Forsythbiz

Branson Missouri sustains damage from storm! Injuries reported!

2012-02-29T02:56:00.000-06:00

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Prelim – Branson Missouri - An early morning storm that brought high winds and a possible tornado raced down the 'Strip' on Highway 76 in Branson Wednesday early morning when most people were asleep in their beds.

Early reports of damage included the Legends Theater and an unnamed hotel located on Gretna Road that preliminary reports indicate may have partially collapsed. There were also sketchy reports that the iconic Candlestick Restaurant may have suffered some damage from the storm while another popular restaurant on the strip named Charlie's Steak and Ale incurred a broken water main. Emergency crews also reported many trees and power-lines were down across area roads which may complicate the morning commute.

One later report indicated some damage to homes in the Powersite area, while Forsyth and Rockaway Beach seem to have weathered the storm rather well with only minor damage reported.

As the sun came up on Wednesday morning, police had closed of Highway 76 also known as the 'Strip' along its entire length.One police report indicated that barricades have been ordered. If true, then early reports of extensive damage may prove true. Here s some early footage of the damage via OzarksFirst! I also submitted a short You Tube Video on this event!

Ozarks Family Vision – I can see clearly now!

2012-02-24T08:51:00.000-06:00

One of the best respected vision centers in southwest Missouri is located right here in Forsyth! At least one branch of it is. The Ozarks Family Vision center also has offices in Branson and Ava serving tens of thousands of customers!

Dr. Stacey Bowling

I happened on this business after having destroyed my eyeglasses inadvertently one afternoon. I was a walk-in, yet was handled as though I'd been a long term customer. The folks at OFV are located at 14974 US Hey 160 which is just a few miles north of the Forsyth business district on 160, so they're easy to get to. The staff there was professional and courteous and I was able to see a doctor (Dr. Bowling) after just a short wait. The entire process took only about an hour and I was impressed with how technologically up to date their test equipment was.

Stop in and give these folks a try! You'll be glad you did.

River Run Update for Feb 6, 2012

2012-02-06T16:40:00.001-06:00

For a day in early February, seeing a temperature of 52F is pretty nice. I got out and walked a bit in River Run Park to see what I could see. For starters, the sky was a brilliant blue and the sun felt warm even in spite of the cool breeze that came out of the west.

As I walked, I noticed there were a few others engaged in various activities including one couple that was busy cutting up a tree that had fallen due to the previous years flooding. Two more were out, as I was, walking around enjoying a chance to get some exercise on a nice day. Even a few fishermen were trying their luck, I think, as I spied some trucks over by the boat launch.

One piece of good news concerns the many camping spots. I think now all these have been steam cleaned and look in very good shape. The bathrooms have been cleaned and there was even a hint of grass growing here and there in some spots. All good indicators that spring might not be far off.

At right, you might be able to see the large tree log that got wedged in a tree when the flood waters receded last fall!

Pizza at the Frosted Mug in Forsyth Missouri!

2012-02-04T17:23:00.000-06:00

Recently, I brought my stomach and ravenous appetite to the Frosted Mug located at 15861 US Hwy 160 in Forsyth, Missouri! After going through a change in management, I was curious to see if their signature offering of pizza had gotten better or worst or just stayed about the same.

I arrived in the late afternoon on a Saturday in early February when the weather outside was serving up cool temperatures under cloudy skies. The perfect kind of weather in which to enjoy a hot, cheesy pizza! (Actually, any old day is a good day for pizza – a fact my expanding waistline will readily attest to).

According to the menu, I noticed they offer a pretty wide variety of types and sizes, designed to fit needs ranging from single diners to large gatherings. On this visit, my eyes were quickly attracted to both the vegetable and meat versions. I inquired if I could have a little of both and was told it would not be a problem.

While I was waiting for my pizza to be prepared from scratch, I contented myself to ordering a cold frosted mug for which this establishment is named. Hmm. Let me see now, cold beer and pizza! Can it get much better that? While sipping my beer, I had a chance to look around to see what was what. I’ve been coming to the Mug for many years now and have always been impressed with the warm homey feeling that the place exudes.

