FEATURE
A casino at the Lake Charis Patires Vacation News | USA TODAY NETWORK
A nosey man who loves to tell stories, an 83-year old vagabond. That’s how author Ray Speckman describes himself. A long-time Lake resident, Speckman has written his 14th book, a historically-based novel “Conspiracy at Lake of the Ozarks.” The book is about the establishment of the Lake’s fi rst gambling casino and the nefarious activity surrounding granting the license. “I have been intrigued with the possibility of a casino at the lake and the underlying current of demand for a lake casino,” he said. Speckman’s professional career runs the gamut — adjunct professor at Ozarks Technical Community College and Drury, columnist, radio personality and tourism director. Some may remember him most as the owner of Camp Bagnell Fish and Steak House. These days, he spends his time writing books. “In a way it is cathartic. It is release emotions, freely without care,” he said. “Novels are great, picking fi ctional characters from people, good and bad, liked, unliked and hated, and turning them into characters. I also enjoy making up events to happen in the future; things that are believable that could happen.” The book is about the establishment of the Lake’s fi rst gambling casino and the nefarious activity surrounding granting the license. PROVIDED BY RAY SPECKMAN
24 | AUGUST 6 - 19, 2021 | VACATION NEWS
