The Eldon Board of Education voted to raise the district’s tax levy rate to 3.496 percent during a special hearing Monday, Aug. 16.

The district feels a .993-cent increase is necessary because of shrinking tax revenues on the local, county and state level and normal increases in expenses.

The district recently made several cuts and reductions in the budget to try and stave off financial problems. It has made the following budget reductions for the 2010-2011 school year saving approximately $648,156.

With Camdenton and School of the Osage students heading back to class this week, all public schools are now in session for the 2010-2011 academic year.

We want to see your pictures, too. If you took pictures of your child, grandchild, niece and/or nephew, etc., as they headed back to school, share them with us!

The Eldon School District will likely seek an increase in the tax levy for the 2010-2011 school year.
Superintendent of Schools Matt Davis said that the school is living within its means, but it needs some help.

“The Eldon community passed a tax levy increase in 2006 for 30 cents,” Davis said.  

“The district has not fully used the 30 cents for the past two years. This year, the Eldon School District is going to need to raise the operating tax rate by 10 cents to generate an additional $170,000 in revenue.  This will enable the school district to maintain the resources necessary to provide a quality educational experience.”

State Rep. Rodney Schad (R-Versailles) faces opposition in his bid for reelection to a fourth and final two-year term in the Missouri House of Representatives. Challenger Randy Dinwiddie will appear on November ballots as an independent candidate vying to represent Missouri's 115th House district.

Back-to-school serves as a time for kids to reunite with friends after summer vacation, get excited for the upcoming year of learning and compete in fall sports. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, this time of year also makes kids more likely to be involved in an auto accident.

In Osage Beach, police officers will watch for risky behavior from drivers of all ages, especially in the area of School of the Osage High School and middle school in the afternoon.

In Lake Ozark, the police department takes a proactive approach in the school zone surrounding Mills Elementary.

Troopers remind school zone travelers that all drivers must stop on a two lane road when a school bus displays stop signs and flashing lights. On a four lane road, drivers behind the bus may not pass when stop signs and flashing lights are displayed.

The Eldon Board of Aldermen have voted to hire a new city administrator.

The board met in a closed session on Tuesday, July 20.  Following the meeting, Mayor John Holland announced that the board had voted to hire  Frank Schoneboom as the new city administrator.

The city of Eldon will host the annual July 4 fireworks celebration this weekend.

Schedule of events

Friday, July 2

Carnival rides, arm bands on sale for $10

Saturday, July 3

Registration for the Firecracker 5K run/walk, 7 a.m.

Firecracker 5K run/walk, 7:30 a.m.

Carnival rides and vendors, 11 a.m.

Missouri National Guard Display, 11 a.m.

$1 swim at Eldon Aquatic Center, noon-3 p.m.

Karaoke in the park, 4-6 p.m.

D.J. Leo Case/Band, 6 p.m.-dusk

Fourth of July Parade, 6 p.m.

National Anthem and fireworks display, 9:05 p.m.

Eldon’s Church of the Nazarene is helping turn used and unwanted shoes into clean drinking water in  poverty-stricken countries.
Kay Webery, a member of the church, heard about a program that helps poor people on many different levels, and knew it was something that she and her church needed to become involved with.

Want to help?

• Bring any unwanted shoes or clothing to the Eldon Church of the Nazarene any Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or contact the church office at 573 392-3440.

• People going to Six Flags this summer can help George and themselves by going to www.sixflags.com and ordering tickets for $25 each instead of the $40 at the gate. Use the promo code: thrive, and $5 from each ticket sold in this manner goes to George’s ministry.

4th Annual Art &  Ambiance Fair; See history living from the Civil War-era; Old-fashioned sock hop and karaoke; Lake Area Chorale & Springfield symphony; Rockin' BBQ Contest

Lake of the Ozarks drivers may spot some unusual vehicles headed west on Highway 54 on Wednesday.
Drivers and teams competing in the American Solar Challenge began passing through Eldon, Osage Beach, and Camdenton Tuesday on their way from a checkpoint in Jefferson City to the next stage stop in Rolla. Cars left the previous stage stop in Wichita, Kan, Tuesday morning.
The American Solar Challenge offers universities a chance to participate in a race that is half energy-efficiency science, half Cannonball Run.
On top of watching several futuristic vehicles reminiscent of Star Wars pass through, drivers on Highway 54 can also cheer on a Missouri entry. The Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly University of Missouri-Rolla) sponsors Solar Miner VII.

Missouri's largest utility provider will work to determine how to comply with a renewable energy mandate. A ballot measure approved in 2008 and a vote by the Missouri Public Service Commission will require AmerenUE to generate 15 percent of its Missouri power through renewable energy by 2021.

The Missouri Public Service Commission has established the deadline for those parties wishing to intervene and participate in a gas rate case filed by AmerenUE.

Museum players  present “Medium Rare”; Enjoy dessert and musical theater treats; Relay For Life event at high school track; Gun & Knife show at Lions Club;
P&P hosts benefit yard sale for 4-H club

Relay For Life event at Big Surf Water Park; 32nd HK's Hospital Golf Tournament; Join the Elks for a  benefit breakfast; Take a stroll in the  annual Garden Walk; Benefit yard sales

Eight people were arrested as part of a widespread drug investigation last week.

With the start of the summer season, many lake-area pools will open their doors to the public for swimming, sliding and pure fun.