Cedar Creek Lake hits new record low
By Pearl Cantrell
Monitor Staff Writer
CEDAR CREEK LAKE- The state meteorologist expects current drought conditions to persist through the end of next summer, based on dominant weather patterns.
Tarrant Regional Water District already lists a new record low for Cedar Creek Lake. The current lake level is 7.6 feet below normal pool of 322, breaks the record set in December, 2006.
As lake levels have been dropping, so has the water cover at intake points for area fresh water providers at Cedar Creek Lake.
West Cedar Creek Municipal Utility District has brought in a barge to float a water pump and run a line to shore to extend its reach into the lake. The city of Kemp has asked the district for help, as water cover at its intake has shrunk to less than two feet.
The city of Mabank is in better shape. However, public works director Ronnie Tuttle is still worried and is filing the paperwork to gain permission to extend lines into deeper water. “We don’t have a crisis yet, but we don’t want to run out of water, either,” Tuttle said.
With the lake looking lower every day, perhaps more of us are thinking about the amount of water we’re using and are trying to use less of it.
According to several Internet sources, on average each person sends 100 gallons of water a day down the drain.
Now, I know that if we had to get a bucket and lug home that much water every day, we wouldn’t use that much water every day. The sheer inconvenience of it would prevent it, so why can’t we use less voluntarily?
We can.
Reducing water consumption requires just a few simple steps – stop leaks, slow the flow and use water wisely.
First, check for and repair all leaks. Just one leak can waste 300 gallons or more a day. Use your water meter to check for leaks. Wait for the hot water heater and ice cube maker to refill first. Turn off all faucets and water-using appliances for 30 minutes.
Record the reading at your water meter at the beginning and ending of the 30-minute test period. If the reading changes, a leak is present. Investigate faucets, toilets, outside faucets, water heater, etc. If you still can’t find and fix it, call a plumber.
Secondly, don’t leave the water running. Teeth-brushing is the most common way we leave the tap running. Try filling a cup with water. Wet your toothbrush in it. Brush your teeth, use water in cup to rinse your mouth, then clean you toothbrush in the left over water. By just changing the way you brush your teeth will save nearly an entire gallon of water with each brushing. Multiply that by the number of people in your home and it starts to add up daily, weekly, monthly.
Apply the same thought process to taking a shower, washing hands, shaving and hand-washing dishes. Use the dishwasher for only full loads, or better yet, switch to hand-washing.
First, scrape debris from dirty dishes into a slop bucket, instead of rinsing them off; remove to compost pile. Use a dishpan of soapy water and a second one for rinsing in which a small amount of chlorine bleach as been added. Add a third pan of water for a final rinse. Don’t leave water run down the drain! This can save 20 gallons per load of dishes!
When it comes to washing clothes, only wash full loads of dirty laundry. Wear an apron to protect clothing from getting dirty. If something is not dirty or can be used one more time, don’t wash it! Pretreat stains to avoid rewashing clothes.
Finally, using water wisely, means using water thoughtfully before turning on the spigot. What would we do differently if we had to fetch the water ourselves?

Kemp-Mabank students to perform
Into the Woods
Special to The Monitor
CEDAR CREEK LAKE–The students of Kemp and Mabank high schools are partnering to bring an exciting theatrical event to the Cedar Creek Lake area.
The schools are thrilled to have the opportunity to perform the musical, Into the Woods, with the debut performance at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12 and 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 13, at Kemp High School.
The following weekend performances are set for the Mabank High School auditorium at the same times.
Reserved seating is available by calling Kemp at (903) 498-9241 and Mabank High School at (903) 880-1601. Tickets will also be available at the door at the time of the show.
The audience will be presented with the adventures and foibles of a familiar group of fairy tale characters as they venture into the woods to attempt to make their dreams come true.
With a cast and crew of more than 30 students, the journey began in October. Auditions were held at both high schools, and the cast list was announced.
Cast members began learning songs, crew began designing sets, lighting, and gathering prop and costume items.
As the rehearsal process continued, music consultant Denise Irion discovered an unparalleled opportunity for the students of these two schools. On behalf of both schools, she applied for entrance into the Dallas Summer Musicals’ High School Musical Theatre Awards program, and the show was accepted.
A panel of judges will attend a performance and nominate deserving students for awards to be presented during a ceremony May 5, at the Music Hall at Fair Park.
Category awards include; Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Choreography, Set Design, Supporting Actor/Actress, Featured Performances, and Best Production, along with many others. In addition, students from each school will be nominated for scholarships worth at least $1,000.
The journey has continued into the month of November. With this production, by Steven Sondheim, containing mostly music, the cast has had its work cut out for them.
The members of the cast are: Witch – Jasmine Richman; Baker – Caleb Murray; Baker’s Wife – Cassie Valentin; Narrator – Bill Neighbors; Mysterious Man - Dylan Walker; Wolf – Bryan Szczerba; Cinderella –Lindsey Haynes; Little Red Riding Hood – Hannah Kellar; Jack – Austin Goswick; Jack’s Mother – Nykol Taliaferro; Grandmother - Sammie Clark; Cinderella’s Prince – Alec Irion; Rapunzel’s Prince - Max Irion; Rapunzel – Taylor Carrington; Steward – Austin Taylor; Lucinda – Ashley King; Florinda – Stephanie Helms; Cinderella’s Father – Eric Jump; Cinderella’s Stepmother – Shelby Fry; Cinderella’s mother – Sloan Lenz; Snow White –Rebecca Kelley; Sleeping Beauty – Ginger Dewbre; Chorus members are Emmalee Doss, Felix Lenz, Christian Tyler, Dylan Russell, Mason Jones, Jennifer Dixon.
Crew members are Stage Mgr. – Breanna Dancer; Dance Captain – Jason Hughes; Lightning Designer-Eric Jump; Tech – Clayton Hanson, Patrick Wilcox, Jared Hukill, Davis Womack, and Leeondre Williams. Director/Choreographer is Kemp theatre teacher Jessica Bentley and Co-Director is Glenda Jump, Mabank theatre teacher. Alec Irion is directing the music. Denise Irion is also Wardrobe Mistress.
Performances of the show continue at Mabank High School at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see an incredible performance by students from both high schools and share the experience with them.

Food drive set
Special to The Monitor
GUN BARREL CITY–Northland Communications invites everyone to participate in helping those in need this holiday season.
The company is holding its annual food drive from Nov. 1-22.
Northland is offering free installation on any new or upgraded service to community members who donate 15 or more non-perishable items.
Donations can be dropped off at the Northland Communications Interactive Showroom, located at 1708 West Main Street in the Sears Shopping Center.
For more information call (903) 887-0240.

 

Come Adopt Us At The Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake

We have many animals at the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake in Seven Points in dire need of a good home. Please call or stop by the Humane Society today and rescue one of these forgotten animals. The Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake is located on 10220 County Road 2403 in Seven Points. For more information, please call (903) 432-3422 after 11 a.m. We are closed on Wednesday and Sunday.

For further information visit our website at petfinder.com