Every touch screen tested had fecal matter present!

London England - According to a research paper, they swabbed the new self-order machines in six different England locations—six in London and two in Birmingham. The breadth of different and concerning bacteria on each one worried Senior Lecturer in Microbiology at London Metropolitan University Dr. Paul Matawele, who told the Metro: "We were all surprised how much gut and [fecal] bacteria there was on the touchscreen machines. These cause the kind of infections that people pick up in hospitals."

Among those bacteria was staphylococcus, which has been linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome. Matawele called the bacteria "so contagious." He was also concerned about the listeria, klebsiella, and proteus strains found, each of which contributes to a different serious illness.

100 gloves cost about $10

I saw this post and then wondered if the McDonald's located in my small town of Forsyth Missouri would also be acquiring one of these devices to help cut back on the number of people working there. (I understand that with the rise of minimum wage requirement, restaurant owners have needed to cut back on the total payroll in order to stay profitable). I hadn't seen any thus far, but wondered just how long it would take for them to make an appearance. When that occurs, there will then be the question of just how sanitary those device surfaces will be. My thought would be to purchase a package of disposable surgical gloves that could be worn when ordering and then tossed, along with the remains of the meal, once I'd finished eating.

River Run Park reopens along with other select topics!

A 'close to spring' sun peaks thru early morning clouds!

Forsyth MO. - Will wonders ever cease? Just one day before the start of Spring and River Run, a popular park area near Forsyth Missouri was once again open after being closed for some period of time! And, the water levels had gone down to near normal levels! Just how long either were to last was open to question. That said, I visited all three local parks in the immediate area; River Run, Shadowrock and Empire Parks and found them to be looking great.

River Run Park

The only, short term problem I could see, was the paving work going on at the newly constructed roundabout at the intersections of Hwy 76 and 160. That should, however, be wrapped up very soon and then everything would appear to be set for locals and vacationers to come and enjoy activities like camping and fishing for which the area has been very popular over the years.

Shadowrock Park Mar 28

Update: Mar 26 - Bull Shoals lake was back down to 'normal' full pool levels and the roundabout was looking great. Shadowrock Park was also looking good when I drove through it at couple of days later!

Following are a few notes concerning area locales and businesses:

Charlies - This venue which had been up for sale for over two years was currently off the market and apparently not for sale. That was speculation on my part, but they had not been listed on the local real estate boards to the best of my knowledge, after canceling their contract with KW in late February... Update: April 2019 - I talked to a knowledgeable source and was informed that the owner family decided to try and sell the place themselves. The 4300 square foot establishment's asking price was still at $850K last I heard.

Oaxaca Mexican Restaurant - I drove by on this post date and saw no activity at the new location. The property was looking great with the signage and all, just no sign indicating when they might be opening. Also, no one was answered the phone, when I tried calling that same day in the early afternoon hour. There was also nothing that I could find on their Facebook site that mentioned an opening date. So, while they do serve up a great cuisine, maybe their front office could use a quick make-over.... Update: Oaxaca to re-open Wednesday March 27, 2019. Update: Check out my Mar 28 review!

Shadowrock Lodge - I spoke briefly, with the ownership of the Lodge, and was told that while progress was being made to open the bar, needed benchmarks were still yet to happen. So, while the Cafe/Hotel will likely open eventually, it remained a question of the pwnership getting some additional improvements made before that could take place.

Bull Shoals Lake level - Even as water was being released from the Powersite Dam and even as the current Bull Shoals water level was just two feet above the normal pool or operating levels, I still had some concern for levels at Beaver Lake which was also riding at two feet above normal. With improving conditions in Arkansas after a record setting period of late fall 2018 rains, things were looking to get back to normal. In additional, long range forecasts for regional rainfall for southwest Missouri did not look all that bad! These facts gave me the hope that both Shadowrock and River Run Parks would stay dry through at least the early spring period. (The bottom line was for everyone to get out and enjoy them as soon as the weather warms up)!

Update: Mar 26 - All three reservoirs were nearing 'normal' levels for the time of year. That be very good news!

River Run closed in early March!

Forsyth MO. - One of two popular parks near the town of Forsyth Mo. which is situated in southwest corner of the state was closed recently and just why that happened remained a mystery to me.

For whatever reason, the Army Corps of Engineers located in the Little Rock District of Arkansas and who can be reached by calling (870) 445-7166, had decided to close the park to public access as I discovered on the morning of Friday, March 8, 2019.

