Fishing rodeo set for lake Saturday
LUZERNE TWP. – One thousand catfish have been stocked at the lake in Patsy Hillman Park in preparation for Saturday’s fishing rodeo. Luzerne Township Supervisor Greg Downer said at the park board meeting Wednesday that the free fishing event for children ages 6-12 will run from 9 a.m. until noon. The Brownsville chapter of the Izaak Walton League is sponsoring the event for the second straight year. Prizes will be given out for the largest fish caught during the event and for the largest fish caught by participants in several age brackets. All of the children will receive treat bags and a light lunch will be provided.
At Downer’s suggestion, the park board approved a motion to allow the state Fish and Boat Commission to patrol all areas of the park to enforce regulations. The commission has been patrolling the lake area.
“They already got two people for littering,” said Joe Terravecchia, a member of the Luzerne Township Sewage Authority who has been involved with the park study committee.
Downer said the Fish and Boat Commission has full arrest powers and could be an asset to the park in the battle against vandalism.
“They have a few quads of their own to patrol the park,” Downer said.
Park board chairman Frank Ricco said Brownsville police recently apprehended people in the park at 2 a.m., and others have been caught drinking in the park, including some who are under age. A stolen car also was found at the park.
The board reiterated its policy that the park is only open from dawn to dusk and that no one is to be inside the park after hours. Additional signs regarding the hours will be posted at the park.
Park board treasurer Gary Rable noted that it cost more than $500 for paint to cover graffiti at the park last month. There have been no further vandalism incidents.
Terravecchia reported that progress is being made to bring public sewerage to the park. He said the Brownsville Municipal Authority will be meeting with potential funding agencies in mid-June, and Fayette County Commissioner Vincent A. Vicites has sent letters to state and federal lawmakers seeking assistance as well.