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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOrjcLJ2IE0

Another free movie!

Your weekly Public Safety report (pretty slow week!)

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 12/29/2014

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to four (4) medical calls this past week. All subjects were transported to the hospital.

Vandalism

Public Safety responded to a call of vandalism to CWL property.

Barking Dog/Loose Dog

Public Safety responded to four (4) calls involving dogs barking or running loose. Several of these dogs did not display identification tags. Please keep our pets under control and have them wear collars with ID tags if there is any chance they could get loose, your neighbors would appreciate it.

Walking on the Dam

Public Safety located several pedestrians walking and fishing on the Candlewick Lake Dam. Written warning notices were issued. Please stay off of the Dam.

Gate Closing

Public Safety wishes to inform you the South Gate is closed due to an equipment issue. We expect the South Gate to be repaired by next week.

Citations Issued: 7

Warnings Issued: 6

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our Candlewick Residents!

LET'S GET 'EM!

December 28th or is it March?

I looked out our front window Sunday and there were three guys fishing by the east end of the dam and open water almost to our frontage.

This is very unusual for this time of year.
Ken

A Sunday New Year's thought

Savannah Oaks Sunday

The Packers and Bears are both playing but not against each other. The Bears are out of it for the year but the Pack is in great shape so that should be a good game against their rivals for the Northern Division, the Lions at 3:25 P.M. Join your friends for the game.
Ken

Too good not to pass on. Poor Frosty!

We finally made it

File photo

Fran and I drove through the Sinnissippi lights display Friday evening and as any of you know that viewed Candlewick's display it truly was one of the best. A picture is not like seeing it in person. Again, congratulations to those who took the time to build this to promote the image of Candlewick. We were unique!
Ken

Christmas Eve, Great Grandma Fran and Elli (Great Granddaughter born in November)

I think Fran likes her! She's a keeper.

Nothing else needs to be said

And here is the confirmation

Don't hold your breath!

(file photo)

I have not yet been given the word but I will be more than a little surprised if the Saturday ice fishing tournament is held. The temperatures have been so warm and with the rain the lake is covered with water on top of the remaining ice. I will post it either way so you know but to me it doesn't look promising at this point. Possibly lots of disappointed ice fishermen Saturday.
Ken

Christmas Eve

So many blessings. April (Granddaughter) is back and our new Great Granddaughter will be with us along with Katie (Grandson's fiancee) and almost all the family. 

What a great day! I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas as I know we will.
Ken

Weekly Public Safety report

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 12/22/2014

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to three (3) medical calls this past week. All subjects were transported to the hospital.

Vandalism

Public Safety responded to two (2) calls of vandalism. The first for damage to Christmas decorations. The second for vandalism to CWL property.

Barking Dog/Loose Dog

Public Safety responded to six (6) calls involving dogs barking or running loose. Please keep your pets under control, your neighbors would appreciate it.

Disorderly Conduct

Public Safety Officers responded to a residence for a disorderly conduct call stemming from a domestic situation. The issue was resolved.

Animal Call

Public Safety needed to euthanize a raccoon with possible distemper when Animal Control did not respond to our request for assistance. Animal Control was already busy, the raccoon could not be allowed to run free in the Community.

Please do not ever approach a wild animal, even if it is in distress. Be observant when you are outside, and please seek assistance if you notice an animal acting funny. You should either call Public Safety or Boone County Animal Control.

Traffic

Public Safety responded to a report of a school bus which had driven into a ditch within our community. Upon our arrival, another school bus had come to take the children to school. There were no injuries.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all our Candlewick residents!

Citations Issued: 23

Warnings Issued: 16

You may like this!

 If you look to the right side of the blog you will see a new "Follow by email" tool. Enter your email address if you wish to be notified of new posts. Otherwise just check back as usual for anything new.
Ken

A Sunday contemplation

Taylor Caldwell
I am not alone at all, I thought. I was never alone at all. And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world seemingly most indifferent. For this is still the time God chooses.

Those blankety-blank geese!

 I walked out into our living room early Friday morning to see what had to be close to a thousand geese on our lake near the dam. Two years ago we had the same problem. The warmer winter allowed the area near the dam to stay open almost the entire winter. The geese are looking for a safe place to spend time with open water and this is heaven to them. Once again hundreds of pounds of feces (may as well say fertilizer) are being deposited into the clear waters of our lake. What to do? I don't have any idea but this is fighting everything we are trying to accomplish with the grant work and alum treatment. Frustrating to say the least!
Ken

There's a new Sheriff in town!

