I recently had a chance to stop by the Queen City Bail Bonds office located across from McDonald’s on highway 160 this date and was glad I did. Not because I needed their services, but because I was curious about what a Bail Bond office was all about.
Inside I met a nice woman by the name of Ms. Myra Cox. I believe she is one of the owners, which also include two gentlemen by the name of Rex Shaffer and Rick Arnall. Their office is located at 15561 US Hwy 160 in Forsyth, Mo., and they can be reached at 417-546-3900 should you need to make an inquiry.They also maintain offices in the both the Springfield and Branson/Hollister area.
For those of you that don't know, a bail bondsman is someone who, provides a guarantee of financial responsibility to cover the cost of bail for a person involved in criminal proceedings. In plain language, they will get your sorry butt out of jail should you get arrested for an offense. The bonds-person often provide the guarantee of a 'blanket bond' that will cover costs should that person fail to appear in court. The bail bond company also generally charges a fee for the performance of their service. It can be a tough business, but can be invaluable if you are the one without enough money to post your bail.
Attorney Rita Sanders
Also, located in the same building are the law offices of Rita K. Sanders, a 17 year Police veteran. An attorney, who I understand, specializes in helping individual who have incurred a ticket of some type. She was not present on the day I stopped by and I hope to drop in again when she is around. Her office phone number is 417-890-0909. She also has a web page at www.theticketcenter.net. I understand her main office is located at 3023 S. Kimbrough St. in Springfield, Missouri.
These are all folks that can be of great assistance in the event you run into trouble with the law. Stop in and please say hi!
Update: This company is now also located right across from the Court House on Main street.
As times get a little bit hectic the closer we get to the Thanksgiving Holidays and then Christmas, it pays to remember to be considerate to others. This point was driven home to me one afternoon when I found myself inadvertently blocking the parking access of a truck that was trying to unload in front of the Country Mart store in Forsyth, Missouri.
I was parked in a no parking zone while waiting for a relative to finish her shopping. She is disabled and has a hard time walking very far as a result of a hip replacement surgery some years ago. The thing is that there is evidently no loading dock for trucks to unload. They must park in front of the building. A process made that much more difficult when people like me are blocking the way. This is even more exacerbated considering the increased need to stock the stores during the holiday rush.
The fact that Country Mart has apparently made little effort to accommodate both needs is a subject for a later blog. Right now, the trucks should be given the right of access and I will make an effort in the future to make an allowance for them.
I'm hoping that everyone will make an effort to get out on November the 2nd and place a vote for the candidates of their choice. Red or Blue, it's up to you. There are many important issues facing the citizens both nationally and here in Missouri. Please check out the sample ballot here!
There are three constitutional amendments to consider along with two Propositions. I have to express ignorance as to the meaning of the first amendment proposal. The other two are pretty straightforward and everyone will have to vote their conscience. Proposition A has to do with the ability of the sate to levy additional real estate taxes and B has to do with the regulation of state dog breeding operations. A measure that if passed will have an impact on where our tax dollars will go. Once again please vote your conscience. Note: There seems to be a movement afoot at the state level to impose more strict penalties on anyone who mistreats pets of all kinds.
A rate hike of 13.35% was announced recently by Bill Gipson, president and CEO of Empire Electric Company. Apparently the Missouri Public Service Commission approved the increase after it was announced that he Plum Point generating station in Osceola, Arkansas was completed ahead of schedule. Accord to Mr. Gipson, “The new rates will allow us to begin recovery of the costs associated with the environmental upgrades at Iatan I and the new Plum Point generating station.”
What this means to the average customer of Empire will be and increase of about $13 a month per thousand kilowatts of use.
While it may seem that come the Primary elections being held on August the 3rd are concerned with only two parties that is not quite the whole story. There are two other groups running as well; the Libertarians and the Constitution Party. Each of these has a position that may or may not better represent a voter’s point of view. I would ask however, that in the interest of fairness, the voting public also please check out the following fine individuals:
We seem to have a large number of Republican candidates running for the U.S. Senate down here in District 29 which includes the counties of Lawrence, McDonald, Barry, Stone, Taney and Ozark. I thought it might be instructional to post a short recap on each. Please advise me of any errors or omissions. Just please remember to vote August 3rd.
