5/28/2008
By TIM UNRUH
LOVEWELL RESERVOIR — To Rick Cleveland, Sunday’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of Lovewell Reservoir is like a birthday party for a close friend.

“I’ve lived on the lake all my life. It’s a major factor of my life,” said Cleveland, 53, Courtland.

His family moved to the lake on Cleveland’s third birthday. His father, the late Randall Cleveland, was the first reservoir superintendent for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

Rick Cleveland worked at the lake as a boy. He has been Lovewell State Park manager since 1987.

Sunday, he’ll celebrate with others the effect the reservoir has had on the area.

A special Lovewell exhibit will open at noon Sunday at the Courtland Kansas Community Arts Center. A bus tour of the Lovewell area, limited to 110 people, leaves from the art center at 1 p.m.

Kansas Rep. Jerry Moran will attend the 4:30 p.m. dedication ceremony at the lake, along with several state lawmakers. A barbecue follows for 300 ticket holders. Bus and barbecue tickets are available at Swedish American State Bank, Courtland. Free vehicle passes will be given out at the state park office.

Read more about the 50th anniversary celebration in Thursday's Salina Journal.