On this day, that same feeling was still there and maybe this sounds silly, but the staff seemed very friendly and upbeat! Some of them were new, like Karen, who graciously served me during my visit. In the picture below, Heather is showing off the pizza I ordered which I understand is a new creation to be found only at the Mug!

OK, now down to the nitty-gritty. The pizza – was it great, so-so or terrible?? I’ll tell you this about that. It was so good, that half of it was gone before I even realized it. This pizza was absolutely addictive. It reminded me of years back when I used to go to the world famous pizza emporium in Chicago known as Lou Malnati's Pizzeria! They served a deep dish pizza that had customers lined up on the street, just to get in. This pizza was all that and more!

If you get a chance, please stop in and check out this wonderful and friendly icon. The Frosted Mug can be reached at 417) 546-4149 during regular business hours.

Disclaimer: All views expressed here are the sole opinion of the author and were provided as a public service. Forsythbiz.com 2012.

A belated update on the Frosted Mug!

2012-02-03T18:13:00.001-06:00

Author's note: "I had hoped to get out an update after posting a teaser piece on the Mug back in December 2011, but personal issues prevented me from returning there. Now, I feel I ready to get this post begun in earnest!"

Yes it’s true, the Frosted Mug is now under the new and the able management of a lady by the name of Sue Sumner. And, I learned that shortly after taking control just six weeks ago, she’s already made some significant changes with more to come. While a few employees have left, Sue has hired some new energetic and motivated men and women in their place. Sue indicated to me that part of her vision is to make the Frosted Mug a place where people will want to frequent for great food and laughter while enjoying fine beverages drawn from the well.

Has she succeeded? Well, I stopped by there this last Friday and will tell you that I found the clientele there to be fun, upbeat and interesting. Also, the beer was cold and the service crisp and professional.

But, was that a fluke? A one time deal? And yes, what about the food? In particular, is the pizza they are now serving back up the level of excellence it was just a few years ago? That question will be answered (hopefully) on Saturday as I intend to cruise on over there for and early dinner. I’m hoping to have pizza and a few beers. (A move that will surely further expand my already expanding waistline). But, that's just too bad - because life is short!

Stay tuned for pictures and an exclusive report on what I discover when I go there to eat!

Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed here are those solely of the author and may not reflect those of the community at large.

February 1, 2012 Shadow Rock Park Update!

2012-02-01T15:05:00.001-06:00

You know, for all the flooding we had in 2011, I have to admit the Shadow Rock and River Run parks both look to be in pretty good shape. I feel this was due, in no little part, to efforts by the volunteers and city workers who spent time earlier this fall to help clean things up.

Today, the first of February it’s 64F outside as I stroll around, camera in hand. For whatever reason, the really cold air has been bottled up way to the north and so we have had a mild winter. I heard on the TV that Chicago has had the mildest winter in over 80 years! (Well, if that city is warm, then you know it’s got to be even warmer this far south)!

Today, there were quite a few people out and about in the area; either driving around in their cars our out in a boat. I was too far from the fishermen to ask how their luck was, but I’m hoping it was fair to middling.

Over on the River Run side, someone has been working on cleaning up the public showers and bathrooms. In addition, most of the driftwood has also been removed, so it looks like it’s getting close to being good to go also.

I know what’s on a lot of people minds as we edge towards spring. That is, will the rains be as heavy as they were last April and May? I can’t tell you what Mother Nature is planning on, but I sure hope not. It’s just that over the last five years, it seems the park has been flooded more often than not.

I’ll try and get another report out later this month. Hope everyone stays warm and dry!

Local two-man team offers firewood at bargain prices!

2012-01-26T05:25:00.000-06:00

Even though this winter has not been as cold as it could be, the demand for firewood has been growing as local residents have sought ways to combat rising propane and electrical heating costs. And, even though there are a fair number of established loggers out there, sometimes better rates can be had by men who split firewood as a part-tine method of income.

I know of two such individuals who have assorted seasoned and green logs for sale located right in the Forsyth Missouri area who will also deliver 16” logs right to your door! Feel free to call Conrad at 417 546-8587 for a quote. Local inquiries only.

Branson area sawmill makes the cut!

