Steuben County Lakes Council - SOUNDINGSlakescouncil.org/newsletters/soundings_fall_2017.pdf · 2021. 1. 16. · SOUNDINGS Steuben County Lakes Council, Inc. 317 South Wayne Street,

SOUNDINGSSteuben County Lakes Council, Inc.317 South Wayne Street, Suite 2A

Angola, IN 46703 Phone (260) 665-1730E-mail [email protected] Web www.lakescoucil.orgVolume #44 Fall 2017

ADDRESS CHANGESWe are diligently working on our data base to make sure we have current lake addresses and current mailing addresses of those who prefer receiving mail other than at the lake. Please keep us informed of any changes that need to be made. If you are a “Snow Bird” and have a different winter address, please advise us of this address and the times this should be used. We want to be sure to reach you with any mailings we may have. To make a change, please send a note in the mail or call the office (260) 665-1730. Thank you for your help.

Soundings is a Fall publication of theSteuben County Lakes Council, Inc.

317 South Wayne Street, Suite 2A, Angola, IN 46703.Telephone (260) 665-1730

E-mail [email protected] Web Site www.Lakes Council.org

Steuben County Lakes Council“Protecting Our Lakes Today, For Tomorrow”

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THANK YOUSubmitted by Janet Bohney, President Steuben County Lakes Council

Being an environmentalist at heart and believing that water is one of our most important resources, two years ago I assumed the presidency of an organization with many like-minded individuals, the Steuben County Lakes Council. (SCLC) It has been a pleasure to work with so many people whose goal is to protect our water quality, not only in Steuben County, but also in Indiana and beyond. Next year our president will be Mel Hathaway, and he brings a wealth of experience and expertise that we will certainly need in the coming year.

It has been an eventful two years, and I learned a bunch about water quality measurements, land usage, environmental impacts of progress, state regulations, and even fundraising. Keeping our waters clean and safe requires everyone to be involved. From the lake representatives, to the committee members, to our partners in water quality testing, to the board members, to the officers of the board, and especially to our members – you; we need to work diligently to keep our waters clean for today and for the future. It was my honor to be president of the SCLC and to work to protect the waters of this beautiful area of Indiana that we call Steuben County. Thank you.

President's Live Box

2017 SOUNDINGS Page 23Page 2 SOUNDINGS 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTSPresident’s Introduction----------------------------------------Page 1Officers for 2018------------------------------------------------- Page 2Calendar for 2018------------------------------------------------ Page 3Sometimes It Takes A Crisis -- ----------------------------Page 4 & 5What to do?--------------------------------------------------------Page 5 My Journey--------------------------------------------------- Page 6 & 7Scholarship Availability-----------------------------------------Page 7Public Access Sites in Steuben County----------------------- Page 8Grant Funds Help Local Conservation-----------------Page 9 & 10You Don’t Have to Be An Expert------------------------------Page 11Farewell to All---------------------------------------------------Page 11Business & Professional Contributors---------------Page 12 & 13Another Fish-Eating Bird-------------------------------Page 14 & 15Scholarship Memorials----------------------------------------Page 15Shorelines-------------------------------------------------Page 16 to 22 Pete’s Book-------------------------------------------------------Page 23Membership-----------------------------------------------------Page 23

SCLC OFFICERS 2018President – Mel Hathaway

President Elect – Bill SchmidtTechnical Vice President – Pete Hippensteel

Government Vice President – Karen DeForestPublic Relations Vice President – John Williamson

Membership Vice President – Helen MillerSecretary – Sue Myers

Treasurer – Gary VandenElstAssistant Treasurer –Jim Simons

Member at Large – Norm GajewskiMember at Large – Bob Glick

Member at Large – Max Robison

PETE’S BOOKWe all love picture books! From the time we learn to read, we

continue to reach out to the picture books! Picture books can give us a lasting look at life. Well, that certainly rings true when we put Pete’s book in our hands.

Pete Hippensteel has been involved with the Steuben County Lakes Council since it first began. It started when a small group of lake people met in a Lake Cottage (now owned by Mel and Sandy Hathaway) on Lake James. These people had the future in mind, and they wanted to see that the lakes of the whole county were protected for all to enjoy in future years.

Thanks to those folks, the group became the large Lakes Council we appreciate to this day. And, now we have the creative artistry of Pete, who organized his photographic work of many years into this pictorial collection of the many changes in our lakeside environment over the past 200 years.

It has been the privilege of the Steuben County Lakes Council to sponsor his work, making it available to future generations. We have distributed three printings of his work and hope to continue as long as the demand exists. Call the office at 260-665-1730 if you wish to reserve your own copy.

MEMBERSHIP NOTESSubmitted by Helen Miller, SCLC Membership Vice-President

Our annual membership drive for 2018 will be held in January of 2018. It is a pleasure to thank all of you who sent your membership contribution to us for 2017. Our board would like to thank all of you who renewed your membership and also contributed a special gift for the Water Quality Project we are carrying on throughout the year. We have been able to intervene when we find a problem area and use this project to keep our waters safe. We wish to continue with this project in 2018 and will be able to do so with your help. Thank you again and please watch for our membership drive material to arrive to you in January.

