during this phase of the project. They are urged to allow plenty of extra travel time and expect backups on Route 76 approaching the bridge. During the work, law enforcement officers will assist with traffic control during busy traffic times. Contractor crews along with law enforcement will assist first responders through the work zone during emergencies.

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Taneyhills Community Library to feature a talk on Lord of the Rings!

Branson MO - J. R. R. Tolkien lovers will not want to miss this opportunity to join with James S. Baumlin, Distinguished Professor of English at Missouri State University, to discuss the inspiring literature of The Lord of the Rings on October 2nd at 6:00 pm in the Stanley and Elaine Ball Tech Room at the Taneyhills Community Library. In this talk and Q&A session, Baumlin will explore the ways that literature—Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings specifically—accompanies us through our life stages.

Baumlin will read select brief passages and encourages audience members to bring their own copies of Tolkien.

This rare FREE opportunity is being provided in part through Ozark Public Television’s The Great American Read program. The Great American Read is an eight-part series that explores and celebrates the power of reading, told through the prism of America’s 100 best-loved novels (as chosen in a national survey). The series appears on OPT Tuesdays at 7:00 pm.

Space is limited. Please stop in at the library and sign up at the front desk for this free session or call 417-334-1418 to make a reservation.

The forgotten Park - River Run!

Forsyth MO. - One of the great pleasures of living in a rural setting that is hilly, green and blessed with water ways are the parks, wherever and whenever you find them.

The Forsyth Missouri area in southwest Missouri is blessed with two great recreational parks; Shadowrock Park which the town leases from the Corp of Engineers and River Run which is run by the Corps. Shadowrock has faced some challenges over the last year or two with the construction of a nearby bridge and roundabout. That process, thankfully, is nearing an end and the hope is that this great park will be restored to full usefulness. River Run had also been impacted by the bridge construction but additionally faced other obstacles,  notably the aforementioned Corps of Engineers. And that is the topic of this post.

Two gates control access!

Years ago, I lived in a neighborhood that was adjacent to River Run and for many years, I fully enjoyed the covered RV sites and the boat launch. Then sometime around 2012 or 2013, a pair of gates (see diagram above) were erected at the Hwy 76 junction and at the top of the hill on Baker street. When they were closed, the park was effectively closed. I recall that the first time I really paid attention was during the government shutdown in October of 2013. Over the course of the years to come, these gates were closed more and more often. Many times it was explained by the Corp that it was over 'safety' concerns due to flooding. OK. But I wondered about all the decades that came before there were gates. Whenever the park flooded, folks knew not to drive there... Whatever, now the Corps had a convenient way to completely shut down that park whenever the mood hit them.

Then, a series of event occurred. First, it was the installation of sewers and then it was the bridge construction that keep both gates closed most all the time. And I could understand the reasoning there. However today, not so much so. You see, even as it may be proper to keep Gate 1 closed due to road construction for the new bridge, Gate 2 could be opened. Guys with boats could then use the boat ramp while others could walk or picnic. Sorry! There is a sign at gate 2 that states the park is flooded - Uh, no the Bull Shoals level was only at 657 feet msl, or about two feet below normal! So, you can see my confusion here.

While all these events were going on, the park has continued down the path of neglect and decay, not showing much in the way of care that I could determine from my viewpoint across the river. Hey! That's my park they're messing with!

Here's my thinking for 2019. Why not encourage the Town of Forsyth to take out a lease on River Run, like it has for the other park? It seems to me that the Corps of Engineers may be too busy doing other stuff (what stuff I have no clue?) to be effective and perhaps our City Hall might even make a few bucks off it come next summer. Just a thought.

Kar Lot Oil & Lube!

Forsyth MO. - Oil changes are fact of life, and after I discovered that the Mobile One facility had closed yet again, I went on search of a new facility. I quickly discovered the Kar Lot Oil & Lube located close to the Long Horn Family Dining restaurant at 16099 US-160. The garage is run by a gentleman named David who told me has had decades of experience and who I personally found to be very professional....

When and if you need service that includes oil changes, but which also which encompasses just about everything other than transmissions and exhaust work, a quick call to 417-546-8484 will allow you to set up an appointment. When I arrived at mine, I my auto was serviced in a fast and friendly fashion. David not only changed the oil, but also check my fluid levels, adjusted my tire air pressures and did a good overall inspection. The whole process took only about twenty minutes and while I was waiting, I was impressed with David's attention to detail and the manner in which he kept his garage in almost immaculate condition. A good place to try for your next service needs!

INFO 2 KNOW : In-Home Safe Wi-Fi and DATA workshop!

Taneyhills Community Library announces another great INFO 2 KNOW workshop free to the public. Tuesday, September 11th at 5:30 pm, K. Michael Prince, Director of Becausefamily.org, will present “In-Home Safe Wi-fi and Data.”

Michael says, “Don’t let your home be smarter than you. I strive in teaching people to be in the loop of their tech capabilities when dealing with modems and smart home products.”

Prince’s workshop will highlight securing your home modems and learning the vulnerabilities of smart tech products such as smart thermostats and Amazon Alexa.

Be sure to reserve your seat as space will be limited to 32 participants. Sign up at Taneyhills Library Front Desk or call 417-334-1418. KNFO 2 KNOW is an example of the services and community outreach the Library provides. Taneyhills Community Library is funded solely through donative and volunteer efforts.  The Library receives no local, State or Federal tax monies. 

Empire Electric to build a billion dollar wind farm!

Empire Electric. now Algonquin Liberty out of Toronto Canada, is building a new Wind Farm in Missouri at a cost of one billion dollars. Until 2020, there will be huge credits given out by the Federal government. That money will greatly enhance the profit picture for the company's investors, many of who are Canadians. Prior to its sale in 2016, empire levied one of the biggest increases of any other electric service in Missouri, over 63%. That made us one of the highest payers for electricity anywhere around. Then in May, Empire levied another 'fuel cost' tax to offset increased fuel costs. This idea of paying on costs has been a tried and true tactic. One of my favorites was the manner in which they offered cash for anyone who installed certain efficient air conditioners and suck. Sadly, the customer that didn't upgrade, ended up paying for those who got checks! Now, they are cashing in on tax credits that will bolster the coffers of the company in Canada and which will like result in higher not lower rates over time.

In my view this will turn out to be yet another ripoff as we move through time. Orchestrated by a socialist democracy off to our north! You can contact the Missouri Office of public Consul and complain at:

Governor Office Building, Suite 650
200 Madison Street
PO Box 2230
Jefferson City, MO 65102-2230

Voice: 573-751-4857
Toll-Free: 866-922-2959
Fax: 573-751-5562
mopco@ded.mo.gov

A day in August!

Forsyth MO. - It was a nice Friday. A hazy sort of day that promised gentle winds and warm temps somewhere in the low nineties. In other words, a pretty typical, late summer sort of deal. My agenda was also straightforward and rather simple; get some breakfast and then go grocery shopping.

People on diets tend to eat quickly!

My choice of eatery was the Long Horn Family Dining establishment that was located along the main highway that snaked through my very nondescript town. The restaurant was being managed by a very nice lady by the name of Lyn. She followed me to my seat, took my order and got me a hot cup of coffee all within just a few minutes. And five minutes after that, my food arrived! Wow! Great service and I enjoyed my selection called the Works - a great dish at under $9.

Next, I was off to the Country Mart, one of two grocery stores inside the city limits. At the 8AM hour, it was slow which was just the way I liked it. After grabbing a cart, I almost immediately ran into one of the stores star employees - A gal by the name of Sheila. (If your a bit down, spending just a few minutes talking to her will definitely brighten your day).