Spring 2020 Lake Life Kerr Lake

lakelife

SPRING 2020

Kerr Lake

CAMPGROUNDS and RECIPES

FISHING

AT BUGGS ISLAND

THE NAME OF BUGGS ISLAND LAKE

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Vision 2

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inside LakeLife Kerr Lake | Spring 2020

CAMPING 4 Camp grounds 6 Camp fire recipes 12 General information 14 On the name of Buggs Island Lake 18 Lakefest 26 John H. Kerr subdivisions 28 Fishing at Buggs Island

about the magazine Lake Life Magazine is published by Womack Publishing Company and the News Progress.

For more information contact, The News Progress 914 W. Danville St. South Hill, VA 23970 or call 434-447-3178

Writers: Jami Snead Alina Moody PhotograPhy: Jami Snead Alina Moody Kayla Capps

account executive: Leslie McInturf Moss graPhic Design: Susan Lambert Lake Life Design: Lizbeth Nauta

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CAMPING

CAMP GROUNDS CAMPING ON BUGGS ISLAND LAKE

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very year out of towner’s flock to Buggs Island Lake, or Kerr Lake if you are on the North Carolina side of the fun, for boating, camping, and water sports. Camping is proven to reduce stress and can be good for emotional and physical health. It also offers an opportunity to be “one with nature” with plenty of time to ������������������������������ explore�������������������� everything that nature provides. Nowadays, more and more people are expressing interest in camping in all of its forms – from adventure camping to glamping. Mecklenburg County contains a bounty of beautiful lake front camp sites and cabins.

Buffalo Park Location: Highway 58, a few miles west of Clarksville, Virginia Facilities: 21 sites for tents or RVs; amenities like hot showers, flush toilets and a dump station. A swimming beach and picnic area make the campground ideal for families.

Open: Seasonal (May-September) Water-front campsites available: Yes Online booking: No (first come, first served) Overview: Buffalo Park is a small day use and campground park, located on John H. Kerr Reservoir. The campground is open May 1 September 30. The Day Use Park is open year-around. Kerr, also known as Buggs Island Lake, is a 50,000-acre lake that extends 39 miles up the wooded, cove-studded shoreline of the Roanoke River in Virginia and North Carolina. Kerr Reservoir was created with the construction of the John H. Kerr Dam in 1952. Its 800 miles of wooded shoreline stretch across six counties in two states and offer countless recreation opportunities for visitors.

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Facilities: Visitors to Buffalo Park will enjoy the lakeside views and the quaint park. The campground has 21 sites: 11 shady electric sites (1 is a double) and 10 primitive sites in an open field. Primitive sites are small and are open to walk-in campers.

They are not reservable. Two of the electric sites are paved and are accessible. Amenities include “family-style” individual restrooms with hot showers, sink and flush toilets. Park has a small dump station. Park has a swim beach, picnic shelter, and a boat ramp.

Recreation: Public lands around the lake are open to hunting with appropriate state licenses. Game species include whitetail deer, wild turkey, bobwhite quail, mourning dove, gray squirrel, cottontail rabbit, fox and raccoon. Resident waterfowl species include wood duck, black duck, mallard and Canadian geese. The Army Corps of Engineers manages 26 Wildlife Management Areas around the lake that provide year-round opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, birding and more. Kerr Lake is widely known for fishing, with large-mouth bass, striped bass, crappie and catfish caught.

Fishing and hunting are regulated by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries on the Virginia side of the lake.

Longwood Park on Kerr Lake Location: U.S. 15, a few miles south of Clarksville, Virginia Facilities: 66 sites for tents or RVs; amenities like hot showers, flush toilets and a dump station. A swimming beach and picnic area make the campground ideal for families.

Open: Seasonal (April-October) Water-front campsites available: Yes Online booking: Yes Overview: Longwood Park is located on John H. Kerr Reservoir, a 50,000-acre lake that extends 39 miles up the wooded, cove-studded shoreline of the

Roanoke River in Virginia and North Carolina. Kerr Reservoir, also known as Buggs Island Lake, was created with the construction of the John H. Kerr Dam in 1952. Its 800 miles of wooded shoreline stretch across six counties and two states and offer countless recreation opportunities for visitors.

