Volume XLII | May 2020

May 2020 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.

May's edition includes....

COVID-19 UPDATES
Ozark Public Works Updates
Ozark Police Department Updates
Ozark Community Center Updates
Thank you to our essential workers!

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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CITY OF OZARK CONTINUES TO FOLLOW GOVERNOR ORDERS LEADING UP TO MISSOURI’S SOFT OPENING

APRIL 29, 2020 -- The City of Ozark is continuing to follow Governor Parson's orders in preparation for the soft opening of the State of Missouri. Beginning May 4, 2020, the City of Ozark will begin its first step of phasing-in businesses to open back up in our community. We strongly believe that by creating a plan unique to our community that also respects and includes the set of orders given by Governor Parson, we can continue to ensure the safety and health of our community while also revitalizing our economy here in Ozark.

Our community has been working hard at following the current stay at home order set to expire on Monday, May 4, and following Center for Disease Control guidelines, as well as maintaining the bounds of social distancing. Due to the current projected longevity of COVID-19, and the upcoming soft opening of our state and therefore our community, we strongly advise that CDC guidelines and social distancing be a continuous mantra in the lives of our community members as well as in the operations of our local businesses.

“Although the actions we had to take with our stay at home orders were difficult they were also necessary to ensure the health and safety of our community. Our citizens have done a tremendous job in ensuring the health and safety of those around them and we want to see that continue as we return to some normalcy. Ozark is full of hard-working and self-sacrificing residents that show just how much they Love their City everyday, and I implore them to continue with CDC guidelines," said Ozark Mayor Rick Gardner.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE UPDATED ORDINANCE

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CITY OF OZARK'S PLAYBOOK FOR BUSINESSES

For all updates regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to the City of Ozark and Christian County, please access these sources which include press releases, live updates, and specific city department cancellations, closings and alternative resources:

CITY OF OZARK COVID-19 UPDATE PAGE

CHRISTIAN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT UPDATE PAGE

From the Mayor's Corner

Well, Ozark, we've reopened. For now!

When our great city revised our stay at home order to "reopen," we took a conservative but not ultra-conservative approach. That is to say, we are not as restrictive as Springfield and Greene County but not as open and flexible as the State's order. We wanted retail businesses and restaurants to be able to get back up and running with some restrictions and allow for all other publicly accessible locations, including churches, to open with a 50% of occupancy limitation. While we would like to say "go back to the way things were before COVID-19," that just isn't safe yet.

While Christian and Greene county's COVID-19 numbers are flattening, "it only takes one bad apple to spoil the bunch." What I mean by that is a large group meeting (a church for example) at 50% capacity isn't necessarily "safe." Strict social distancing requirements must be met for all people entering, sitting and exiting the building or outdoor space. Buchanan County is the recent COVID-19 hot spot causing alarm in Missouri and we don't want to see that here. That is why we put paragraph 8 in our recent order. This simply states that large gatherings of individuals increase the risk of exposure and transmission of COVID-19, pose a health risk to our community, and are discouraged for groups of more than 20 individuals.

I would just encourage all residents, businesses, organizations to follow the spirit of the order, not just the letter. Thank you for understanding and complying. If we do this, we will be able to move forward with fewer restrictions and not revert to another stay at home order. This is just another way we can Make Ozark Better Every Day.

Rick Gardner

Mayor

Ozark Public Works

Intersection improvement on Business 65 at South Street near Selmore Rd has been completed as promised.

South Street Widening in Ozark: New Sidewalk

Ozark Riverside Bridge Construction:

Ozark Police Department

Happy 5th Birthday Liam!

We were happy to provide a Police Parade for Liam’s 5th birthday. Thank you for inviting us.

What do Ozark Police Officers Wear on Their Belt?

What do Ozark PD Officers wear on their belt?

Please join the Ozark Police Department in congratulating Greg O'Neil on his recent promotion to Corporal. Corporal O'Neil has been employed by the Ozark Police Department since 2016. He has served as a Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor and a Defensive Tactics Instructor. O'Neil has been in the Missouri- Army National Guard for over 13 years, serving in various leadership positions and deploying three times to serve our country.

Unfortunately, due to the current health concerns with COVID-19 we are unable to have a promotion ceremony for Corporal O'Neil at this time, where we could celebrate with family, friends and community.

Congratulations Corporal O'Neil, we are proud of you!