River Run Campsites now being repaired!

Sites that were without power for 2012 are now being restored!

Water damage to junction boxes rendered them useless.

 After a number of months of delay, additional funds from the Federal Flood Recovery effort became available to allow repairs to electrical junction boxes that were knocked out after extensive flooding inundated the River Run Park area over a period of four years. Included in the ongoing repairs will be new awnings over some of the RV sites along with new electrical junction boxes for as many as sixteen sites that had been without power since last season.

Owner Don Freeland working on site!

I had a chance to talk briefly with the owner of the company that was doing electrical portion of the repair. His name was Don Freeland and his company 'Freeland Electric' operates out of Mountain Home Arkansas. Mr. Freeland informed me that the work was moving along quickly as he and his working staff were putting in long ten hour days in order to restore the campsites to full operational status as soon as possible.

Well, it looks like River Run Park will be back up 100% before the end of the season and just in time for the fall RV crowd to come down and take advantage of the great fishing found in this part of the Bull Shoals waterway near Forsyth Missouri!

Update: As of early September, it now looks as though electrical power has been restored to all the campsites (call them to make sure). There are also a few awning that are being replaced at this time. Other than that, the Park looks good to go!

Senior Friendship Center Swap Meet

Click on to enlarge

Seems like more and more of us are becoming seniors every year! One great gathering place down where I live is the Forsyth Senior Center. A great place to find 'homemade' food served each week day at 11:30 AM along with good people who like to get together and have fun.

This event helps keep the Center going and growing. Please come and give your support at the Swap Meet to be held on Saturday, October the 13th at Shadowrock Park just to the east of Forsyth, Missouri off Highway 160! Click on the picture above for additional information.

Charlie's Ribs Steak and Ale revisited!

After a tough month in July when this popular venue failed a couple of Health Department inspections, I happy to say that they have cleaned up their act in fine style.

When I visited for lunch recently, I found the tables to be immaculate and the service prompt. From the time I sat down to when I was served wasn't much over five minutes or so. For me this was fast! In addition, the food (a hamburger and fries) looked and tasted great. Kudos to Chaz, the owner for knuckling down and getting his venue ship shape!

Update: As of mid September 2012, Charlie's has continued to improve and is a regular eating destination for myself.

Should malware companies be subject to terrorist penalties?

After having to spend an entire morning rebuilding my laptop due to a malware infestation named Security Live Platinum aka Reveton delivered by the Citadel platform, I had pause to think about these evil people and the manner in which they prey on the novice internet user as well as the older population that is not computer savvy. These vultures infect a system with software that makes it appear as though the system was infected, when it’s actually the software they snuck onto your system that was to blame. They then offer to ‘cure’ your problems for a certain amount of money. Now mind you, their spyware is still active and tracking your every move, they just make it appear that all is well. But wait! There’s more. Then, they sell the credit card information to other crooks who can then take a swipe at your money as often as they can before the card is shut down! So, not only did your system not get fixed, but you also got taken…numerous times!

To me, this is nothing short of domestic cyber terrorism and I would like to see Americans everywhere write their congress person to encourage them to enact laws that would bring these people to justice under a military tribunal; a court that has the power, by the way, to impose the death penalty. I would also like to see ‘bounty hunters’ granted border immunity in going after these idiots. Let no country be a safe haven!  Only when this happens will we ever have a chance of ridding ourselves of the lice that is costing so much in the way of grief and expense.

If anyone has any information concerning the identity of the people who are spreading this malware and spyware crap over the internet, please feel free to post that information in the comments section.

Forsyth Senior Friendship Center in Forsyth Missouri!

This meal tasted as good as it looked!

On a warm day in early August, I met with a couple of friends at the Forsyth Senior Friendship Center located at 13879 US Highway 160 and to sample that days offering of roast beef with carrots, mashed potatoes, dinner roll and a large cookie! The Center, which is owned and operated by the Seniors of Taney County, offers a complete lunch menu Monday through Friday (excepting Holidays) starting at 11:30ish AM. (I’d been told that you need to arrive early if you want to get a parking spot! That point was driven home to me when I arrived at 11:20 AM and found the parking lot nearly full)! The establishment had twelve large circular tables set up that day that could handle about 7 to 9 diners each by my estimate. On this day, I think that there were at least 60+ attendees.

