Special board meeting. Hottest topic is alum treatment.

Alum bids opening in the morning then action in the evening meeting.  Ken

Candlewick Anglers catch, clean, and fry

Jonathan Backs, Brandon Korpalski, Chris Podschweit, Austin Youngwolf fishing for the event 

Chuck Hart demonstrated how to filet a fish

George Schafer showed his fileting technique

Chris Podschweit gave filleting a try under Chuck Hart's supervision.

Joe Cangelosi, Cecelia Bagnuolo and Tom Pinkowski get fish frying tips from George Schafer

I actually thought the event had been called off due to the rain until Barb Appelhans sent the pictures. It looks like things went off without a hitch. I shouldn't be surprised considering the Anglers were involved!  Ken

Dick Coleman on real estate taxation. Posted with permission.

Ken.....I also received my tax bill and spent a few minutes contemplating its effect.  Although my "taxable value" decreased by $2100, my taxes increased $450 dollars.  For me this is a 16.5% increase.  Using the "rule of 72", at this rate my actual tax due will double every 4.3 years.   It was interesting for me to note that of the 10 local taxing authorities, only 1 levied  a tax rate that was less then the prior year.....or.....another way to state it is that 9 out of 10 local government agencies we support increased their tax rate.   Also, only 2 units of local government actually decreased the amount of taxes they will receive and 1 of those reductions  was for the grand total of .42 cents.

As a business owner I had to reduce staff by 20% in the last 4 years and I can assure you that any increase in prices totaling 16.5% would drive my customers away.   I feel truly blessed to be able to have a vacation home in Candlewick where our  diligent Board has kept the annual assessment at or near level for the last 5 years.  Perhaps some of our local elected politicians would be wise to seek counsel from our very own elected officials.  

Best regards,  Dick Coleman  

This is simply for discussion at the next Lake Management meeting.

The following is a letter to our association from the DNR detailing the parameters for a goose round-up as well as other suggestions for resident geese control. If you want to hear the discussion of the issue attend the next Lake Management meeting. I don't know what the correct path is but something needs to be done to handle the goose feces problem. This didn't copy well so please excuse the less then perfect lay-out. Ken

Higher nation wide than I thought

Business Week carried a story this week detailing the current rate of single home rentals is at 35% of total single family homes. It seems like we have a lot of rentals here in Candlewick but looking at those figures we are in much better shape. I believe our current rental number is in the 10% range, which is minescule compared to 35% nation wide. Count our blessings!  Ken

Weekly Public Safety report

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 5/5/2013

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to the 200 block of Constitution for a subject with severe back pain.  The subject was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 400 block of Atlantic for a subject who had fallen and was disoriented.  The subject was transported.

Public Safety responded to the 200 block of Marquette for a report of a smoke detector going off.  It was determined the detector was faulty.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Hastings for a report of a subject burning a computer in a fire pit.  The Boone County Sheriff’s Office then arrived and investigated the matter.  The subject was cited for violating the open burning ordinance.

Damaged Property

Public Safety responded to the 1600 block of Candlewick for mailboxes that were knocked down.

Public Safety responded to a report of vandalism to a sign at Oak Tree Park.  The matter is under investigation.

Public Safety responded to the 200 block of Brandywine for a report of a garage door spray painted.  The matter is under investigation.

Public safety responded to the 220 block of Candlewick Dr. for a report of Two (2) garage doors that were spray painted.  The matter is under investigation.

Public Safety responded to Highland Valley Green for a report of a picnic bench being thrown into the lake.  The bench was removed.

Public safety responded to the 100 block of King Henry for a report of a subject urinating on a front door to a residence.  The subject was gone upon the arrival of Public Safety.

Disorderly Conduct

Public Safety responded to the 400 block of Atlantic for a report of subjects pushing a boat and trailer into the roadway.  The subjects fled on foot upon arrival of Public Safety.

Dog Bite

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Brandywine for a report of a subject bitten by a dog.  The suspect dog owner was identified and cited.

Citations Issued 8

Warnings Issued 10

Public Safety would ask if residents observe anything suspicious to please call 1-815-765-3768.

A night to remember........ Article by Dale "Sky King"

Some of the lovely ladies 
at the prom..........

  I was talking with Barb Appelhans last week at our annual community clean up day hot dog luncheon, and the subject came up about the 'Night to Remember' prom that is hosted by Heartland Community Church. I was suprised to hear that 2 of our local ladies, Ms Nicole Leutik, and Ms Tina Masbruch, were in attendance a few Fridays back, on April 26th.

