Ameren Drafts Plan to Revise Boundary

By Nancy Zoellner-Hogland

The public has until January 15 to submit comments to Ameren Missouri about the power company's proposal to revise its project boundary at Lake of the Ozarks. To gather input, answer questions and address property owners' concerns, Ameren will hold two public workshops. The first is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. January 3 at the Inn at the Grand Glaize in Osage Beach. Another meeting is set for 6 to 8 p.m. January 5 at the Lake West Christian Academy in Sunrise Beach.

The workshops are being held in response to the public outcry against the Federal Energy Regulation Commission's (FERC) ban on some 4,000 homes, decks, patios, gazebos and similar structures that are currently located inside Ameren's project boundary. The ruling was given as part of FERC's approval of Ameren Missouri's Shoreline Management Plan (SMP), which was required as part of the new 40-year license for the operation of Bagnell Dam and its electric generating facility.

Original numbers showed about 1,200 of those structures are homes. However, Jeff Green, supervisor of Shoreline Management for Ameren Missouri, said upon closer examination, the number is more like 1,600.Almost as many homes are below 662 as there are between 662 and the current boundary, he said.

According to Green, Ameren is proposing to establish the project boundary at 662 for the majority of the Lake's shoreline. In areas where homes still fall inside project boundary, the elevation will be adjusted as needed to remove the dwellings. Project boundaries will not be changed at public recreation sites, historical sites, wetlands and state parks.

Green said since July, when FERC handed down the order, he and others have been working non-stop to prepare a response. They completed their answer and on December 15 mailed it out to stakeholders and posted in online at http://www.ameren.com/sites/aue/lakeoftheozarks/Pages/FERCProposal.aspx

"Now that we've finished the draft, we wanted to hold a couple more meetings so anyone with additional questions or who wants to meet face to face will have an opportunity to do that. We want to make sure that everything that needs to be addressed is," Green said. "In the meantime, we posted our proposal to FERC, as well as the map, on our website so people can read through it and also look at the map to see if they have issues – see if their properties are affected. We'll also have copies of both at the public meetings."

The aerial map is marked with a black dotted line that marks the existing project boundary. The green dotted line represents the proposed project boundary of 662.
"Of course, just because we're submitting this plan doesn't mean it will be approved but we are hopeful that since removing these properties won't affect operation of the dam, FERC will agree to it," he said.

Although FERC gave Ameren until May 1, 2012 to resolve all "non-confirming structures and encroachments" within the project boundary, Green said they hope to resolve the matter by the end of the first quarter.

Those who can't attend the public meetings can still submit comments by email to lake@ameren.com; by calling 573-365-9203; or by writing to Project Boundary Comments, Ameren Missouri Shoreline Management, P.O. Box 993, Lake Ozark, MO 65049. Comments must be received by Jan. 15 to be included in the proposal to FERC.

 

Assessor says real estate tax could play a part in outcome

Camden County Assessor Eddie Whitworth said if the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) doesn't accept Ameren Missouri's proposal to lower the project boundary, it could result in a precedent-setting court case.

"Currently, Ameren is paying real estate taxes up to the variable water line – typically about 660, which is considered 'full pool.' Individual lakefront property owners are assessed on property from the water line to the edge of their property. In a case of adverse possession, typically who is paying the taxes is not one of the criteria but courts have always held that as a strong indicator of ownership," he said.

In an earlier interview, Osage Beach attorney Gayle Troutwine, who specializes in real estate matters and class action suits, explained the doctrine of adverse possession, a law usually referred to as "squatter's rights."

"Basically, it gives the original property owner, which in this case would be Ameren, 10 years to act before losing the right to enforce any restrictions. It has a lot of criteria that must be met, but it definitely could be an option," she said. "However, it's also important to keep in mind because Ameren wears a special cloak that shields them with extra power and because FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) is involved, it might play out differently."

She said although Missouri law stipulates that utility companies are not subject to the doctrine of adverse possession, the law looks at the easements for underground lines and overhead wires. It does not address floodplain.

Armchair Pilot

By Nancy Zoellner-Hogland

Those planning to travel on Southwest Airlines in coming months may want to "spruce up" before heading to the airport – unless they don't care about looking their best on TV. TLC is filing a new reality 13-week series that takes viewers behind the scenes at the airline, revealing what it's like to deal with travel frustrations and sometimes unhappy, unruly passengers. Production began in December at the Baltimore Washington International Airport but more airports will be added in coming weeks

. TLC has yet to announce when the show will be aired.