Facilities: Visitors to Longwood Park will enjoy the lakeside view. There are 66 sites for tents or RVs, and amenities like hot showers, flush toilets and a dump station provide a comfortable camping experience. A swimming beach and picnic shelter make the campground ideal for families.

Recreation: Public lands around the lake are open to hunting with appropriate state licenses. Game species include whitetail deer, wild turkey, bobwhite quail, mourning dove, gray squirrel, cottontail rabbit, fox and raccoon.

Resident waterfowl species include wood duck, black duck, mallard and Canadian geese. There are 26 Wildlife Management Areas around the lake that provide year-round opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, birding and more. The lake is widely known for fishing, with large-mouth bass, striped bass, crappie and flathead catfish available. Viriginia Dept of Game and Inland Fisheries regulate hunting and fishing on Kerr Lake on the Virginia side (which is known as Buggs Island Lake).

North Bend Park on Kerr Lake Location: VA Rt 4, adjacent to the John H. Kerr Dam in Boydton, Virginia Facilities: 244 sites for tents or RVs; amenities like hot showers, flush toilets and a dump station. A swimming beach and picnic area make the campground ideal for families.

Open: Year-round Water-front campsites available: Yes Online booking: Yes Overview: North Bend Park is located on John H. Kerr Reservoir, a 50,000-acre lake that extends 39 miles up the wooded, cove-studded shoreline of the Roanoke River in Virginia and North Carolina. North Bend is the largest park on Kerr Lake and is located at Kerr Dam and the Corps Visitor Assistance Center. Kerr Reservoir, also known as Buggs Island Lake, was created with the construction of the John H. Kerr Dam in 1952. Its 800 miles of wooded shoreline stretch

across six counties and two states and offer countless recreation opportunities for visitors.

Facilities: Visitors to North Bend Park will enjoy the lakeside views and wildlife watching. More than 200 sites for tents or RVs, and amenities like hot showers, flush toilets and a dump station provide a comfortable camping experience. Each camping area has its own swim beach. North Bend Park also has a large day use area with picnic shelters and a swim beach, 3 boat launching ramps, an amphitheater, and a paved 1.5 mile bicycle trail.

Recreation: Public lands around the lake are open to hunting with appropriate state licenses. Game species include whitetail deer, wild turkey, bobwhite quail, mourning dove, gray squirrel, cottontail rabbit, fox and raccoon.

Resident waterfowl species include wood duck, black duck, mallard and Canadian geese. There are 26 Wildlife Management Areas around the lake that provide year-round opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, birding and more. Buggs Island, located immediately below the dam, attracts migrating bald eagles in the winter and osprey in the summer, as well as gulls, great blue herons, waterfowl and the occasional river otter. Several trails are available for hiking and biking.

The 1.5-mile Liberty Nature Trail and 5.5-mile Robert Munford Trail both offer hikes within a short drive from the campground. The lake is widely known for fishing, with large-mouth bass, striped bass, crappie and flathead catfish available. Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries regulate hunting and fishing on the Virginia side of Kerr Lake.

Occoneechee State Park on Kerr Lake Location: Hwy 58, across the bridge from the town of Clarksville, Virginia Facilities: 88 sites for tents or RVs; 13 cabins; 11 equestrian campsites; amenities like hot showers, flush toilets and a dump station. Miles of lakeside trails, an archery range, a marina with boat rentals and close access to Clarksville make this a perfect getaway.

Open: Year-round Water-front campsites available: Yes Online booking: Yes Overview: Occoneechee State Park is on Virginia’s largest lake, Buggs Island Lake, also known as John H. Kerr SPRING 2020 LAKE LIFE

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CAMPING 6

Reservoir. The park features 3.1 miles of walking trails which allow the guest to e�perience the history of the Occoneechee Indians and plantation life in the 1800s.

The Commonwealth of Virginia began leasing the land for outdoor recreational use from the U.S. Army in 1944. Occoneechee State Park’s land remains leased from the Army Corps of Engineers. Size: 2698 acres. Buggs Island Lake (Kerr Reservoir), 48,000 acres. The Panhandle area is 1,900 acres, and is open for hunting, hiking, biking and nature observation. Contact Occoneechee State Park for further information.

rudd’S creek Park on kerr lake Location: Hwy 58, between Clarksville and Boydton, Virginia Facilities: 99 sites for tents or RVs; amenities like hot showers, flush toilets and a dump station. A swimming beach and picnic area make the campground ideal for families.

