The Mile Marker Thursday, August 27, 2026
On the Water TodayLake level: 659.39 ft (0.6 ft below full pool)
Today 86° Patchy Fog then Sunny · Tonight 63° Mostly Clear · Friday 87° SunnySources: USGS gauge 06925500, National Weather Service

Ty's Take
The Shootout Street Party is roaring back in, and you can feel it building already. There's the Iron Man boat turning heads, a mystery Cadillac nobody's laid eyes on yet, and powerboats thick as geese coming across Bagnell Dam. It's the kind of weekend that reminds you why people moved here in the first place, or why they keep coming back, and it gets the whole region humming. Just remember that while everyone's eyes are on the water and the chrome, the Camden County sheriff's office and state police are doing their part too. Last year's drug seizures at the Gathering of the Juggalos showed what happens when a big event draws crowds without enough eyes on what's moving through the parking lots, so this year let's hope the lessons stuck.
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 Expo
NEW Iron Man Boat To Debut At Shootout Street Party
A new Iron Man-themed powerboat will make its debut at the Shootout Street Party. The custom vessel represents a unique addition to the popular racing and entertainment event.
He Turned A Powerboat Into IRON MAN: Justin Wagner Says This Boat 'Put Us On The Map'
Justin Wagner transformed a powerboat into an Iron Man-themed vessel that has put his operation on the map. The custom boat has become a notable attraction in the local boating community.
A Mystery Cadillac Is Coming To Lake Of The Ozarks Shootout (Not Even The Dealer Has Seen It)
A mystery Cadillac is headed to the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, with even the dealership keeping details under wraps. The surprise vehicle will be unveiled at the major event.
Shootout Memories: Look Back At Lake Of The Ozarks’ Biggest Race Weekend
Lake of the Ozarks' biggest race weekend, the Shootout, has built a legendary history over the years. The event continues to draw crowds and create memorable moments for participants and spectators alike.
More Than 700 Pounds Of Drugs Seized At Gathering Of The Juggalos In Camden County
Law enforcement seized more than 700 pounds of drugs during operations at the Gathering of the Juggalos in Camden County. The major drug bust occurred during the multi-day festival event.
DRONE: Powerboats Pouring Across Bagnell Dam, For The Shootout Street Party
Drone footage captured hundreds of powerboats crossing Bagnell Dam as participants headed to the Shootout Street Party. The impressive scene showcased the massive turnout for the event.
Missouri Launches Task Force To Unify Child Welfare Safety Standards
Missouri has launched a new task force aimed at creating unified child welfare safety standards across the state. The effort seeks to standardize practices and improve outcomes for vulnerable children.
37 Top Guns: Here's The List Of Every Shootout Winner Over The Years
The Shootout has crowned 37 winners since its inception, each earning the prestigious title of top gun. The complete list honors decades of competitive boating excellence at Lake of the Ozarks.
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
Pup Pop brings a frankly delicious taste of Chicago to the Lake
Pup Pop brings authentic Chicago-style hot dogs to the lake area, with owner Tim Zwijack following traditional preparation methods that exclude ketchup for adult diners. The new restaurant offers a taste of Windy City cuisine to local customers.
Veterans reunite to mark 35th year since Desert Storm
Members of the 101st Airborne Charlie Company 2-502 gathered for a reunion marking 35 years since their Desert Storm deployment. The veterans celebrated their service and the helicopter air assaults they carried out during the conflict.
Day Trippin’ unexpected aspects of the State Fair
A day trip to the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia revealed some of the most unusual fair food offerings available. Visitors sampled unique culinary creations that pushed the boundaries of traditional fair fare.
Lake Area Chamber welcomes KC Polylift
The Lake Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed KC Polylift to the local business community with a ribbon cutting ceremony held in July. The new business joined the chamber's growing roster of member companies.
Trenny Garrett joins CFO’s Board of Directors
Trenny Garrett, executive vice president for Central Trust at Lake of the Ozarks, joined the Board of Directors for the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. Her three-year term began on July 1.
Village of Four Seasons responds to Water District impact fee article
The Village of Four Seasons issued a response regarding proposed water and sewer impact fee increases from Camden County Public Water Supply District No. 4. Village officials addressed concerns about the fee proposal in their statement.
Camden County residents press commission over concerns tied to Gathering of the Juggalos
Camden County residents voiced concerns to the county commission about noise, trash, and public safety issues related to the Gathering of the Juggalos festival. The complaints were raised during the commission's public comment period by residents near the event site.
Hundreds of pounds of illegal drugs seized during Juggalos enforcement
Sheriff Chris Edgar confirmed that hundreds of pounds of illegal drugs were seized through joint enforcement operations in Camden County. Deputies and the Mid-Missouri Drug Task Force conducted the operations during the Gathering of the Juggalos.
The Gathering of the Juggalos at Mother Nature's Riverfront Retreat in Camden County saw drug seizures but reportedly fewer major incidents than previous years. The four-day event marked the festival's first year at the new location.
KRMS Radio
Attorney General Hanaway Announces Largest Big Tech Settlement in History
Missouri Attorney General Hanaway announced a landmark $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta Platforms that will require sweeping child-safety reforms on Instagram and Facebook. The settlement represents the largest Big Tech settlement in history.
Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Scholarship Application Period Now Open
The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development opened applications for the Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Scholarship for fall 2026 and spring 2027. The scholarship program helps eligible students access dual credit opportunities.
SEC And Big 10 Discuss Labels And Professional Contracts For College Players
The SEC and Big 10 conferences announced new rules prohibiting athletes who have played in professional leagues from returning to college sports. The decision marks a significant policy shift for the two premier college athletic conferences.
Osage Beach Looking Forward To Big Projects Coming Down The Pike
Osage Beach is moving forward with major projects including the outlet mall redevelopment and continued construction on the future Oasis amusement park. Officials expressed optimism about both developments coming down the road.
Gravois Fire Reports 30 Calls For Service This Past Week
The Gravois Fire District responded to 30 calls for service in the week ending Sunday, with 23 of those being medical emergencies. Firefighters also handled two traffic accidents and two mutual aid calls.
Annual Cannonball Run Coming Up Very Soon
The lake area is hosting two major events this week, the 38th Annual Shootout and the 2nd Annual Cannonball Run, bringing busy traffic to local businesses and resorts. Participants in the Cannonball Run have a chance to win $25,000 while supporting area charities.
Camdenton House Damaged By Fire
A house on North Ozark Drive in Camdenton was damaged by fire after crews received a call around 3:10 Monday morning. Mid-County firefighters encountered active flames upon arrival and worked to contain the blaze.
Accident Sends Kaiser Woman To The Hospital
A Kaiser woman was transported to the hospital following a one-vehicle accident on Highway D at Locust Road in Camden County. The highway patrol reported the crash occurred around 6:50 Monday evening when the 48-year-old driver was traveling too fast.
MO DNR Bus Grants Now Open For Local Agencies
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources Division of State Parks opened applications for the Bus Grant Program for the 2026-2027 school year. The noncompetitive grants are awarded to local agencies on a first-come, first-served basis.
Missouri Ranked At The Bottom For Teen Driver Safety
Missouri ranks second worst in the nation for teen driver safety according to WalletHub's analysis of state driving conditions. The ranking examined 23 key factors related to teen driving performance across all states.
The Mile Marker 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 at themilemarker.news to get this digest in your inbox every morning.