San Juan, Puerto Rico – September 8, 2025 – Secretary of War Pete Hegseth made a surprise visit to Puerto Rico today, boarding the USS Iwo Jima to underscore the U.S. military’s escalating operations against Venezuelan-linked drug cartels in the Caribbean.

The unannounced trip, accompanied by Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine, comes on the heels of a U.S. strike on a suspected cartel boat and the deployment of advanced assets including F-35 fighter jets and warships to the region.Hegseth, a combat veteran and vocal advocate for aggressive counter-narcotics efforts, flew aboard a Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft during his time on the amphibious assault ship, which is positioned about 30 miles south of Puerto Rico as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Readiness Group.

The visit highlights the Trump administration’s push to treat Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as a “narco-dictator,” with Puerto Rico emerging as a key staging ground for operations involving thousands of Marines, drones, and submarines.Later, at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Hegseth addressed nearly 300 soldiers, delivering a message of resolve from President Donald Trump.

Puerto Rico Governor Jennifer Gonzalez praised the visit, noting its emphasis on the island’s strategic role in national security.

The move has sparked speculation about potential further actions against Maduro’s regime, though officials maintain the focus remains on disrupting cartel networks.

As tensions simmer, the U.S. continues to bolster its presence, signaling a firm stance against threats in the hemisphere.

CAMDENTON, Mo. — As Labor Day weekend kicks off, residents of Camden County are celebrating the early completion of the Willow Creek Road bridge, which has reopened to traffic after a swift replacement project. The announcement, made by Presiding Commissioner Ike Skelton just days ago, highlights a collaborative effort that wrapped up a month ahead of the anticipated schedule.

The bridge replacement was part of Camden County’s ongoing infrastructure improvements, addressing safety concerns on the crossing over the South Fork of Linn Creek. Bids for the project were solicited in February 2025, with Wayne Brenneke Construction securing the contract as the lowest bidder.

Engineering support came from the Howe Company, ensuring the new 24-foot-wide single-span structure meets modern standards for load capacity and durability.

Road closure began on May 18, 2025, with contractors allotted up to 150 days for completion. However, efficient work allowed the bridge to reopen by late August, providing a welcome boost for holiday travelers heading to Lake of the Ozarks.

“The construction of the Willow Creek bridge has been completed a month ahead of schedule. The road is now open to through traffic,” noted a recent update from the Camden County Road and Bridge Department.

This project fits into a broader slate of 2025 roadwork in the county. Earlier in the year, resurfacing began on Capstone Drive in Linn Creek, marking the first of several planned overlays.

Additional initiatives include pavement improvements on Routes D and E, extending through Camden, Laclede, and Dallas counties, with some work impacting Ha Ha Tonka State Park.

MoDOT has also scheduled bridge maintenance and resurfacing on U.S. Route 54, with overnight closures wrapping up by late summer.

Local feedback has been positive, with drivers appreciating the smoother gravel approaches and reduced detours. Commissioner Skelton’s post emphasized gratitude toward the teams involved, echoing sentiments from the county’s March 27 commission minutes, where the project timeline was outlined to start in May and end by October.

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. — As the summer season winds down, a new high-stakes event is injecting fresh energy into the Lake of the Ozarks community. Captain Ron’s Cannonball Run, a weeklong festival blending competition, entertainment, and local commerce, kicked off on August 16 and is now in full swing, with participants vying for a share of up to $50,000 in cash prizes.

The event, hosted by Captain Ron’s Lakefront Restaurant & Resort, runs through August 23, with a wrap-up on August 24, and has drawn crowds for its mix of family-friendly activities and adrenaline-pumping challenges. Launched this year as a community-driven bash, the Cannonball Run encourages participants to support local businesses while competing in a poker run-style contest.

For a $250 registration fee, entrants receive one poker hand, entry into prize drawings, and a raffle ticket. The twist? Every $500 spent at Lake-area businesses from August 16 to 23 earns an additional poker hand—up to 20 total—with purchases at sponsor locations counting double.

Poker drawings are set for August 22 and 23, each awarding $25,000, culminating in a grand prize presentation on August 23.

All proceeds beyond prizes will benefit local charities, emphasizing the event’s focus on giving back.

Today, August 21, marks a pivotal day in the schedule, with the Vendor Village and Car Show setting up from 8 a.m. to noon at Captain Ron’s, followed by the Ozarks International Speedway Challenge from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Registration remains open from noon to 4 p.m. at Captain Ron’s and Camden on the Lake Resort. The afternoon features a registration party with free appetizers from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for sponsors, vendors, and participants, leading into the kick-off concert with country artist Blake Redferrin from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Attendees have praised the event’s vibrant atmosphere, combining live music, a scavenger hunt, and speedway thrills for all ages.

Looking ahead, Friday, August 22, promises even more action: The Vendor Village opens from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., alongside breakfast at Captain Ron’s, the ongoing scavenger hunt, and live entertainment throughout the day. Receipt collection for poker hands runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with the first $25,000 winner announced at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks around 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 23, includes the Shawnee Bend Sand’s Sandcastle Building Contest from noon to 3 p.m., more live music, and the second $25,000 drawing at 6 p.m., with the combined grand prizes presented at 8 p.m. during the Supercat Fest 4 Kids Auction at Camden on the Lake.

The event wraps Sunday with the Vendor Village open until 2 p.m. and a presentation of a Surdyke Yamaha WaveRunner at 1 p.m.

Organizers at Captain Ron’s, a staple Lake of the Ozarks venue known for its beachside fun and events, describe the Cannonball Run as a way to celebrate the community while boosting local economy.

The event overlaps with the tail end of the summer boating season, including the nearby Lake of the Ozarks Shootout powerboat races on August 23-24, creating a packed weekend for visitors.Those interested can register on-site or learn more at captainronsatthelake.com. With free parking available at Scallywags RV Park and a slate of activities for families, boating enthusiasts, and thrill-seekers, the Cannonball Run is positioning itself as a must-attend tradition at the Lake.