Lake Timpson News

By Rebecca Dillon

Happy New Year from Lake Timpson! We have enjoyed the migration of pelicans and cormorants from the north on their way to South Texas, Mexico and Central America. These beautiful birds were accompanied by friendly seagulls and Lake Timpson has been full of feeding flocks of birds. We are so thankful that the lake is beginning to fill up. According to our official local rain gauge keeper, A.J. Koteras, we had just over 17 inches of rain from Nov. 8, 2011 through Jan. 9, 2012.  
The Shelby County Fresh Water Supply District #1 held its regular monthly meeting on Saturday, Jan. 14.  Board members, Sandra Beard, Doye Crump, A.J. Koteras, Harmie Smith and Mike Thrift were present. Visitors included Jesse Bownds, John Connaway, Judy Davis, Robert Dillon, Les Matthews, L.C. Mitchell, Carol Phillips and John Phillips.  
Shelby County Assistant DA, Ken Florence, spoke to the attendees about his background, experience and qualifications to be the next district attorney for Shelby County. Mr. Florence is running as a Republican candidate in the primary on April 3, 2012.
Shawna Walker, SCFWSD#1 Bookkeeper, reviewed minutes of the December meeting and current financial statements and bills.
Under new business, the Board discussed the three supervisor positions that will be open for the upcoming election on May 12. These positions are for four-year terms. To be eligible to run for one of these positions, a person must be either a registered voter of Shelby County Precinct 5 or an owner of taxable property in the SCFWSD#1. Sign-up sheets will be posted in Timpson at the Quick Stop, B&B Grocery, Peace Feed Store and the SCFWSD#1 office at Lake Timpson from Feb. 4 until March 5. After this period, all those who sign-up will be checked for eligibility. The list will be discussed at the March 10 Board meeting.   
Regarding lake maintenance, the Board discussed burning the dam in February, depending on the weather and wind direction and speed. The roads are still in need of repair. In addition, the ditches on both sides of the lake need to be dragged and the creek from the overflow valve to the bridge on the east side needs to be cleared out to allow water to flow freely.  
Board members also discussed concerns about the need for safety railings on the east side bridge.  
In his President’s report, A.J. Koteras provided an overview of the accomplishments of 2011.  He also recognized E.A. Ross for his idea to have a Donation Box at the boat ramp.  
Board members and Lake Timpson residents were very busy in 2011 and many improvements were made to the Lake Timpson neighborhood. Thanks to everyone for their hard work and commitment to making Lake Timpson a great place to live.
During open session Board member Mike Thrift recognized Nancy Denison and her grandchildren for cleaning up the shoreline all around the lake. There is a boatload of dedicated, experienced and talented people at Lake Timpson who are ready, willing and able to make a difference in our neighborhood in the New Year.
Lake Timpson neighbors have been busy completing new homes, cleaning up shorelines, and taking down dead trees. We remind everyone who has been cleaning up their yards that the burn ban has been lifted and that they can either haul off the debris or burn it on a calm day.
Due to the cold weather, the boat ramp has not been very busy, although we hear that the fish are beginning to bite. We are hoping that with several more heavy rainfalls the lake will be full again.  It already looks so much better than it did just a few months ago.  
The next regular meeting of the SCFWSD#1 Board of Supervisors will be on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 9 a.m. at the Timpson Rural Water Office on FM 2667.
Please join us so that you can participate in the process of local government at Lake Timpson. Hope to see you there!