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The Most Uplifting, Heartwarming Stories From Lake Of The Ozarks In 2023

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2023 Feel-Good Stories collage cover

It's easy to focus on the negative in the news. But the Lake of the Ozarks community was chock-full of positive, uplifting stories from 2023. Here are some of the most heart-warming and awe-inspiring stories from LakeExpo.com over the past year. 

1. Ameren & Local Firefighters Rescue A Stranded Teen

A teenager was having fun on his UTV in the Osage River when the situation suddenly changed. The water level began to rise, because Ameren was increasing the flow from Bagnell Dam just upstream... thankfully emergency responders acted quickly and worked with Ameren to save the teen. 

2. Historic Bridge Saved From Demolition 

Lake of the Ozarks is home to multiple rare and historic bridges. One of them, Green's Mill Bridge over the Little Niangua Arm of the Lake, was saved from demolition this year. It is now a walking-bridge, open to the public and available as a unique venue for events at the Lake.

3. A Family Pulls 10 Skiers... At One Time!

The Wintz family loves to ski... so much, that they accomplished quite a feat - pulling 10 skiers at once behind their Cobalt. Skiers ranged from 9 to 44 years old, and you can check out video + pictures below!  

 4. Charities Help Local Boy In Need Of A New Prosthetic Arm

Multiple Lake area charities helped raise thousands of dollars for a 7-year-old who needed a better prosthetic arm. Insurance wouldn't cover the cost for an improvement, so the boy's case manager turned to private funding. Enter the Jesters of Goodwill...

5. Husband & Wife Complete An Epic Boating Journey

It was a journey to remember. The Great Loop is a 6,000-mile water route that encompasses rivers, canals, gulfs, and locks. This husband and wife did it in 364 days.   

6. "Freedom Rock" Veteran Memorial To Come To Laurie 

An artist is traveling throughout the United States creating murals and memorials to honor veterans. Next year, he will land in Laurie, Mo. as the City has commissioned him to paint a "Freedom Rock."

7. Local Cops Grant A Boy's Birthday Wish 

A mother requested a wish on Facebook for her almost 5-year-old son: would Lake area police officers come to the birthday party? Law enforcement answered the call! 

8. MarineMax WakeSurf Event Raises $55k For Military Veteran Nonprofit

In July, 38 riders competed at Ha Ha Tonka State Park in the Midwest Coast WakeSurf Open. The event was able to donate over their goal to Wake for Warriors, a nonprofit that aims to connect injured veterans by sharing their passion for wake and water sports. 

9. Community Center & Residence For Adults With Disabilities To Be Built At The Lake

Livabilities is a new development planned for 16 acres adjacent to the Laurie Park. The Bartletts are building the center and home, with their daughter Eliza as the driving force. She has a rare disorder called Angelman Syndrome, which left them wondering what happens to Eliza when they're gone? Solution: create a place for future care.

10. Osage Nation Continued Donating To Lake Charities 

The Osage Nation announced two more rounds of charitable giving this year in May and November. To date, the tribe, which announced in 2021 its intentions to build a casino near Lake of the Ozarks, has donated $340,000. Osage Nation also offered some residents to view Killers Of The Flower Moon (nominated for seven Golden Globes) for free at the theater. 


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