The lunch menu, from day to day, is varied and a wonderful meal deal at a suggested donation of $3.50 for seniors over the age of 60 and just $6 for everyone else! Also (with the assistance of the Southwest Missouri Office on Aging), they offer services like free home delivery for those unable to attend. A great and worthy cause indeed!

Click on to enlarge

The Friendship Center is a pretty interesting place for some other reasons also. They have numerous special events each weekday along with a flyer that highlights each day’s menu offerings. For additional information, you can reach them at 417-546-6100 during regular business hours. I’m hoping to post more on this wonderful establishment later next week.

You can visit their site at Eastern Taney County Seniors for up to the minute news!Also, don't miss the giant Swap Meet to be held on Oct 13, 2012!

Update: If you pan to ever visit, do so on a day when they offer up the Breakfast Buffet! It's awesome and you can really load up your plate!

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.

Forsyth Area Eateries for July 2012

I thought I would update some of the eateries in the Forsyth Mo. area as they have changed in some cases. Click on any image to expand! I plan to try and update this panel every few months. Note that some locations have not been visited and so are left blank as far as the ratings go.

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.

Tri-Lakes Motors does take care of its customers!

Recently, I received a recall notice from the folks at Chrysler who wanted me to bring my Jeep Liberty in for replacement of some rear stabilizers they felt might be defective. I immediately called and got an early morning appointment for the next day.  Now, mind you, it’s been quite some time since I visited this dealership. I remember that I bought my 2006 Jeep in the summer of 2007 and other than one maintenance service call that was the last time I’d been there.

That next morning I pulled into the service area and was taken care of immediately. The service personnel seemed to be upbeat and professional. Even my waiting in the dreaded ‘waiting room’ turned out to be pleasant as I ended up talking to some other nice folks who were getting their vehicles serviced. Even though the wait was for two hours, the time when by quickly. (The waiting are sports a TV, free computer, vending machines, bathrooms, magazines and free coffee). It was sort of like hanging around my house.

The repair went smoothly and I would have to say that this establishment seems to have a great desire to take care of their customers. I would recommend Tri-Lakes Motors to any and everyone.

It’s mid summer at River Run Park!

It’s just after 10AM on a sunny July the 11^th with a temperature standing at 80F (but which is destined to reach 90F before the day is done). And, while the sky overhead is clear, I can see haze along with some scattered cumulus clouds near the horizon.

I’m sitting at campsite #27, one of about a dozen still without power due to flooding that occurred the year before. After the waters finally receded, they had done a number on the power outlet boxes for the campsite that run along the rivers edge. Fortunately, ten other campsites that lie on higher ground were spared and today about half are occupied with RV’s. These sites cost $18 per day and offer both power and water, while the water only sites are going for $9.

It being midweek, the park was not very crowded. Those that were here, however, were taking advantage of the much lower temperatures than what was the regime just a week before. According the weather service, things should be relatively normal for the mid section of the month with daytime readings of about 90 followed by evenings in the low seventies.

It was gratifying to see one of the Corps of Engineer people out repairing the bath house and I hope to hear that all the campsites will be brought back up to code fairly soon. I was also pleased to see that the signs at the entrance of the Park had been refurbished!

Update: Shortly before closing for the winter - all the affect power outlets were removed and replaced! This was done in September and come next spring, the park should be clean and fully functional!

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.

City Council Meetings on You Tube! A good idea? Well no, maybe not!

Taney County Web page allows anyone to listen in

At first blush, you’d think this to be a good idea. Perhaps even a great idea. But, after a little time to reflect, some problems begin to show up.

First up, by just having a video camera in the room, taping the entire proceedings could pose problems. Believe it or not, some people could go from ‘open’ mode to ‘quiet’ mode as they realize that everything they say will be later scrutinized by an inquiring public. (Something a politician is all too aware of). It so true that words uttered in casual mode cannot be taken back once those words are recorded and then launched on the internet. End result, the meeting might become stifled.