Renovations to Concourse A at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport were completed last month. The improvements, part of the $70 million Airport Experience program, include redesigned restrooms near Gate A2, new tile in the central corridor and new signage. That gate serves Delta, United and U.S. Airways. Gates B and D, which serve American, Frontier and Cape Air airlines, also opened with new terrazzo flooring and an expanded post security area.

Android users should have an easier time finding their way around Lambert St. Louis and Kansas City International Airports. Last month, the airports partnered with Google to create maps of their terminals and concourses that are available on the smartphones. The Google Map allows users to zoom in on the airport they are in and find ticket counters, escalators, airline gates, restaurants, restaurants and ATMs. The program also allows users to pinpoint their location on the map, which automatically updates and displays the floor plan the user is on. Lambert and Kansas City airport were two of 18 to launch the new service. The application is not yet available for iPhone users.

Android users might want to tap into those Google Maps to help them avoid certain areas of Lambert Airport. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Office of Occupational Safety and Health requested the airport test air quality after several TSA workers got sick. The workers reported eye irritations, throat problems, nose bleeds and other upper respiratory issues. Problems allegedly are worst near the B and D security checkpoints where debris and dust from construction is said to settle. Airport officials say once they get the results of the air quality tests, they'll determine what action if any needs to be taken. In the meantime, many TSA workers have started wearing masks.

Another newly introduced application will allow customers to track their checked luggage on their smart phones and mobile devices. Fliers can enter the number of their bag tag receipts – iPhone users can simply scan the barcode – and then watch their bags' journeys from departure to arrival – including location of the carousel where they await pick-up. Delta introduced the Fly Delta mobile app, available for Android, Windows and iPhone devices, at Thanksgiving. They said they hope to also have a Blackberry version available early this year. Earlier this year, Delta launched an online baggage tracking system.

Although passengers on American Airlines will still be required to shut off all electronic devices during take-off and landing, pilots in the cockpit won't be following suit. In December, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) gave permission for AA pilots to use iPads in the cockpit instead of the traditional paper flight manuals – and they're allowed to keep them on at all times. AA pilots tested the iPads on a trial basis, and, according to the FAA, found they created no problems. AA is the first airline in the world allowed to use the computers during all phases of flight.

Travelers trying to save money by stuffing their carry-on to avoid check bag fees may find themselves paying more anyway. Some airlines have adopted weight limits for carry-on bags while others have adopted or stepped up enforcement of weight-limit regulations. Some feel the restrictions were adopted because passengers have increasingly brought larger – and heavier – bags on board, taking up more space in overhead compartments and often times requiring assistance to get the bags in and out of the bulkheads.

Snowbirds planning to fly south for the winter might be happy to hear that Frontier Airlines will be adding a seasonal flight between Kansas City International Airport and Tampa, Fla., starting Feb. 15. Flights will operate on Tuesdays or Wednesdays and Saturdays through April 14. Introductory fares will start at $99 each way and are available on the airline's website.

A scam involving fraudulent email messages to airline customers continues. The phishing emails, designed to dupe customers into revealing information about their bank or credit account numbers and passwords, notify travelers about changes in their travel itineraries or charges they never made. American Airlines is the latest to warn its customers to be on the lookout for the phony messages. Last month, Delta customers reported receiving the emails.

 

City, developer ready to ride new roads to prosperity

By Nancy Zoellner-Hogland

Lake Ozark City Administrator Dave Van Dee said once the city starts realizing revenue from stores opening at the Shoppes at Eagles' Landing, he hopes to convince aldermen to invest in a professionally prepared master plan.

"There have been a lot of philosophical discussions about what we've done wrong in the past, but I'd like to see a long-range plan put together so we could do things right in the future. It doesn't have to be cast in stone – we need to have some flexibility – but I think it would be good for the city to have some direction," he said, adding that he would like the plan to include more "concrete steps" that could be used to attract development to the city than what was included in a comprehensive plan adopted in 2006.

At that time, Route 242 was only a dream so while future development along the Route 242 corridor was taken into consideration the group focused more on zoning changes that would be allowed. The plan also looked at funding infrastructure improvements; reducing traffic volumes on Bagnell Dam Boulevard; providing affordable housing; planning for enhancement of the city's riverfront; and establishing parks. Finally, the plan laid out rezoning suggestions for future development on W, the quarry area off Highway 54 and the areas on the south side of the city behind the Strip.

