Uh, yeah, this sounds real promising!

It seems now one of the naysayers has decided he will write the Candlewick budget for the next fiscal year. He has never to my knowledge attended a finance commission meeting or for that matter handled a budget any larger than for a home. His home, by the way, is for sale.

Of course anyone can make suggestions for ways to improve operations but an entire budget? Come on. I guess if it gives him something to do that is fine but I have been involved in the budgeting process for a couple years now along with other members and I will tell you the process is intense. Tracy writes the original budget and the rest of us go over it line by line hoping to find ways to tighten. Few are found.

Maybe he should run for the board again if he wants involvement in the actual process. We’ll see how that goes. I'll keep you posted as this develops.

Ken Dillenburg

Poplar Grove BMX Park fundraiser

Stateline BMX Club will be running the 50/50 raffle at Rockford Speedway on Aug. 11^th during the tracks "Speedway Auto Mall Kid’s Night" to raise funds to complete the Poplar Grove BMX Park.  All kids are encouraged to bring their bicycles to the track for the opportunity to ride around the speedway in the Kid’s Bike Race during intermission before the mains.  The intermission will also feature freestyle riders performing in the infield during the kid’s race.  The intermission will conclude with BMX racers from Rockford BMX, in full gear, racing around the track. Racing starts at 7:07

For further information contact:

Rockford Speedway 815-633-1500 or

Stateline BMX Club 386-527-4876

Weekly Public Safety report

Important Candlewick Lake Information

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

 

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 7/29/2012

Suspicious Incidents

Public Safety responded to the 600 block of Constitution for a report of a dirt bike riding excessively up and down the street.  Public Safety arrived in the area and found the subjects to be gone on arrival.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Winatchee for a report of subjects banging on doors and windows.  Public Safety is continuing to provide this area and extra patrol due to the frequency of these events.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Pembroke for a report of a vehicle parked in the driveway of a vacant house.  Upon arrival, Public Safety determined it was a neighbor parking there.

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Rockaway Ct. for a report of a subject feeling ill.  Public Safety remained there until the subject was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Lamplighter Loop for a subject with severe back pain. Public Safety remained there until the subject was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 100 of Pembroke for a tree that fell through a house.  Nobody was injured.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Liverpool for a report of a subject feeling dizzy. Public Safety remained there until the subject was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Sequoyah for a report of a subject having trouble breathing. Public Safety remained there until the subject was transported for treatment.

Thefts

Public Safety responded to the 400 block of Marquette for a theft from vehicle.  The matter is under investigation.

Damage to Property

Public Safety responded to the Savannah Oaks golf course for a report a theft of golf flags and damage to the property.  Public Safety recovered the flags and returned them to the golf course.

Traffic Crash

Public safety responded to the 1600 block of Candlewick Dr. for a report of a traffic crash in a driveway.

Disorderly Conduct

Public Safety responded the 1700 block of Candlewick Dr. for a report of a subject acting disorderly on a jet ski.  The matter is under investigation.

Citations Issued  5

Warnings Issued 7

 

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

Being informed is half the battle.  

Well, he made it! Good goin' Rich

 You may remember a post here a couple weeks ago about Rich Witt going on the bicycle ride for hundreds of miles across the state of Iowa. Thousands of bikers started the trek and through heat of over 100 degrees at times and headwinds he was one of the ones that made it. His very appropriately proud family were there to meet him at the end of the trail.
  The last couple pictures show Rich dipping his wheel in 'ol Muddy (the Mississippi) then hoisting the bicycle above his head. Strong arms and tired legs. What a feat!

Thanks to Sue Witt, the proud wife, for the pictures.

(posted by Ken)

A Sunday consideration…..

It must come with age. I have noticed in the last few years I tend to “smell the roses” as they say. Friday I was driving toward Rockford and noticed the whip cream like clouds with the deep blue patches of sky between them. Absolute beauty. Sunsets over the lake seem more striking as the still lingering dissipating clouds turn to pinkish orange when the sun is below the horizon and only the clouds are still illuminated. Springtime as the ice loses it’s last grip on the lake and shards drift toward the shore they pile up in what could be mistaken for diamonds as the sunlight reflects. We live in a beautiful world.