Bob Praprotnik is a Reagan conservative from St. Louis who owns a small business and has over 20 years experience in the architecture industry. He is running because he believes "that freedom is being destroyed and the Constitution is being ignored completely by the Obama administration." Praprotnik thinks that taxes should be reduced to ensure job growth and business development and is opposed to the current spending by Congress. Government rules and regulations should be revised to allow for less taxation and more money to the people. For health care, he would like to allow insurance companies to cross state lines and to revise malpractice costs. On immigration, Praprotnik would like to enable illegal immigrants to become legal through the proper paperwork and processes.
Hector Maldonado left active duty in order to run for senate. He has 15 years experience in the United States Army and has been deployed to Iraq. He became a U.S citizen in 1995. Originally born in Mexico and now residing in Sullivan, Mo., Maldonado is against swift amnesty as a solution to immigration. He believes that we need to first, secure the borders and then, work with illegal’s who are already in the country. He also thinks that government needs to be more careful about work visas in order to ensure that jobs aren't given away to immigrants that should be given to American citizens. Maldonado is also against government mandated health insurance and is also for allowing insurance companies to cross state lines. He is for small business and cutting taxes.
Kristi Nichols is from Lee's Summit, Mo., but currently resides in Kansas City, Mo. Nichols has worked in the airline industry for over 20 years and served on a special assignment in Operation Iraqi Freedom. She is a Tea Party organizer and a strong conservative, supportive of lower taxes and cutting spending on congressional "earmark" projects. Nichols also wants to increase choice and competitiveness in the health care industry and also supports expansion of the Health Savings Accounts, which allows people to save money for medical expenses tax-free. She is a member of the National Rifle Association and for second amendment rights. She is also against granting amnesty to illegal immigrants and wants to ensure that current immigration laws are upheld before making improvements on the current system.
Deborah Solomon is from Independence, Mo. and is running as an Abraham Lincoln center right Republican. She has a home-based marketing business and has been a substitute teacher in several school districts. For health care reform, Solomon wants to encourage community health centers to provide the primary services necessary. She also wants to put in a balanced budget amendment in order to avoid future federal deficits and wasteful spending. On immigration reform, Solomon wants to secure our borders and to create a fair process so illegal immigrants can become legalized. She's also pro-life and a supporter of the citizen's right to own a gun. She is a graduate of CentralBibleCollege in Springfield, Mo., and Mid-AmericaNazareneUniversity in Olathe, Kan. Davis Conway was born in St. Louis and currently resides in St. Peters, Mo. He is president of Affinity Electrical Contracting and got a degree from RankinTechnicalSchool. Conway wants smaller government and thinks the government is currently too large and uncontrollable. He thinks that "it is full of needless jobs, agencies, and policy solely for the benefit of gaining votes, employing friends and family, hiding money and paybacks." He would like the government out of the education system and out of our pockets. He also thinks that we ought to do more to enforce current immigration laws. Conway is also against unions, as they have too much power and are taking away money, jobs and resources away from small business. He is also a member of the National Rifle Association and a life member of Mensa.
Roy Blunt was born in Niangua, Mo. and currently resides in Springfield, Mo. He became Missouri's Secretary of State in 1984 and was president of SouthwestBaptistUniversity for four years. Blunt has also been a U.S representative since 1996. He has several solutions in mind for health care reform, including enhancing health information technology, allowing insurance companies to cross state lines, and expanding health coverage for small businesses. On the economy, Blunt wants to control government spending and also supports a balanced budget amendment. He also wants to restore checks and balances and to give education funding and control back to the states. Blunt also has a 100 percent rating from National Right to Life and the National Rifle Association. He has received the highest award from the Chamber of Commerce and National Federation of Independent Business.
Mike Vontz is from Lake St. Louis, Mo. and sees our deficit spending as our nation's greatest problem. To cut spending, Vontz wants to reduce the salaries and benefits for legislators. He is also against the bipartisan commission set up to investigate what needs to be cut from the budget and want to lower taxes. Vontz also thinks that we need to do everything possible to stop illegal immigration and to come up with an identification system for potential alien workers into the country. He is against term limits for legislators. Though pro-life, Vontz is against outlawing abortion entirely, as it doesn't seem feasible to imprison doctors and young women for murder if an abortion were to take place. He is supportive of legislating an informed decision for the mother and for outlawing abortions up to a certain point in pregnancy.