The Park itself was mostly high and dry as water levels at Bull Shoals were dropping fairly rapidly. The graphic at right depicts the water levels as of March 8, 2019. The level at 9AM that day was measured at 665.66 feet or about seven feet above normal levels. Note that the level that would result in the closure of the park was obviously in error...


So, the question becomes... Just what does the Corps know that the rest of us don't. Can they accurately foresee the future. If true that would be something to know! Maybe a reader of this post can give them a call to find out! If anyone does, please leave a comment.

Then, like magic, we had a ,81 inch rainfall all across the region!

Rumors? Most proved to be true!

Forsyth MO. - There were lots of rumors swirling out there in 'Forsythland' and I wanted to jot down just a few;

Golden Dragon - The rumor is now a fact! The Oaxaca Mexican restaurant will be re-opening at what used to be the Golden Dragon. This was announced on Feb 22, 2019 and I was texted that they plan to open in 2 weeks which would be around the 8th of March! They also indicated that plans were being made to have a bar! Update: March 4 -  stopped at the venue and talked with one of the men working there. I was told that they planned to open on Mar 18 and that there would be no bar at this time, although I do believe you can get drinks with a meal...

Carl's Auto - Another rumor that turned out to be fact. Carl's Auto is alive and well at the Coy Blvd Mobile One site. And, I was still assuming that a new facility would be under construction at the site where the old building had burned down. They can be reached M-F at (417) 546-4919. My only concern was the much smaller bay space compared to what they had on 160. I'd assume that it might be a good idea to call ahead for an appointment. Update: March 4 - I stopped by the site of the old garage on Hwy 160 and did not note much happening there.That made me wonder if the Coy Blvd site was now more or less permanent.


Shadowrock Bar and Cafe - The last info I received from the ownership was that they intended to open even as they were getting some form of threats not to! Thus far, however, I not seen much in the way of activity there the last couple of weeks... Update: March 4-8, 2019 - Nothing stirring at this location.

Charlie's Sold?? - The only thing that had been interesting about this venue was when the For Sale sign blew away in late February winds. (That was quite a feat as the sign weighed about a hundred pounds)! But, it was also interesting to note that it had not been replaced. What did that even mean? I placed a call to the realtor that was representing the business and was told that the contract had been canceled on Feb 25 and that there were no listings for it on the MLS. I found that puzzling and so messaged one of the family members to see if that person could enlighten me... I'll update as soon as I hear back from him.

Area Parks flooding - That's one rumor I can confirm. That is, unless we get into a mini-drought this spring. and, some good news, even as the River Run Park was beginning to become flooded, new of a dry spell was released by the NWS. So, we'll see what happens.

Update: As of March the 4th, the water level in Bull Shoals had dropped almost half a foot! That was certainly good news to hear. The only worrisome thing was that storms were due to impact the area on Thursday, March 9.

Update: Even as the water levels had receded quite a bit as of March 9, a fast moving storm dropped .81 inches or so all across the region. Magically, the Corps had already closed River run!

The state of a few businesses in Forsyth MO!

Forsyth MO. - On what was the day of the State of the Union address that was to be given by President Trump, I thought it would be interesting to do a drive around and try and get a feel for my small town of Forsyth MO.

The day was overcast, it was early February and rain was forecast to fall late in the day. At the 2PM hour, I was surprised to see quite a bit of traffic going in both directions. That said, there were also a goodly amount of businesses that were no longer in operation. Following are a few;

Charlies - This upscale establishment had been closed for some time and seemed likely to remain so. There had been a rumor that the recently closed Mexican restaurant (see below) people were going to lease out this venue, but as of the date of this blog I observed zero activity...

OAXACA - What was becoming a popular Mexican cuisine restaurant had closed and when I tried calling the establishment, the phone just a kept on a ringing. Which brings me to...

The Mexican-Burrito restaurant - OK, it too had closed which made me wonder if the citizens of Forsyth had something against Mexican food? I mean that Asian Buffet place was still open so what gives?

At least this place had a sign that gave out some useful information to anyone who might want to open up something new...

Park Place Market - Another venerable convenience style store that had bit the dust! Well, Forsyth did have a couple of the mega gas island /slash/ convenience-styled stores still hanging around, so who would miss another tiny bit of Americana going bye bye.... (Me for one)!

Still there is some good news to print when I state that that bridge that crosses Bull Shoals has been completed along with a new roundabout! Both are working very well and could provide great access to both Shadowrock and River Run Parks, that is assuming they don't flood out due to heavy spring rains...

