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Page Brothers Presented Key To The City: On December 10th, 2024, during the City of Lake Ozark's Board of Aldermen meeting, Mayor Newberry presented keys to the city to two of Lake Ozark's most influential business leaders. Joe and Mike Page, surrounded by dozens of friends, family, and community members, received this honor in recognition of their nearly five-decade investment in Lake Ozark and their unwavering commitment to its growth and development. The Page brothers' journey began in 1976 when they founded the Leather Man on the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip. Joe, having moved to the lake immediately after graduating from Truman State University, established roots in the community, with Mike following as a permanent resident the following decade. Over the years, their entrepreneurial spirit led them to establish and acquire numerous businesses along the Strip. Today, they continue to own and operate several landmark establishments including Leatherman, Dogpatch, Dogpatch Arcade, and Summer USA, while their past ventures included popular spots like Disco Inferno, Grandma's Candy Kitchen, and Good Time Charlie's. As founding members of the Bagnell Dam Strip Association, both brothers have been instrumental in creating and supporting special events that have become staples of the community. Mike's contributions earned him the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau's Partner in Tourism Award and the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizen recognition. Joe served on the Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen from 1983 to 1985, first filling a vacancy before winning re-election. He notably became both the first and last paying customer on the Community Bridge, while Mike served on its Board of Directors for several years. "Though a small gesture compared to the impact of their decades of investment and service in our community, we are gracious to present this award to the Page Brothers with all of their supporters present tonight," Mayor Newberry stated. "While we enjoy celebrating the rich history of your impact on our community, we are even more excited to see the future of our city that was made possible by your ongoing contributions and leadership." Pictured, left to right: Ward II Alderman Johnnie Franzeskos, Ward I Alderman Pat Thompson, Ward III Alderman David Ridgely, Mayor Dennis Newberry, Joe Page, Mike Page, Ward III Alderman Carol Denny, Ward I Alderman Judy Neels, and City Administrator Harrison Fry

TEST TW WEATHER

Posted on by dan

In honor of National Police Week

National Police Week is May 9-15.

At a time when law enforcement is under the microscope – especially on the national level – we find it so important to appreciate and support not only the Lake Ozark Police Department but also all lake-area law enforcement. National Police Week is a time set aside to honor and remember men and women in blue who keep us safe and protect our communities.

“Our police department has a day-in, day-out commitment to keep our community safe,” Lake Ozark Mayor Dennis Newberry said in a special salute to the LOPD. “While many communities have their own policing issues to face, Lake Ozark is unique in that there is a significant part of the year where the burden on our officers is greatly increased.”

Police Chief Gary Launderville notes that the LOPD is now at full force, while other lake-area departments struggle to attract and retain officers. He attributes that, in part, to the support of the board of aldermen, the administration and the Lake Ozark community at large.

“This year alone so far, we have lost nearly one officer per day in our country, and that is truly sad,” Launderville commented. “National Police Week means so much more every year to our officers. In our area, especially in Lake Ozark, we have great support from our community and that means a lot to each and every one of the officers from our department. We very much appreciate the relationship we have with our community.”

In a show of solidarity, Mayor Newberry has chosen to actively “back the blue” by donating his first quarter salary to the Lake Ozark Police Benevolent Association.

“The Benevolent Association helps out our guys when they are in need of new equipment or when facing bigger issues. To our officers, their families, and the community that supports them — thank you,” he said.  

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.