News Flash

Message from the Mayor - October 2025

Dear Ozark residents,

Fall has arrived in Ozark—cooler mornings, Friday night lights, and fun festivals! I even made it out to watch Ozark’s homecoming game, crutches and all, as my foot continues to heal. It’s a great season ...

City of Ozark to Hold Informational Meetings on Charter Commission

Ozark, Mo. - The City of Ozark is inviting residents to learn more about an important step in shaping the city’s future. Two informational meetings will be held for citizens interested in serving on the 2026 Charter Commission.

Dates: October 14 ...

Good Neighbor Week Returns: September 28 – October 4

Ozark, Mo. - For the second year in a row, the City of Ozark is proud to celebrate Good Neighbor Week, taking place from September 28 through October 4. This week is dedicated to strengthening community ties and encouraging residents to be kind, thoughtfu...

Message from the Mayor - September 2025

Dear Ozark residents,

As the new school year begins, I want to remind everyone to please slow down and stay alert in our school zones. Our children’s safety depends on all of us driving with extra care during those busy morning and afternoon hours. Thank y...

Message from the Mayor - Summer 2025

Dear Ozark residents,

As summer winds down, there's a lot to celebrate in Ozark!

On July 17, we broke ground on the Chadwick Flyer pedestrian bridge — a major step forward in connecting our community. This project is more than just concre...

Ozark PD Now Certified to Facilitate Dog Adoptions

Ozark, Mo. - The Ozark Police Department is proud to announce that it has been officially certified by the State of Missouri through the Animal Care Facilities Act to facilitate adoptions for dogs picked up by the Canine Control Division and placed in the...

City of Ozark Breaks Ground on Chadwick Flyer Trail Pedestrian Overpass

Ozark, Mo. - The City of Ozark officially broke ground on a transformative infrastructure project, the Chadwick Flyer Trail pedestrian overpass over U.S. Highway 65. City leaders, project partners, and invited guests gathered at the construction site to c...

Ozark Community Center Installs Mamava Pod for Nursing Moms

Ozark, Mo. – The Ozark Community Center recently installed a new Mamava Lactation Pod, providing a dedicated space for mothers to breastfeed or pump while visiting the facility.

The spacious pod is wheelchair-accessible and offers a clean, secure, and comf...

Storm Debris Drop-Off Site Opens July 1

Ozark Police Department Receives Missouri Blue Shield Designation

Ozark, Mo. – The Ozark Police Department has received the Missouri Blue Shield designation from the Missouri Department of Public Safety. This prestigious honor recognizes Missouri communities that demonstrate a steadfast commitment to enhancing...

Message from the Mayor - June 2025

Dear Ozark residents,

Mother Nature made quite an impact on the fourth weekend of May, bringing what many are calling the Flood of 2025. Over just four days, we saw 5.27 inches of rain, bringing May’s total to 11.37 inches. For comparison, April’s record-b...

Chief Arnold Elected VP of Missouri Police Chiefs Association

Ozark, Mo. - The Ozark Police Department and City of Ozark would like to congratulate Ozark Police Chief Justin Arnold, who was recently elected by his peers and sworn in as the 3rd Vice President of the Missouri Police Chiefs Association (MPCA). In this ...

Message from the Mayor - May 2025

Dear Ozark residents,

I'm excited to announce that Ozark's Garrison Springs Community Forest project has been selected as the winner of the 2025 Innovation Award by the Missouri Municipal League! Our city will be recognized during the MML conference in Sep...

Garrison Springs Community Forest Wins Statewide Innovation Award

Ozark, Mo. - The City of Ozark is proud to announce that Garrison Springs Community Forest has been awarded the 2025 Innovation Award in the Large City category by the Missouri Municipal League (MML). This prestigious award honors outstanding municipal pr...

Message from the Mayor - April 2025

Ozark, Mo. - As spring blossoms in our beautiful city, I'm excited to share updates on key projects and developments that are shaping Ozark's future.

Ozark Marketplace Development

A significant development is on the horizon with the proposed Ozark Marketpla...

Message from the Mayor - March 2025

Ozark, Mo. - I don’t know about you, but I am ready for spring to arrive! I love the four seasons we experience in Missouri, but winter is not my favorite.

As we get ready for a new season, I invite you to join my Community Conversation on March 8th from 9...

Intersection near Downtown Ozark to Close Permanently

Ozark, Mo. - In March 2025, the City of Ozark will permanently close the intersection of S. 3rd Street (outer road) and Oak Street, following extensive discussions with the Ozark School District, the Ozark Police Department, and city leaders. This decisio...