2012-01-25T13:08:00.000-06:00

I'm excited to report that very soon I will be doing a post concerning a gentleman by the name of Mick Truchon and his logging company which includes a sawmill located in the Branson Missouri area. I wrote about Mick in an earlier post where I mentioned his interest in buying wood of all sorts and the fact that he can deliver seasoned firewood to customers area wide. What I did not know, at that time, was his ability to handle really large tree sections in a sawmill that can produce custom board thicknesses and lengths.

I'm hoping to get out on location sometime next month to videotape and get pictures of his mill in action. In the meantime, interested parties can contact Mick at 417-587-0025 or (417) 331-3968!

The Forsyth Missouri Taco Bell

2012-01-22T15:03:00.000-06:00

I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t visit this emporium of fast food often enough. I mean who doesn’t like a good taco or a bucket of crispy chicken from time to time? So, I made it a point one day in January to stop by and grab a couple of tacos along with a with a medium sized Pepsi.

A previous review by someone else on the SuperPages.com website was less than encouraging. However, one person’s opinion does not a world make. So, what’s the deal? Is the food good, bad or somewhere in between? I was going to try and find that out on my visit to the Taco Bell side of the operation and I was going to try and be as objective as possible!

For this review, I decided to rank the establishment on the following: Ambiance, Quality of product, Hygiene and Service. Each received a score of 1 = get me to a hospital fast to 10 = I’ve died and gone to heaven. (A score of 5 is a take it or leave it place to eat). I also added a few comments to support the score. OK. That’s the ground rules – now it’s time to eat!

When I pulled into the parking area on a Monday at xx pm, I found that there were a few cars parked in the lot. When I walked up to the order counter, my order was taken immediately by a server and then within a few minutes it was ready to go. I was asked if I wanted one of two hot sauces and I said yes. The lady, whose name I recall was Glenis, was very nice and engaging. Now onto the scoring…

Ambiance – 5

Well, the place is colorful and bright! I’ll give them that much. It’s also laid out nicely meaning I could find everything I needed. The lack of bathrooms hurt the score a bit. (I think all restaurants should have bathrooms as part of the warm and homey feeling that every business strives for). Other than that, I felt quite comfortable eating there.

Quality – 6

This category is a big deal to me. (Frankly, if the product sucks, who cares about any of the rest)? I had ordered the two hard shell tacos and I felt the toppings were more than adequate once you’ve factored in the overall cost. (I mean at a buck a throw, what do you want)? I also edged the score up a bit because the overall taste was acceptable! The only thing missing, I felt, was the lack a selection of regular french fries on the menu board. They offer something called 'cinnamon twists' instead. I'm not sure what those are exactly.

Hygiene – 8

Whenever I enter an eatery, especially one that is setup for heavy traffic, I pay close attention to the condiments section and other surfaces like counter and tabletops. If neither of these look to be well maintained, then that’s my last visit. So, it was with some relief when I saw that everything was pretty much spotless. Good job!

Service – 8

In this category, I’m looking at a couple of things. First off, I check out the overall appearance of the counter staff. Do they look clean and professional? In this case yes, my server looked very neat and clean. I also tried to catch a glimpse of the people who were preparing my food and I noticed they all had uniforms and looked like they knew what they were doing. Overall, everything was shipshape here too.

Ok! Let’s see now…the over all average came out to 6.75. Not really all that bad, though there is always some room for improvement, in my opinion. I think the addition of bathrooms would be really nice. Also, some improvements in the contents of the taco would help. Maybe if they expanded the condiment selection with choices like shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes and lettuce then that would help. (I think I would even be willing to pay a little extra if that was offered). Even so, the bottom line is that I will plan on eating there occasionally.

My next review will be center on the other half of this business – the KFC side! I can hardly wait! Please visit TaneyServices.com for other reviews.

Disclaimer: This review is the sole opinion of the author of this post and may not reflect the views of the community at large. While the author tries to be as objective as possible, he understands that one visit top an eatery does not fairly portray the establishment’s quality over a period of time. He is also a lay person with no credentials covering the food or restaurant industry whatsoever. In point of fact, every business in the Forsyth area deserves your patronage in these troubled times.

