Category Archives: LOP News

LOP News – May-June 2026

The City of Camdenton is moving closer to opening its long-awaited community center, with new details and floor plans recently released. Currently under construction next to the Camdenton Aquatic Center at the city park, the 14,000-square-foot facility is designed to serve as a hub for recreation and community gatherings. The center will feature a full-size gymnasium with lined courts for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball, as well as a walking track, reception area, and a large community room. Its flexible spaces will accommodate fitness classes such as yoga, Pilates, and aerobics, while the gym will also be available for event rental, tournaments, and other activities. City officials say the center remains on schedule to open in June 2026, with membership and day-pass options currently in development as the project nears completion. Construction of the center is being handled by Nabholz Construction.

LOP News – March-April 2026

Dale Law, General Manager of MarineMax Lake Ozark, has been named the 2025 Bill McGill General Manager of the Year, one of the highest honors within the MarineMax organization. Among more than 120 MarineMax locations nationwide, the Lake Ozark store has ranked in the top 10 four of the past five years, a testament to Law’s steady leadership and results-driven culture.

LOP News – January-February 2026

Osage Beach broke ground November 14, 2025 on the Hatchery Ridge Trail, an almost three-mile single-track loop for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. The project is a partnership between the City of Osage Beach, Missouri State Parks, and Magic Dragon Trails. Missouri State Representative Jeff Vernetti, Missouri State Parks personnel, Osage Beach Mayor Michael Harmison, and Aldermen Phyllis Marose, Justin Hoffman, and Becca Collins attended the ceremony along with numerous trail enthusiasts.

LOP News – November-December 2025

LOP News - September-October 2025

Lake of the Ozarks Native Aidan Bethurem, 9, turned heads on and off the soccer field this summer as he competed for Sports Illustrated’s Youth Athlete of the Year. The national contest, hosted by Colossal, highlights young athletes while raising funds for the Why Not You Foundation and the V Foundation in their respective missions to empower youth and to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives.

LOP News – September-October 2025

LOP News - September-October 2025

Mike Anderson, former Chairman, President, and CEO of First Bank of the Lake, has been inducted into the Missouri Bankers Foundation 50 Year Club, recognizing his five decades of distinguished service to the banking industry. Honored at the Missouri Bankers Association Annual Convention, Anderson’s career began in Oklahoma City and included senior leadership roles at multiple banks in Oklahoma and Missouri. He joined First Bank of the Lake in 2014, guiding it through over a decade of growth before retiring as CEO in April 2025, with full retirement planned by year’s end. Anderson, a University of Central Oklahoma graduate, has lived at the Lake of the Ozarks since 2005 and remains deeply connected to the local community. His successor, Jim Larrick, highlighted Anderson’s impact, leadership, and mentorship. First Bank of the Lake, a leading SBA lender with $1.8 billion in assets, celebrates Anderson’s enduring legacy and contributions to the banking industry.

LOP News – July-August 2025

A significant revitalization effort is underway in Lake Ozark, with the Reese Development Group leading a long-term, community-focused project to breathe new life into the historic Strip. Unlike the flashy, large-scale developments seen elsewhere, this initiative is rooted in local involvement and long-term impact rather than quick transactions. The project is being driven by residents who live and work in the area. Their goal is to transform The Strip, established in 1931, into a functional and vibrant downtown for the Lake of the Ozarks, capitalizing on its rare walkability and central location. The team is actively addressing long-neglected infrastructure needs, such as public restrooms, sidewalks, trash facilities, and crosswalks which are critical elements for a family-friendly, accessible downtown.

LOP News – May-June 2025

One-on-one, head-to-head, toe-to-toe – Pelican Ultimate Match Fishing brings fierce competition to the waters of America’s top bass fisheries. In March 2025, the Lake of the Ozarks was once again featured on The Outdoor Channel as a premier location for competitive fishing. This iconic tournament, which has been showcased on Pelican Ultimate Match Fishing since 2004, highlighted the stunning beauty and challenging fishing environment of one of Missouri’s most famous Lakes.

LOP News – March-April 2025

The new A&E series Ozark Law premiered on January 8, show- casing the hard work and dedication of the Osage Beach and Lake Ozark Police Departments. The 10-episode series, produced by Lucky 8, offers a behind-the-scenes look at how local law en- forcement handles the challenges of managing the huge influx of tourists during the busy summer months. The series is avail- able for streaming on the A&E app and aetv.com, and can also be viewed On Demand. Lake Ozark Police Chief James Boren praised the professionalism of the Lucky 8 crew, expressing satisfaction with the final product, which he believes accurately portrays the real challenges law enforcement faces at the Lake of the Ozarks during peak seasons.

LOP News – January/February 2025

For years, drivers along Highway 54 between Eldon and Lake Ozark have wondered about a building that has served many purposes, from a feed store to an auction site to a restaurant. Now, it has a fresh, new look. The building has been transformed into the headquarters and showroom for Otto Construction and Ragan Cabinets. Known for their high-end work around Lake Ozark, owner Tony Otto identified a need for a premier cabinet supplier, leading to the launch of Ragan Cabinets. On October 24, the businesses officially moved in, with plans for an open house this winter to welcome the community to their new location at 3 Riley Mead Ln., Eldon, MO.

LOP News – November/December 2024

Water Drones

Boaters and residents at Lake of the Ozarks are intrigued by unmanned, six-foot-long vessels resembling inflatable catamarans. While some speculate humorously about their purpose, these Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) are mapping the Lake’s contours to update nautical charts, as explained by Willis Maxson of SimpleUnmanned, LLC, who built and operates them. Equipped with GPS and sonar, the vessels travel at two mph, logging data continuously. Maxson monitors them remotely, especially in busy areas. He urges the community to avoid tampering with the drones, which have faced issues from curious onlookers in the past.