2017 SOUNDINGS Page 3Page 22 SOUNDINGS 2016(Continued from page 21)

STEUBEN COUNTY LAKES COUNCIL, INC.BOARD MEETINGS

Learn more about your Steuben County Lakes Council by attending our Board meetings. They are held the first Saturday of each month (except January) at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 314 West Maumee, Angola, IN at 8:30 A.M. Exception: The August meeting will be at the Lake James Christian Assembly. The meetings are open to the public. Come, join the discussions, and help us keep the lakes and streams clean and beautiful.

CALENDAR FOR 2018

Steuben County Lakes Council Board Meetings

February 3, First Congregational United Church of Christ

March 3, First Congregational United Church of Christ

April 7, First Congregational United Church of Christ

May 5, First Congregational United Church of Christ

June 2, First Congregational United Church of Christ

July 7, First Congregational United Church of Christ

August 4, Lake James Christian Camp & Retreat Center

September 1, First Congregational United Church of Christ

October 6, First Congregational United Church of Christ

November 3, First Congregational United Church of Christ

December 1, First Congregational United Church of Christ

All meetings are open to the public.

Meetings start at 8:30 A.M.

Help!

“Protecting our lakes today, for tomorrow”

West Otter Lake Submitted by John Williamson Here we are at a sad time of the year with the cool breezes and rain and leaves. Time to take out the boats! As always, we will miss being on the water and looking around at the beautiful tree line around the shore with the sound of kids swimming. We held our fall lake association meeting on October 7, with the election of officers and board members. All positions are filled for another year and planning has started. We are gaining on full time lake residents and have new homes being built and upgrades also. Living at a lake is great. See you in the spring.

As we contemplate the Winter sport season, with its snow, shoveling, ice skating, ice fishing, hot chocolate, chili, Thanksgiving and Christmas, may your heart be glad. COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS. Like most of you, we here on Silver Lake smell the smoke of lingering campfires, and hear the sounds of neighbors helping neighbors take out piers and boats for the winter. We will soon be looking for our boots, gloves, scarfs, hats, snow shovels and prepare for that glorious white stuff, and frozen water---good ice fishing. Y’all!


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SOMETIMES IT TAKES A CRISISSubmitted by Pete Hippensteel, Technical Vice President SCLC

In some situations, it takes a crisis to get people’s attention. Take,

for example, the large blue-green algal bloom in Lake Erie that contaminated Toledo’s drinking water and closed beaches in 2014. This is not the approach the Steuben County Lakes Council wants to take. Our lakes are too valuable a recreational resource to wait until a major problem occurs before we jump into action.

This is why we continue to invest in our extensive water testing of lake inflows throughout the county. We want to detect a problem before it becomes a crisis. One such situation developed this past summer. Uniquely, this problem is in the Western Lake Erie Basin—the same watershed that has caused Lake Erie’s continued algal blooms because of high nutrient inputs. This was reported in the October 8 edition of the Herald Republican. And now the search goes on to find money for restoration and to further reduce nutrient inputs in that area.

Now, here at home, our water testing has indicated significant increases in both bacteria and phosphorus levels in Fish Creek and Black Creek. It was the issuing of a CFO, confined feeding operation, permit in June 2016 that first indicated a need for expanded sampling in this area. Then, after extremely high readings in our regular May sampling, we immediately added additional testing sites in these watersheds to pinpoint the sources of these elevated levels. Also, a fly-over of this area was made to further identify potential sources. It is obvious that the number of cattle in these watersheds has increased recently. There are now large areas of bare, trampled soil, that are used for supplemental feed areas, which are prone to high amounts of runoff. This runoff is located near ditches that provide direct conduits for bacteria and nutrients into Fish and Black Creeks. The bacteria count in Fish Creek averaged 30 times higher than state standards for the four test samples taken this past summer. The Black Creek readings averaged 11 times the state standards for recreational use water. Elevated readings for phosphorus were more than twice as high as any other readings taken at all of our sampling sites for this summer. These higher phosphorus values will enhance algae and weed growth in streams and lakes. The Lakes Council and the Hamilton Lake Association wrote a letter to the editors of the Herald Republican and the Hamilton News in August expressing our concerns. In September, we filed complaints with both the Steuben County Plan Commission and the County Health Department. The Plan Commission has indicated that there are no current zoning code violations on the cattle farm operations! The Health Department meeting is scheduled for October 18 to address this issue.

Silver Lake Submitted by Margaret Smith The sweat shirt is feeling pretty darn good the past couple days, love these cool nights. As usual, when putting summer duds away, I’m reminded that another season in my life journey has come to an end, far too quickly. Seems we just got the swing out and the pontoon in the water. Do you count yourself privileged to live in Indiana, a State where its citizens enjoy the 4 seasons? As we partake of pumpkin pie, baked apples, cider, yes, even zucchini, it takes the wonders of spring to get us to the harvest. It’s wonderful to travel through the State of Indiana and observe the farmers harvesting the crops that feed so many in marvelous ways. Most of us have beautiful trees that afford us shade, walnuts, hickory nuts, acorns, apples, pears, cherries and persimmons, plus those never ending leaves that call for attention in the fall. Yes, it’s all part of the season.