I look at the pictures of our two new great grandkids and marvel at the miracle of perfectly formed little people with the world waiting to unfold for them. When I was young babies were just babies. Things are as they should be with the new arriving to replace the old.

I guess the less one has of anything the more valuable it becomes. We all need to live life to the fullest and enjoy the beauty and wonder around us that used to seem so commonplace.

Ken Dillenburg  

An ongoing program

Do it now or miss out

DRIVEWAY PAVING

Rabine Paving has offered special pricing to Candlewick Lake residents wishing to have their driveways repaved while their equipment is here.  If you are interested in having your driveway replaced and have not contacted Rabine for a quote, now is the time to do so.  You may contact Rabine at 1-888-722-4633 to have one of their estimators come out to give you a quote.  Rabine will only offer this special price when they have at least 10 driveways to do.  If you wait until a later date to get a quote and are the only one at that time, you will not receive this reduced price.

Candlewick Lake rules require that you submit an application to the Environmental Control Committee for approval when replacing your driveway.  If you have already received a quote from Rabine but have not submitted an application for approval, please stop in the office to fill one out.  You may also get the application on the Candlewick website at www.candlewick-lake.org.  The application is under “Documents & Forms” and then under “ECC (Building Department) Forms”.  You need both the “Driveway Application” and “Miscellaneous Construction Application”.

New fishing pier compliments of the "Friends of Candlewick"

Residents are making good use of the new fishing pier located behind the Rec. center.

 Andrew Baker caught a nice Bull head.

(Picture and copy from Barb Appelhans)

The baby swan question solved

Barb Appelhans made some inquiries and the coloration was from being marked after the wings are clipped. There is no harm to the swans and the color will come off with time. That is the only way they can tell which ones have been netted and clipped so they can't fly away.
Ken

Town Hall meeting for P.O. input

 Although I didn't think every board member would be able to attend every one did, wishing to hear the concerns and suggestions of the property owners that were in attendance. As you can see our G.M. as well as the Public Safety management were in attendance.
 The turnout was not large (about 20) but we hope the upcoming meetings we will be planning for Saturdays will have better attendance.

   As expected the naysayers that have complaints at every board meeting were there and now seem to embrace the title naysayer. Some complaints were against me personally and that is fine. When a person is vocal on issues some will not be pleased. I am also very happy to report we had some property owners in attendance who brought up some new ideas as well as areas in which we could improve. That is exactly the input we hoped for.

 This was not a give an take session so there was little interaction between the speakers and audience but copious notes were taken for reference. Your board is very appreciative of those who took the time from their evening for this meeting.

 I wish to make one further comment to those who take the time to read the information posted here. I have mentioned this before but it bears repeating. My posts here represent only my personal take on Candlewick issues and in no way represents board opinion. As an individual board member I have no ability to act on my personal wishes. Only your board can act.

Often the board has differing opinions regarding issues brought before us and split votes are not uncommon.

Ken Dillenburg

Thank you Barb Appelhans for the pictures

Anyone have any idea what is happening?

Barb Appelhans sent me these pictures of some of our young swans. You will notice in some of the lower pictures it looks like there is damage to differing parts of the body. Please help. We want to protect our beautiful swans.
Some appear to have pink-red paint on them or they are being harmed by something or someone. If anyone has any idea what is causing this please call the office and let them know. Thank you.
Ken

I mentioned this before but this is the official release

CWL BOARD TO HOST TOWN HALL MEETING

Wednesday, July 25^th

7:00pm

Recreation Center

Purpose:

·        To give community members more access and input to the Board of Directors for the betterment of the community as a whole.

