Users of Champion Lake reminded it’s ‘family-friendly’

    It’s come to the attention of some Champion Lake Board members that people are staying away because of problems a few others are causing.
    County Sheriff Kevin Mueller said so far this year his office has responded to calls at Champion Lake for an assault and other disturbance matters.
    “It seems like every year we are called down there for some issues,” he said last week.
    He’s also aware that some area residents are concerned about using the lake because of “some people drinking and causing problems.”
    The assault occurred in mid-March. A 30-year-old female was cited for third degree assault for assaulting her husband, Mueller said. Alcohol was involved, he added.
    He said there have not been any arrests or citations issued in recent weeks.
    County Commissioner Jacci Brown, who is also a Champion Lake Board member, agreed with Sheriff Mueller that there are issues every year there. She has not been called personally about recent issues, but learned of the complaints from another board member.
    She wants people to know the park is designed to be family-friendly.
    “The point is we want it to be a place for fun and for families to be able to enjoy the summer,” she said.    
    Chase County is now responsible for operation and management of the Champion Mill State Historical Park, after it was gifted to the county by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission.