This summer the PROGRESS is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The newspaper began operations in August of 1987 under the direction of its founder John Z. Robison. Since that time the PROGRESS has covered three decades of community issues, news stories, local businesses, youth sports, politics, elections, Moapa Valley personalities and much more.
Over the next couple of months, we will highlight the PROGRESS’ role in documenting the day-to-day goings-on. We have selected a few of the more interesting stories which have appeared in our pages, reaching back into our archives, both recent and more distant.
So keep an eye out for the PROGRESS over the next few weeks. There will be plenty to look back on; and look forward to.
Overton Beach Exposed
Editor’s Note: The following article was published in the PROGRESS on the week of July 17-23, 1991 when the water level at Lake Mead had been allowed to drop down to around 1,174 foot elevation. Nowadays there is not much of a sign of any beach at all at Overton Beach. The lake water has long since receded from the area. The Overton Beach Marina was removed from the area in February of 2007. The boat launch was closed in May of 2008. This was shortly followed by a complete closure of the road to the Overton Beach altogether. Today motorized access to the area is still completely restricted. This week of July 19-25, 2017, the water level at Lake Mead is expected to be at around 1,079 feet.
By JOHN Z. ROBISON
Moapa Valley Progress
The water level at Lake Mead has dropped fifteen feet since last year, forcing the National Park Service concessioners at Echo Bay and Overton Beach to continually relocate and adjust their boat launching facilities.
Boaters have been pretty well accommodated, since the boat docks are moveable.
Swimmers using the lake aren’t as fortunate. Areas which had previously been designated as beaches are now high and dry above the 1,174 foot water level. With the lower water level, much of the shoreline now has a black muck rather than the preferable sand or gravel which makes swimming more comfortable, enjoyable and sanitary. At the present time, the best beach areas are across the lake, accessible only by boat.
According to District Ranger Larry Hanneman, the Bureau of Reclamation plans to lower the lake several more feet this year.
For nearly 50 years, local residents have enjoyed using the Overton Beach Swim area. In years past, it was roped off with buoys and designated as a swim area to keep swimmers in and boaters out.
The Moapa Valley Chamber of Commerce is encouraging the Park Service to haul in some nice sand for the beach, before the lake elevation comes back up again. Doing so would improve the facility and make the valley more inviting as a tourist destination.