Another problem (one that can be fixed) is the potential for equipment malfunction where part or most of the recording is lost. This could be corrected in a number of ways. Firstly, taping an entire hour long meeting would require enormous amount of digital space. Also, there’s a problem with YouTube limiting a segment to just ten minutes. You’d need something like six segments to cover just one meeting. Another fly in the ointment would be to try editing out parts of the meeting in order to save time. That would inevitably create a conflict when some would demand to see the parts that were edited out. Bummer.

So, is there any solution that could work? Sure, one thing that could be considered would be to do a ‘live’ podcast in the same manner that Taney County already does for its meetings. In addition, these recordings can be left on that .com’s server for access later on by the public. That would work, but could suffer due to the sheer length. Talk about being bored out of your mind….

My suggestion then would be a twofold approach; One, offer the public the ability to listen in during the live session and two, have someone jot down a condensed version of the significant points that came up during said meeting. (Actually, if a clerk takes the meeting notes, this is already being done). If the notes were made into a .pdf file, it would be a simple matter to link each summary text to a newsletter whereby each session would be accessible at any time and by anyone.

Just a thought….

Warning - New weight loss pill will not end well!

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration has approved Arena Pharmaceutical's anti-obesity pill Belviq, the first new prescription drug for long-term weight loss to enter the U.S. market in over a decade.

Despite only achieving modest weight loss in clinical studies, the drug appeared safe enough to win the FDA's endorsement, amid calls from doctors for new weight-loss treatments.

The agency cleared the pill Wednesday for adults who are obese or are overweight with at least one medical complication, such as diabetes or high cholesterol. The drug should be used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise.

Read more at: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jdoG3RqUx15S1YMkxw9ZqH2tNY_g?docId=29a31685be29495fb7b586bd85011483
------------------------------
My take: If you all trust these mega corporations, or the EPA, or Washington, any more that you could drop kick an anvil, then by God go for it! In my view, these pharmaceutical conglomerates are the problem and not the solution. They are a growing cancer whose ultimate goal is parasitical, not beneficial. For God's sake, you sad and confused citizens, please go see your doctor and please ignore these complete and total idiots.

Forsyth Fire Department merger may be just the beginning!

What’s wrong with this picture? Now the Mayor of Forsyth Missouri, Ron Potter wants to merge his mostly volunteer Fire Department with that of the Western Taney Fire Protection District. OK… He states that such a merger would save the City over 30K at a time when money in the General Fund are about thirty five percent of what they should be ($62K versus a normal 175K). According to Potter, “We’re in tough times.” I'd have to agree with that assessment. Especially, after reading the results of the recent audit of his City. Now, the Mayor and his fellow Aldermen are scrambling to save money anyway they can.

The question is, however, if this merger does go through…just what are the citizens of the Fair City of Forsyth losing in the process? I mean they must be losing something tangible, right? Otherwise, perhaps a merger like that would have taken place years ago…

Another question concerns the financial shape of the City of Forsyth itself. Accord to the recently released State Audit, ‘the General Fund is in poor financial condition’. It also went as far as to state that this situation was attributable to the fact that ‘the Board of Aldermen failed to monitor the budget and cash balances’. Uh, wait up just a second. Isn’t that a major function of their job description? I mean, how exactly did this august body of individuals fail to notice that the General Fund decreased by over half ? (I’m pretty sure I’d notice if my banking account was off by even fifty bucks in any given month! Here we’re talking a hundred grand or so).

OK, so perhaps that is all water over the dam. What’s done is done and can’t be undone, as they say. Now, the City is faced with making some pretty tough decisions like with the Fire Department merger. I have wonder what’s going to be next on the old chopping block?

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.

My case for a City of Forsyth Newsletter!

A tongue in cheek newsletter example!

Since I’ve produced a newsletter, from time to time in the past, I can tell you that they can be a real pain to create. After all, even producing a single page takes compositional skills, good input and above all else…a desire to get it done!

Having stated that, I feel a City of Forsyth newsletter (whether it be monthly or quarterly), could serve as a cost effective vehicle to help keep the citizens of Forsyth informed concerning budgetary and other issues that are coming up for consideration by the Board of Aldermen. By posting on the internet, I feel the City would be honoring its moral responsibilities in keeping the public informed while saving money via electronic posting. (My rather satirical example can be seen here).

