Issue 74| April 2023

We would like to provide some information on Ozark Municipal Election items you should expect on your April 4, 2023, ballot.

If you are curious about which ward you live in, please check out our Ward Map HERE.

Check your voter registration here....

Sample ballots for your polling location here.

Your candidates running for Mayor are:

(in alphabetical order by last name)

Eddie Campbell

Don Currence

David Snider

Your candidates running for Ward 1 Alderman:

(in alphabetical order by last name)

RJ Flores

Murray Kennon

Your candidates running for Ward 2 Alderman:

(in alphabetical order by last name)

Jean Ann Hutchinson

Jim Price

Josh Tuning

Your candidates running for Ward 3 Alderman:

(in alphabetical order by last name)

Drew Owen

Jared Robbins

Shane West (**no longer eligible, but name will appear on ballot)

On January 3, the Alderman of Ozark passed a bill, putting forth the proposal for voters to decide on April 4. If the tax is approved, it will only be levied on the purchase of recreational marijuana and will NOT apply to medical marijuana. The proposed additional sales tax shall fund the Ozark Police Department.

Ballot language:

"Shall the City of Ozark, Missouri, impose an additional 3% tax on all tangible personal property retail sales of NON-medical adult use marijuana sold within the City, said tax to fund the Ozark Police Department?"

FIND MORE INFORMATION HERE

**The city of Ozark does not endorse any candidates who are running for office. As a city government, we ethically cannot endorse any candidate or any ballot initiative. It is our job as the City of Ozark to provide educational information to the citizens of Ozark.**

Paid for by City of Ozark: PO Box 295, Ozark, MO 65721 Mayor RJ Flores

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.

April 8 | 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 cannot wait to hear from you!

Love Your City by Keeping it Clean!

2023 Limb Collection!

April 3 - 7

**You must register for this limb collection by

Friday, March 31, by 5 pm. **

To sign up, please get in touch with City Hall at 417-581-2407.

• Limbs must be the curbside before 7 a.m. April 3.
• Limbs must be stacked against the curb with all cut ends facing the street.
• Limbs must not block the sidewalk or extend into the street.
• To prevent damage to your property, keep items five(5) feet away from your trash can, mailbox, fences or walls, water meter, telephone connection box, and parked cars. Do not place any items under low-hanging tree limbs or power lines
• The City of Ozark only collects large brush from its residential trash and recycling customers and from homes within the city limits of Ozark
• Items will not be collected if they are in an alley or if they are in front of a business or a vacant lot.

ONLY TREE TRIMMINGS WILL BE COLLECTED

McCracken Road Project Information

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

What's on the Calendar this month?

"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!"



-Justin Arnold, Chief of Police

April - Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 28): Celebrating Ozark's Natural Wonders and Planting Trees for the Future

On this Earth Day and Arbor Day, we celebrate the natural beauty and resources of Ozark, Missouri. From the lush forests and rolling hills to the clear streams and Finley River, our community is home to diverse ecosystems and wildlife. This month, we will explore ways to protect and preserve our local environment, including supporting conservation efforts, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable practices. We will also highlight the importance of Arbor Day and encourage the planting of trees for a greener future in Ozark. Join us in celebrating and protecting our natural wonders!

Earth Day There are many ways you can celebrate Earth Day around Ozark, Missouri. Here are some ideas:

1.Clean up litter in your neighborhood or a local park. You can organize a cleanup event with your neighbors or join a community cleanup event.

2.Plant trees or flowers in your yard or a local park. You can also join a community tree-planting event.

3.Reduce your energy consumption by turning off lights and electronics when not in use, using energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs, and adjusting your thermostat.

4.Reduce your water usage by fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and using a low-flow toilet and showerhead.

5.Reduce your waste by recycling, composting, and avoiding single-use plastics.

6.Support local farmers by shopping at farmers' markets and choosing locally grown produce.

7.Use alternative modes of transportation such as biking or walking, or carpooling to reduce emissions.

8.Learn more about environmental issues and how you can make a difference by attending educational events or workshops.

9.Advocate for environmental protection by contacting your elected officials and supporting policies that promote sustainability and conservation.

Remember, every small action can make a big impact on our planet.

Arbor Day is a great opportunity to contribute to the environment and promote sustainability.

Arbor Day is a holiday dedicated to planting and caring for trees. It was first observed in the United States in Nebraska in 1872, thanks to the efforts of J. Sterling Morton, a journalist and politician who recognized the importance of trees for agriculture, beauty, and general well-being.

Morton and his wife Caroline moved to the Nebraska Territory in 1854, where he became editor of the Nebraska City News. As a nature lover, Morton was disappointed to find few trees in the area, so he decided to use his position to promote the planting of trees. In 1872, he proposed a tree-planting holiday called "Arbor Day" to the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture, and it was approved as a day to encourage the planting of trees on April 10 of that year.

On the first Arbor Day, more than one million trees were planted in Nebraska, and the holiday was soon adopted by other states. Today, Arbor Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, and the date varies depending on the climate and growing season of each region.