Each resident will be given the opportunity for a one-time five minute presentation of their questions/concerns/ideas to the BOD. Please come prepared. It is highly suggested that each resident addressing the Board have a prepared statement or written outline to facilitate the presentation.

Format:

·        Should you wish to make a presentation to the board please sign-up as you enter

·        Each individual who signed-in will be called up in that order and asked to come to the podium to state their name and address and then begin their presentation.  If there is any printed material you would like the Board to have please give it to them at the start of the presentation

·        Board members will listen and take notes of these questions/concerns/ideas

·        This is not a question and answer session. Answers may not be given at this time as it is an information gathering session;  however, should a Board member want to comment, question or supply an answer they will do so

·        Excessive talking amongst attendees will not be tolerated. Outbursts and vulgar language will NOT be allowed and you will be asked to leave

This is the first of three such Town Hall Meetings the Board plans to hold this year and the format may be tweaked in upcoming sessions. In order to make this an effective venue all that attend are asked to work in conjunction with the Board.

ECC Rules & Regulations meeting

Monday evening your board met for about another 2 ½ hours continuing the process of eliminating rules that unnecessarily burden the property owners and duplicate Boone county regulations and procedures. Some restrictions seemed pointless although during the build out of Candlewick they may have made sense.

Now Val, our building department manager, has the unenviable task of rewriting the rules and regulations book to conform with the agreed upon changes. This will be a time consuming job but she is up to the task and the end result will be a much more user friendly document that meets the needs of our community without excess restrictions.

When that task is completed the board will again review it for final approval. This will take time so don’t expect it to be published for some time. We want it right and long term applicable when the final document is published.

Ken Dillenburg

What's happening?

Weekly Public Safety report

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

 

WEEKLY REPORT

Week ending 7/23/2012

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to the 300 block to Picadilly for a report of a subject having trouble breathing.  Public Safety remained there until the subject was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Lamplighter Loop for a request to perform a welfare check on a resident not seen or heard of in a while.  Public Safety responded and found the resident to be fine.

Suspicious Activity

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Winatchee for a report of subjects knocking on doors and windows to a residence. Public Safety checked the area and found no subjects in the area.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Drew Ct. for a house that had been covered with toilet paper.  Public Safety checked the area and found no subjects in the area.

Traffic Crash

Public Safety responded to Talladega and Hastings for a report of a traffic crash.  Public Safety assisted until the Sheriff’s Department and rescue personnel arrived on the scene.

Theft

Public Safety responded to the 400 block of Talladega for a report of a stolen bicycle.

Threats

Public safety responded to the Recreation Center for a group of juveniles threatening each other.  Public Safety met with the juveniles and resolved the matter with warnings.

Juvenile Issues

Public safety responded to the 100 block of Chanticleer for a report of juveniles riding scooters in neighbor’s yards.  Public Safety met with them and issued warnings.

Public Safety responded to the 300 block of Talladega for a report of a subject threatening to jump from his roof.  Upon arrival nobody was home or on the roof of the residence.

Trespassing

Public Safety responded to the West gate for a report of a subject attempting to sneak into the property.  Public safety determined it was a repo man and escorted him off the property and warned him if he attempted that again the Sheriff’s Department would be called and a complaint would be signed.

Damaged Property

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Candlewick Dr. for a report of a dock and boat floating away.  Public Safety responded and re-secured the boat.

Citations issued     7

Warning Issued     10

 

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

Being informed is half the battle.  

Have some good ideas?

Wednesday evening at 7 P.M. in the rec center will be the first of three planned meetings strictly for your input. The meeting is to allow your board to hear your thoughts regarding what you feel is going well and ideas for improvement here in Candlewick. Realize though, this is not a question and answer session. It is for the board members in attendance to make note of your ideas and take them to the full board and management for consideration.

Persons wishing to address the board members in attendance are asked to sign in so they can be called upon in that order. Only those signing in to speak will have time at the microphone. The time limit per speaker will be five minutes so we ask that you come prepared. Your board realizes there are ideas and concerns we have not even considered and this is your chance to bring them to light. We really do want this community to be all it can be and with your input we will continue to improve.

