Reflecting on the past year, certain stories from the Lake are especially worth remembering.
In a world often filled with negativity and uncertainty, these stories serve as a reminder of the kindness, bravery, and resilience in our own backyard.
While they typically don't get the most clicks, here are some of the best stories of heroism, sacrifice, and generosity in 2024:
#1. Idiots Help The Community
The Lake of the Ozarks Idiots Club is dedicated to helping youth in need at Lake of the Ozarks. And throughout the year, these Jesters of Goodwill are doing just that in a variety of ways! Plus, it always makes us laugh to say "The Idiots" did anything!
The Lake of the Ozarks Idiots Club is stepping up again this school year, providing meals fo…
A packed crowd at Jolly Rogers Grub & Grog raised over $32,000 in one day for the Lake o…
Instead of trying to sell their used car, a local couple decided to gift it to the Lake of t…
#2. Beloved Halfwit Is Back
The Ozark Halfwit, a 25-ft-tall statue and icon of the Bagnell Dam Strip, returned home fully restored after 14 years in storage. And when it was vandalized a couple days later... Lake area businesses helped repair it.
LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. — After 14 years away from the Bagnell Dam Strip, The Ozark Halfwit …
LAKE OZARK, Mo. — After the Ozark Halfwit statue recently suffered damage from vandalism, La…
#3. Overpass Jumper Saved
A local woman found herself in a life-changing moment when she stopped to help a man in distress. Hear the story from her...
Stephanie Ryder was driving with her kids on Sunday, April 7, when she noticed a man at the Y Road/Hwy 54 overpass in Linn Creek. He wanted to jump. Stephanie was compelled to stop and help. Here's the story straight from her.
#4. Fiery Rescue
A quiet evening turned heroic when a Miller County Deputy Sgt., his wife, and a neighbor rescued crash victims from a burning car.
MILLER COUNTY, Mo. — Over Memorial Day weekend, Miller County Deputy Sgt. Matthew Burkhead f…
#5. Hero Sister
A 12-year-old girl in Laurie was hailed a hero for helping save her 10-year-old brother during a medical emergency.
When her 10-year-old brother was struggling to breathe, 12-year-old Rebecca Lear of Laurie, …
#6. Housing The Homeless
As brutal sub-zero temperatures gripped the Lake, one local innkeeper opened her doors to shelter the homeless.
As sub-zero temperatures hit the Lake of the Ozarks region, many unpacked electric heaters, …
#7. Swinging Bridge Saved
This historic, nearly century-old Missouri landmark is making a comeback thanks to a temporary sales tax passed by Miller County voters.
BRUMLEY, Mo. — After years of effort from a small volunteer group, the Grand Auglaize Bridge…
#8. Ethel Turns 105
Ethel Otto celebrated her 105th birthday on Dec. 13 surrounded by five generations of family.
One Lake of the Ozarks woman turned 105 today, living through more than a century of profoun…
#9. Over 182k Raised For CADV
Over $182,000 was raised for Citizens Against Domestic Violence during the 23rd Annual "Back to Prom" brunch.
LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. — What makes living at the Lake of the Ozarks so special? One shinin…
#10. Secret Santa
A Lake of the Ozarks businessman spread holiday cheer by anonymously gifting cash to strangers.
Spoiler alert: my heart is full.
