pt. 3 \ The Dallas Post Dallas, PA Wednesday, September 6,1989 8 i Anderson afield Mississippi delta no longer growing as it once was By JOHN M. ANDERSON If you drew a line from the south edge of Mississippi, westward across the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain to Cameron, LA, about 7,000 square miles of Acadi- ana would lie south of the line. All this land came from 32 interior states and part of southern Can- ada. For about 7,000 years, Old Man River has been carrying very fertile topsoil from these northern areas and depositing it along the Louisiana Coast. That's why our Louisiana marshes, rice fields and pastures can feed so many Cajuns, cows, catfish, ducks and deer so well. If you go back about 20,000 years, to a period of tremendous glaciation, the glacier over a mile thick crept down to about the southern tip of Illinois. Because much of the earth's water was trapped in ice, the sea level dropped about 450 feet. Deer and rabbits could have played tag about 100 miles south of the present shore- line and never wet their feet. As the ice melted, the sea level rose and the GulfofMexico gradually spread northward to about its present boundary. If we still had all the land that had been deposited by the River, plus that exposed by falling sea level, we would have about 14,000 square miles on which the Almighty Developer could raise condomini- ums and Nature could raise cy- press. Alas! Of the 14,000 square miles that once extended far out into the Gulf, only about 7,000 remain and we are losing them at about 35 square miles per year. I'm told that it's a woman's privi- lege to change her mind. If that privilege does not extend to males, then I question referring to the Mississippi as “Old Man River”, or the “Father of Waters”, because he, she, or it has changed course at least four times over the last 7,000 years. Each time, a huge delta was built far out into the Gulf. The ancient Egyptians had fin- ished the pyramids by around 4,000 B.C. Some 3,000 years be- fore that, the Mississippi had be- gun building the Teche Delta which was about 60 miles wide, from the site of the present-day Houma on the east to about Abbeyville on the west, and out in the Gulf to what are now known as Trinity Shoal and Ship Shoal. ; After the River had occupied the Teche Delta for about 2,500 years, she jumped her bank and started building the St. Bernard Delta to the east of present-day New Or- leans. By about 1,000 B.C. this delta extended eastward out be- yond th Chandeleur Islands, which are really remnants of that delta. The Mississippi moved westward and built a third huge delta known as the Lafourche. The maximum buildout occurred about 500 A.D.; about the time St. Patrick arrived in Ireland the Western Roman Empire fell. Once again the River changed course, moved into its present channel and started forming the modern Mississippi Delta about 700 years ago. This was about the time firearms were invented, the Renaissance was beginning in It- aly, and the Aztecs were building their capital at what is now Mexico City. Unfortunately, all this delta building no longer occurs. If it did, the River would be building Lousiana marshland as fast as it errodes. Because of the levees on either side of the channel, the sediment drained from 32 interior states is now carried out into deep Gulf waters and dropped. The subject of Louisiana wet- land loss will continue to receive national attention because of the tremendous loss to the seafood industry, to say nothing of furbear- ers, waterfowl wintering grounds, and the thousands of people whose means of making a living are in jeopardy. To introduce new sediment into the lower delta would be an obvi- ous cure. But can you imagine a politician willing to let the Missis- sippi change her course and come down through the Achafalaya Basin? This would leave New Or- leans high and dry, - and displace many homes in the Achafalaya Basin. It would allow the River to go back into the land-building busi- ness. Can you imagine real estate developers allowing this to hap- pen? Is “no net loss” - as promised by President Bush - possible in Louisiana? Nature may not recognize politi- cal boundaries. But Nature is not running for office. So I suspect the River will be depositing precious topsoil far out in the Gulf for many years to come. Fact Finder (continued from page 1) and while evaluating both sides requests will keep in contact with mediator Paley. He will expect to receive statements within five days from both the board's negotiating committee and the teachers’ com- mittee, explaining what each one considers the major issues. DiLauro will then have until October 10 to evaluate the stated issues still unresolved and to come up with a solution. His report can be accepted by both sides or re- jected after they have examined it for 10 days. Ifit is accepted by both sides, the fact finder’'s recommen- dation becomes the settlement. If either or both sides reject the recommendation, the fact finder's report will be published. Ifthis