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Myra Thornton
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www.lostonthelake.us
email: hello@lostonthelake.us
Phone: 417-593-1167
July is here, and the lake is gearing up for an unforgettable Independence Day!
Even with the high water this season, I’ve been so impressed by the creative ways people are making it work. Whether it’s the dockmasters adjusting on the fly, the Corps stepping up, or local businesses adapting as needed—everyone’s doing their part to keep the summer vibes going strong. We’re officially ready for the biggest celebration on the water!
Every time I’m out there, I catch myself just staring at how different everything looks. The treeline, the shoreline—it’s all changed. It feels a little unfamiliar, but still just as beautiful.
In this issue, we’ve packed in everything you need to make the most of the month: the lake’s fireworks schedule, fishing tips, a new recipe from The Rogue Chef, lake safety pointers, and more.
Thanks so much for being here. You’re the reason this magazine exists, and I’m so grateful for this amazing lake community. Stay safe, have fun, and I’ll see you out there~
Be Happy,
Myra Thornton
Early & Late Day Patterns:
Kick off with topwater lures like Zara Spooks, poppers, or buzzbaits at dawn or dusk, especially near timber or channel swings
Midday Game Plan:
Switch to drop-shot rigs, football jigs, Texas rigs, or tube baits, fished slowly through structure
Lure Colors:
In clear water, stick to natural
tones—green pumpkin, shad, brown. In stained areas or lower light, dark neutrals or metallics shine
Gear Setup:
Use spinning gear with 6–10 lb fluorocarbon line, light hooks, and finesse rods, especially for drop-shot finesse fishing
4. Seasonal
Reminder July heat pushes bass deep. Listen to locals: after the early topwater bite fades, the action usually shifts to the midcont page 10
day deep water game, and the next day’s schedule depends on wind and current, which help situate baitfish - and bass.
Bold colors are tough on Table Rock because it’s so clear… try more neutral or natural.
Dropshotting submerged structure (stumps, brush, rockpiles is what I’d probably start with.
To catch bass on Table Rock Lake in July, focus on deep structure (18–35 ft), use finesse-oriented tactics (drop-shots, jigs), tailor lure colors to visibility, and pick your tactical window - topwater at dawn/dusk, deep presentations midday. Switch things up based on water clarity, structure type, and species targeting, and you’re set for a productive summer bass run in the Ozarks!
1. Fireburst Over the Lake – Kimberling City
Wednesday, July 2
View from boat near Kimberling Bridge or Harter House lot
A 40-year tradition—this is the signature fireworks show of the lake. Best seen by boat, with reflections dancing on the water.
2. Lakeside Resort Fireworks
Wednesday, July 2
Lakeside Resort, just east of Kimberling City
Smaller, more intimate show following Fireburst. Great option if you’re staying close to the resort or want a double dose of fireworks in one night.
3. Branson Landing Liberty Light Up
Thursday, July 3
Live music from 6:30–10:30 PM
Branson Landing, on Lake Taneycomo
Live bands, beer gardens, and a pyrotechnic finale set to music. Family-friendly and festive on the boardwalk.
4. Shell Knob “Fire & Thunder” Fireworks
Friday, July 4
Near the Shell Knob Bridge
Celebrating nearly 50 years, this lakeside tradition draws both boaters and land-lovers for one of the area’s biggest patriotic displays.
5. Big Cedar Lodge Celebration & Fireworks
Friday, July 4
Fireworks at dusk
Big Cedar Lodge / Top of the Rock
Flyovers, food, live music, and a luxurious lakeside celebration. Reserve early for this upscale Fourth of July experience.
6. Chateau on the Lake Fireworks Finale
Sunday, July 6
Chateau on the Lake, Branson West
Cap off the holiday weekend with a beautiful lakeside showperfect for families, resort guests, or boaters wanting one last night under the stars.