Plant a tree as this is the most obvious way to contribute to Arbor Day. You can plant a tree in your yard or a local park. Make sure to choose a native species that will thrive in your area. Remember, every action counts, no matter how small it may seem. By doing your part for Arbor Day 2023, you can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.

This information is brought to you by our Community Environmental Coordinator John McCart. You can reach him at jmccart@ozarkmissouri.org

The Ozark Fire Protection District welcomes two new faces to the district staff. Firefighter Aaron Meadows and FF. Austin White will join the ranks beginning February 28, 2023. Both members successfully completed a comprehensive hiring process allowing them to become probationary Firefighters with the District. Please join us in welcoming them to District’s family.  

Six probationary Firefighters have recently completed a rigorous 12-month probationary process teaching them basic competencies to becoming effective firefighters for the district. These six members move from probationary status to “Rookie Firefighter” status with permanent shift assignments. We are extremely excited about what they have and will continue to bring to the OFPD team!

(From L-R)

Firefighter Mitch Beary, Firefighter Kendra Bruffett, Firefighter Dustin Cutbirth,

Firefighter Matthew Garrison, Firefighter Jake Stokes, Firefighter Jacob Reynolds

Many have seen the recent photo shoots happening at each of our stations. We are thrilled to announce the launching of a new district webpage. This page aims to provide ease of use for our citizens to obtain pertinent information related to district operations, Provide educational information and links, and streamline many processes within the district. Please check out our district webpage and subscribe for any updates.  

WWW.OZARKFIRE.ORG

Vacancy Announcement

               The Ozark Fire Protection District is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Battalion Chief. This high-intensity position supervises daily operations and manages the structure of service delivery. You can visit the district webpage for additional information and qualifications.



               As always, we love to provide safety messaging with our press releases. This month is flash flood awareness. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” is only a statement until applied. However, each year Missourians are killed by traversing low water crossings during high water. Just six inches of water can knock a person from their feet. Two feet or more can sweep a vehicle, even an SUV, from the roadway. 

Flash Flood- Vehicle

11th Annual Ozark

Easter Egg-stravaganza



Saturday, April 1 | 9:45 - 11:15 am

The Ozark Community Center | 1530 W. Jackson St.

From the tiniest of tots to the most seasoned of egg hunters, everyone is welcome to join in on the fun. So put on your bunny ears and grab your baskets, and let's get cracking on a memorable Easter adventure! Bring your baskets for egg-citing fun, with egg hunts for different age groups! We will also have crafts, face painting, several inflatables, and yard games on site as well!

Egg Hunt Times:

10:00 AM: ages 6 mo. - 2 yr.

10:20 AM: ages 3-5

10:40 AM: ages 6 - 8

11:00 AM: ages 9-12

Easter Bunny Picture Times: 9:45 AM-11:15 AM

This camp offers our beginning & youngest campers, a fun and safe camp experience, as they enjoy a new "theme" each week. Lots of swimming, crafts, games, at least 2-3 field trips per week, and wonderful interaction with our super camp counselors allow these campers to have a very positive camp experience.

This camp has field trips 3-4 times per week, and has a little more adventure sports, exploring caves, & paddling rivers, water parks and more, this camp focuses on "Adventure" as they make friendships to last a lifetime!

This camp has field trips 3-4 times per week, and has a little more adventure sports, exploring caves, & paddling rivers, water parks and more, this camp focuses on "Adventure" as they make friendships to last a lifetime!

All Camps run from

7 am - 6 pm Mon. - Fri.

Non-Member Pricing:

Whole Week - $130

Pick any 3 days - $110

Annual Family Member Pricing:

Whole Week - $120

Pick any 3 days - $95

FIRST ANNUAL! INDOOR GARAGE SALE

Saturday, April 22 | 7 AM – 2 PM

1530 W. Jackson St. Ozark, MO 65721

To Register as a Vendor,

stop by The OC Front Desk.

A 12-foot by 12-foot booth rental is

$20 for annual members | $25 for non-annual-members

Barn Dance & BBQ

April 29 | 5 - 9 pm

Spring Park Farm

$30 per person

Finley River Park, Ozark, MO

*Preview Sale: Tues., April 18, 3–7 p.m.

Wed., April 19, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.

Thurs., April 20, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.

Fri., April 21, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.

$3 Bag Day: Sat., April 22, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Membership is required to attend the Preview

Sales. Get a membership card at the door.

INDIVIDUALS: $5 FAMILY: $10

christiancountylibrary.org/friends

Blood Drive 

Ozark Community Center 

River and Bluff Combined Rooms 

1530 West Jackson 

Ozark, MO 65721 

Monday, May 1, 2023 

8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: OZARKCC to schedule an appointment. 

National Day of Prayer

Thursday, May 4

Ozark Community Center

1530 W. Jackson St.

Guest Speaker: Dana Lopez-Crowell

O

6:30 am | Breakfast

7:00 am | Program

Cost: FREE

For more information contact

Sarah Adams Orr 417-766-7447