Lake of the Woods/McClish Lake Submitted by Steve McElhoe Greetings from Lake of the Woods/McClish lake. It’s hard to believe that Fall is upon us and our lives will slow down for a short while. This has been a very productive summer, and we accomplished a lot of good things for our lakes. First of all, I would like to thank our Board of Directors for all their hard work and guidance and, of course, our Association members who make all this possible. We installed two Dry Fire Hydrants this summer, which brings our total to three. I was able to get a matching grant from the DNR to help defray the cost. I am looking to install possibly two more so as many homes as possible are within reach of the hydrants. We successfully treated the channel between the two lakes for weeds, which not only made navigation easier but helped eliminate some invasive weed species. We are in the process of purchasing a “Your Speed Is” sign to place along a couple of the busiest roads around the lakes. This is a great way to remind drivers of the speed limit and to watch for children and the elderly, like me! We will be stocking 1300 walleye in Lake of the Woods in October. There have been several 27” to 28” walleye caught in both lakes so the stocking program works. We had a very successful Chicken Dinner Sale, and we split the proceeds with our friends from the Stroh Volunteer Fire Department to help them purchase a new safety vehicle. Water quality continues to be in the forefront. I will be taking a training class in the spring which will allow me to test our water and get results so we know if there are issues that need to be addressed. All in all, it was a great summer and I am happy with what we have accomplished.



(Continued from page 19) The town of Hamilton and the lake residential areas of Hamilton Lake have invested in central sewage treatment to reduce the amounts of bacteria and nutrients entering Hamilton Lake and Fish Creek. Now these efforts are being overwhelmed by changes in land use within the Fish and Black Creek watersheds. Several types of best management practices NEED to be implemented on the farms with significantly increased cattle numbers that are beyond the normal carrying capacity of their pasture fields. An article in the September 24 edition of the Herald Republican states that the state legislature is “looking at the environmental impact of confined feeding operations and how communities can regulate this industrial farming at the local level.” Hamilton Lake needs help NOW. We do not want this situation to develop into a crisis situation like Lake Erie’s. Quick action will greatly help Hamilton Lake and also benefit Lake Erie since they are both in the same watershed. We are continuing to work to help solve this problem, which, if allowed to continue, will jeopardize the environmental health of Hamilton Lake, Black Creek and Fish Creek. Remember--Prevention, Prevention, Prevention—Not Restoration!

SO—WHAT TO DO?

1. First of all—Realize not all problems are quick to solve.2. Lake Associations and Steuben County Lakes Council need to work

together. 3. Research options.4. File Plan Commission complaint.5. Seek help from the County Board of Health.6. Work with party causing the problem. Working together is necessary.7. Involve IDEM.8. Seek solutions which preserve the water quality and helps the

offender use Best Management Plans for the future.

Lake Pleasant Submitted by Nancy Bandelier As the weather gets cooler and the daylight hours become shorter, one thing remains constant--Lake Pleasant’s sunsets are still the most beautiful of Steuben County’s 101 Lakes. Am I a bit partial toward our lake? You bet! The West end of our lake is the perfect backdrop for the setting sun with a natural shoreline of Bull Rushes, Lillie Pads, Cattails, and undeveloped fields and trees as far as the eye can see. Other aspects of the lake change from one year to the next. This year, three new homes have been built on previously empty lots, additional storage units have been built on the northeast side of the lake, and another invasive weed has been introduced into two channels on the southwest end of the lake where boat launches are present. What about the west end of the lake? Well, 93 acres have recently been sold, and the background for our sunsets may also change in future years. Time will tell on that one, but we can only hope the new owner is a conscientious steward of the natural beauty of our lake and the surrounding shoreline.

Lake James Submitted by Lynne Wernet Wow! Another summer has come and gone; although, as I write this, it is 80 degrees in October. What a nice fall we are having so far. On Lake James this summer, we celebrated the completion of the dredging projects and the wider navigation path around Goat Island, as well as the island upgrades. We also celebrated lake traditions: Turtle Race, 4th of July Flotilla, Fireworks, Seaplane Splash-In (the Grumman Albatross was amazing), Halloween at Pokagon, as well as boating, skiing, tubing, swimming and cookouts with family and friends. In addition to those well-known Lake James activities, sailing and fishing are also popular water sports on our lake. My source, who enjoys both, tells me there were some good times for each this year. He said there is actually an overpopulation of small bass and bluegill, but that fall fishing has been really good. For those who love to sail or perhaps those who would like to learn, the Lake James Yacht Club welcomes sailors to join them most Saturday mornings after Memorial Day at 10:00 on first basin. Some weeks there are ten boats racing! If you would like to learn more, they would love to share their sport with you, so come out some morning and ask to go along. You won’t be disappointed.



MY JOURNEYSubmitted by April Hart, Scholarship Student

This will be my fourth and final year at Ball State University, and I can wholeheartedly say it has been quite an adventure. For the last four years, I have received the Steuben County Lakes Council scholarship, and considered it a blessing each and every time. Because you assisted me with financing my college education, the summer before my sophomore year, I was able to save up and embark on an environmental excursion to help the Kiwi birds in New Zealand. Now, having been to nine other countries since then, I can still say that this was my favorite volunteer trip.

