Valerie Battle Kienzle, a University of Missouri School of Journalism graduate, spent the last 40+ years in various writing-related positions. A lifelong history enthusiast, she has authored four books about St. Louis, three about St. Charles, and one about Columbia. Her extended family has owned a lakeside house in Osage Beach since 1981. She's spent countless vacations and weekends enjoying Ozark-style lake life with four generations of family members and friends.