  I have been attending Heartland since I moved to Candlewick back in 2006, and have been a volunteer on our 'Traffic Team' since the days we were meeting in a smaller facility on Perryville road. We moved to the new and larger facility when the church purchased the old Alpine Mall. I think it was about that time when the idea was hatched, probably through our special needs ministry called 'Lighthouse' for a special night for our kids that might not get to attend that Spring ritual, called Prom....

  The ball gets rolling around mid-March when requests are placed in our weekly bulletin for donations of formal clothing, tuxedos, pretty gowns and such, along with requests for volunteers with expertise in sewing, fitting, make up girls, and hairdressers. There is also a program where a family can choose to sponsor one individual as well....

  This was my 3rd year helping with traffic control on this special night, so I got to see the guests as they arrived, and also as they emerged from the 'royal' treatment, and 'dressed to the nines!' The excitement in their eyes as they come out and get in the stretched limo is something to behold!

  After a ride in the limo, they are dropped off at the main entrance to the church, where a loud and happy crowd of 'Papparazzi' are waiting and cheering while hundreds of flashing cameras record their walk down the Red Carpet!

  By the time I came in from the parking lot, the dinner dishes were being picked up, and the dancing was well under way. I saw many wild and crazy and unique dance moves out there on the floor, but all the guests were smiling ear to ear! I bet our attendees from Candlewick were enjoying it all, as it is truly 'A Night to Remember' 

Happy birthday Ken

Like a lot of you I received my real estate tax bill Monday. I was so pleased to see my taxes went up by $262.00 and my property value dropped by $3,214. Who wouldn't love that!
Wouldn't it be great to own a business where you could force your customers to pay more just by telling them you want to spend more. If they didn't pay more you would take away their home.
To make it even nicer they made the payment due on my birthday. Ken

A fine organization for young folks.

The Cub Scout round up is for boys going into grades 1-5, it will be held at Caledonia Elementary School in the lobby on May 11 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. We will explain what Cub Scouts is about, what we do, and why we do it. All new Cub scouts will be required to pay this years dues at the meeting. Dues (for new scouts) is $30 this will cover their yearly dues, a handbook for their grade level and payment for Cub Scout day camp which will be held in early June at the Boone County Conservation District in Belvidere.
Many of today's leaders started in this organization. Responsibility, honor and outdoor skills are a few of the areas of learning.  Ken

email re-posted at the P.O.'s request

You really need to see this

Barb Appelhans has a real eye for photography. This has to be one of the most beautiful pictures of a sunset on your lake I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. I stole this picture from Barb's Facebook page.  Ken

A Sunday thought from Paul Folster

     AND THEN IT'S WINTER  

                                 

 You know time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of  the  

 passing years. It seems just yesterday that I was young, just 

married  and embarking on my new life with my mate.  Yet in a way, 

it seems like eons  ago, and I wonder where all the years went.  I 

know that I lived them all.  I  have glimpses of how    it was back 

then and of all my hopes and dreams. 

    But, here it is... The winter of my life and it catches me by 

surprise...How  did I get here so fast?  Where did the years go and 

where did my youth go?  I  remember well seeing older people through 

the years and thinking that those  older people were    years away from 

me and that winter was so far off that I  could not fathom it or    

imagine fully what it would be like.

     But, here it is...my friends are retired and  getting gray...

they move slower  and I see an older person now.  

Some are in better and some worse shape than me...but, I see the 

great change...Not like the ones that I remember who were young 

and vibrant...but, like me, their age is beginning to show and    

we  are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought 

we'd be.   Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a 

real target for the day!  And taking a nap is not a treat 

anymore... it's mandatory! Cause if I  don't on my own free will... 

I just fall asleep where I sit! 

      

     And so...now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for 

all    the  aches    and pains and the loss of strength and ability to 

go and do things  that I wish I had done but never did!!  But, at 

least I know, that though the  winter has come, and I'm not sure how 

long it will last...this I know, that  when it's over on this    

earth...its over.  A new adventure will begin! 

      

     Yes, I have regrets.  There are things I wish I hadn't 

done...things I should have done, but indeed, there are many 

things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime. 

      

     So, if you're not in your winter yet...let me remind you, that it 

will be here faster than you think.  So, what ever you would 

like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly!  Don't put 

things off too long!!  Life goes by quickly.  So, do what you 

can today, as you can never be sure whether this is  your winter or 

not!   You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of  your 

life...so, live  for today and say all the things that you want 

your  loved ones to remember...and hope that they appreciate and 

love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the 

years past!! 

