Not many problems over Christmas

Important Candlewick Lake Information

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

 

WEEKLY REPORT

Week ending 12/30/2012

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to the 400 block of Lamplighter Loop for a subject spitting up blood and very pale in color.  The subject was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to a call of a structure fire call in the 100 block of Birch.  It was determined it was a smoke detector going off.  The call was unfounded.

Traffic Crashes

Public Safety responded to several calls of vehicles in ditches.  One driver was subsequently cited for a stop sign violation.

Public Safety responded to a vehicle vs gate located at the East gate.  The matter is under investigation.

Citations issued 12

Warnings Issued 10

 

 

 

We thank you for taking the time to read these important updates.

Being informed is half the battle.  

More lives saved!

The Polar Plunge has been cancelled for safety reasons.

This event will be rescheduled for later in the season.

An ice fishing story

(not Louie's but the same idea)

At one time my next door neighbor was Louie Rowe. Some of you may remember him. He is a heck of a nice guy. Anyway, getting on with my story, I am not an ice fisherman and Louie knew that. That wasn't stopping him from getting me out there on the ice.

Louie had a very nice wooden ice shack he built with windows and even runners on the bottom. It was well insulated and really warm due to the kerosene heater he kept in it. He had an ATV he would hook up to the tongue of the shack and off he would go, looking like a train in the semi- darkness of early morning.

Finally he talked me into going out with him on the ice. I would sit in the shed and bounce across the uneven surface as we headed for the old Whiting Road roadbed, where he used to like to fish. I'll admit it was fun but ice fishing is just not my thing. He did teach me well though and I appreciated it.

One early morning he went down to the shack on the lake and lit the kerosene heater to get it warm. He then went up to his garage to drive the ATV down to hitch up. He started across the lake and on the way, unbeknownst to him, the shack caught on fire. He was enjoying his trip across the lake not knowing inside his shed was a fireball probably lighting up the lake. He came to the fishing spot and as luck would have it the shack was well insulated enough the fire had gone out on it's own, probably from lack of oxygen. His corn broom for sweeping snow away from the ice holes was nothing but a handle and about six inches of sweeper. None of his fishing poles had line, all being burned out. He was a lucky guy! Lesson learned. I don't think he ever lit the heater ahead of time again.

Ken Dillenburg

Do you know the meaning of the words Auld Lang Syne, the song sung on New years Eve? The words are form a Scottish folk song. It is loosely translated as "for (the sake of) old times"  Tomorrow night you can be the hit of the party with this useless fact! Ken

Sunday encouragement

For those of us going through the same thing right now. I came across this and it hits home.  Ken

Letter from a Mother to Daughter: "My dear girl, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago”... Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep.

Yep, they are really hurtin'

While Aqua America (WTR) has the lowest dividend yield of this group, the company has increased its dividend at a compound annual rate of 14.4% over the past 10 years. WTR recently increased its quarterly dividend by 6.1%, which was its 22nd dividend increase in 21 years. Aqua has paid a consecutive quarterly dividend for more than 65 years.

(From a research report. I wouldn't lose any sleep over AQUA's profitability!)         Ken Dillenburg

It will be interesting to see

'Brighter than a full moon': The biggest star of 2013... could be the comet of the century.

By late November it will be visible to the unaided eye just after dark in the same direction as the setting Sun. Its tail could stretch like a searchlight into the sky above the horizon. Then it will swing rapidly around the Sun, passing within two million miles of it, far closer than any planet ever does, to emerge visible in the evening sky heading northward towards the pole star. It could be an "unaided eye" object for months. When it is close in its approach to the Sun it could become intensely brilliant but at that stage it would be difficult and dangerous to see without special instrumentation as it would be only a degree from the sun.

The comet's name is "ISON". I know I will be watching for it. Ken

A quick update

 Another ice fisherman reported today the ice is about 3 1/2 inches thick. I was told before it was a little thicker. Whatever the thickness is it can vary so take care when on the lake.   Ken

From the Candlewick Anglers...good advice!