(file photo)

When Dave Earnst spoke at our board meeting I believe all of us felt a new day was dawning. He is a man who will tell it like it is and that is what is needed. I appreciate that candor.
 The Boone County Sheriff's Department is currently down by eight deputies from a normal force of forty. That is a twenty percent deficit in manpower patrolling our county. This is unacceptable and although Dave is currently saddled with the prior Sheriff's budget he plans to fight for more staffing next year to better cover his territory.
  Another thing that made me smile. I have made no secret of the fact to me it is ridiculous to have Sheriff's deputies standing at our front gate upon occasion checking those who stop there for seat belts. From now on that will not happen. Any seat belt checks will be at stop signs outside our gates where anyone could be driving through, not just Candlewick people. That was prejudicial in my opinion. Those days are over!
 He plans additional patrols in Candlewick at no cost to us. As he said, we pay the taxes and we deserve the coverage. He wants and expects calls from the residents regarding any suspicious activities or crime that are witnessed. He assured us there will be follow through. Dave is a strong advocate of community involvement in keeping our community safe.
 To put it simply, I was quite impressed with his presentation and openness. I expect the best cooperation between our Public Safety and the Sheriff's Department we have seen in years, if ever. 
Ken

A seasonal smile from Bonnie Marron

Our loss of the Eagle's Nest

I believe this is the fifth operator of the Cafe if we include the beginning when Candlewick tried to run it ourselves and lost our shirt in the process. A restaurant is a very tough business. Some of those we have leased to have been very experienced operators and none have been able to make a go of it.
Now the second guessing starts. She should have done this... she should have done that. Come on, it was her business and it was her right to run it as she pleased. Any of us who have owned businesses have had people explain what we are doing wrong constantly. I remember it well when this would happen to me. My business was doing fine but they were sure I was making mistakes. If it is so easy try running one yourself some time. As you can see, this is a sore point with me. Let someone come to your home and explain how you should be cleaning or tending your yard. Not pleasant.
Francine did everything she could think of to make it THE place to eat but the residents just do not seem to want to support a restaurant in Candlewick. Think of the money she spent on redecorating and signage alone. It certainly was not a personality problem. She and her family are very nice people. Fran and I ate there at times and I took my sons there a few times but not as much as we should have.
Some locations simply are not good for a business. Think of the Custard Cone across hiway 76. Fran and I went there at times for custard and it was always good plus the employees and owners were always friendly and anxious to please. After the first year or two I would guess they decided the custard wasn't going to be enough to sustain the business so they expanded their outside eating area and tried pushing their food harder. What happened? After another year or two they decided to close. I don't personally know those people but I am sure it was a real disappointment to them. One never knows why these things happen.
There are many reasons I have heard why the Eagle's Nest didn't pull the necessary traffic and many are probably valid. Often when going out to eat that is not your only stop so you are already on the road and eat elsewhere. It is a long walk from parking to the restaurant for a lot of seniors who eat out. If it is raining, snowy, cold, too hot, icy, you name it people do not want to walk that distance to get inside to eat. Some want more of a Culvers or McDonalds type restaurant. Some want more upscale food.
I am sure there are more reasons but for myself I am convinced Candlewick will not support an eating establishment when so many have failed while trying their best. I also am tired of seeing good people sign on the dotted line happily thinking this will be a real profit maker for them only to see the dream fade along with their bank accounts. 
Your board will have to make a decision of where to go next with this but for myself I think it is time for a new use for that area of your Rec Center.
Obviously only one board member's opinion.

November board meeting personal notes

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 with 15 in attendance, a little higher than expected.

Open Forum for property owners consisted of what a P.O. considered inaccurate reporting of the costs associated with the New Year's Eve party and does not want the party discontinued. Another P.O. Commented on the need for a higher quality fencing for the new dog park for the sake of appearance. The next speaker wants to help out in the community activities and felt she had been mistreated in her efforts. The final speaker commented on the great job by those involved in the Sinnissippi Park display this year (I agree!) and his concern we may be paying for fire protection hydrants that are only for flushing lines.