      

     "Life" is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift    

to those  who come after. Make it a fantastic one.

         LIVE IT WELL!  ENJOY TODAY! DO

SOMETHING FUN!  BE HAPPY !  HAVE A GREAT DAY

Remember "It is health that is real 

wealth and not pieces of gold and silver "   

                         LIVE HAPPY !  LASTLY, CONSIDER THE    

FOLLOWING:  TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU'VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST    

YOU'LL EVER BE  SO - ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS. 

Please excuse the odd color patterns. It is not the way Paul sent it, it just wouldn't post correctly.   Ken

Candlewick Lake Clean-up Saturday

 Thank you Barb Appelhans for the pictures and descriptions

A Candlewick truck loaded with bags of trash picked up by volunteers

 Mom-Dawn, Christopher, Dad-Chuck and Caitlin Corso

Angelica, Dad-Mark, Mom-Christine and Gabriel Kochanowski enjoy their well earned hotdogs after participating in the CWL Community Cleanup

 Don Friday and Sue Warneke

 Gabriel with mom Christine Kochanowski

Angelica and Dad Mark Kochanowski

Grace Bethke, Emily and Ryan Meegan with Sue Kisel in the foreground

 Brenda and Don Patton with Community Cleanup organizer Chuck Corso

 Dawn Corso and April Dillenburg

Ron and Bobbi Drake




The sign as you drive in the front gate says "A COMMUNITY OF VOLUNTEERS." When you see all the people volunteering for these not too pleasant tasks how can anyone doubt it? If this wasn't enough I saw the egg addlers out the same morning. What a great group of folks live within our community!   Ken

Roads project manager

As I write this post McClure Engineering has been hired as project manager as the 2013 roads project. You may recall last year we handled the job in-house without a project manager. We saved a heck of a lot of money by doing so but now there are problem areas we will have to have Rabine remediate referencing their warranty. 
We are fortunate to have a maintenance manager with extensive knowledge of road work as well as a couple guys on the commission who also have solid road experience. We will be utilizing a lot of Jeff's (maintenance supervisor) knowledge going forward identifying the areas we will handle during our 2013 project as well as identifying areas Rabine needs to address before this year's bid requests are mailed.
Jeff will be sitting down with the commission as well as McClure to address these points with Rabine, who has done quality work for us in the past and wants to correct possibly deficiencies.
As I have indicated before, our roads project will be much later this year so we can address shoulder drainage before laying new surfaces. I'll keep you up on the process as it moves along.
Ken

Another one from Breitbart

The Columbus High School Mighty Cardinals had won the 4x100-meter relay--by seven yards, no less--and had a shot at the state championship. That was until Junior sprinter Derrick Hayes pointed to the sky.  Hayes's father, K.C., said that his son made a gesture of thanks to God, but raising a hand to the sky is considered excessive celebration according to the state scholastic rules. And with that, the team was disqualified.

"It was a reaction," K.C. Hayes said. "You're brought up your whole life that God gives you good things, you're blessed."

Many interviewed around town said that this was a violation of freedom of religion rights. Columbus High School said that religious gestures are not banned, but they must be done off of the competition field or court.

Disgusting

I know I am beating this issue to death but it is such a sore point with me. I put it right up there with graffiti when it comes to property values and general quality perception of a community. To me people who throw trash out of their cars or as they walk are in the same class as what they discard.... trash. 
I may have mentioned this before. A couple weeks ago I picked up three trash items from the ditch area of the vacant lot next to me. Three hours later there was a plastic bottle again. This is nuts!
Littering has become a topic of discussion among board members and I have found no disagreement on the issue. Clamp down and ticket these people. Will it be tough to enforce? You're darn right it will but sooner or later one of our Public Safety folks will see it happen and then the ax will fall. If they litter Public Safety will be bitter. Count on it.
Ken

CATCH, CLEAN, AND COOK!

 In case you missed it in the Candlewick paper, Thursday, May 9 will be the next catch, clean, and cook event put on by the Candlewick Anglers. The anglers are a great bunch of folks interested in teaching the art of fishing as well as preparation of your catch. If you have never attended one of these events (or even if you have) it is your opportunity to catch some fish and be taught correct filleting procedures as well as how to properly deep-fry your catch. Fun-Delicious-Informative. What more can you ask?
The event will start at 5:30 behind the rec center. Come one come all. Club members and non-members are all invited along with guests.
Call Chuck Hart with any questions. 815-520-1796

I have mentioned this before, but as a reminder

I want to add a little something to this post. It is flat out disgusting to see people throw trash out of their cars or just as they walk. I have stopped kids a couple times and made them pick up their cans or bottles they threw as they walked by.

