Crist and Sharon Fanning

Fall is here and will soon be over. So, if you're planning to sell your home during the fall months, you will need to spruce up your lawn. In any market condition, the yard catches every potential buyer's attention. And, you want yours to stand out in a good way, not a bad one. Having an attractive lawn will help get buyers into your house.

Fall is the best time of year to spruce up your lawn. It's the easiest time to repair any summer damage and get it ready for winter. It will also bring a spectacular lawn in the spring. According to several University studies around the nation, a good looking landscape will increase a home's value up to 11 percent.

There's no question that your grass is the largest component of your landscape. So, start there. You can find many great pointers on how to get a lush, green lawn and I have found some great ideas myself to share with you.

Begin by loosening the lawn's air flow. Grass needs air to grow. So, for those who have leaf coverage, rake it up and remove it. Many areas around the nation see drought damage to their lawn. If you're one of those, the best thing to do is fertilize it once every eight weeks, using a slow release fertilizer. Fertilizer will turn your grass greener as it gives your grass the proper nutrients needed to grow. And, make sure you water it well everyday for at least a week or the fertilizer will burn the grass and kill it off.

Fertilizers also winterize the lawn. Northern states are recommended to fertilize their lawns at least twice in the fall, while Southern states recommend to fertilize about four weeks before the first frost.

And, last but not least, over-seed the lawn. The over-seeding process will dramatically improve the lawn's appearance and will help keep it healthy. Fall is also the best time of the year to treat weak spots in your yard. The soil is warm in the Fall, which promotes rapid seed growth. Remember to never cut your lawn too short. The shorter the grass, the weaker it becomes, and it will die quicker.

Don't forget other items in your yard like trimming your bushes. Planting seasonal flowers is always a welcoming sight for potential buyers.

Following these simple ideas will really be an eye catcher when selling your home.

This will be Lake of the Ozarks second annual Bikefest, marking the anniversary of September 11^th. Bikefest will be held on September 11^th, with a starting point at Bagnell Dam Strip. Over 20,000 bikers have rolled into the Lake of the Ozarks area already, with more expected to come. Riders will start their day with the "Never Forget Ride" to kick off the celebration at 6:30pm in the large parking lot on Bagnell Dam Strip.

Over 200 bikers will ride from Fort Leonard Wood to Lake of the Ozarks Harley Davidson in the "Freedom Ride" on Friday the 12^th.

The American Legion Post 624 from Sunrise Beach will be handling the service. They have a color guard, a group of motorcycles, a bugler, seven shooters for a 21-gun salute, and a chaplain to say a prayer.

Lake Ozarks and Osage Beach fire departments will be there displaying large American flags from their truck ladders. And, the Anheuser-Bush Clydesdales are expected to come. The four-day celebration has many more attractions that will extend from one end of the lake to the other.

It is not mandatory to have a motorcycle to attend. It is open to the everyone who wants to join the celebration. And, best of all, this great celebration is expected to bring over $2 million to the Lake of the Ozarks economy.

So, come out and enjoy the fun. We hope to see you there.

Dr. Clemens Haggerty was recently recognized by the Missouri House for his dedication and many years of service to Lake of the Ozarks residents.

Dr. Haggerty has delivered thousands of babies and treated many patients with ailments from the common cold to ones that were not always treatable. He has over 40 years of service and enough stories to fill a book.

Dr. Haggerty has watched Lake of the Ozarks flourish as the health care here grew. When Dr. Haggerty came to the lake, there was not even an organized ambulance service, and pregnant women would rush into his clinic with only minutes to spare before delivery. His clinic served as the area's emergency room for several years.

After many hard years of work, a hospital was built and Dr. Haggerty was appointed the first chief of staff. Today, the hospital has grown from five physicians to over 85.

Because of Dr. Haggerty's hard work, residents of Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri no longer have to drive to the larger cities to get first-class health care. They can get it at Lake Regional Hospital.

It looks like Lake of the Ozarks is the place to be to get great medical care from dedicated physicians.

St. George Episcopal Church has been welcoming Lake of the Ozarks visitors and residents for decades. Now, the church will celebrate its 60^th anniversary of fellowship and community service on September 7^th. Church members have always dedicated themselves to helping the community and everyone in need.

Almost 60 years ago, St. George's began holding services on the front porch of the Harper home in a Lake of the Ozarks community. Now, they have come a long way from that beginning.

Those looking to buy a home in Lake of the Ozarks will also find a great home church in St. George. The church is well-known for the tranquility and beauty its services. The parishioners offer a loving and supportive bond, making everyone feel right at home. The church is smaller than some others in the area, but the spirit of the members and their mission to serve the community and others are very big. Another great reason to buy a home in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.

There's nothing like spending a day in Party Cove, hanging with friends and having fun in the sun. And, Steve Williams and Thom Shepherd, the writers of the song, "Red Neck Yacht Club" are coming to kick off the party with a waterfront concert.

The Lake of the Ozarks Shootout party will start Thursday, August 21^st, at 8 pm at Captain Ron's Bar and Grill. The Shootout party will continue through the weekend. On Friday, make your way to Mexicali Blues in Osage Beach on Hwy 54 for another concert with Steve and Thom.

Steve and Thom will have a booth set up on Saturday and Sunday to promote their "Red Neck Yacht Club" song and album. They are definitely a group that have made partying on the water a form of art.

When they were younger, they spent much of their time on the water in Lake of the Ozarks. But, since becoming songwriters, they are spending their time on a lake in Tennessee, although they claim Lake of the Ozarks is their party central.

So, come on out to the lake and enjoy the red neck music these guys will be bringing and the fun that is sure to come with it. We hope to see you there.