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Wednesday, April 29, 2015

A smile sent by Larry Ohlendorf

This is so good. Makes you want to fly Southwest Airlines just to hear her!   Ken

Click the link below....

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/TxNrizGdhtY?vq=hd720&rel=0&showinfo=0&start=0&end=

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

I checked Monday, things starting to move!

 The new Capron Rescue Squad building is staked out but no ground broken yet.
 Electric service is now being installed for the thrusters to be put in Fisherman's Cove.


Monday, April 27, 2015

Your weekly Public Safety report

Candlewick Lake Public Safety
WEEKLY REPORT
Week Ending 4/27/2015
Rescue Calls
Public Safety responded to eight (8) medical calls this past week. All eight (8) residents were transported to the hospital.
Juvenile Runaway
Public Safety responded to the Northeast Quadrant of CWL for a youth who had run away from home and was on foot in the neighborhood. Our Officers met with BCSO and participated in the search. Subsequent to a foot pursuit, the youth was brought home and counseled.
Welfare Check
Public Safety responded to a residence located in the 100 block of Staffordshire for a welfare check of a senior resident. Upon arrival, BCSO was summoned to force entry into the residence. This was accomplished with minimal damage. Capron rescue was summoned. She was transported to the hospital.
Public Safety responded to another call of a welfare check of residents whose daughter had come to visit and was possibly intoxicated. After assessing the situation, BCSO was summoned to assist the daughter. She was transported to another location outside of CWL.
Domestic
Public Safety assisted the BCSO in handling a domestic disturbance. The situation evolved into a medical call with Capron Rescue assisting.
Theft
Public Safety investigated the report of a theft. A neighbor had observed suspicious activity in the area and reported it to Public Safety. An investigation was initiated. Upon the property being located and voluntarily returned, the victim only desired an apology for a misunderstanding.
Damage to Vehicle
The Public Safety Department responded to a residence in the 200 block of Constitution for damage to a vehicle. A side window had been shattered by an unknown object. Nothing had been taken from the vehicle. The offender(s) are unknown at this time.
Gate Entry Violations
Public Safety located and observed two separate incidents of vehicles “piggy backing” into CWL through the West Gate. Both residences were issued violations. These incidents are captured on video.
Barking/Loose Dogs
Public Safety responded to only three (3) calls of a loose or barking dog this past week. Warning notices were issued.
Citations Issued: 12
Warnings Issued: 18

Thoughts from my Saturday drive

 I make it a point to ride at least around the lake itself daily if possible. Saturday I was specifically looking to see how much litter is around since clean-up is next Saturday. I was very pleasantly surprised to see how little is there. I know some residents are picking up as they go for walks but that can't be all of it. It appears people are taking more pride in the appearance not only of their property but also vacant lots that are adjacent. Sure there is an occasional McDonalds wrapper or a bottle some low life threw out of their car but in general not too bad. It looks like I will be hard pressed to fill even one bag in the area I normally clean. To me this is great news!
 I must say up front I am not a golfer but as I drove through the golf course I was struck by how nice it looked to my untrained eye. Freshly mowed and very green looking. I have heard no complaints to date on course quality. The down side was there were only two cars in the lot for the club house at 2 p.m. and I would guess at least one was the employee. The weather was bad I know so that is part of it.
Ken

Sunday, April 26, 2015

A Sunday consideration


“Our life depends on the kind of thoughts we nurture. If our thoughts are peaceful, calm, meek, and kind, then that is what our life is like. If our attention is turned to the circumstances in which we live, we are drawn into a whirlpool of thoughts and can have neither peace nor tranquility.”

Saturday, April 25, 2015

A good addition for our county

The Boone County Drug Prevention Coalition has facilitated a permanent location for Boone County residents to safely dispose of prescription medicines and to keep them from being abused.  With the help of Boone County Crime Stoppers and the CVS Pharmacy’s Safer Communities grant program, a MedReturn Drug Collection Unit has been installed in the front lobby of the Public Safety Building, located at 615 N. Main, Belvidere.  The MedReturn Drug Collection Unit will provide residents the ability to dispose of medications 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Medications that can be disposed: prescription medications, patches, over-the-counter medications, and vitamins.  Medications should be either in original containers or in non-leaking containers, such as a sealable plastic bag.  Medications are not required to be labeled. 

