The Forsyth Missouri City Council decided on 7/22 to require face masks be worn at all times. No end date was set for this ordinance! Why? I have no clue other than the exercise of political power or the spreading of fear. Whatever the reason, the net effect will be to further kill local business while having little, to no effect, on saving lives. As of July 23, Taney County Missouri had a total of only three deaths since the start of January! This out of a population of 56K.

Pretzel candle grilling (PCG). Will a new eating craze sweep the nation?

Forsyth MO. - In an otherwise completely nondescript small town located in southwestern Missouri, a revolutionary new grilling technique was born. The question now is just how popular the practice will become!

I was sitting at a local bar on an otherwise droll sort of cheerless day in January where the outside temperature was near freezing. Unfortunately, so was the bar due to a heating unit failure. So, it was, in an attempt maintain a modicum of body heat, that I had absconded with a small candle sitting on the bar that gave my chilled fingers some small amount of life-giving heat....

There I sat, sipping my brew-ski while watching flat screen TV at the far end of the bar. Suddenly, a somewhat strange looking man sitting next to me, roughly reached over and grabbed my candle. I was sure a fight was brewing when he did that and looked at him with a glare. Instead, the strange man smiled at me and proceeded to take a pretzel from a bag, slide it onto a straw and then held it over the flame. After a moment or two, he grabbed that morsel and ate it. A smile of satisfaction breaking out on his face.

'I say there. sir.' I intoned in a strident tone of voice that broke. ' But, what the heck are you doing with those pretzels and MY candle?'

He smiled back at me, and then handed me the straw and another pretzel and said, 'Here. Give it a try.'

As I was a bit flummoxed and unsure, I decided to do as he had instructed..... Then, after a moment or two, I grabbed the now warm morsel and ate it. Too my great surprise, it was incredible, as there was a hint of pumpkin pie taste that must have been given off by the pumpkin pie scented paraffin.

After that moment, it was with wild abandon that we both began to grill pretzels while drinking, laughing and watching the fog given off each time we exhaled into the cold bar air....

And so, something new came out of the evening, as I intend to bring pretzels and candles with me on my next visit....

River Run Park in 2019!

Forsyth MO – Feb 22, 2019 - I thought to go for a walk about in River Run Park. It had been a few years since I was able to go there due to sewer construction and a new bridge. I also wanted to visit the Park before is became submerged once again under the waves of Bull Shoals.

River Run had been a very nice park situated to the east of the town of Forsyth Missouri. It contained 31 RV spots with most complete with a covered table and a charcoal grill. Electrical outlets were also available and turned on during the regular camping season. It also sported a jungle gym, a boat launch flush toilets and showers, a waste disposal station and was situated next to Bull Shoals Lake. (There used to be an office there, but it had been removed years ago. And, as I mentioned earlier it's been mostly closed).

A good dry spell would help a lot!

But this year, the Park was open, sort of! At least it would be until flood waters forced it to close, which looks likely in or about March of this year. The phone number for the Park was listed as (417) 546-6637, However I was unsure as to whether it was still working or not.

The good news on this date, was the promise of an extended dry spell commencing around Sunday, Feb 24 that should last until late into the following week.

Please see taneyweather.com for more updates!

Free food and drinks! I'm all in!

Raffle ticket item

Forsyth MO. - Apparently a convenience store located just to the east of Forsyth Missouri will be hosting a Customer Appreciation Day on October 6 (a Saturday) from 11 AM to 2 PM! During that time, they will be serving free hot dogs along with a drink! They will also be doing a raffle for a number of items including a really cool Creek Cooler! (The perfect companion to have during 2019's next float trip)!

Now, I don't know about you, but when the free lunch bell rings, I'll be there in a flash! The location is Peggy's Park Place located close to the new bridge over Bull Shoals Lake. The formal address is 17463 US-160 and the telephone number is 417-546-5845.