As has been evident at many board meetings we will not all agree on some points but I fully intend to be there with an open mind, putting our differences aside for the betterment of all.

Ken Dillenburg

A Sunday consideration

When you get a chance to do something good for people, then act on it. Do anything to touch people hearts. When you are not there, they remember all those things which you did to them. Be a person like when you are not there, they will badly miss you. Winning hearts of the people is the best achievement in any type of relationships. Always be good and helpful to people, you will be loved more than you expected. ~ Tejas Patel

A couple worthless facts

 The Wall Street Journal today had an article about the 500 mile bike ride in Iowa that Rich Witt will be taking with around 25,000 others. It seems about every ten miles there are food stands with all different kinds of food for the riders to buy. No weight loss on this trip! Rich for some reason failed to mention that aspect.............
  Milk consumption in China is about 66 pounds per year per person compared to the U.S. where it is 440 pounds but get this, Switzerland checks in with 693 pounds per person.
  I saw a sign in a local store that should be very effective. It read "Unattended children will be given a free kitten." Now that should solve the problem quickly!
Ken Dillenburg

From the Candlewick Anglers

Hi all,

The July meeting of the anglers is on Thursday the 26th at 6:30 pm.

We will meet at the marina AND TRY once again to get people out in our boats to fish the lake. Bring your gear and  if you want to, bring your own boat, if possible, one of us will go with you.

Hope to see you there !

 

The Anglers. 

Plan ahead! (Non-golfers notice the $3.00 food)

Would I take the job? Not a chance!

One of the naysayers at last Tuesday’s board meeting questioned the number of hours our general manager works. Well, that is really a question with two answers. There is the minimum he is to work but there is no maximum and he is salaried.

Tracy is on call 24 hours per day and until I was elected to the board I had no true idea what that entailed. Tracy works for the board but he is at the top of the pyramid when it comes to responsibility for operations. Who do you think is called if we have a problem with a gate not working at night? Who gets called if there is a dispute with a P.O. that gets out of hand? Who do you think gets called if there is a water leak at the rec center? It all falls on him at all hours of the night. He is to follow through and handle the situation. I personally have spoken with him both with me initiating the call and at times him calling me well into the evening.

Add to that the evening meetings he attends. We’ll use this week as an example. 4:30 p.m. is his normal time to leave the office. Monday evening I went to our finance commission meeting at 5:30 and who was there? You guessed it, Tracy. He had not yet left the office. Not only that, he stayed for the meeting and when that meeting ended he next was attending the AQUA advisory group meeting. I have no idea how late that lasted. Now on to Tuesday evening. After leaving the office he was back at the rec center at 6:15 for the board meeting. There is another three or so hours of his time. These are the instances I personally am aware of, not because he told me but because I witnessed it personally. I have no idea how many meetings he attended or calls he took (although I spoke with him twice this week in the evening) or special trips he made here for circumstances but I will tell you this, it is no gravy job.

When the question was asked there were no accusations made, simply the question, but I felt this needed addressing to set the record straight. This guy does his job and does it well. He has my backing and I see nothing changing that.

Ken Dillenburg

Another party!

I failed to mention the roads report

Sorry, when I published the info. on the Tuesday board meeting I missed the roads report. Most of the road information I posted here a week or so ago but there is new information about the crackfill and sealing of Candlewick Boulevard.
August 7 or 8 are the planned dates to crackfill and seal the inbound lane depending upon weather. The outbound lane is planned for August 14 or 15. This will cause some traffic disruption but we want this sealed as part of our maintain program on the roads that can have extended life with maintenance. 
September 1 is the plan for cracksealing the remainder of our community and the time necessary is still up in the air but this will not be a big deal for traffic disruption.
Shouldering will be handled as weather and time permit but we intend to go into this winter in one heck of a lot better shape than last year regarding your road system.
Ken Dillenburg

Fitting

We are a community that cares

These ribbons are all over Candlewick

Tuesday evening board meeting points

There was a small turn-out of about 20 at the meeting as expected with little on the agenda that was controversial. The meeting of course started with the half hour of open comments from the attendees.