Open: Seasonal (April-October) Water-front campsites available: Yes Online booking: Yes Overview: Rudds Creek Park is located on John H. Kerr Reservoir, a 50,000-acre lake that e�tends 39 miles up the wooded, covestudded shoreline of the Roanoke River in Virginia and North Carolina. Rudd’s Creek Campground is open April 1 - October 31.

The Day Use Park, located across Hwy 58, is open year-around. Kerr Reservoir, also known as Buggs Island Lake, was created with the construction of the John H. Kerr Dam in 1952. Its 800 miles of wooded shoreline stretch across si� counties in two states and offer countless recreation opportunities for visitors.

Facilities: There are 98 sites for tents or RVs, and amenities like hot showers, flush toilets and a dump station provide a comfortable camping e�perience. A swimming beach and picnic shelter make the campground ideal for families. The campground has its own boat ramp and courtesty dock for

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campers only. All electric sites have water hook-ups.

Recreation: Public lands around the lake are open to hunting with appropriate state licenses.

Game species include whitetail deer, wild turkey, bobwhite quail, mourning dove, gray squirrel, cottontail rabbit, fo� and raccoon.

Resident waterfowl species include wood duck, black duck, mallard and Canadian geese. There are 26 Wildlife Management Areas around the lake that provide yearround opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, birding and more. The Robert Munford Trail is about 5.5 miles long and is multipurpose. A trailhead is located within 7 miles of Rudd’s Campground, at Eagle Point Landing. The lake is widely known for fishing, with large-mouth bass, striped bass, crappie and catfish available. Virginia Dept of Game and Inland Fisheries regulate fishing and hunting on the Virginia side.

Cite: Camping: Kerr Lake, Retrieved from https://www. mecklenburgva.com/camping.asp�

Fresh and Authentic

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Monday - Saturday 11am to 10pm Sunday 11am to 9pm

LOS BANDIDOS RESTAURANT 7331 HIGHWAY FIFTY EIGHT CLARKSVILLE, VA 23927

(434) 374-2707 SPRING 2020 LAKE LIFE

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CAMPING

CAMP FIRE

RECIPES Perfect Grilled Burgers YIELDS: 4 servings TOTAL TIME: 0 hours 30 mins RECIPE FROM: countryliving.com INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 lb. 80/20 ground beef Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper Dried spices, for seasoning (optional) Canola oil, for pan or grill grates This ingredient shopping module is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content on their web site.

DIRECTIONS: -Separate ground beef into four 6-ounce portions, and loosely shape into patties roughly as big around as the buns you’re using, and about 1/2 inch thick.

-Make a small concave indentation into the middle of each patty. This will help the burger from doming when they cook.

-Salt patties liberally on both sides (use at least 1/2 teaspoon

salt per patty). Season with pepper and spices, if desired.

-Set up a grill for direct cooking and heat to medium-high or heat a cast iron skillet on the stove top over medium-high heat. Once hot, lightly brush grill grates or skillet with oil. Note: The oil will smoke. We recommend turning on your exhaust fan and opening windows if cooking indoors.

-Grill or pan-sear the burgers

between 3 and 5 minutes per side. Check for desired doneness with an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the side of the burger. For rare burgers, cook to 120°F. For medium rare: 130°F. For medium: 140°F. For medium-well: 150°F. To ensure a burger is well done, cook to 160°F. Don’t cook over 160°F, or the burger will become dry.

Campfire Pizza

INGREDIENTS: 1 tube of refrigerated pizza dough or frozen pizza dough 1 jar of pizza sauce 2 cups of mozzarella cheese your choice of pepperoni mushrooms, vegetables, whatever toppings you want!

-Place on the fire or the BBQ. Cook until the bottom has browned.

-Remove from the fire and flip the crust in the pan.

-Brush with pizza sauce, place your toppings on and then cover in cheese.

-Return to the heat and cook until the crust is done underneath and the toppings are warm -Remove and enjoy!

YIELDS: 1 servings TOOLS NEEDED: Cast iron skillet TOTAL TIME: 0 hours 20 mins RECIPE FROM: thekitchenmagpie.com

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DIRECTIONS: -Oil a cast iron pan ( or baking sheet, pizza stone etc.)

