MAY 2021 | ISSUE 54
TO VIEW, VISIT:
Get to Know the City of Ozark's New Mayor, Bradley Jackson!
What made you decide to run for Mayor of Ozark?

I have been involved in city business for more than a decade in different capacities from the LCRA Board to the Mayors office, the Board of Aldermen, to the Historic Preservation Commission. I believe in giving back to my community and helping make things better.

What are your top priorities as Mayor?

My top priorities are infrastructure job retention and creation through expansion of commercial development and general quality of life improvements to the community.

What do you do outside of your role as Mayor?

My wife and I own and operate Hometown Sports Print House, a screen print and embroidery company with a retail storefront for local high school apparel. I also am heavily involved in the Historic River District Main Street program and the CCCC SERTOMA club and am the chairman of the annual SERTOMA Duck Race Festival.

What is your favorite quality of the City of Ozark?

As a life long resident of Ozark there is very little I do not like about my hometown. Our town has personality with our historic downtown and a beautiful river running trough it. We have retained our small town charm while continuing to grow and share our way of life with more and more residents annually.

How can Ozark residents get in contact with you to express their questions or concerns? 

I am always available to speak with residents most anytime. My door is always open. Residents have access to my phone number for a call or they can schedule an appointment anytime to discuss issues face to face. We need more community involvement so I encourage them to reach out to me. It’s their town, I work for them.
City News and Updates
City of Ozark Executive Mask Ordinance Expires

April 19, 2021

OZARK, MO --- On Monday April 19, 2021, Mayor Bradley Jackson will rescind the executive Mask Covering Ordinance effective April 22nd, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. after careful consideration of declining cases, vaccination efforts of the Christian County Health Department, and the wishes of Ozark’s residents.

The new expiration date will lift the mask ordinance across the City of Ozark and its businesses. However, Ozark businesses can still require customers to wear masks when on store property if the business so chooses. The City of Ozark implores residents and visitors of Ozark to be respectful of a business’s decision to require or not require masks.

"With the consistent declining number of positive cases, the growing number of vaccinations and the availability of vaccine for all our residents, my constituents feel that it is time to remove the mandate and have encouraged this decision. I do want to make sure everyone knows that just because there will no longer be a mandate that does not mean you have to unmask if you feel that you need that layer of protection. Some business owners may decide to keep a mask order in place on their property and we should be respectful of their wishes at their place of business," said Mayor Bradley Jackson.

The City of Ozark will continue working with local and state officials on best practices regarding COVID-19 and encourages the public to heed warnings from the CDC and local health experts of potential surges. The fight against COVID-19 is not over, and the City asks that the public remain vigilant and responsible by getting vaccinated, social distancing, and wearing a mask if unable to remain six feet apart from others.

The Christian County Health Department is offering COVID-19 vaccines and requests that calls be made to 417-581-7285 if interested in receiving one. If you are feeling sick with COVID-19 symptoms, please seek medical attention and/or stay home to alleviate the risk of spreading disease.

"The past year has been a very difficult time for our entire community, and I feel better days are within reach. I hope that our community can continue to come together and support one another as we transition out of this pandemic. I encourage all members of our community to send a message of thank you to all of our frontline workers that helped keep us safe during this past year and please also remember our local business owners that were affected by changes beyond their control," added Mayor Jackson. "We must continue to support our local business community and rebuild our economy."
Apply for Open City of Ozark Board/Commission Positions!
Please click the link below to download an editable application for a Board/Commission Position. Please Return/Submit to Ozark City Hall Office of the Mayor located at 205 N. 1st Street in Ozark, MO 65721 or email chodges@ozarkmissouri.org

Finley River Clean-Up Time!
The office was out on the water April 27th! City of Ozark staff worked together to help clean up the Finley River.
UPCOMING CITY EVENTS:
MAY 3, 2021
Board of Aldermen Meeting
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
MAY 17, 2021
Board of Aldermen Meeting
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
MAY 24, 2021
Planning and Zoning Meeting
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
MAY 31, 2021
City Hall Closed For Memorial Day
Check out even more May Holiday's to celebrate
MAY 2nd, 2021
National Brothers and Sisters Day
MAY 6th, 2021
National Nurses Day
MAY 4th, 2021
National Teacher Day
MAY 9th, 2021
Mother's Day
MAY 15th, 2021
International Day of Families
MAY 31st, 2021
Memorial Day
Let us know how you're celebrating these holidays by tagging us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!
Community News and Events
Check out the Ozark High School student behind the 'Butterfly Effect' mural:
Victoria Lovett, an Ozark High School student, spoke with the City of Ozark about the incredible journey of National Art Honors Society student volunteers coming together and creating Ozark's own Butterfly Effect as part of a worldwide movement you can learn more about by clicking here.