Unacceptable items: Needles, sharps, liquids (hydrogen peroxide, lotions, and ointments), inhalers, aerosol cans, IV Bags, and thermometers will not be accepted in the disposal unit.  Medications brought from nursing homes, clinics, doctor’s offices, or other businesses which distribute medications are also unacceptable. 

Friday, April 24, 2015

Thursday, April 23, 2015

From Bonnie Marron on help needed

There were approximately 25 people in attendance for the meeting tonight. If anyone can assist with the volunteer planting just grab your gardening/work gloves and join us on Saturday, May 9th at 8:00am at the Recreation Center. This is the first day of planting. Come and help as long as your schedule allows. Even if you just want to see the other volunteers in action, come out and watch. Why not make it a family project. We had kids as young as seven assist with the Firefly Bay plantings a couple of years ago.

Also, I got the credited amount per volunteer hour incorrect. The group was told tonight that the national average per volunteer hour is $22.50, so we will be credited approximately that much.

I want to remind everyone that this is a federal grant that is administered through the Illinois EPA so the funding is more secure and not subject to any of the state cuts.

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Tuesday's board meeting notes

Personal notes from the Candlewick board meeting of April 21, 2015
As always, these are personal notes. Look for the official ratified minutes in your Candlewick paper.

A little more interesting meeting this month with the employee of the year, drawing for dues reduction, a new restaurant lease, rental caps, etc. Attendance was about 10. This had to have been either the longest agenda of any meeting since I have been on the board or very close to it.

Sargent Matt Studt, a valuable long time employee of our Public Safety department, was named employee of the year. The recognition is well deserved. He won $500.00 plus a day off.

The drawing was held for the dues reduction raffle. The winners are Janet Everett, Arturo Manus, My Halemann, and Sandy Morse with each receiving a deduction of $613.75 from their dues.

AQUA notes the study of lift station #1 below the dam has been completed and is being evaluated. They also wanted to remind everyone if they use AQUA water for watering their lawn they will put in a separate meter for that if requested so you will not be charged for the sewer usage.

Your Finance Commission reports the following balances at the end of March. Operating cash $321,862.55, operating investments $285,180.55, road investments $315,066.70, and total reserve investments $3,532,583.40. Total investments equal $4,132,830.65. Total cash is $4,454,693.20. Revenue is up $155,750.60 over budget and expense is $156,870.20 under budget, putting us $312,620.80 better than our budget projection.
Bad debt write-offs total $10,791.48 (mainly from banks only being legally obligated for only six month's dues in a foreclosure) and accounting adjustments of $37.68.

We had two very qualified applicants who submitted proposals to re-open and operate our restaurant facility. The decision was made to go with the folks from Dandy Donuts. Their plan will be very different from the operations we have had in the past. Watch for their ad in our newspaper for details. I think you will like it. Many of you know Dan and Mary. Nice people already running a successful business.

The decision was made to deviate from our board policy and provide set up for the Flames dinners. The Flames folks volunteer for many things in our community and spend countless hours helping out so that along with their physical limitations made this the right thing to do in this case.

Maintenance reports besides their normal duties they met with electricians preparing for the installation of the thrusters to help with water quality in the fisherman's Cove area so it shouldn't be long.

Savannah Oaks Clubhouse reports things are ready to roll and starting May first they will be open Sunday through Thursday 7 a.m. To 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 7 a.m. to midnight.

Lake Management reports the first stocking of Walleye and Channel Cat has been completed and Smallmouth Bass will be stocked in the fall. As of April 14th 51 goose eggs have been addled.

Rec Commission reports upcoming events will be a GloGO fun run September 12th and Karate classes will begin in May. The Rec Commission always has a huge number of activities in progress for all ages.

