by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
Residents of the Rice area, as well as visitors, should remind themselves about a new “no-parking” area along West Lake Road in Watab Township.
That road runs along the west shore of Little Rock Lake. It’s a rather narrow road with little or no shoulder, and there are areas along the road where the lake shore, cabins, homes and garages are situated very close to the road.
A recent garage fire at a residence along that road was a reminder that the road must be kept free of obstructions, such as parked vehicles, so emergency vehicles can gain easy access to people and buildings on that roadway. That garage fire was almost impossible to put out because the road was blocked at the time, making it hard for firefighters to get to the scene.
A “no-parking” zone is now designated where the road lies next to the lake and makes a sharp turn. Many times, anglers have parked in that road for access to the lake, thus obstructing the road in that very narrow place.
As of now, any vehicles parked in that “no-park” zone will be towed by order of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.
Those who wish to ice-fish on Little Rock Lake should use St. Regis County Park to park their vehicles. That park is located less than a mile north of the no-parking zone on West Lake Road. St. Regis County Park offers both off-street parking and a lake access for the public.
