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City Receives Blue Shield Designation: The City of Lake Ozark and Lake Ozark Police Department are honored to have been named a Missouri Blue Shield City by Missouri Department of Public Safety.Of this designation for our agency and community, Police Chief James Boren says "I'm honored to accept this Blue Shield City designation, which reflects the outstanding work of our Board of Aldermen, city staff, and police department working in partnership. This recognition from Governor Kehoe and the Missouri Department of Public Safety validates what I've observed throughout my 20-year career here—our community's growing commitment to public safety. During my tenure as chief, I've seen firsthand how the dedication of our officers, combined with incredible community support, creates the foundation for this kind of recognition. This achievement belongs to everyone who has contributed to making our city safer."The Missouri Blue Shield Program, created by Governor Kehoe in January 2025 through Executive Order 25-03, recognizes local governments that make significant efforts to reduce crime, foster law enforcement collaboration, and build strong community partnerships for public safety. “Public safety is the foundation of a thriving community and state. It affects everything from families feeling secure to businesses having the confidence to invest and grow,” said Governor Kehoe. “We designed the Missouri Blue Shield Program to recognize communities that go above and beyond in creating a place where people want to live, work, and build their futures. A Missouri Blue Shield designation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of local governments across Missouri who are leading the way in making public safety a priority.”“The Department of Public Safety is proud to work alongside communities like Lake Ozark, that have shown exceptional dedication to enhancing public safety,” said Mark James, Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS). “This program is about fostering collaboration between local law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Our goal is to support these efforts, providing resources and guidance to help communities build sustainable, long-term solutions for crime reduction and public safety.”Communities are eligible for a Missouri Blue Shield designation based on their dedication to reducing crime, making substantial investments in public safety, and developing strong collaboration with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders. Each participating community’s commitment will be reviewed annually to ensure continued alignment with the program’s goals. Communities that earn a Missouri Blue Shield designation will receive grant funding for law enforcement training and equipment as part of Governor Kehoe’s Recommended Budget for the State Fiscal Year 2026. Communities will also be featured on Governor Kehoe’s social media pages as well as the DPS website to highlight their participation in the program. The City of Lake Ozark earned a Missouri Blue Shield designation due to its exceptional commitment to public safety. Through officer recruitment and retention efforts, introduction of our K9 program, increased funding to public safety, and an enhanced approach to community policing, we have demonstrated a strong and ongoing commitment to protecting our residents and visitors.

TEST TW WEATHER

More events mark start of event season in Lake Ozark

It’s apparent in Lake Ozark that the season of events is well underway.

With two major events already in the books – St. Patrick’s Parade and Bridge & Dam Marathon – three more are on the docket in the next month.

The board of aldermen approved Special Event Permits for Hot Summer Nights, Bike Night and the Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals during its regular board meeting Tuesday, April 13. 

The first of several Hot Summer Nights events begins this Saturday, April 17, with the first-ever Spring Fling Exotic Car Cruise-In from 11 a.m.4 p.m. on The Strip. All classic cars, trucks and bikes are welcome.

Hot Summer Nights has historically been held on the second Saturday of each month from May through September. However, daytime events have been scheduled for April 17 and Oct. 16 in addition to the evening events May 14, June 11, July 9, Aug. 13 and Sept. 10.

Please observe social distancing protocols. There are also hand sanitizer stations located along the street.

The annual Hot Summer Nights Cruise events are sponsored by the Bagnell Dam Strip Association, Inc. (BDSA) which is a not-for-profit 501c3 organization under the guidance of the Hot Summer Nights Committee

 

More

•A permit was approved for Benne Media’s Lake of the Ozarks Bike Night which will be held the third Thursday of each month April through September on The Strip. Motorcycle enthusiasts will set up from about Tucker’s Shuckers to Lucky’s. The public is welcome to check out the motorcycles. For more information, click on http://lakeoftheozarksbikenight.com.

•A permit was also approved for the 33rd annual Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals Car Show from April 30-May 2, again on The Strip. Several hundred vehicles from antique, to vintage, to classic to contemporary will line up for visitors and residents to admire. For more information, click on http://www.magicdragoncarshow.com.

 

Other business

•Dennis Newberry was sworn in as new mayor, and Dale Hicks in Ward 2 and Matt Wright in Ward 3 as new aldermen. Judy Neels was re-elected as alderman of Ward 1.

•Ward 1 Alderman Pat Thompson was elected mayor pro-tem.