Chuck Purgason represents the 33rd District in the Missouri Senate, which includes Camden, Howell, Laclede, Oregon, Shannon, Texas and Wright counties. Elected to the Missouri Senate in 2004 and re-elected in 2008, Sen. Purgason previously served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 1996 through 2004. He is against the goernment mandating the purchase of health insurance and was instrumental in getting Proposition C on the August ballot. Purgason is in support of building a fence along the border and securing that border. He also believes in eliminating the Department of Education and returning the role of education back to the states. Purgason is also the founder and owner of Ozark Wings Hatchery and Hunting Preserve.
Tony Laszacs currently resides in Waynesville, Mo. and spent over 20 years in the U.S Army. He currently works at a nonprofit research and development organization that predominantly provides technical expertise for the U.S government. Laszacs thinks that educators need to be the ones designing curriculum and evaluating instruction practices and that government standardization methods have done more harm than good. He also thinks that taxes need to be reduced in order to balance the federal budget and to cut spending. This would also help create jobs because lower taxes help small businesses and investors. He also thinks that we need to cut wasteful programs and fraudulent spending. Laszacs has a bachelor's degree in law enforcement and has experience preparing communities against terrorism.
The Taney Regional Sewer District announced changes in the amounts that customers will have to put down for security deposits. As of July 2010, residential customers will be required to now pay a $100 deposit while commercial accounts will be raised to $200.
The reason cited for this change was due, in part, to a significant number of customers who have become delinquent on the bills. In June, 225 late notices went out from a billing base of 2, 018. (That works out to just over 11 percent). Right now residential customers must pay $32.88 per month.
According to John Soutee, the Sewer District Administrator, they will be pursuing a water shutoff agreement with local water companies in the event a customer refuses to pay for the sewer service.
Mailbox-it is a full service parcel and print center located in a strip mall at 15796 US Hwy 160, right across from Peoples Bank in Forsyth Missouri. It represents a one stop location for FedEx and US mail with everything you might need in the way packaging containers big and small. Owned and operated by Donald and Bette Helm since 2001, Mailbox-it is also a US Cellular phone center, has office supplies and even does graphic design. For information, they can be reached at 417 546-7706 or via email at mailboxit5@centurytel.net.
It was with some surprise that I learned that the Post Office in Forsyth Missouri also is the place to go and get a passport book or card. I went in there with my sister in July to apply for a book as opposed to a card. It seems a passport card is only good for countries you can drive to. The book is for countries that you want to go to by air. That’s how it was explained to me anyway. The cost for the book was $150 and you will need to bring the following two ID’s; a birth certificate with raised lettering and a drivers license or state ID card.
The paperwork consists of filling out a DS-11 form which asks basic questions including information pertaining to your parent place of birth and date of birth. So, make sure you have this with you. The office is also able to take your picture or you may bring your own if you follow the instructions found in the DS-11 form.
The whole process takes no more than ten minutes or so. One thing that did surprise me is that your birth certificate is sent with the paperwork to the State Department. I was told it would come back, under separate cover, about the same time they send your passport. This process generally takes five to six weeks.
Not many parks in Missouri have the history like that of Shadowrock. At times it has been the location of the town of Forsyth before dams up river forced it to relocate up the hill a couple of miles. During the Civil War, a brief battle was fought as Union troops bombarded the Court House as Confederates briefly held the position.
Today, the park which is neatly divided in half by Highway 160 has all manner of attractions including; tennis courts, playgrounds, a ball park, Rodeo and even places to camp and picnic. One section, close to the Bull Shoals River, has full RV hookups. If the park gets too full, there is another right across the bridge called River Run which can accommodate RV’s and tent campers.
Adding to the appeal of this recreational Park are numerous events held during the summer months. These include Car Shows, motorcycle swap meets, County Fairs, Demolition Derbies and cardboard boat races to name a few. As a matter of fact, this July 17th will see one of my all time favorite events; the BBQ Cook-off. Just imagine the smells of all sorts of meats being cooked slowly to perfection and what that will do to an appetite. This is something I look forward to all year long. It will be billed as a Forsyth Fun Day and will host entertainment along with the ever popular cardboard boat races.
It’s a fact that people seek beauty. They are constantly looking to improve what they have or even give themselves a whole new look. They drop by the nearest hair and beauty salon to be pampered by stylists and beauticians to style their tresses, shape their eyebrows, and color their nails – all in a setting that is relaxing and enjoyable. For myself, just an hour in a hair and salon shop every month and I emerge confident and ready to take on the world.