-Take the refrigerated dough and spread in the pan.

hot dogS with Quick caSt-iron BeanS YIELDS: 6 servings TOOLS NEEDED: Cast iron skillet TOTAL TIME: 0 hours 30 mins RECIPE FROM: countryliving.com INGREDIENTS: Canola oil, for grill grate 1 tbsp. olive oil 1 small onion, diced 1 (15-ounce) can small white beans, rinsed 4 plum tomatoes, chopped DIRECTIONS: - Set up grill for direct and indirect cooking and heat to medium. Once hot, clean and lightly oil grates with canola oil.

- Heat olive oil in a 9-inch cast-iron skillet over direct heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until ten-

ShrimP ScamPi foil PacketS YIELDS: 4 servings TOOLS NEEDED: Aluminum Foil TOTAL TIME: 0 hours 30 mins RECIPE FROM: damndelicious.net

INGREDIENTS: 1 1 /2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 tbsp. molasses Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tsp. red wine vinegar 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 6 hot dogs 6 hot dog buns Ketchup, mustard, and relish for serving This ingredient shopping module is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content on their web site.

der, 2 to 4 minutes. Add beans, tomatoes, garlic, and molasses. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer skillet to indirect heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in vinegar and Worcestershire.

- Grill hot dogs over direct heat, turning occasionally, until warmed through, 5 to 6 minutes. Grill buns, if desired. Serve hot dogs in buns with beans, ketchup, mustard, and relish alongside.

2 tablespoons dry white wine 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, or more, to taste Zest of 1 lemon 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

per flakes; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

-Cut four sheets of foil, about 12-inches long. Divide shrimp mi�ture into 4 equal portions and add to the center of each foil in a single layer.

-Fold up all 4 sides of each foil packet over the shrimp, covering completely and sealing the packets closed.

-Place foil packets on the grill and cook until just cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.

-Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.

DIRECTIONS: -Preheat a gas or charcoal grill over high heat.

-In a large bowl, combine shrimp, butter, wine, garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon juice, lemon zest and red pepSPRING 2020 LAKE LIFE

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CAMPING

Campfire Pizza YIELDS: 1 servings TOOLS NEEDED: Cast iron skillet TOTAL TIME: 0 hours 20 mins RECIPE FROM: thekitchenmagpie.com INGREDIENTS: 1 tube of refrigerated pizza dough or frozen pizza dough 1 jar of pizza sauce 2 cups of mozzarella cheese your choice of pepperoni mushrooms, vegetables, whatever toppings you want!

DIRECTIONS: -Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. -Add the frozen sausage links to a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Cook, turning occasionally, until warmed through.

-Remove to a plate, leaving a little bit of the sausage grease in the pan.

-Crack eggs into a bowl and add a splash of water or milk.

Whisk well with a fork and then add to the pan.

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DIRECTIONS: -Oil a cast iron pan ( or baking sheet, pizza stone etc.)

-Take the refrigerated dough and spread in the pan.

-Place on the fire or the BBQ. Cook until the bottom has browned.

-Remove from the fire and flip the crust in the pan.

-Brush with pizza sauce, place your toppings on and then cover in cheese.

-Return to the heat and cook until the crust is done underneath and the toppings are warm -Remove and enjoy!

Eggs and Sausage Breakfast Toquitos YIELDS: 10 servings TOTAL TIME: 0 hours 25 mins RECIPE FROM: tastebetterfromscratch.com INGREDIENTS: 7 ounce box fully cooked sausage links 5 large eggs salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese , your favorite kind 1 cup baby spinach leaves , chopped (optional) 10 white corn tortillas , or use 6’’ flour tortillas

-Season with salt and pepper. Cook for a few minutes, tossing and scrambling as they cook. (If using spinach, add it to the pan about 2 minutes before the eggs are done cooking.)

Remove from heat.

-Warm the tortillas on a hot skillet or griddle for a few seconds until they are pliable.

-Divide the scrambled eggs among the tortillas and top with shredded cheese.

-Place a sausage link on top.

Roll up and place, seam side down, on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.

-Spray lightly with cooking spray and bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve with salsa for dipping.

To Freeze: Prepare and bake the taquitos as directed. Allow to cool completely and then place in a freezer ziplock bag.

When ready to eat, microwave them until warm.

