Pirate's Return to Beach a Success

(THIS WAS THE SITUATION WHEN THE PIRATE WAS STOLEN FROM LAKE SARA BEACH. HAPPILY, THE PIRATE HAS BEEN RETURNED)

Effingham Water Authority trustees heard that the Pirate's return to the Lake Sara Beach was a big success; so much so that it will be part of an annual event.

The Pirate was part of the children's recreation area at Effingham Beach when the renovation was completed, but someone then stole him. His return was celebrated with a special event in recent days.

Parks and Rec Committee Chairman Tom Ryan reported to trustees on a "ribbon soaking" event on June 12 to commemorate the installation of a drinking fountain at the site. Ryan also reported that he will have paperwork on the project to turn in to the State by month's end.

Lake Sara Forever has $60,000 in pledges toward the project and should have that amount to the Water Authority by the end of the year.

In other business, Crossroads Disaster Relief received permission to have a "Beach Bash" on June 29 at the beach. No alcohol will be allowed in the Beach area. Also, the seawall companies have been contacted and instructed to operate out of the Water Authority area, and Water Authority Attorney Tony Siemer will send letters to the lease holders of two lots on Court One that have been neglected about keeping up the properties.

Trustees also decided not to reinvest a CD, but to instead move the principal and interest to the savings account.

Regulations at the lake do not address pole barns as residences, so pole barns as residences will not be allowed. Trustees also increased the contributions to the Lake Sara fireworks by $100 to $1,400.

The last report on geese at the lake was that 34 nests were found and 220 eggs were addled. Some goslings were spotted on the lake.