Lake of the Ozarks Daily Digest Saturday, July 18, 2026
Ty's Take
Two house fires in two days—one in Stover where a dog did what neighbors sometimes don't, and another in Barnett where three firefighters got trapped when the ceiling gave way—is the kind of stretch that reminds you this region runs on volunteer crews working secondhand equipment in older homes. A man's best friend saved six lives. Three of his own almost didn't make it out. That's the Lake of the Ozarks weekend in a nutshell: community pulling together, and community running out of luck about the same speed.
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Weather Alerts
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 3:04AM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 105 expected. * WHERE...Portions of south central and southwest Illinois and central, east central, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From noon today to 7 PM CDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses....
Lake Expo
Boat Gas Report! Fuel Prices On Lake Of The Ozarks This Weekend (July 18-19)
Lake of the Ozarks boaters can plan their weekend with the latest fuel prices ranging from $3.99 to $5.65 per gallon at docks across the lake. Sunny weather and warm temperatures are expected this weekend, making it ideal for time on the water.
Privacy Meets Lake Living On This 2.3-Acre Shawnee Bend Homesite
A 2.3-acre homesite in the Shawnee Bend area offers privacy and lake living opportunities for buyers seeking a secluded property at Lake of the Ozarks.
Armed Home Intruder Shot & Killed In Miller County, Sheriff Says
A Miller County homeowner shot and killed an armed intruder during a break-in, according to the sheriff's office.
59% Off To Celebrate 59 Years of Slumberland
Slumberland Furniture in Osage Beach is celebrating 59 years in business with a major sale offering 59% off furniture for the entire home.
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KRMS Radio
Ghost Meter Program Will Sunset Following BOA Vote
Osage Beach's city board voted this week to eliminate the ghost meter program, which allowed property owners to reserve water hookups by paying monthly fees instead of upfront impact charges. The program served 119 users and generated $42,000 in revenue over the years.
Public Beaches Across The Region Are Open This Weekend
Missouri state park public beaches across the region received an all-clear from the Department of Natural Resources, making them safe for swimming and water activities this weekend.
Man’s Best Friend Saves Homeowner, Five Other Pets Die, from House Fire in Stover
A dog's alert helped save a Stover homeowner from a Friday morning house fire, though five other pets died in the blaze that destroyed two structures on Broken Circle Road.
Three Firefighters Trapped After Ceiling Collapse in Barnett House Fire
Three firefighters were temporarily trapped when a ceiling collapsed during an early Friday morning house fire in Barnett, though all escaped without injury. Multiple fire districts responded to the scene.
Osage Beach Begins Search for New City Administrator
Osage Beach city officials are launching a search for a new city administrator after appointing April White as interim administrator.
MLB Announces 2027 Schedule As Cards & Royals Look Ahead To Future Games
Major League Baseball released its 2027 schedule as the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals look ahead to future seasons.
State Auditor Rates Morgan County’s Financial Work As “Fair” Saying Improvements Are Needed
The state auditor's office gave Morgan County a 'fair' financial rating and identified several areas where the county needs to make improvements.
Sunrise Beach Man Sentenced To 30 Years On Sex Charges
A 51-year-old Sunrise Beach man was sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to sex-related charges.
St. Charles Man Injured In Route 42 Accident
A St. Charles man was taken to Lake Regional Hospital with moderate injuries after his freightliner truck ran off Route 42 in Miller County early Wednesday morning and struck multiple structures.
Known Drug Dealer Off The Streets Following Investigation In Lebanon
Laclede County deputies arrested a known drug dealer following a vehicle search in Lebanon on Tuesday night.
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.
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