It was the first day of summer, and Sonny could hardly sit still. His family had just arrived at Table Rock Lake, a sparkling blue gem hidden in the Ozark Mountains. Sonny loved this place— green forests, cool water, and the whisper of frogs and crickets at night. But this year felt different. This year, Sonny was sure something magical was waiting to be found.
After breakfast, he grabbed his bright yellow backpack and headed out. “I’m going explor-
ing!” he called to his mom and dad. “Stay near the cove!” dad called, already unpacking the car.
Sonny skipped down the path toward the shore. Butterflies skipped across the flowers near the waters edge and turtles sunbathed on floating logs.
He stopped near a crooked oak tree with roots that dipped into the lake like fingers. That’s when he saw it - a sparkly, giant dragonfly hovering inches over the
water. It looked like a dragonfly, but it was the biggest one ever!
“Whoa...” Sonny said stepping back. Suddenly, there was a whoosh sound behind him. He quickly spun around.
Zipping around the trees he saw the same strange creature. It was so bright and sparkly. Its eyes were big and black like marbles, but it was a transulecent, irridescent blue.
“Hi,” Sonny said, blinking. “Hello,” said the creature, smiling. “I’m Ripple. You can see me, can’t you?”
Sonny nodded slowly. “Are you… a dragonfly?”
Ripple laughed. “Kind of. I’m a Lakeling. I guard Table Rock Lake. You must be special to see me.”
Sonny’s eyes lit up. “That’s amazing! How do you guard the lake?”
“We keep the lake clean and its animals safe,” Ripple said proudly. “But this summer, something’s wrong. The frogs aren’t singing like they should and the fish are acting strange.”
Sonny frowned. “How can I help?” Ripple pointed toward a small stream coming down the woods into the cove. “There’s a plastic bag stuck near the inlet where the frogs’ breed. If it stays,
the tadpoles won’t hatch.”
Sonny sprang into action. He followed Ripple stepping carefully across wet stones. When he spotted the bag caught in some roots, he grabbed it gently and tucked it into his backpack.
“Got it!” he cheered.
Ripple clapped. “You did it! Now the frogs can return.”
As the sun rose higher in the sky, Ripple turned to Sonny. “Thank you, lake friend.”
“What else can I do?” Sonny asked.
Ripple smiled. “If you always watch the lake shore for trash and debris you can help make our job easier! Then listen to nature. If you hear the birds singing, frogs croaking and insects buzzing it means the lake is healthy.”
And then as quickly as he appeared, Ripple vanished.
Sonny ran back to the house, his heart full and eyes wide. He told his parents he had an amazing adventure - though he left out the part about lakelings.
That night, as stars twinkled above the lake, and fireflies rose from the grass, the frogs began to sing.
Sonny smiled, knowing today he made a difference.
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In the rolling hills, lush forests, and open fields of Southwest Missouri, a humble reptile quietly thrives, embodying the unique character and ecological importance of the region. The Southwest Missouri box turtle—more precisely, the three-toed box turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis)—is an unassuming yet iconic species of the Ozark Plateau. With its dome-shaped shell and slow, deliberate movements, this terrestrial turtle may not command attention at first glance, but it plays an essential role in the health and balance of Missouri’s natural ecosystems.
The three-toed box turtle is one of six subspecies of the common box turtle and is distinguished by its three toes on each hind foot, as opposed to the four found on other subspecies. It typically sports a highdomed, brown or olive-colored shell, often adorned with yellow or orange streaks or blotches that vary from individual to individual. These unique patterns make each turtle as identifiable as a human fingerprint.
These turtles are primarily terrestrial, preferring wooded areas, grasslands, and meadows. They are most active from April through October, especially after warm rains, when they can often be spotted crossing rural roads or foraging in the underbrush. Unlike many other turtles, the box turtle spends most of its life on land rather than in wa-
cont page 20
ter, although it does seek out moist environments to regulate its body temperature and prevent dehydration.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Southwest Missouri box turtle is its longevity. In the wild, box turtles can live for 30 to 50 years, with some even reaching 100. However, these long lifespans depend heavily on stable habitats and minimal human interference. Unfortunately, box turtles are increasingly threatened by habitat fragmentation, road mortality, and illegal pet trade.