occurs, the teachers could not strike for another 10 days, which could go until October 30, or if they desire, both sides could continue to negotiate with the aid of the negotiator. Elgaway said the board hoped that both sides could continue their negotiations if no settlement is reached. A member ofthe teacher's negotiating committee also stated that the teachers also hoped all the issues could be resolved and the new contract settled. The teacher, who asked to re- main anonymous, said that there would be a meeting of the educa- tion association, Tuesday, Septem- ber 5. “Most of the issues have been resolved,” the teacher said, “And we are optimistic that the few remaining can be solved by the fact finder.” The Lake-Lehman Education Association has a membership of 132 teachers, who are responsible for the education of 2700 students. An unconfirmed report is that one unresolved issue between the two sides is the size of an increase in salaries. MAP OF THE FAIRGROUNDS PARKING MAIN ENTRANCE GATE A | Ha Ne Ska ANNIE — IVAN Ni i 0 OL ORE i RIDES AND AMUSEMENTS TY 1. Ticket Booth - Main Entrance 2. Finance Trailer Building and Court 7. 4. Fair Office 5. Cattle Barn 3. Horseshoe Pitching 6. Livestock Tent Show Tent 8. Horse Barn al 9. Arts & Crafts Building | 10. 4-H Building Lh Fair briefs Scarecrow Contest The Scarecrow Contest is open to all clubs, groups or individuals. There is no entry fee for this contest and cash prizes will be awarded. All scarecrows must be ready for display and judging by noon on Wednesday, Sept. 6. The display will be in front of the Art's and Crafts building. Scarecrows will be judged on originality, workmanship and theme. All scarecrows are to be on display outdoors, so choose materials for construction with this in mind. : For more information please consult your 1989 Premium Guide which will be out soon or call the Fair office at 675-6448. Who is the best Apple Pie baker? Come to the Luzerne County Fair scheduled for September 6-10 and find out. : All entry pies are to be baked from scratch, including crust. Pies will be judged on the basis of crusts, filling, over all appearance, sensory qualities and creativity. All entries muct be brought to the stage area at the fairgrounds between 1 and 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 10. Judging will be held at 3 p.m. Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the judging. There is no fee for this contest. Cash prizes will be awarded. For more information please check your Premium Guide or call the fair office at 675-6448. Largest pumkin/squash contest The Luzerne County Fair scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 6 through Sunday, Sept. 10, is looking for the largest pumpkin /squash grown in Luzerne County. Pumpkin /Squash contest entries will be subject to the general rules found in the Premium Guide. All entries must be grown in Luzerne County. All entries must be brought to the fairgrounds by 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, (Arts & Crafts building, Gate B). There is no entry fee for this contest. Actual weight must be permanently marked on top of the pumpkin /squash, and may be verified by judges. Please check your Premium Guide for more information, or call the fair office at 675- 6448 for further information. Fair (continued from page 1) formed by eight service clubs in the Back Mountain, and the Luzerne County Extension Serv- ice. Hugh Woodward is general chairman of the 1989 fair. From 1963 until 1980, the fair was held at the Lehman Horse- show Grounds, just across and down the road from the present site. While the majority of profits from each year's fair are invested in the fairgrounds, the event still supports charitable organizations in Luzerne County. In 1988, direct donations were $6,473 and non- profit organizations received $7,120 worth of free display space, utilities and advertising. OFFER 1: OFFER 2: LUZERNE COUNTY FAIR SCHEDULE OF EVENTS sunday, September 3rd Friday, September 8th 5 PM-9 PM . =—Arts & Crafts Entries 1PM 4PM Monday, September 4th 5PM SPM 3 PM-9 PM —Arts & Crafts entries 6 PM Tuesday, September 5th 7PM 7 PM-S PM 8PM 12Noon-9 PM —4-H and Small Animal Entries [ wednesday, September 6th | —Qpen Class Dairy Judging —Fairgrounds Open to the General Public —Beef Judging —S$&S Amusements, Your Midway Hosts, Opens —High School Band (Arena) —LIvestock Dress Up Show (Main Stage) —4-4 Demonstrations (4-H Building) ~—Strawberry Jam (Main Stage); "Back by popular demana* Free OFFER 3: saturday, September 9th —Horse Halter Class Judging ~—Fairgrounds Open to the General Public —4-H Horse Show —S5&S Amusements, Your Midway Hosts, opens —Horseshoe Pitching Tournament; "The President's Game" —4-H Demonstrations (4-H Building) —Luzerne County Fair Barrel Race (Arena) —Great Rock Scare (Main Stage); "An annual tradition" Free sunday, September 10th 8AM-11 AM —Horticuiture, Agricuiture and Baked OAM Goods entries (Perishables only) 12 Noon 8AM-12 Noon —Llvestock and Horse Entries 120007 9AM —Luzerne