It's open 6AM to 10PM just about every day and has a great selection of must have stuff including a very nicely appointed Deli! (I like to stop there to grab a fast sandwich and chips along with some brewski's, of course)! Of course, a business is only as good as the people who staff it and that's where Peggy's really shines! I've found everyone that works there to be of the highest caliber; friendly, helpful and a pleasure to inter-react with. Hopefully, I'll see everyone there on the 6th!

A candid interview for KSUK Radio!

Well, the radio idea crashed and burned, for now. That said, women will always be problematic to us men. The very traits that make us strong are the same ones that bring us down... 

What's missing at local eateries? A good cheap hot dog!

DanO's Dog

After trying out the hot dog offerings from the various and sundry eateries that offered them from time to time, I came to a couple of realizations; 1) I didn't particularly care for the so-called 'all beef' dogs and 2) those fancy rolls they used in place of a plain old hot dog bun were not for me. Give me a Ballpark bun and a really cheap pork and chicken stuffed dog every time!

So, I wondered when any of the local venues I eat at might wise up and offer a dawg and fries at a very affordable price?

Pictured above is a 'contrived photo' that shows a DanO Dog I had made (cost .33 cents) and a batch of fries ($2.26) from McDonald's. The condiments I used were a simple mix of mustard, relish, and chopped hot peppers and onion in about equal proportions. The end result was a dog with a slight kick!

Now, to the best of my memory, only a couple of locations have offered this sort of fair over the years; Sonic (which has since discontinued the Chicago dog) and the Frosted Mug. Both charge about five to six dollars for the combo. A price point I felt was a bit on the high side. By using the cheapo bun and dogs, I would think that could be chopped down to about $2.00 or so... Just a thought. In the meantime, I've contented myself with making my own meal for about half a buck!

Oaxaca Mexican Restaurant!

Oaxaca is a city in central Mexico. It’s known for its colonial buildings, many of which are made from green volcanic stone. The central Zócalo square features the Palacio de Gobierno, with colorful murals depicting regional history. Alameda de León square faces the ornate facade of the Catedral de Oaxaca. The 16th-century Templo de Santo Domingo church has a rich baroque interior and an adjoining former convent.

Forsyth MO, - the first quest that came to my mind when I did a quick stop to check out the fairly new Mexican restaurant and bar located at 15553 Hwy 160 (near the intersections of Hwy 160 and Coy Blvd) was not about the food but the name OAXACA?? Ergo, see the opening statement.  Cool and so THEN I wondered about the food and just what sort of libations were to be had.  When I entered, I asked the clerk if I could have a take home menu. She promptly handed me one of the most elegant menus I'd ever laid my eyes on!

Note that the menu pages shown had items and prices that were accurate at the time I posted this blog. Like everything, they will likely change with time!

The other question I had concerned alcohol. What a surprise, they also had a side room that sported a minimal bar along with a few tables scattered about. How nice. I was told that they served both hard liquors as well as an assortment of beers. They even had a large flat screen over the bar area to enjoy!

My opinion after my initial take, was that this could well turn out to be a popular venue for locals and visitors alike!

Be sure to check out my coming review of the food when I go there for lunch! That's coming soon!

September 7 Bridge Project meeting. My personal observations!

Forsyth MO. – It was more out of curiosity more than anything else, that found me attending a public meeting held at the Forsyth High school cafeteria on a Thursday, September 7, at 4:30 PM. The topic of the day concerned the Bull Shoals bridge project and roundabout that were slated to start very soon.

The $10.4 million dollar bridge in addition to the construction of a $1.4 million dollar roundabout were both scheduled to be completed at by the fall of 2018. I had the gut feeling that work of such magnitude was definitely going to impact travel times for anyone wishing to cross the Bull Shoals river. However, one of my concerns was about something I had read in a local newspaper and on the MODOT site which stated that Highway 76 was going to be closed at the bridge site for two weeks when the final changeover from the old bridge road to the new one was made late in 2018! (This same thought was also apparently on the minds of others who attended).

