The Concerned Citizens of Lincoln County met at 6:30 p.m. on January 15 at the public library. President Al Bean opened the meeting. Vice-president pro-term Jamie Williams welcomed the members and visitors. John Kennedy gave the invocation and President Bean led the Pledge of Allegiance.

President Al Bean introduced our guest speaker, Jay Wiedman. He has worked for the Corps of Engineers for 30 years and has been a park ranger for 35 years. He resides in Mc- Cormick County.

He talked about the corp working under the format for the shoreline since 2001. This format will be changed soon. Most of the south east is declared a drought area and some declared severe drought. Starting January 1 3100 cu. ft. per second is let out of the lake.

He discussed the water level and how it's effecting the economy in South Carolina and Georgia. Mr. Wiedman said citizens in both states should write or contact their representative in Congress asking them to introduce legislation to help control the lake water.

The corp has extended some ramps. The lowest level of the lake was in 1987 at 212 ft.

Many questions were asked and answered. Mr. Wiedman gave his phone number and stated if you have questions or ideas the people should call him. He will try to answer the questions or he will find out for you. His phone number is 1-800-533-3478 extension 1172.

The members thanked him for taking the time to speak to us. It was a very interesting meeting.

Discussion was held about the property tax freeze and evaluation of property.

Discussed the school tax and the new school building. This will be car- ried over to the next meeting.

Put the discussion on the eternal flame on hold.

Asked all members and citizens to watch or ask about the petition that is circulating about the lake. Read it and sign it.

To contact our Congressman about the lake problems addresses can be obtained from President Al Bean.

Mr. Lawson discussed the county economy. A letter will be written and presented at the next commissioners meeting in February.

President Al Bean encouraged citizens to buy in Lincoln County. CCLC will go back to recognizing the businesses in Lincoln County by writeups in The Lincoln Journal.

There will be a quarterly meeting in the districts with the commissioners of that district.

Discussed the letter sent to the citizens of Lincoln County by the Clerk of Court Office about jury duty.

A motion was made to adjourn and seconded. The next meeting will be held February 19.

If you haven't attended a CCLC meeting, please come and learn what is going on in our county. You are always welcome.