No Ice is safe ice! That's what my grandfather has told me. With that being said Candlewick, lake management, lake patrol etc. are not legally responsible when it comes ice safety. It is fish at your own risk. The lake appears to be fairly uniformed with 4 -5 inches of ice. There is still the chance of variance so be smart and use caution. And remember to always let the fat guy go first. Road bed was very good today. 

posted by Ken

Finance Friday

 For those of you who are showing an interest in investing for yield, here is another one you may wish to discuss with your financial adviser or investigate on your own. This is strictly for information. Any stock can lose value.
Seadrill (symbol SDRL) is a company engaged in exactly what the name implies. The company normally pays a quarterly dividend of 84 cents or about 9% per year at a price per share of $37.00. This year it paid a double dividend in December to avoid the possible new tax laws so it will not pay another dividend for about six months. Be advised. See the information posted below.    Ken

Seadrill Limited provides offshore drilling services to the oil and gas industry worldwide. Its services include drilling, completion, and maintenance of offshore wells; production drilling and well maintenance; and well services. The company owns and operates a fleet of 59 offshore drilling units, which consist of 13 semi-submersible rigs, 9 drillships, 21 jack-up rigs, and 16 tender rigs for operations in shallow, mid and deepwater areas, and in benign and harsh environments. It serves oil and gas exploration and production companies, including integrated oil companies, independent oil and gas producers, and government-owned oil and gas companies. Seadrill Limited was founded in 1972 and is based in Hamilton, Bermuda.

I am not going to even consider it!

These folks are nuts! I'll stay in my warm home looking across the lake at them. If I try it they will be carrying me out of the water with cardiac arrest.
This year they will have to break the ice out in the plunge location. I'll let the young people enjoy this one. Maybe thirty years ago.........maybe.

Ken

The Witt Trail....a winter walk

The Day after Christmas I decided it was time to take a walk on the Witt Trail to see what it is like in winter. I was not disappointed. Take Candlewick Drive below the dam and across from Oak Tree Park you will see the new sign Jim Brefeld made to mark the trail. The picture below shows one of the benches Jim made also.

I was surprised when I arrived to see two cars already there. Rich Witt was cross country skiing on the trail and a family was there with their dog enjoying the walk as well. It is nice to see the usage it is getting.

The view above is the same area I posted a picture of earlier in the year. It is just as wild and beautiful in winter. The trail is surrounded by deer, squirrel, and rabbit tracks. Deer are actually eating some of the mulch!

A picture really doesn't do justice to the scene with the snow layering the bushes and branches. To get the full affect you will need to walk the trail right after a snow. It will be worth your while, and be sure to bring a camera.
Ken

Recognize anyone?

Guns and violence, where lies the blame?

Some of my best memories are hunting with my Dad when I was a kid. He taught me to respect a gun and how to use one. I was given my first rifle at the age of 12. In the rural community where we lived guns were a part of life but crime with guns just didn't happen. It was the culture. Not once in my life have I considered committing a crime with a gun, much less killing innocents.
During my high school years the school actually had a shooting range in the basement where one could earn medals for marksmanship. Once we were taken to Fort Sheridan in Chicago where we shot 30 caliber M-1 rifles on the range. I know of none of us who turned into killers.
My three sons were brought up hunting and knowing how to use guns as well as the necessary respect for the same. Now all my grandsons hunt. Do I worry about them committing crimes with guns? Not for a second. I worry about hunting accidents but never about purposeful wrongful use.
No, I am not for extreme gun control. We need the ability to protect ourselves from those bent on committing crime as well as for hunting and sport shooting. One area I will admit I think needs to be handled is the possession and sale of assault weapons. I have never heard anyone give a logical reason why citizens need military weapons and high capacity clips and magazines. My feeling is ban them altogether. They are needed in society about as much as one needs to drive a 1000 horsepower dragster on the streets of Rockford. Either a car or truck is just fine for that need.
We have all heard the saying “guns don't kill people, people kill people” and that is true. No matter what legislative action is taken there will always be those bent on not only the kill but the publicity given them after the act. I say pass a law making it illegal to publicize the name or the picture of any person perpetrating a mass killing such as just happened in Newtown. Refer to them in print as “the mentally disturbed individual” or some other description demeaning them, not giving them the recognition so many of them crave. Of course this will not happen. The media loves blood and guts and will continue to work the story for weeks citing freedom of the press and right to know. Sad.
Ken Dillenburg

From the heart

 I sincerely hope all of you have a wonderful peaceful Christmas with your families. This is the time of year to put aside differences and feel the warmth of relationships that make life worth living.    Ken

A picture worth a thousand words

The Alpha and Omega we must remember today

Public Safety Weekly report

Important Candlewick Lake Information

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

 

WEEKLY REPORT

Week ending 12/23/2012

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Seminole for an unknown medical problem.  The subject was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Minarette for a subject who had fallen and could not get up.  Public Safety officers assisted the subject and cleared from the residence.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Pembroke for a subject having chest pains and trouble breathing.  The subject refused transport for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 400 block of Lamplighter for a subject having difficulty breathing.  The subject was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 400 block of Lamplighter for a subject having difficulty breathing.  This subject as well was transported for treatment.