Certainly, there would be no lack of topics for such a paper. Just taking some of the recommendations put forth by the State Auditor's report should provide ample material for some time to come! In addition, by posting controversial topics such as the merger of the City Fire Department with the Western Taney County Fire Department would not only make for an informed populace but would also benefit the City with much needed feedback for those most affected by such a move.

I know that the City of Forsyth has considered this idea in the past. (They even have a spot reserved for a newsletter on their website). Perhaps now would be a good time to take affirmative action so that, jointly, both City officials and the public can address what some feel is a crisis of too little information.

City of Forsyth Audit results

On June 19^th at 5:30 PM, the City of Forsyth hosted a Public Forum whereby Deputy Missouri State Auditor Harry Otto presented the findings of the first ever audit of the City of Forsyth Missouri. The audit which was ordered as a result of a petition by over 200 citizens of the City was asked for in response to a concern that monies collected as part of a half cent ‘recreation tax’ may not have been entirely used in the manner they were supposed to be used, that is, for the maintenance of local area parks.

Proceeding began promptly in a room that was packed with concerned citizens, city officials and members of the media. Each person received a twenty page ‘State Auditor Report’ that contained both a Citizens Summary and a detailed report that covered eight specific areas that the audit found to be in need of correction. Addressed at the forum were the following areas:

1)      Financial Condition

2)      Real Estate Purchases

3)      Restricted Revenues

4)      Utility Controls and Procedures

5)      Accounting Controls and Procedures

6)      Expenditures

7)      Payroll Controls and Procedures

8)      Budgets and Ordinances

Overall, the Audit found the City’s performance to be only ‘fair’ and in each section there were recommendations made by the auditing body along with a written response from the Board of Aldermen. Mr. Otto made it clear to all present that there would be no follow-up to this audit and advised everyone present that it is the citizens responsibility to ‘hold the Boards feet to the fire’ through attendance and involvement at the frequent board meetings that are held at City Hall and which are open to the public.

My take on this whole schmear was that, while there was no criminal activity in the way the Board administered city funds, some procedures have been executed poorly and need to be tightened up (perhaps the April elections could help here). I also had the impression that this audit, which was spearheaded by citizens like former Alderwoman Missi Hesketh, was fully justified as it exposed glaring inefficiencies in the manner in which monies were being used and accounted for.

Hopefully, everyone will walk away from this effort with a desire to improve the City operationally and with the certain knowledge that the audit process itself, which was initiated by concerned citizens, is proof that the built-in political checks and balances are fully operational.

The complete audit report can be found here: http://auditor.mo.gov/Press/2012-50.pdf

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.

Forsyth Library Thrift Store

During these hard times when it seems everyone is trying to stretch their inflationary dollars, a thrift store can help bridge the gap when it comes to clothes purchases!

I recently stopped at the Thrift store located across from the Forsyth City Hall and was pleasantly surprised that they not only offered men's clothing, but that they also had a great selection! I was able to quickly find a printed t-shirt and a pullover at jaw dropping prices! The store also carries women’s and children’s clothing on racks throughout the store! In the future, I’m making this great venue a frequent stop!

According to my information the store hours and telephone are:
Monday-Friday  9:00AM-4:00PM    
Saturday 9:00AM-1:00PM 
  
Telephone:  (417)546-5004 

Public Forum June 19 in Forsyth

Here's one City Hall meeting you don't want to miss! Seems the report on the audit of the city is now ready for review and comment. The meeting will be public and will be held at the Forsyth City Hall on Tuesday, June 19th at 5:30 PM, this according to trusted sources. See you all there!

2012 Taney Fair coming together!

Click on to enlarge

With just a couple of weeks to go before the 2012 Taney County Fair comes to town, there’s still ‘lots of work that needs to be done’, Fair President Dennis House informed me when I stopped by recently to view their progress. He also indicated that volunteers were needed to help pull everything together, so if you want to help out or need additional information, please contact one of the Board members at http://www.taneycountyfair.org/! The Fair starts on Tuesday, June the 12^th and runs through Saturday, the 16^th. Advance tickets and Arm Bands are on sale at Save-A-Lot, Hilltop Gas & Grocery, Scooter’s, Park Place Market and Prime Time! Arm bands are $13 in advance and $16 at the gate. These locations also have limited supplies of Fair Booklets to give away – I’ve enclosed copies of a few pages of some of the events here!