The following summer I went to Panama, followed by Nicaragua the next summer; both with the goal of providing medical care to underprivileged communities. During my time in Central America, we dug trenches for fresh water pipes and built latrines for the local communities as well. The water pipes were recently finished at the end of this summer, and my group and I received pictures of the community’s children drinking from the water spigot in the center of their village. The pictures were heartwarming.

Having just been there in May 2017, the project’s success will echo for years to come throughout a community that, prior to our visit, did not have access to local clean water. They had to walk miles every day to retrieve usable water. The women would walk this distance, bringing home the only water they may have for the week to drink, cook, and clean with. When this source of water was scarce, sometimes a truck would come, if they were able to get word out about the water shortage. This could cost money, making it not feasible for a community in which the average Nicaraguan lives on $2.00 or less a day. They desperately needed that money to buy other things such as food, clothing, and shelter. Other times, volunteer groups and generous families were available to donate the necessary supply of water. The newly developed water availability will be of profound convenience for them, and also provides a way to better their health.

Many of the diseases in Central America are due to a lack of clean water, so even if they rid themselves of a disease, it is typically contracted again by consuming the contaminated water not long after. Some of these diseases include Hepatitis A, Cholera, and Amoebiasis. Typically, here in the U. S., we do not have to worry about diseases manifesting because the majority of our population generally has access to clean water.

Lake George Submitted by Renate Brenneke “Bye summer, we’re going to miss you.” It was another lovely, busy, beautiful summer at the lake. The 4th of July fireworks were better than ever, and the annual 4th of July Chicken Sale fed many families over the weekend. The Inland Cat Sailing Association completed its 61st year of Saturday racing a fleet of single mast sailboats built in the 50’s and 60’s by two Lake George residents. The sailing association held its 60th Regatta in July, raising money for the Steuben County animal shelter. Invasive weed species in the lake continue to be a threat to the health of the lake. An effort is underway to create an equitable and fair way to share the expense of weed management among all residents. Planning is underway to safeguard the Lake George Conservancy acreage from invasive species while planting a variety of native species on the land. The Conservancy boutique had another banner year selling lake clothing and items of local artworks on Saturday mornings. As the leaves have begun to change and days are getting shorter, we appreciate our good fortune in living on the lake and we’re already looking forward to summer 2018.

All the dredging activity did not detract from the lake association’s commitment to take care of other yearly matters. A LARE grant covered the Eurasian milfoil invasive treatment, and a federal grant continues to treat the starry stonewort. They are both extremely difficult to eradicate. The treating of swan eggs this year located five nesting pairs—with 44 eggs treated! The BBQ chicken sale doubled, which will help fund some of the dredging. Duke Parker, the owner of the Superior Seawalls & Docks, was the guest speaker at the annual August meeting. He reviewed the process of his work. Another concern voiced by numerous residents was the excessive boat speed in the channels that had already been dredged. Hey, just because the channels may be twice as deep now—doesn’t mean you can go twice as fast. NO WAKE STILL MEANS NO WAKE!




Starting my Senior year of college comes with a lot of weight and decision making behind it. I’ve contemplated on how I could top my excursions to other countries, and what path I should choose to continue the fulfillment I’ve experienced in my years as an undergraduate. This past year, I made the decision to add on a minor in International Resource Management. Having this paired with my Biology major will give me a leg up to travel internationally and continue what I love doing—showing compassion towards people and the environment. Ideally, I would like to start an internship this following year learning more about my field of study and the best way to use the resources we have available to us now.

I also have the option of going to graduate school this coming year to use schooling as the way to explore the realms of Biology. I have a keen interest in both the medical and environmental aspects of my major, and hope to eventually find a way to tie them together. As a way to explore the medical aspects, I chose to become an EMT two years ago. The job has given me the appreciation of those who work in the medical field, and has only deepened my passion for it. A Physician Assistant program was suggested to me shortly before becoming an EMT, and I have already begun applying to graduate schools for that as well. I do not wish to limit myself to one career in life. I hope to keep up with my spontaneity, and find a way to serve others through the multitude of subjects I have found to enjoy. In the words of William James, “the most important thing in life is to live your life for something more important than your life.” I hope to continue on my journey and live in a way that betters the world around me.

I would like to thank the Steuben County Lakes Council for how gracious they have been in helping support my college career. Without the generosity of this organization, many of the above achievements and experiences would not have been possible. I am forever grateful for the support and encouragement I have received throughout my undergraduate years.

SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABILITY

The Steuben County Lakes Council Board wishes April good fortune after her upcoming graduation in May of 2018. She has been an outstanding example of the type student we will be looking for to take her place. We offer a small scholarship at Trine University to a student who is pursuing a degree in Environmental Science or Civil Engineering. If you have a child or grandchild looking for this type of scholarship help in the fall of 2018, feel free to call the SCLC office and inquire about qualifications for this scholarship.

