Kiwanis Club hears update
on improvements, plans at lake
Staff writer
Improvements at the county lake hall and other lake updates were provided to Marion Kiwanis last week by county lake director Isaac Hett.
Blue-green algae was at the top of Hett’s list and the top of most campers’ minds, Hett said.
“Last week the wind that came up seems to be a benefit to us,” he said.
As predicted, Kansas Department of Health and Environment changed its algae warning for the lake back to a watch Thursday.
Recent work at the Lake Hall included installation of Wi-Fi, a new sound system, and a new roof.
“We got a new playground put in this year,” he said. Money was raised by Marion Advancement Campaign.”
The lake’s bait and tackle shop is now fully stocked, Hett said.
Events coming up include:
- Saturday — Car cruise, concert, and fireworks show.
- Aug. 6 and 7 — Annual bluegrass festival. A new date will not conflict with Washunga Days in Council Grove.
- Sept. 18 — Crappie tournament sponsored by the National Crappie Association and Kansas Crappie Club.
- Oct. 2 — Annual chili cook-off, cornhole tournament, and car show.
A large projector may be bought to allow for movie nights.
“That’s not set in stone, yet,” he said.
The heated fishing dock is still not replaced after it was damaged in a storm two years ago.
Hett said his wish list included an upgrade of lake campgrounds and dredging the lake.
He expects the state will restock fish this year, and a program of El Dorado prison will provide lake habitats but not install them.
The state restocks the lake every year or two, and El Dorado prison has a program for inmates to create habitat, but does not release the inmates to install them in lakes.