The Army Corps of Engineers has received several calls lately from people asking about the low levels of five of Little Rock District’s White River Basin lakes in Arkansas and southern Missouri.  Corps officials advise that current lake levels are a normal part of operations considering this year’s weather.

As of Thursday, Beaver Lake was 6.8 feet below top of its conservation pool.  Table Rock was 5.8 feet below, Bull Shoals was 4.6 feet below, Norfork was 6.5 feet below and Greers Ferry was 7.1 feet below the top of their respective conservation pools.

These lakes are doing what they were designed to do, and these lake levels are common.  It may seem unusual to some because it has been three years since the lakes have been at current levels for an extended period.  In 2008 and 2009, rainfall was well above average (2009 was the wettest year on record in Little Rock).  The lakes stored excess water in their flood pools and were well above the top of their conservation pools much of the time.

That contrasts to this year when rainfall across much of the river basin has been somewhat below average.  Therefore, the lakes are below the tops of their conservation pools.  Evaporation, hydroelectricity generation and water supply withdrawals are using water a bit faster than Mother Nature is replenishing it.  There is no change in how the lakes are being operated – the approved operating plans are being followed.

The conservation pools are currently about 80 percent full, and this is fairly common.  When enough rain falls, the lakes will be replenished.  If dry weather persists and drought conditions develop, the Corps has contingency plans to deal with it.  These manmade lakes are designed to fluctuate as the weather changes so the lakes continue to provide flood damage reduction and renewable energy for the American taxpayer.

While visitation to the lakes is slow this time of year compared to summer, some boaters still come.  The Corps advises boaters and dock owners to take extra measures because of low lake levels.  Cold weather fuels demand for hydroelectricity, and lake levels may continue a gradual fall until Mother Nature replenishes them.

While there is plenty of water for boating and other activities, dock owners should monitor their docks closely and move them as needed to prevent them from being grounded.

For boaters, some launch ramps may be impaired.  Stay in main river channels, and give the shoreline a wide berth.  Some areas may harbor obstacles just below the surface such as land points, rock formations, tree stumps and shallow spots.  Slow down and use depth finders.  Check with local marinas about trouble spots.  Be especially careful at night.

Boaters are encouraged to stay on the side of the lake with bluffs since water is usually deeper there.  Gradually sloping shorelines can indicate shallow water depth.  A change in water color can indicate a change in depth.  Lighter color often indicates shallower water.  Wear a life jacket at all times.  An unexpected fall into cold water can be deadly even for strong swimmers.

For more information about lake levels, log onto the Internet at www.swl.usace.army.mil and click “Water Management.”

If you have questions about Beaver Lake call 479-636-1210.  For information about Table Rock Lake call 417-334-4101.  For information about Greers Ferry Lake call 501-362-2416.  For information about Bull Shoals or Norfork lakes call 870-425-2700.

To the qualified electors in Fairfield Bay, Van Buren and Cleburne Counties, Arkansas:

By operation of law, there will be a VACANCY on the City Council for the City of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, given the election of a current member of the City Council as Mayor on November 2, 2010. Upon taking office as Mayor, the City council seat will become vacant. At the first regular meeting of the City Council, after January1, 2011, the City Council will elect an Alderman to serve for the unexpired term (2 years, Ward 3), pusuant to Arkansas Code ANN. Sec. 14-43-411. Interested persons should provide written notice, with a cover letter and resume, to the Attention of Council Vacancy, Fairfield Bay City HAll, PO Box 1400, Fairfield Bay, Arkansas 72088, no later than January 7, 2011.

Rose Owen

Recorder-Treasurer

City of Fairfield Bay

Faith Lutheran Ladies Aid will meet Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.  Ardis Ackerson will have the devotions and will lead the Bible study “He Only Has Eyes for You!” found on page 20 of the Fall Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly.

Hostesses are Ardis and Katy Krause.

The trivia question is:  ”What is the distinction of the following verse, “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen”?

All the ladies of the community are invited to attend.

Winter in Fairfield Bay doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the beauty of nature, showing us beautiful blooms sitting at the base of Frost Weeds and Dittany (wild oregano for those of us who are not botanists).

Mary Alice Beer is an avid botanist and nature photographer who lives in our midst and seldom misses an opportunity to capture some of nature’s finest works for those of us who enjoy the beauty from our armchairs, not the hiking trails. Per Mary Alice, her passion is more than a hobby, it’s close to being an obsession. She has been studying botany and wildlife photography since moving to the Bay some 25 years ago.

Her name and phone number are made available to visiting families who have a love for the outdoors. She is only too happy to direct anyone to an area that will provide them with a chance to observe their favorite plants, birds or animals.