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GENERAL INFORMATION Public Swimming Access

Public swim beaches are available at all Corps of Engineers campgrounds in the area: North Bend Park Longwood Park Buffalo Park Rudds Creek Day Use Area Ivy Hill Park Palmer Point

Boating Regulations Motorboats, PWSC’s (ie. Jet ski’s) and unmotorized boats (ie. sailboats, canoes, etc) are welcomed on Kerr (Buggs Island) Lake. Because the lake includes water in both Virginia and North Carolina, the rules vary slightly.

However, each state honors the boating and fishing regulations from the other state.

Regulations North Carolina boating is regulated by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Virginia boating is regulated by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

There are a number of regulations regarding life jackets, hull-numbers, registration, boating courses, safety equipment, lighting, alcohol and other things. If you are not familiar with Virginia and North Carolina boating laws, you would wise to read up. Kerr Lake regularly patrolled and boats are sometimes stopped.

Required Boating Courses Both Virginia and North Carolina are ‘phasing in’ requirements that boaters (for motor boats with engines of 10hp or more) and users of PWC’s (Jet Skis, etc) complete ‘Safe Boating Courses.’

In Virginia, as of July 2012, all PWC operators, regardless of age, and motorboat operators 30 years of age or younger must have completed the “safe boating” course and have proof with them.

In North Carolina, the current requirement for the “safe boating” course for boats AND PWC’s is for anyone under the age of 26. If you are visiting North Carolina, you must abide by the requirements of the state where you live.

Both states have an index of both seated and on-line courses by location.

Boat Ramps & Marinas There are many boat ramps and marinas on Kerr Lake.

Because the lake level can change considerably, when 12

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the lake level is low, some ramps do not extend all the way into the water and cannot be used.

Boat Ramps / Picnic Areas The following is a list of public and private facilities, and who they are maintain by, located on Kerr Lake/Buggs Island Lake. Many of these facilities charge a fee. Some boat ramps cannot be used if the water level in the lake is low. Here are websites to search for more information: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Virginia State Parks; NC Division of Parks & Recreation.

Bluestone Access Area (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) Buffalo Park (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) Bullocksville Park (North Carolina Parks) Clarksville Marina (Privately Owned) Clover Landing (Commonwealth of Virginia) County Line Park (NC Division of Parks and Recreation) Eagle Point Landing (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) Eastland Creek Landing (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) Grassy Creek Park (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) Henderson Point (NC Division of Parks and Recreation) Hibernia Recreation Area (NC Division of Parks and Recreation) Island Creek Park (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) Ivy Hill Park (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) Kimball Point Recreation Area (NC Division of Parks & Recreation) Longwood Recreation Area (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) North Bend Park (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) Nutbush Creek Recreation Area (NC Division of Parks and Recreation) Occoneechee State Park (Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation) Palmer Point (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) Rudds Creek Recreational Area (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) Satterwhite Point (NC Division of Parks and Recreation) Satterwhite Point Marina (Privately Owned) Steele Creek Marina (Privately Owned) Tailrace Park (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) Williamsboro Wayside (NC Division of Parks and Recreation) This information was provided by the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers website.

BUYER OF STANDING TIMBER CUSTOM THINNING CLEAR CUTTING FOREST MANAGEMENT

Adam Wilbourne, Owner

338 Toone Farm Road, Clarksville, VA 23927

Office 434-210-7500

wilbournefarms@gmail.com G.T. Hendrick - Forester/Timber Buyer - 434-738-8467

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On the name of Buggs Island Lake By: Alina Moody

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irginia and North Carolina residents have been disputing over the “official” name of the Buggs Island/John H. Kerr Lake since construction on the John H. Kerr dam was completed in 1952. Construction of the dam—a measure to prevent disastrous flooding of the Roanoke River—is what resulted in the creation of the lake. The Buggs Island lake is now known as the largest reservoir in Virginia by surface area. At maximum capacity, the lake has over 850 miles of shoreline and covers about 50,000 acres. The lake spans Vance, Granville and Warren counties in North Carolina and Mecklenburg, Charlotte and Halifax counties in Virginia.

The naming dispute originates with the construction of the dam itself. Before construction began in 1947, it was known as Buggs Island Lake, as named in the Flood Control Act of 1944 and referenced in 1984 reports from the Army Corps of Engineers, the organization who built the dam. It was named Buggs Island due to the small island that was downstream of the dam. The island was named so after Samuel Bugg III who bought the island around 1752.

