Issue 75| May 2023

City News

You voted, Ozark!

Don Currence was elected Mayor of the City of Ozark and was sworn in by the City Clerk at the April 17th meeting. Also sworn in that day were Aldermen RJ Flores representing Ward I, Jean Ann Hutchinson for Ward II and Drew Owen for Ward III.

MEET OZARK'S NEW MAYOR: DON CURRENCE

"I was very humbled on April 4th after winning the Ozark Mayoral Race. I was running against two good men, David Snider and Eddie Campbell, who both love this city as it has been shown in their service as aldermen and both would have been great mayors.

I greatly appreciate the support so many people have shown to me over the months during the campaign and ALL the and encouragements I have received since the election.

The one promise I made during this campaign was I would give you 100% as mayor if elected. Now it's time to keep my word. And as one person texted me after the election, it’s time to get to work for the citizens of Ozark. I am looking forward to working alongside the six aldermen and city officials serving as your Ozark mayor for the next two years."

-Mayor Don Currence. 

ALDERMAN JRJ FLORES - WARD I


"My family has chosen to live in Ozark because we believe this to be an amazing community, a community with a strong historical perspective, and abundant potential. As a city, we can all work together to ensure Ozark remains the quaint town we have all come to love while looking towards the future. We can accomplish this by staying small while thinking big. It is my honor to represent the citizens of Ward I." - Alderman RJ Flores.

ALDERWOMAN JEAN ANN HUTCHINSON - WARD II

These three “Ps” are my goals: Preserve the small-town feel and protect Ozark’s unique assets and character. Promote our existing the growth of locally owned businesses around them that “fit” our town. Provide a safe and secure environment by creating neighborhoods, connectivity and adequate law enforcement.

I look forward to continuing to participate in several community groups, remain active in community events, and participate in community life so that I will learn firsthand from you and also bring information to you. Feel free to contact me at any time. I am here because of you."

-Alderwoman Jean Ann Hutchinson.

ALDERMAN DREW OWEN - WARD III

"Thank you to everyone who voted me in as Alderman for Ward 3 in Ozark! My goal is to be objective and try to bring a digital component to our fast growing and amazing city.

Growing up in this area, leaving after college, and now raising my kids in Ozark for the past 7 years I am so fortunate to be a part of this amazing community at this level. I promise to never take this opportunity for granted and give my all every single day! Here's my cell phone if you ever want to talk or have questions - 417-693-7462. Again, thank you all!" - Alderman Drew Owen.

Find out more information

What's on the Calendar this month?

May 2023

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May 1 | 7 - 9 pm

Board of Alderman Meeting

May 15 | 7 - 9 pm

Board of Alderman Meeting

May 22 | 7 - 9 pm

Planning & Zoning Meeting

May 29 | 8 am - 5pm

Memorial Day | City Hall Closed


YOU CAN FIND INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR WARD, YOUR ALDERMAN, THE BOARD OF ALDERMAN MEETING AND AGENDA HERE:


Visit our Website

City of Ozark awarded ARPA funds to support

Chadwick Flyer Trail expansion.


Ozark has been selected to receive $1.179 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds which will be used for the expansion of the Chadwick Flyer Trail to include a pedestrian overpass across Highway 65, allowing bicyclists and walkers to safely travel the eventual 12-mile trail between Ozark and neighboring Springfield.

Learn More

Pardon Our Progress

McCracken Road Project


Crews continue construction on the 3rd and McCracken intersection and the Rehabilitation of the McCracken Road Bridge. Once complete, this project will improve traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and stormwater management.

We appreciate your patience!

GOOD NEWS!


Third Street is now OPEN!

Asphalt has been laid, and progress has started on Mill Pond Bridge revitalization.


The Mill Pond Bridge was moved. The bridge will sit right there on McCracken Road, where it will be refurbished and painted before being put back over the river.




McCracken Road Project

Oak Street Project

Crews continue to make substantial progress on replacing the water lines. 

Several hundred linear feet of new 8” water main was installed along 5th, 6th, and Robertson Streets. The new fire hydrants installed will provide increased protection throughout this neighborhood. 