county Dairy Day 1PM 12 Noon —=Set-up Deadline for Scarecrow contest 12Noon6 PM —Open Class Arts & Crafts and 4-H Judging 1PM 4PM —Falrgrounds open to the General Public 4:30 PM —High School Band (Arena) 4 PM-6 PM 5 PM —S&S Amusements, Your Midway Hosts, sou opens 5:30 PM —Opening Ceremonies (Main Stage) 8PM 6 PM —4-H and Arts Crafts Buildings Open to the General Public 6 PM —Dairy Day Glant Banana Split 8 PM —Championshin Wrestling (Main Stage); Featuring Maa Dog Drake, iron Mike NNO Sharp and others. co-sponsored by 1PM Franklin First Federal Savings & Loan 1PM Thursday, September 7th 10 AM —Rabbit and Poultry Judging 2PM 1PM —4-H Dairy Judging 2 PM<4:30 PM 4 PM —Falrgrounds open to the General Public 4PM —sheep Judging 5PM —~S&S Amusements, Your Midway Hosts, 3PM , Opens 5 PM-8 PM 5PM Chorus Group (Main Stage) Yak 6PM - —Falr Queen Competiticis (Main Stage; 6 PM Master of Ceremonies, Dan Gallagher, 6:30 PM WBRE-28. Co-sponsored by United Penn 7 PM PM Bank 7 PM —HUDCaps, first show (Main Stage); "One of the best 1950's musical attractions in the USA." Co-sponsored by Frankiin First Federal Savings & Loan Association Free 9PM —Hubcaps, second show; (Main Stage) —Fairgrounds Open to the General Public —=S&S Amusements, Your Midway HOSLs, opens —4-H DOg Judging : : —Horseshoe Pitching Tournament; "An old favorite...now played at the white House" —Set-up Deadline for Apple Ple contest -—0ld Fashioned Family Day — Games Program (Arena), Co-sponsored by Slocum Insurance Agency —Appie Pie contest (Main Stage) —Dancing to the Music of the RPM Old Stars (Main Stage) —Arts & Crafts sulldings Closed —Raffle Drawing —gntries Pickup GATE ADMISSION $3.00 (Under 10- Free) Free Parking 309 / 415 Plaza Dallas Check: Tre ashes ala Save $3.00 By Buying One (1) New Master Membership. You Pay ONLY $24. Associate Membership ($15 Value) FREE* ByBuying One (1) New Master Membership At The Regular Price Of $27 *Additional Associates Available At $1 5 Each Save $50* Each ByArranging, Booking And Fully Paying For Any Pleasure Travel Exceeding $1,000 Per Person At theTravel Agency Back Mountain Office *Not Limited to @&» Members These Offers Not Good With Any Other Coupon Or Offer And ONLY at the VALLEY AUTOMOBILE CLUB OFFER 1 OFFER 2 OFFER 3 Offer Expires September 29, 1989 | 9 1989 Luzerne County Fair Queen og Young ladies between the ages of 16 and 20 are invited to compete | for the title of 1989 Luzerne County Fair Queen. The winner will be selected during the fair scheduled for September 6-10. The crowning of the queen will take place on Thursday, Sept. 7. A The 1989 Luzerne County Fair Queen Contest is co-sponsored by the United Penn Bank. The queen will compete for the State Queen Title sponsored by the Pennsylvania State Fair Association to be held in January. hy For an application and more information on the contest please call Marie Deitz, 477-2480. Back Mountain Jaycees to sponsor stands ; As members of the Luzerne County Fall Fair Associaton, The Back Mountain Jaycees will host several stands at the 28th Annual Luzerne County Fair which runs from Wednesday, Sept. 6 to Sunday, Sept. 10. The Jaycees will operate a “Wings and Things” stand featuring 3 Joe's Famous “Hot” Chicken Wings, natural homecut French fries and refreshments. Also, the local Jaycee chapter is sponsoring an “Auto Demolition Stand” in which a automobile donated by Howard “Duke” i Isaacs will be smashed using a sledge hammer. Fairgoers can enjoy the stand by “Taking a wack for a buck.” : In conjunction with these two stands the Back Mountain Jaycees | will also be conducting their Annual Voter Registration Drive at their fair stands. Any individual wishing to register or re-register tovote can do so at the Jaycee stands. Accompanying the Jaycee activities willalso be collection canisters for donations to the St. Jude's Childrens Research Hospital. The Jaycees are one of the largest fundraisers for the hospital which provides research for numerous diseases that afflict our children. : Rv All proceeds from the “Wings and Things” and “Auto Demolition” stands will go directly into the Back Mountain Jaycee Community Fund to assist the Jaycees in continuing their work as a communityori- ented leadership training organization. For more information on the | Jaycees or on their activities at the Luzerne County Fair contact Barbara J. McKown at 825-0599. : ; Arthritis Foundation aluminum can drive From September 6 through Septeriver 11 at the Luzerne County Fall Fair, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge Number 712 will collect aluminum cans to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. LL At the Fall Fair, look for the light green cans marked “Aluminum Cans Only” and “Pitch In” those aluminum cans. bs For further information, call Don Weidner at 675-3389. SPECIAL SAVINGS FROM | @D IN THE BACK MOUNTAIN | Through September 1989 OR OR Back Mountain Office, 309 / 415 Pl aza, Dallas Coupon Must Be Presented a I ia ie - Phone; 6/5-8282 i
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers