Ambulance wars!!!

North Boone Fire Protection District is putting a tax question on the March ballot regarding ambulance service. Capron Rescue Squad is fighting this to the point of a planned law suit filing to stop the question. This keeps heating up. If you have an interest (which we all should) click on the link, download the Journal, and look at page four for the article. 
Ken

Boone County Journal

A Sunday consideration

“Press on – nothing can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Perseverance and determination alone are omnipotent.”– Calvin Coolidge
It says "men" but the same applies to women. It was a different time.  Ken

Saturday's ice tournament

A good time with great fishermen and prizes to boot. One heck of a lot better than sitting in a recliner all morning!

Budget hearing the 7th of February at 1:00

 We always like it when people come to our meetings but I have to be honest, if I were not on the board I wouldn't bother with this one. The proposed budget is printed in the paper you will be receiving soon and it is the same information you will be getting at the meeting. It is an opportunity to ask questions about the budget.
 The different budget segments and line items will be explained and the tiny dues increase will be announced. This budget is the product of input from the department heads, your General Manager, and your Board of Directors in numerous meetings beating the numbers to death.
 If you have an interest you will be welcomed. If not, I get it.
Ken

This is an excerpt, but what the heck is happening???

Veterans’ Groups Line up to Reject Money from Trump (if He is Even Raising Any)

 The main veterans group that Trump has used for publicity stunts in the past, the Wounded Warrior Project, was the subject of a scathing CBS report and recently lost their tax exempt status. Besides, if Trump is planning on using them, he hasn’t told anyone from the group. Per CNN, the Wounded Warrior Project has not even been contacted by Trump about possibly doing an event tomorrow.

If he is doing it for some other group, they are now lining up to say that they don’t want any money Trump might make off of promoting himself, and will reject it if offered.

*******************************************************************************************************

This is an obviously slanted piece against Trump but so what... the point is being made, and it is an odd one. Firstly I am saddened by Wounded Warriors losing their tax exempt status by what is reported  to be improper use of funds. I have always thought highly of Wounded Warriors personally.

The next shocking tidbit is the veterans groups "lining up" to reject money Trump raises for them. Do they have the authority to refuse monies for use in aiding veterans? Should donations be screened to be sure they are from persons or groups of the correct party or persuasion? I would think anyone or any organization donating for this cause should be welcomed, not rejected. It is like refusing a blood transfusion because it came from someone you may not like. Just odd.

Ken

Candlewick Lake Public Safety
WEEKLY REPORT
Week Ending 1-25-2016

Rescue Calls
Public Safety responded to eight (8) rescue calls this past week. Four (4) subjects were transported to the hospital.

BCSO Assist
Public Safety was dispatched to the 100 blk. of Valhalla to assist a BCSO Deputy who had located a wanted subject while on a traffic stop.

Gate Strike
Public Safety responded to the West Gate for the report of a gate strike. A resident assisted in the reporting of the strike. The strike was investigated and captured on video. The strike was minor, causing no damage to the vehicle.  This issue has been resolved.

Juvenile Runaway
Public Safety responded to a residence on Quincy Court for a youth who had departed home without permission. Our Officer was requested to locate the youth. The BCSO was summoned to assist. After checking several residences, the youth was located and promptly returned to her residence.

Found Bicycle
Public Safety had located a bicycle in late December, in the vicinity of the Administration building. The bike had been placed in storage. It did not display a CWL Bike Registration sticker.
This past weekend, Public Safety received a call from a teenage resident inquiring about his missing bicycle. The Officer was able to confirm and return the bike to its rightful owner.

Loose Dogs Issues
Public Safety was able to assist in three (3) loose dog issues this past week.

Lake Patrol: Ice
During the past week, Lake Patrol checked licenses, ATV registration stickers, ice shanty CWL numbers and creel for sixty-eight (68) fisherman. Two (2) warning notices have been mailed for minor violations. Lake Patrol did not locate any trespassers.

