Lake of the Ozarks Daily Digest — Wednesday, April 08, 2026
Ty's Take
Richard Ross pulling off the win in Osage Beach matters more than folks might think at first glance — mayoral races here aren't just about ribbon cuttings and budget meetings, they're about how we balance growth with keeping what makes the Lake special. Meanwhile, that story about MDC shocking fish might sound quirky, but it's actually smart science that helps maintain our fishery, which is the economic backbone for half the businesses around here. The rest of today's news reminds us that even in our slice of paradise, we're not immune to the serious problems plaguing communities everywhere, which makes having solid local leadership all the more critical.
Lake Expo
Election Results: Richard Ross Wins Osage Beach Mayoral Race
Richard Ross has been elected as the new mayor of Osage Beach, defeating incumbent Michael Harmison in Tuesday's municipal election. The victory marks a change in leadership for the lakeside community.
Why Is The Missouri Conservation Department Shocking Fish?
The Missouri Conservation Department is conducting electrofishing surveys in local waters to monitor fish populations and health. The practice uses controlled electrical currents to temporarily stun fish for scientific sampling before releasing them back into the water.
Beat The Heat: Upgrade Your AC Before Summer Hits The Lake With Scott’s Heating & Air!
Scott's Heating & Air is encouraging Lake of the Ozarks residents to service their air conditioning systems before the busy summer season arrives. The local HVAC company is promoting preventive maintenance to avoid breakdowns during peak tourist months.
KRMS Radio
New Mayor Elected in Osage Beach (as of 8:45pm)
Richard Ross defeated incumbent Mayor Michael Harmison in Osage Beach's mayoral race with a total of 747 votes cast across Camden and Miller counties. Harmison collected 164 total votes between both counties in his unsuccessful re-election bid.
An 18-year-old Seneca man faces felony child pornography charges after allegedly driving to Pennsylvania to transport a juvenile back to Missouri. The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control is investigating the case involving the cross-state transportation.
Osage Beach Receives Blue Shield Recognition (Again)
Osage Beach has earned the Missouri Blue Shield designation from the state Department of Public Safety for the second consecutive year. The recognition honors the city's commitment to public safety and law enforcement excellence.
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