Traffic Crashes

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Marquette for a two vehicle traffic crash.  Public Safety assisted until the Sheriff’s Department arrived.

Public Safety responded to the West gate and Caledonia for a vehicle vs fence traffic crash.  Public Safety assisted until the Sheriff’s Department arrived.

Public Safety responded to multiple vehicles in ditches during the snow storm.

Citations issued 12

Warnings Issued 9

Public Safety wishes everyone a SAFE and happy holiday season.

 

 

We thank you for taking the time to read these important updates.

Being informed is half the battle.  

Be glad your aren't a kid in Germany

 This is not a joke. Krampus is the opposite of Santa Claus. He is the one that comes to punish bad kids on Christmas. The link below is to the parade in Austria or Germany. I am of German descent so it is no wonder  I have nightmares!   Click on the link below.
Ken

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlucIywRBN0

Merry Christmas

Please take the time this Christmas to click on the link and listen to the very appropriate song for this season.......and all year for that matter!   Ken
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=OExXItDyWEY&vq=medium

Ah yes, finally!!!

I don't think Chuck Hart would mind me stealing this snip from his Facebook post. All the ice fishermen (and women) are starting to feel that tingle. Nothing like fresh firm fish fillets when caught through the ice.
Ken

It just doesn't seem to sink in

When someone threatens to sue what is the first thing any competent attorney would tell you? Do not discuss any part of the disagreement with the complainant or outside parties. So what happens?

One of the naysayers decided he should come to the mic during the public forum segment of the last board meeting and try to talk about just that. As I told him, he will receive no response and he should speak with his attorney about any such issues.

In this type situation the lines are drawn. The board will protect the association from any such threat and part of that is through no communication on any related subject. That is our responsibility. I can in no way speak for the board as a whole but it is only common sense. Case closed.
Remember this, every time someone threatens to sue it is our responsibility to refer such a matter to our (your) attorney. That means we are spending your dues money on attorney fees. You decide how you feel about it.

Ken Dillenburg

What to do with interest rates at almost nothing?

I want to start by saying I am far from a financial adviser but if anyone is interested I may occasionally post ideas for consideration during this time of ultra low interest rates. These thoughts are simply things to bounce off your personal adviser, no more.
LNCO is the corporate arm of LINN Energy LP. Limited partnerships produce what is called a K-1 for tax reporting and it is a nightmare. LINN has brought forth a management arm that only sends a 1099 at year end so it is not complicated to report.
With it's current price per share (PPS) it yields around 7.7% paid quarterly. Linn is a strong company as you will see from the following description. Any stock can lose money so know that going in. This is simply one I like at this time. KMI is another one with promise and the same 1099 tax reporting but I like LNCO better currently.
Remember, LNCO is the right symbol. LINE will put you in the MLP category.
Good hunting.......Ken



Thanks to the steadfast commitment of our employees, LINN Energy has grown from a handful of natural gas wells in 2003 to a top-15 independent U.S. E&P company with approximately 5.1 Tcfe of proved reserves (pro forma for acquisitions announced in 2012) in producing U.S. basins as of Dec. 31, 2011.

LINN became the first publicly traded independent oil and natural gas limited liability company (LLC) in January 2006. Since then, the company has consistently paid a quarterly distribution to its unitholders and delivered its 23rd consecutive quarterly distribution in 2011.

LINN now has approximately 1,000 employees spread across more than two dozen locations in the United States. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company’s core focus areas are the Mid-Continent, Permian Basin, Hugoton Basin, Rockies, Michigan and California.

Here is a link to their website for more info.

http://www.linnenergy.com/aboutLINN/index.htm

You folks are too smart

or you have darn good memories. The Saint Ives question was an old one and I am getting buried in correct responses. My next one will not be so old. Then we'll see!!!!     Ken

Just for the heck of it a brain teaser

I will post the correct answer tomorrow.  Ken

As I was going to St Ives

I met a man with seven wives

Every wife had seven sacks

Every sack had seven cats

Every cat had seven kits

Kits, cats, sacks, wives.

How many were going to St Ives?