Van Dee said while the comprehensive plan included a "wish list" similar to the one in place today, he would like the new plan to be more proactive.

"I don't know that the city needs to take the lead on the search but I think we should look at working as a partner to go out and recruit business," he explained. "So much emphasis has been placed on tourism but I would like to see an effort placed on attracting more year-round businesses and institutions that would provide a more stable income. I don't want manufacturing but I would love to see clean office operations, call centers, higher learning institutions – those sorts of things. Without those types of businesses, there's no incentive for young people who want to stay in the area to obtain a college education. And there's no incentive for college graduates to return to the area once they're finished with their schooling."

Van Dee said he also hopes to attract developers who build high-quality, yet affordable housing to serve the middle-income residents.

In the meantime, at the opposite end of the Expressway, Matt Duenke, head of Duenke Family Enterprises and son of the late Burton Duenke, who developed Tan-Tar-A Resort and Tan-Tar-A Estates, is continuing to work with the Zanola Company to address the same situations. The Duenke family owns 900 acres of mostly undeveloped ground along the new 54 Expressway and around the KK interchange.
The Zanola Company provides Market Graphics homebuilding and demographics research for the St. Louis, Central Missouri, and Southwest Missouri regions to help builders, developers, banks, planners, elected officials and others to better plan successful development. The firm also acts as a business improvement consultant, a marketing turnaround expert and a sales management coach.

Anticipating the additional opportunities that would be provided by the Expressway, and to determine the best use of the land not just for Duenke but for the community, last year researchers with the Zanola Company drove every road in the tri-county area, cataloging service and retail establishments. They used that information to compile a list of needs that were adequately served and those that were under-served. The study determined the Lake area lacked a high-quality, dynamic retirement community that would serve the needs of those who want independent living all the way thru life stages until they require continual nursing care. They also determined there is a shortage of electronics stores, auto dealerships and service providers, family clothing stores like Old Navy, specialty food shops, home furnishing stores like Pottery Barn or Bed, Bath and Beyond, and that the Lake area is lacking in a variety of restaurants.

"The commercial real estate market has been pretty stagnant but I expect that to change now that the Expressway is open," Duenke said. "I can't be too specific, but I think one of the first things we'll see is a convenience store. Most people don't want to get off the highway and drive several miles to get gas so we think that's a 'natural,' for this area," he said, adding that they hope to make an announcement soon on that development.

In order to overcome objections by major retailers that the Lake population and resulting economy had too many fluctuations, the Zanola Company also developed a formula that looks at the "effective population" of the area. That formula was derived by looking at annual sales tax revenues from Camden, Miller and Morgan counties and every incorporated city in the Lake area and then comparing those revenues to other municipalities throughout Missouri. Based on those figures, Duenke said the Lake area has an "effective population," a built-in consumer base, of about 55,000 which is similar in size to cities like Blue Springs, Webster Groves or Wentzville.

"Now when we approach potential developers we can show them concrete numbers that should convince them that a successful development in this area is more than feasible," he said. "The traffic patterns have to settle in a little bit, but we think the new Expressway will have a very positive effect on marketing the entire Lake area."

 

Lake drawdown begins this month

By Nancy Zoellner-Hogland

This month Ameren Missouri will begin its annual winter drawdown.
According to Jeff Green, supervisor for Ameren Missouri Shoreline Management, over the next few weeks the lake level will be lowered to approximately 654. However, if it's a dry winter lake elevations could go as low as 651.

"A lot of people thought we started the drawdown in December because the lake was already so low, but that was just the result of little rainfall. We also didn't have much coming from Truman, which was allowed to stay a little lower this year to allow for the flood waters up north," he explained. "If that trend continues, the lake level just might be a little lower than normal this winter."

Green also said he's been fielding calls from people asking how the project boundary issue will affect permits for bank stabilization.

"We tell them it won't have any effect at all, either on the drawdown or on issuing permits. It will be business as usual," he said.

Barb Duncan, office manager at Rock Works, said they already are starting to get calls for work.