Citations Issued:       16

Warnings Issued:      22

Ice fishing tournament

It is that time of year again for a little fun through the ice. Drag the equipment out there and win one of the prizes!
Everyone is to meet at the Rec Center boat launch at 6:45 a.m. for the panfish tournament. There will be a $20.00 entry per person with an optional $10.00 per person for the big fish pot.
Weigh in at noon.
Chuck Hart asks that you bring exact bill denominations so they don't have to worry about change. Questions? Call Chuck Hart at 815-520-1796

Yes, they are in there

As you can see from this blatantly stolen Facebook post, ice fishing is in full swing at CWL. Most reports say fishing has been good. Nothing like fresh fish from clear, cold water. Firm succulent fillets make quite the meal on a snowy day. Enjoy.

Chuck Hart with a small part of the day's catch

Winter humor from Bonnie Marron

Late last fall, the Indians on the Aamjiwnaang First Nation reservation in Grand Bend asked their new chief if the coming winter was going to be cold or mild. Since he was a chief in a modern society, he had never been taught the old secrets. When he looked at the sky, he couldn't tell what the winter was going to be like. Nevertheless, to be on the safe side, he told his tribe that the winter was indeed going to be cold and that the members of the village should collect firewood to be prepared. But, being a practical leader, after several days, he got an idea. He went to the phone booth, called the Environment Canada Weather Service and asked, 'Is the coming winter going to be cold?' 'It looks like this winter is going to be quite cold,' the meteorologist at the weather service responded. So the chief went back to his people and told them to collect even more firewood in order to be prepared. A week later, he called the Environment Canada Weather Service again. 'Does it still look like it is going to be a very cold winter?' 'Yes,' the man at Weather Service again replied, 'it's going to be a very cold winter.' The chief again went back to his people and ordered them to collect every scrap of firewood they could find. Two weeks later, the chief called the Environment Canada Weather Service again. 'Are you absolutely sure that the winter is going to be very cold?' 'Absolutely,' the man replied. 'It's looking more and more like it is going to be one of the coldest winters we've ever seen.' 'How can you be so sure?' the chief asked. The weatherman replied, 'The Indians are collecting a crapload of firewood'

Your Sunday smile... from Dale Mediema

 Three boys are in the schoolyard bragging about their fathers.. The first boy said "My father scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, calls it a poem. and they give him $50"

  The second boy says "That's nothing, my father scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, calls it a song, and they give him $100"

  The third boy says "I've got you both beat. My Father scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, calls it a sermon, and it takes five guys to collect the money".....

Why the Public Safety vacancies?

 When feasible Candlewick Lake promotes from within. This opens new positions for those starting out. Consider joining our Public Safety force or dropping off an application for other opportunities that may arise. Simply come to our main office and ask for an application. Candlewick is a good place to work.
Ken

A beautiful CWL Northern

Tom Brockwell caught this thirty six inch fighting machine through the ice using only four pound test line and a Swedish Pimple (that is a lure, not a blemish!). How he kept this on is beyond me. Great job Tom. That is one beautiful Northern

Thank you Barb Appelhans for sending the picture.

Join our force!

Our Public Safety Department is currently seeking applications for qualified candidates, part-time, in all three (3) divisions: Gate, Patrol, and Lake.
A Public Safety background, experience and/or related skills are preferred. Training will be provided.

Chief Roland Wood

And this in Germany.

'I decapitate you' Women workers threatened and forced to DRESS DOWN at refugee centre

A FRUSTRATED refugee centre worker has revealed shocking incidents of cheating, death threats and demands for a luxury life from migrants.

A little further information about our Rescue Squad

The station started being manned October 17th.
There have been a total of 145 medical calls for response since that date.
There have been 62 medical calls inside Candlewick's gates.
Response time has dropped drastically.
They are very happy with the cooperation from our Public Safety Department.
The Rescue Squad would like to offer CPR classes for anyone in Candlewick who is interested.

This has been a great addition to our community. We often discuss property values. Having this squad adds desirability especially for the older folks considering retiring here.
Ken

Personal board meeting notes

Board meeting notes... December 15, 2015

The AQUA update... Joel (from Aqua) indicates work is continuing on the relocation of the lift station below the dam, installing the necessary piping and parts to facilitate the change.

