A Sunday thought from Peg Domingo

(notice the two sheltered baby birds)

Reminds me of Psalm 91:4,

He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with

his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

There is absolutely nothing to fear about tomorrow;
For God is already there..

Giving back

What better post than a group of young ladies spending their time helping others. This was at Jefferson High School in Rockford where they were helping spruce up the place. Very proud of you April.

Grandpa

Thanks to Bonnie Marron for this submission

In a recent study conducted by my colleagues at the Illinois Policy Institute, salaries for a variety of state jobs were compared with those in the private sector.

On average, people holding blue-collar jobs are paid far more working for the state of Illinois than they would if they were working for a private business doing the same job.

Putting it bluntly – going to work for the state can be a pretty good deal, particularly if you don’t have a lot of education. 

Just consider:

• The average salary for a state-employed janitor is $49,771, compared with the private sector state average of $26,290.
• The average salary of a state-employed barber is $73,123, compared with the private sector state average of $35,340.
• The average salary for a state-employed cook is $51,224, compared with a private sector state average of $24,670.

It’s the same story with a host of other jobs. Welders make an average of $37,820 in the private sector, compared with $49,771 working for state government. Painters make $50,830 in the private sector but collect an average of $67,700 working for the state.

And it’s those private sector employees who are paying taxes to support state workers in a lifestyle grander than they will likely achieve themselves. 

That’s not right, said Carl Joe Tomizoli, a janitor working in a private building only a block away from the Illinois Capitol.

“Maybe those janitors working for the state should make $30,000 – with benefits. But there is no way they are worth $49,000,” he said.  

Tomizolli said his private sector job requires him to do much more than his counterparts with the state. He said he is paid $11 per hour and receives no benefits. 

“You do what you have to do to support your family,” said Tomizoli, 45, who has done custodial work for 15 years in addition to holding a variety of odd jobs.

By the way, these aforementioned salary comparisons don’t count retirement benefits. 

State workers get pensions in retirement that not only guarantee a certain income, but also are enhanced with annual cost-of-living adjustments. (That’s one of the main reason the state is in dire financial straits.)

On the other hand, 80 percent of private sector employees have defined contribution plans, such as IRAs and 401(k)s, where there are no guarantees of a particular payouts.

And you guessed it – it is those private sector employees who are paying taxes to support the retirements of state workers. 

The state has divorced itself from economic realities. 

Know a business that gives out raises to most of its employees while it’s teetering on insolvency?

Me neither.

But that’s what the state of Illinois is doing – with our money. 

 It’s time for state leadership to wake up and smell economic reality. 

Scott Reeder
Veteran Statehouse Reporter and Journalist in Residence
Illinois Policy Institute
sreeder@illinoispolicy.org

Good news

Looking out this morning I can see the lake is starting to recede. It appears the spillway is catching up so without more rain the worst is over.   Ken

Caledonia Road Clean-up

It was scheduled for this Saturday but it is now postponed due to weeds and water conditions in the ditches. A new date will be announced.  Ken

A great lesson learned

Probably one of the best pieces of advice I have ever been given was in an indirect way. While Fran and I were dating almost fifty years ago I was at her parent's home. We were talking with her sister about something and her sister said "Do you know you don't look at people when you talk to them?"

I didn't respond but it hit me like a sledge hammer. I had not realized I had developed the habit of avoiding eye contact when speaking and did not realize it. She didn't know how important that comment was but to this day it has made a difference since that day.

Not looking people in the eye shows the possibility of deceit as well as lack of confidence, neither of which is a good thing whether in private life or the business world. She was probably responsible for many good things that have happened in my life.

I will have to thank her almost fifty years later. Possibly she will help others through this post.

Ken

And here is what is waiting in the wings!

Thanks to Jim Brefeld for the picture he took Wednesday afternoon of what is waiting to get into our lake from the other side of Caledonia Road. This is really going to get ugly. The lake just keeps rising!
This picture is taken from our west gate across Caledonia Road.
Ken

It's a done deal!

