By Robert Lucke
Area rancher Jody Manuel attended the May Hill County Park Board meeting with a request to drill a water well on Beaver Creek Park land.
"We would like to hook onto an existing well above the lower lake and run a line to our house," Manuel said. "But in the last 20 years the creek has moved so now that well is on the bank of the creek. To get to it now, I don't know if it is feasible."
"Is there any history on this," asked Hill County Commissioner Kathy Bessette.
"There was a land swap between Hill County and one of the agreements was that a well had to be provided," said board member Dean Hanson. "It was John Anderson's land then and became Manuels. The water source is available to them by right."
The problem at the meeting was the proximity of the old well to Beaver Creek.
"It would be better to abandon that well, not hurt the stream and cost less to dig a new well," said Manuel.
"Where would the new well be," asked Bessette?
"It would be in the vicinity of that little house, and a little back in the brush where it would not be seen," said Manuel.
A line would be run from the well to Manuel's house, approximately 2500 feet away, under the highway and up the hill.
"We have a Ditch Witch. I don't foresee having a lot of big holes somewhere," continued Manuel.
Park Board members suggested they let Manuel know when they will next be in the park as a group and at that time he can explain his plan to them.
Board Chairman John Goebel asked if anyone had heard how the planting of trees around the lower lake went.
"I see some of them planted around the bays," said board member Dave Wilson.
Chairman Goebel reported that there is a grant still pending for some $21,600 to pave sidewalks around the cabins at Kiwanis Camp.
In addition Goebel reported he had received a letter from Fish, Wildlife and Parks indicating that a master plan they have drawn up for the lower lake is almost completed. They requested a time to come up and review it with Park Board members. With Park Board approval, Goebel was instructed to write and invite FWP planners to the May Park Board meeting.
This was the annual reorganization meeting of the Park Board. Kathy Eskestrand was elected as chairman and John Goebel was elected vice-chairman. Commissioner Bessette complimented all board members.
"You all volunteer for this job and it is unforgivable that people have hit you below the belt. I know I speak for Pat and Doug when I say thank you! I really take offense when people attack the board. There are no personal agendas here. It is all for the better use of the park for everyone. Thank you and I am sorry things got so personal. Keep up the good work," said Bessette.
After a superintendent's report and approval of the claims, the meeting was adjourned.
The next regular Park Board meeting will be at the jail courtroom, June 5 at 7 p.m.