Our new Sheriff Dave Ernest was in attendance and gave extensive remarks regarding his plans for future coverage and other wishes going forward. I will write a separate piece later in the week with more details. He seems quite sincere in his wish to work hand in hand to improve coverage for us.

The AQUA report contained no updates.

Maintenance reports along with their normal duties they have laid out and prepped the dog park and augered the fifty holes. Posts will be placed upon arrival. All trucks are safety tested, prepared or winter, and prepped with plows and spreaders. The salt is on hand. Shoulder and road repair is ongoing, the motor was replaced on the pontoon boat, and the boats are in the storage unit.

Savannah Oaks Club House reports there will be a Masquerade Halloween Party to end the season starting at 8 p.m. December 31^st, ending with the midnight toast.

Lake Management reports the leaf collection went well with plenty of volunteers. When the fish were stocked there were substantial losses due to water temperature. We have not been invoiced at this point and we will be restocked to cover the losses in the spring. (We have dealt with Logan Hollow Fisheries for some time and they are reputable and dependable so we will be fine.)

Recreation reports Cindi Lutzow will be taking over as Yoga instructor for Amanda Stivers upon her resignation. The Health Fair was a success and will be a yearly event. Holes for the dog park fencing are dug and the finalization of the rules should be soon.

Events reports about 80 people turned out for Turkey Bingo and it will be extended to two hours next year from one and one half hours. Forty five tickets have been sold as of December first for Breakfast With Santa. At least 150 people turned out for the Vendor Fair. It will be run separately from the Health Fair next year due to space requirements.

The possibility of putting video gaming machines into Savannah Oaks was dropped as agreed on a unanimous vote after it was tabled for months so we could see if we are able to stem the Savannah Oaks losses without resorting to gambling. We are gaining on the problem so the machines will not be installed.

(This is the tough one to report.) Francine Mills has decided she will be closing the Eagle's Nest December 31^st. (I will write more on this in a separate post with a further explanation.)

Your Finance Commission reports again we are looking very strong for the year to date. The standing at the end of November is Operating cash of $186,128.30, Operating investments of $634,597.02, Road investments of $354,628.75, Reserve investments $3,383,172.53. Total investments $4,372,398.30 and Total cash of $4,558,526.60.

We are currently under budgeted expense by $164,104.93 and over revenue budget $98,703.14, meaning we are “to the good” by $262,808.07 to date.

Our monthly write-offs totaled $4,262.79. Accounting adjustments are $625.90. (As I mention often, these costs are budgeted yearly as a recurring line item. Jeff's numbers and mine don't agree exactly for this month but the bottom line balances so no problem)

A motion was made and passed to replace the office carpeting one year earlier than scheduled due to the amount of wear and the fact it is becoming a trip hazard. A resolution to that affect will be passed in the January meeting with installation to follow shortly. Lonnie's Carper Max came in with the best bid.

The water softener at the rec center has needed three fairly recent repairs and again needs around $700 in additional repairs so the motion was made to pass a resolution to replace the softener at a cost of $2,394.00 including a five year full warranty for the commercial softener.

A motion was made to pass a reso funding the South Gate that is now out of service. The cost will be $4,600.00 and is budgeted in reserves so no affect on operating. (These gates get a heck of a lot of use so this is and will remain an ongoing expense but it is still a lot cheaper than physically manning the gates.)

Be sure to check your Candlewick Paper for the official minutes of the meeting.

If you hadn't noticed

Nothing like free!

Public Safety report... short & sweet!

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 12/14/2014

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to one (1) medical calls this past week. Subject was transported to the hospital.

Vandalism

Public Safety responded to three (3) calls for vandalism. The first for damage to Christmas decorations. The second for vandalism to a vehicle. And the third was for vandalism to a house.

Barking Dog/Loose Dog

Public Safety responded to two (2) calls involving animals. The first for a barking dog. And the second for a dog that was found running loose.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all our Candlewick family!

Citations Issued: 13

Warnings Issued: 7

I am a sure winner with our one small unlit wreath.

Looking over the board meeting agenda

It appears one of the hottest issues will be our new Sheriff, Dave Ernest. I am not sure what his comments will be but it should be interesting and informative. We have pushed for some time for better coverage from that office. Hopefully that will be part of his presentation.

