With a boom that shook the walls and rattled the windows, he slammed the door. The boy stomped into the room and flopped on the couch. Grandpa shook his head and sidled over.

“What’s up?” he asked, taking a seat beside the boy.

The boy sighed, “It’s my research assignment; it’s too big. I’ll never get it done!”

“Why not?”

With a teenage eye roll, the boy tried to explain; there were too many references, too many quotes, and too many pages. Listening intently, Grandpa nodded sagely until, out of breath, the boy sputtered to a stop.

“Let me ask you a question,” the old man whispered.

“Okay. What do you want to know?” The youngster was a bit calmer now.

Grandpa smiled. “How do you eat an elephant?”

“Grandpa,” the boy complained, “who’d eat an elephant?”

Smiling, Grandpa asked again, “How do eat an elephant?”

“Okay, I don’t know. How do you eat an elephant?” The boy replied sarcastically.

Eyes twinkling, Grandpa laughed, “Why one bite at a time, of course.”

Yes, it’s a silly joke, but one I think of every time I start a new project. Like last week. After two years of discussions, I got the go-ahead to write a history of the Patoka Lake Regional Water and Sewer District – my elephant for the next year.

So you ask – What is the Patoka History Project?

I’m glad you asked. The Patoka History Project is a collaborative effort to compile a written history of the formation and development of the District.

Among water utilities in Indiana, the District is unique. It supplies drinking water to over 23 municipalities and water companies. Few others provide wholesale water supply over such a large area. Without the District, life for thousands of Hoosiers would be drastically different. Although a well-functioning utility today, this has not always been the case. Fifty years ago, local leaders struggled to find adequate water supplies for their thirsty communities. How these leaders came together to form the District is a remarkable story. It promises to be a tale of foresight, cooperation, and perseverance.

I’m honored to be working on this project, and from time to time, I’ll keep you posted on my progress. Yep, this looks to be an exciting year.

Say, do you know a good recipe for Elephant casserole? I might need that.

David Dahl

You can read about Olivia’s Story: Protector of the Realm here,  and about my other works here.

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