That’s why guys and gals from all over the Forsyth area have come to depend on owner Colleen Karnes’ Hair’s The Place saloon to help them look their best. I have frequented her shop located at 136 Rockhill Drive (kitty corner from the Shelter insurance office on Hwy 160) for some time now. Colleen offers a full range of beauty options and now has a talented stylist named Elise Morse working with her to offer only the best in haircuts, perms, hair coloring, nails and even pedicures. Their hours are Tuesday thru Saturday 9AM to 5 PM and while walk-ins are welcome, Colleen encourages her customers to call and set an appointment for the most prompt service. They can be reached by calling either 417-546-3039 or 417-251-0335.
Just down Coy Blvd. off Highway 160 in Forsyth, Mo. You can find one of the better managed oil change facilities. It’s called Mobil One Express Auto and is located at 194 Coy Blvd. I have been getting my oil changed there for some time now and can relate that on every visit there, it has been a pleasant one.
While the facility may specialize in oil changes, I’ve also found it to be closer to a full service facility.On my last visit they were able to fix a broken electric window riser at reasonable cost and in short order. They can do inspections, if you happen to need one and I also understand that they even have vehicles for sale. You can call for additional information and pricing at (417) 546-4224.
July 2013 update: For whatever reason, this facility decided to black out the windows that separate the oil change area from the waiting room. I'm not sure that was such a great idea. It makes me wonder what it is they're trying to hide... Note: This situation did not last very long.
Jan 2016 update:This location has closed down and the operation moved.
A recent visit to the White River Valley Historical Society was made all the better by my encounter with the fine folks that work there, especially Ms. Leslie Wyman, the managing Director. She graciously showed me around even though they were in between theme exhibits. They were getting ready for the opening of ‘Ladies Fancywork’ which will showcase women who historically employed many talents, from quilting to embroidery to the nearly lost art of tatting (a technique for handcrafting a particularly durable lace constructed by a series of knots and loops)! This is just one of a number of exhibits that are presented in the course of a year. Coming up in September 2010 will be one I will want to see called ‘Sportsman’s Paradise’ and which will highlight hunting and fishing in the Ozarks.
The buildings location is at 297 Main Street in Forsyth, Mo. which is just across from the newly constructed Taney County Judicial Building. They can also be reached at 417-546-2210 if you have questions and the Historical Society maintains a very informative web page at www.wrvhs.org.
It’s a BBQ Challenge and Forsyth Fun Day to be held this coming Saturday, July the 17th at the ShadowrockPark. Call the Forsyth Chamber of Commerce at 417 546-2741 for information on competing in the BBQ challenge or the boat race. From 9 AM to 12PM there will be music (Hipp Katz) and entertainment including activities for the kids sponsored by the White River Valley Historical Society. In addition, there will be a silent auction, horseshoe tournament and sand volleyball. Our Fire, Rescue and Emergency folks will also be performing demonstrations and a live fly-in.
Starting at 11:00 AM, my favorite activity begins and that is the serving of award winning BBQ to us common folks. (I’m not sure what the charge will be for this ($5?), but I can tell you it’s worth every penny). While you’re eating, you can also inspect the cardboard boats that will be competing shortly after the noon hour.
Tucked away in back of the White River Plaza is the Ozark Mountain Pawn shop owned and operated by Scott Novak. Scott’s shop houses all sorts of unique and sought after items including tools, ammo and fine jewelry all at bargain prices.
Scott’s shop is located at 14974 US Hwy 160 in Forsyth, Missouri and their phone number is 417-546-3778. The shop also specializes in jewelry repair and engraving. Stop by and say hi!
One would think, after shooting hours of video, that I would be able to come up with some sort of story line to visually show what was a most excellent five day event. Trouble was, a County Fair by its very nature, is a chaotic mix of many elements. There are crafts, music, food vendors, rides and politicians all competing for your attention.. Throw in some animals running amok and automobiles bent on complete destruction and what you get is a visceral and informational miasma that pleasantly assaults the senses from every direction. (Sort of like Congress on a good day).
So, putting something together for my You Tube Channel video was rather a challenge. Not wanting to subject my audience to the raucous sounds of machinery gone wild! I attempted to match a background musical track that had some semblance of relationship to the topic at hand. In the end, I came to realize that a Fair is really more about the people that attend it and how well they enjoy the experience, Thanks DanO!
