JLDI approves trail name -- Honors Paul Matson

Post date: Oct 23, 2009 11:3:36 PM

By HARRY G. PERKINS Hub Regional Correspondent, 10-23-09, Kearney HUB on line at: http://www.kearneyhub.com

JOHNSON LAKE - Johnson Lake Development directors decided Tuesday to name the new portion of the hike and bike trail at the lake in honor of Paul Matson.

Matson spearheaded the effort that resulted in construction of the Larry Roper Hike and Bike Trail through the state park. Matson died Oct. 10 after a long battle with cancer.

In its final meeting of 2009, the board of directors approved a $27,305 budget for JLDI for 2010.

The budget does not include the expenses for the landfill at $12,700 and garbage removal at $26,568. These expenses are paid through a grant of $50,000 from the lake's owner, Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District.

Included in the budget is a proposal for $11,000 in contributions from the area associations for community betterment. About two dozen area associations that make up the JLDI membership.

Projects would be done in partnership with entities such as EMS, the community's first-responder unit; the lake chapel; and volunteer fire departments.

Projects mentioned include the hike and bike trail, the annual fireworks display, the carp fund, and lake safety initiatives. Directors would have to approve projects and use of the volunteer funds.

Another committee met with Central staff to develop ideas for lake betterment using a $100,000 contribution from Central. Among the ideas are connecting the chapel restroom to the sewer system and dredging parts of the lake.