Ozark Newsletter - October 2019 News and Updates

October 2019 News and Updates

If you have a photo you would like to share in an upcoming newsletter please tag @OzarkMO on Instagram with a caption and the hashtag #BeOzark or email spayne@ozarkmissouri.com.

September edition includes.... Mayor's Corner with Ozark Mayor Rick Gardner A Note From Board of Aldermen Ted Smith Q&A with City Staff: Public Works Director Jeremy Parsons explains what's happening on South Street Ozark PD News and Updates Ozark Employee Spotlight! Upcoming Programs & Events You can always find more information on our website at ozarkmissouri.com and connect with us on our social media pages, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Nextdoor

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Congratulations, we "Canned the Eagles!" A special thanks to the Ozark cheerleaders, student body, parents, faculty, staff, and all other supporters who donated cans and cash to the cause. I personally raised $845 from my Facebook posts and other donations, only to be outdone by my good friend Mayor Brian Steele of Nixa. But you folks bailed me out because Ozark took the Least of These and game trophies. Way to go. You make me proud! Speaking of our schools, I have a "confession of omission." In last month's newsletter, I carried on at length about all the things that make Ozark a great place to live and work, and that are attractive to families and companies looking to relocate to our area. In doing so, I left out any mention of our extraordinary schools. There were probably a lot of folks that asked, "How could he do that?" The answer to that question is simply: "I don't know how I could have overlooked something that important." The City of Ozark and Ozark schools have always worked well together to "Make Ozark Better Every Day" and have succeeded in grand style. My wife and I personally sat on the last long range planning committee about future growth and know first hand the thought and effort that goes into making our school system the extraordinary and award winning one it is. A special shout out from me and the entire City to Dr. Chris Bauman and his leadership team. By the time this newsletter goes out, the annual Arts and Crafts Festival will be about to begin in the Finley River Park the first full weekend in October. My Mayoral Hat goes off to the wonderful ladies of the Utopia Club that make this happen. Just another example of "Making Ozark Better Every Day." I am proud to be your Mayor. Thank you. Rick Gardner

A Note From Ted Smith, Board of Aldermen Ward II

Be informed. Be aware. Be involved. There is so much going on in our city and even as a Board of Alderman, I, too, have difficulty remembering everything sometimes. So how do you stay informed about your city? Check out our website at OzarkMissouri.com, follow our Facebook page at Facebook.com/Ozark Missouri. Email or call one of your elected officials, or find our Facebook pages that you can follow. As most of our citizens go to work each day somewhere else, there can be a natural disconnect to Ozark. We have a great public information department that puts out a lot of educational and resource items. Take advantage of them and be informed about your city. Be aware of what your city does and doesn't do for you. In Ozark, this can be really confusing. We have at least three, but potentially four, different organizations that take care of what you would think are City of Ozark roads. Ozark, Ozark Special Road district and MODOT all have roads within the city. Then there are possibly areas you think are Ozark, but are really county. Inevitably, this ends up being confusing for us all. To read Alderman Smith's full note to residents, please click here.

Ozark Employee Spotlight

Joan Bryant, Country Dance Instructor at The Ozark Community Center Joan Bryant is a Dance Instructor at The OC within the Country Dance program. Ozark has been home to Joan for six years, and contributing to its growth and development is very important to her. Responsibilities at her job include providing a welcoming environment for anyone interested in historic dance. A few of her favorite aspects within her position include: Watching people learn new skills and the joy it brings them; the way it helps her grow as a person and hones her teaching skills; and the eagerness to learn from those in the dance group, as well as how fun they are. Joan continues to provide the opportunity to learn historic dance, which she says contributes to the cultural growth of the community. Thank you for “Making Ozark Better Every Day,” Joan! We appreciate your dedication to the City of Ozark!

Christian County Library Update

For more information on this program, click HERE

Ozark Public Works Department

Have you ever wondered where that 'flushable wipe' ended up? The Ozark Water Waste Department can tell you. It ended up not broken-down at their facility. Watch episode one of the Water Waste Education series by clicking on the left side video.

Ozark Police Department

Chief of Police Justin Arnold was sworn in as Ozark Chief of Police by the City Clerk in an official ceremony on September 11, 2019. Congratulations Chief Arnold!

Ozark Police Department's Officer Dewey wants to remind you to remember to take out valuable items from your car and lock your car doors.

Park and Recreation Department

OC Member Registration HERE. Non-Member Registration HERE.

Click HERE to register.

Register HERE.

Upcoming Programs & Events

Governor Parsons is coming to Ozark!  The City of Ozark and Ozark Chamber is honored to welcome Governor Mike Parson to serve as the keynote speaker for the annual Ozark State of the Community Dinner on October 3rd. Each year, Ozark’s Partners in Progress (Ozark Chamber, City of Ozark, and Ozark R-VI School District) host the annual State of the Community Dinner, where community members are invited to hear from civic leaders regarding our city’s future. In addition to Governor Parson, presenters will include leaders from Ozarks Technical Community College, Ozark School District, the City of Ozark, and the Ozark Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about the State of the Community by clicking here.

46th Annual Ozark Art & Craft Fair October 4th, 5th, 6th 9 am - 6 pm Finley River Park Ozark, MO Click here for more information.

A Night at the Pantry Saturday, October 12 6 pm - 11 pm Least of These, Inc., 1720 James River Road Fundraising Event Tickets required Click here for more information.

Trunk or Treat Downtown Ozark October 31, 2019 5:30 pm - 8 pm E Church St. Click here for more information. Ozark Community Blood Drive Monday, October 7, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Ozark Community Center 1530 W Jackson St

Haunted Walking Tour Thursday, October 10th 6 pm - 10 pm Limited Tickets, 21+ only Venue on Brick, 209 N 2nd St. Click here for more information. First Friday Coffee Friday, October 4, 2019 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Excel Dental 1427 W State Hwy J Free networking opportunity Click here for more information..

Q&A With City Staff

What is happening on South Street? 1. Who is responsible for this project? This is a Missouri Department of Transportation roadway improvement project. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is composed of seven (7) regional districts and the Southwest District owns and maintains all the numbered (example HWY 65) and lettered (example HWY F) roadways in our twenty-one county area. Ozark is very fortunate to have several of our primary arterials maintained as a part of the state system of highways. Please see the Ozark Street Ownership Map and the Southwest District Traffic Specialist Map by clicking this link for more information.

To read the full Q&A with Public Works Director Jeremy Parsons about the South Street construction and to view the the Ozark Street Ownership Map and the Southwest District Traffic Specialist Map, please click on the link below.

READ MORE BY CLICKING HERE.

Have a question you want answered?

What do you want to know? We want to hear from you. Reply back to this email and let us know what question(s) you would like answered. We may feature your question in our next newsletter.

Want to know more?

Learn how you can nominate someone for Ozark Employee Spotlight by clicking here.

City of Ozark| 417-581-2407| ozarkmissouri.com

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