Post date: May 20, 2010 10:53:46 PM

Posted: Thursday, May 20, 2010 By HARRY G. PERKINS Hub Regional Correspondent KEARNEY HUB on line at: http://www.kearneyhub.com

JOHNSON LAKE — With Memorial Day just around the corner, activity has increased, the Johnson Lake Development Board of Directors learned at Tuesday’s meeting.

Worship services at the Chapel of the Lake begin May 30. The weekly services will continue through Labor Day weekend.

Dedication of the hike and bike trail on the west side of the lake will be at 10 a.m. May 31. The trail is named in memory of Paul Matson, who died last year.

Matson headed the campaign for the Larry Roper Trail of about one mile through the state park on the east side of the lake. Roper, who laid out the trail, was the superintendent of the state parks at the lake.

Allan McClure, who has headed the committee for the Paul Matson Trail, told the JLDI board Tuesday that donations for bricks and benches continue to be received.

He said more money is needed for engineering costs before the west trail is completed and connected with the east trail.

In addition, other neighborhoods in the northeast and northern sections will be added so that the trail will eventually encircle the lake.

McClure said donations should be directed to the Lexington Foundation. This will verify tax deductibility for the donors, and said the foundation will match donations received for the hike and bike trail system.

Frank Vetter, land manager at the lake for Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation, issued a reminder at Tuesday’s meeting of the deadline for cleaning the open areas.

The deadline accords with regulations established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Docks and other boating equipment are to be in the lake by June 1 and can be removed from the open areas by Central by June 6.

The regulations include unlicensed boats and trailers. Motor vehicles left in the open areas must be licensed and drivable, or they may be removed.