The John M. Corothers

Clean Water Foundation

The John M. Corothers Clean Water Foundation was established for the purpose of funding worthwhile water-related educational projects in South Dakota.  It will include educational endeavors under SDL&SA program sponsorship that will alert the public to the importance of clean water.

A History of the Lake Associations In 1994, as a result of hydrology meetings held at Lake Cochrane and in Clear Lake for the Deuel County study, it was noted that nobody at the meetings could identify more than 9 of the 15 lakes located in Deuel County. Jim Daily called a meeting held at the Altamont restaurant. Other interested parties from around the area were invited. Sixty-seven people showed up at the meeting, which was very impressive to everyone there, including representatives from SD DENR. DENR’s recommendation was to form an association to represent all lakes in the county. With that, they formed a board of directors, and named John Corothers as president. Later, in 1995, they gave the association a name…Deuel County Lakes and Streams Association (DCL&S). This DCL&S Association, (previously called the Clear Lake Development Association still exists. Jack was not only an important player in the formation of SDL&SA, but also the original SD Save Our Lakes incorporated n 1986.

Meet the Board of Directors of the John M. Corothers Foundation

“Jack” Corothers graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1945. He spent a brief time in the Navy, after which he moved back to the farm. Jack wasn’t overly excited with farming, so he enrolled at SDSC (now SDSU), where he received a BS degree in Animal Husbandry. He retired from the U.S. Navy as a Warrant Officer after 25+ years of service, moving back to Clear Lake where he became interested in the quality of the lakes in the Clear Lake area. He played a major leadership role in restoring and protecting these lakes.

Dr. Trudie A. Myers, Executive Director has been in the field of education for 45 years, K-University, and in public school administration. Her education and her experience in educational leadership and in the field of biology makes her a natural as Executive Director of the Foundation.

Dr. Bruce Lushbough  retired as family physician from the Brookings, SD Medical Clinic. He now serves on the USD Foundation Board of Directors and the S.D. State Medical Endowment Board.  Bruce and Ila have had a residence on Lake Poinsett since 1965.

Ardis Neish taught school SW of Lennox, and worked in the USAF PX in Lake Charles, LA.  She later worked on the Argus until her marriage in 1956.  She has been a dedicated wife and mother since.  She is active in church activities and is the clerk of the Lake Brant Sanitary District.

Dick Neish retired in 1986 after 35 years of Government service, 4 as a USAF Radio operator, 30 years as an FAA Air Traffic Controller/supervisor. He and Ardis are on the board of directors of the Brant Lake Improvement Association, and secretary and past-president of the SDL&SA.

 

Planned Activities of the Foundation

One of the activities of the South Dakota Lakes and Streams Association which will become part of Foundation support is the Summer Science Camp for Middle School students at SDSU’s Oak Lake Field Station near Astoria, SD. This activity will be supported through the Foundation.

Other potential activities that would address our mission include:

* Contribute support to production of theSPLASH and www.sdlakesandstreams.com website;

* Coordinate water related projects that would allow Scouts to earn merit badges;

* Develop adult and youth watershed education activities linked to the SDL&SA website;

* Submit quarterly reports of Foundation activities for publication in the SPLASH;

* Cooperate with agencies in supporting water related educational endeavors, such as field trips, seminars, and other group activities;

* Other worthwhile activities as they arise.

DONATIONS CAN BE SENT TO:

The John Corothers Clean Water Foundation

c/o Dr. Trudie A. Myers, Executive Director

228 East Lake Drive, Estelline, SD 57234

Request an grant application or request other information at: trudiemyers@itctel.com

Updated 31 August 2007

 

 

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