The name “John H. Kerr” comes from the North Carolina Congressman who was instrumental in obtaining funding for construction of the dam. Congressman Kerr was defeated in primaries mere months before the dam was dedicated to him. In June of 1952, Congress passed Public Law 203 which states, “That the project known as ‘Buggs Island Reservoir, Virginia and North Carolina,’ shall hereafter be designated as the “John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir.” Virginia state legislature required in 1952 that the body of water remain known as Buggs Island Lake. However, in 2015 Senator Frank Ruff passed a new bill, Senate Bill 972, which repealed the original House Joint Resolution requiring them to refer to it as Buggs Is-

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John H. Kerr Dam SPRING 2020 LAKE LIFE

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land Lake, and now allows state agencies and local governments to refer to the lake as John H. Kerr Reservoir or Kerr Lake.

More history of the John H. Kerr Lake can be found online at http://www.kerrlakeguide.com/node/382. The history section includes information regarding the wreckage of Engine Number 2 in the Kerr Lake, as well as information on the Occoneechee Indians whose land was flooded by construction of the John H. Kerr dam.

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Men’s, Ladies, and Children’s Apparel Footwear • Workwear

Hite’s 301 Virginia Ave • Clarksville, VA 23927 Monday-Saturday • 9:30 am - 5:30 pm SPRING 2020 LAKE LIFE

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Lakefest Three days packed full of events from Thursday evening to Saturday night

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larksville’s annual Virginia Lake Festival—colloquially known as Lakefest—is celebrating its 43rd iteration this year. The festival first came to be in 1977, when Robert Edward “Buck” Buchanan was mayor. The Virginia Lake Festival was started as a celebration of Clarksville’s status as the only lakeside town in Virginia. Lakefest has been named “One of the Top 20 Festivals in the Southeast” by the Southeast Tourism Society for several years running. This year’s events have not been postponed as of writing this article, and the festival is currently scheduled for Thursday, July 16 through Saturday, July 18. Traditionally, the festival attracts upwards of 20,000 tourists, and in 2015 it brought out a record-breaking 80,000 people.

The Virginia Lake Festival features three days packed full of events from Thursday evening to Saturday night. The festivities begin on Thursday evening with free tethered hot air balloon rides for children 12 and younger. The hot air balloon rides begin at 6:00p.m. at Lake Country Business Park located on Noblin Farm Road next to the Clarksville Elementary School. Of course, this event depends on weather cooperation so we will cross our fingers that weather permits for this tradition to continue this year.

This year’s Friday night of Lakefest will feature the Chance of Snow band, which is made up entirely of Halifax and Mecklenburg County residents. Clarksville Lake Country Chamber’s Facebook page states that the band has been playing together for eight years and feature a variety of music from Jimmi Hendricks and Johnny Cash to Bruno Mars and Dierks Bentley. So far, the band has played the Halifax County Fair, the Halifax County Country Club and The Halifax County Cotillion Dance just to name a few. The Chance of Snow has been the second band announced to be attending the festivities. The other band is The Konnection, who will be performing Saturday evening. The Konnection is one of the East Coast’s premier party bands that specializes in Top 40, Rock, Country, R & B, Beach and Oldies. The band has performed at Lakefest before, and has also featured performances at other festivals such as The Virginia Cantaloupe Festival, The Colgate Country Showdown and The Virgilina Summerfest.

Friday and Saturdays during Lakefest also feature a number of well-known and popular events such as the Antique Auto Show, The 5k Run hosted by the Mecklenburg County YMCA, Sand Sculptors, and the Arts and Crafts Festival in which over 200 vendors line Virginia Avenue’s street to sell their unique products.

Of course, arguably the most well-known part of the festival is the fireworks show which takes place Saturday night. Once night falls on Saturday, boats gather on Buggs Island Lake and people line the shoreline and festival venue to get the best possible view of the fireworks show. The fireworks are visible for miles around, giving Mecklenburg County residents a beautiful show Saturday night.

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In 2019, this18 passenger train ran back and forth through the festival.

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Helicopter rides were available for guests to get an ariel view of the town and festival.

There was a mist tent provided for the crowd to cool off in.