Forsyth Area Eateries for Jan 2012

2012-01-20T12:14:00.000-06:00

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 update this panel will be updated every few months.

Disclaimer: The author has made a good effort to insure the accuracy contained in this post. However, be advised that some or all the information may change at any time without notice. Furthermore, all rankings are the sole and express opinion of the author and may not reflect others in the community.

Slowing down the river of trash!

2012-01-20T10:49:00.003-06:00

After making my first tentative efforts at recycling earlier in January 2012 (a work in progress), I continued to investigate the topic on the internet. What really blew me away was the sheer enormity of the problem we face in the form of a literal river of trash that is produced every year, most of which continues to go into landfills. Consider these facts:

Municipal Solid Waste produced each year ~ a quarter of a billion tons!

MSW that end up in landfills – ~165 million tons!

The average amount of trash produced by the average person per day - 4.43 pounds

So, with only 34% of the potential recyclable material actually recovered (2010 EPA figures), we have quite a way to go if the country is going to get a handle on this growing problem. It’s a problem, you ask? Yes, it is! Let’s take one form of plastic (PET) as an example.

'Each year, 29 billion plastic water bottles are produced for use in the United States, according to the Earth Policy Institute, an environmental organization in Washington, D.C. Manufacturing them requires the equivalent of 17 million barrels of crude oil, so rising oil and natural gas prices have only exacerbated the high price of virgin plastic.’(At right is a graphic of some of the waste that was produced in 2010 - Source EPA)

I gleaned the following quote from a site called 'Life's Little Mysteries' where this problem was discussed more in detail. In the above paragraph they are referring to PET plastic (also known as #1) that is used in the manufacture of bottles that hold water and beverages. Currently there are eleven kinds of plastics that are routinely used in consumer goods with typically numbers 1 through 7 finding frequent use in kitchens across the land. And, unlike glass and metal containers (aluminum and tin coated steel) which are actually sought after, the cost of re-manufacturing plastic is high. For that reason, much of what we discard into landfills (other than paper and kitchen scraps) are in reality some form of used plastic container. Think about 29 billion used bottles getting discarded each year! Adding insult to injury, many of these plastics will take as long as 500 years before they break down! So, it’s plain to see that any form of recycling of plastic is better than no recycling at all.

I would ask that everyone who reads this post give some thought to recycling. I would encourage families, church members and community leadership to all make this a topic of discussion. Maybe, with a little effort, we can make a start in cleaning up this country we all call home.

Changing my attitude about trash and what I can do about it!

2012-01-03T15:26:00.000-06:00

I’ve always been pretty comfortable with the idea of recycling, at least intellectually. I’m just not so sure about the reality of actually doing so yet. The thought of doing my part to help the environment encouraged me, however, to give it a try. My major objection in the past had been that you have to work at it most every day! And, I am by nature; a rather lazy individual (read as typical male). That doesn’t mean that I can’t try! So, as the year 2012 swings on in, I’ve decided to attack my waste from two distinct angles; stuff I will need to segregate for recycling and also curtailing any non-recyclable junk I may not need anyway.

The segregation part of my plan seems pretty straightforward. I broke my recyclables into four distinct categories; steel cans, paper, aluminum cans and plastic (coded 1 & 2). These will go into plastic bags that will be hauled on a periodic basis to the receptacles located behind the Municpal Building of Forsyth, Mo. (A recent communiqué from one of the city officials I asked indicated that they accept paper, cardboard, plastic and maybe aluminum cans). When I made an exploratory trip to the site, I found a sign on one of the dumpsters that reads as follows:

[There were three dumpsters that looked as though they were meant for recyclables although I'm not sure. This will be addressed in a future blog.]

Well, that simplifies things somewhat, and that will take a huge bite out of the amount of waste I throw away. (I’ve been composting my leftover vegetable scraps for years already, so that’s not a problem)! That leaves me with some ‘miscellaneous waste’ such as Styrofoam and the like. This is where I plan to implement the other half of my recycling effort to help reduce these items as much as possible. From now on, when I go to the store, I plan to look closely at each item I purchase with an eye to what it will take to get rid of once the contents are consumed. Chief among the so-called problem items would be; glass containers, anything that contains non-recyclable plastic and items like chicken bones that cannot be composted. (I’m hoping to locate ‘public dumpsters’ somewhere in the area that these can be placed in). Also, burning is an option, but it’s an option I would not be happy exercising.