The open comment portion was as expected, the same song and pretty much the same verse. The handful of naysayers again explained that the board is not doing their job, the management and departments are in general inefficient, money is wasted, and the rules are unfair to them. Just as a reference, I have lived here 25 years and have never had a citation; we have an extremely frugal board. Management is solid and working for the betterment of your community while cutting man-hours where possible. I guess as said in Latin, suum cuique (to each his own).

Now on to the business part of the meeting. A new activities director has been hired to replace Sherri, who left a short time ago. Michelle has 30 years of experience and should be a fine replacement to fill some pretty big shoes. She will be starting in a couple weeks.

Our finances are of course still in good shape as reported last month, with a balance on hand of $4,394,295. Remember though the fiscal year is just getting started and we have some major projects to fund. We’re still well capitalized.

Friends of Candlewick have ordered a new 24’ fishing pier that will be installed by the big willow tree near the rec center. It will be T shaped for more fishing area. Thanks to those folks for their help.

The rec commission reported the swimming classes are a big success and a walking path is in the planning stages so along with all their normal duties they are working on new additions for all of us. A great bunch of folks.

The AQUA adhoc group was dissolved since they have finished their work and the new AQUA advisory group had their first official meeting with AQUA representatives to discuss and avoid future problems.

The golf commission had their first unofficial meeting and the first official meeting is to be held July 24 at the admin building to elect officers and start planning projects.

Our new community garden is producing well with some of the produce going to the food pantry. The Boy Scouts have built benches and other additions for the garden area. If you haven’t seen it be sure to stop by. It is behind the pine trees next to the office parking lot. Well done!

The board voted to contribute $1,000 to the fund being used by ILAC to pay for legal work writing the Amcius brief the board believes is for the betterment of your community.

The resolution to permanently allow motors over 75 horsepower on the lake was unanimously passed including substantial restrictions including no speed over idle. There have been no problems during the test period so it is a go.

Don Parisi has been looking into electric aggregation for Candlewick. As was expected it is difficult to get a firm go ahead from an attorney since there is question of whether an association has the authority to do so or even how it would be worded. This is complicated but Don indicates he is going to continue investigation. Don’t expect any result in the near future on this issue but thanks to Don for working on it.

All the above comments are of course simply my notes and opinion on the issues and in no way reflect board opinion or official minutes.

Ken Dillenburg  

Concert in the Park

 Pirates over 40 made it through the heat. From the looks of the bottom picture it appears there was a good turn-out for the performance.

It was a little too warm for me but we did sit outside and listen for a while.

As usual thanks goes to Barb Appelhans for submitting the pictures.

Ken

Weekly Public Safety report

Important Candlewick Lake Information

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

 

WEEKLY REPORT

Week ending 7/15/2012

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to the 400 block of Taladega for a report of a subject who had passed out.  Public Safety remained there until the subject was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Valhalla for a report of a subject having trouble breathing.  Public Safety remained there until the subject was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Rockaway Ct. for a subject having a possible asthma attack.  Public Safety remained there until the subject was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 200 block of Rochester for a report of a subject having a possible stroke.  Public Safety remained there until the subject was transported for treatment.

Suspicious Activity

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Winatchee for a report of subjects banging on doors and windows.  Public Safety checked the area and found no suspects.  Public Safety will provide an extra patrol to this area because of the amount of times this has occurred in that area.  Anyone with information of this issue is encouraged to call Public Safety at 815-765-3768.

Public Safety responded to Brandywine for a report of juveniles breaking bottles in the street.  Public Safety checked the area and found no suspects.

Public Safety responded to Friendship Park for a report of subjects attaching a sled to a car and driving around on the sled.  Public Safety met with them and they ceased.