"Once the lake starts dropping, people can see the footings of their seawalls and realize they need help," she said, adding that adding riprap can usually solve many of the problems. "The rock not only helps stabilize the existing wall, it breaks up the wave action – absorbs the energy so you don't have waves crashing into the wall and then bouncing back and crashing into your dock."

 

New law aims to keep truck drivers' eyes on road

By Nancy Zoellner-Hogland

According to a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the odds of being involved in a safety-critical event are three times greater when the driver of a commercial motor vehicle is reaching for an object than when the driver is not reaching for an object. The same study also determined the odds of being involved in a safety-critical event are six times greater while the driver is dialing a cell phone than when the driver is not dialing a cell phone.

Because of those findings, beginning January 3, 2012, drivers of commercial motor vehicles are banned from using hand-held mobile phones and push-to-talk cell phones while driving. The law applies to drivers of commercial motor vehicle trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more or any size vehicle transporting any amount of hazardous materials requiring a placard. It also applies to drivers of busses designed to carry nine to 15 passengers and drivers of vehicles operated solely in intrastate commerce with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more. However, intrastate carriers who are currently exempted from the federal regulations by the state of Missouri will remain unaffected by the new rule.

The ban, which prohibits drivers from reaching for, holding or dialing a mobile phone while driving, applies when the vehicle is in operation on the roadway, when temporarily stopped for traffic or when waiting at a stoplight, stop sign or other traffic control device. Drivers can use a hand-held cell phone only if the vehicle is stopped in an area safe for parking a commercial vehicle, or to communicate with law enforcement or other emergency services to report emergencies. The use of hands-free devices is allowed; however, drivers can only use hands-free phones and headsets if the phone is in their reach while being restrained by a seat belt in the driver's seat. Dialing a hands-free phone while in motion is allowed only if it can be done by striking a single button.

CB radios, which are used by the Camden County Road District trucks, and other two-way radio communication or electronic devices are not prohibited by the ban.

Violators can be fined in county court up to $500 per offense and face up to six days in jail. However, Lt. John Hotz with the Missouri State Highway Patrol said the incident report would then be forwarded to the Federal Motor Carrier Administration which could enforce penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense. Commercial driver's license holders with multiple convictions for violating the restriction could lose their CDL privilege and companies that allow their commercial truck or bus drivers to use hand-held phones while driving could face a fine of up to $11,000.00. Citations of the hand-held mobile phone violation can also affect both driver and company federal Compliance, Safety, Accountability scores.

According to Chuck Gohring, administrator of the Motor Carrier Investigations Division of the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), both state and local law enforcement agencies will be enforcing the law beginning Jan. 3.

"This will be treated as a primary offense. If law enforcement officers see a truck driver talking on the phone while he's driving, they would be able to pull him over and issue a citation," he said.

The regulation was implemented by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, but is strongly supported by transportation agencies across the nation as well as in Missouri and at the Lake.

"It's about safety," said Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) Motor Carrier Services Director Jan Skouby. "Any steps that can be taken to reduce fatalities is something MoDOT will support in any way we can," she said.

In mid December, a spokesman for Heartland Landscape Group said they were in the process of acquiring Blue Tooth devices for their drivers in order to be prepared when the law went into effect.

"We already have a 'no-texting' policy but because we frequently have to talk to our drivers to give them directions, we'll need to outfit them with equipment that will allow us to follow the law," he said.

To review the full federal regulation, visit http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-12-02/html/2011-30749.htm

Rationale for the rule

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration report explained that there are four categories of distraction:
- Visual (taking eyes off the road),
- Manual (taking hands off the wheel),
- Cognitive (thinking about something other than the road/driving), and
- Auditory (listening to someone talking)
The FMSCA said the danger of using a cell phone while driving is exponentially multiplied because it combines elements from each of the categories.

 

Some good news, some bad for taxpayers filing 2011 returns

By Nancy Zoellner-Hogland

Other than the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011, which temporarily extends the two percentage point payroll tax cut for employees, no new tax laws were passed this year. However, according to two local certified public accountants, taxpayers will be able to take advantage of a few changes adopted earlier but phased in for 2011. But beware – individuals also may face lower deductions in other areas.

Jerry Dunstan, CPA and co-owner of DeClue and Dunstan Accountants in Eldon, said the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 temporarily extends the two percentage point payroll tax cut for employees, continuing the reduction of their Social Security tax withholding rate from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent of wages paid through Feb. 29, 2012.