  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.

'Taco Tuesday' at The Junction in Kissee Mills Missouri!

I've never met a taco I didn't like! Hi end, low end, soft or hard shelled – even a poorly made taco is better than no taco at all! Those were my thoughts, as I cruised in to the newly opened venue that is featuring a 'Taco Tuesday' on every (what else) Tuesday. The Junction Bar and Grill is located near the intersection of Highway 160-76 in Kissee Mills Missouri. While it's still a work in progress, according to owners Mike and Maggie Osterday, it is a complete establishment where hungry and thirsty people congregate. On this particular day, I was meeting a couple of 'associates' who also wanted to try out this dish from just south of the border.

Now, it should be re-stated that not all tacos are created equal. In the realm of the hard shell taco there are all sorts of fillings that can be incorporated. What many do have in common is some sort of spiced meat, (usually ground beef) and perhaps some shredded cheese and lettuce. Taco Bell, located in downtown Forsyth Missouri, features a hard shell with a filling of meat, topped with diced tomatoes, some shredded lettuce and cheese (this venue closed in July 2012). Throw on a little hot sauce and you have yourself a wonderful taste sensation! On this visit to the Junction, I wanted to contrast the two and maybe even declare a winner.

Now normally, I would have asked my dining companions for their insight on such fine taco attributes as concerned the overall texture, taste and appearance. Unfortunately, with these two yahoos, that would be like trying to compare an original Mona Lisa to a crude etch-a-sketch. To wit, watching them 'eat' was not very unlike witnessing a commercial garbage disposal running at full bore! To my amazement, I don't think either of these men actually chewed their food; rather they engulfed it. One second nine tacos were there and the next nine were not! I found that a little creepy and I decided to go ahead and critique these tacos el solo...

Critique: The Junction 'Tuesday Taco'

To begin, here is a brief physical description of ingredients I think were used used:

Corn tortilla

Ground beef

Taco sauce

Lettuce

Shredded cheese

Hot sauce (you have to ask for it)

The cost per taco was .80 cents as compared to .89 cents for the hard shelled tacos at Taco Bell! Score a point for The Junction!

I estimate that the calories came to about 170 each, so two of these along with a cold brewski came to about 300 calories total! I found the taco shell to be crunchy and the taste of the filling was as good as any taco I've ever tasted! I'd score this deal at a solid 8 – good lunch time food that while I wouldn't say it was quite as good as the stuff Taco Bell put out, it was close...real close! A major point in the favor of the Junction is the fact you can order a beer with your food. For me that clinches it! I'm eating at the Junction when they have Taco Tuesday from now on!

If you live anywhere close to Kissee Mills Missouri or are planning to vacation near there, I'd urge you to stop in and support this venue. It's the kind of establishment and small business that lies at the very core of this great country of ours! Tell 'em DanO sent ya~

  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.

Forsyth News & Views Issue 3

●    Those police checkpoints! Do they really work?
●    Our City Council and the word on the street!?
●    Taco Bell offers a senior discount!, Yes, I think!

Get your copy here!

   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.

Forsyth News and Views - Issue 2

Opening Day for the Twisted Spoke Bar in Forsyth Mo.

Junction Bar and Grill - Kissee Mills - doing well...very well!
Wet T-Shirt contests -  Really!

Hydroplane races in June at Rockaway Beach Missouri!

Check out the pdf link here!

Disclaimer: As usual, any information provided is the sole property of the author and may or may not be accurate. All material offered in this blog is purely for entertainment purposes.

Forsyth News and Views

See link below for pdf

Yes he is, or so it would seem. Check out the latest bit of trivia concerning some aspects of the Forsyth business community. This month, I focus on some of the eateries and bars that populate this community. Click here for the .pdf link! Am I fair and precise? No, not really. I hope, however, that I can motivate a few citizens to get out and see for themselves how the local businesses strive so hard to service us. Folks, until things change in this great country, survival for many of these entrepreneurs will hinge on your patronage and love. We are all in this together! Aren't we?

New editions are available at Taney Services!