Theft

Public Safety responded to the Savannah Oaks golf course for a report of a golf cart that had been driven off of the course.  The golf cart was located and the resident was unaware he could not drive off of the course. He was subsequently educated about rules regarding golf carts.

Public safety responded to the 400 block of Atlantic for a report of a theft from a vehicle.  Boone County Sheriff’s Office was subsequently called.

Disorderly Conduct

Public safety responded to the West gate for a report of a resident who allegedly threatened a gate officer.  The Boone County Sheriff’s Office was called and the matter was handled by them.  The resident was cited by Public Safety for a stop sign violation and disorderly conduct.

Public Safety responded to the Recreation Center for a report of kids blocking traffic.  Public Safety met with the children and warned them of their actions.

Damage to Property

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Pembroke for a report of damaged mailboxes.

Public Safety responded to the 400 block of Pembroke for a report of vehicles being egged.

Citations issued   7

Warning Issued   8

 

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

Being informed is half the battle.  

Noah…A perfect full term baby boy

This is the way the newborn was described by the Winnebago County coroner. This little boy was disposed of as one would a rotting bag of potatoes, mixed in with items people are through with and want taken from their homes. This is so very sad.

This child would have been loved. I want to believe this was the act of a young teen brought on by unfounded desperation and fear. Who knows what promise the boy’s future could have held? We will never know now but as I said earlier there would have been those who loved him unconditionally. If there is any consolation in this it has to be he is indeed now experiencing the ultimate love in the presence of God. He died having never sinned or even having an unclean thought. This baby boy was truly an innocent.

This is a post I didn’t want to write but the subject can’t be ignored. I can think of nothing in the 25 years Fran and I have lived here that is more distressing if it is proven the infant is from our community. All we can do now is pray that the person that did this will understand how wrong it was and anyone else contemplating such a thing will understand this is not the way to solve a “problem”. We don’t need to pray for Noah now. He is in good hands.

Ken Dillenburg

The infant baby boy investigation

ON FRIDAY JULY 13, 2012 THE BODY OF AN INFANT BABY BOY WAS FOUND AT THE TOTAL WASTE RECYCLE PLANT IN ROSCOE,ILLINOIS.

IT APPEARS AS THOUGH THE INFANT HAD BEEN PLACED IN THE GARBAGE, PICKED UP BY A GARBAGE HAULER AND BROUGHT TO THE RECYCLE PLANT.

GARBAGE BROUGHT TO THE PLANT IS COLLECTED FROM A WIDE AREA INCLUDING POPLAR GROVE,ILLINOIS.

ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ON THIS CASE IS ASKED TO CALL THE WINNEBAGO COUNTY SHERIFF’S POLICE DETECTIVE BUREAU (815/319-6400) OR CRIMESTOPPERS (815/963-7867). A CASH REWARD OF UP TO $1,000.00 IS AVAILABLE.

Board of Directors meeting Tuesday

Same as usual, 6:30 public comments period, 7:00 board meeting agenda items at the rec. center. Upon scanning the agenda this should be a pretty non-controversial meeting. We'll let you know what happens in our Wednesday post. My back is (I believe) in good enough shape to hobble in for the meeting and sit through it. We'll see, but I intend to take a shot at it.
Ken Dillenburg

Your Sunday smile

The church steeple

The church steeple on the old church is very high and was being painted on a rather hot day. The painter was about half way down and, as the steeple was widening out, was taking more paint. The painter felt that he might not have enough paint to finish. Since he was hot and tired, and did not care to make another trip to the ground, he decided to stretch the amount of paint by adding some paint thinner to it. When finished, he lowered himself to the ground and went about cleaning up. Then he looked up to see the results of his work and noted that the area with the thinned paint looked decidedly different. He was pondering about what to do about it when the sky turned dark and there was a lightning flash and loud thunderclap.
Then in a loud, booming voice from the sky came the words, " REPAINT AND THIN NO MORE!"

Your Sunday consideration...