The Golf Commission need members. Please consider joining. Members should be able to assist in events and tournaments. The new irrigation pump is scheduled to be installed April 25th so that should be a boon to course quality.

The question was brought to the board asking why an out of state property owner that does not use the facilities have to pay the $450.00 fee for renting his properties. The decision was made to continue the charge because access was there whether used or not.

We have a very large roads project going on this year. William Charles Construction's bid was accepted. Start date is not yet set.

A report was given detailing the 15% rental cap that was agreed upon at a special meeting of the board. No one currently renting their home will lose that ability as long as it continues being rented and the cap will not go into effect until October. This is a complicated issue that will be explained in the CWL newspaper. Your attorney reviewed the rule to be sure we are in compliance with applicable law in all provisions. He indicates we are on solid footing. The new rental cap was passed by unanimous vote.

The new Election Rules and Procedures were passed. This is in an effort to have less ballots disqualified. All will be spelled out prior to the next election and the new procedures will be published in the Candlewick paper. If possible every ballot should be counted and we are working toward that end. You took the time to vote so you should be heard!

The decision had been made in the Finance Commission to not allow property owners with delinquent accounts to be able to use the amenities by paying for each use. The board as a whole needed to pass this resolution. The reso passed.

Our west gate is having issues with the internet provider, meaning we are having traffic delays due to the slow service. Mediacom will be taking over that service going forward to eliminate that problem (hopefully).

The Capron Rescue Squad facility is still on track with ground to be broken hopefully this Friday.

There were a few “house cleaning” issues to be taken care of. The vote was taken to retain the same legal council for the next fiscal year. We renewed our POS license agreement. The pool pump and strainer basket needed replacing. We needed to get a back-up pump for maintenance. We use the same one for spraying chemicals as we do to drain the pool. That is fine but if the one goes out of service we are down in both areas so having a back-up is necessary. The committee/commission charters were O.K.'d by the board.

Our FTS Glide Functional Trainer in the workout room will be replaced after a series of repairs. It is becoming a safety hazard.

A property owner submitted an offer to sell their lot to the association. As has been the case in the past, the offer was declined. We are trying to rid ourselves of lots on our books so we do not wish to add to them even when given an attractive offer.

The Belvidere Fire Department requested permission to sink a car body without components into our lake for rescue and retrieval training. There would be no vehicles on our dam. The 500 pound car would be carried to the lake then inflated air bags would float it to the desired area. The board voted to allow this on a five to two vote.


The bids were received for the electrical work getting power to the new thrusters to go in Fisherman's Cove. The board voted to fund the installation of the four thrusters. The cost was more than anticipated for the electrical work but this needs to be accomplished so it is a go.

Monday, April 20, 2015

Weekly Public Safety report

Candlewick Lake Public Safety
WEEKLY REPORT
Week Ending 4/20/2015
Rescue Calls
Public Safety responded to three (3) medical calls this past week. Two (2) residents were transported to the hospital.
Unlawful Entries to CWL
Public Safety responded to the West Gate on two (2) separate days for illegal entries through the gate. Both vehicles tail gated through the C-Pass lane. These entries were captured on video. Both property owners were cited.
Fire Alarm: Rec Center
Public Safety responded to a Fire Alarm at the Rec Center. Upon arrival the Rec Center was checked and found to be secure. This was significant for most of the North Boone Fire Department responded.
Reckless Driving
Public Safety, while on routine patrol, following another vehicle, was passed by a car who was apparently in a very big hurry. In passing the two (2) vehicles, the suspect vehicle almost created an accident with another vehicle attempting to exit a side street. Fortunately, this car was able to stop in time. The suspect vehicle has been cited. Please slow down while driving through Candlewick Lake.
Carbon Monoxide Alarm
The Public Safety Department responded to an alarm of a carbon dioxide alert. Fortunately this was a false alarm.
Barking/Loose Dogs
Public Safety responded to only one (1) call of a loose or barking dog this past week.
Citations Issued: 13
Warnings Issued: 9

A couple smiles on this gloomy day

 An old lady at the a.t.m. asked me to check her balance so I pushed her over...

