Lake of the Ozarks Daily Digest — Saturday, February 14, 2026
Ty's Take
Two stories jumped out at me today that show our community at work in different ways. First, Commissioner Ike Skelton's announcement that he's filing for another four years gives voters a clear signal about continuity in local leadership, and frankly, in times when everything seems to change overnight, having experienced hands who know the Lake area's unique challenges isn't something to take lightly. The other story that matters is our Osage Beach firefighters battling what sounds like a significant natural cover fire — these deep-seated fires can be absolute hell to contain, and with the dry conditions we've been seeing, it's a reminder that our first responders are earning every penny we pay them. Everything else today feels like the usual mix of hospital announcements and legal proceedings, but when your house might be in a fire's path, you remember real quick what actually matters.
Lake Expo
Delores Spires (October 21, 1948 - February 11, 2026)
Delores Spires, a 77-year-old Lake area resident, passed away on February 11, 2026. She was born on October 21, 1948.
Judith Anita Montgomery (September 26, 1944 - February 9, 2026)
Judith Anita Montgomery, age 81, died on February 9, 2026. The longtime area resident was born on September 26, 1944.
Jimmie Ronald Mitchell (February 9, 1934 - February 10, 2026)
Jimmie Ronald Mitchell passed away on February 10, 2026, one day after his 92nd birthday. Mitchell was born on February 9, 1934.
Michael W. Rothove (September 9, 1960 - February 3, 2026)
Michael W. Rothove, 65, died on February 3, 2026. He was born on September 9, 1960.
Sondra Gentry Wright (January 12, 1942 - February 10, 2026)
Sondra Lucille Gentry Wright, 84, passed away on February 10, 2026. Wright was born on January 12, 1942.
Patricia Kay (Callison) Queen (October 14, 1940 - February 10, 2026)
Patricia Kay Queen, formerly Callison, died on February 10, 2026 at age 85. She was born on October 14, 1940.
Arlis "Kay" (Bunch) Pace (March 13, 1943 - February 13, 2026)
Arlis "Kay" Pace, formerly Bunch, passed away on February 13, 2026 at age 82. She was born on March 13, 1943.
Earl Gene Whittle (February 11, 1946 - February 12, 2026)
Earl Gene Whittle died on February 12, 2026, one day after celebrating his 80th birthday. Whittle was born on February 11, 1946.
It’s Not Too Late to Protect Your Baby From RSV This Season
Health officials remind parents that respiratory syncytial virus is currently spreading nationwide. Parents can still take preventive measures to protect infants from severe RSV illness this season.
Youssi Custom Homes of Iowa Expands Single Family Homes Development at Forest Grove Crossing
An Iowa-based home construction company announced expansion plans for a residential development project. Youssi Custom Homes revealed details about their Forest Grove Crossing single-family housing development in Bettendorf, Iowa.
Lake News Online
Love your neighbor as yourself
A local community leader has written about the importance of neighborly compassion and support. The commentary focuses on building stronger relationships within Lake area communities.
Lake Area Chamber celebrates fifth anniversary of Riggs Request
The Lake Area Chamber of Commerce marked the fifth anniversary of Riggs Request this week. The milestone celebration recognizes five years of the community initiative's local impact.
Commissioner Ike Skelton announces intent to file for another four years
Commissioner Ike Skelton has announced his intention to seek re-election for another four-year term. Skelton filed paperwork indicating his plans to continue serving in his current role.
Lake Regional celebrates National Cardiac Rehab Week, Feb. 9-13
Lake Regional Health System observed National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week from February 9-13. The hospital highlighted its cardiac care programs and rehabilitation services during the awareness week.
Lake Regional celebrates Heart Month, encourages support to advance local care
Lake Regional Health System is promoting February as American Heart Month with community education efforts. The hospital is encouraging local support for expanding cardiovascular care services in the area.
Putting community support to work for our kids
Local education advocates are highlighting how community involvement directly benefits area students. The initiative focuses on mobilizing volunteer support and resources for school programs.
Lake Regional Orthopedics welcomes Robert C. Sharpe, M.D., FAAOS
Lake Regional Orthopedics has added Dr. Robert C. Sharpe to its medical staff. Dr. Sharpe is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
Lake Regional Health System welcomes hospitalist Olivia Sieve, D.O.
Lake Regional Health System has welcomed Dr. Olivia Sieve as a new hospitalist physician. Dr. Sieve holds a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree and will provide inpatient care.
Missouri Right to Life meeting Feb. 12 in Sunrise Beach
Missouri Right to Life will hold a meeting on February 12 in Sunrise Beach. The organization is hosting the gathering for local members and supporters.
OMS Leaders of the second quarter
Osage Middle School has recognized its outstanding students for the second quarter. The school announced its Leaders of the Quarter awards for academic and behavioral excellence.
KRMS Radio
Osage Beach Firefighters Taxed Battling Large Deep-Seated Natural Cover Fire
Osage Beach firefighters battled a large natural cover fire near Red Bud Road that began Thursday evening and continued into Friday. Fire Chief Paul Berardi reported the deep-seated blaze created significant smoke and taxed department resources.
One Dead After Laclede County Traffic Accident
A 34-year-old Niangua woman died in a two-vehicle crash Thursday morning in Laclede County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the fatal accident occurred on Highway PP south of Route C when her Jeep crossed the centerline.
State of Missouri Joins Nationwide “A Home for Every Child” Initiative
Governor Kehoe announced Missouri's participation in the Trump Administration's "A Home for Every Child" initiative on February 12, 2026. The state Department of Social Services will implement new child welfare data collection and reporting requirements as part of the nationwide program.
Vernetti Announces Safe Haven Baby Box to be Installed in Camden County
State Representative Jeff Vernetti announced plans to install a Safe Haven Baby Box in Camden County. The device will provide a secure location for parents to safely surrender newborns under Missouri's Safe Haven law.
MO Attorney General’s Office Going After Alleged Illegal Gambling Machines
The Missouri Attorney General's Office has filed lawsuits against five southeast Missouri retail shops for operating illegal gambling machines. The legal action targets machines commonly found in convenience stores and other retail locations across the state.
Morgan County Murder Case Granted a Change of Venue
A Morgan County murder case involving 56-year-old Robert Anselmo of Eldon has been granted a change of venue. Anselmo appeared in court Monday facing first-degree murder and armed criminal action charges.
Mundt Ruled Incompetent, Committed to Department of MO Mental Health
Ashley Mundt, a 24-year-old Gravois Mills woman charged with sexual offenses, has been found incompetent to stand trial. The court ordered her commitment to the Missouri Department of Mental Health following Monday's competency hearing.
Retired Camden County K9 Deputy Put to Sleep After Cancerous Tumor Discovered
The Camden County Sheriff's Office announced the death of Zed, a retired 12-year-old Dutch Shepherd K-9 deputy. The dog served from 2018 until retirement and was euthanized after veterinarians discovered a cancerous tumor.
Morgan County Man Charged After Allegedly Threatening Family, Bringing Loaded Gun to School Function
A Morgan County man faces multiple charges after allegedly threatening family members and bringing a loaded gun to a Versailles school function Thursday night. The incident caused the Versailles School District to implement a temporary lockdown.
Camdenton Woman Seriously Injured in Late Night Accident
A Camdenton woman suffered serious injuries in a single-vehicle crash Wednesday night on West Cross Fox Trail south of Hawks Landing in Camden County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the accident occurred shortly after 11:45 p.m.
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