NO-WAKE IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL OUR LAKE REACHES MANAGEABLE LEVELS.

This should stop some of the further damage. Part of Savannah Oaks is now flooded from the retention pond. Maintenance is working hard to do what they can.
Ken

Here is the mess we are in

 This is the retention pond by
Savannah Oaks that is supposed to hold the incoming water for the sediment to settle out. It is now a waterfall.

 This is a view from the other side of the road by Savannah Oaks. See how close the tubes are to being over capacity? Where does the water go then?  Washing over and under the road or onto land?

 Another view of the tubes by Fisherman's Cove.

I also noticed the manhole cover is blown off below the dam and water is pouring out.

Some piers are now going below the water surface which means boats can now go up on top of the piers or move piers since there is nothing for them to bump against.

These are the tubes by "the dip." They are even worse than Fisherman's Cove. The water is just roaring.

 Another view of the water coming over the retention pond at Savannah Oaks.

More from "the dip."

So what can we do? For one thing institute a no-wake until the lake drops a foot or so. That shouldn't take more than a few days and it will save shoreline and pier damage from waves.

Maintenance is out trying to clear any blocked ditches. Other than that all we can do is pray for no more rain. Even with no more rain the lake will continue to rise a few inches I would guess from the run-off.

Ken

Please report this

If you see AQUA pumping from their system into any ditch that leads to our lake or directly into the lake please call the office so this can be documented.
815-765-2827
Thank you, Ken

This is something we really didn't need

Have you looked at the water pouring into our lake from the watershed recently? As you know, most of our watershed is farmland that contains plenty of loose soil and fertilizer. We just spent a lot of your dues money on the alum treatment and it worked, but the nutrients and sediment will absolutely shorten the life of the fix. When the inflow overruns our retention pond as it has done a couple times recently it looks like chocolate milk. We can't catch a break with the drought and now this. Frustrating!
Ken

Thoughts on concealed carry

 Illinois has been ordered by the courts to allow concealed carry in Illinois. Our state has already asked for two extensions and they have been granted. Our government is making it as difficult as possible for law abiding citizens to protect themselves.
 Did you know Illinois is the only state that does not allow concealed carry? Did you know Illinois is the only state in the nation that has FOID cards? (firearm owners identification cards) Did you know Chicago is like the wild west with extremely strict gun laws? (I know you did)
  Consider this, if your spouse has a FOID card and has a gun in your home, if he or she were to die you would automatically become a felon if for some reason the police saw it. If you are a felon you will never be allowed to own a gun legally and can face prison time.
  Many public places like parks will off limits for concealed carry as the bill stands. In other words, where do you think those wishing to do harm will prey on people. Why not go for the easy pickins'? The bad guys will know where honest folks are and they don't worry about FOID cards or any of the paperwork. Buy a gun on the street and you are in business.
  The state police are currently about six months behind in issuing FOID cards. They are receiving 40,000 FOID  applications per month. If the bill is signed soon it may go into effect in December if things go well. You will need I believe 16 hours of training even if you have owned a gun for years. If you are retired police or military you will still need eight hours of training. How ridiculous can this get?
  Our governor Quinn said he doesn't want to see people shot in arguments over grocery carts. Come on, governor, this has happened nowhere else in the country. Are Illinois residents that much crazier than the rest of the country? Sign the darn thing and let the amendments start to fix it.
  Disagree? Drop me an email and I will publish it.
Ken

Wonder why Illinois is broke?

Look at the column on the right and see the % making over $100,000 per year. Does this not bother you? Illinois can't even pay it's bills and this is the pay scale?  Ken

Public Safety weekly report

Important Candlewick Lake Information

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 6/23/2013

Rescue Calls

Public safety responded to the 300 block of Kingsbury for a report of a subject having a possible stroke.  The subject was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 200 block of Liverpool for a report of a subject having trouble breathing.  The Subject was transported for treatment.