 I refused to believe my Dad, the road worker, was stealing from his job but when we got home the signs were all there...

Yeah, I know they are bad but I had to smile.  Ken

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Friday, April 17, 2015


MONDAY, APRIL 20TH IS THE LAST DAY TO PURCHASE YOUR
DUES REDUCTION RAFFLE TICKETS

There’s not much time left to purchase your ticket(s) for the 2015-16 Dues Reduction Raffle.  To date there are 3 winners. Winners will have their dues credited by a minimum of $500.00.

Tickets are available at both the Administration Office and Recreation Center Activity Desk until the close of business on Monday, April 20th! Tickets are $5.00 each and cash is the only acceptable form of purchase.

The Raffle Drawing will take place at 6:30pm on Tuesday, April 21st at the Board of Directors Meeting. You need not be present to win, but it would be nice if everyone who purchased a ticket and can attend would be there.  The lucky winners will have the monies credited to their 2015-16 dues.

Please check the April CWL newspaper for raffle rules.


Any questions, please contact the Recreation Center at 815-765-1943.

Attendance helps pay our portion of the grant project cost so try to be there

You are invited to attend a Watershed Meeting…..
April 22, 2015, 6:30 PM
Recreation Center
The bio-swale project is underway. This project is partially funded by a 319 EPA Grant. Attend the meeting and find out what the project is all about. We will be discussing what the project involves, what has been done to date, and what is planned for the future. We are also looking for volunteers who will be willing to help with the plantings. This is a great way to give back to your community and help improve the quality of the lake.

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Lots of fire trucks but no fire

False alarm, thank the Lord!
 I went to the Rec Center about 9:20 due to all the flashing lights. I was told an alarm went off but no fire has been found. I am glad they came out with all the equipment to be sure. Good response!
Ken

I believe his name was Howard

Monday I had an appointment at Northwoods Center. As I walked through the front door I noticed an older gentleman seated in a wheel chair near the door. He was wearing an blue jacket that had seen it's better days and his head was hanging with his eyes mostly closed. There was an alarm clip fastening him to the wheel chair in case he tried to stand. I was a little early so I sat on a chair next to the man.
"Is it all right if I sit here?"
"Yeah, but it'll cost ya!"
"How much?"
"That depends!"
"Do you like it here?"
"Hard to say"
"Are you from around here?"
"I'm from all over."
I could see he was starting to perk up so I continued the conversation. He was a long distance trucker going from Mexico all the way to Alaska. That started all the stories about his adventures on the road and the Alaskan Highway leading to Nome and how it had been roughly built during the war years then repaired and brought up to standard in later years. He really was a wealth of interesting information.
The person I was to meet came to greet me so I said good-by to the old guy and shook his hand. His eyes were now bright and fully open.
When it was time for me to go there he was sitting the same as when I first saw him. I stopped, shook his hand again, and told him what a pleasure it had been meeting him. He smiled and shook my hand back. As I left his head again started to droop. He was sinking back into his own lonely world after the short reprieve.
What a lonely life for this old gentleman. I wonder how many just need a little stimulation to brighten their world.
Ken

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Sure, leave our boarders unprotected, no harm done