Hamilton Lake Submitted by Janet Albright The Hamilton Lake Association (HLA) continues to be committed and active during the 2017 season. Besides approving weed spray monies, the organization is monitoring the increased water testing for Ecoli and ammonia, so that our lake is beautiful and safe for swimming, boating, and fishing. The board members are monitoring water quality due to fertilizers/organic materials, potential increase in Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO), and land fill monitoring. We are working with local and county agencies to help us with solutions. HLA has increased communication to keep in touch with lake residents through Social Media, Facebook, and the HLA website. The annual meeting, held in June, updated the membership on the upcoming season. Aquatic Management and DNR are traditionally invited to answer any questions. The active HLA “Buoy Boys” did a weekly run to replace buoys, as well as check on weeds and general condition of the lake. The fundraising efforts included membership dues with HLA flags, the HL (Hamilton Lake) stickers, a raffle for a paddle board, and the annual highly successful, Boat Poker Run (held on the last Saturday of July); all monies are used for weed spray and lake improvements. Finally, the HLA includes a newsletter with the membership mailing in late fall/early winter; besides including a summary of this season in the newsletter, water safety education (list of the most abused DNR laws) and water quality issues (specifically outlined) will be our future focus.

Jimmerson Lake Submitted by Ken Erlenbaugh When we left off in the fall of 2016, dredging was about to begin in the channel on our side of the bridge at the Four Corners Bait Shop. The plan was to have that channel, 3,100 feet of the creek heading upstream from the Nevada Mills dam, and a substantial amount of privately permitted area and channels all dredged before the lake froze. Well, with a surprisingly early and extremely cold snap, the lake froze by the first week of December. The operations had to be stopped just after the Four Corners channel was wrapped up. The dredgers were not permitted to continue operations until after July 1, when spawning season is considered complete for most aquatic species. The dredgers returned the last week of August to stage equipment and had started hydraulically dredging at the Nevada Mills area right after Labor Day. This year they are taking no chances and attempting to run a 24- hour operation as they are able. The progress has been good so far. They seem determined to get it done this year.




PUBLIC ACCESS SITES IN STEUBEN COUNTYSubmitted by Larry Koza, Dist. 2, Fisheries Biologist, DNRWe are certainly blessed with a large number of natural lakes in our

county, the majority of which are public lakes. In order for all of the citizens to enjoy these resources, the Division of Fish and Wildlife started a Public Access Program (PAP) in 1953 which was designed to provide free access to the many public lakes, rivers and streams in Indiana. This Program is funded through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, and also receives federal dollars through grants from the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Sport Fish Restoration Program (SFRP). The SFRP is in turn funded through taxes on fishing equipment as well as boating fuel.

Currently, the PAP is comprised of 416 Public Access Sites statewide, with 247 in northern Indiana and 169 in southern Indiana. In Steuben County, we have 17 lakes and one river with access sites, including Ball Lake, Beaver Dam Lake, Big Bower Lake, Big Otter Lake, Big Turkey Lake, Clear Lake, Fish Lake, Fox Lake, Golden Lake, Hamilton Lake, Jimmerson Lake, Lime Lake, Loon Lake, Marsh Lake, Pigeon Creek, Pigeon Lake, Silver Lake, and West Otter Lake. All of these sites have concrete boat ramps with the exception of Silver Lake, which is parking only but will be handy for ice anglers who wish to access the lake. In addition, five lakes can be accessed from connected lakes that have public access sites. These include, with the connected lake in parentheses, Lake Gage (Lime Lake), Lake James (Jimmerson Lake), Henry Lake (Big Turkey Lake) Round Lake (Clear Lake) and Snow Lake (Big Otter Lake).

There will be one new public access site added in 2018 at Crooked Lake. This site, located on the east shore, will be constructed on property leased from the county that is across the channel from the current county owned site. The existing ramp will be closed following the completion of the new ramp.

The county also has two lakes that straddle the Indiana/Michigan line (Lake George and Long Lake) that are accessible from public access sites in Michigan. Indiana has a reciprocal fishing agreement with Michigan that governs these boundary waters. The agreement states that a resident of either state that has a resident license for that state can fish anywhere on the lake as long as they follow the laws and regulations of the state having jurisdiction over that portion of the lake.

Amenities at most, but not all, of our access sites include concrete ramps, gravel or paved parking areas and wheelchair accessible boarding ramps or piers. In addition, many have portable restroom facilities. The PAP is always on the lookout for new property for access sites. The State will purchase sites at fair market value as well as negotiate leases. Donations of property are always welcome, also. In the meantime, take your boat, canoe, kayak, etc. over to one of our access sites and enjoy. And don’t forget your fishing pole!

BBQ Chicken cooked onsite and sold by the Clear Lake Lions Club during Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day raised money that was funneled back into the community. Participants enjoyed beautiful weather for the Lions Club Annual 5k/10k run/walk. The Yacht Club offered a variety of delicious meals and music most Fridays at TGIF and had healthy participation in tennis, pickleball and the sailing programs! This year’s Ski Club Show again demonstrated talent and hard work by lake youth. CLLC launched a community-wide project to build a pavilion near the Community Memorial Park Playground to offer the community an outdoor site for family and friend gatherings. The community responded generously and construction began in October. All in all, a great summer at Clear Lake! While it will be a quieter time, we hope everyone enjoys each upcoming season before we meet again next summer!