Usually this space is used to communicate with our member/owners about issues facing the organization, major events in the life of the club, or just something to celebrate.  This time it’s to celebrate a different aspect of life in the Bay –our Club employees.

I think we can all remember occasions when we have been greeted by Billie Sue at the club, Jim at the marina, seen Harold play Santa, or talked to Sharon Boone about ownership issues.  I have worked with Carol in Human Relations, seen Laura labor through many meetings with the Hotel Team, and been chased by Karen to sign checks.  Our visitors have seen Sheryl smile, show off her children, and run a special event like a general.  And, if its numbers you need see Jack and Jennifer – they’ve got them!  And there are lots of unsung heroes in the Utilities and Wastewater Treatment operation from Liz to Mike and even John riding his Hog around town.  They and many others make this a special place to live and vacation.

Special service anniversaries are noted in this edition too.  We are celebrating and saying ‘thanks’ to folks, many of whom predate us in the Bay, for lots of years of hard work and great service.  The more senior of the crew have seen both good and hard times here and kept the place open during floods, ice storms, and some really hot and dry weather.

And we should all remember that our employees are often the first, last, and maybe the only people that new visitors come in contact with while vacationing with us.  They are some of our best ambassadors, marketing people, and advocates.

So, to our employees from the Board and member/owners, we offer our sincere thanks and gratitude for all the service and friendship you provide.  We hope you enjoyed a Merry Christmas and we look forward to another good year together.

Robert Berdine

President and CEO

Fairfield Bay Community Club

2010 was a year of challenge and change for FFB.  We look back fondly at friends and loved ones who were lost this past year.  Our nation continues to struggle through uncertainty and economic challenges that will continue into the New Year ahead.

The commitment of the people of FFB to retain the unique quality of life we enjoy here does not waiver.  Budgets may have been tightened for many of us personally and certainly for your Club, yet we continue to serve one another through service organizations and volunteer efforts.  Our most valuable commodity in FFB is the people who live here.

Remember that the business you own, the Community Club, needs your support in 2011.  Please make it your New Year’s Resolution to spend your dollars in FFB during 2011.  Help keep the Indian Hills Country Club, Indian Hills Golf Course, and the FFB Marina active and successful, along with all the other independent businesses and retailers located here in FFB.

For the Community Club Board of Directors

Dwayne Miller

When people hear the words “estate planning,” they often assume it’s an activity only for retirees or near-retirees. But if you have a family, it’s never too soon to create your estate plan.

Of course, estate planning can seem like a daunting task. But you’ll find it easier to handle if you break it down into three key areas: distributing your assets, protecting your family and reducing estate taxes. Let’s look at these topics:

Distributing your assets

Obviously, it’s essential that you let your family know just how you’d like to see your assets distributed, and to whom. At the very least, you’ll need to draw up a will. If you were to die without one, the state could end up distributing your resources, and it might do so in a way you wouldn’t have wanted. But even a will may not be sufficient. Many people design a living trust, which provides them with more flexibility in distributing assets — for example, you could direct your living trust to disperse assets to children or grandchildren at specific ages — and allows assets to be distributed without going through the time-consuming, and public, probate process.

Protecting your family

Estate planning isn’t just about dollars and cents — it also involves taking the necessary steps to preserve the welfare of your family if you are not around or become incapacitated. And when your children are adults, you’ll want to help them with decisions that could prove agonizing. For example, by creating a living will, you can state whether you want your life prolonged if you ever face a terminal illness or catastrophic brain injury and are no longer able to make decisions for yourself. And by drawing up a health care power of attorney, you can name someone to make health care choices for you if you are unable to do so.

Reducing estate taxes

Depending on the size of your estate, your heirs may never have to worry about estate taxes. But that’s hard to predict, especially given the fact that federal estate laws have gone through several changes in recent years, and may do so again. Your best bet is to stay informed about the exemption level — the amount you can pass on to your heirs, free of estate taxes — and look for ways to reduce the size of your taxable estate. You could, for instance, make charitable gifts, thus moving these assets from your estate. You may also want to consider arrangements such as an irrevocable life insurance trust — under which you can transfer a life insurance policy out of your estate and have the trust distribute the proceeds to the beneficiaries you’ve chosen — or a credit shelter trust, which allows both you and your spouse to take full advantage of both your estate tax exemptions.

A trust can be a complex instrument, so before establishing one, you’ll need to consult with your tax and legal advisors. In fact, you’ll want to consult with them on all aspects of estate planning. It will take time and effort, but it’s worth it to leave the type of legacy you desire.

Edward Jones, its associates and financial advisors are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

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