While I'm at it, here’s a few things I’d like to see happen in Missouri in regards to recycling;

1) Create a state-funded initiative oversight panel with the goal of creating a uniform policy for the collection and management of all items the state regards as recyclable.

2) Have counties work closely with existing waste collection services to include separate residential collection bins for those who want to participate.

3) Offer courses at the schools to help teach kids the value of recycling and what their role will be in the future when we all have to recycle.

4) Explore ways in which recycling can be conducted state wide and in such a way that it is sustainable for the state to do so.

Remember, there will come a time (soon I think), whereby communities like Forsyth will have to address the issue of what they are going to do about waste. We can all sit around with our heads in the sand until that time or we can proactively begin the process of making our world a better, cleaner and more efficient one to be passed onto the next generation.

Shadow Rock Lodge to see new life!

2012-01-01T09:13:00.000-06:00

Last September, representatives of Pensco Trust and Lincoln Trust stopped by to take a look at Shadow Rock Lodge located at the junction of Hwy 160 and 76 just outside of Forsyth, Mo. and apparently liked what they saw. They acquired the building and have already put a new roof on the building that they plan to completely refurbish in 2012. Included in the sale was the motel/motor lodge that has been deemed structurally unsound and which in all likelihood will be razed to the ground.

According a Taney Times article published on December 28, 2011; Forsyth Mayor, Ron Potter stated that the two trust firms envision an open air restaurant on top of the lodge that would attract motorcycle and eco-travelers throughout the region. If true, this development could breath new life into the area it is expected that much of the work will be awarded to local companies and contractors.

Personally, I’m looking forward to watching and recording the refurbishment progress here on this blog. It will be exciting to see the Lodge restored to its former glory and once again attain the status of an attraction as opposed to a vacant building.

McDonald’s Wholesome Starts Coupon Book

2011-12-31T13:05:00.002-06:00

I’m not sure just how wholesome food from McDonald’s actually is, but the promotion is halfway decent, even if you’re a single guy like myself.

[click to enlarge]

I received a four page coupon book in the mail a few days ago and then took the trouble of digitizing the coupons into a data file. This gives me a visual readout on what’s available and when. I broke the offerings up into five categories including; 1 for 1, drink, kid deal, side and sides. Of these the 1 for 1 represent the best deal in that the food is essentially half price while the last item labeled ‘sides’ comes in a close second as you are getting the fries and the drink together for free. Of the rest of the items, I like most of the ‘side’ offerings with the exception of the oatmeal and OJ. I can see where the ‘kid deal’ would be of interest to some moms and dads, but that would not be for me.

So, if you didn’t get one of these books in the mail, perhaps you can ask for one at the McDonald’s near you.

Disclaimer: Any material contained in this post is and opinion based on the author's best knowledge.

John's Frosted Mug under new management?

2011-12-27T17:47:00.000-06:00

I've heard rumors flying around that the Frosted Mug, an icon and social gathering place located in Forsyth Missouri, is about to undergo a change in management! That's the word on the street at any rate.

I have graciously been granted an exclusive interview and hopefully I'll have something to post very soon! Stay tuned!

Update: As of late January, I have been unable to hook up with the new manager for whatever reason. Will keep trying.

The 21st Century Restaurant!

2011-11-25T14:05:00.007-06:00

Back in the 1950’s many diners looked like the picture above. They were utilitarian, friendly places where an entire meal with all the fixings would cost only about a buck and a half! Wish it was like that today!

But, higher prices not withstanding, there is still a lot to be said for some of the modern innovations that one can find while casually dining out! One of the biggies for people like me has been the proliferation of WiFi hot spots that allow a guest to browse the internet on their laptop or smart phone while eating. And, while such places are very common in larger cities, they can be a bit hard to find out in the boonies. In my small town of Forsyth Missouri, there is only one quality establishment that also supports internet access and that is Charlie’s Steak Ribs and Ale. There is also a fast food place (McDonald’s) that offers this service but in a kind of ditsy way (i.e. unsecured). So when I dine out alone, I make it a point to go to Charlie’s, a venue that even has electric outlets at some booths should you need to plug you laptop or cell phone in for quick charge!