Neighbor Disputes

Public Safety responded to the 200 block of Briar Cliff for a report of a neighbor dispute. A resident was concerned about speeding vehicles that turned into a neighbor dispute. Both parties were warned of their actions.

Public Safety responded to the 400 block of Pembroke for a report of a dispute over bushes being trimmed from a property line.  A party was issued a warning for their actions.

Public Safety responded to a report of a landlord tenant dispute.  Public Safety responded and resolved the issue.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Candlewick for a report of a woman yelling obscenities.  The subject was issued a warning for her actions.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Brandywine for a report of a dog being beaten.  The beating was denied, the dog was fine and Public Safety determined the call was unfounded.

Suspicious Person

Public Safety responded to a report of a subject lying on the ground outside Candlewick’s fence line.  The subject was determined to be intoxicated and the subject was provided assistance.

Damaged Property

Public Safety responded to the 400 block of Staffordshire for a report of a vehicle with windows broken out.  The matter is under investigation and an extra patrol was provided.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Queens Place for a report of window that was shot out with a bb gun.  Extra patrol was provided and no suspects were located.

Domestic Disputes

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Cornwall for a report of a domestic dispute.  A subject was taken into custody by the Boone County Sheriff’s Office.

Residential Burglary

Public Safety responded to a report of several subjects possibly fighting in the 100 block of London.  Upon arrival the subjects dispersed.  A few days later the homeowner reported several items were taken from his residence.  The matter is under investigation by the Boone County Sheriff’s Office.

Citations Issued 12

Warnings Issued 13

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

Being informed is half the battle.  

See anything wrong with this?

(CNSNews.com) - The Internal Revenue Service sent 23,994 tax refunds worth a combined $46,378,040 to “unauthorized” alien workers who all used the same address in Atlanta, Ga., in 2011, according to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).

That was not the only Atlanta address theoretically used by thousands of “unauthorized” alien workers receiving millions in federal tax refunds in 2011. In fact, according to a TIGTA audit report published last year, four of the top ten addresses to which the IRS sent thousands of tax refunds to “unauthorized” aliens were in Atlanta.

Catch & release Bass tournament

Nick Solmo had to pull his and Terry Kenney's boat in because of a dead battery.

John Demay and his 4.59 lb. big Bass

Jim Sheffries 3.69 Bass

Chuck Hart and Trevor Mowers would have won the tournament with 13.38 lb. of fish but were disqualified for coming in past the deadline due to battery problems .

Darrel Durado and John Demay won 1st with 12.49 lb. of fish

George Eby and Brad Betke took 2nd. with 12.12 of fish

John Demay won Big Bass with a 4.59 beauty.

As always a big thanks to Barb Appelhans for the pictures and descriptions.

A nice Candlewick bass

Gwen Schaefer of Candlewick lake caught and released a 14 inch 1&1/2 pound Bass June 22nd.

Barb Appelhans photo

Let's get them out of here!

Another species is showing up in our lake and it can be a serious problem if left unchecked. These were probably released by some unsuspecting property owner that doesn't know the possible damage. Several have now been sighted. See information below. They look like large goldfish but they are KOI Carp and we do not want them here!  They will grow huge like the Triploid Carp we are trying to get rid of currently.  Ken

What damage do they do?

When they feed they stir up the bottom of ponds, lakes and rivers, muddying the water and destroying native plant and fish habitat. Koi carp are opportunistic omnivores, which means they eat a wide range of food, including insects, fish eggs, juvenile fish of other species and a diverse range of plants and other organic matter.

They feed like a vacuum cleaner, sucking up everything and blowing out what isn’t wanted. Aquatic plants are dislodged in the process and are unlikely to re-establish. Koi carp cause habitat loss for plants, native fish, invertebrates and waterfowl.

if you missed the e-blast. Time is getting close!

FIREWORKS FUND CONTINUES TO GROW!

As of June 20th ­ a total of $2,385.00 has been donated toward the CWL 4^th of July Fireworks display.  That is a $955.00 increase since the June 12^thupdate. There is less than a week to go until the deadline and $1,107.00 still needs to be donated if we want to match last years’ total of $3,402.00.

EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS!

Donations need to be received no later than June 26, 2013 and forms are available at both the Administration Office and the Recreation Center. Checks should be made payable to the Candlewick Lake Association. Should you wish to mail in your donation, please send it to the Candlewick Lake Association office at 13400 Hwy. 76, Poplar Grove, IL 61065-8814.

Names as indicated on the form, but not dollar amounts, of all those who donated will be displayed on a board in the Recreation Center.

Please note that all Events Commission sponsored CWL Independence festivities are scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 6, 2013.

Thank you for your support of your community and the Events Committee!

I am really leaning this way

Anyone using the lake in the last couple weeks can see the great effect of the alum treatment. The water looks clean enough to drink. I can walk to the end of our pier on a sunny day and see the bottom of the posts in the water. Fish can be seen swimming in schools. It is beautiful.
For some time I have wondered if an alum treatment should be worked into our reserve study as an ongoing reserve budget item. We currently are working on remediation efforts in our watershed to improve the quality of the water entering our lake but I have to tell you this is one rough row to hoe. At best in my opinion we will be able to slow the influx of nutrients but we will  never make this lake as pristine on a long term basis as the northern sand bottom lakes.
Look at it this way, if we budgeted $300,000 for an alum treatment in seven years it would be almost $43,000 per year. Divide that by 2400 lots and it is less than $18.00 per year per lot. That does not mean a dues increase for this. It is strictly a budgeted expense. Budgeted reserve expenses do not have to be spent but they are accounted for in planning. Our early roads budget was projected at over a million per year and we are not spending it, not even close to that number, but it was budgeted in case we needed it. These things can be done.
Yes, dues allocations can be changed as we did this year to accommodate a larger expenditure in operating for the alum treatment since it was not budgeted in reserves but why not have it where it belongs? Let's do this right. I will be bringing this up during the budgeting process or earlier. Possibly with watershed remediation we may not need another treatment for twelve years and that is fine but I am pretty sure the day will come and I want us ready. My opinion only.
Ken

Something is fishy here....

 First thing Saturday is the catch & release Bass tournament starting at the rec center at 6:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. This is always a well attended event and it is good to see all the lunkers pulled out of our lake.

Next comes the movie "JAWS." The plan is to show it outside so you can bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy it with the family. If it rains the movie will be shown inside so it is a go regardless. The fun starts at 6 p.m. Enjoy this family night.

Ken

Something to see June 23

Bass Tournament

Chuck Hart

Come join the fun this Saturday morning at the 24th annual Candlewick Lake bass tournament. If you have not registered yet, you may do so at 6 am behind the clubhouse restaurant. $80 per boat and optional $20 big bass pot. Please pay in $20 bills. Rules will be read at 6:15 and we will have a shotgun start at 6:30. Weigh in will be at 1pm behind the restaurant. Any further information feel free to contact me Chuck Hart @ 815-520-1796.

Enjoy it free!

I was told the flag didn't appear

Rich Witt submitted a post with a beautiful flag constructed of flowers in his patriotic post. I am told some couldn't see the flag. I am posting the flag using a different method below hoping all can now see the flag referred to. Hard to believe it is all flowers.   Ken

THE ONLY FLAG THAT DOESN'T FLY

Between the fields where the flag is planted, there are 9+ miles of flower fields

that go all the way to the ocean. The flowers are grown by seed companies.

It's a beautiful place, close to Vandenberg AFB.

Check out the dimensions of the flag. The Floral
Flag is 740 feet long and 390 feet wide and
maintains the proper Flag dimensions, as
described in Executive Order #10834. This Flag
is 6.65 acres and is the first Floral Flag to
be planted with 5 pointed Stars, comprised of White
Larkspur. Each Star is 24 feet in diameter;

each Stripe is 30 feet wide.

