In a move to set the record straight, the City of Osage Beach has issued a stern rebuke against a misleading satire concocted by local shock jock, Nathan Rinne. The story, which painted the city in an unfairly draconian light, claimed that a resident faced a dramatic raid due to an oversight on hot water heater inspections.

The city’s official statement reads:

” It has come to our attention that someone outside the Osage Beach community is impersonating the City by posting fake press releases with our official logo on social media. These misleading posts are not from us, and we want to make sure you have the right information straight from the source.”

The fabricated narrative by local radio host Nathan Rinne suggested a scenario where city officials stormed a local’s property, an action that not only never occurred but also misrepresents the city’s approach to community services and inspections.

Here’s how the City of Osage Beach is clarifying the channels for accurate information:

• Official Social Media: Stay updated through our verified accounts on Facebook and Instagram.
• City Website: All authentic news and updates can be found at www.OsageBeach.org.
• Monthly Newsletter: For direct updates, residents are encouraged to subscribe to the city’s newsletter at [ tinyurl.com/4kb3246p ].

Many speculate on the motivations behind such misleading content. This incident underscores the broader issue of misinformation in local media, where sensationalism can overshadow factual reporting.

The City of Osage Beach is keen to mend any rifts caused by this misinformation, urging residents to rely on official channels for factual updates and reminding everyone of the community’s commitment to safety, transparency, and mutual respect.

“Tornadoes never strike the same area twice.”False! Tornadoes can strike any area at any time, regardless of past history. For instance, Cordell, Kansas was hit by tornadoes on the same day, May 20, three years in a row. Also, three different tornadoes hit the same church in Guy, Arkansas on the same day.

“Tornadoes can always be seen from far away.”False! Not only do tornadoes not always have to appear as a visible funnel cloud, but they can also be hidden by heavy rainfall during the day or by darkness at night.

“If I am near a highway overpass, I should abandon my vehicle immediately and take shelter there.”False! While a highway overpass is a sturdy structure that may offer protection from flying debris, it will not protect you from dangerous winds. In fact, an overpass can act as a wind tunnel and may cause accelerated wind that collect debris, causing you more harm. If you are in your vehicle and a tornado is approaching, you should pull your vehicle to the side of the road immediately, get out, and lay flat in a nearby ditch covering your neck and head.

“Tornadoes do not hit big cities.”False! Tornadoes can hit anywhere at any time. Several large cities have been hit by tornadoes throughout history, including Dallas, Miami, Minneapolis, Oklahoma City, Wichita Falls, Salt Lake City and St. Louis.

“A tornado always forms and appears as a funnel cloud.”False! A tornado can cause damage on the ground even when a visible funnel cloud has not formed. Also, if you see a funnel cloud that does not appear to be touching the ground, the wind and circulation may still reach the ground and cause extensive damage.

Osage Beach, MO – During a recent city council meeting, Osage Beach Mayor addressed mounting frustrations surrounding the city’s leadership and growing criticisms, particularly from nearby municipal officials and residents. The mayor expressed confusion over why the city seems to be “in the crosshairs” of public scrutiny despite efforts to maintain open lines of communication and improve the community.

In an emotional statement, the mayor called out ongoing disparaging remarks from an alderman in a neighboring city, who has been vocal in criticizing Osage Beach and its decisions, particularly in relation to public development and fiscal management.

“I don’t know why we’re being targeted, especially when our doors are open, and I’m available to talk,” said the mayor. “You can Google my number, give me a call, come talk to me—but for whatever reason, we’re on the crosshairs. And I don’t quite know yet why.”

The mayor was referring to a recent Facebook post from an alderman in a neighboring town, who criticized the Osage Beach Board of Aldermen’s decision-making and the city’s development efforts. The alderman’s comments, which included a disparaging emoji-laden message, suggested that Osage Beach was too quick to approve projects, including a $3.9 million runway rehabilitation project, while neglecting local issues like the city’s ongoing sewer problems.

The Facebook post, shared by Missouri Network TV, sparked a wave of online comments, many of which supported the alderman’s view that Osage Beach’s priorities were out of order. One comment claimed that taxpayers were footing the bill for the runway project while basic infrastructure issues like sewage were being ignored.

The mayor, however, took issue with these claims, calling out the misinformation circulating online. He clarified that funding for the runway project, like many public initiatives, was largely grant-funded, not solely taxpayer-funded. He also stressed that the city was fully committed to solving local challenges, including improving infrastructure.

Frustrated by what he perceives as a growing tendency to criticize from behind computer screens, the mayor also took aim at a local woman who has repeatedly called for “better leadership” but has never run for office or reached out for a one-on-one conversation.

“I had a complaint, and I ran for office. That’s how you address issues in this town—by getting involved,” said the mayor. He recounted how, in the past month, he personally met with two residents who initially had complaints about city leadership but changed their perspective after a candid discussion over coffee.

The mayor emphasized that local officials should be collaborating, not undermining one another. He urged residents to engage in direct dialogue instead of venting frustrations online, calling for more constructive community involvement.

“We need to stop badmouthing each other. The people of Osage Beach want good things for their community, and if you have an issue, come talk to us,” the mayor said. “We’re here to listen, and we’re here to solve problems.”

While the mayor’s speech struck a tone of frustration, it was also a call for unity and a reminder that collaboration—both between officials and with residents—is the key to addressing the city’s challenges.

As Osage Beach moves forward, it remains to be seen whether the mayor’s plea for more direct engagement and less online negativity will resonate with those who continue to voice concerns about the city’s future.