He also said under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), more parents and students qualify for the American opportunity credit to pay for college expenses.

The American opportunity credit originally available only for tax years 2009 and 2010 was extended for 2011 and 2012. It also adds required course materials to the list of qualifying expenses and allows the credit to be claimed for four post-secondary education years instead of two on tuition above any scholarships received. The full credit is available to individuals whose modified adjusted gross income is $80,000 or less, or $160,000 or less for married couples filing a joint return. The credit is phased out for taxpayers with incomes above these levels.

Taxpayers also may be able to claim a lifetime learning credit of up to $2,000 for qualified education expenses paid for all students enrolled in eligible educational institutions. There is no limit on the number of years the lifetime learning credit can be claimed for each student. However, a taxpayer cannot claim both the American opportunity credit and lifetime learning credits for the same student in one year.
Dunstan said individuals will also get to take advantage of a change in capital gains and business owners can reap the rewards of an extension of the law covering equipment purchases.

Eldon H. Becker Jr., CPA, who has an office in Lake Ozark, said individuals who claim deductions for health plans also will see modifications.

First, the bad news.

"Expenses that can be reimbursed tax-free by a health Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), Health Savings Account (HSA) or Archer Medical Savings Account (MSA) no longer include over the counter medicines except insulin," he said, adding that the penalty tax for nonqualified withdrawals from a HSA or MSA increased to 20 percent.

In addition, employers must report the value of health insurance coverage they provide to their employees on the employee's form W-2.

"However, the IRS has announced that it will not enforce this provision for 2011," Becker said.

The good news is that the standard mileage rate allowed for operating expenses for a car when it is used for medical reasons increased slightly midway through the year. Tax payers can deduct 19 cents per mile from January 1 to June 30, and 23.5 cents per mile from July 1to December 31, 2011.

For more information, taxpayers can obtain a newly revised comprehensive tax guide free of charge by visiting IRS.gov.

However, Dunstan said the money spent to hire an account usually can pay off in the long run.

"I can't tell you how many returns we've re-filed where we've saved thousands of dollars. Tax preparation software is pretty safe for people who don't itemize but since 1986, when several substantial changes were made to 'simplify' things, it got much more complicated and hasn't gotten any simpler since," he quipped.

 

Osage Beach conservative despite budget surplus

By Nancy Zoellner-Hogland

"Better to be safe than sorry."

That age-old adage was followed by Osage Beach city officials as they formulated next year's operating budget.

However, City Administrator Nancy Viselli said by the looks of things, next year's revenue stream should bring smiles and not sorry looks to the aldermen's and city leaders' faces.

"Sales tax numbers continue to be above what we projected. Revenues received in December, which were based on October's sales, were up 22.1 percent over the same period last year and 13.9 percent more than we projected. November receipts, which were based on September sales, were up 18 percent. And I have a feeling that Janurary and February are going to be the same way because stores and restaurants have been absolutely packed," she said, adding that to date, the city had collected $135,555 more in sales tax revenue during 2011 than anticipated. "We're starting out the year with a bang!"

That trend has been seen much of the year.

In mid October, with total receipts at a few dollars shy of $3.7 million, the city's sales tax revenues were more than $213,000 over projections. A tally of all accounts by Alderman Ron Schmitt found the city had seven and a half months' reserve on hand.
At the second-quarter budget review meeting, Assistant City Administrator Jeana Albertson told the board that July sales revenues, which reflected May sales tax revenues, were at a record-breaking $497,244 - $19,756 more than the second highest July in the city's history when the city took in $477,488.

"I just have to shake my head when I hear stories that Osage Beach is going to dry up and blow away because of the Expressway," Viselli said. "Yes, it was a little difficult to find things when it first opened but signs are up now and the locals are finding their way around again – and the people coming here from St. Louis and Kansas City are used to expressways and interchanges. They don't think anything of getting off and on the highway to go to dinner or shopping."

According to reports by major retailers, that must be the case. A spokesperson for the Osage Beach Premium Outlets said they saw a marked increase at Black Friday and throughout the holiday shopping season. The same was reported by the Osage Beach Walmart Supercenter and Target.

In fact, Viselli said she expects the Expressway to have just the opposite effect on the city.

"It's opened up a lot of undeveloped land and with six new interchanges, we expect to see a lot more growth in the near future," Viselli said.

