Lake of the Ozarks Daily Digest Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Ty's Take
You don't need headlines to tell you what time of year it is around the lake—the water's warming up, the docks are getting crowded, and we're about to lose somebody we didn't have to. Three drownings in this cycle, including a child, and somewhere between the amusement park expansions and the long holiday weekends, the old warnings start sounding like white noise. The Legion's doing their part with breakfast and ceremony, water safety folks are pushing life jackets, but none of that reverses what happens when cold water and bad luck find each other. Memorial Day weekend's coming hot, and it's worth remembering that the same lake that brings people here all summer can turn on you faster than a jet ski at full throttle.
Sponsor Slot AvailableReach Lake of the Ozarks Locals Every MorningGet your business in front of engaged local readers. Boat dealers, realtors, restaurants, contractors, home services your audience is reading this right now.Become a Sponsor
Lake News Online
Day Trippin’ St. Louis’ biggest antiquing
A recent treasure hunt through St. Louis's premier antique malls tested whether bargains could be found among high-end inventory. The excursion explored whether collectors can score deals at the region's most upscale antique shopping destinations.
Oasis at Lake of the Ozarks begins first installation of amusement park rides
Construction crews from Missouri and beyond have begun installing the first amusement ride at Oasis Lake of the Ozarks following a construction restart. The Plunge, a family-friendly tower ride, marks the first major installation at the developing park.
Memorial Day ceremony May 25 in Sunrise Beach
Zack Wheat Post No. 624 will host a Memorial Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 25, at their Sunrise Beach location. A U.S. Army Military Police Company Commander will be among those honoring the occasion.
Ceremony for fallen police officers held May 13 in Laurie
The Laurie Police Department held a community luncheon on May 13 to observe National Police Week, with officers serving hot dogs, chips, and soda to residents. The gathering honored fallen law enforcement officers.
Osage Scholar Bowl Team earns first trip to National Championship Tournament
Osage High School's Scholar Bowl team qualified for the National Championship Tournament after a strong showing at the Tri-County Conference competition. The team will compete on the national stage on Friday, May 22.
American Legion Post 624 to Host Memorial Day Breakfast, Bake Sale and Ceremony
American Legion Post 624 in Sunrise Beach will host a Memorial Day Breakfast and Bake Sale from 8 to 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 25, followed by a Memorial Day ceremony at 11 a.m. Community members are invited to attend both events.
Water Safety Council encourages participation in Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day with prizes
The Lake of the Ozarks Water Safety Council is promoting Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day on Friday, May 15, offering prizes for participation. The event encourages proper water safety practices among workers and the public.
Camden County Commission approves legal service contracts, tax freeze amendment
During its May 14 meeting, the Camden County Commission approved two legal service agreements and amended the senior property tax freeze ordinance. The commission also discussed additional county matters during the session.
Man drowns after backing vehicle over seawall
An 86-year-old Kansas City man drowned Wednesday after his vehicle backed over a seawall into the Lake of the Ozarks. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the incident was reported as an accident.
Gaming machine regulation enforcement hits Lake area
A multicounty crackdown on illegal gaming machines has led merchants across the Lake area to cease operations of unregulated video gaming devices. Authorities have seized machines during an enforcement sweep over the past month.
Sponsor Slot AvailableReach Lake of the Ozarks Locals Every MorningGet your business in front of engaged local readers. Boat dealers, realtors, restaurants, contractors, home services your audience is reading this right now.Become a Sponsor
KRMS Radio
Ongoing Landslide Reported in Camden County
Camden County's road and bridge department reported an ongoing landslide affecting a roadway this week, with weather conditions cited as a contributing factor. The situation remains active in the affected area.
Pursuit in Lake Ozark Lands One in Jail on Resisting and DWI Charges
A suspect faces resisting arrest and DWI charges after a low-speed pursuit with Lake Ozark police officers that ended at an apartment complex near Highway W over the weekend. The suspect was booked into the Miller County Jail.
12-Year-Old Boy Drowns After Being Swept Downstream at Low Water Crossing
A 12-year-old boy from Latham drowned Monday afternoon after being swept off a tractor while crossing a low water crossing in Moniteau County. A 15-year-old companion managed to self-rescue, while the younger boy's body was recovered downstream.
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.