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Moonshiners Cave

In the heart of the rugged Ozark Mountains, there existed a legend as old as the hills themselves. It was the tale of the Moonshiner’s Cave, a hidden refuge for those who sought a life beyond the reach of the law. Nestled deep within the dense woods, this cave was more than just a hideout; it was a den of vice and rebellion.

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In the heart of the rugged Ozark Mountains, there existed a legend as old as the hills themselves. It was the tale of the Moonshiner’s Cave, a hidden refuge for those who sought a life beyond the reach of the law. Nestled deep within the dense woods, this cave was more than just a hideout; it was a den of vice and rebellion.

The legend began in the early 1900s when the United States was in the throes of Prohibition. The Great Niangua River, winding its way through the Ozarks, became the highway for contraband. A man named Jackson “Whiskey” Wade discovered the cave’s entrance while on the run from the revenuers who were hot on his trail. He stumbled upon a narrow crevice hidden beneath a cascading waterfall, and there, he found the entrance to the Moonshiner’s Cave.

Whiskey Wade was a crafty moonshiner, known for producing the smoothest, most potent moonshine in the region. He saw the cave’s potential immediately. The underground chamber was spacious, with natural formations that provided ample storage for his illicit brew. The constant cool temperature of the cave was perfect for aging the moonshine, giving it a flavor that could rival any legal distillery.

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But Whiskey Wade’s ambitions didn’t stop at moonshine. He soon realized that the cave’s isolation made it an ideal spot for his counterfeiting operation. With the help of a few trusted associates, he set up a printing press deep within the cave’s recesses. They began to manufacture fake currency, perfecting their craft over time. The fake bills were so convincing that even the most seasoned bankers couldn’t tell the difference.

To move their ill-gotten gains and moonshine, Whiskey Wade and his crew used the Great Niangua River as their secret highway. They built a series of concealed tunnels leading from the cave to the riverbanks, making it easy to transport their contraband in the dead of night. They operated under the cover of darkness, their boats laden with barrels of moonshine and boxes of counterfeit bills.

As the legend of the Moonshiner’s Cave spread, more outlaws flocked to the Ozarks, seeking refuge in the lawless haven. The cave became a hub of activity, a place where renegades and rebels could indulge in their vices without fear of retribution. Whiskey Wade’s reputation grew, and he became a folk hero to those who defied the government’s strict rules.

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But the law eventually caught up with Whiskey Wade and his gang. In 1933, Prohibition was repealed, and the federal government intensified its crackdown on counterfeiting operations. An informant, motivated by a hefty reward, led the authorities to the Moonshiner’s Cave.

A dramatic standoff unfolded as law enforcement officers descended upon the cave. Whiskey Wade and his gang fought fiercely to protect their secret hideaway, but they were eventually overwhelmed. The moonshine barrels were confiscated, the printing press destroyed, and Whiskey Wade himself was arrested.

The legend of the Moonshiner’s Cave lived on, even after its downfall. Though the cave’s criminal heyday was over, its story continued to be passed down through generations as a testament to the rebellious spirit of the Ozarks. Today, the cave stands as a historical relic, a silent witness to a time when outlaws defied authority in the name of freedom and adventure in the heart of the Ozark Mountains.

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This story is based on several stories of the area and a bit of fiction find this and other stories by the same author on this website.

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Prescribed burns at Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Camdenton Missouri Lake of the Ozarks

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CAMDENTON, MO – On Saturday, March 8, 2025, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, in collaboration with the National Park Service, carried out a series of prescribed burns at Ha Ha Tonka State Park. The controlled fires, initiated early this morning, aimed to reduce wildfire risks, promote native plant growth, and maintain the park’s ecological balance.

The timing of the burns aligns with early spring conditions, which park ecologists say are ideal for minimizing impact on wildlife while maximizing ecological benefits.

Today’s burns mark the first major fire management activity at Ha Ha Tonka in 2025, with additional burns potentially scheduled later this year depending on weather and resource availability. Park officials emphasized that these efforts are part of a broader commitment to preserving Missouri’s natural heritage for future generations.

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Trumps Address to the Joint Session of Congress sends Mr. Green being thrown out with in minutes.