City Offices and The OC to Close Early Due to Inclement Weather

Ozark, Mo. - Due to the impending winter storm, the City of Ozark offices and the Ozark Community Center will close early on Tuesday, February 18, at noon. The indoor pool at the Community Center will close slightly earlier at 11 am. All fitness classes, ...

Message from the Mayor - February 2025

Ozark, Mo. - We finally had a real snow this winter! I greatly appreciate the unsung heroes of public works who got up that snowy morning at 3:30 to start plowing our city streets to make our roads safe for the citizens of Ozark.

With the recent hiring of ...

City of Ozark Announces New Community Development Director

Ozark, Mo. - The City of Ozark is pleased to announce Randall Whitman has been appointed as the new community development director.

For the past 19 years, Whitman has worked for the City of Springfield as a principal planner in the Planning and Development...

Winter Weather Preparedness: Stay Safe and Keep Your Home Protected

Ozark, Mo. - As winter weather settles in, it's important for everyone to stay weather-aware and take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their home. Freezing temperatures can bring a variety of challenges, so now is the time to prepare...

Message from the Mayor - January 2025

Ozark, Mo. - Happy New Year! In the coming year, my commitment to serving you remains stronger than ever. Together with city leaders and staff, I will continue working to ensure a bright future for Ozark, focusing on balanced growth and preserving the uni...

Message from the Mayor - December 2024

December is always a special time as we gather with our loved ones to celebrate the Christmas season. I am thankful the City of Ozark offers so many festivities for our community to enjoy! We had perfect weather for the 59th Annual Ozark Christmas Parade....

Listening to Our Community: ADA Accessibility Survey Results

Ozark, Mo. - The City of Ozark has completed its Community ADA Survey and is grateful for the valuable feedback provided by community members. Insights gathered from the survey will help guide future improvements in Ozark to ensure accessibility for all.

V...

City of Ozark Announces New Assistant City Administrator

Ozark, Mo. -- The City of Ozark is pleased to announce Cameron Smith has been appointed as the new assistant city administrator. The Board of Aldermen voted unanimously Monday night to approve the recommendation from City Administrator Eric Johnson.

Smith ...

Greet, Meet, Repeat: Being a Good Neighbor

Ozark, Mo. - In September 2024, Ozark Mayor Don Currence signed a proclamation designating the week of September 28 to October 4 as Missouri Good Neighbor Week in the City of Ozark. This initiative encourages residents to engage in events and activities t...

City Acquires a Game-Changer for Underground Repairs

Ozark, Mo. - The City of Ozark is taking a significant leap forward in its infrastructure maintenance capabilities with the recent acquisition of a new state-of-the-art hydro excavator truck, promising to benefit both the city’s workforce and re...

City of Ozark Secures Grant for Infrastructure and Transportation Connectivity

Ozark, Mo. - The Missouri Department of Economic Development has awarded $1.97 million in grant funds to the City of Ozark. The funds will extend and connect 17th and 18th Streets east of Highway 65, providing improved infrastructure and transportation co...

Tracey Hasler Appointed as New Human Resources Director

Ozark, Mo. – The City of Ozark is delighted to announce Tracey Hasler as its new Human Resources Director.

Hasler, who has been a valued member of the city’s Utility Billing Department as a supervisor since April 2022, will be transitio...

Ozark Community 2024 Survey Results Released

Ozark, Mo. - In May 2024, the City of Ozark, through Great Lakes Marketing Research, distributed 5,000 community surveys to randomly selected residents and all 430 listed businesses in Ozark. As part of the outreach, a few weeks after the surveys were mai...

Garrison Springs Community Forest Opens to the Public

Ozark, Mo. - The City of Ozark is thrilled to announce the opening of the Garrison Springs Community Forest.

This revitalized gem represents Ozark’s history and showcases and conserves its natural beauty, native ecosystems, and geological feature...

FEMA Shelter Upgrades Enhance Accessibility and Security

Ozark, Mo. - The Ozark Community Center FEMA storm shelter has undergone a significant upgrade, enhancing security and accessibility for those needing protection during severe weather.

The shelter now features a cellular app-based remote access system. Thi...

Ponsar Named Parks & Recreation Director

Ozark, Mo. - The City of Ozark is excited to announce Hayden Ponsar as our new Parks and Recreation Director.

Ozark Police Department promotes two to Sergeant

Ozark, Mo. - Two Ozark Police Department Officers have been promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

City of Ozark Announces New City Administrator

Ozark, Mo. - "I am very excited to announce Eric Johnson has been hired as the new city administrator. He brings a wealth of experience from Blue Springs, Missouri, that will benefit the City of Ozark," said Ozark Mayor Don Currence.

The Board of...

Chadwick Flyer Update | June 2024

The Public Works Department is thrilled to announce the approval of Phase II of the Chadwick Flyer Trail by the Board of Aldermen for construction. Crawford, Miller Tilly Engineering, in collaboration with City staff, has diligently worked to determine al...