ISIS Camp a Few Miles from Texas, Mexican Authorities Confirm

APRIL 14, 2015
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ISIS is operating a camp just a few miles from El Paso, Texas, according to Judicial Watch sources that include a Mexican Army field grade officer and a Mexican Federal Police Inspector.
The exact location where the terrorist group has established its base is around eight miles from the U.S. border in an area known as “Anapra” situated just west of Ciudad Juárez in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. Another ISIS cell to the west of Ciudad Juárez, in Puerto Palomas, targets the New Mexico towns of Columbus and Deming for easy access to the United States, the same knowledgeable sources confirm.
During the course of a joint operation last week, Mexican Army and federal law enforcement officials discovered documents in Arabic and Urdu, as well as “plans” of Fort Bliss – the sprawling military installation that houses the US Army’s 1st Armored Division. Muslim prayer rugs were recovered with the documents during the operation.
Law enforcement and intelligence sources report the area around Anapra is dominated by the Vicente Carrillo Fuentes Cartel (“Juárez Cartel”), La Línea (the enforcement arm of the cartel) and the Barrio Azteca (a gang originally formed in the jails of El Paso). Cartel control of the Anapra area make it an extremely dangerous and hostile operating environment for Mexican Army and Federal Police operations.
According to these same sources, “coyotes” engaged in human smuggling – and working for Juárez Cartel – help move ISIS terrorists through the desert and across the border between Santa Teresa and Sunland Park, New Mexico. To the east of El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, cartel-backed “coyotes” are also smuggling ISIS terrorists through the porous border between Acala and Fort Hancock, Texas. These specific areas were targeted for exploitation by ISIS because of their understaffed municipal and county police forces, and the relative safe-havens the areas provide for the unchecked large-scale drug smuggling that was already ongoing.
Mexican intelligence sources report that ISIS intends to exploit the railways and airport facilities in the vicinity of Santa Teresa, NM (a US port-of-entry). The sources also say that ISIS has “spotters” located in the East Potrillo Mountains of New Mexico (largely managed by the Bureau of Land Management) to assist with terrorist border crossing operations. ISIS is conducting reconnaissance of regional universities; the White Sands Missile Range; government facilities in Alamogordo, NM; Ft. Bliss; and the electrical power facilities near Anapra and Chaparral, NM.

Weekly Public Safety report

Candlewick Lake Public Safety
WEEKLY REPORT
Week Ending 4/13/2015
Rescue Calls
Public Safety responded to one (1) medical call this past week. The resident was transported to the hospital.
Unlawful Vehicle on the Roadway
Public Safety responded to the 100 blk. of Birch for a golf cart on the roadway. Two (2) youths were operating the cart. The golf cart was escorted home. The adult was informed golf carts are not allowed on the roadways of CWL. A warning was issued.
Suspicious Subjects
Public Safety responded to the Liverpool neighborhood for suspicious subjects throwing rock against a building. Nobody was located, the rock throwers had ran.
Attempted Burglary
Public Safety, while on routine patrol late at night, observed suspicious activity at the Rec Center. A male subject dressed all in black, was trying to enter the front door of the Rec Center. The suspect then tried the door near the garbage bins. By this time, our Officer was out of the vehicle and in pursuit of the suspect around the Rec Center. The BCSO was summoned.
The suspect had gotten away. Our patrol officer continued to search for the suspect and in the 1600 blk. of CWD located him exiting a garage. The Officer detained him until the arrival of the deputies. He admitted trying to enter the Rec Center and was subsequently arrested.
Fight
The Public Safety Department responded to a fight at the Rec Center. Several teens were playing basketball when the fight started. There were no injuries. This is still under investigation.
Suspicious Incident
Public Safety investigated an incident of a planter and a chair being located on the front sidewalk of a home. Smoke was emanating from the planter and the chair had been burned. It is unknown how this incident was initiated. There were no witnesses.
Barking/Loose Dogs
Public Safety responded to four (4) calls of loose or barking dogs this past week. Two (2) warnings were issued. Animal Control was summoned for one (1) dog. Please keep track of your pets.
An abandoned cat was located in the 200 block of Griffin Place. A temporary home was found for the animal.
BCSO Assist
Public Safety assisted the BCSO with several youths fighting on a school bus. There were no injuries.
BB Guns
Public Safety responded to one (1) call of youths playing with BB guns/ pellet guns. The issue were resolved. Please remember, playing with BB/Pellet guns around houses and other people are not allowed. This can be very dangerous. Please speak with your children about not doing this in CWL.
Citations Issued: 7
Warnings Issued: 31

Monday special board meeting


It was agreed a rental cap will be established at 15% of our total homes. This will not take effect until October 1, 2015 and no one currently renting out their home will lose that ability unless they do not rent it for six months. There will be a substantial fine for anyone not registering their rental home with the office. Complete details will be published in our newspaper when finalized and authorized by your Candlewick Attorney.
Ken

