Issue 72 | February 2023

City News


Hello, Ozark!


My name is RJ Flores, and many of you may know me as the Alderman for Ward I. On January 3, 2023, I was appointed the Mayor of Ozark.


How did I become Mayor of Ozark, and when will YOU, the Ozark Citizen get to vote for the NEXT Mayor of Ozark?


The City of Ozark is what is referred to as a Fourth-Class City. Fourth-Class Cities operate under the generic charter in Chapter 79 of Missouri's Revised Statutes. The chapter details organizing a city's required and optional officials, duties and responsibilities.


Chapter 79 of Missouri's Revised Statutes discusses what to do when there is a vacancy. When former Mayor Bradley A. Jackson accepted his position as Eastern Christian County Commissioner. It left the role of Ozark's Mayor vacant.

A special meeting of the Board was announced, an alderman made a recommendation to appoint me as interim mayor, a vote was taken, I became his replacement. I will serve as Mayor of Ozark until the next election.


Our next election will take place on April 4, 2023. Ozark will be able to vote on The Mayor & an Alderman in Ward I, II & III.

Meet our Mayor, RJ Flores, in this open forum-style meeting.



These meetings are a chance to discuss the upcoming opportunities coming to Ozark and the things that mean the most to you as an Ozark Citizen.


February 11 | 9 - 11 am

1530 W. Jackson St.


“As members of the Ozark Board of Alderman, we are responsible for and responsive to the citizens of Ozark, a responsibility that is not taken lightly. I am excited for this opportunity to serve the citizens of Ozark as their Mayor – RJ Flores


We can not wait to hear from you!

Find out more information

Meet your Government

Name: Eddie Campbell

Title: Alderman Ward III

Email: EddieCampbellForOzarkMayor@outlook.com


My wife, Tresea, and I were married on January 6, 1972. We have two children and four grandchildren. Tresea and I love to hike. I retired in 2020 after a 21-year career in Coal-Mine Construction Management, followed by a 28-year career in Commercial Construction Management. I served on two(2) appointed boards in our City before being elected by the voters in Ward III as an Alderman. I've served as a Ward III Alderman in five(5) separate terms since 2010.


As an Alderman on the Ozark City Council, I hold one of 6 positions on the Legislative Body for the City of Ozark. Our two(2) primary actions are to adopt or reject resolutions and ordinances. The Board of Aldermen is empowered by the voters to collectively make decisions that are in the City's best interest. I also serve as the Liaison to the Ozark Police Department.


I am passionate about serving the public in local government; it gives me valuable purpose. My favorite thing about serving the City of Ozark, in particular, is that I am proud of this City. We could be better, but along with the quality of City Staff from top to bottom, I know we are constantly striving to achieve that goal.


Please be sure to get involved in Ozark.

  1. Shop Ozark

  2. Let's bring more businesses and visitors to Ozark

  3. Attend the Board of Aldermen meetings

  4. Hold your elected officials accountable

McCracken Road Project Information

Phase One(1) Consists of installing the northern pedestrian tunnel crossing under McCracken Road just west of the existing 3rd Street intersection. This phase will require the closure of McCracken Road from 4th Street to 3rd Street. McCracken Road will be closed beginning December 19th. It is anticipated that McCracken Road will be closed until February 6, 2023 (weather pending)

Phase One(1) Update: Jan 2-6, 2023

Jan. 2 Rebar arrived, and the contractor was able to tie the rebar and pour concrete Friday morning. The contractor Placed two (2) casings across the Garrison Branch creek, the other for the force main and the other for the new water line.

Phase One(1) Update: Jan 9-13, 2023

Work completed for the week of January 9th. Concrete walls have been formed and poured. Placed rebar for the top which will be poured early next week. The water crew has been installing the water line and force main all week.

Phase One(1) Update: Jan 16-20, 2023

The concrete box culvert for the Finley Park access has been completed and is backfilled with clean rock. Continue with the installation of the force main and connect the new water line just past Garrison Creek towards the lift station. Tuesday, January 24th, McCracken road will be open to traffic, and 3rd street will be closed for construction.

We are excited to announce Phase ONE (1) of the McCracken Bridge Road Project is almost complete


Phase TWO(2) of the McCracken Road Project 2022-2023 started Monday, February 6 , 2023


Phase TWO (2) will consist of the installation of the southern pedestrian tunnel crossing under 3rd Street just north of the existing Fire Station entrance.