I arrived at the school at about 4:10 PM. At that time there we not too many vehicles in the lot and even fewer people in the cafeteria, perhaps about 15 or so. But, by 4:30 PM that number had swelled to well over 100! Sadly, I did not hear the name of the Lehman Construction representative out of California, Mo. An engineer (not an employee of MODOT) who was chosen (thrown under the bus?) to answer questions concerning the construction phase of the bridge. After making a brief introduction and overview of the project, things quickly went downhill (my opinion) as the crowd seemed more focused on the fact that Highway 76 was going to be closed for up to two weeks towards the end of the construction phase next fall. One individual kicked things off, not by asking a question, but by launching into a diatribe against MODOT. According to this individual, the two week closing was all about MODOT saving money at the expense of the people's convenience. (A statement that I felt was inappropriate and addressed to the wrong individual. Such questions would be much better answered by a company Public Relations officer, not an engineer)...

Very quickly the 'open meeting' went downhill (my opinion) to the point when another representative, a women that did work for MODOT, made a proposal that those who wanted to talk budgeting issues could move to another room! At which point, about half the people got up and began to move! (Such was the chaos, that I was unable to figure out which group was which)! And frankly, I was losing complete interest just fifteen minutes into the meeting! After all, budgeting issues had been settled years before the awarding of a contract to Lehman as one of a number of competitive bidders. So, I left out a side door and didn't look back....

For those who would like to see concept renderings; See Bridge Map and Roundabout Map!

An aside by me: MODOT is not our enemy. MODOT is a government agency that works with the public, transportation partners, state and federal legislators, and other state and local agencies to provide a safe and efficient transportation systems to the people of Missouri. MODOT is trying its best to replace an aging bridge structure that spans Bull Shoals (completed back in 1951) in a manner that is as conservative in terms of cost as is possible. This is a major project that will be sure to inconvenience motorists and emergency personnel, especially during the projected two week period when alternative access and assets will have to be addressed. Complaining serves no purpose whatsoever. Men and women coming forth, at meetings like this, with viable solutions would be much needed and preferred. In the end, the bridge and roundabout will be built. After a few years, no one will even remember the hassles, delays and traffic problems. But, I do predict that the number of complainers will far outweigh solution providers in future County projects...

Lou Raymond at the Frosted Mug!

Forsyth MO - On Friday, July 7, the Frosted Mug will be hosting musician Lou Raymond from 7PM to 11PM. A show that some I talked to called 'unique'. I planned to be on hand to see this show even as it was going to be way past my bedtime.... Lou is a Vet who currently resides in Protem MO. He told me that he has been performing at the Mug, off and on, for decades.

One Forsyth Missouri area park still open after the flood!

Forsyth MO. – After suffering from a 100 year flood, and even as two area parks (River Run and Shadow Rock) were both completely inundated with water, one small park area survived.

Empire District's small park area just to the southwest off Powersite dam was still open for business. This public park area supports picnic benches, a covered area, a boat ramp and bathrooms. And even if a few areas had water on them, most of the area was good to go when I visited on May 14, 2017. 

Even as record levels of water continued to flow over Powersite dam, the Taneycomo Lake area remained close to normal levels even as Bull Shoals was almost to that level! It's thought that both the Bull Shoals recreational areas will be closed for the balance of the year, even if no more rain were to fall. A situation deemed somewhat unlikely as more rain was forecast for later in the week of this post. 

Preformed hamburger patties at the Country Mart!

Forsyth MO. – In the meat section of the Country Mart store are preformed hamburger patties the likes of which I've found to be somewhat addictive!

At $3.99 a pound, these burgers were way more expensive than the regular packaged ground beef offerings, but I've never been accused of being very logical!

The patties both weighed in at about .35 of a pound. I prepared one on my venerable George Foreman grill, as it takes only a few minutes and much of the fat is drained off. From there, I added a bun, onion, mustard and ketchup and was ready to go! At about 340 calories, this wasn't a diet destroying meal, (as I reluctantly left off the side of potato chips)!

Forsyth MO Nursing and Rehab Center!