This Flag is estimated to contain more than
400,000 Larkspur plants, with 4-5 flower stems
each, for a total of more than 2 million
flowers. For our soldiers....

Board meeting notes of June 18, 2013

The board is writing off $6,346.29 due for the most part to chapter 7 filings.

Other than the normal ECC actions the question of why a P.O. Is not allowed to have two piers for pontoon control in windy and wavy areas and a seawall. A seawall causes erosion as well as increased lake turbidity and will not be allowed. The question of double piers was sent to lake Management and Public Safety for consideration. Both commissions sent it back to ECC with the recommendation it be considered on a case by case basis taking into account extenuating circumstances in the decisions.

Lake management reported the Alum treatment is finished and went according to plan. The preliminary work for the grant is continuing and volunteers and meeting attendance is needed in order to have the volunteer hours necessary to offset a lot of our contribution cost for the grant. It was also recommended we purchase another strobe light to keep geese away from the 600 new plantings in Firefly Bay. The geese are eating the plants. At a cost of about $450.00 the board voted to buy the necessary equipment.

Then Rec Commission is following through checking locations for the dog park if it comes to fruition. Bocci Ball courts are in progress, lifeguards are being instructed to strictly enforce the new rules so all can enjoy the pool, swimming lessons will start in July, lap swimming will be permitted Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7 to 8, and a new projecter is needed to show movies. The cost of the projecter is about $1,300. The board voted to make the purchase.

The Golf Commission reported the course will be opening at 7 on weekends and holidays and stay with the normal opening time of 8 during the week starting June 29th.

Public Safety reported the portable speed humps have been ordered to aid in speed control of vehicles in Candlewick.

A survey of Savannah Oaks Gold Course was completed and the result was very good. Our course in in excellent shape this year compared with most in the area.

The next Cledonia Road clean-up is scheduled for June 29^th at 9 a.m. As always any help is appreciated. We meet at the west gate to start the clean-up.

Our next Town Hall meeting is scheduled for July 25^th (a Saturday) for the board to hear property owner input. It will be at the rec center.

This year's budget included replacement of a skid-steer loader. One is being purchased in the amount of $30,572.75. This unit will be used for shoulder shaping as the roads program progresses as well as normal uses.

An electronic message board was budgeted this year for the West gate. It will tie into messages used at the front gate and be of the same design as the one purchased in 2010. The cost is $8,270.00

The Roads Commission was terminated as I discussed here yesterday. The roads program will continue as a maintenance continuting project.

Remember, these are strictly my notes and not official minutes.

Ken

Here's the skinny on the roads commission

  I would guess it was March when I spoke with our
G.M about this year's roads program. My thought at the time was to simply continue the project as an ongoing maintenance item since the groundwork was laid. A couple weeks later I rethought the issue and decided it would be better to have a standing commission to handle it. My first thought was right.
  Few people want to be involved in the roads commission and I understand that. I don't enjoy it either. It was very difficult to find P.O.s willing to participate and after the exit of one of the existing members it seems appropriate to go with my first inclination. With the consent of the board we will not have the commission going forward.
  Last year was a learning experience for many of us and I would give the project about a C grade, some good and some could have gone smoother. This year our maintenance manager has a year of experience under his belt and our maintenance supervisor has a lot of road experience. I am happy to say they have taken a lot of the load already.
  The board will still have involvement with one or more of us having input. Norm Pierce, who is really sharp in this area, is always willing to help and have input as well. We also have a project manager this year as an outside service, which we did not last year. Things should go well and Rabine is taking care of the questionable areas from last year as I reported here earlier.
Ken

Kid's Father's Day fishing tournament... pics by Barb Appelhans

John Kloeckner 1st age 3-6

Aiden Eby 1st age 7-9 with Dad George

Abby Ryniec 3rd

Camden Johnson 1st age 14-16 with Dad Steve

Jessica Leavings 2nd

Gwen Schaefer 3rd with Grandpa George

Most unusual catch Andy Olsen (Bull head fish) Dylan Prete (a baseball cap) Brodie Stout (a 15 foot tree limb)

Conner Branscum 2nd

Jasmine 3rd.