Each turtle has a very small home range, often less than a few acres, which it will stay loyal to for most of its life. If displaced—
even by well-meaning humans attempting to “rescue” a turtle from a roadside—it may spend the rest of its life trying to return, sometimes unsuccessfully.
Box turtles are omnivores with a varied diet that includes insects, earthworms, fungi, berries, and plants. This diet makes them important seed dispersers and insect controllers in the forest floor ecosystem. Their digging behavior helps aerate the soil and promotes healthy fungal networks, indirectly supporting tree and plant growth.
Their role in the ecosystem mirrors that of the region itself: quiet, essential, and deeply interwoven with the rhythms of nature.
In recent years, conservationists and wildlife biologists have raised concerns over declining box turtle populations in Missouri and beyond. Roadways pose one of the greatest dangers, particularly during peak activity in the spring and early summer when turtles migrate to breed or find mates.
In Missouri, it is illegal to collect box turtles from the wild for commercial purposes, and residents are encouraged to leave wild turtles in their natural habitats. The Missouri Department of Conservation actively monitors turtle populations and offers public education campaigns to raise awareness about their ecological importance.
Backyard habitat initiatives, such as leaving sections of land wild and free of pesticides, can help provide crucial safe spac-
es for turtles to feed and nest. Citizens are also encouraged to assist turtles across roads—only if it’s safe to do so—by moving them in the direction they were headed.
In many ways, the Southwest Missouri box turtle serves as a symbol of the region itself: resilient, grounded, and shaped by the land it calls home. Its story is one of quiet endurance, of lives lived slowly and purposefully in tune with nature’s pace. As human development continues to reshape the Missouri landscape, the box turtle reminds us of the delicate balance between progress and preservation.
By protecting this small, shelled ambassador of the Ozarks, we safeguard not just a species— but a sense of place and ecological harmony that defines Southwest Missouri.
Time: 1 Hour
Servings: 8 servings
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Ingredients
● 6 C Strawberries, fresh or frozen, halved
● 1/2 C Strawberry Jam
● 2 T Maple Syrup
● 2 T Cornstarch
● 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
● 3 T Bourbon
● 2 tsp Vanilla
Topping
● 1 C AP Flour
● 1/2 C Old Fashioned Oats
● 2 T Brown Sugar
● 1 tsp Cinnamon
● 1/4 tsp Salt
● 12 T (1 1/2 sticks) Salted Butter, cold & cubed
● 4 T Maple Syrup
Instructions
1. Toss together strawberries, strawberry jam, maple, cornstarch, cinnamon, bourbon, and vanilla in a large bowl.
2. Spread the fruit out into a 10-12 inch baking dish.
Topping
○ Combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
○ Add 8 tablespoons butter and cut the butter into the dry ingredients using a fork or pastry cutter.
○ Sprinkle over the fruit.
1. Cover with lid or foil.
2. Bake for 30 minutes.
3. Remove the crisp from the oven.
4. Remove the lid or foil.
5. Arrange 4 tablespoons butter evenly on top.
6. Drizzle the maple syrup over the butter.
7. Bake for another 20-30 minutes.
8. Let cool for 20-30 minutes.
9. Serve with cold vanilla ice cream.
Go Rogue by replacing one cup of Strawberries with one cup of Rhubarb. This will give it a little tart taste.
Want The Rogue Chef to prepare this dish or any other meal for you? Contact us at: www.TheRogueChef.com
There’s nothing quite like a sunny day on the lake—the sparkle of sunlight on the water, the laughter of friends and family, and the thrill of cruising across open water. Whether you’re water skiing, fishing, or simply drifting along with the breeze, boating is one of the most cherished pastimes in lake communities across America.