On an overcast day in late December, I discovered a friend of mine named Pat Betz, (who had recently undergone a series if surgeries) had been moved to the Forsyth Nursing and Rehab Center located in Forsyth MO, in order that he could mend and recuperate. I had called him and we agreed to meet for a lunch at the cafeteria they had on the premises.

As it had been some time since I had visited this care center, I was happy to see that it was still operating at a high level of efficiency. (The site offers a full spectrum of healing services including; IV therapy, rehabilitation, housekeeping and laundry just to name a few). Their full service cafeteria also puts out a broad selection of meals that can be customized to any special dietary needs!

Pat was in great spirits and looked forward to only short stay as on site therapists got him back into full health.The care center is located at 477 Coy Blvd, Forsyth, MO 65653 and can be reached by calling  (417) 546-6337!

Senior Friendship Lunches – Just the Facts!

Forsyth MO. - On Monday thru Friday (except on Holidays), the Senior Friendship Center located at 13879 US Hwy 160, offers up a fantastic assortment of meals (see November calendar) at incredible prices! Just how incredible you ask? Well, it's a donation kind of thing, so if your hurting give what you can. Otherwise, for men and women under the age of sixty, they ask $6, for those at 60 or above the suggested amount is $3.50! I didn't get a clear answer on what they ask for kids, but I got that it was whatever mom or dad could throw in the hat!

Meal time begins at 11:15 AM when the salad bar is ready to go, with the main meals served starting at 11:30 AM – My advice is to get there early to avoid the crowds! (I forgot to ask exactly when the meal service normally ends, but would assume it was not too far past the noon hour). Either way, you can give them a call at 417-545-6100 to make inquiries!

I eaten at this venue many times and can attest to the high standards of food preparation that are in place. The food tastes great and the company is even better!

Forsyth Senior Center: All you can eat breakfast!

Forsyth MO - On Saturday, November 19, the Forsyth Senior Center located at 13877 US Hwy 160 just to the north of Forsyth will be hosting an all you can eat breakfast from 7AM to10 AM! This is a monthly breakfast to  help support the center and to pay some bills. The food is prepared by the seniors themselves and will consist of eggs, sausage, pancakes with biscuits and gravy. Beverages will include fresh coffee and orange juice. Admission is $5 with special pricing for children. For more information, call 417-456-6100! Source: Taney County Times

I'm planning to do a full report with pictures after attending this event!

NOTE: IF YOU ARRIVE BEFORE 7AM, YOU WILL BE PART OF THE COOKING STAFF!! LOL!

More search warrants issued in murder case!

Forsyth MO. – The investigation into the wrongful death of 18 year old Eric Summerfield continued, in mid November, as additional search warrants were recently issued. A request, by the media for the release of information concerning the search warrants had been rescheduled for a hearing scheduled for December the 6^th. The issuance of more warrants would indicated that the investigation was still active and, of some interest, is that a least some of the warrants pertained to juveniles. 

Tristan Carr, the suspect in the case, remained in jail on a half million dollar bond. Source: Taney County Times

Update: Dec 6, 2016 - State by PA Merrell. Defendant was with Attorney Davis. Media request to be filed in this case. Request for next hearing to be held on 1/26/17 @ 1pm. Preliminary was then set for hearing 1/26/17 @ 1PM. Defendant Carr's request to bar the media for being present during preliminary was denied. Media to be restricted to still photographs only. Deft to be allowed to have a dress shirt, slacks and slip-on shoes for preliminary. Jail to allow the changes of clothes immediately before hearing. Clothes to be provided by the Police Department. Motion for bond reduction taken up. Motion for reduction denied.

Tristan Carr November 1 hearing!

Forsyth MO - Eighteen year old Tristan Carr, being held at the Taney Country jail on a half million dollar bond will appear before Judge Tony Williams at 9AM on November 1, 2016.