The Fair, now in its third day of a five day run, has proven to be worth every penny of the $5 daily admission price. Spread out over much of ShadowRockPark in Forsyth Missouri the Taney County Fair provides a lot of fun for all ages. There are more rides than I’ve seen in recent years and food is available for almost any taste. On my last visit I had a slice of pizza that was out of this world. There are also corn dogs, hamburgers and even cotton candy for sale by the various vendors.
The Fair is also a good opportunity to have a chance to get up close and personnel with some of the politicians that are running for office this fall. They have booths set up and are more than happy to discuss the issues of the day. Some of these politicians will be speaking publicly on the stage at around 7PM on Friday evening.
Tonight (Thurs, June the 17th) at 6:30PM the very popular Little Miss Taney Beauty Contest will be held on the stage. Then at 7PM get ready for some hilarious action as the kids get a chance at Mutton Bustin. This will be followed by a good old fashioned Steer and Calf riding contest.
So grab your family and friends and come out to make an evening of it.
Event Dates: Tuesday, June 15th through Saturday, June 19th, 2010
Stage Entertainment:
Tuesday, June 15th – Thrill Billys 7PM
Wednesday, June 16th – Mike & Nancy Micham 7PM
Thursday, June 17th – Little Miss Taney County – 6:30 PM
Friday, June 18th – Open mic & Politicians speak – 7PM
Saturday, June 19th – Open Mic – 7PM
Arena Events:
Tuesday, June 15th - Rodeo 7PM
Wednesday, June 16th - Rodeo 7PM
Thursday, June 17th - Mutton Bustin 7PM
Friday, June 18th - Garden Tractor Pull 7PM
Saturday, June 19th - Demolition Derby 7PM
Demolition Derby
This is one of those events that feels uniquely American to me! I attended the event last year and have to tell you it was a very enjoyable experience. The action starts at 7PM! Make sure you attend!
There will also be a Horseshoe Event on Saturday at 8:30 AM
Admission is $5 each day. Arm bands are $16.00 for the rides. The Gate opens at 4PM each day.
My recent decision to eat at this new restaurant in Forsyth Missouri was not without some trepidation on my part. Shortly after it opened in May 2010, I’d heard a few rumors to the effect that the service was a little on the slow side and that some orders were not properly cooked. (This may have been simply due to the fact that the waiters and cooking staff were new. Or, it might have also been an attempt by others to simply discredit a new restaurant in a town where there are quite a few eateries already). So, I decided to check the venue out myself.
On this day, I invited along my sister to go have lunch and to sample their midday fare. This was on a Friday at about 12:30 PM. We arrived and noted a few cars parked in the lot. One of them, I noted, was a Department of Health vehicle. Turns out the inspector was eating there. I took that as a good sign.
Upon entering, my impression of the place was optimistic. The tables were clean and well maintained. We found a booth in the back area of the smoke free establishment and did not wait very long for service (maybe a minute or so). Our waitress was a lady we had met before named Peggy who had served us while working at another restaurant. Peggy, in my opinion, is a top notch server and a pleasure to talk to.
For lunch, we both elected to order the quarter pound Angus beef hamburger. I also ordered the half pound of French Fries which came to $4.99 for the meal and $1.50 for a large coke. I did not have to wait but a few minutes for the food to arrive and found the meat to be medium well done but still juicy while the fries were crisp and delicious. My sister’s only complaint was that the buns were not toasted.
This establishment can seat at least 75 to 100 (not sure what the fire code allows for) and the back area looks perfect for groups as the central tables can easily be moved together.
I ranked this visit as follows:
Quality of Service (1= I’ve been mugged & assaulted to a 10 = I want to put this waitress in my will!)
On this visit, I gave them a 9 rating overall. The waitress was a real pleasure!
Quality of Cuisine (1= I’m poisoned, call 911 to a 10 = I’m in heaven, so leave me alone!)
Great hamburger and fries. I gave this meal a 9 as did my sister.
Overall Experience (1= A toxic cesspool, to a 10 = I’m setting up my bed in the back!)
The restaurant was quiet, clean and I felt very comfortable being there. For this visit, I gave them a 9 rating.
In conclusion, while I cannot speak for the truth or possible falsity of rumors, I can state that my visit there was nice enough that I intend to eat there on as regular a basis as my diet will allow.