What is the butterfly project and why is it named ‘Butterfly Project?’

The Butterfly Effect is a grassroot, philanthropic movement founded by Tasha Wahl. As stated by the official Butterfly Effect Mission Statement, “The Butterfly Effect is a grassroots movement redefining philanthropy one “butterfly” at a time by providing individuals the opportunity to give to a cause close to their heart. Harnessing the power of social media, we create a ripple effect of contagious generosity through our Butterfly Drops and Social Butterfly Installations. Our movement is built on the idea that each and every person can be the change they want to see in the world by actively engaging in kindness, generosity and creativity.” 

The name “Butterfly Effect” is based off of Edward Lorenz’s popular theory in which even the softest flutter of a wing can affect the molecules around it, setting off a chain reaction that amplifies into major change. In the same way, Tasha and the people who contribute to this project hope to see a chain reaction that inspires charity and community involvement across the nation.

How did you come up with the design?

Creating the design was a lengthy, creatively demanding process. I wanted to create a design that could be easily recognized as a community butterfly, and I felt that incorporating Ozark Highschool and it’s mascot could easily convey its connection to the Ozark community. At the same time, the design had to be eye catching and unique. The gradient and the designs featured on the bottom both help in that aspect. 

What was the process of creating the mural like and how long did it take?

The mural was created over the course of three days with the help of student volunteers working over 7 hours each day to create something beautifully rewarding. The National Art Honors Society at Ozark High School generously provided the paint and supplies. The template was provided by the Butterfly Effect foundation. It is shipped in 4 pieces and takes hours of taping in order to secure it to the wall. There were many creative minds and talents that came together. Painting on a concrete surface has many different challenges, including the way that the paint will blend. Most of the time was spent on the small details and outlining, but the whole first day was spent trying to perfect the gradients. I would like to thank Marissa Hodges from the Ozark Community Center for finding a space for us to make this a reality. This is a project that will be a part of our community for many years to come. 

Where can the community find the mural and can they take photos?

The community can find the mural on the baseball concession stand at Finley River Park, and the community should feel encouraged to take as many photos as they like! It’s even better if they post it on social media with the hashtags, #butterflyeffect, #socialbutterfly, and #ozarkbutterfly. These wings are all about community involvement and the change that it can bring. Typically, with a sponsor, each picture would donate a set amount of money towards a specific cause. I have yet to get a clear answer from a sponsor, but if/when I get one, I will be announcing it on the official Instagram, @butterflyeffectozark.
Community Events:
Finley River Fishing For a Cause Charity Event
May 29-31
Entry fee: $30
Finley River Park
Community Blood Drive
Ozark Community Center
Monday, April 26
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Enter Code OZARKCC when registering through the link below:
Ozark Springfest
Saturday, May 8th
1530 W. Jackson St. @ The OC
Parks and Recreation:
OTRA - Crystal Bridges
May 17th, 2021
Register at The OC Front Desk or by calling
581-7002 ext. 2004
Summer Ballet & Gymnastics
2021 Swim Lessons
Ozark Tiger Shark Summer Swim Team
Parent Informational Sessions
5/15 @ 9:00 a.m., 5/18 @ 6:00 p.m.
Free Swim Day
June 12th, 2021
Neal and Betty Grubaugh Pool
1 Non-Perishable Item = 1 Free Entry
Night Swim
Neal and Betty Grubaugh Pool
Beginning June 6/25
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Public Works
Road Closure/Detour Notice:
HWY NN at Jackson St (see map below) will be closed Thursday May 6th, 2021 from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. to allow crews to demolish a section of existing road and install necessary infrastructure to serve this soon-to-be much improved intersection. This closure is part of the overall transportation and stormwater improvements the City of Ozark has partnered with MoDOT to complete along Jackson St. The detailed map below shows a detour route drivers can use to avoid the road barricades.
Ozark Police Department
Ozark Police Department Annual Report 2020 Now Available
The Ozark Police Department 2020 Annual Report is now available on the City of Ozark website here.