There are however, some other areas that I think could be improved upon by all the eateries and that is a web page that defines the business along with a presence on Facebook and or maybe even an active blog to keep customer informed. Any of these outlets could be used as mechanisms of promotion and advertising to help increase profitability. For instance, members of FB could be notified concerning upcoming specials; something that could be achieved with in-house posters asking customers to join. Well designed web pages, like the one for Fat Daddy’s BBQ can also be great sites for information concerning everyone about that fact that they can host catered events! Actually, the possibilities in this area have hardly been tapped by most the eateries I’m familiar with. The only one I’m aware of that uses direct Email promotions is Chili’s in Branson, a town about fifteen miles west of Forsyth, Missouri.

Other embellishments that I still have yet to find include ‘saniwipe dispensors’ in strategic locations like those you already find in grocery stores. They could be used by germ conscious customers who want to wipe off a table surface themselves prior to dining. I think these would be an especially good idea to help ease people minds during the cold and flu season.

A final idea would be the inclusion of so-called fake salt (potassium chloride) at each table for the growing numbers of older diners who are on a salt restricted diet. I’ve begun to carry a little with me these days when I go out so that I can enjoy ‘salting’ my food without fear.

Wifi, an Internet presence, No-Salt salt and saniwipe despensors. Four little things that can set once location apart from another in today’s tough monetary market.

Fat Daddy’s BBQ in Forsyth Missouri

2011-11-21T10:32:00.024-06:00

Right off let me be candid and state that I dislike using the word ‘fat’ to describe anything, much less a place where I’m planning to eat. (I’m at that age where my sartorial splendor is growing more and more…well splendid by the day). That said, I still wanted to try out the fare at Fat Daddy’s BBQ as I’ve heard many good things mentioned about the eatery located at 14974 US Hwy 160 in downtown Forsyth, Missouri.

As I pulled into the parking area, I noticed that most of the spaces were filled. (A sight I’ve grown used to every time I passed the place over the last few years). However, I was surprised to find out later on, that this was a bit deceiving. It turns out that this venue, which looks rather small from the front, also has a large meeting area located downstairs that can accommodate sizable catered events! On this occasion, there was still ample seating space to be had. By my estimate, the upstairs area has enough space to comfortably seat over sixty patrons!

After getting seated in a nice clean booth that seats four, I looked around and could tell that this was family owned business from all the pictures and local memorabilia that adorns the walls. The feeling I got was more of an old time café than anything else. The rectangular seating area is surrounded by booths along the walls, with separate tables that seat anywhere from four to eight scattered about in the central area.

My server, whose name was Sherry (hope I spelled this correctly), arrived shortly after I sat down with a menu and inquired as to what I wanted to drink. Since I’d already looked at the breakfast menu on their web page at www.fatdaddybbq.com, I knew what I wanted and placed an order for coffee and the Smoked Breakfast Platter! While I waited, I kept seeing people I knew coming in that I knew from around town. That was nice!

After a short wait, my server brought my order and as you can tell from the picture, it looked (and tasted) fabulous! Everything was done just right and for a price that cannot be beat! As I ate, I heard a lot of friendly banter going on between the customers and the staff and got the idea that they must get quite a bit of repeat business as a result. Seriously, give this little jewel of a restaurant a try and if the parking area looks a little crowded, find a spot elsewhere and walk on in. It’ll be worth the effort.

Disclaimer: All information contained within this post is the sole property and opinion of the author. This business is also listed in Taney Services.

American's need to make a decision soon!

2011-10-30T09:35:00.002-05:00

River Run or River Ruin? You make the call!

2011-10-23T14:21:00.005-05:00

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.

Need firewood in the Branson area - call Mick!

2011-10-19T16:24:00.008-05:00

I’ve known Mick Truchon for many years. I first met the man when he delivered a load of firewood to my home in Forsyth back in 1997. Now, in 2011, Mick is still cutting wood for his customers all over the Branson area.