This will be the defendants second appearance in open court. The first time was on October 25 where his attorney asked for a bond reduction (denied) and a change of judge (also denied). His next appearance could go a number of ways, depending on the what options are available. But, what is pretty certain will be the need for the prosecutor's office to supply enough evidence for Judge Williams to make a decision on whether there is or is not enough there to either dismiss the case or to carry it forward to a trail. My bet is that the defense will ask for another continuance pending the outcome of a mental examination. That is speculation on my part, but were I in his shoes, I'd be looking at any way I could to plea down what is a charge of premeditated first degree murder. A charge that does carry the possibility of the death penalty in Missouri.

I hope to attend this hearing and will report on what I saw and heard later on November 1st.

Not a FaceBook event! It's an unfolding nightmare!

Posted on Facebook - Oct 26, 2016!

Life deals us all some pretty tough cards. On October the 15th, Amber Marie Cole lost her son Eric Summerfield as a result of a gunshot wound to the chest. The suspect, one Tristan Carr is another 18 year old, who graduated along with Eric from Forsyth High this past year. Both were friends according to many people I spoke with.

Both families are decimated as you might guess. None more so than the mother of Eric, as I witnessed her pain and grief at the courthouse in Forsyth on October the 25th where she came face to face with the alleged killer of her son.

Please get something straight from the get go. I was not a really great friend of either Ms, Cole or her son. But, nor was I a stranger. I knew Amber for some many years and we liked and respected each other. Eric came to swim in my pool along with Bandy NGO and her kids only just a year ago. Eric was young, he was full of youth and was great with her kids. (I wish now that I could have known this young man better). Time, however, does not allow for second chances it seems...

I'm posting on Facebook this just for one reason only. And, that is to ask for a few of you to show up at the next court appearance of Tristan Carr, currently scheduled for Tuesday, November 1, in a show of support for Eric's mom, Amber. The hearing is scheduled for 9AM at the Judicial Building at 266 Main Street in Forsyth MO.

I posted this on my own without anyone asking to do so. Living is full of a few wonderful times, interspersed with sadness. But, it is the coming together of a community that weaves a healing fabric, and which allows us to move forward.

October 25 hearing for Tristan Carr!

 

Eric Summerfield, deceased

Forsyth MO. – It was the morning of October 25, 2016 and I got myself dressed early, so that I might attend a hearing set for Tristan Carr, set for 9AM at the Court House located at 266 Main Street in the Division 1 Associate courtroom, with Judge Tony William presiding (due to a schedule conflict Williams could not make it and Eric D. Eighmy stood in for him). I went to the trouble of going there not knowing if I would even be allowed in, but made the effort anyway, as I knew the deceased Eric Summerfield and what an impact his death had been on those close to him. That morning dawned sunny, seasonally cool and with almost no wind. (A definite counterpoint to what was an otherwise very solemn day). For Tristan Carr was about to hear what sort of case the State had against him concerning the death of Mr. Summerfield, and whether Judge Williams felt there was enough evidence presented by the prosecution to carry it forward to a trail.

Some of the possible outcomes of a criminal trail are; involuntary manslaughter, voluntary manslaughter or murder in either the first or second degree (in my opinion). The differences being that voluntary manslaughter requires an intent to kill or cause serious bodily harm while involuntary manslaughter does not. [Note that premeditation or deliberation before the fact, however, are elements of a murder charge and not one of manslaughter]. Note also that any and all charges were subject to a preliminary finding that Mr. Carr was mentally fit to even stand trail in the first place.

Tristan Carr

Prior to the hearing on this date, the charges brought against Mr. Carr at his arraignment on October 17, were murder in the 1^st degree and armed criminal action. Both of which, pointed to the serious nature of the evidence the State felt it had against him. [Note that in Missouri, murder in the second degree is a Class A felony punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison, whereas murder in the first degree is punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole].

I arrived at the courthouse at about 8:50 AM along with a friend named Lisa. We entered into the admitting area where we were told by an officer named Jimmy to remove all items from our pockets, including our belts! An elevator then took us up a floor to the courtroom where we encountered Eric's mom, Amber Cole who was with friends and who appeared distraught. She had been through a lot over the past week and it showed clearly that morning.