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Trumps Address to the Joint Session of Congress sends Mr. Al Green Green being thrown out with in minutes. Trump calls out Democrats saying no matter what he says or does they will not stand. The camera flashed shots of the Democrat party with signs that said Musk Steals. Trump continued the speech strong by asking them to enjoy the republicans with the wins of the county.

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Osage Beach Operating Budget shows Significant Increases in Personnel and Capital Spending.

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The City of Osage Beach Board of Aldermen officially adopted the FY2025 Operating Budget on December 19, 2024, outlining a comprehensive financial plan for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget, spanning 69 pages, projects total expenditures across all funds at approximately $38 million, reflecting a strategic focus on personnel growth, infrastructure improvements, and operational stability.

Personnel Expenditures See Major Boost

The FY2025 budget allocates $10,941,704 for personnel expenditures across all funds, marking a 12.4% increase from the FY2024 budget of $9,736,098 and a 21.2% jump from the FY2024 projected year-end total of $9,031,206. Key highlights include:

  • Salaries: Rising to $6,978,788, a 12.2% increase from FY2024’s budget and an 18.8% increase from the projected year-end, reflecting new hires and wage adjustments.
  • Per Meeting Expense: Surging 55.8% to $48,000, driven by increased meeting frequency or compensation rates.
  • Overtime and Holiday Pay: Overtime is budgeted at $417,400 (up 40.1%), while holiday pay rises to $212,402 (up 22.9%), indicating heightened staffing demands.
  • Retirement 401 Contributions: A significant 28.2% increase to $773,225, underscoring the city’s commitment to employee benefits.

The personnel schedule details a total of 136 authorized positions, including 117 full-time and 19 part-time roles, with notable growth in departments like City Clerk (from 1.5 to 3 full-time equivalents) and Engineering (from 2 to 4 FTEs) compared to FY2024.

Capital Investments Prioritize Infrastructure

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Capital expenditures for FY2025 are set at $16,990,032, a slight 5.1% decrease from FY2024’s ambitious $17,907,575 budget, though a dramatic 197.3% increase over the FY2024 projected year-end of $5,714,260. Major investments include:

  • Transportation Fund: $6,274,726, a 17.3% increase, funding projects like the Salt Barn Roof replacement, Highway 42 Sidewalk construction, and Osage Beach Road improvements.
  • Lee C. Fine Airport Fund: $4,986,982, up slightly from FY2024, supporting ongoing airport enhancements.
  • 911 Center: A standout $447,247 allocation (384.8% increase), including an AIS P25 Upgrade and dispatch relocation, addressing critical communication needs.

Conversely, departments like Parks & Recreation ($333,800, down 54.7%) and Information Technology ($25,492, down 77.3%) see reduced capital spending, reflecting a shift in priorities.

Operations & Maintenance Stabilizes

Operations and Maintenance (O&M) expenditures total $10,182,427, a modest 1.4% decrease from FY2024’s $10,324,068 budget, though up 10.6% from the projected year-end of $9,209,616. Notable changes include:

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  • Human Resources: A striking 228.9% increase to $365,117, likely tied to expanded staffing and training initiatives.
  • Building Inspection: Up 130.7% to $79,510, supporting heightened regulatory activity.
  • Engineering: A 52.2% cut to $261,100, aligning with completed projects from FY2024.

Employee Pay Plan Adjustments

The budget introduces an updated Employee Pay Plan effective January 1, 2025, with pay ranges spanning Level 6 ($32,604-$47,276) to Level 16 ($124,293-$198,868). Positions like City Administrator and City Attorney top the scale, while roles such as Airport Technician and Records Clerk anchor the lower end. The plan reflects periodic reviews mandated by City Code Section 125.050, accommodating new positions and level adjustments.

Looking Ahead

The FY2025 budget underscores Osage Beach’s focus on workforce expansion, infrastructure resilience, and essential services, balancing growth with fiscal prudence. With a total personnel authorization of 123.19 FTEs (up from 117.19 in FY2024), and significant capital commitments, the city aims to enhance public safety, transportation, and community amenities. Residents can expect increased activity in key departments, though some operational budgets tighten to offset these investments.

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For more details, the full FY2025 Operating Budget is available through the City of Osage Beach administrative offices.

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