But behind every great day on the water is a shared responsibility: boating safety.
Every year, hundreds of boating accidents occur on U.S. lakes, many of which are preventable with proper awareness and precautions. From life jacket use to understanding lake traffic rules, a few basic safety measures can mean the difference between a fun outing and a dangerous emergency.
The most fundamental rule of boating safety is simple: Wear a life jacket. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, over 80% of boating-related drowning victims were not wearing life jackets. Many people assume they don’t need one because they’re good swimmers, but cold water shock, injury, or unexpected waves can take anyone by surprise.
Missouri law requires all children under the age of 7 to wear a
U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while on any boat unless they are in a fully enclosed cabin. But age shouldn’t be the only consideration. Everyone on board should have access to a properly fitted life jacket, and ideally, wear it at all times.
Before heading out, it’s crucial to understand your boat’s operation and the lake’s specific boating regulations. Whether you’re driving a pontoon, a ski boat, or a personal watercraft (PWC), each vessel has its own controls and handling characteristics.
Take time to review local regulations—most lake areas, such as Table Rock Lake has specific rules about speed limits, no-wake zones, and restricted areas. Ignoring these rules not only endangers others but can also result in hefty fines.
Boating safety courses are highly recommended—and sometimes legally required— for operators. In Missouri, anyone born after January 1, 1984, must possess a Boating Safety Education Card to operate a motorized vessel.
Summer storms can appear quickly, turning a peaceful lake into a dangerous environment.
Check the forecast before you go out, and stay alert for changes in the sky while boating. If dark clouds roll in or you hear thunder, head for shore immediately.
High winds and rough water can also affect boat control and passenger safety. Don’t take chances with unstable conditions, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the lake or boating in general.
Just like driving a car, operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and extremely dangerous. Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and increases the risk of accidents on the water. In fact, the risk of a fatal boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved.
Designate a sober captain for every outing. Passengers should also drink responsibly and stay aware of their surroundings.
Lakes are shared spaces, often filled with a mix of boaters, swimmers, kayakers, and anglers. Courtesy and awareness go a long way. Keep a safe distance from other vessels, especially when towing skiers or tubers. Slow down near docks and marinas, and always obey posted signs and markers.
Noise pollution is another consideration. While it’s fine to enjoy music or power your engine, be mindful of quiet coves and residential shorelines where excessive noise may disturb wildlife or residents.
Every boat should be stocked with essential safety gear: a first aid kit, a throwable flotation device, a fire extinguisher, and a whistle or horn. Keep a fully charged phone or VHF radio on board in case of emergency, and always let someone know your boating plans before you depart.
It’s also smart to keep a basic tool kit and extra fuel on hand. Check into Tow Boat USA or SeaTow for added protection.
Boating is meant to be fun, relaxing, and memorable—but it should never be careless. Creating a culture of safety on the lake begins with individual responsibility. By wearing life jackets, following local laws, and staying alert, we ensure that everyone—from seasoned captains to first-time passengers— can enjoy the water safely.
The lake is a treasure meant to be shared. Let’s all do our part to keep it safe for the next generation of boaters.
Work toward your own financial independence day
We’re getting close to the Fourth of July, our national Independence Day. This celebration may get you thinking of the many freedoms you enjoy. But have you thought of what you might need to do to attain financial freedom?
Your first step is to define what financial independence signifies to you. For many people, it means being able to retire when they want to, and to enjoy a comfortable retirement lifestyle. So, if this is your vision as well, consider taking these steps:
• Pay yourself first. If you wait until you have some extra money “lying around” before you invest for retirement, you may never get around to doing it. Instead, pay yourself first. This actually is not that hard to do, especially if you have a 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan, because your contributions are taken directly from your paycheck, before you even have the chance to spend the money. You can set up a similar arrangement with an IRA by having automatic contributions taken directly from your checking or
savings account.