Chief Tony Stepanski gave a power point presentation on the effectiveness of our new Candlewick/Capron Rescue Squad unit. It has been highly successful and is a tremendous asset for not only Candlewick but also the surrounding area with faster response times, thus better outcomes. It is too detailed to relate here but I would suggest going to the CWL website when the meeting video is posted to hear the report. It is close to the beginning of the meeting.

Finance Commission reports write offs in the amount of $3,283.66. Accounting adjustments.... none.

Our standing at the end of December is Operating cash of $538,390.39, Operating investments of $785,619.99, Reserve investments $3,358,509.43. Total investments $4,144,129.42 and Total cash of $4,682,519.81.

We are currently under budgeted expense by $230,910.64 and over revenue budget $31,929.58, meaning we are “to the good” by $262,840.22 fiscal year to date.

Lake Management reports they recomment using Tallgrass for 2016 stewardship. There is a possibility of trees being available for additional structure for the lake. Further discussion to be in the February meeting.

Communications indicates they do not have enough volunteers to handle all the marketing being asked of them and asked for a few more hours for our I.T. Man to help with this. The hours have been added to the next budget to be used only as necessary. Our Sinnisippi display for the Festival of Lights appears to have been vandalized. It is now in storage for next season and repairs.

Events reports Breakfast with Santa was very successful with 104 attendees. Holiday lights winners were announced and published. Work continues on Valentine's Bingo for February 12^th. Events are in the planning stages for March.

Your golf course Reports in the year over year favorability in the loss column, being better this year by $51,998 through December. Losses are in the $67,000 range fiscal year to date.

Savannah Oaks Clubhouse reports a slow December due to shorter hours and not a lot of activity. There were a couple party bookings as well as the New Year's Eve party, which had decent attendance. Now closed for the season.

Your Maintenance Department along with the plowing and salting has handled the Christmas decorations, started aerators by the spillway for winter, finished the shed for storage of the Public Safety Gator, cleared fallen limbs from parks, and miscellaneous other duties.

Outpost replacement update... We are still in the process of getting blueprints so they can be stamped and we can go for bids.

We have had enough property owner interest in a Roads Commission so we will be re-starting that commission soon for the coming 2016 project. Thank you to those willing to serve.

There was a second reading of a rule regarding disallowing parking of vehicles that are not registered to the property owner on their improved or unimproved lots. The rule was passed.

A fine had not been set for violation of the noise ordinance. The board set the fine at $75.00.

The board passed a resolution to replace the water heaters in the pool house.

A resolution was passed to replace the pool heaters.

The pool slide repair is to proceed with the board voting to buy the necessary parts to bring it up to standard.

A resolution was passed funding necessary pool pump room repairs.

We are spending a lot of money getting the pool and related buildings up to standard again so the next season should be much improved from 2015.

A resolution was passed to retain Tallgrass for stewardship of our bioswales. This is a continuation of our efforts to remediate infiltration of sediment and nutrients into our lake.

A property owner asked for a varience for his work truck parking. The board granted the request due to the weight of the truck being light enough to not cause problems.

Be sure to watch for official minutes printed in your Candlewick Paper.

Those lower gas prices will bite you (long post)

Take a look at the two sections below from two different sources. This could get very ugly .... and quickly. Cheap gas is great but it costs a lot more to get the oil out of the ground than the current market plus now Iran can begin selling oil with the sanctions lifted. The Saudis can still make money at $30.00 oil but some other foreign producers are also pumping at a loss. Something has to give. I have seen numbers as high as hundreds of thousands of job losses in this country.
As you will see below, this could blow up on the banks as well with all the loans to oil companies out there. The small producers are dying. When oil was $100.00 per barrel they were rolling in cash but now the party is over. Bad for all of us. To make matters worse (as you will see in the last article) our always honest government is trying to cover it up again. Something to think about.
Ken

Wells Fargo (WFC) is sitting on more than $17 billion in loans to the oil and gas sector. The bank is setting aside $1.2 billion in reserves to cover losses because of the "continued deterioration within the energy sector."