She also said budget cuts were not due to lack of funding. Instead, infrastructure projects that required large amounts of spending were drawing to a close and no longer required the large amount of funds budgeted in the past. And although the city will be taking over upkeep of the Osage Beach Parkway, before that transfer takes place the Missouri Department of Transportation has to survey the road, make any needed repairs and then prepare a contract that is agreeable to both parties. Viselli said she doesn't anticipate that will happen before July and may not occur until late 2012 or early 2013.

 

Shoppers anticipated spending more this year, and it appears they did

By Nancy Zoellner-Hogland

Gallup's final update on expected holiday spending indicated consumers planned to spend a total of $756 on gifts this year compared to the $686 predicted last year. The $70 increase is the highest December estimate measured since before the 2008 recession.

The results were based on Gallup Poll conducted from Dec. 15 to18 that periodically since 1989 and yearly since 1998 has asked Americans about their holiday spending intentions. Historical data reveals actual spending mirrors the predicted spending.
Final numbers won't be out until January 12, but estimates of in-store and online retail sales suggest those predictions will be right on track. On December 15, the National Retail Federation (NRF) revised its holiday forecast upward, expecting holiday sales to rise 3.8 percent this year to a record $469.1 billion – a full percentage point above its initial forecast on October 6, when the group called for anticipated sales growth of 2.8 percent.

The NRF said based on a late December analysis of transactions on 500 retail sites, online sales for December should be up about 10 percent over the same month in 2010.

"After strong sales reports in October and November, along with a successful Black Friday weekend, retailers are cautiously optimistic that this season will turn out better than initially expected, bringing added stability to our recovering economy at a time when America needs it most," NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said in a prepared press release.

 

One hero shares his story

 

By Nancy Zoellner-Hogland

Recently the Lake community joined forces to build a home in the Village of Four Seasons for Marine Cpl. Todd A. Nicely, who lost a hand, an arm and both legs in Afghanistan, and his wife Crystal.

However, many may not realize that there are other war heroes already living in that community. One of those heroes is 92-year-old Ray Gewinner, who received three Purple Hearts and three Bronze Stars while serving with the U.S. Army during World War II.

"We landed on the beach at Normandy and fought all the way across France and Belgium before getting to Germany – and it was scary as hell. We weren't living. We were just existing. We slept on the ground; if we got to eat, we ate cold rations – mostly Spam - out of a can; when it rained, we marched through it and then we slept in it, if we had time to sleep. I had one bath the entire time I was in Europe. And we never really knew where we were going – where we were supposed to end up. We just followed directions," he said, grimacing as he shook his head. "I really don't like thinking about it."

Trained as a Ranger and then run through officer's school, Gewinner graduated as a first lieutenant, quickly moving up the ranks to captain. He was placed in charge of the 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division serving, for a time, under General George Patton.
"Someone would come out and get me, put me in a jeep and take me to headquarters where they'd give me a set of coordinates. They'd say they wanted our company to take this certain position and they'd tell me when we'd need to be there. Then they'd take me back to my men, and off we'd go. I'd have to keep pushing them and pushing them to get where they needed us to be. The men hated me so much, I had to have a body guard, but I had to do it. Lives were depending on us," he said grimly,

remembering that at one point he was in charge of both tanks and troops on the ground as well as airplanes overhead. "It was so frightening. I went through training after training but nothing can prepare you for what we endured."

His troop had to advance so fast, there was no time to wait for reinforcements or even supplies. Although the ground was cold and damp so shoes never dried out, they were short on water.

Gewinner said his men would use their raincoats to catch the rain, and then the snow, in order to have something to drink. Most of their travels were through woods and farm fields away from villages where it was just as likely that the people would try to hurt them as help them. Snipers waited in trees to ambush them.

"I can't tell you how horrible it was. Nothing I could say could make you understand the constant gut-wrenching fear and the agony of seeing your men killed, one after the other," he said.

Although Gwinner lost many of his men, commendations credit him with saving the lives of many more.

"Captain Gewinner, com-pany commander during a battalion attack, acted on his own initiative to deploy his company in such a manner that is successfully repelled an enemy counterattack. Two rifle companies had been moving steadily forward until they were halted by heavy concentrations of fire and a counter attack supported by tanks. Small groups from the leading company started to withdraw. When he saw this action, Capt. Gewinner immediately ordered his company to deploy and organize a defensive line. Although he was under heavy enemy artillery and machine gun fire, he supervised and coordinated the organization of the position which enabled his company to successfully halt the enemy attack," said Major General R.O. Barton, when awarding the Oak Leaf Cluster to Gewinner's Bronze Star medal.

