04/06/11 A group of local residents concerned with the lakes of Marshall County are seeking to make a difference with a new group devoted to those lakes.
The newly-formed Marshall County Lakes Council will seek public input and participation from other area residents as they hold a public meeting April 30 at 10 a.m. in the Plymouth Public Library to explore the foundation of a permanent Lakes Council for Marshall County. The group is an offshoot of activities of Leadership Marshall County, and is modeled after a similar association in Steuben County. Bill Schmidt of that association will be speaking at the first meeting.
“Many different people involved in the environmental health of their lakes have thought of doing this same thing over the years,” said Kathy Clark of the Lake Maxinkuckee Environmental Council. “Forming a larger group to go after the limited funding available — for such things as weed control, dredging eroded soils or investigation various contaminates that can affect the health of those who ply in or near the water — makes sense.”
The group has representatives from many of Marshall County’s 17 lakes including Larry Emmons and Kimberly Caudill from the Culver Academies, Justin Miller of North Central Co-op, Clark, Joe Skelton of Lake of the Woods, Ken Buckley and Patti Wright of Myers and Pretty Lakes — with the special assistance of Sister Mary Baird of Ancilla College. The group will also focus on the county waterways such as the Yellow River.
The group is not just for those who live on a lake. Those who enjoy lake recreation or just visiting local lakes are encouraged to take part. Coloring books, information and other materials will be available at the meeting that will consist of a short presentation followed by small break out sessions to allow those in attendance to put together input for the group to use as they continue to evolve.
Interested citizens will be asked for their input on ways the council can promote education, cooperation, and communication about the rich opportunities offered by lakes in the county.
Patty Wright, Randy Dickson, Joe Skelton, Kathy Clark and Justin Miller look over a map showing the lakes of Marshall County.
Rusty Nixon Correspondent