Please see the Detour map provided below:


Please check out the website for the full story on the project. HERE


***Mill Pond Bridge weight limit is fifteen (15) ton. Truck Detour routes are listed on our website HERE. NO LARGE TRUCKS will be allowed to cross Mill Pond Bridge.

See Phase TWO (2) Detour Map below.

To stay up to date on this project and read more about the upcoming phases, visit our website by clicking the button below.

Website

What's on the Calendar this month?

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February 6 | 7 - 9 pm

Board of Alderman Meeting

February 20 | 8 am - 5 pm

City Hall Closed

February 21| 7 - 9 pm

Board of Alderman Meeting

February 27| 7 - 9 pm

Planning & Zoning Meeting

Visit our Website

Ozark Police Department

Promotions!

January 2023

Please join the Ozark Police Department in congratulating Matt Jones and Truman Isbell on their recent promotions, which went into effect on Saturday, January 7th, 2023.

Corporal Truman Isbell has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant and assume the duties of evening shift Patrol Sergeant in the Field Services Division. Isbell has been employed by the Ozark Police Department since 2000, serving as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Generalist Instructor, Detective, Range Instructor, and Patrol Corporal. Isbell’s most recent assignment was as the department's Training and Hiring Coordinator, responsible for the oversight and training of all Ozark Police Department staff. Prior to joining the Ozark Police Department, Isbell served with the Missouri Department of Corrections. Isbell has accumulated over 60 hours of higher education through programs at various colleges and universities. Isbell is a veteran of the United States Army.

Sergeant Matt Jones has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and assumes the duties of the Support Services Division Commander of the Ozark Police Department. Jones will oversee the Records Unit, Property and Evidence Unit, Animal Control Unit, and Training Unit. His responsibilities will also include resource, fleet, equipment, and technology management. Jones has been employed by the Ozark Police Department since 2013, serving as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Detective, Corporal, and Sergeant. Jones’ most recent assignments were as Criminal Investigations Unit Supervisor and evening shift Patrol Sergeant in the Field Services Division. Prior to his employment with the Ozark Police Department, Jones' served as a Corrections Officer with the Greene County Sheriff's Office. Jones possesses an Associate of Arts Degree and is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Arts in Law Enforcement from Drury University. Jones is a veteran of the United States Army.

Ozark Police Department 2022 Awards Banquet
Apply Today!

Ozark Fire District

Kicking off the new year in style. The Ozark Fire Protection District has many items on the front burner as we head into 2023. Some may have seen pictures being taken at Station #1 HQ. This is due to the development of a new webpage to be featured in the coming months. Stay tuned as we prepare to offer a new way to schedule community events and public education delivery.


We have made it past the new year’s festivities, yet fire prevention is still important in our everyday lives. New year escape plan reviews are recommended with your family and friends. Staying prepared for an emergency makes a positive outcome more likely. Check your smoke detector batteries and ensure your fire extinguisher is charged and ready for use.


The months of December and January are busy times for the district as we respond to more fire calls during these months than any other. Due mostly to the cold weather and citizens turning on HVACs and fireplaces to keep warm. Please be mindful that a light smoky smell is common when furnaces come to life. If this smell persists, please dial 911 for emergency response.



Respectfully;

Aaron S. Heaton

Assistant Chief

aheaton@ozarkfire.org

Ozark Fire Protection District

Station: (417) 581-4436

Fax: (417) 581-4496

Parks & Recreation

APPLY TODAY!

Join us for our annual Mother and Son fun Night - this year, it will take place on Feb 25th, 2023. This year, join us as we take part in Laser Tag, dodgeball and other competitions, pizza and refreshments, rock climbing, crafts and more! 


Location:

The Ozark Community Center

Time:

6 - 9 pm

Cost:

Annual Family Members| Team(2 people): $25

Non-Members | Team(2 people): $30

Each Additional Person(s): $10 / each

"Day of" registration is not available, and individuals should register prior to Feb 24th.


Aunts and Grandmas are more than welcome as well! We ask that only individuals ages 5 and up attend. 


For more information, email Recreation@OzarkMissouri.com

or call 417-581-7002 ext. 2005


Register online here!

For more information

Kids Day Off

January 20 | 7 am - 6 pm

When school is out, come play, swim, craft and more with us at The OC!

*Participants should bring a towel, swimsuit, and a sack lunch! Closed toed shoes are recommended.


Cost:

Annual Member: $22/ Child

Non-Member: $25/Child


For more information, email recreation@ozarkmissouri.com

or call 417-581-7002 ext. 2005

Register Here

Kids Night In

5:30 - 9:30 pm

Come Join us for a fun night at The OC, enjoy pizza, swimming, playing games, trying the Rockwall and as always-lots of fun!