The Capron Rescue Squad comments will be simply an update on progress toward construction. The plan has been approved by your ECC.

The Eagle's Nest submission will probably result in some discussion.

Once again not a very contentious meeting so I would expect attendance will be light.
Ken

Not a bad thought!

New Year's Eve at Candlewick!

Tuesdays board meeting agenda

A message from Rich Devries

Rich feels it would be good for our community to have representation on these boards, especially the Planning Commission. He is probably right. Please consider this.
Ken

BELVIDERE — Boone County recently announced in a Dec. 9 news release that several volunteer boards now have vacancies.

1. The Capron Cemetery Association has three vacancies for terms that will expire in Feb. 1, 2021;

2. Boone County Regional Planning Commission has two vacancies for terms that will expire Dec. 31, 2016; and

3. Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the County of Boone has two vacancies for terms that will expire January 2020.

Interested parties should send a letter and resume expressing interest and qualifications to Boone County Board Chairman Bob Walberg, 1212 Logan Ave., Suite 102, Belvidere, IL 61008. Respond by Jan. 2, 2015, to be considered.

For information: 815-547-4770.

Your Weekly Public Safety report

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 12/07/2014

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to four (4) medical calls this past week. All four (4) people were transported to the hospital.

Boone County Assists

Public Safety responded to two (2) calls to assist the Boone County Sheriff’s Department. One was an escort for a contractor to pick up items from a residence. And the second was for a vehicle that entered Candlewick illegally through the South Gate.

Damage to Vehicle

Public Safety responded to three (3) calls for damage to vehicle. One was for a vehicle on the street that had been struck by another vehicle and left the scene. The other two calls were for a vehicle that had been struck by a gate arm. All three calls are under investigation.

Damage to a Mailbox

Public Safety responded to one (1) case of mailbox doors being opened. No damage was done and nothing was removed but the doors were left open.

Vandalism

Public Safety responded to a report of a picnic table being moved out onto the ice. Maintenance was notified as the officer could not safely remove the table himself.

Public Safety responded to two (2) addresses for reports of eggs being thrown at houses. At this time there are no suspects.

Barking Dog/Loose Dog

Public Safety responded to one (1) call of a barking dog and two (2) calls for dogs running loose.

Suspicious Incident

Public Safety responded to a suspicious incident of items being removed from a garage. Also a separate incident at the same location for an item that was left in the driveway and was taken. Both incidents are under investigation.

Citations Issued: 11

Warnings Issued: 6

Bear with me

 It is a slow week for Candlewick news plus I think I have the flu. Ill for five days now so the blog hasn't been up to par. Next week is the board meeting so much more to discuss. Maybe this quiet week could be a good thing.
Ken

From the Daily Caller

The GOP’s draft 2015 “omnibus” spending bill reportedly includes $948 million to help poor and unskilled Central American migrants establish themselves in the United States, but includes no effective restrictions on President Barack Obama’s plan to provide work permits and tax payments to millions of resident illegal immigrants.

That new spending works out to $16,928 for each of the 56,000 youths, young adults and children who crossed the border during the 12 months up to October 2014.

(I guess the Republicans don't get it either!)  Ken

From the Weekly Standard

Then headline below pretty much tells the story. Kiss your health information privacy goodbye.
Ken

Feds Plan for 35 Agencies to Help Collect, Share, Use Electronic Health Info

The Old Buzzards will rise again!

The Old Buzzards... Sandy, Dale, Karl, and Ken

 I expect the old group to again participate in Pub Trivia this coming Saturday evening at the Savannah Oaks clubhouse. Stop by to watch us be humiliated by younger folks! I hope to see you there.
Ken

The Iceman cometh

Part of Chuck Hart's Saturday catch on Candlewick. I saw a few folks out on the ice but this is the first catch report I have noticed. I see the ice is now averaging five inches thick but there is still some open water and soft spots so be careful out there. Facebook photos.
Ken

Darrell's cross

I want to share with you the cross my son Darrell made a few years ago to decorate his home. It is constructed of wood, artificial pine branches, and of course lights. As you know, this would not be possible for him to make today. We hung the cross this week and plugged it in for all to see as they drive by. I think he did a nice job. He used to hang it at the peak of his home but no ladder being used now. It is his tribute to the birth of Christ.
Ken