JPMorgan Chase (JPM) is setting aside an extra $124 million to cover potential losses in its oil and gas loans. It warned that figure could rise to $750 million if oil prices unexpectedly stay at their current $30 level for the next 18 months.

"The biggest area of stress" is the oil and gas space, Marianne Lake, JPMorgan's chief financial officer, told analysts during a call on Thursday. "As the outlook for oil has weakened, we would expect to see some additional reserve build in 2016."

Citigroup (C) built up loan loss reserves in the energy space by $300 million. The bank said the move reflects its view that "oil prices are likely to remain low for a longer period of time."

If oil stays around $30 a barrel, Citi is bracing for about $600 million of energy credit losses in the first half of 2016. Citi said that figure could double to $1.2 billion if oil dropped to $25 a barrel and stayed there.

*****************************************************************************************

We can now make it official, because moments ago we got confirmation from a second source who reports that according to an energy analyst who had recently met Houston funds to give his 1H16e update, one of his clients indicated that his firm was invited to a lunch attended by the Dallas Fed, which had previously instructed lenders to open up their entire loan books for Fed oversight; the Fed was shocked by with it had found in the non-public facing records. The lunch was also confirmed by employees at a reputable Swiss investment bank operating in Houston. 

This is what took place: the Dallas Fed met with the banks a week ago and effectively suspended mark-to-market on energy debts and as a result no impairments are being written down. Furthermore, as we reported earlier this week, the Fed indicated "under the table" that banks were to work with the energy companies on delivering without a markdown on worry that a backstop, or bail-in, was needed after reviewing loan losses which would exceed the current tier 1 capital tranches. 

In other words, the Fed has advised banks to cover up major energy-related losses.

Why the reason for such unprecedented measures by the Dallas Fed? Our source notes that having run the numbers, it looks like at least 18% of some banks commercial loan book are impaired, and that’s based on just applying the 3Q marks for public debt to their syndicate sums. 

In other words, the ridiculously low increase in loss provisions by the likes of Wells and JPM suggest two things: i) the real losses are vastly higher, and ii) it is the Fed's involvement that is pressuring banks to not disclose the true state of their energy "books."

Naturally, once this becomes public, the Fed risks a stampeded out of energy exposure because for the Fed to intervene in such a dramatic fashion it suggests that the US energy industry is on the verge of a subprime-like blow up.

Our typical negotiation result

I see we are having a prisoner swap with Iran. This is a good thing but check out the deal we made. We get five released for releasing seven of theirs. Kind of harks back to the nuclear deal, doesn't it. Speaking of the nuclear deal, did you notice we signed the paper releasing billions to Iran at exactly the same time the swap commenced. Coincidence? Will America ever get back to the respected and feared country we once were? Sad to see.
Ken

Your Sunday smile

---

Three ministers were talking over lunch and before long found themselves discussing how much of the weekly donations was appropriate to keep and how much to give to the Lord. The first minister says, “I just draw a line on the floor, put one foot on both sides, and throw the money into the air... whatever lands on the right side of the line is God’s and whatever lands on the left is mine.” The second minister notes that he uses a similar method, but “I use a small coffee table when I throw the money in the air and whatever lands on the table goes to the Lord and whatever lands on the floor is mine.” They both contemplate each other’s answer and finally turn to the third minister who is sitting there without saying anything. “Well, how do you do it?” asks the first to the third. “Well, I do as you both do and throw the money into the air, but I figure whatever the Lord wants, he’ll grab, and I keep whatever hits the floor.”

Worth coming to the board meeting Tuesday at 6:30

Chief Tony Stepanski will be giving a power point presentation outlining the effectiveness of our new Capron Rescue Squad Candlewick station. I know you will be impressed and I am quite sure he will answer any questions you may have.
Ken

Board meeting agenda for January 19th

Still, be careful!

The ice fishermen say the ice in the lake center is now eight inches. It appears the fishing is pretty good. A very late start.

