Lake of the Ozarks Daily Digest — Saturday, March 21, 2026
Ty's Take
Today's headlines paint a troubling picture of both natural disasters and leadership failures hitting our community hard. The massive waterfront fire that destroyed three homes reminds us how quickly things can go sideways around here, especially when our fire districts are already stretched thin responding to multiple blazes across the area. But what really gets under my skin is this Camden County Commissioner investigation — when you've got an official likely retaliating against an employee who filed a sexual harassment complaint, that's not just bad judgment, it's a betrayal of the public trust that rural communities like ours depend on. We expect our elected officials to do better, especially in small counties where accountability should mean something.
Lake Expo
FOOTAGE OF HOUSES ENGULFED: Massive Fire Destroys Three Waterfront Homes At Lake Of The Ozarks
A devastating fire destroyed three waterfront homes at Lake of the Ozarks, with dramatic footage showing the structures completely engulfed in flames. Local fire departments responded to the massive blaze that consumed the lakefront properties.
‘Not a Close Call’: Investigation Finds Likely Retaliation By Camden County Commissioner
An investigation has determined that a Camden County Commissioner likely retaliated against an employee who filed a sexual harassment complaint. The findings describe the retaliation as clear-cut rather than a borderline case.
FIREMEN AT WORK: Massive Fire Destroys 3 Lakefront Homes on Lake of the Ozarks
Firefighters battled a major blaze that destroyed three lakefront homes on Lake of the Ozarks. Emergency crews worked to contain the fire that consumed the waterfront properties.
WATCH: Massive Fire Destroys 3 Lakefront Homes on Lake of the Ozarks
Video footage captured the destruction of three lakefront homes in a massive fire at Lake of the Ozarks. The dramatic blaze completely destroyed the waterfront properties.
Massive Fire Destroys Three Waterfront Homes At Lake Of The Ozarks [VIDEO]
Three waterfront homes at Lake of the Ozarks were completely destroyed in a massive fire that was captured on video. The devastating blaze consumed the lakefront properties entirely.
The Encore Lakeside Grill & Sky Bar: Where Great Food And Lake Views Take Center Stage
The Encore Lakeside Grill & Sky Bar offers diners exceptional cuisine paired with stunning lake views. The restaurant combines quality food with prime lakefront dining atmosphere.
50% Off Mega Madness Sale At Slumberland
Slumberland is offering significant savings with a 50% off Mega Madness Sale. The furniture retailer is promoting major discounts on their merchandise.
Wake Up, Walk to Your Dock—This Lakefront Condo With Boat Slip Included Makes It Easy
A lakefront condominium with an included boat slip offers convenient waterfront living for potential buyers. The property provides easy dock access just steps from the front door.
Lake News Online
An investigator has concluded that a Camden County Commissioner likely retaliated against an employee who filed a sexual harassment complaint. The finding suggests clear evidence of retaliatory behavior following the harassment allegation.
Local author publishes first children’s book
A local author has achieved a milestone by publishing their first children's book. The new publication marks the writer's debut in children's literature.
KRMS Radio
Multiple fire districts in the Lake area are responding to concurrent natural cover fires and structure fires near Eldon along Scenic Drive. The busy day has stretched emergency resources with simultaneous fire emergencies requiring response.
Missouri to Launch New Effort to Teach Teens Safe Driving in Work Zones
Missouri will launch Missouri Work Zone Safe, a new online driver education program for teens on March 23 in Columbia. Student traffic safety leaders from eleven high schools will gather to help introduce the free program aimed at teaching work zone safety.
Scammers Taking Advantage of March Madness
The Better Business Bureau's Keisha Duncan warns that scammers are exploiting March Madness excitement to target victims. The annual basketball tournament provides another opportunity for fraudsters to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers.
Shop Building Destroyed by Fire in Sunrise Beach
A shop building on Porter Mill Spring Drive in Sunrise Beach was destroyed Thursday afternoon when a trash burning vessel sparked the fire. Sunrise Beach Fire Chief responded to the blaze in the 800 block that completely consumed the structure.
Osage Beach Needing Little League Umpires
The City of Osage Beach is actively recruiting umpires for the upcoming little league seasons. Parks and Recreation Manager Eric Gregory says they need volunteers to help officiate youth baseball games.
Kansas City Sexual Offender Charged with Allegedly Attempting to Produce Child Porn
A 28-year-old registered sex offender from Kansas City faces federal charges for allegedly attempting to produce child pornography. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Missouri filed the charges in federal district court.
More Businesses Coming to Camdenton
Camdenton is moving forward with plans for additional retail development, according to City Administrator Jeff Hooker. The anticipated commercial growth represents another step in expanding business opportunities within the city.
Camdenton R3 School Board to Meet in Special Session
The Camdenton R3 School Board has scheduled a special meeting for Tuesday, March 24th. The agenda includes budget amendments and board wrap-up discussions among other items.
Camdenton Man Seriously Hurt in Laclede County Accident
A 27-year-old Camdenton man was seriously injured Thursday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of highways D and E in Laclede County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that two people sustained serious injuries in the collision.
Rural News Wire is a daily local news digest for Lake of the Ozarks and rural America. We aggregate and curate — original reporting belongs to the sources linked above. Support local journalism by visiting their sites.
Subscribe free to get this digest in your inbox every morning.