What’s New in Ozark | August 2026 Newsletter

 

Children's Smile Center Balloon Glow (Courtesy: Stevie Barfoot, ExploreCCMO) August 2026   Events Calendar 1 Downtown Market Days (1st Saturday thru October) Historic Ozark Square 3 Board of Aldermen Meeting 6:30 pm | City Hall Watch the Livestream 4 Election Day 6 Ozark Farmers Market (Thursdays thru September) 3 - 7 pm | Finley River Park 7 First Friday Coffee 7:30 am | Venue on Brick 8 Community Breakfast 7 - 10 am | Ozark Senior Center 8 Pickleball Tournament 8:00 am | Ozark Community Center 8 Community Conversation 9:00 am | Ozark Community Center 10 Welcome New Teachers Luncheon 11 am - 1 pm | Ozark Innovation Center 14 Night Swim 6:30 - 9:30 pm | Grubaugh Municipal Pool 14 Sunset on the Square 6 pm - 8 pm | Historic Ozark Square 27 Ozark Chamber Luncheon 11 am - 1 pm | Ozark Community Center 27 Planning & Zoning Meeting 6:30 pm | City Hall Watch the Livestream Dear Resident,  August brings a renewed sense of energy as students head back to the classroom and families settle into a new school year. To our students, teachers, administrators, and school staff, welcome back! I hope the year ahead is filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and make lasting memories. I also want to extend a special welcome to the new teachers and staff joining our Ozark schools. We’re glad you’re here and hope you quickly discover what makes Ozark such a special place to call home. August also brings an opportunity to help shape what comes next. On August 4, you have the civic duty to influence the future of our city, county, and state. Make a plan to vote and let your voice be part of the conversation. There’s also plenty of excitement throughout our community. It’s great to see new businesses opening on our historic downtown square, adding to the momentum while preserving the character that makes downtown Ozark so special. As summer winds down, one of the best times of year is just around the corner. Fall will bring cooler temperatures, Friday night football, community events, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy our parks and trails. Here’s to a safe and successful school year and a great fall ahead! ~Mayor Don Currence Major improvements Coming to the CC and N. 22nd Street Corridor We will soon see significant improvements at one of the city's busiest intersections as both the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and the City of Ozark prepare to begin projects along the N. 22nd Street corridor. Beginning the week of August 3, weather dependent, MoDOT will start intersection improvements at Route CC and N. 22nd Street. The project is designed to improve both safety and traffic flow by adding a northbound right-turn lane from N. 22nd Street onto eastbound Route CC. During construction, motorists should expect lane closures and traffic shifts in the area. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes when possible and watch for crews. Businesses will remain accessible throughout construction. Electronic boards and updates from MoDOT will provide the latest information on traffic impacts. The city's planned N. 22nd Street Improvement Project is also moving forward. In August, the Ozark Board of Aldermen will consider approving the accepted contractor bid for the project, which will improve N. 22nd Street from Route CC to Longview. If approved, construction is expected to begin later in August. Together, these projects represent a major investment in one of Ozark's busiest areas and will help improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and better accommodate future growth along the corridor. Ozark Trail Connections Grows Ozark's trail system continues to grow, creating even more opportunities for residents and visitors to get outside, stay active, and explore the community. Over the past few months, two new trail extensions have been completed, expanding the city's network and improving connections between some of Ozark's most popular destinations. One of the completed projects extends the Finley River Ozark Greenway Trail, which previously ended beneath the Missouri 14/Jackson Street Bridge. Trail users can now continue north from that point and connect directly to the sidewalk and trail system within the Finley Farms property, creating a more seamless route and making it easier to access additional recreational areas, businesses, and amenities. A second trail extension has also been completed, providing a new paved path that reaches closer to the Garrison Springs property. This extension connects with the Finley River Trail that begins at Finley River Park, giving walkers, runners, and cyclists another option for longer routes while continuing to build a more connected trail network throughout Ozark. These projects are another step toward the City's ongoing vision of creating a safer, more accessible, and better-connected community. As additional trail segments are completed in the future, residents will continue to enjoy expanded opportunities to experience Ozark's parks and natural beauty without ever leaving the trail. Downtown Paver Project Begins The City of Ozark has begun a phased paver rehabilitation project in Historic Downtown Ozark as part of its ongoing commitment to improving the beauty, safety, and accessibility of the area. Work is focusing on locations identified as priorities in the City's ADA Transition Plan. Over time, tree root growth has caused sections of the paver sidewalks to shift and become uneven, creating accessibility concerns and impacting ADA compliance. This project will restore these sidewalks while preserving the historic character and charm that make Downtown Ozark a unique