An copied post from another site

 This is kind of an odd subject but I have never thought of the concept of "object permanence." I actually had never heard the term. It is ingrained in our psyches at an early age. People like parents are supposed to be forever. It does explain why losing a loved one is so very difficult for us all. They are to be always there. The lady that posted this is obviously a deep thinker.  Ken

My musing about grief this morning...

I watched (ok... listened) as my daughter (2.5 months old now) began to cry a few moments after I stepped into the shower while getting ready this morning. I talked to her, but that really didn't help quell her cries (she was getting hungry again so not seeing me was now "adding insult to injury"). When I got out, she stopped crying and grinned her gummy grin at me for a moment (she also expected me to feed her) and I assured her I never left her, but that it was ok... she just hadn't learned Object Permanence yet.

And then it occurred to me. Object Permanence is a difficult concept to unlearn once it is learned... and maybe that is one reason grief is such a bear.

And then there were three

 Originally there were four candidates for the three seats up for election this year. One candidate decided to withdraw so we are now down to three, meaning all will be seated. We are fortunate to have three good candidates so we will still have a strong board.
  The remaining candidates are Steve Lambright, Greg Waite, and Randy Budreau. Steve is currently on the board and I know the other two. It will work out fine.
Ken

Road Commission is a go

It appears we will have enough interest from property owners to re-start our Roads Commission. This is a good thing, not only having resident involvement but also freeing up some of the hours our staff would be working on the specs. Thank you to all who want to help.
Ken

It's cold, let's find them a nice warm bed behind bars

Bonnie sent this to me. Try it out!

Math trick. Good one! This math exercise will only take you about ten seconds. Amazingly, it really works and will reveal your all-time favorite movie.  

DO NOT cheat. DO YOUR math, THEN compare the results to the list of movies at the bottom You will be AMAZED at how scary true and accurate this test is. 

1. Pick a number from 1-9. 

2. Multiply that number by 3 

3. Add 3 

4. Multiply by 3 again 

5. Your total will be a two digit number. Add the first and second digits together to find your favorite movie (of all time) in the list of 17 movies below: 

Movie List: 

1. Gone With the Wind

2. E.T 

3. Blazing Saddles 

4. Star Wars

5. Forrest Gump 

6. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly 

7. Jaws 

8. Grease 

9. The Obama Farewell Speech 

10. Casablanca 

11. Jurassic Park 

12. Shrek 

13. Pirates of the Caribbean 

14. Titanic 

15. Raiders of the Lost Ark 

16. Home Alone 

17. Mrs. Doubtfire 

Now, isn't that something?

As I always say, free is good!

The good, cars were locked and our officer observant. The bad, an intruder snuck in to steal.

KEEP YOUR CARS LOCKED AND VALUABLES OUT OF SIGHT.

January 12th at about 4:00 am, footprints in the snow, observed by our midnight patrol Sergeant, appeared to lead up to several vehicles parked in driveways. There appeared to be only one (1) set of prints.

These tracks were on and in the neighborhood of Liverpool, Piccadilly, Bradford and Brandywine Rds. It definitely appears our thief was working this entire neighborhood. A resident of Piccadilly drive ran up to the Sergeant and stated he saw a male subject in his vehicle and try the door of another vehicle on Liverpool. BCSO was summoned. They tracked these footprints to a trailer in the Oak Lawn Park, trailer court. Detectives were summoned. The investigation revealed, at this point in time, there is nothing missing from any vehicle. Most of the vehicles were locked this time. There is a suspect who has been identified and is being investigated. We have not heard of an arrest being made.

Keep a “sharp eye”. Call us if you see anything.
Candlewick Lake Public Safety

I think you will be pleased

Your General Manager and your Board of Directors spent about two more hours going over the budget Monday evening. It appears it is pretty much put to bed barring some unforeseen circumstance. After a lot of deep discussion and a few changes it should be ready for the budget meeting with the property owners In February.
 Obviously I can not share the numbers before the meeting but I feel sure you will be happy with the outcome.
Ken

A smile from Bonnie Marron

Slow week. Had to share this

I don't want angry emails. This just a joke that made me laugh.  Ken

Government dietary guidelines

 Every five years our federal government releases new dietary guidelines we are to follow as good citizens. Does this mean that all the guidelines of the past were wrong?