Contractor crews have mobilized to help tackle additional water lines replacement along 4th Street. Crews will also begin working on replacing the aging sanitary sewer lines.

Activity will increase in the area, so the Public Works Department ask for everyone to please use an abundance of caution, follow the construction signage, and remember to slow down when driving through any work zones. 

Learn More Here 

Ozark Police Department

2022 ANNUAL REPORT

"For the first time in a few years, a sense of normalcy returned to our community and to the operations of the Ozark Police Department. This normalcy allowed your police staff to again focus on relationships throughout the community, to truly engage citizens, and to strengthen partnerships that enhance the quality of life for our citizens.

Throughout 2022, we focused on new and innovative programs to provide exceptional public safety services to meet the demands of our growing and vibrant community. The successful implementation of a designated Traffic Enforcement Unit, an Unmanned Aerial System “Drone” Unit, and the deployment of two (2) K9 teams have allowed your police department to enhance our public safety services.



Moving forward, we are certain that significant change in our community will continue to challenge us in our pursuit to keep Ozark a safe community to live, work, and play. As a department, we pledge to adapt and grow responsibly, in unison with our citizens, to make Ozark the best community possible. We are excited about the opportunities ahead!" - Chief Justin Arnold

Read the full Report here  

NEW OFFICERS SWORN IN

The Ozark Police Department welcomes its two newest officers, Dakota Inlow and Dillon Johnson, picture with Chief Justin Arnold at their swearing in ceremony in April.


Happy 4th Birthday

to K9 Dex!


K9 Dex turned four on April 24. He joined the Ozark Police Department in 2022 and loves serving the Ozark community.

K9 Dex is a Dutch Shepherd and was born in the Netherlands.

He and his partner, Officer Tanner Gilmore, are trained as a Police Service Dog team.

K9 Dex specializes in narcotics detection, apprehension, tracking and article recovery. When Dex isn't working as a Police K9, he loves playing soccer.

Apply Today!

Ozark Fire Protection District

GROUND HAS BEEN BROKEN

Station #3 remodel began

Station #3, located at 4545 St. Highway W, has been a project on the radar of the district for some time. Due to supply issues and increasing material costs, the project was scaled back and revised several times.

Tremendous hard work and many hours of discussion have led to this day.

A contract awarded to BP Construction started with the complete removal of all content of the station.


The station will get a new facelift with a glass front and public lobby, new crew living quarters, a gym facility, along with a gear storage/ storm shelter for the crews. We are excited to see the progress over the coming months and crews can’t wait to get back into the station.


Progress is coming quickly and Station #1 is next



The work has already begun with preliminary sketches and size requirements for the new district HQ and Station #1 facility slated to break ground in the first quarter of 2024.

Ozark Fire Protection District crews worked on extrication techniques as we prepare for excellence when called upon. We would like to thank the area towing companies for their generous donation of vehicles annually for the purpose of training firefighters in the region. This is a tremendous partnership that extends to on-scene working relationships.

As always, we encourage everyone to stay safe.

This month it is especially important to discuss smoke alarms. Installation and maintenance are extremely important.

It is recommended that smoke alarms be installed on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. Recently, the clocks were changed, this is a reminder to change the batteries, clean, and check the proper installation of detectors.



The district supplies batteries, installation of batteries, and battery-operated detectors at no cost to residents.


Call the Ozark Fire Protection District (417) 581-4436 to schedule a crew visit or visit our district webpage for a smoke detector application.


OzarkFire.org

Environmental Division

Building a Sustainable Community

As we welcome the month of May, it's important to remember the importance of clean rivers and streams. These bodies of water not only provide us with fresh water for drinking and other uses, but also serve as habitats for various species of aquatic animals and plants.


Here in our community, we're fortunate to have the Finley River running through our area. This river has been a source of recreational activities and a cherished natural resource for many years. However, like many bodies of water, the Finley River has been impacted by human activities that have contributed to pollution and degradation of the water quality.


That's why this month, the City of Ozark and the City of Nixa will be joining forces to clean up the Finley River. This collaborative effort will involve local organizations working together to remove trash, debris, and other pollutants from the river.


