OSAGE BEACH, Mo. (KY3) — For many members of the Osage Beach community, the large black bull statue at Domenico’s Italian Steakhouse is more than just a sign; it’s a landmark. The one the city says has to go. Today, people are mobilizing to keep the bull in his place.

“People have been taking pictures with their kids out front,” Nathan Rinne said. “I mean, it’s always, it’s always been here, it’s what it feels like, you know?”

According to court records, in June, Domenico received a notice from the city that the bull sign violated a city ordinance. Two weeks later, another notice was issued and the bull was moved. However, it had to be repainted. The city employee who gave the notice eventually spotted the bull at Domenico’s house, but in another part of the parking lot. The employee noticed this and then issued another notice.

“My understanding is that they moved it to repaint it, get it looking nice again, and then when they brought it back, it became a problem,” Rinne said.

But for him, the bull is more than a sign or a landmark. He tells KY3 News his father owned it in the 1990s.

“We were in the sign business and he restored it, and we were friends with the owners of the restaurant,” Rinne said. “So one thing led to another, and the owners decided they would like to have it.” So they bought it for my father.

“It’s a landmark now; it’s not just signage,” said Camden County Presiding Commissioner Ike Skelton. “Actually, to be honest with you, I don’t know if I ever paid much attention to the sign in the middle.”

According to Skelton, as he understands it, the bull was more or less grandfathered into the Osage Beach sign ordinance. Once the bull was moved, it became a violation.

“Why is this so important right now?” I would recommend that they look at their codes a little differently,” Skelton said. “I know in Camden County we’re looking at removing some codes, and we’ve already tied in our unified land use code to make it easier for people to use their property as they see fit.”

KY3 News reached out to the mayor of Osage Beach and even stopped by city hall to see if any of the city council members could discuss the ordinance and the bull. But on Tuesday we were told no one was available. Commissioner Skelton said he had the opportunity to speak to the mayor about the bull earlier this week.

“He stated he just found out about it over the weekend,” Skelton said. “He kind of wonders what they’re doing with it. He was going to look into that. “

The city of Osage Beach is suing Domenico for violating the ordinance. This hearing date is set for November 18.

“I knew people would be upset, but I had no idea how upset they would be, like it really took off,” Rinne said. “I mean, there are hundreds and hundreds of comments in favor. I haven’t seen anyone agree with what the city did.

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