Disclaimer: The author of this blog is not affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned and has received no monetary or other incentive rewards of any kind. All posts in Forsythbiz are of the bloggers exclusive opinion and may or may not reflect upon popular views.

River Run Update – May 2012 – Riverside camping slots now available, but…

I had the pleasure of meeting one of the Park Attendants who are volunteering at River Run this season. Her name is Sue and I understand that her and her husband are from the Great State of Texas!

I stopped in the small office located by the entrance to the park to inquire about the condition of the campsites by the river. She confirmed my suspicions that the power was out in all those locations, but that the water was on! Also, these spots can be had for the bargain price of something like $9 per night. Since I have a small power generator to use, that sounded like a great deal.

But wait! There’s more! It also turned out that I’m eligible to apply for a USGS Senior Pass Card that the Corps of Engineers also honors even though they are not required to.  And, that card will afford me half price fare in the park. Now that is a good deal!

  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.

White River Grille serves it up your way! Cudos!

Sorry! I ate through half this meal before thinking!

Bill Kitchin told me one afternoon that I could have a hotdog at the White River Gill in Rockaway Beach Missouri pretty much anyway I wanted it made.  I told him I wanted an authentic Chicago-style Hotdog. He said, ‘No problem’.

So, I stopped by his restaurant one afternoon and ordered just that. I must apologize for the picture as; a) I was famished and b) it was a darn good meal!  However, I think you’ll get the idea that the food served there is pretty darn tasty!

You can pick up additional information and even inspect the menu by going to their site.

Hydroplane Boat Competition Rockaway Beach 2012

Click to enlarge!

Here is the official flyer for the Hydroplane races!

  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.

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.

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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:

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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!

Air Evac in River Run rescue on April 30th

It was just another nice and quiet Monday evening when I heard the sirens off in the distance and then, a short time later, the blades of a rescue helicopter from Air Evac Lifeteam circled over my home before landing in the adjacent River Run Park. I hurried down there and filmed a few of the valiant men and women who devote themselves to helping others when accidents happen. I hope that this individual gets well and recovers soon! View it here on You Tube!

River Run still in need of some TLC!

OK, I get it. This park has been spending an inordinate amount of its time beneath the waves these past few years. And like I could imagine Atlantis would be, the park has sustained quite a bit of infrastructural damage as well.

On a quick run through the park on the last day of April, I couldn’t help but notice that there is still some work to be done and I can’t help but wonder if this area will flood yet once again before to long. Money is tight these days and perhaps the Army Corps of Engineers doesn’t feel this area is worth all that much effort any longer.  (I’m not sure as nothing is ever posted at the park for anyone to know).

I did manage to get a picture of the sign that has the camping rates posted on it. I’ve noticed they’ve gone up considerably over the previous season when I think they were at $13-$18. (I’m still unsure as to why there is more than one price to camp). Interestingly, the sign is pretty difficult to read except to where it concerns the money that’s being charged. How so governmental is that!

S&S Pumping Service

I don’t really have much information yet on this septic tank pumping service that is located at 2151 Burmingham Road in Forsyth Missouri. I’ve noticed the truck in and about my neighborhood on rare occasions, but have not heard how well they perform. Their number is 417-546-2390. If anyone is aware of their pricing, etc. please leave a comment.

River Run Park closing for 2012? Or, maybe not....

May be hard to see, but each bench is missing its canopy!

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Well, maybe at least partially. On my drive through today I couldn’t help bur notice that most, if not all, the canopies over the picnic tables at each of the riverside campsites have been removed! An interesting development seeing as how this is the beginning of the camping and tourist season. I went to the ‘attendant station', only to see that they were closed on that particular day (funny how that works out). There were a couple of people working by the station, but they really had no idea of what was going on and told me so explicitly. That too wasn’t all that surprising. In any case it would appear that many of the sites are closed to camping at this time. If any reader out there knows why, please leave a comment. Otherwise, if you are planning to camp in that park you might want to check with the Corps of Engineers to find out what is going on with this park. I tried calling them and got an answering machine. Oh, and apparently rates to camp there have gone up. What a surprise!

But wait, there's more! Like magic the canopy's all returned. And, they appear none the worst for wear! Don't ask me what's going on, I haven't a clue!