Another commendation states, Capt. Gewinner suffered burns on the face and neck but, disregarding his own safety and pain, refused medical attention until the front lines were rendered secure during an enemy attack near St. Barthelmy, France.

Gewinner received his third Purple Heart when machine gun fire ripped open his leg and groin as he and his company began the battle of Hurtgen Forest, one of the fiercest and bloodiest battles of WWII. That five-month campaign claimed the lives of more than 30,000 Americans, including Gewinner's entire company.

"I don't know why it was so important to take that forest – but that was my order. I was out in front leading the men into that horrible place and didn't know that they had machine guns set up on each side. I was caught in the crossfire. I don't remember much else except that I ended up in a hospital in France on an operating table next to a German!" he said, adding that he was lying in bed in that Paris hospital when the war ended. He was later shipped back to Fitzgibbons Hospital in Colorado to recuperate.

While leafing through the pages of awards and news stories long ago collected and mounted into a scrapbook by his mother, Gewinner adamantly denied his "hero" status.

"I did what I had to do. That was that. And I don't ever want to talk about it again," he said, closing the the book. "That's enough. I can't think about it anymore."

Gordon Ellison, chairman of the Village of Four Seasons Board of Trustees, said because stories like Gewinner's should be shared, he's hoping to create a World War II memorial of sorts at Village Hall. Ellison said he envisions glass-front cabinets mounted on the walls that could display newspaper articles, photographs – even medals – that would be on temporary loan from veterans who reside in the Village.

"I'd like to also get little plaques made that would be mounted above each cabinet to tell who is allowing us to display the items. We have so many heroes in our Village and I think it's important that our community knows about them. What a great way to share their stories and to honor the men and women who served," he said.

Anyone that has articles that could be loaned to the Village for display can call Village Hall at 573-365-3383.

 

Lake area celebrates largest infrastructure addition since dam

By Nancy Zoellner-Hogland

Years of dreaming, planning and negotiating paid off last month as the community celebrated the opening of Route 242 and the completion of U.S. 54 Expressway. Not even dreary skies and chilly temperatures could dampen the excitement expressed by the numerous dignitaries who spoke at the gathering.

"This is certainly one of the greatest days in Lake Ozark's history," Lake Ozark Mayor Johnnie Franzeskos said to the crowd of a couple hundred that attended the first of two ribbon cutting ceremonies. "It's been a long, long process to get to this point but well worth the effort. I have to admit, when MoDOT told us this project would be completed in a year, I said 'No way!' But here we are, less than a year later, celebrating this wonderful event."

Just 11 months earlier, many of the same officials attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the 1.8-mile, four-lane divided roadway that runs thru Lake Ozark's heartland. George Stanton, head of the Horseshoe Bend Transportation District, and the Stanton Trust, which donated land for the project, had long-before envisioned the road and, in recent years, spent many thousands of dollars on engineering and environmental studies to see it come to pass.

However, the downturn in the economy brought those plans to a halt. The road finally became a certainty in 2010 when Gov. Jay Nixon awarded to the city of Lake Ozark a $4-million Community Development Block Grant through the state Department of Economic Development and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) agreed to put up $8.6 million, $2 million of which was pledged by former Sen. Kit Bond. Projections call for some 14,500 vehicles per day to travel the new roadway.
Osage Beach Mayor Penny Lyons said the new roads will lead the area into greater prosperity.

"Since the Expressway opened our sales tax has been up 18 and 22 percent. We have new businesses wanting to locate here and old businesses are being revived. We're all looking forward to 2012 and what it will bring," she said. (Read more in the story titled "Osage Beach conservative despite surplus" on page 13)

Mike Downing, deputy director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, expressed similar sentiments. He said while some may see beautiful roads when they look at the completed projects, he sees jobs, tourism and economic growth, making everyday a beautiful day at Lake of the Ozarks – regardless of the weather.
Jerry Hawken, president of the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, agreed.

