Lake Ozark's curfew goes to a final vote tonight, plus a boat fire at the 4 Mile Marker

Need a local pro at the Lake? Roofing, cleaning, and other vetted contractors are listed free at localto.co/loz — a real local directory, not a lead-sale service.

Bill No. 2026-26 — the proposed 10 p.m.-to-5 a.m. curfew for unaccompanied minors in Lake Ozark's Central Business District, covering the Bagnell Dam Strip — is up for its second and final reading at tonight's Board of Aldermen meeting. As written, the ordinance would let police order an unaccompanied minor under 18 to leave the district, contact a parent, or issue a municipal citation, and would allow fines of up to $500 for business owners or employees who knowingly let a minor remain on the premises after hours. The rule would not apply to 18-, 19-, or 20-year-olds. As of this issue's deadline, the board had not yet voted — we'll confirm the outcome, effective date, and any changes from the first reading in our next issue.

A boat carrying four people caught fire Saturday morning shortly after leaving a fuel dock near the 4 Mile Marker, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The boat stalled about a minute after pulling away from the dock, then caught fire in the engine compartment; three occupants jumped into the water and swam to shore, while the driver stayed aboard and was towed back in by Lake Ozark Fire personnel. No injuries were reported. Boaters wanting a fuel-system or dock safety check before their next trip out can find local providers at lozdock.com.

"The gear mistake we see most at the Lake is buying based on price instead of how you'll actually use it," says Sloane Mercer, who oversees RuggedDiscovery.com's boat and lake gear guides. Worth a look before you head out on the water this weekend. (Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission if you use it, at no extra cost to you.)

A 62-year-old Shawnee, Kansas man drowned Saturday afternoon after entering the water from a private dock near Crescent Drive in Morgan County. He surfaced once, went back under, and didn't resurface; the Mid-County Dive Team recovered his body that evening. It's a separate incident from the drowning we reported near the 20 Mile Marker/Ledges Cove — a second reminder this month to wear a life jacket around docks, even in calm water.

Eldon Police Chief Brian Kidwell is advising residents to expect a "significant increase" in motorcycle traffic and visitors area-wide during the week of Aug. 3-7. Drivers on Highway 54 and around town should watch for bikers and expect heavier traffic.

The Camden County Sheriff's Office says Deputy Sean Lackey was named Large Department Officer of the Year by the Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Advisory Council for 114 impaired-driving arrests in 2025 — recognition for what Sheriff Chris Edgar called "countless hours of proactive patrol" to keep impaired drivers off Lake-area roads.

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