• Invest appropriately. Your investment decisions should be guided by your retirement goals, along with how long you have before you need the money and how comfortable you are with different levels of investment risk. If you deviate from these guideposts — for instance, by taking on either too much or too little risk — you may end up making decisions that aren’t right for you and that may set you back as you pursue your financial independence.
• Avoid financial “potholes.” The road to financial liberty will always be marked with potholes you should avoid. One such pothole is debt — the higher your debt burden, the less you can invest for your retirement. It’s not always easy to lower your debt load, but do the best you can to live within your means. A second pothole comes in the form of large, unexpected short-term costs, such as a major home or auto repair or a medical bill not fully covered by insurance. To avoid dipping into your long-term
investments to pay for these short-term costs, try to build an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, lowrisk account.
• Give yourself some wiggle room. If you decide that to achieve financial independence, you must retire at 62 or you must buy a vacation home by the beach, you may feel disappointed if you fall short of these goals. But if you’re prepared to accept some flexibility in your plans — perhaps you can work until 65 or just rent a vacation home for the summer — you may be able to earn a different, but still acceptable, financial freedom. And by working a couple of extra years or paying less for your vacation home expenses, you may also improve your overall financial picture.
Putting these and other moves to work can help you keep moving toward your important goals. When you eventually reach your own “Financial Independence Day,” it may not warrant a fireworks display — but it should certainly add some sparkle to your life.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Presented by our local Edward Jones Financial Advisor: Grant Beasley 417-739-5575
There’s no better way to experience the laid-back culture of Table Rock Lake than a classic Ozarks tradition: tying up and floating. On any sunny summer afternoon—especially in July—you’ll find coves filled with boats rafted together, music playing across the water, people lounging on inflatables, and a festive atmosphere that perfectly blends relaxation and social connection.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned lakegoer, here’s what to know about tie-ups and floating on Table Rock Lake.
A tie-up (or “raft-up”) is when multiple boats anchor in a cove and literally tie up next to each other, creating a floating party. It’s one of the most popular social activities on Table Rock, especially
during weekends, holidays, and special events like Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.
Boaters often connect 3–10 vessels side-by-side using dock lines, creating a big, communal hangout spot. People float between boats on inflatables, share food and drinks, and turn up the music for an afternoon of sunshine and fun.
• Bring the Right Gear
Good-quality lines and bumpers to protect your boat when tied next to others
• A sturdy anchor—critical for staying in place, especially in wind or current
• Plenty of floats: inflatable
loungers, lily pads, or even floating coolers
• Bluetooth speaker or marine stereo (just don’t overpower your neighbors)
• Sunscreen, hats, and hydration - sunburns sneak up quickly on the water
Be Respectful
• Keep music at a fun but reasonable volume—especially in family-friendly coves
• Don’t tie up uninvited—always ask before rafting to someone else’s boat
• Use eco-friendly sunscreens and avoid littering (anything in the water can end up in the ecosystem)
Follow Missouri boating laws: the operator must remain sober, and children under 7 must wear a life jacket while the boat is underway
• July storms can move in fast. If you see clouds building, disconnect, raise anchors, and head to shelter early. The lake’s coves may feel protected, but storms can bring strong winds and sudden wave action.
• Many boaters bring coolers packed with snacks, drinks, and even portable grills. Just remember: Alcohol is alcont page 34
lowed, but the operator of the boat must remain sober (Missouri law: 0.08% BAC limit for boaters)
Designate a driver for getting back to shore safely, or plan to dock and stay nearby
Safety First
• Always float with a life jacket nearby, especially for kids or less confident swimmers. When boats are tied together and people are in the water, turn off engines and pro
pellers to prevent injuries.
The Vibe: Relaxed, Social, and Totally Ozarks
Tying up and floating on Table Rock Lake is more than just a day on the water—it’s a way of life. It’s where strangers become friends, where stress drifts away with the current, and where every splash feels like summer.