I would bet less then five percent of the people pay any attention to these anyway or our population would not continue to get fatter, as have I. 
 People know what is not good for them as it is. This is just another government program to employ more in patronage jobs. If they are serious about these guidelines stop allowing all the foods that are "bad for you" to be purchased with government aid such as LINK. Kind of like saying cigarettes will kill you but subsidizing tobacco growers, isn't it?
Just a Thursday rant.
Ken

Tuesday board workshop

 

No, this is not in Candlewick!

One of the items discussed at the workshop was properties that are not being maintained as they should be. The board has been asked to find ways to increase our property values and this is one step being taken.
 One unmaintained property can lower the property value of an entire neighborhood. Determining what is an eyesore is a difficult task. What drives one person nuts may seem like nothing to another.
 The staff has been charged with writing warnings for properties that have what appears to be in general opinion areas in need of remediation. A reasonable amount of time will be given to remedy the situations before an actual citation is issued. We must not allow garbage to accumulate in yards or homes to be in such disrepair as to detract from the appeal of the neighborhood.
 If grills, lawn mowers, junk or trash in general is left in the yard there will be a warning. If a house door is hanging by one hinge or is stripped of paint there will be a warning. If siding is missing from a home there will be a warning. You get the idea. Obvious problems will be addressed in this effort.
 We all want Candlewick to be all it can be. This is a good start.
Ken

Boot Scootin' Boogie time!

Line Dancing Classes start Thursday, January 7th. Stop by the Rec. Center at 1 for instruction then use what

you have learned from 1:30 to 2:30. This is a six week event so pay $30.00 in advance or slip 'em five bucks if you just drop in. Lots of fun plus great exercise.

Lift station work

 If you read the board minutes you have probably noticed AQUA plans to move the lift station from below the dam up the hill a short distance. It probably should not have been put at the very bottom in the first place. 

No, that is not a naked person to the left. It is part of my hand. What a sexy hand!

Work is progressing but the final steps will involve some damage to Candlewick Drive in that area. This will almost certainly not be done until spring and the plan is to fix a bad section of paving we have in the close vicinity at the same time AQUA does their road repair, thus saving your association some money.
Ken

A laugh for the new year

1.  A woman gets on a bus with her baby. The bus driver says: ''Ugh, that's the ugliest baby I've ever seen!'' The woman walks to the rear of the bus and sits down, fuming. She says to a man next to her: ''The driver just insulted me!'' The man says: ''You go up there and tell him off. Go on, I'll hold your monkey for you.''

2.  ''I went to the zoo the other day, there was only one dog in it, it was a shitzu.''

3.  ''Dyslexic man walks into a bra''

4.  A young blonde woman is distraught because she fears her husband is having an affair, so she goes to a gun shop and buys a handgun. The next day she comes home to find her husband in bed with a beautiful redhead. She grabs the gun and holds it to her own head. The husband jumps out of bed, begging and pleading with her not to shoot herself. Hysterically the blonde responds to the husband, ''Shut up...you're next!''

5.  A classic Tommy Cooper gag ''I said to the Gym instructor "Can you teach me to do the splits?'' He said, ''How flexible are you?'' I said, ''I can't make Tuesdays'."

Free is always good!

All the world's a stage, and we are merely players.

 I have used this quote before because I really like it. Every one of us puts on a smiling face for the most part to mask the trials and tragedies in all our lives. 
 "How are you?" "Couldn't be better!" We hear phrases like that almost daily and take part in the same. It is pointless to go into detail about the things that could turn you inside out if you let them. We must go on with our best faces forward into the new year praying for the best and enjoying the blessings we are to be allowed in 2016.
 There will be happy days and times of gut wrenching losses but most of us will see 2017, a year older and ready to take what is in the offing. We all must do the best we can and try to make life a little better for others, realizing we are all on this journey together.
 I wish the best for all of you, my friends. Let's stay strong and weather the storms together.
Ken