Lake of the Ozarks Daily Digest — Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Ty's Take
While everyone's talking about that $50,000 crappie tournament, the real story that should have your attention is FANUC's $90 million investment in robot manufacturing - that's the kind of advanced manufacturing that could transform rural economies if we can figure out how to attract similar operations to our region. Closer to home, we've got a house fire that destroyed one home and damaged two others in the Laurie-Sunrise Beach area, which is a stark reminder of how quickly things can go sideways in our spread-out communities where emergency response times matter. The tournament's nice for tourism dollars, but that manufacturing investment shows what's possible when rural areas position themselves for the jobs of tomorrow instead of just banking on bass boats and bait shops.
Lake Expo
Crappie Challenge At Lake Of The Ozarks! Whoever Catches The Biggest One Wins $50,000
A fishing tournament at Lake of the Ozarks is offering a $50,000 prize to the angler who catches the largest crappie this weekend. The competition promises a massive payout for landing just one fish during the event.
FANUC America will invest $90 million to build an 840,000 square foot robot manufacturing facility in Michigan. The Rochester Hills-based robotics company plans to create production capacity for automated systems in the United States.
Indian Land Tenure Foundation to Host 2026 Native Land Conference at Mystic Lake Center
The Indian Land Tenure Foundation will hold its 2026 Native Land Conference at Mystic Lake Center. The event will also launch the Miriam Centennial Initiative as part of the conference programming.
Zambuki SEO Company Expands to Tampa with Specialized Services for Home Improvement Sector
Zambuki SEO Company has opened operations in Tampa with services focused on the home improvement industry. The Saint Petersburg-based digital marketing firm announced the expansion on March 23, 2026.
Liberty Renovation Johnson City Expands Custom Home Renovations to Meet Growing Demand
Liberty Renovation in Johnson City, Tennessee is expanding its custom home renovation services due to increased customer demand. The company announced the growth plans on March 23, 2026.
Northern Spring Water Expands Operations with Move to New Glen Rock Facility
Northern Spring Water has relocated to a new facility in Glen Rock, New Jersey as part of its operational expansion. The water company announced the move on March 23, 2026.
EAR Customized Hearing Protection Explains Why Professionals Choose Custom Over Universal Earplugs
EAR Customized Hearing Protection from Boulder, Colorado released information about why professionals prefer custom-fitted earplugs over standard universal models. The company highlighted the benefits of personalized hearing protection equipment.
Law firm Pritzker Hageman filed a lawsuit on behalf of a woman who contracted Legionnaires' disease at SpringHill Suites in Rochester, Minnesota. The hotel serves Mayo Clinic patients and was the site of a Legionella outbreak.
Corporate First Aid and CPR Training Helps Reduce Risk and Control Costs
Companies are being encouraged to provide first aid and CPR training to employees as a way to reduce workplace risks and control insurance costs. The training programs help businesses prepare for medical emergencies on site.
Hormel Foods Corporation Declares Quarterly Dividend
Hormel Foods Corporation announced a quarterly dividend of 29.25 cents per share for common stockholders. The Austin, Minnesota-based Fortune 500 food company's board of directors authorized the dividend payment.
KRMS Radio
Versailles Man Charged After Disrupting a House of Worship
Joshua Dunnaway, 41, of Versailles faces multiple charges after allegedly disrupting services at a Morgan County church on Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred on East Street and resulted in criminal charges being filed against the Versailles man.
Lake Ozark Man Faces Misdemeanor Counts for Exposing Himself on the Bagnell Dam Strip
A 38-year-old Lake Ozark man was charged with misdemeanor offenses after allegedly exposing himself outside a restaurant on the Bagnell Dam Strip late Friday night. Lake Ozark police responded to the disturbance call and filed charges against the suspect.
One Home Destroyed, Two Others Damaged by Fire in Laurie-Sunrise Beach Area
One house was completely destroyed and two others sustained damage in a structure fire in the Laurie-Sunrise Beach area Sunday afternoon. Gravois Fire Chief Dustin Hancock reported crews responded to the blaze in the 400 block of the neighborhood.
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