So grab your crew, load the cooler, crank up the tunes, and find your spot in the cove.
by: © Tom Koob 2025
“You Knowed Your Neighbors”
Bryce Youngblood grew up on the Youngblood family farm in the 1930s and 40s. Along with Bryce’s father Willie and his brother and sister, the Youngbloods ran a large agricultural operation on the bottomlands and western uplands along Long Creek (Bryce’s mother Essie passed away when he was four). Much of this land is now under the new 86 Highway Bridge over Table Rock Lake.
The tillable land along the creek provided good soil for corn. Bryce helped cultivate the land with mule-drawn equipment. There was also about an acre of land allotted for tobacco. On the up-
lands, the Youngbloods grew cucumbers, green beans, tomatoes and strawberries in small plots. They ran beef and dairy cattle on the rugged hillside meadows and pastures.
Bryce received his early education at Brushy Creek School (Bryce says they called it Brush Creek). He would saddle up a smooth-riding mule and take the rough road down to Brushy Creek where it met Long Creek. There was a low-water slab crossing over Brushy Creek and for a while, a swinging pedestrian bridge over the stream. The schoolhouse was just across the creek. Bryce attended high school
at Blue Eye.
Bryce and his family could also ride or take their 1929 Model A Ford up to Oasis. Bryce remembers the big mill, general store and old steel bridge at Oasis. “You could sell eggs or trade ‘em at the store. I could go up there and get a big bag of candy or chewing gum.”
The Youngbloods milked Jersey dairy cows and separated the cream. The cream was hauled by truck in 5- or 10-gallon cream cans to Hollister or picked up by the mail carrier and sent to Butler’s Store in Blue Eye. Bryce remembers making butter with a small churn or by shaking up cream in a half-gallon fruit jar. He says, “There ain’t nothin’ better than biscuits and butter.”
Drought and low livestock prices during the Depression Era of the 1930s were tough on farmers. Bryce says his dad once drove sev-
eral head of cattle across White River and up to Reeds Spring to sell them for only 2¢ a pound.
The Youngbloods liked to coon hunt at night with their Blue Tick hounds. The dogs would get on a raccoon’s trail up Big Cedar Hollow. Carrying kerosene lanterns and flashlights, they would follow the hounds call. Constant baying meant the dogs were on a trail. Persistent yapping meant the Blue Ticks had treed a raccoon. Each man knew the call of his own dogs. Raccoon pelts were sold for cash money.
Bryce Youngblood also liked to fish Long Creek and White River. He gigged suckers or “whatever got in front of us” from a wooden johnboat, ran trot lines and noodled for flathead catfish. Bryce used a four-foot handled gig to noodle in the holes along the banks of Long Creek.
In 1951, the Youngblood place finally got electricity. Soon after, Bryce married and bought his own farm up around the headwaters of Brushy Creek, where he and his sons continued to run a large livestock operation. In the mid-50s, Bryce worked on the Table Rock Dam project. He made $2.24 an hour as a union core drill operator. Bryce says he used a truck-mounted, gasoline powered drill to produce core holes across the bedrock where the White River had been diverted. These holes, up to 400 feet deep, were then filled with cement and water to provide a secure base for the coming dam. Bryce also worked preparing the bluff on the south side for the dam. He says they used hand tools to clear away dirt and debris and
then, hanging from ropes, used an airdrill to place core holes for blasting the notch for the dam.
The Youngbloods lost large portions of their Long Creek farm to the Table Rock project. Bryce says, “I didn’t like losing our farm. I’d like to see it again. I liked it like it was before. There wasn’t so many people. You knowed your neighbors.”
Tom Koob is a local author who has written several books about Ozarks history, including Buried By Table Rock Lake and On the River A History of the Ozarks Float Trip.
His work is available on Amazon books or by contacting him at: wolpublishing@gmail.com.
Table Rock Dam under construction February 1956
