The Superior Express -

Twelve light poles with solar LED lights have recently made their appearance at Lake Emerson on the west side of Jewell. The poles follow the walking path around the lake. Increased lighting will allow increased use of the area and will be appreciated by area residents and visitors.

The idea had been around for a time but came to fruition when the City of Jewell wrote and received two grants. The first was from the Jewell County Community Foundation. This grant of $7,131, was awarded during the fall of 2020. It allowed for the purchase of the materials needed for the lighting project. The poles, lights, batteries, anchors and other materials.

A one-time implementation grant from North Central Kansas (NCK) Health Coalition, through Blue Cross Blue Shield, was received which financed the installation. This grant of $7,125 installed the poles and will be used to actually "implement" their use. The City of Jewell will be beautifying the area as well as promoting the use of the lake and the walking path.

This is one of twelve solar LED lights and poles installed at Jewell's Lake Emerson. The lighting system was made possible by two grants. One from the Jewell County Community Foundation and the other from the North Central Kansas Health Coalition via the BCBSKS Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Program. 

This grant is from a relatively new grantee, the North Central Kansas Health Coalition for Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Program. The Health Coalition became part of the Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Program just a bit over a year ago in July of 2020. The program is the largest community block grant program ever funded by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS).

The mission of the Pathways to a Healthy Kansas is to "inspire long-lasting, community wide health and wellness in communities across Kansas" according to the NCK Health Coalition. Shelby Bohnert (sbohnert @mitchellcountyrmf.org and 785-738-9493) is a contact person for the NCK Health Coalition.

Lake Emerson is an asset to Jewell and an asset for the "health and wellness of the community." There is a shelter, playground equipment, restrooms, and a dock in addition to the walking path. The lake has been recently dredged and fishing at the lake is in the future. Promotion of the area will let residents and travelers know what is available just a couple of blocks off Highway 14.

The grants are a boost for Lake Emerson and the Jewell area. The City of Jewell is pleased to have received them.