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Public Meeting on Jan 7th at the Little Theater at 6pm to discuss these flood plain maps, FEMA’s Role in Flood Control at Lake of the Ozarks Sparks Debate

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has long been involved in managing flood risks across the United States, but its authority over the Lake of the Ozarks, particularly concerning flood control, has recently come under scrutiny and debate among local residents, property owners, and legislators.

The Lake of the Ozarks, a significant recreational and residential area in Missouri, has been the subject of several contentious issues related to FEMA’s floodplain maps and regulations. These maps, which determine flood insurance requirements and building regulations, have caused significant economic and social impacts on those living and investing in property around the lake.

FEMA’s involvement at Lake of the Ozarks primarily stems from its administration of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which mandates flood insurance for properties in designated high-risk flood zones, or Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). These designations are crucial because they affect property values, insurance rates, and what property owners can do with their land.

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In recent years, FEMA has redrawn flood maps for the Lake of the Ozarks area, leading to an increase in properties classified in flood zones. This remapping has resulted in many property owners facing higher insurance costs or challenges in securing or refinancing mortgages due to the flood insurance requirement. Local stakeholders argue that the maps are inaccurate, with some parts of the lake being classified as high risk despite historical data suggesting otherwise.

The controversy escalated when FEMA proposed new or modified flood hazard determinations, initiating a 90-day appeal period for affected communities. This process, while meant to refine flood risk assessments, has been met with resistance. Critics claim that FEMA’s methods for determining flood risks do not adequately account for the lake’s unique management by Ameren Missouri, which controls water levels primarily for power generation, not flood control.

Ameren Missouri, which operates the Bagnell Dam creating Lake of the Ozarks, has been in discussions with FEMA to address discrepancies in floodplain delineations. The utility company asserts that its control over the lake significantly mitigates flood risks, a point that local residents and officials echo, arguing that the lake’s operation under normal conditions does not align with FEMA’s assessments.

The debate has led to community meetings, discussions with FEMA representatives, and even legislative action. Missouri representatives have pushed for reviews and potential amendments to how FEMA conducts its flood mapping and insurance rating, aiming to better reflect the actual flood risk at Lake of the Ozarks.

However, FEMA maintains that its assessments are based on scientific data and are crucial for ensuring the safety of residents and protecting federal investments in flood mitigation. The agency has been open to appeals and has made changes to maps in other regions following community feedback, suggesting a willingness to reconsider its approach if presented with compelling evidence.

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The situation at Lake of the Ozarks highlights the broader challenges of federal agencies balancing national flood risk management strategies with local realities. As discussions continue, the community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that recognizes both the safety imperatives and the economic vitality of the region.

For the latest updates on FEMA’s flood control measures at Lake of the Ozarks, keep an eye on local news and official statements from both FEMA and local authorities

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Trump Takes Multiple Questions From Reporters During Oval Office Meeting With NATO Sec-Gen

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Washington, D.C. – March 13, 2025 – In a dynamic display of transparency and leadership, President Donald Trump welcomed reporters into the Oval Office today for an open question-and-answer session during a high-profile meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The event, which took place just after 1:00 PM CDT, underscored Trump’s commitment to direct communication with the press and the American public, while reinforcing the United States’ pivotal role within the NATO alliance.

Reporters seized the opportunity to probe Trump on a variety of issues, and he responded with his characteristic blend of humor, decisiveness, and optimism. When asked about NATO’s role in countering emerging threats, Trump highlighted the alliance’s adaptability. “NATO’s tougher than ever—believe me, nobody thought it could be this strong,” he said. “We’re keeping the world safe, and we’re doing it together. That’s what matters.” His remarks drew nods of agreement from Rutte, who later told reporters outside the White House that Trump’s leadership has been “instrumental” in fortifying NATO’s resolve.

The president also addressed domestic concerns, offering an upbeat take on the U.S. economy and his administration’s agenda. “We’re bringing jobs back, we’re cutting taxes, and we’re making America the best place to live and work—nobody does it better,” Trump declared in response to a question about economic policy. His infectious enthusiasm seemed to energize the room, with several reporters smiling as they scribbled notes.

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Osage Beach Police Report Busy Week with Multiple Arrests and Incidents March 10, 2025 – Osage Beach, MO

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The City of Osage Beach Police Department released its weekly summary for March 3-9, 2025, detailing a range of incidents and arrests in the community. According to Administrative Lieutenant Michael O’Day, the department handled a total of 77 traffic stops, 56 fire-related calls, and 49 building or area checks, among other activities, during the week.

The report highlights several arrests made over the period, reflecting the department’s efforts to address crime in the area. On March 5, Richard K. Underwood, a 33-year-old Osage Beach resident, was arrested on a Camden County warrant for third-degree domestic assault. The following day, March 6, saw multiple arrests, including Sean A. Skaggs, 35, of Dixon, Missouri, taken into custody on a Morgan County warrant for failure to appear on a traffic offense, and Gerald D. Davenport, 47, of Shawnee, Kansas, arrested on a Saline County warrant for driving while suspended or revoked.

Also on March 6, two Osage Beach residents were arrested on drug-related charges. Bennie J. Jett, 48, faced charges of possession of a controlled substance, endangering the welfare of a child involving drugs, receiving stolen property, and a Camden County warrant for violating a court order. Michael P. Stewart, 58, was charged with possession of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a child involving drugs. On March 7, Teresa M. Whittle, 54, of Osage Beach, was arrested for stealing and possession of a controlled substance.

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In addition to arrests, the department responded to a variety of calls, including 24 ambulance requests, 18 alarms, eight traffic hazards, and five reports of suspicious activity. Other notable incidents included four accidents, three disturbances, and one fraud case.

Lieutenant O’Day emphasized the department’s commitment to public safety and encouraged residents to stay informed by signing up for city alerts at www.osagebeach.org under the “Notify Me Sign Up” section.

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Firefly’s Blue Ghost Spacecraft Begins Journey to Moon, Supported by Rocket Lab Software and Components

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Long Beach, Calif. January 23, 2025 – Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, celebrates the successful launch of Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 on January 15. Rocket Lab is supporting Blue Ghost’s 45-day journey to the Moon with the Company’s MAX Flight and MAX Ground Data Software suites.

Rocket Lab also provided three high-efficiency photovoltaic assemblies, comprising our interconnected space-grade solar cells, mounted on the lander’s sides and top deck, providing 400 W of power over 1,470 operational hours to support the lander during its journey to the lunar surface.

During the Blue Ghost mission, the Rocket Lab team will also support Firefly’s execution of multiple burns and management of orbit determination and attitude control throughout the cruise and landing phases of the mission.

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Firefly’s Blue Ghost mission is advancing lunar science and exploration by delivering state-of-the-art instruments and technology demonstrations to the Moon as part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program.

“Congratulations to the Firefly team on the start of Blue Ghost’s lunar journey. We’re immensely proud to support the team and enable an ambitious lunar mission with our flight-proven components and software,” said Rocket Lab’s Vice President, Business Development & Strategy, Space Systems, Richard French. “The new era of commercial lunar exploration is underway, and we’re excited to be part of making it possible.”

Encapsulated and ready for launch. The QPS-SAR-9 satellite for

@QPS_Inc has been attached to Electron and is now safely housed inside the rocket’s nosecone. Four days to the opening of the launch window for ‘The Lightning God Reigns’ on March 10th UTC. https://www.rocketlabusa.com/missions/next-mission/

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Mission Overview

“The Lightning God Reigns” will launch from Rocket Lab’s private orbital launch site, Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, in New Zealand during a launch window that opens on March 10th UTC. 

The mission will launch a single synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging satellite to a 575km circular Earth orbit for iQPS called QPS-SAR-9 (nicknamed “SUSANOO-I”). The spacecraft will join iQPS’ growing Earth-imaging constellation that delivers high-resolution monitoring from specific locations every 10 minutes. 

‘The Lightning God Reigns’ is the first of eight upcoming launches for iQPS across 2025 and 2026 to build out iQPS‘s constellation, and follows the Company’s earlier successful mission for iQPS launched in December 2023. Each upcoming mission includes a Rocket Lab Motorized Lightband, used to separate and deploy the satellite from Electron once in space.

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