Golden Lake Submitted by Jack & Nickie Sweenie What a wonderful summer we have had on Golden Lake this year. Fishing has been very good with several bass tournaments---just ask the fishermen. Lots of family reunions located here and good times. One season is ending and the new season has started. Our lake was pretty busy this summer with fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking and bass tournaments. I think everyone enjoyed listening to all the children playing and having fun. Our 4th of July Parade is getting bigger and better. We also had a very nice fireworks show thanks to Steve Harvey. Our association meeting was held in late May and our guest speaker was Savannah Vaughn from the DNR. She spoke about weed control in our lake........very interesting.





GRANT FUNDS HELP LOCALCONSERVATIONSubmitted by Janel Meyer, S. C. Soil & Water Conservation District

The Steuben County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is pleased to announce that we are the recipients of three grants that will benefit water quality in Steuben County. In August, the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) announced that our Pigeon Creek Watershed – Reducing Soil and Nutrient Runoff $75,000 grant application was one of the 18 projects selected for funding to reduce runoff of phosphorus and sediment into the Great Lakes basin. The projects were chosen by the members of the Great Lakes Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Program task force, comprised of members from each of the Great Lakes states. Support for the program is provided by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLR) under a cooperative agreement between the GLC and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). This grant offers cost-share funding for the implementation of agricultural conservation practices within critical areas of the Pigeon Creek watershed. While sediment and nutrient problems exist throughout the entire watershed, there are areas where the problems are more focused than others. The priority sub-watersheds, chosen based on the watershed inventory and assessment from the 2014 Pigeon Creek Watershed Management Plan (WMP), include Pigeon Lake-Pigeon Creek (HUC040500011001), Mud Creek-Pigeon Creek (HUC040500011002), and Long Lake-Pigeon Creek (HUC040500011003). The direct sediment and phosphorus control emphasis of this project will be demonstrated through the use of best management practices (BMPs), which are designed to remove sediment and phosphorus from agricultural runoff and increase filtration. Practices were selected based upon recommendations from the Pigeon Creek WMP and the practices’ estimated nutrient reduction potential. This includes: blind inlets, buffer/filter strips, cover crop, critical area plantings, forage/biomass plantings, grassed waterways, pasture best management practices (i.e. fencing, alternative watering systems), and tree plantings. The 4R Nutrient Stewardship program for phosphorus management is also included within the grant by working directly with agricultural producers to review their current nutrient management plan (NMP), or create a plan if one has not been developed and education. The 4R Nutrient Stewardship program provides a framework to achieve cropping system goals, such as increased production, increased farmer profitability, enhanced environmental protection, and improved sustainability. To achieve these goals, the 4R concept incorporates the: Right fertilizer source at the Right rate

at the Right time and in the Right place. Properly managed fertilizers support systems that provide environmental benefits. Poorly managed nutrient applications can decrease profitability and increase nutrient losses, potentially degrading water and air.

SHORELINES 2017 The “Shorelines” section of the Soundings publication is for the various lakes to share the news of happenings on their lakes. It allows new ideas to be shared and an exchange of ideas for others to try. The Steuben County Lakes Council accepts that there are many different viewpoints on various subjects. The topics covered here are not necessarily the views of the Lakes Council; they are views of the writer. It is hoped that you find pleasure in this sharing of ideas and information.

Ball Lake Submitted by Karen DeForest Well, it is that time of year again. The leaves have started to change. We have been busy pulling out docks and boats. Some of our friends will be shutting up their cabins to travel south for the winter. We will miss them while they are gone, but we will anticipate their return in the spring. In August, at our fall meeting, we celebrated our 50th year Anniver-sary for our Association. Several ladies put together a wonderful celebra-tion for everyone. They researched all about Ball Lake’s history of the lake itself and the Association. Over the winter months, we will work on putting a book together of the history they discovered. They worked hard going through all the minutes, the library, and the internet. They also heard stories and information first hand from relatives who lived on the lake. There were things found that some never knew ever happened. Thank you for volun-teering to take the time to do this. We also did a pontoon parade this year. It was a huge hit. We had seventeen boats participating and many neighbors out encouraging and watching the parade. Our wildlife around the lake was busy late winter through early spring. We had 2 river otters and 2 litters of red fox kits; they were cute to watch grow up. It will be fun to see what will happen next spring. We hope that everyone can enjoy the fall and winter months. To all snowbirds who do go south for the fall and winter months, have a safe trip. See you in the spring!

Clear Lake Submitted by Bridget Harrison Another memorable summer at Clear Lake—beautiful sunsets, fun with family and friends and gone all too quickly. Over the Fourth, we were treated to a bright display of fireworks sponsored by the Clear Lake Asso-ciation (CLA). The CLA continued to support lake safety through its June boater safety class for youth and adults. June also featured the sold-out Clear Lake Township Land Conservancy (CLTLC) Spiritfest at the Clear Lake Yacht Club, bringing the community together for classic lake auction items, delicious food, “spirits” from sponsor Gay’s Hops N Schnapps and music and dancing, benefiting the Conservancy’s key projects.