This initiative is an excellent opportunity for us to come together as a community to protect and preserve this important natural resource. By keeping our rivers and streams clean, we can ensure that they remain healthy and sustainable for generations to come.


So, let's all do our part in keeping our rivers and streams clean. Whether it's by properly disposing of trash, avoiding the use of harmful chemicals, or participating in local clean-up efforts, every little action counts. Together, we can make a positive impact on the health of our environment and the well-being of our community.


Parks & Recreation

On The Road Again

April's trip to Wild Animal Safari was WILD!


Join us this month for our next adventure. WHODUNNIT?

Each month, a group of 55+ adults gather at The Ozark Community Center before heading out for a unique activity around the Ozarks.

Spots are limited, so get in touch to secure yours!

In the month of May, be on the lookout to find out "Who Dun it" at Shepherd of the Hills "Whodunnit Hoedown," where you will enjoy a murder-mystery dinner show. The meal is included with the $60 ticket.

For more information call 417-581-7002 ext. 2004 or email recreation@ozarkmissouri.org

Email to sign up

The OC's First Annual Garage Sale

The Ozark Community Center's first-ever indoor garage sale was a huge success, with 50 vendors filling the gym.


We are already planning the next garage sale in the Fall.

Stay tuned for details.

Save the date: Sept. 30, 2023


YOUTH PROGRAMS

Semester Rate:

Member: $95 Tuesdays and Thursdays | $125 for Tuesdays or Thursdays

Non-Member: $115 Tuesdays and Thursdays | $165 for Tuesdays or Thursdays


For more information, email recreation@ozarkmissouri.com

or call 417-581-7002 ext. 2005

Register Here
Apply Here

Congrats, Grad!

The Ozark Community Center would like to congratulate our amazing staff who are graduating high school in May 2023.

Big congrats! We are so proud of you!


Historic River District

Historic River District has been busy in the past few months.


The organization helped build planters and plant 2000 daffodil bulbs at the entranceway to the Historic River District on Jackson Street across from Finley Farm.

To make this project possible, they partnered with the City of Ozark, Community Foundation of the Ozarks, Finley River Community Foundation, Master Gardeners, Top Limb Tree Service, Ozark High School, Christian County, and Hansen’s Tree Service.

Historic River District also partnered with the Ozark Senior Center to hire artisan Larry Waggoner to paint a 116-foot mural on the white retaining wall next to the Senior Center.   

Larry Waggoner is a member of the Ozarks Artists Guild located in the Christian County Museum & Historical Society on the Ozark Square. 

Mark your calendars for the Historic River District's next

Meet & Greet:


May 23

from 5-7 pm

at Iguana Roja Restaurante

107 W. Church St., Ozark

Looking Ahead...

HistoricOzark.org

Community Information

National Day of Prayer

Thursday, May 4

Ozark Community Center

1530 W. Jackson St.


Guest Speaker: Dana Lopez-Crowell


6:30 am | Breakfast

7:00 am | Program


Cost: FREE

For more information contact

Sarah Adams Orr 417-766-7447

FINLEY FREEDOM 5K SOAKER SPREE

Regirstration Now Open


A fun, colorful, and WET race! Runners can choose between a 5K (3.1miles) or a 1K (.62 miles) fun race.

Be ready to get soaked in bright, vibrant colors throughout the race! Don't worry about the mess. Local FIREFIGHTERS will be ready to hose off racers as you come in! And if hosing off doesn't cool you down, you can get lost in our OC Foam Party.

ALL levels of runners, joggers, and walkers are encouraged to participate!


When: Saturday July 1st, 2023, at 8:00AM

Where: The Ozark Community Center

Register Here

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.

‘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.

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

On the calendar this month


May 2 - National Teacher Appreciation Day

May 4 - National Day of Prayer

May 14 - Mother's Day

May 16 - National Do Something for Your Neighbor Day

May 20 - National Learn to Swim Day

May 25 - International Plastic Free Day

May 29 - Memorial Day | City Hall Closed



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