He also runs a custom sawmill which I will cover in a separate post in February. Got trees you need cut? Mick buys timber of all species!

If you need wood for your fireplace, custom cut wood or timber cleared, then Mick is the guy to see! You can reach him at 417-587-0025 or (417) 331-3968!

Underground Concrete in Kirbyville!

2011-10-13T12:11:00.004-05:00

At a recent auto show near Forsyth, I met a nice businessman by the name of Jim Sisk. We talked some and then he told me a little about his company called Underground Concrete. They’re located just down the road at 429 Central Avenue in Kirbyville and can be reached at 417-331-1875. Their Email address is undergroundconcrete@yahoo.com.

Underground concrete makes a number of innovative concrete products that don’t look like concrete. These include items like utility boxes, bollards, retaining wall blocks and even parking stops. Jim has been making these since 1996 and today his concrete creations reflect those years of effort. If, you’re looking for someone that easy to work with and who puts out quality concrete work, then I think Jim might just be your man!

White River Grill Rockaway Beach!

2011-10-11T15:50:00.001-05:00

Even though the sky was overcast and a little drizzle was falling as I made my way to Rockaway Beach, Missouri I was pretty sure I'd find a warm and friendly reception at the White River Grill located in the center of town at 2683 State Hwy 176, Rockaway Beach, MO. I was right about that and was a little surprised to find a good lunch crowd still there even though it was after two in the afternoon. Still, there was plenty of seating and I found myself a good booth towards the back of the restaurant. Right after getting my seat I snapped a picture of the place as you can see above.

My server was a very nice woman by the name of Georgia. She made me feel at home and was a joy to talk with. I ordered a hotdog and fries from a multi-page menu that is one of the best I've seen in the entire area. If you ordered something different each time you came here, it would be about forever before you'd have to repeat something twice!

While I was there, I got a chance to speak with one of the owners, a man named Bill Kitchin who is a well known businessman in Taney County and who seems to know an awful lot while never coming off as a pretentious individual. He told me that the grill was doing well and that Rockaway seemed to be picking up a bit as two new shops had recently opened in town. Good for them!

If you find yourself in the area, please stop in and say hi to these nice folks!

Why I care about River Run Park in Forsyth Missouri!

2011-10-08T13:10:00.030-05:00

I have been asked by more than one person, why I post so much information about River Run Park. At the same time, I write very little about either Empire Park or Shadow Rock Park both of which are located in the same general area to the east and south of Forsyth, Missouri.

That answer is really quite simple. Some time ago, I made a decision to try and adopt a park in a fashion that is similar to, but not quite the same as adopting a stretch of road. I did this because I thought it might be informative for those who drive great distances to this location to camp and find recreation. They deserve to be kept informed as it is their park in every sense of the word. So why River Run? Well, off the three parks I mentioned, River Run is the most problematic as it is run solely by the Army Corps of Engineers. A government body not well known, in my opinion, for their ability to communicate freely with a public they are supposed to be serving.

As a case in point, if you were to go to this government web page for River Run, you would find information pertaining to park rates, the park location and even a number to call for more information. Problem is, there is no attendant, the bulletin board listing the rates is gone missing and the phone number rings but is never answered. (Note: this site is listed as 'www.recreation.gov' and is not the official Corps page). Both the other parks are open and serving the needs of the public as usual.

Now as to the current conditions at the park as of October the 8^th, 2001 here is what I have observed:

The access roads have been scraped off and are clear of river muck from the summer flood.
The back access otherwise known as Baker Street remains gated.
The access road to the Powersite dam remains blocked by fallen trees.
Trees that have fallen as a result of the flood lie where they fell.
There is damage to numerous park structures, including shelters, lantern poles and campsite tables.
The grass has not been cut and is currently weed infested.
There is no posted notice to inform visitors of the current park status. Actually, as I pointed out earlier, there is no bulletin board per sae! Just a sign that lists the rates to camp.
There is no power, bathroom facilities, water or garbage collection at this time. (This is a guess on my part). So too, is my guess that they don't want anyone camping there. As I was writing this post while at the park, I noticed a large RV pull in and then turn around and pull out. Bye!