Night pictures from Sinnissippi

Thanks to Dale Mediema for the pictures of the Candlewick Sinnissippi Park display. The volunteers sure did a great job. We are well represented!
Ken

A daylight picture of our Sinnissippi display

 I hope to receive another picture that shows this at night so you can see how impressive it is to viewers. Dale Mediema was kind enough to send this to me. He tells me there are 400 lights on the boat, Santa, and the gifts. The fishing pole has clear lights and the fish is outlines in green lights. The waves are outlines in blue lights. It sounds great and I hope to make it over to see it. Dale said it is only lit on weekends.
 The volunteers worked long and hard getting this ready so Candlewick would have additional exposure with those driving through and they deserve our thanks.
  As a side note, notice Jim Brefeld admiring the fish? He just realized even Santa outfishes him!
Ken

Crack filling

 I noticed Don mentioned the crack fill lines on the road in his President's Prerogative message in the current Candlewick Paper. He is correct of course, the lines are pretty obvious but remember this is still fresh product. As it ages it will blend into the asphalt much better. He is also correct in his statement it will extend the life of our roads substantially by not allowing as much of the water infiltration and preventing some of the freeze/thaw cycle damage.
Ken

Your next chance to show your stuff!

Hometown Christmas Friday

I hear we have quite the display!

Not ours. Candlewick's has a boat

Candlewick Lake has a display at the

Sinnissippi Park Festival of Lights

Viewing Hours: 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Dates: November 30 - December 28, 2014

Days: Fridays - Sundays

Additional Viewing Days: December 24-25, 2014

Festival closes on December 28, 2014 at 10:00 p.m.

Festival of Lights display viewing began Sunday, November 30, 2014 and will go through Sunday, December 28, 2014. Viewing of the displays takes place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Santa will be spending time each weekend (Fridays and Saturdays) night by the donation box from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 pm, so you can hand deliver your letters to him through December 21, 2014! When Santa is not present at this location you may still drop your letter in the North Pole Express mailbox, which will be located by the Festival of Lights donation box. Don't forget a return address so Santa can reply!

Hard to believe, elections soon!

You may have noticed my piece in the Candlewick Paper. January first resumes with the indication you will be running will be accepted. Be sure to read the paper for all the details.
 This year there will be five seats opening up so it will be wide open. This is due to the unusual circumstance last year of me remaining in my seat another year with no election.
 I can not say how many of the board members will be running to retain their seats but the board is working pretty well now. Of course there are disagreements on issues but when the dust settles there is no lasting anger or vindictiveness. We move on to the next subject.
 If you are willing to put in the time and effort necessary and truly have the best interests of Candlewick at heart I hope you run. Good people are always needed.
 Give it some thought, but not too long. All applications must be in by January 15th!
Ken

Weekly Public Safety report

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 12/1/2014

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to five (5) medical calls this past week. Four (4) people were transported to the hospital.

Solicitation

Public Safety responded to a neighborhood in CWL for a solicitor going door to door. The solicitor could not be located, it is assumed he departed.

Lost Child

Public Safety responded to a call of a small child wandering down the roadway. The child was located, the parents were located and the child returned.

Damage to a Mailbox

Public Safety responded to two (2) cases of damage to a mailbox. It is suspected the mailboxes were damaged by vehicles.

ATV Call

Public Safety responded to only one (1) ATV call this week.

Residential Alarms

Public Safety responded to one (1) residential alarm, a carbon dioxide detector.

Open Doors/Vacant Home

Public Safety responded or located two (2) open doors. Both doors were secured.

Loose Dogs

Public Safety responded to five (5) calls of loose dogs. Most were located and returned to their owners. Animal control did take control of one dog.

Traffic Incident

Public Safety responded to a car in the ditch and another vehicle which had rolled out of the driveway into the roadway.

Public Safety and the BCSO also responded to Friendship Park for a vehicle which was in the Lake and stuck in the ice. The vehicle was removed. Please do not pull your vehicle right up to the Lake, the ground could be soft and hard to tell from the ice.

Citations Issued: 18

Warnings Issued: 4

Yes, I know...

When I get political it irritates some of you but this one was just too good to pass up in light of what is going on by Saint Louis.

An annual event the kids love

Truer words were never spoken