Read and Recycle books at Taneyhills!

Used books are bringing in the tourists. That statement is true at the Ye Olde Book Shoppe inside the lower level of the Taneyhills Community Library.

“Tourists are our biggest patrons,” attests Kenton Olson, Bookstore Manager. “We have many repeat visitors who come in. They will often buy $20 to $40 worth of books.”

The Ye Olde Book Shoppe sells hardcover books for $5 or less. Bargains can be found in the $3 room.  That is another surprise.

The bookstore gets its inventory from Taneyhills supporters and decommissioned books from the library upstairs. With a living room setting complete with a sofa and stuffed chairs, the bookstore is like a miniature Barnes and Noble. Besides a huge fiction selection, it carries just about every non-fiction subject from politics and religion to “Star Wars” and paranormal. We also have a selection of children’s books.

The store recently received a significant donation of hardback novels by prominent and favorite authors such as James Patterson, Stephen King, C. J. Box and Dean Koontz.  Olson stated these authors might be priced a little higher due to their collectability.

All book sales from the store are part of the vital income contributions toward keeping the library open. Unfortunately, Taneyhills receives no tax funding from the federal, state, county, or local levels.

The Ye Olde Book Shoppe is open Tuesday – Friday 10:00-4:00 pm; Saturday’s 10:00-12:30 pm. It is located on the lower level of the Taneyhills Community Library, 2000 S. 4th street in Branson, across the hall from the Library’s Thrift Store.

Taneyhills Community Library
200 S. 4th Street
Branson, MO 65616
417-334-1418

Wandering around Forsyth MO in January 2019!

It was mid January, 2019 and I got it in my head to do a drive-around in Forsyth Missouri. As I live there and am curious, I wanted to tally up any changes that I could observe. For those with any interest, the town has a population of about 2,300 - It's been around since 1837 and is named after John Forsyth, 13th United States Secretary of State. A Civil War battle was fought there and it is currently the County Seat of Taney County, Missouri!

For such a small Midwestern town, Forsyth enjoys over ten eateries, which might explain why some of the locals (me included) are just a tad overweight...


Bull Shoals bridge and roundabout!

It had been a month or more since I had visited the site of the new Bull Shoals bridge and roundabout construction area, just to the east of Forsyth on Highway 160. I was happy to see that most everything had been done and found the roundabout to be very easy to navigate. I really did think that the traffic flow is vastly improved both now and in the years to come. Kudos to MoDot for a job well done!

Peggy's Park Place closed!

I was with some consternation that I learned that the Park Place convenience store had closed. A friend had texted this news to me and so I drove down to the store, located near the Bull Shoals bridge, to see what was going on. The sign on the door plainly indicated that the venue had 'gone out of business'. Sad.





Shadowrock Lodge not yet open!

While I was in the area, I stopped by the Shadowrock Lodge to try and learn whether or not they planned to open the bar and grill anytime soon. I had observed various workmen over there, from time to time, but saw no real indications (signs, etc) of any sort of opening date. When I drove by on January the 19th, there was no one present on the premises, as best I could tell.




Mexican- Burrito restaurant closes!

What had been a laundromat many years ago, and which had been the site of numerous restaurant startups, the latest edition aka the Mexican-Burrito restaurant had apparently also taken a siesta and was now closed. I was unable to get any information as to whether or not the establishment will re-open or will remain closed.


That leaves just Oaxaca as one of the only venues left to get authentic Mexican cuisine and I've heard a rumor that it too may be relocating soon...



Charlie's restaurant still up for sale!

Now going into its second year of being for sale or lease, the former Charlies Steak Ribs and Ale restaurant remains available. When it was open, Charlies was arguably one of the most upscale restaurants in the area. (That honor perhaps now going to either Fat Daddy's or the Long Horn Family Dining establishments). In any case, I was hoping to see this fine establishment under new ownership very soon!


Shadowrock and River Run Parks!

On a better note, both Shadowrock and River Run were looking great. I noticed that the entrance to River Run, off Highway 76 had really been cleaned up (pic at left), making the Park area easy to see from the road. Both parks were open, which was somewhat surprising, as during the last government shutdown under Obama, River Run was closed! That said, it was looking as though all we really had to worry about come the spring of 2019 would be heavy rains... I'll try and keep tabs on this at my weather site.

Update: March 8, 2019 - River Run was closed. Why? I had no clue. Please see this post!

www.taneyweather.com