News & Events

Every year Carolyn Zader performs a series of tests on the waters of Clark Lake. Five months of each year, she gathers samples that are shipped to a lab for testing and takes readings on water clarity.  The water samples are tested for their content of phosphorous and...

Those watching Raft-O-Rama today might have wondered about the way this raft was decorated. It was Shawn Tracy posing a very important question to Cindy Blevins on what turned into a very memorable Raft-O-Rama for the couple.  Friends were piloting the first raft...

It was as if the creativity erupted like a volcano, except in a much more gentle way.  It would be hard to pinpoint the best ever Raft-O-Rama, but it were possible, this one would be a strong contender.  In all there were 27 rafts entered.  Right on schedule, they...

The weather couldn't have been better--sunny, breezy, temperature not far above 70 and low humidity.  And at 8:30 am, Run Clark Lake started with a bang--really!  There is no question when it's time to start running for the some 900 competitors who start at the line...

As this website has observed, those at Clark Lake preparing their entry for Raft-O-Rama are secretive about their plans.  It's a competition and surprise is part of the game. However, little bits and pieces of some of what is in store is leaking out.  And it appears...

The greatest American marathon runner of all time told his story and gave advice this evening (Friday) at the Beach Bar.  Bill Rodgers headlined the Run Clark Lake preregistration.  He was introduced and interviewed by Race Director Pat Dwyer. In his remarks Bill...

This summer Clark Lake has been treated to some of the most amazing sunsets ever.  They have been noted for their intricacies, complex but wild design, combinations of geometric shapes and colors ranging from gold to purple to pink to red to orange to blue, and...

Secretive ways are continuing around Clark Lake.  If a stranger were to visit, he or she might wonder what's up with these people?  What are they hiding?  As those who live at the lake know, the work going on now must be kept under cover; and communications, sotto...

There's an adage that goes something like this:  when going somewhere it helps to know where you have been.  Many at Clark Lake have a love for its lore, particularly those who have generational attachments to the lake.  So with that, here's part of the story of...

Saturday's Run Clark Lake has something special in store for its 40th anniversary.  The event repeatedly has attracted elite runners from all over, but this year is headlined by Bill Rodgers who is recognized as the greatest American marathon runner of all time.  As...

It's always interesting when a lighter than air device comes within a few feet of the waters of Clark Lake.  It's also interesting to see rafts and boats juxtaposed nearby while around the lake people watch this impressive sight. These photos were taken this evening...

Late evening on July 2, a snowmobile roared around Eagle Point, headed east down the lake, and began turning to the north.  Then something went wrong, and the ride came to an abrupt end with the snowmobile plunging to the bottom in about 25 feet of water.   The...

All from Sunday evening, July 26th, and all taken within a few moments of each other.  No Photoshop enhancements! Just pure Clark Lake.  Which one do you prefer?

Competitive fun and great weather combined to make the Kayak Races & Kids Triathlon a winner.  The events took place at the Clark Lake Yacht Club and were also sponsored by the Raft-O-Rama committee. The first events of the day were the kayak races and the kids...

A fireworks display on the evening of Friday, July 31st was planned to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Raft-O-Rama at Clark Lake. As it turns out, last minute liability and insurance issues caused a cancellation of the fireworks. All other Raft-O-Rama activities...

Once again the Raft-O-Rama committee is making Clark Lake look as good as it is. They have just introduced their new line of goodies, all with the name of our favorite place on the items--towels, hats, koozies, calendars and more. Proceeds from the items support the...

Every two years the Clark Lake Community Center holds a major event.  Included in the  "Ten Things about Raft-O-Rama..." that arrived in your mailbox was an announcement that the August Moon event would be held on August 29.  John Karkheck, Community Center president,...

Thursday, July 23 is the last day to register for the 2015 Run Clark Lake at a reduced rate.  To qualify for the price break you can enter online until midnight or enter by mail with Thursday's postmark.  After that, you can enter via the websites through July...

Late last night the Jackson County Board of Commissioners voted to hold Leoni Township responsible for paying a disputed bond payment.  The Township had defaulted on the $327,812.50 payment June 1st.  That meant the County had to pay instead.  Read background on the...

Several weeks ago, a Columbia Township Police officer ticketed a number of people on Eagle Point Road, near Jefferson, for exceeding the speed limit.  The officer believed the speed limit to be 25 mph from where Eagle Points meets Jefferson.  So it's not a surprise...

Two notable events took place Monday evening--another awesome sunset and a vote by the Columbia Township Board of Trustees about something at Clark Lake that is not so beautiful.  All six members of the board present voted to take the next step in establishing a...

Of Saturday's sunset, someone with 90 years experience at Clark Lake said "I have never seen anything like it before." The event started late Saturday afternoon.  Radar showed what looked like a significant storm headed from west to east and Clark Lake would be in its...

It's said repeatedly:  What unites the people of our community is the love of Clark Lake. This is not a place that you put up with because you were born here.  You're here because you want to be, and that makes a huge difference.  The love of the lake is what we...

Now is an interesting time at Clark Lake.  At the Beach Bar you see people talking but in hushed tones and their hands obstructing view of their words.  As you go around the lake you see neighbors conferring quietly.  When you approach the conversation suddenly...

Tonight's (Tuesday) final Crab Race began with a hats-off, hand-on-heart, rousing sing of our National Anthem.  Inspiring both participants and crabs, excitement was at its peak! The group that came together for the final face-off were the winners of the semi-finals...