Grace Bethke 2nd

Sean Ryniec 3rd

Josie Johnson 1st age 10-13 with Dad Steve

Brett Gunn 2nd

A submission from Rich Witt

THE ONLY FLAG THAT DOESN'T FLY

Between the fields where the flag is planted, there are 9+ miles of flower fields

that go all the way to the ocean. The flowers are grown by seed companies.

It's a beautiful place, close to Vandenberg AFB.

Check out the dimensions of the flag. The Floral
Flag is 740 feet long and 390 feet wide and
maintains the proper Flag dimensions, as
described in Executive Order #10834. This Flag
is 6.65 acres and is the first Floral Flag to
be planted with 5 pointed Stars, comprised of White
Larkspur. Each Star is 24 feet in diameter;

each Stripe is 30 feet wide.

This Flag is estimated to contain more than
400,000 Larkspur plants, with 4-5 flower stems
each, for a total of more than 2 million
flowers. For our soldiers....

When you receive this, please stop for a moment and 
say a prayer for our servicemen.

Weekly Public Safety report

Important Candlewick Lake Information

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 06/16/2013

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Redman for a report of a child with a severe fever.  The child was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 2500 block of Candlewick Dr. for a report of a subject having severe pain on his right side.  The subject was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Marquette for a report of a subject no feeling well.  The subject was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Lamplighter loop for a report of an infant with trouble breathing and experiencing seizures.  The infant was transported for treatment.

Domestic Disputes

Public Safety responded to the 500 block of Pembroke for a report of a domestic dispute.  Upon arrival, it was determined that the parties involved had left.

Disorderly Conduct

Public Safety responded to the Recreation Center for a report of an intoxicated subject using profanities and threatening a Public Safety Officer.  The Sheriff’s Department is investigating the matter criminally however the subject was identified and subsequently cited for disorderly conduct by Candlewick Lake.

Public Safety responded to the 1700 block of Candlewick Dr. for a report of a bottle with a cloth hanging out of it being thrown into the street.  The bottle was removed and a subject was cited.

Theft

Public Safety responded to the Recreation Center for a report of a theft of fishing equipment.  The matter is under investigation.

Juvenile Matters

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Galleon Run for a report of a small child found wandering around.  The child was returned home.

Damage to Property

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Hastings for a report of a house that had paintballs shot at it.

Public Safety responded to the 200 block of Briarcliff for a report of mailboxes being damaged.

Citations Issued 7

Warnings Issued 10

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

Being informed is half the battle.  

<Coming tomorrow... pics from the Father's Day kids fishing tournament>

The Eagle's Nest Father's Day brunch

Looks like a good turn-out

What a spread of delicious food!
Thank you Barb Appelhans for the pictures

I stopped to thank him

 I have noticed the guy wearing an orange shirt picking up litter from the road edges recently. I had no idea what was going on so I stopped today as I was driving by to thank him. His name is Don Tripicchio (I asked). He is retired now and takes morning walks. He was disturbed by the litter and decided to do something about it. He now takes a garbage bag with him on his walks and cleans as he goes.
 Don deserves thanks from all of us and is an great example of community spirit. I know others who have done the same. Rich Witt comes to mind as another who cleans roadsides and I know there are many more. 
 A public "THANK YOU", Don. You know the littering is a real sore point with me.
Ken

Think about this for a minute to get the point

Not sure I like the "grain of salt" part. <grin>  Ken

"A wise woman puts a grain of sugar into everything she says to a man, and takes a grain of salt with everything he says to her."


~Helen Rowland, English-American writer, 1876-1950

A Father's Wisdom

"I guide you
in the way of wisdom
and lead you along straight paths.
When you walk,
your steps will not be hampered;
when you run,
you will not stumble.
Hold on to instruction,
do not let it go;
guard it well,
for it is your life."
(Proverbs 4:11-13, NIV)