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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

Revamped Highway 54 interchange to open next week

The signals and the intersection (top photo) at W Road and Highway 54 will be going away by the end of next week as MoDOT moves to open Highway 54 to non-stop traffic as part of a major interchange project. There will still be easy access to Bagnell Dam/Lake Ozark and Osage National Resort as part of the interchange. See map embedded in story for specifics. 

 

 

The long-awaited opening of the Highway 54 interchange in Lake Ozark will take place just in time for the annual Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals car show and the start of the busy season in the lake area.

Contractors are scheduled to remove traffic signals at the intersection of Highway 54, Business Route 54, Route W and Osage Hills Road. The removal of those signals will coincide with the opening of the new multi-million-dollar interchange that will tie in those roads with Highway 54 in a more efficient manner, according to MoDOT officials.

Revamping of the interchange is part of the Missouri Department of Transportation’s ongoing effort to bring improvements and increase the safety for the traveling public, officials say,

The deactivation and removal of the signals is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, April 21. The removal of the signal and existing pavement will require eastbound and westbound lane closures on Highway 54 through Friday, April 23. Motorists are advised to proceed through the area with caution and watch for signage.
“This is a tremendous next step in the process of constructing the new interchange”, said Central Area Engineer Robert Lynch. “When the signals at the intersection are removed and the new interchange is opened, traffic will be able to flow more freely and safely through that area. We’re excited to reach this landmark moment in the project.”

Construction on the new interchange began in February of 2020. The new interchange is designed to increase traffic safety and improve traffic flow in an area where numerous traffic accidents have occurred. In addition to the new interchange, the project involves building several new connecting roads and three roundabouts in the same area.

The changes
Lynch advises that once the signals are removed, traffic from Route W, Osage Hills Road and Business 54 will no longer be able to access Highway 54 at the existing signal location and will be required to use the new interchange. For westbound traffic, access to Route W or to The Strip across Bagnell Dam will continue to use the existing exit ramp. Eastbound Highway 54 traffic wanting access to The Strip and Lake Ozark will use an exit ramp that will take motorists through a new roundabout and under the existing Highway 54 to a second roundabout. Motorists will be able to turn right to Route W or left to cross Bagnell Dam. 

The existing painted roundabout near Eagle Stop (former Rick’s C Store) will also be rebuilt in the near future. Motorists exiting westbound Highway 54 will come to a temporary T-intersection where they can turn right onto W Road or left to access Bagnell Dam and Lake Ozark.

More information about that project will be released at a later date.

Motorists are urged to watch for traffic signals and reduced speed limits during the construction.