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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

Mitchem Appointed City Administrator

At the October 26, 2021 City of Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen meeting, Mr. David Mitchem was appointed to serve as Lake Ozark’s next City Administrator.  The Board’s unanimous support comes after a months-long hiring process that attracted qualified candidates from around the nation, an interview process overseen by local residents and business leaders, and the opportunity to meet with the Board to discuss his role with the city moving forward.

 

Mr.  Mitchem comes to Lake Ozark with a strong resume showing a history of success in the private and public sectors, as well as educational experiences that will serve him well in Lake Ozark.  Having received a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Business Administration from Lincoln University, as well as a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Missouri at Columbia, Mitchem has spent much of his career working for and leading state agencies.  He served as the Director of the Colorado Division of Labor, the Deputy Director and Chief Operations Officer for the Missouri Department of Economic Development, and was the Executive Director for the Missouri Training and Employment Council.

 

He also brings prior experience in local government with him to Lake Ozark.  He worked as Pagosa Springs, Colorado’s Town Manager for several years, where he was able to guide the tourist community through the construction of a $6.8 million infrastructure expansion project. In his tenure with the community, Pagosa Springs saw a growth in tourism and attracted a diverse group of new businesses to invest locally.

 

About Lake Ozark’s future with Mitchem at the table, Mayor Dennis Newberry says, “The City of Lake Ozark is in a very fortunate economic position.  Post-COVID, our revenues are at an all-time high, and we will continue with this momentum.  With David Mitchem on board as our new City Administrator, and Harrison Fry continuing as our Assistant City Administrator, I am confident their collaboration will harness this momentum into achieving much needed infrastructure improvements and help guide us confidently into the future.”

 

When asked about his future as City Administrator, Mitchem offers, “I am looking forward to working in partnership with the talented team at Lake Ozark.  Given the strong Board of Aldermen and skilled staff, the next few years will be exciting and productive.”

 

David Mitchem will begin his service to the City of Lake Ozark on November 15.