Dates:

January 13 | February 10 | Marth 10 | April 14 | May 12


Cost:

Pre-Registration:

Annual Member:

$15/Child, $10/Additional Sibling

Non-Members:

$20/Child, $15/Additional Sibling


"Day of" Registration:

$20/Child (NO member discount)


For more information, email recreation@ozarkmissouri.com

or call 417-581-7002 ext. 2004

Register Here

On The Road Again

February 15

$55


Every month, The OC hosts "On The Road Again", a 55-plus field tripping group that engages in trips around the Ozark. These are generally day trips, planned based on recommendations from our group members. These can include local shows and musicals, tourist destinations and museums, fine dining, and more!


For more information, email Recreation@OzarkMissouri.com

or call 417-581-7002 ext. 2005




Snow day Program

When school is out due to bad weather Ozark Parks & Rec. wants to help keep the kids busy!! The OC is offering a program loaded with swimming, games, crafts, movies, and fun all day long!!!


Location:

The OC | 1530 W Jackson St.


Cost:

$22/ child for active participants in our after-school program


$25/ child non-active participates


All students should bring a sack lunch, swimsuit, towel, snacks, and a water bottle.

Call Here
Email

Dance & Cheer Class

Jan. 12 - March 2

6 - 7 pm.

Dance, Cheer, Kick, and Jump into this fun class designed to teach kids, K-5th grade, pompom and cheering basics. Kids will learn proper technique, sideline cheers, chants and a pom-pom routine throughout the session. Tennis shoes and comfortable clothes are recommended. Parents are encouraged to sign children in before dropping them off. 


Location:

The OC | 1530 W Jackson St.


Cost:

$55/ Annual Members

$65/ Non-Members


The class fee includes T-Shirt, Pom-Poms, and Instruction. Please include the T-Shirt size in the appropriate box for registration. Please designate Youth Sizes if applicable. 

Register Here
Visit our Website

Enjoy swim lessons all year long in our heated indoor pool!

Classes are run monthly.


Cost:

Registration closes two(2) days before the start date.


Annual OC Members | $40/month

Non-Members | $50/month


After the registration deadline, there is a $10 Fee. If registering after the registration deadline, you MUST call or email to see if there is registration is still available for that session. aquatics@ozarkmissouri.com



Register at the OC Front Desk or use the button below.

Call 417-581-7002 for more information!


Private and semi-private swimming lessons

We offer private and semi-private swimming lessons for all ages and skill levels. One-on-one private lessons or two-on-one semi-private lessons are both great options for young swimmers to learn at a pace that’s best for them.


Private lessons are offered in eight 30-minute sessions or four

one-hour-long sessions.

Register for February Swim Lessons

Community Information

Christian County Homeless Alliance

Hot Soup Cold Night

Join us for this annual fundraiser and help provide emergency shelter for our neighbors in need

February 3

6 - 8 pm


Redeemer Lutheran Church 

911 W Mt Vernon St 

Nixa, MO 65714



To view the silent auction and get more details about the event, go to

www.bidpal.net/soup


For more information, visit

www.facebook.com/christiancountyhomelessmatters


The Christian County Homeless Alliance is an initiative of Community Partnership's Ozarks Alliance to End Homelessness. Learn more at www.cpozarks.org/ozarks-alliance-to-end-homelessness/ 


Want to be alerted to emergency information in Christian County?


Download the Smart911 app from your app store or visit https://www.christiancountymo.gov/ to set up a user profile for your household. You will be able to select your communication preferences so public safety agencies across our county can keep you informed. It could save your life.

Rain Barrel Rebates

Rain barrels are a great way to make your yard more environmentally friendly! Learn more about rainwater harvesting systems and our rebates for Greene and Christian County residents:

Learn More

‘Ozark Trash Bashers’ rebrands to ‘Clean Green Ozark.’


Ozark Trash Bashers, an organized group of volunteers, working together to help clean up Ozark streets, has been rebranded to Clean Green Ozark. This group began in March of 2021 and has since picked up over 500 bags of litter. Clean Green Ozark is part of Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s leading community improvement organization, educating and activating millions of individuals across the country to end littering, improve recycling and beautify communities.


Clean Green Ozark is looking for individuals, groups, or businesses to help pick up litter in Ozark. Trash bags and vests will be provided. Interested individuals should email cleangreenozark@ozarkmissouri.org. Stay up to date on keeping the Ozarks beautiful by joining the Clean Green Ozark group on Facebook.