I can remember no citations being written for littering even though it is on the books. It is time to nail these people and let them pay for their inconsideration. I will be pursuing this. I know Public Safety can't catch many but a couple citations may go a long way to getting the point across.  Ken

VOLUNTEERS

NEEDED!!

COMMUNITY

CLEAN UP DAY

May 4, 2013

Rain date – May 5, 2013.

Starting at 9:00 AM

at the Recreation Center

Sign up at the Recreation Center

or the Administration Office

to commit to a certain area, street

or park.

We need your help to make sure all

areas of our community are covered.

If you have any questions,

contact Chuck Corso – 815-262-0695.

Rich Witt..... back hiking again!

(Sent by Rich Witt)

Ken:

Just a point of interest from the Witt Trail.

Saturday morning after helping with the egg addling, I felt that  maybe there were some goose nests in the wet land

below the dam and beside the Witt Trail. I am always up for a "walk about" so off I went to the trail.

What a wonderful walk. I saw that the rains had washed out some of the mulch and the winter had done what I had expected.

As I walked down the trail the bird sounds and song became very loud even to the point that it interrupted my intended walk.

There were birds everywhere and all of them had something to say. I had to sit on one of the benches and just listen.

After a few minutes I saw a pair of geese swimming on the stream that goes to Boone County Lake. So my day dreaming

stopped and off I  went across the wet land to where the geese are swimming. As I got closer I saw some birds that I have

NOT seen at Candlewick Lake. There were 3 Sand Hill Cranes In the wetlands feeding on bugs and stuff. They did not stay there long

but they did fly directly over my head and they looked great. Then they added to the noise of the other birds with their

sounds. The geese on the stream did not fly they just swam to  the other side of the stream, about 10 feet away. I looked for a nest

with no luck so I walked around to a place where I could cross the stream. The water in the stream is very clear and the little fish

in the stream scattered when they saw me. I worked my way back down to where the geese were and again they did not fly they just swam

away to the other side of the stream again. I still did not find any nests. I then continued my walk into the brush and there I saw 5 deer

and again they did not run they just walked a few steps and watched me. It was a wonderful "walk about" and it is all right here in Candlewick Lake.

Then when I got home Susan wondered where I had been so long and why I looked so happy. After I told her what I did she understood.

Every time I think about the loud songs from all of the different birds I get a smile on my face. As for the Sand Hill Cranes that was a bonus.

Just a Resident of Candlewick Lake

Council Bluffs, a two hour drive from Diagonal

A picture from Lewis and Clark Park overlooking the Missouri River. In the background is Omaha, Nebraska

You can see how far above the treetops the overlook is. This is Big Lake at the base of Lewis and Clark Park.

A nicer view of Omaha from above. That is hiway 29 in the foreground. Where 29 and 80 join between Omaha and Council Bluffs is some of the most terrifying driving I have encountered. Just a mass of semis and cars jockeying for position in two lanes of traffic on one side. I never want to go there again.

This is at the Lewis and Clark monument. They met with the Indians and forged agreements just below the bluffs.

1804-1843

The city was named for an 1804 meeting of the Lewis and Clark Expedition with the Otoe tribe, which took place near present-day Fort Calhoun, Nebraska. The Council Bluffs became the generic name for the land on both sides of the Missouri River north of the mouth of the Platte River; the northwestern corner of Mills County, Iowa was then specifically called Council Bluffs.

The present city of Council Bluffs was first settled by Sauganash and his Potawatomi band in 1838. He won the respect of Americans in the War of 1812, but was later persuaded to remove from what became Chicago. Sauganash, the mixed-race son of Irish immigrant William Caldwell and a Mohawkmother, was also called Billy Caldwell. The Potawatomi main settlement, which numbered about 2,000 people, became called Caldwell's Camp. The U.S.Dragoons built a small fort nearby.

In 1838-39, the missionary Pierre-Jean De Smet founded St. Joseph's Mission to minister to the Potawatomi. De Smet was appalled by the violence and brutality caused by the whiskey trade, and tried to protect the tribe from unscrupulous traders. He had little success in persuading tribal members to convert to Christianity, and resorted to secret baptisms of Indian children