Lake of the Ozarks Daily Digest — Thursday, February 26, 2026
Ty's Take
Camden County's crackdown on those convenience store gambling devices is long overdue – these machines have been skirting the line between legal games of skill and illegal gambling for years, preying on folks who can least afford it. Meanwhile, that Laclede County murder trial ending in acquittal after being moved to Camden County shows our jury system working, even when it means hearing a tough case from another county. Both Lake Ozark communities are making smart moves on public health too, with one updating building codes and the other moving toward banning public pot smoking – the kind of nuts-and-bolts governance that actually affects daily life around here.
Lake Expo
Ruptured Fuel Tank Catches Van On Fire In Sunrise Beach [VIDEO]
A vehicle fire occurred in Sunrise Beach when a fuel tank ruptured and ignited a van. The incident was captured on video and took place in the lakefront community.
Missouri Senator Proposes Creating Investment Fund To Eliminate All State Taxes
A Missouri state senator has introduced legislation to create an investment fund aimed at generating enough revenue to eliminate all state taxes. The proposal would fundamentally change how Missouri funds government operations.
Don't Wait For Spring: Let The Pros Handle Trees Around Your Home During The Off Season!
Local tree service professionals are encouraging homeowners to schedule tree maintenance during winter months rather than waiting for spring. The off-season approach can provide better scheduling and preparation for the growing season.
Lake News Online
A local opinion piece encourages readers to pause and pray before speaking. The commentary focuses on the importance of thoughtful communication in daily interactions.
MU Extension releases new guides to help Missourians manage alpha-gal syndrome
The University of Missouri Extension has published new educational materials to help Missouri residents manage alpha-gal syndrome. The guides provide practical information for dealing with the tick-borne condition that causes meat allergies.
Camden County, others, cracking down on convenience store gambling devices
Camden County authorities are joining other jurisdictions in a crackdown on illegal gambling devices found in convenience stores. The enforcement action targets machines that operate outside legal gambling regulations.
CFO grants $43,650 in Inclusion & Belonging, Rapid Response programs
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks awarded $43,650 through its Inclusion & Belonging and Rapid Response grant programs. The funding will support local organizations addressing community needs and diversity initiatives.
Camdenton places second in Cole Camp Math Contest
Camdenton High School's math team finished second place in the annual Cole Camp Math Contest. The strong performance highlights the academic achievements of local students in competitive mathematics.
Camden County approves DWI enforcement grants, advances rezoning and code updates
Camden County commissioners approved grants for DWI enforcement efforts and moved forward with rezoning requests and code updates. The county actions address both public safety and development regulations.
Kids Cove to host 2026 Sports Clay Tournament, seeking event sponsors
Kids Cove has announced plans to host a Sports Clay Tournament in 2026 and is actively seeking sponsors for the fundraising event. The organization is working to secure community support for the upcoming competition.
Lake Ozark taking steps to update building safety and construction rules
The City of Lake Ozark is working to modernize its building safety codes and construction regulations. The updates aim to improve safety standards and streamline the permitting process for local development.
Lake Regional Clinic – Lebanon Welcomes Whitney Rector Arnold, PA-C
Lake Regional Clinic in Lebanon has added Whitney Rector Arnold, PA-C, to its medical staff. The physician assistant brings additional healthcare services to the Lebanon community clinic.
Lake Area Chamber welcomes Nursing Program Facility to State Fair Community College
The Lake Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed a new nursing program facility at State Fair Community College. The addition expands healthcare education opportunities in the region.
KRMS Radio
Laclede County Murder Trial Heard in Camden County Ends with ‘Not Guilty’ Verdicts
A Camden County jury found 37-year-old Kevin Ash not guilty on charges of second-degree murder and armed criminal action in a case moved from Laclede County. The trial concluded Wednesday with acquittals on all charges.
Sunrise Beach Personnel Make Quick Work of a Vehicle Fire
Sunrise Beach Fire District crews quickly extinguished a vehicle fire Wednesday morning near Pappy's Pit Stop on the community's west side. Emergency personnel responded around 10:00 a.m. to contain the blaze.
Lake Ozark Halfway to Banning Public Smoking of Marijuana
The Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen approved the first reading of an ordinance banning public marijuana smoking within city limits. City Administrator Harrison Fry presented the measure, which needs a second reading to become law.
Scams Reported Targeting Christian County Tragedy
Scammers are exploiting this week's tragic shooting of Christian County deputies to defraud victims through fraudulent schemes. The scams target people's sympathy following the incident that killed two officers and injured two others.
Edwards Area House Destroyed by Fire
A house in the Edwards area of Camden County was completely destroyed by fire late Monday night. Deer Creek Fire District personnel responded to the structure fire near Skyview Drive but could not save the home.
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