River Run or River Ruin? You make the call!

October 23, 2011 – Forsyth Mo. - As I sat at a campsite whose shelter had endured serious damage, my eyes inspected a crude and soil covered supporting pillar with some interest. As the flood that inundated River Run Park over the summer fades now in my memory, the scars it left are still fresh here wherever you happen to look. It's just too bad, as this location just east of the town of Forsyth Missouri has always been a popular destination for many people from all walks of life. Now, as I look around, increasingly I feel like I've fallen into the middle of some Stephen King novel. What had been a place of sunlight and safety now has begun to take on a darker and more sinister light.

Has this placed been abandoned? I wondered as I watched a solitary man on a bike being trailed by his two dogs. Getting up, I started walking on the circular trail that circles the park area proper. The damage I had observed over a month ago is exactly as it was then. The public shower and rest rooms are locked and more than likely unusable as they do not look like anyone has attended to them. The same went for what used to be the Park Attendant area itself where a tree collapsed some time ago and still lies where it fell. Park signs are caked with mud and debris to the point where you can barely read them.

Well, I thought to myself, at least we have Shadow Rock Park left. It’s run by the local government and is working just fine.

Followup: On or about November the 18th a crew showed up to 'fix' the gate that looked to me pretty much 'unbroken'. Ahem. Also, I noticed a two man crew who appeared to be cleaning the campsite shelters with high pressure sprayers. Will wonders ever cease. It would still be nice if the Corps made an effort to keep interested parties in the loop.  

Forsyth Computer Shop now open for business!

I had a chance to stop in at the Forsyth Computer Shop located at 15960 Hwy 160 next to the Prime Time. Inside the store, which has just opened are a number of computers for sale along with helpful personnel that also do computer repair. The owner Brian Loehmann was attending to the needs of some customers, but I was able to chat with great person by the name of Michelle.

Their store hours are currently M-F 8AM to 6PM and Saturday 10AM to 2PM. They can be reached by calling 417-546-8400 or emailed at forsythcomputershop@yahoo.com. Stop in and say hi!

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A new Gun Shop/Furniture Store opening soon?

There are now confirmed rumors circulating that a new fishing, gun and antique shop will be opening sometime in early August at what used to be the Carol Jones office on Highway 160 in Forsyth Missouri. My sources tell me it may be called KJM Mercantile. I'll try and have more pictures and information as soon as possible.

Here's an update!

Area pantry needs your help!

On a recent Sunday morning I was taking my sister to the Country Mart grocery in Forsyth Missouri when I had a chance to meet a trio of very nice ladies who were collecting for the Branson Hills Ministry Center Food Pantry.

In times that are proving ever more difficult for everyone, it is good to see people like Brenda, Darlene and Marietta out there donating their time so graciously.  In difficult times, it is community charities like this one that can make the difference for so many.

If you would like to support this effort then click on the Branson Hills link for additional information.

White Swan Fish House

This week I had the pleasure of eating at the White Swan Fish House located at 15709 US Highway 160 in Forsyth Missouri. This building used to be a laundromat for many years before being converted to an eatery. It’s owned and operated the by the same folks who run the very popular Danna’s BBQ in Hollister and Branson.

When you first walk in, there is a service counter on your left where you can place an order. A very nice person by the name of Bridget made me feel welcome as she clearly explained the menu items including the specials they were running at that time. I was told that the most popular meal is currently the Fried Catfish Quesadillas, although the Po-Boys sandwiches may give them a run for their money. Other menu items include the Grilled Seafood Tacos (sounds interesting) and their basket meals which can include shrimp, catfish, chicken, oysters or even craw fish. A special youngster meal is also offered.

In case you’re not familiar with this eatery, it’s located at 15709 Us Highway 160 just across from Comb’s Furniture. So, it’s conveniently located and there's plenty of parking for all. Current store hours are Monday through Thursday 11 AM to 2:30 PM and Friday and Saturday from 11 to 8PM. It’s always a good idea to call them at 417 546-2231, however just to make sure.

John is the manager and chef of a well run and clean establishment. I counted seating for about fifty plus not including a group section that would seat 16 and more. The background music was very pleasant and all around you are reminders of the fact that you are in a fish house. Following is my ranking on a scale of 1= awful to 10 = awesome!

Cost to eat: 7

Cleanliness: 9

Food: 9

Service: 9

Empire Electric Rate Increase in September!

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.

The Fire Department in Forsyth Missouri

Located in City Hall at 15405 US Hwy 160 across from the National Enzyme Company, the Forsyth Missouri Fire Department performs a critical role in safe guarding homes and businesses from the ravages of fire and other threats to both structures and human life. I had the pleasure, recently of meeting Nathan Bower, the Fire Chief. He told me that the Fire Department is currently looking for able-bodied volunteers. Interested parties or anyone who would like additional information can call 417-546-3074.

The Libertarian and Constitution Party Ballots

While it may seem that come the Primary elections being held on August the 3^rd 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:

Libertarian Party Ballot

For US Senator

Jonathon Dine

Cisse Spragins

For State Auditor

Charles W. Baum

For U.S. Representative District 7

Kevin Craig

For U.S. Representative District 8

Rick Vandeven

For State Representative District 142

Bradley Stubbs

Constitution Party Ballot

For U.S. Senator

Joe Martellaro

Jerry Beck

Mike Simmons

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Forsyth

What was called Shoals Bend RV Resort has changed its name. The family owned and operated park is located at 11020 St. Hwy 76 in Forsyth Missouri. The entrance is about two miles to the south of the bridge that crosses Bull Shoals. They offer full RV hookups, rental cottages, wireless internet and a nice swimming pool. For information, they can be reached at 417-546-3000 or you can email them at garry@shoalsbendrvpark.com. Their web site is at http://www.shoalsbendrvpark.com.

Consumers Pull Back Spending in May 2010

In a setback for the U.S. economic recovery, retail sales unexpectedly fell hard in May as consumers pulled back their spending on things from cars to clothing.


Retail sales tumbled 1.2%, the Commerce Department said Friday, prompting one forecaster to lower its outlook on second-quarter economic growth.

The retail sales report "is a reminder that households are not going to be the engine of growth for some time," Capital Economics economist Paul Dales wrote in a note, adding that the retail sales report "dramatically weakens the outlook for consumption growth in the second quarter."

Sectors showing losses:

Building and Garden Supply      -9.3%

Autos                                       -1.7%

Gas stations                              -3.3%

Clothing stores                          -1.3%

In spite of this and the high unemployment rate, some sectors showed modest gains:

Furniture sales                          1.0%

Electronic and Appliance          0.6%

Health and personal care           0.3%

Internet sales                            2.0%

Sporting Goods and Hobby      0.4%

Restaurant and bar                    0.1%

"Consumers are still shopping despite high unemployment, sluggish income growth, and relatively tight credit," said Insight Economics analyst Steven Wood.