While the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program has an agricultural focus, the concept is applicable to all homeowners/landowners; specifically, when developing and implementing lawn care maintenance plans. The SWCD was also awarded a $30,000 State Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) Watershed Land Treatment grant for priority Fawn River sub-watersheds in Steuben and LaGrange Counties. We partnered with the LaGrange County SWCD for this grant proposal. In total, LARE funded projects in 20 counties, encompassing watersheds of more than 25 different lakes, rivers and streams. The 2017 requests for Watershed Land Treatment and Biological and Engineering projects throughout the state from LARE funds totaled nearly two million dollars, far more than could be fully granted. Many projects were not funded at all, and many requests were reduced from the amount applied for. This was true for our Fawn River LARE grant; we were awarded only a portion of our application funding request. However, thanks to our strong proposal, our project was supported by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. BMPs listed in this grant were chosen based on the impact to water quality within critical areas (greatest potential to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff), and include: Conservation tillage, comprehensive nutrient management, forage/biomass plantings, cover crops, critical area plantings, grassed waterways, filter strips, fencing for livestock, tree plantings, field windbreaks, streambank protection, and wetland development. To date, both the Steuben and LaGrange County SWCDs have allocated the maximum cost-share available for cover crops. However, funding is available for the other conservation practices listed. The Fawn River LARE grant and Pigeon Watershed Nutrient Reduction grant are in addition to a Clean Water Indiana (CWI) grant that was selected for full funding by the Indiana State Soil Conservation Board (SSCB). We partnered with the DeKalb County SWCD for this conservation grant which started in January 2017. The grant provides cost-share assistance for three types of agricultural BMPs, cover crop seeding, blind inlet installation, and gypsum application totaling $55,000. The priority area for this grant is the headwaters of the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB). In Steuben County, this includes the Fish Creek and West Branch watersheds. However, this grant gives us the ability to provide cover crop cost-share assistance for new and early adopters, acres not funded by previous CWI grants, or acres not eligible for funding by other programs within Steuben County. The CWI grant will last up to three years. We have until September 1, 2020 to fully utilize the Fawn River LARE grant. Project duration for the Pigeon Creek Watershed – Reducing Soil and Nutrient Runoff grant is 3 years, beginning October 1, 2017. We are excited to bring new funding to the residents of Steuben County, and look forward to working with the landowners in these watersheds to conserve our natural resources. For more information about our District programs, feel free to call the office (260-665-3211, ext. 3).

Kingfishers breed only once a year, usually between April and July. Five to eight shiny white eggs are laid. Both the male and female incubate the eggs. Hatching occurs in 23-25 days. The young are fed regurgitated food as well as small fish and will eat their body weight in food each day. Later their diet can be supplemented with some insects, tadpoles and even crayfish. In around 23 days, the young develop feathers and the parents stop bringing food. The young are then forced out of the nesting tunnel. The parents then train the young by dropping fish into the water for the young to capture. After a couple of weeks, the young are able to capture their own food and become totally independent by six weeks of age. Belted Kingfishers have few natural predators. Some predatory birds, such as hawks and falcons, have been known to prey on them. When pursued by one of these birds, Kingfishers can dive under the water to escape. Belted Kingfishers are fairly solitary birds, but if one ever spies a group of them, that group is known as a “crown” or a “rattle”! The presence of these birds is just another reason why we are so fortunate to have clean lakes and streams in northern Indiana and elsewhere. Thanks goes to organizations such as the Steuben County Lakes Council, Steuben County Soil and Water Conservancy District, individual lake associations, and others that protect and monitor our waters for us today and for future generations! Thank you, also, to the individuals who support these and other organizations!!

MEMORIALS TO HONOR OTHERS WILL BE PUT IN OUR SCHOLARSHIP FUND, UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED.

We wish to thank the following scholarship contributors in 2017. Bar-Bid Enterprises, Warren & Barbara Barnes, Dennis & Melonie Bieberich, Velma Bloom, Michael L. Burkhalter, Jack & Donna Burkholder, Mark & Dawn Christman, Eldon Clark, Patrick & Marilyn Cleary, Brad Cookson, Patti Couperthwait, Doris Daub, Marty Dominique, Dorothy Dukes, Steve & Brenda Franzman, Norm & Anita Gajewski, John & Marie Glazier, Denise Gray, Diane Graziano, Jackie & Lydia Griffin, Robert & Shirley A. Gunn, Edward & Karen Hardiek, Jack & Karen Horrell, Pamela Hawkins, John Hiatt, HiView Campground, Michael & Laura Jaicomo, Barbara Kraegel, Ken & Helen Miller, Gary & Barbara Moeller, Sue Myers, Antonino & Sally Ortiz, Wayne Peters, Louis & Betty Pringle, Max & Sandra Robison, Don & Carolyn Schenkel, Kenneth & Marta Schlemmer, Evelyn Schlosser, Bill Schmidt, Dan & Rebecca Schmidt, James & Marilyn Simons, Gerald & Jutta Stanford, Don & Bev Stephens, Craig Strock, Blaine & Joell Stuckey, Claudia D. Sundberg, John & Nickie Sweeney, John & Carol Tchinski, Patrick & Shelley Tippman, Tom’s Donuts, Thomas & Kelly Trusty, Marilyn A. Vachon, Jeff & Janet Walborn, Christine Yant, Norman Yoder.