That summarizes what I have observed to date, and to be honest, conditions could change at any time. In the past, a contractor might show up out of thin air and put things to right. If I see anything like that, I’ll report it on this blog. This park has suffered a devastating flood that was really no ones fault. In particular the beautiful trees have really suffered the long term submersion of their roots. So, if you are in the area, I'd encourage you to stop at this park and hug a tree!

As a side note: The Corps does have a Facebook page where you can feel free to leave comments! Please consider 'liking' them and leaving comments that let them know what you think! Remember that the government and the people should work closely together, as we are one and the same!

The mystery of the 'broken' River Run gate...which remains closed!

2011-10-06T12:51:00.030-05:00

click on picture to enlarge

'When the people you elect to positions of authority fail to perform in small ways, then how much confidence can you have in them in larger arenas?'

A gate that blocks the back entrance to River Run on Baker street remains locked even while the park has (apparently) re-opened. Adding insult is the fact that this gate is not signed properly and is therefore hard to see. Another example of blatant and callous disregard for civilians safety by the Army Corps of Engineers? You be the judge...

Interestingly, a neighbor of mine ran across what he thought appeared to be one of the Corps of Engineer people while walking earlier today. He inquired about the gate and the fact it was locked, while the other gate off Hwy 76 was now open. The man responded, by saying that the ‘gate is broken’ and cannot be opened.

Being a curious man, I decided to drive over to that location and do a look see on my own. After a few minutes, I could detect no damage such that it could not be opened completely. (See pictures). I also had another individual inspect the very same gate and they arrived at the same conclusion. So, what gives? Are we being jacked around around here or what?

If the gate is, in fact damaged, then why hasn't it been fixed or simply removed for repair elsewhere? Also, why is there no reflective material on either side of the gate to allow motorists a chance to clearly see the obstruction. It’s currently painted a nice dark shade of brown which renders it hard to see. Anyone who enters the park from Hwy 76 and then attempts to come up that back way into Valley View Village could be in for an unpleasant surprise! The picture on top uses a simulated sun but in a few weeks with enough leaves off the trees, it may even be brighter. Add that to a dirty windshield and an accident could be the result.

In my opinion, this represents an accident waiting to happen. Cutting through the park area to get to the housing development is common practice and is used by a lot of citizens. What if some elderly person with marginalized eyesight were to plow into it? Couldn't the Corps at least put up a day-glow orange sign to warn motorists?

If you're wondering why I haven't attempted to do anything about this, well I have. I've made numerous calls to the City of Forsyth and to the Corps of Engineers office at 870-425-2700. That's about all I can do at this point other than to post this on my blog. In the mean time, if you use Baker Street or know anyone who does, please advise them of this situation and we'll all wait for a resolution.

As a final note, I'm not trying to pick on the Corps in this post. I know they are just as affected by the chaotic social and economic times as anyone else. Rather, I am hoping that by publicizing this matter, I might help to avert an accident!

More on this to come.....

Followup: As of October the 20th, there's has been no news from any of the sources I have contacted, including Senator Claire McCaskill's office which sent me a 'complaint form' that asked for my soc sec and other personal information. Give me a break Claire! I was only trying to point out something I consider to be an issue of motorist safety. That's it! I'm done. I'll now just sit back and wait for someone to run into that gate! Hope it's nobody I know.

Disclaimer: All the opinions expressed here are those of the author of this post and are made with honest intent.

River Run is recovering quickly! Fishermen return!

2011-10-06T10:52:00.000-05:00

As of the 6^th of October, the River Run Park is beginning to look a little like it’s former self. I had a chance to walk there this morning and was pleased to see that some fishing trailers were parked by the boat ramp. There was also a couple walking around like I was.

It amazes me how fast the grasses have recovered from being submerged for most of the summer. As you can see by this picture of the log that stuck in a tree, the water level was considerable.

As I walked around, I noticed that a few of the trees had died during this period and will need to be removed, but also surprisingly, the area was relatively free of flotsam. A few good rains should take cared of the layer of dust that covers much of the campsites, although they will be useable once the Corps restores power and water to the area. Something I conjecture will not happen until next spring at the earliest.