Adopt-A-Class Program Moves the Classroom Outside

Ozark, Mo. - If you attended Ozark Middle School in the last eleven years, you likely shared the same experience roughly 160 current sixth graders had last week. For the twelfth year, the classroom moved outside for a day full of hands-on learning, discov...

OPD honored for Missouri Police Chiefs Charitable Foundation accreditation

Ozark, Mo. -- The Missouri Police Chiefs Charitable Foundation (MPCCF) is once again honoring the Ozark Police Department for its excellence in policing.

During Ozark’s Board of Aldermen meeting on Monday, April 15, the Ozark Police Department was presente...

MDC fulfills grant to the City of Ozark

Ozark, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Conservation has fulfilled its Community Forestry Cost-Share Grant to the City of Ozark.

The $29,760 grant helped Ozark’s Parks & Recreations Department remove emerald ash borer infested trees from Finley River ...

Ozark Community Center Upgrades Security

Ozark, Mo. -- The Ozark Community Center (The OC) is taking steps to increase safety and security for everyone entering the facility, as well as the Grubaugh Outdoor Pool.

On April 1, 2024, The OC implemented the Raptor Visitor Screening system. This syste...

Ozark welcomes Maria Neider and Benjamin Ward to the communications team

Ozark, Mo. -- The City of Ozark is pleased to announce the hiring of Maria Neider as its new Communications Director and Benjamin Ward as its new Communications Manager.

"I am very excited about the great communication team that the City of Ozark has ...

Ozark installs new storm siren to aid residents

Ozark, Mo. -- Residents of Ozark now have an additional layer of safety in the event of severe weather, as the city recently installed a new storm siren near East Elementary.

The siren will aid in letting residents in that area know the National Weather Se...

McCracken Road Project 2022-2023

As a citizen who drives every day in Ozark you certainly recognize our volume of traffic is becoming more not less.  The City of Ozark continues to be a highly desirable market for developers, both residential and commercial, because of the many ...

Ozark Police Department Offering Paid Academy Training to New Recruits

OZARK, Mo. - The Ozark Police Department (OPD) is proud to announce the launch of a new hiring campaign that offers paid academy training to new recruits. This program is designed to encourage passionate candidates to join the department and serv...

City of Ozark adopts 2024 Strategic Plan

Ozark, Mo. -- The City of Ozark's staff leaders and elected Board of Aldermen came together to chart a course of action for their community and develop specific focus areas in the fall of 2023. After considerable time and thought, the re...

Ozark Police adds donated motorcycles to fleet

Parks & Recreation: City plans to replace removed trees

Ozark, Mo. -- The Parks & Recreations Department plans to plant new trees at Finely River and Neil Grubaugh parks after a tree company removed 24 trees in the Fall of 2023.

"We are looking forward to Spring when our Parks Maintenance team can work...

Ozark Police begins MPCCF reaccreditation process

Ozark, Mo - The Ozark Police Department was evaluated today to receive its accreditation from the Missouri Police Chiefs Charitable Foundation for the third time.

Two assessors from the foundation paid an on-site visit to OPD to examine patrol operations, ...

Public Works crews prepare for winter events, remind citizens of policies

Ozark, MO. -- Although it might not quite feel like it outside on certain December days, it is winter indeed. And it’s only a matter of time before we have a snow event in Ozark. With that in mind, Public Work...

Onward Ozark virtual open house now available

OZARK, Mo. — The City of Ozark is in the midst of Onward Ozark: Planning Our Corridors, an innovative project aimed at shaping the future growth, development, transportation, and aesthetics of three pivotal corridors within the city: North State Highway N...

City of Ozark hires interim city administrator

OZARK, Mo. -- The City of Ozark has hired an interim city administrator to aid in carrying out city operations while the process of hiring a permanent city administrator is in progress.

The search committee, headed by Mayor Don Currence, selected Ben DeClu...

Protecting Our Parks: City of Ozark awarded MDC grant to remove dead trees at local parks

OZARK, Mo. — The City of Ozark is thrilled to announce it was awarded a?Community Forestry Cost-Share Grant through the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to remove green ash trees under threat from emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis). &nbs...

Ozark Conducts Regular Maintenance on Water Towers to Ensure Clean and Safe Drinking Water

City reminds residents to avoid placing signs on utility poles, right-of-way

OPD Chief Graduates from FBI Course

Energy Efficiency: Saving Energy and Money

June in Ozark, Missouri presents an excellent opportunity to save both energy and money through energy efficiency practices. As temperatures rise and air conditioners work harder, implementing these strategies can help minimize energy consumption and redu...

Ozark Police Department welcomes new officers