destination. The project has been carefully planned to reduce impacts on downtown businesses and maintain access throughout construction. By completing the work in phases, Historic Downtown Ozark will remain a place where residents and visitors can shop, dine, attend events, and gather while these important improvements are underway. Project Highlights Happy Tails for Two, Hope Remains for Two More There's nothing better than seeing a dog leave our city pound with the family they've been waiting for. This past month, we were thrilled to celebrate two happy endings as Millie and Munchie found their forever homes. We wish you both a lifetime of love, belly rubs, and tail wags. While we're celebrating Millie and Munchie's happy endings, two incredible dogs are still waiting for theirs. Charlie and Whiskey are hoping each new day is the one they finally meet their forever family. Could one of them be your perfect match? If you've been thinking about adopting, there's no better time to meet your new best friend. Give us a call at 417-581-6600 to learn more about Charlie and Whiskey. Their happily ever after could start with you. Learn More New Businesses Now Open Casey's 1860 W. Waverly Street Artisan Vale 115 N. 2nd Street 9 Lives Tavern 107 W. Church Street Ozark Project Tracker Follow the latest commercial, residential and major projects with the City of Ozark's Project Tracker. Track a Project Read our Board of Aldermen Recaps July 6, 2026 July 20, 2026 Want to Speak at a Board of Aldermen Meeting? Citizens who wish to address the Board of Aldermen—whether on a specific agenda item or a general topic—are encouraged to sign up in advance. To participate, please register by 5 pm the Wednesday before the meeting. You can email City Clerk Chandra Hodges at chodges@ozarkmissouri.org or call 417-581-2407. Are You Looking For Upcoming Agenda Packets? Agenda packets are available online the Friday before the next Board of Aldermen meeting. While most items are included in advance, last-minute additions may occur. The online link will be updated as much as possible before the meeting to ensure accuracy. Find Agenda Packets Parks & Recreation Registrations Open Calling all girls in grades K–7, it's time to hit the court! Whether learning the fundamentals or looking to sharpen skills, girls basketball is a great way to build confidence and have fun. Season Details: • Registration closes September 11 • Practices begin early October • Games begin late October Register Today! Our gymnastics classes are designed for different age groups and skill levels! Whether your little ones are just starting their gymnastics journey or have some experience under their leotards, we have the perfect class for them. The fall session has Wednesday or Saturday times available and runs from September 9 to December 12. Registration Open! Ozark Project Tracker Follow the latest commercial, residential and major projects with the City of Ozark's Project Tracker. Track a Project Read our Board of Aldermen Recaps July 6, 2026 July 20, 2026 Want to Speak at a Board of Aldermen Meeting? Citizens who wish to address the Board of Aldermen—whether on a specific agenda item or a general topic—are encouraged to sign up in advance. To participate, please register by 5 pm the Wednesday before the meeting. You can email City Clerk Chandra Hodges at chodges@ozarkmissouri.org or call 417-581-2407. Are You Looking For Upcoming Agenda Packets? Agenda packets are available online the Friday before the next Board of Aldermen meeting. While most items are included in advance, last-minute additions may occur. The online link will be updated as much as possible before the meeting to ensure accuracy. Find Agenda Packets Parks & Recreation Registrations Open Calling all girls in grades K–7, it's time to hit the court! Whether learning the fundamentals or looking to sharpen skills, girls basketball is a great way to build confidence and have fun. Season Details: • Registration closes September 11 • Practices begin early October • Games begin late October Register Today! Our gymnastics classes are designed for different age groups and skill levels! Whether your little ones are just starting their gymnastics journey or have some experience under their leotards, we have the perfect class for them. The fall session has Wednesday or Saturday times available and runs from September 9 to December 12. Registration Open! Save The Date! Our 2nd Annual Harvest Hustle 5K is back on September 12, and it's going to be bigger and better than ever. Whether chasing a personal best or walking with friends, this is the perfect run for you. Stay tuned to our social media channels for all the exciting details, including the registration link, dropping the first week of August. Facebook Page Upcoming Community Events Ozark Chamber of Commerce Calendar HRD Summer Events Info Sign Up, Volunteer, Donate Christian County offers outdoor adventure, antique shopping, local dining, arts and culture, family attractions, and year-round events. From kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and bird watching to live performances, craft fairs, agritourism experiences, and seasonal festivals, there is always something happening. What hidden gem will you discover next? Check out Christian County's Official Area Guide Registration & Sponsorship Info In Case You Missed It Local Severe Weather Alerts  Christian County’s Smart911 is the premier community notification system, designed to enhance emergency preparedness and ensure residents receive timely, critical alerts during emergencies. Stay informed about severe weather, road closures, public safety concerns, and other urgent events by signing up today.