I received a phone call last Friday morning from Chief McCain and Nick Shigouri, City Administrator, advising us of a tragic event on the Association lake road the night before. Without going into detail, a golf cart was headed home on the east roads of the lake when it left the road. The passenger was thrown from the golf cart and evidentially succumbed to her injuries. The driver was not seriously injured. Our heartfelt condolences and Prayers go out to all involved in this very unfortunate event. All of us need to be mindful of the big increase in golf cart/off-road vehicle usage this summer. Please use the utmost care and caution when driving these vehicles, both on and off the roadways and parkways. Just a reminder our Association roads are being patrolled, including the operation of these golf carts/off-road vehicles on the Association roadways.
On another note, the Missouri Department of Conservation – Fisheries Division performed a “shock” survey at the lake on May 12th. Three individuals from the Fisheries Division studied the fish population at the dam, as well as the Goat Hill, area. This survey momentarily stuns the fish, after which they are netted and placed into a highly oxygenated container to revive them. They are later specie-identified, measured and then released back into the lake. The Department performs this survey every three years and with this information makes suggestions for the stocking program for the lake. This year was a little different in that several of the fish were kept and will be studied by the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services for contaminants that might exist. Analysis of Hg, Pb, Se, As, Cd, Ca, along with 24D, atrazine, glyphosate, PCB’s, etc. will be considered. Once the result of the analysis is published it will be forwarded to us for review. The information will be shared with you in future publications. Several photos are located below of the process.
Mother Nature sure has a good way of spring cleaning our ditches, waterways and culverts. This past weekend the lake area experienced over 3.5 inches of rain, some of which came down in very short periods of time. The result was debris, tires, limbs, leaves and other matter being washed into the inlets of many culverts throughout the lake. In one instance, and you cannot make this stuff up, an orange construction cone washed into a culvert (cone end first), which of course acted as a complete plug of that culvert. Needless to say, water overflowed onto the street in that area, as well as in many other locations. The crews were out early Monday morning cleaning up the areas by removing all of the debris blocking the inlets. A couple of photos are shown below of some of the areas in question. Thank you for the many calls we received of the various areas that needed attention. We also made the call to close the lake Sunday afternoon and Monday morning because of the high water in the lake.
By the time this article is published we will be one week away from the official beginning of the summertime fun at the Lake. All of us have lived the last year under unique and sometimes troublesome circumstances. Thankfully, we weathered the storm and are ready to put the last year in our rearview mirror. Having said that, we need to move forward by being courteous and respectful to one another, both on and off the water. Also, while on the lake please remember you are just one of 3,412 other vessels that are licensed to be on the lake. While we are on that subject, please make sure you place your boat stickers on your vessels. Simply buying them will not get you out of a citation. Finally, have fun! Together we will all enjoy this wonderful lake and community.
Please call us at 816.578.4272 if you have any questions or concerns. I am available just about any time at 913.305.7181 or email me at haroldmitts@lakelotawana.net. Please, now more than ever, continue to be safe! Harold