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Watershed honors awarded at banquet The Indian Lake Watershed Project lauded its 19 years of success at its annual meeting and recognition banquet Thursday at the Indian Lake Community Church Fellowship Hall. More than 1,700 feet of stream banks have been stabilized in the watershed the past year, as well as a total of six acres of wetland filters in the areas of Old Field Beach, O’Connor’s Point, the Nature Center and the property of Norm Johnson along north U.S. Route 68. No toxic algae has been found in the Indian Lake water. “We can toot our horns. This is clean water,” stated Vicky Boots, executive secretary and treasurer, who has been coordinating the office since the resignation of Jack Webb, who served as executive director of the agency since 2000. Only 12,000 to 15,000 tons of sediment is delivered annually into the lake from agriculture fields resulting from storms, officials shared. “We are getting better water quality out there thanks to the participant of our locals,” Mrs. Boots continued. Mr. Webb was recognized for his efforts in the position. “Jack Webb, you have left some big shoes to fill in the executive director’s position. We have accomplished a lot in the years that you have served as the executive director,” Mrs. Boots said on behalf of the board. “I’ve worked with a total of six different coordinators since 1990 and none have had the impact that Jack has had on this organization.” Mrs. Boots presented the Eagle Award to Frank Dietz. “This year’s recipient has become my right hand person since I have had the responsibility of making sure the ILWP’s voice is still heard,” she said. “I have contacted this person for advice and asked many questions which he graciously answered without stating they were stupid questions. Thank you for all your dedication, guidance and kind words during our transition year at the watershed office.” Don Eggenshwiller received the outstanding volunteer award. “Without the food service expertise of this individual, our Fish Fry and Casino Nite fundraiser would not have run nearly as smoothly as it did,” Mrs. Boots explained. The outstanding business partner award went to Bob, Jeff and Linda Erwin of Erwin Insurance Agency of Bellefontaine. “Since 1990 this family business has supported the ILWP in many facets. Whenever we have had a fundraiser, they have always supported either with monetary contributions or providing auction items,” continued Mrs. Boots. Receiving outstanding agriculture producer was Don Selhorst, who sought the advice of the Natural Resource Conservation Service to develop conservation practices on his farm. Dave Leiter and Cliff Hoenie of the Indian Lake Development Corporation received the outstanding partner award. “It is safe to say that without the insights of the members of this organization, the Indian Lake Watershed Project would probably not exist as it is today. ILDC members saw the need to address the water quality issues of Indian Lake,” said Mrs. Boots. |