When you get a chance to do something good for people, then act on it. Do anything to touch people hearts. When you are not there, they remember all those things which you did to them. Be a person like when you are not there, they will badly miss you. Winning hearts of the people is the best achievement in any type of relationships. Always be good and helpful to people, you will be loved more than you expected. ~ Tejas Patel

Off topic Saturday

Mike worked for me for a time when I had my store in Marengo and he used to live close to us. I would have never dreamed he had such skill. Of course he was a teen-ager at the time and one never knows. If you go to the link be sure to check out some of the samples of his work that can be accessed from his site. If I decide to have a carving I have no doubt where I will go.   Ken Dillenburg
http://www.7-sons.com/

Rich Witt's upcoming ride

Just too healthy for his own good! Rich is planning a bike trip in Iowa that would be tough for a guy in his 20s. We wish him the best and hope he has 911 on speed dial on his cell phone.

This is from the Participant Guide:

The Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa,

RAGBRAI", is an annual seven-day bicycle tour across the state.

RAGBRAI is the oldest, largest and longest multi-day bicycle tour in the country.

According to participants, the event is the standard by which all other

multi-day bicycle tours are measured.

 

RAGBRAI started in 1973 as a six-day ride across the state by two Des Moines Register columnists who throught they were

inviting just a few friends along. About 120 people made it across the state that year. The next year, 2000 showed up. The number grew to 10,000 in 1985.

The ride annually attracts participants from every state and many foreign Countries.

 

RAGBRAI is coordinated by The Des Moines Register and is held the last full week of July.

The ride always begins on the western border of Iowa and always ends on the eastern border.

At this time of year, the prevailing winds are most often from west to east. Also, the riders are not facing the sun

at the end of a long weary day. Over the years, a tradition has developed for riders to dip their rear tire in the Missouri River

or its tributaries as they begin their seven-day jouirney east. When they complete the ride, they

will dip their front tire in the Mississippi River.

 

The route is different each year and is announced at the end of January at the annual RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party and in The Des Moines Register.    Good luck Rich.

Over 40? We'll see if they can stand the heat!

Important Candlewick Lake Information

Concert In The Park

 

Pirates Over 40 

Tropical Rock Music

July 15th

The Behind The Recreation Center at 6:30PM

Lake dangerously low. Please help.

Important Candlewick Lake Information

Lake Level Is Now More Than 6" Below Pool

 

Due to this wonderful hot and dry weather,

there is no watering allowed from the lake effective immediately.

Fishing at the Dip is now a "No Fishing Area"

As soon as the lake pool rises these bans will be lifted.

 

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

Being informed is half the battle.

Thanks again........

I see we have passed 65,000 page views. Your readership is very much appreciated in our effort to provide you with up to date information regarding Candlewick challenges as well as the good things that are constantly happening in your community. We have a lot of darn good people living here and I am proud to say this is my home.
I will continue to fill in with some very off topic subjects on slow news days so bear with me when I am on my tangents.
Thanks folks!   Ken

Current road status

Rabine has now finished all the 2 inch mill & overlay and all the 4 1/2 inch remove and replace paving. A schedule is being set up for the sealing of Candlewick Boulevard (which will be disruptive to traffic), the hot crack-fill of our roads, and the areas they are to do the shoulder work as we indicate. The majority of that work will be performed in-house with Rabine handling the mile or so that was included in their bid. I have mentioned before the shouldering needs to be performed in cooler, damper weather or it will be like trying to shape hard cement along the edging. Rabine also doesn't want to run their heavy equipment over the edges of freshly laid paving when it is so hot that the paving isn't solid. They have been doing a good job for us to this point and the timing of the remainder isn't a serious concern as long as the heavy work is finished. 
To this point I have heard no complaints of more speeding in the areas we removed the humps but public safety has. Whether removal continues or humps are replaced next year is dependent upon driver compliance with speed rules. Our public safety commission will give guidance regarding this issue.
Ken Dillenburg