"Although none of us really knows what the future holds, we can look around and see that we have a lot of economic opportunities being presented at our doorstep with our new scenery, new roadways and today new real estate. We need to optimistically and prayerfully continue forward with vision and enthusiasm," Hawken said, adding that the Lake's road system had come a long way from the days of motor homes rubbing railings and knocking off parts on the earlier – and narrower – version of the Grand Glaize Bridge. He and Lyons also mused about the days that a "fender bender" would result in a traffic back-up that extended all the way to Camdenton.

Camden County Presiding Commissioner Kris Franken praised MoDOT for its continued faith in the Lake area's economic engine.

"Now it's up to keep it moving so it works as it was intended," he reminded those in attendance.

State Senator Mike Kehoe, the first official to address the group, summed it up in his opening statement.

"Transportation is the key to economic development. These new roads will be fantastic tools for economic growth in the Lake of the Ozarks but we'll have to continue to work with the community to make that happen. This started with a dream and continued because a lot of people were willing to work very hard to see it happen," he said.

After the ceremonial ribbon was cut, those in attendance were invited to caravan to a second ribbon-cutting ceremony near Lazy Days Road to mark completion of the new four-lane 54 Expressway, which extends from Business Route 54 in Miller County to south of Route KK in Camden County. The first phase of the project, from Business Route 54 to the Grand Glaize Bridge, was completed in fall 2010. The second phase, from the Grand Glaize Bridge to Route KK, was completed and opened to traffic this past Thanksgiving weekend.

Although fewer attended the second ceremony, the air was just as festive.
"It's going to be a long time before I come down from this high," quipped Franzeskos. "I'm so excited to finally see this come to pass!"

 

State officials, legislators, chamber of commerce representatives, developers and Lake Ozark and Osage Beach mayors stood in the rain to cut the ribbon on Route 242 through Lake Ozark. Nancy Zoellner-Hogland photo.

 

A smaller crowd was on hand for the ceremony held in Osage Beach to celebrate completion of U.S. 54 Expressway. Following the ceremony, swatches of ribbon were provided to Osage Beach Mayor Penny Lyons and Lake Ozark Mayor Johnnie Franzeskos. Nancy Zoellner-Hogland photo.

 

GLIMPSES OF THE LAKE'S PAST

With Dwight Weaver

BARBER’S GRAND GLAIZE CAMP

In the early 1930s, following completion of the first Grand Glaize Bridge, there was a rush to buy land at each end of the bridge.  One of the first camps to appear at the west end on the south side was Barber’s Grand Glaize Camp, which sat west of the Bridgeport location. Barber’s office, gift shop and grocery store was along the roadside where Sherwood Restaurant used to be and the cabins were on the hill where Sherwood Motel once stood. The accompanying 1940 photo, photographer unknown, shows the camp’s attractive store.

Property on the north side of the highway close to the bridge at the west end belonged to the Jeffries family, long time natives of the area.  They would subsequently establish Jeffries Fishing Barge just below the bridge, the Jeffries Boat Dock about 400 feet west of the bridge, the Grand Glaize Café about 500 feet west of the bridge, and Jeffries Cottages near where Jeffries Road now joins Osage Beach Boulevard.

Barber’s Camp had a wide selection of cabins, both rock, frame and log. By the standards of the day, they were quite modern with indoor bathrooms, showers and kitchenettes. The camp boasted of having a complete water and sewer system with daily garbage and trash collection at a time when most camps at the end of many lake roads struggled just to have electricity and a serviceable road.  In the 1930s you could rent a cabin for a two people for $2.50 a day or $15.00 a week and their fishing guides were known as Frank and Tol.  

Barber’ Camp as a business was gone by the early 1940s, replaced by Hymes Kottage Kamp and Shady Slope Camp, but the handsome advertising cards Barber’s used, like the one shown here, live on to testify to the camp’s former existence.

This historical sketch is from the collection of H. Dwight Weaver.
Weaver is the author of six books on the history of Lake of the Ozarks.
Weaver’s new book “A Pictorial Guide to Ha Ha Tonka State Park” contains more than 300 photos of the park, which include all of the park’s significant natural and man-made features along its trails and boardwalks. His book takes you on the trails of wonder and history that comprise the park. If you’ve never been there, it’ll make you want to go. If you have been there, it will probably reveal treats that you missed on past visits.

Contact him at dwightweaver@charter.net or call 573-365-1171 for more information. Visit www.lakeoftheozarksbooks.com for more information.