Monday, April 13, 2015

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Sunday sadness...wish this on no-one

The picture on the left is my son Darrell a year ago. On the right is a picture of him about four years ago.>
 
Darrell developed a disease called Frontotemporal Dementia. It is a rare disease that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. In essence what happens is the brain tissue shrinks slowly, robbing the person of empathy, understanding what is inappropriate behavior, memory, and a lot of the ability to reason. You can imagine the effect this disease has on his family. A once successful man can no longer drive or understand the necessities of life. He has gained around eighty pounds.

  You may see Darrell walking on Candlewick Drive occasionally. He likes to walk and if he is dressed inappropriately please excuse his appearance. It is not Darrell, it is the disease. He is still a good man. He is never angry.  Pray he stays safe.  Ken

Friday, April 10, 2015

Glad I have it


A few years ago I signed up for Weather Call. This is a service that calls your home phone and cell if a warning is issued for your immediate vicinity. You can decide if you wish to be warned of severe thunderstorms or just tornados. Our sirens are great but it appears they go off even if the warning is for southern Boone County. Thursday evening the sirens went off five times and I received only two calls. It is also good if you are asleep and the sirens go off. It is easy to sleep through them. I am not trying to sell this service, simply letting you know it is there. The cost is under $10.00 per year and to me it is money well spent.  Ken
Link below>>>>

http://www.weathercallservices.com/

What fish were stocked last week?




2,300 Walleye





2,250 Channel Cat

Good eatin' in anyone's book!

Thursday, April 9, 2015

From the L.A. Times... Uh Oh!

FCC's net neutrality rules open door to new fee on Internet service

And it begins


Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Candlewick Lake Public Safety
WEEKLY REPORT
Week Ending 4/6/2015
Rescue Calls
Public Safety responded to two (2) medical calls this past week. Both residents were transported to the hospital.
Noise Complaints
Public Safety responded to two (2) noise complaint calls.
Suspicious Subjects
Public Safety responded to the Liverpool neighborhood for suspicious subjects. Nobody was found.
Trespass to Residence
Public Safety took a report of person(s) unknown entering a closed garage and leaving an item lying on the garage floor. Nothing was missing from the garage, there was no theft. It is unknown how this item came to be in the resident’s garage. Nothing further.
Gate Strikes
The Public Safety Department responded to the West Gate for the “exit gate barrier” striking a vehicle. This incident was due to high winds. There was minimal damage.
The West Gate has been repaired with new equipment. We would like to apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
A vehicle drove into the manual gate arm at the East Gate. There is damage to the vehicle. Video showed the driver failing to stop for the gate arm to rise. The driver was a guest.
Theft of Fuel
Public Safety investigated an incident of a theft of fuel from a vehicle parked in a driveway. There are not suspects at this time.
Barking Dogs
Public Safety responded to three (3) calls of loose or barking dogs this past week. Two (2) warnings were issued. Please keep track of your pets as our weather improves.
BCSO Assist
The late night Patrol Officer assisted the BCSO in apprehending a suspect who had ran from his personal vehicle. The BCSO and their canine unit apprehended this suspect in short order.
BB Guns
Public Safety responded to two (2) calls of youths playing with BB guns/ pellet guns. Both issues were resolved. Please remember, playing with BB/Pellet guns around houses and other people are not allowed. This can be very dangerous. Please speak with your children about not doing this in CWL.
Citations Issued: 11
Warnings Issued: 13

Monday, April 6, 2015

Attention fishermen

Some really good information about areas of fish cover (hot spots!)

Sunday, April 5, 2015

Friday, April 3, 2015

Boaters take care

There has been a problem with a pier breaking up, leaving some wood pieces floating on the lake. Proceed with care until these are taken care of. CWL owned boats are not yet in the water to dispose of these but if any boaters come across some of this please grab it. Thanks.
Ken

Wednesday, April 1, 2015