Tuesday evening Board of Directors Meeting (excuse the layout. It gave me problems)

Rich Witt

The meeting had sparse attendance of 18, probably due to the non-controversial agenda and lousy weather.
 Rich Witt began the meeting with his report on the progress on the trails. A lot of the trails are now mulched and there are two anchored benches built by Jim Brefeld installed on the main trail across from Oak Tree Park. Usage is picking up. The work

Tony Corso

continues to completion. He also was granted permission to cut a path toward the back of the community to allow for easier inspection of the "black
pipe" that has been a source of continuing drainage problems. This was of course granted.
Tony Corso mentioned some of the smaller patched areas that were done when Rabine handled the road project are sinking. He will send the

Staff in attendance

information so they can be checked. He also again questioned the new garbage service not staying on the roads and harming the shoulders. That
problem is being handled.
Joe Glickenberger asked for a variance to be allowed to keep up a temporary structure used to repair batting machines for baseball teams he coaches. The request was tabled.
 Jeff Lutzow reported we are still

Your board of directors

coming in under budget by about $67,000 with a total of $3,601,396 in all accounts including the reserve and operating funds.
Roland, our Public Safety Chief, asked for permission to use our multi purpose room for a meeting of the local emergency preparedness committee of Boone County on April 16. Granted.
Don Parisi reported on the ECC meetings, which were minimal recently due to the time of year &

Joe Glickenberg

on the well testing he would like to have accomplished to verify water availability and quality if we were to use our pump by the golf course to
 replentish the lake during dry spells. A motion was made to spend no more than $2,000 to make the necessary tests and feasibility study. Passed.
Our G.M. Tracy in preparing bids for the upcoming alum treatment has found a firm

willing to assess our lake
bottom  at no cost to see how much alum is needed, thus aiding the bidding process.
Karl Steiskal reported the 3 on 3 basketball has started and there is good participation. Programs are going well. Night Zumba starts January 21st so sign up soon. The Breakfast with Santa had attendance of 213, which is huge!
Chuck Corso reported the golf commission had five new recommendations for the board this year. All passed muster.
Jeff Lutzow reported we are writing off $5,349.07 in bad debt mostly due to foreclosures and banks only being required to pay partials. Also refunded was $420.30 in rental fees due to a purchase of one rental home sold and another vacant.
A resolution was read and a 6-1 yes vote was recorded to vote the 11 associations owned lots as yes for the CC&R restatement election.
Our next town hall meeting is to be held January 19 (Saturday) at 2 p.m. in the multipurpose room at the rec center.
The meeting was adjourned and reconvened for a short executive session.
As always these are simply notes for the meeting and not actual minutes. Watch the Candlewick Paper for official minutes.
Thank you Barb Appelhans for the meeting pictures.  Ken Dillenburg

Candlewick's new 2013/2014 budgeting song

Sung to “It's the most wonderful time of the year”

It's the most wonderful time of the year

There'll be lots of teeth gnashing

and fists will be smashing

and buckets of tears

It's the most wonderful time of the year

It's the most wonderful time of the year

Departments all need cash

And we're in a mad dash

controlling our fear

It's the most wonderful time of the year

It's the most wonderful time of the year

The budget must be done

We're now under the gun

That's now very clear

It's the most wonderful time of the year

It's the most wonderful time of the year

The finance commission

Is on their big mission

The money to steer

It's the most wonderful time of the year

It's the most wonderful time of the year

Now this isn't funny

All sections need money

We all feel the fear

It's the most wonderful time of the year

It's the most wonderful time of the year

It's all gonna' get done

But it sure isn't much fun

Hold on to good cheer

When it's done that will be it 'till next year

It's the most wonderful time of the year

Merry Christmas to all of you!

Ken

Notes will be coming

I intend to have my notes from the board meeting posted here by Wednesday morning but from the agenda I don't expect it to be much. Should be a pretty quick, clean meeting.   Ken

Weekly Public Safety Report

Important Candlewick Lake Information

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

 

WEEKLY REPORT

Week ending 12/16/2012

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to the 200 block of Thornhill for a child having a seizure.  The child was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Brandywine for a subject suffering from chest pains.  The subject was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Tamarack for a subject with high blood pressure.  The subject was transported for treatment.

Damage to Property

Public Safety responded to 100 block of New Brunswick for subjects who had broken into a residence.  The subjects were located and the subjects were taken into custody by the Sheriff’s Department and charged appropriately.

Public Safety responded to damage to Candlewick Property off Caledonia Rd.  The damage was repaired and a report is on file.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Staffordshire for a report of graffiti on vacant houses.  The matter is under investigation and the graffiti was removed.