Shortly after 9AM, we were all allowed into the courtroom where we were informed that there would be a two hour delay in bringing Tristan up from his cell to stand before the Judge. At that point, we all left to go get coffee, and in my case, some food. While eating I elected not to return to the courthouse, oping instead for my friend to go back and to take notes. The rest of this was according to Lisa....

Taney County Court

Apparently when everyone returned to the courtroom, Tristan had already been brought in and was seated. He made eye contact with the mother of the deceased, broke into tears and said he was sorry. At that point, I was told that the mother also lost it and began crying.

Two motions were made, once for a continuance to the following week and for a reduction in bond. The continence was accepted while the bond reduction was denied according to my understanding.

According to the docket entries, there was a motion for a change of judge filed by Mr. Carr's public defender and a continuance to Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at 9AM in the same courtroom with Judge Tony Williams presiding that time around. I plan to also attend that hearing..

The sad case of the death of a young man!

Summerfield and Carr

Forsyth MO. – As of this post, little in the way of actual facts are known surround the death of one Eric Summerfield at a home in Forsyth Missouri on the evening of October 15, 2016.

Here's what is factually known:

1. Mr. Summerfield died of a single gunshot wound to the chest.
2. The police arrested one Tristan Carr at his home where the shooting took place.
3. Mr. Carr was later charged with armed criminal action and murder in the first degree.
4. Mr. Carr is being held on half a million dollars bond in the Taney County jail.
5. Mr. Carr has pleaded not guilty.
6. Mr. Carr's next hearing is scheduled for Oct 25 at 9AM before Judge Williams.

That's the facts as best I knew them as of October 21^st.

Here's what is not known:

1. What was the official cause of death as determined by the coroner's exam?
2. What kind of firearm was used and was Mr. Carr legally in possession of it?
3. What witnesses were present at the time of the shooting?
4. Were words exchanged just before the shooting? If so, what was said.
5. What was the motive behind the shooting? A woman, money, something else, or was it just a terrible accident? 

These questions should come to light in the days to come, but no matter what, this was a tragic event that impacted not only Mr. Summerfield and Mr. Carr, but many others as well. Hopefully, justice will be correctly served and the circle of friends both these kids had will make such a disaster never happens to themselves or those they love.
----------------------------------
Update: As Mr. Carr has already been arraigned and given a probable cause statement, the next order of business would be the Preliminary Hearing:

In criminal law, a hearing to determine if a person charged with a felony (a serious crime punishable by a term in the state prison) should be tried for the crime charged, based on whether there is some substantial evidence that he/she committed the crime. A preliminary hearing is held in the lowest local court (municipal or police court), but only if the prosecutor has filed the charge without asking the Grand Jury for an indictment for the alleged crime. Such a hearing must be held within a few days after arraignment (presentation in court of the charges and the defendant's right to plead guilty or not guilty).

Since neither side wants to reveal its trial strategy, the prosecution normally presents only enough evidence and testimony to show the probability of guilt, and defendants often put on no evidence at all, unless there is a strong chance of getting the charges dismissed. If the judge finds sufficient evidence to try the defendant, the case is sent to the appropriate court (variously called superior, county, district, common pleas) for trial. If there is no such convincing evidence, the judge will dismiss the charges.

Put another way, A preliminary hearing is best described as a "trial before the trial" at which the judge decides, not whether the defendant is "guilty" or "not guilty," but whether there is enough evidence to force the defendant to stand trial.

I'll have more late breaking info on Monday, October 24...

Taneycomo Terrace looking great!

Railings look great!

Forsyth MO - Work at the Taneycomo Terrace in Forsyth Missouri is an ongoing job for the maintenance staff that lasts pretty much all year round. The wooden railings along the entrance ways, while attractive, require periodic work in the form of replacement and repainting.

After the maintenance staff, consisting of Chris and Craig had expertly replaced some sections of railing near my condo that have become weather beaten, Board member Steve Libhart was on the scene, quite often, doing a very professional job of getting the planks and supports painted! Steve told me that he is the only one who is doing the repainting effort for all ten buildings! Awesome!