Lake Lacey once again open for swimming, boating

      KEOSAUQUA ? After being closed for swimming and boating for more than a year because of a leaking dam, Lake Lacey at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park re-opened Thursday.

      Park manager Rylan Rettalick said people can once again use the boat ramp and beach at the lake, but warned swimmers will be in the water at their own risk because no lifeguard will be on duty this summer.

      "The concession stand won't be open this year," said Retallick. "It's too late in the season to get it running."

      Because the concession building will remain closed and a lifeguard will not be on duty, no fee will be charged to swim.

      Swimming and boating at Lake Lacey were curtailed in May 2002 after the dam sprung a leak and the water level dropped 10-14 feet.

      Reconstruction of the dam by Bud Heckart and Sons of Ottumwa began March 31 and was completed in May at a cost of $40,000 to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

      Once the dam was shored up, park officials had to wait for the lake to fill with water again before opening it to the public.

      For the complete story, read the July 14 Fairfield Ledger.