Public safety responded to the 600 block of Candlewick Dr. for a report of damaged mailboxes.  The matter is under investigation.

Disorderly Conduct

Public Safety responded to the 400 of Pembroke for a report of loud music.  The subjects were advised to turn down the music and they complied. 

Traffic Related

Public Safety responded to the intersection of Ambrose and Candlewick Dr. for a report of a vehicle in the ditch.  The vehicle was subsequently removed.

Citations Issued 15

Warnings issued 9

 

Thank you IRS

 With Mom's situation changing I have some questions regarding deductiblity of certain expenses when I prepare her taxes this coming year. First I called the IRS, waited 20 minutes, then gave up. Next I went online to find information from IRS publications. They are impossible to follow for anyone other than CPAs. Next I followed a link on the IRS site to find an office of IRS certified people who can answer questions for seniors. I have posted the results of the search below. Why am I not shocked? 
Ken

Your Sunday smile

A funeral service is being held in a chuch for a woman who has just passed away. At the end of the service, the pallbearers carrying the casket accidentally bump into a wall jarring the casket. They hear a faint moan. They open the casket and find that the women is actually alive. She lives for 10 more years and then dies. A ceremony is again held at the same church and at the end the pallbearers are again carrying the casket out. As they are walking, the husband calls out, "Watch out for the wall!"

I know I keep pounding this issue, but.........

CHICAGO (CBS) — Illinois’ financial condition is taking another hit.

Moody’s Investor Services has downgraded the state’s credit outlook from stable to negative.

Illinois is behind everybody, even California.

“It’s important for the legislature to understand that until we address the pension reform challenge, we will continue to have problems with our bond rating,” said Gov. Pat Quinn.

He added that will make it difficult to borrow money to build roads and public buildings.

State Treasurer Dan Rutherford is not overly concerned about a pension solution winding up in court.

“If the reason we are having inaction is because we’re constipated because of fear of a legal challenge going to the Supremes, my attitude is: go for it. Put the best legal minds to it, figure out the best position for choice that we believe can pass constitutional muster, and put it out there,” said Rutherford.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

  The Neighbors Helping Neighbors drive went great, as did last year's. This is becoming an annual event where some of those right here in Candlewick who are suffering some setbacks are being provided with presents as well as a great Christmas meal through the generosity of other Candlewick residents.

  Our residents are truly caring people who believe all families deserve a  blessed and happy Christmas and are determined to make sure it happens. This is a wonderful thing.

  I believe I was told there were 17 families who were given food and gifts for the kids this year. Quite an accomplishment!

 These are a few of the volunteers who made this happen. I want to know what is in Karl's cup that seems to be making him so smiley!

  Look at the assembly line setting up the boxes to deliver.

As is normally the case, Barb Appelhans supplied the great pictures for this story, including the one to the left. She said Officer Tom Dawson chased her home after taking the pictures. Thank you Barb. Your pictures make the story come alive.
 As a related story, Friday when on my way to walkers Officer Tom was standing at the top of the hill by the dam on Candlewick Drive in the middle of the street. I stopped, rolled down my window, and asked him if he was having a tough day. Tom walked over to the car, stood up tall, and made some noises like you normally hear a chicken make. He was so close I could have reached out the window and touched him. He truly is like a community pet, adopted by our P.O.s. I get a real kick out of him.  Ken

Road drainage, my Saturday ride

 Since being on the Roads Commission I have of course been paying a lot more attention to roads, not just here but in general as I drive. Randy Budreau and Norm Pierce, who have a lot of experience in the field, kept pounding the fact that drainage and water issues in general are a big factor in deterioration. For me this road project was and is a learning process as we move forward. Drainage last year should have been handled prior to the longer paving runs rather than after. Some of the shouldering is still not complete.
 Something else has really been noticeable. We will never completely win this shoulder drainage issue. Even where the shouldering is complete with new gravel all it takes is one car driving with wheels on the gravel edge and we have an indentation next to the road. Water puddles in the indentation and sits there, slowly sinking in to undermine the base. This happens everywhere, not just here. Take a look on any rainy day (like Saturday was) and you will see this on county road shoulders that have just been reshaped as well as here. This is an ongoing battle we will continue to wage to the best of our ability but we will never stop puddling, only control it to a degree. Our commission will again meet in February or March to make plans for next year's work. There are some good experienced guys on that commission and you can bet they will do their best for you. Hopefully I will also learn from them as I have tried to do in the past year.
Ken Dillenburg