9/01/2026

What’s New in Ozark MO | September 2026 Newsletter

 

Frisco Caboose at the Chadwick Flyer Trailhead

September 2026

Events Calendar

3 Ozark Farmers Market

(Thursdays thru September)

3:00 - 7:00 pm | Finley River Park

4 First Friday Coffee

7:30 am | Servant Heart Ministry

5 Downtown Market Days

9:00 am - 3:00 pm | Historic Ozark Square

7 Labor Day - City Hall Closed

8 Paws in the Pool

5:00 - 7:00 pm | Grubaugh Municipal Pool

Register Your Dog

8 Board of Aldermen Meeting

6:30 pm | City Hall

10-12 Citywide Garage Sale

Ozark

11 Kids Night In

5:30 - 9:30 pm | Ozark Community Center

11 Sunset on the Square

6:00 - 8:00 pm | Historic Ozark Square

12 Community Breakfast

7:00 - 10:00 am | Ozark Senior Center

12 Harvest Hustle 5K

8:00 am | Ozark Community Center

Sign Up Today!

12 Community Conversation

9:00 am | Ozark Community Center

19 Spin Marathon

8:00 am - 12:00 pm | Ozark Community Center

21 Board of Aldermen Meeting

6:30 pm | City Hall

Watch the Livestream

24 Ozark Chamber Luncheon

11:00 am | Ozark Community Center

25 Kids Day Off

7:00 am - 6:00 pm | Ozark Community Center

26 Fall Indoor Garage Sale

7:00 am - 1:00 pm | Ozark Community Center

28 Planning & Zoning Meeting

6:30 pm | City Hall

Watch the Livestream

Dear Resident,


September brings the beginning of fall and plenty to celebrate here in Ozark, including a new chapter for one of our most recognizable landmarks. You'll now see the historic red caboose right off Jackson Street, near the entrance to the Ozark Community Center.


I'd like to thank everyone who helped make this historic move possible. Even the morning showers couldn't dampen the excitement as we watched the caboose take one last trip.

We're looking ahead to Good Neighbor Week, September 28 through October 4. What do you think makes a good neighbor? Before Good Neighbor Week, we'll be setting up a microphone and camera to hear from you! I look forward to hearing your answers and sharing what makes Ozark a great place to call home.

There are also plenty of upcoming events to enjoy as we welcome the fall season. I hope you'll get out, enjoy the cooler weather and spend some quality time with family, friends and neighbors.

One last reminder - don't forget to wear red on Fridays and show your support for our Ozark Tigers!




~Mayor Don Currence

A New Home for an Ozark Landmark!

The iconic red Frisco caboose has officially moved from Finley River Park! A familiar sight for generations of park visitors, this piece of Ozark history is beginning a new chapter at its new home near the Chadwick Flyer Trailhead at the Ozark Community Center.


The caboose was donated to the City of Ozark by Burlington Northern in 1983 and has been a staple at Finley River Park ever since. Over the years, repeated flooding has undermined its foundation and threatened its long-term preservation. Relocating the caboose to higher ground will help protect this cherished landmark for future generations to enjoy.


Its new location is also a fitting one. The caboose commemorates the historic Frisco railroad, which once served Ozark and Christian County and traveled through this area.


While it may be leaving its longtime home at Finley River Park, the caboose hasn't gone far, and we're excited to give this piece of Ozark history a safer place to call home.

Preparing Together, Protecting Ozark

In August, the Ozark Police Department joined the Ozark School District and local emergency response agencies for an active shooter simulation and training exercise.


Exercises like this provide an important opportunity for law enforcement, school staff, firefighters, EMS personnel and other first responders to train side by side in a realistic environment. By working through a simulated emergency, agencies can strengthen communication and coordination, evaluate response procedures, identify areas for improvement and better understand the roles each agency plays during a critical incident.


Effective emergency response takes teamwork, and that teamwork starts long before an emergency occurs. Training together helps build familiarity and trust among the agencies and individuals who would be called upon to respond, allowing them to make quicker, more coordinated decisions when every second matters.


While we hope these skills are never needed, preparation is an important part of protecting our schools and community. We appreciate the dedication of everyone who participated and their commitment to keeping Ozark's students, staff and residents safe!

View Photo Gallery

Breaking Ground on Marabella

Another exciting investment in Ozark’s future is officially underway! On August 20, 2026, community leaders celebrated the groundbreaking of Marabella, a new 229-acre development near Farmer Branch Road.


The multi-phase community is planned to bring hundreds of new homes to Ozark, along with commercial space, more than four miles of trails, green space and recreational amenities including a pool, splash pad, clubhouse, sports courts and playgrounds.


Marabella represents a significant long-term investment in Ozark and another milestone in our community’s continued growth!

Ozark Project Tracker

Follow the latest commercial, residential and major projects with the City of Ozark's Project Tracker.

Track a Project

New Businesses Now Open

ANDEE Cafe

5557 N. 21st Street, St. 4

Scoops of Faith

103A W. Church Street

McDonald's

1920 W. Waverly Street

Latest City Updates

Read our Board of Aldermen Recaps

August 3, 2026
August 17, 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 Now 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 Now

Swim Prep is the perfect program for swimmers ages 5 - 17 who already know how to swim but want to refine their skills or prepare for competitive swimming.


The fall semester includes one-hour sessions every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from September 8 to December 3. Completing this program gives the swimmer priority placement for our swim team.

Register Now

Join us at the Ozark Community Center for a special evening "in" for kids while parents enjoy a well-deserved night "out."


We've planned an exciting lineup of activities, including swimming, games and rock wall climbing.


Details:

• September 11

• Open to K-6th grader

• 5:30 - 9:30 pm

Spots Limited, Register Here

Get ready to ignite your fitness journey during our Fall Spin Marathon! Feel the burn as you pedal through three hours of this heart-pumping challenge, while enjoying high-energy beats and motivation with our talented spin instructors. Are you ready to break a sweat and ride to victory?


Details:

• September 19

• 8:00 - 11:00 am


Sign Up!

Save The Date!

Get ready for a spooktacular time at our upcoming Festival of Frights!


Join us for a hauntingly fun night filled with tricks and treats for all ages. Dress up in your favorite costume and enjoy a variety of activities and games. Plus, don't miss out on our scary good food and drink options.


Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 24, and bring your friends and family for some Halloween fun you won't forget!


Upcoming Community Events

HRD Summer Events Info
Ozark Chamber of Commerce Calendar

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

In Case You Missed It

There's nothing better than seeing a dog leave our city pound with the family they've been waiting for. Two incredible dogs 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.

Stay Ahead of Severe Weather

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.

Sign Up for Alerts
Christian County Emergency Info

Christian County Library

Christian County

Show Me Christian County

Historic River District

Ozark Fire Protection District

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