Empire Electric Demands More Money!

Well, it seems Empire Electric is strapped for cash once again. Gosh darn it all. After grabbing a whopping 13.4 percent increase in September, the company is looking for another 9.2 percent. This rate increase would not become effective until mid 2011 if approved. The overall yearly increase would represent a hike of 22.6%. According to Empire officials, the increase is needed to cover the cost of the construction costs of a new plant in Platte County.

They also want to continue the use of a fuel adjustment clause that would allow them to increase the rates they can charge twice a year on June 1^st and December 1st. These increases would be tied to increases in the cost of fuel used to run the generators.

The Future of Missouri Water

Like many Americans, I have become increasingly concerned with my water supply. Questions concerning the source of drinking water and how often it is tested are just a couple of things I would like to know about. So, here is what I have found out concerning my neck of the woods.

It’s my understanding is that the Taney County Water District Number 2 supplies most of Forsyth Missouri with drinking water. Their office is located at 1865 State Highway VV in Powersite. The telephone number is 417-334-8010.Office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. They do have emergency numbers on the answering machine in case you have a water main emergency after business hours. Their office observes most legal holidays.

The Public Water Supply District #2 of Taney County states that they are in compliance with the newest rules and regulations established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) pertaining to the Safe Drinking Water Act and lead content in water. They send two samples per month to the DNR laboratory in Springfield for testing. These samples are taken at random locations throughout the District.

The District office also prepares a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) annually. This report is mailed to all their customers to notify the public of all constituents found in out drinking water and what levels of each constituent is allowable by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Anyone interested in obtaining a copy of CCR report can call their office and they will gladly mail one to you.

I plan on requesting this report and will followup with a blog on my findings in the near future.

Forsyth Missouri Harvest Moon Festival Oct 2, 2010

Live it up with two days full of fun, food, music, and more at the Harvest Moon Festival in Forsyth, Missouri, located just 20 minutes northeast of Branson.

During this festival, you can shop around at booths of local vendors for one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, and have the opportunity to find a hidden treasure. There will also be a classic car show, so bring the camera. Your kids will love these cars they may never have seen up-close, before, and adults can wallow in nostalgia. Don't worry about leaving for lunch, either. There will be concession stands set up, along with a bake sale, where you can find all kinds of treats and goodies. For information, call (417)546-2741.

Here's a link to the 2011 Harvest!

Forsyth Area Fall Cleanup October 29 thru 30th!

Now’s your chance to get rid of all the junk you’ve accumulated over time, and free of charge too! The Taney County Commission has designated two days in October as fall cleanup days. Specifically, on October the 29^th  and 30^th, the Taney County Recycling Center located on Highway 160 about three miles east of Forsyth will be accepting furniture, appliances, automotive batteries and almost anything else metal that you want to get rid of.

Excluded are tires and commercial dealers, just home folks please. Proof of residence will be required, so be sure to have some form of photo ID on you in the form of a driver’s license or other form of acceptable ID such as an electric bill or tax statement.

No household hazardous waste will be accepted. Collection times will from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM each day. For additional information, please call (417) 546-7268.

T-Como Motel in Forsyth Missouri

The T-Como motel is located at 15881 US Highway 160 in Forsyth Missouri. Their phone is (417) 546-3431 in case you need to make a reservation.

This motel has only one review that I could find. It was made in 2007 and was not very kind. One my visit to the establishment, I was shown a room that looked OK to me. But, I admit I did not get a chance to really inspect all the nooks and crannies. The rate I was quoted was $150 per week. I was also told they have cable TV.

I would appreciate comments from anyone who has stayed there.

Twin Lakes Motel in Forsyth

As I have some friends who are planning to visit from out of state, I told them I would try and check out lodging here in Forsyth, Missouri. One of the more established (since 1985) is the Twin Lakes Motel. It’s located at 15965 US Hwy 160 and their phone number is (417) 546-3481. The owner’s are Kathy Owen, Ken and Frank Carr. Frank was kind enough to show me one of the units. I was impressed with how clean everything was. They offer one Queen bed units starting at $49 per night all the way up to a unit that has separate bedrooms with living room area for $99 per night as of this writing. While they will not take checks, they do accept credit cards and cash. Smoking and pets are not allowed inside any of the units. Note: Prices are subject to change without notice.

Hollister Grape and Fall Festival