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Crowds and fireworks at Lakefest 2019.

Sand sculpture artists work on the 2019 Lakefest Sculpture.

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Boats begin to gather for the fireworks show.

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Lake Views

Sunset over the lake.

Clarksville marina.

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Pontoons for rent.

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Quick Read

hosthost Clarksville will be MatMat ing a Black Lives t on ter Peaceful Protes to .m.

June 20 at 12:00p Life 3:00p.m. at “Lake Live” pavilion across from State Farm.

CounThe Mecklenburg Coun curcur ty Sheriff’s Office is a rently investigating in d shooting that occure with Bracey and ended

E 17, 2020

COUNTY SINCE 1884

WEDNESDAY, JUN

aceful protest

Chase City holds pe

By Alina Moody Staff Writer proBlack Lives Matter ully testers gathered peacef Chase at the Pavilion in 13 City on Saturday, June ing at 5:00p.m. The gather from began with a prayer by Pastor Tom and a song a Natash n.

Dunca Jessica orgaPettus, the protest goal nizer, states that the

know “to let everybody We that I am not a rioter. wanted are all peaceful and come just for everybody to if together so that even innot you feel like there’s and it equality, that there is need is a hidden thing. We that to let everybody know it’s everywhere.”

Pastor Linda Goode ent; in echoed this sentim

and I goal today was— it was think it was met— it was awareness. I think a dif to get people to see saw ferent side of it. We know we and the injustice see the to but ce, the injusti the And too. it of side other have to other side is that we use our step up. If we don’t just for voice, and not use it age negative but for encour

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Fishing at Buggs Island

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ohn H. Kerr Reservoir, better known as Buggs Island Lake, is one of the best largemouth bass fisheries in the United States. The lake spans about 48,900 acres when full and is the largest freshwater lake in the state. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, VDGIF, states that the best fishing can be done in the upper end of the lake and the lower end creek arms. The VDGIF encourages anglers to fish at the backs of coves and the points in Spring when water levels rise to the willow and sweet gum tress.

Largemouth bass are pretty common for the area, coming in at around 2-4 pounds usually, but anglers have been known to catch trophy bass in the 8 pound range around Buggs Island. The VDGIF states, “Channel catfish have traditionally been the most sought after catfish at Buggs Island; however, flathead and blue catfish have become popular as well.”

REGULATIONS FOR FISHING AT JOHN H. KERR RESERVOIR ARE AS FOLLOWS: Black bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth and Spotted): 5 per day, only two of five less than 14 inches can be kept Striped bass (October 1-May 31): 2 per day, no less than 20 inches; (June 1-September 30): 4 per day, no length limit Crappie: 25 per day, 9 inch minimum Bluegill/Sunfish: no daily or length limit Catfish: 20 per day, one 1 Blue Catfish longer than 32 inches White bass: 10 per day, 14 inch minimum Kite Tubing Ban: “Kite Tubes” are prohibited on John H. Kerr (Buggs Island) Lake.

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SPRING 2020 LAKE LIFE

Brandon Cook age 15 from Red Oak Virginia called this 37 and 1/2 lb Flathead while fishing from the bank of Stanton View Park on April 1st 2020.

A fish identification chart for John H. Kerr Reservoir can be found at kerr.uslakes.info. The list includes pictures and variant names for all the fish that can be found in the lake including: Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Guadalupe bass, Spotted bass, White bass, Yellow bass, Striped bass, Striped bass hybrids, Channel catfish, Blue catfish, Flathead catfish, Yellow bullhead, Black bullhead, Rainbow trout, White crappie, Black crappie, Bluegill, Green sunfish, Redbreast sunfish, Longear sunfish, Warmouth, Redear sunfish, Walleye, Freshwater drum, Red drum, Common carp, Grass carp, Te�as shiner, Blacktail shiner, Golden shiner, Red shiner, Fathead minnow, Threadfin shad, Gizzard shad, Chain pickerel, Alligator gar, Spotted gar, Shortnose gar, Longnose gar, Smallmouth buffalo, Bigmouth buffalo, Black buffalo, American eel, Paddlefish, Bowfin and Rio Grande cichlid.

More information regarding the seasonal patterns of fish in Buggs Island Lake can be found on the VDGIF website at dgif.virginia.gov.

SPRING 2020 LAKE LIFE

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