Letters to the editor

When's the cleanup?

Dear editor:

"Katy Allen clean-up announced, May 19. 1964 -- Members of the Vernon County Court have announced that work is underway cleaning up the debris and underbrush in the Katy Allen Lake area, which adjoins Centennial Park and Fairgrounds. The road leading into the lake area will be cleared and rocked and it is planned to install picnic tables for use by Vernon County area residents.

The County Court purchased the lake area from Missouri Pacific Railroad about two years ago and the plans then, and still are, were to develop the entire tract into a recreational facility.

During the past year or so, not much attention has been focused on the lake area as to custodial care and maintenance. There has been considerable vandalism in the area and the site has become a nightly hangout for young folks. Beer cans litter the area at the present time. The barbecue pit and refuse containers have been wrecked.

Members of the court have hired Jack DeGroodt, who lives near the tract, as custodian of the lake area and Centennial Park and Fairgrounds. Mr. DeGroodt has been deputized by Sheriff Wayne Pursley and the court pledged its full support to him in enforcing the rules governing the property.

No boats with motors will be allowed on the lake; no swimming or wading will be allowed; no trash must be left on the grounds and fishing hours will be between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. Persons found in the area outside these hours will subject to arrest for trespassing."

-- from the Nevada Daily Mail

Now here it is 2004 and the Katy Allen Lake is still a mess. The grass and weeds are taking over the lake, the bridge at the east end has a board missing and is very dangerous. There aren't any trash containers.

The county purchased Katy Allen Lake around 1962, and it has not been maintained. There was talk that it would be cleaned up and have a trail around it.

Katy Allen Lake is a historical site, and the lake could be a clean place for families to fish.

I think the county should get it cleaned up and maintain it as it should have been done in 1962.

--Twila Manon

Nevada