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YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE AN EXPERTSubmitted by LAB members.

You just need to care! The Steuben County Plan Commission has openings for volunteers to serve on the Lakes Advisory Board (LAB). This seven-member board was created to inform the Plan Commission of specific concerns or questions of affected property owners. This Board also aids the Plan Commission in fact finding missions, and provides follow-up information to the Plan Commission concerning the possible violations of zoning ordinances. They study the subjects and problems upon request of the Plan Commission. For example, the LAB is concerned with properties located within 1,000 feet of the shore of any state-owned lake within Steuben County, properties zoned Lake Residential, and properties which drain into a creek or body of water that flows into a lake in Steuben County. Members of the LAB are appointed by the Plan Commission for three-year terms. Please contact the Steuben County Plan Commission at 260-668-1000, ext. 1610 or [email protected] to ask questions or to volunteer. This is your chance to help the Steuben County Plan Commission to make informed decisions regarding the lakes in Steuben County.

FAREWELL TO ALLSubmitted by Tim Frederick, Steuben Lakes Regional Waste District

Melanie and I have decided to retire from the Steuben Lakes Regional Waste District, and our last day will be December 31, 2017. This is certainly one of the hardest decisions of our lives, but after consulting with our family, we decided to take time off work now and spend the rest of our lives with our children and grandchildren. It has been a very rewarding 22 years serving our customers, protecting Steuben County’s lakes and the surrounding environment. We are incredibly thankful to all of our wonderful customers, the Steuben County Lakes Council members and staff, the SLRWD Board of Trustees, especially my staff, and many others too numerous to list, for the support and guidance provided throughout our careers! You helped us become who we are today. It is with heavy heart that we bid farewell to all of you at the end of 2017. The gentleman who will be carrying the District onward after I leave is Bryan Klein. His wastewater career started with the city of Kokomo Wastewater Utility, working his way up the ranks, then moving on to Greentown, and now accepting a position with this District. Bryan and his wife, Karen, have purchased a home on Lake Pleasant. They are looking forward to enjoying our beautiful county and starting a new chapter in their lives serving the wonderful customers of this district. Please stop out to our office to welcome Bryan aboard and tour our SLR Wastewater Treatment Plant.

ANOTHER FISH-EATING BIRD!!Submitted by Mel Hathaway, SCLC President Elect & Acres

We know that eagles, herons, and ospreys or fish hawks, eat fish as a major component of their diets. However, there is another fish-eating bird that is included in this group, and easily found around our lakes in north-eastern Indiana—the Belted Kingfisher! A first look at this bluish bird and it might be confused with the common blue jay. However, upon looking closer, it is larger than a blue jay and smaller than a crow. Its head, back and wings are blue-gray, but the throat and stomach are white, separated by a blue-gray band across the breast. Females have an additional rusty colored band across the breast. The head is large with a bushy crest and the bill is long, black, and tapered. Their voice is described as a rattling sound. Kingfishers are typically seen perching on a low hanging branch along the shore where the water is smooth and clear and where they can watch for small fish. They may also perch on man-made structures, such as boat lift covers, boats, flag poles, etc. When in flight, they can hover in one spot and then dive head first into the water to capture their food. Their dives are shallow so they don’t get completely wet. (When I was focused on my fishing one fall evening, I heard splashes towards shore. I thought maybe bass were jumping and I was fishing in the wrong place, but instead, it was a feeding Kingfisher.) In addition to eating small fish, they will also eat mollusks, crustaceans, insects, amphibians, reptiles, young birds, small mammals and even berries! The fish they eat are usu-ally only a couple of inches long. Bones, scales, and anything that can’t be digested are spit up as pellets, similar to the feeding behavior of owls! Belted Kingfishers are found along streams, rivers, lakes, coastlines, and bays throughout the North American continent. They breed from Alaska through southern Canada and south almost to Mexico. Males and females bond together every breeding season. After courtship, they both dig a nesting cavity or tunnel in an exposed bank, such as found naturally along a river or body of water or man-made, such as along a highway or railroad or sand and gravel pits, etc. Their feet are modified with two toes fused together to aid in digging. These nesting cavities can be up to 12-15 feet deep into the banks!



THANKSBUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS 2017

BUSINESSAndrews & Shipe LLCAngola Area Chamber of CommerceBar-Bid EnterprisesBlaschak & CompanyBradley Overhead Doors, LLCBudreau Ins. & Fin. Service, Inc.Campbell & Fetter BankClear Lake Electric Inc.Core Communications PromotionCurrent MechanicalFarmers State BankFirst Federal Savings BankFort Financial Credit UnionFranz Nursery, Inc.Gay’s Hops-N-SchnappsG & C Farming, LLCIndiana Warm Floors

Jacob Insurance Services, LLCJMR Cottage, Inc.Larry’s Lock & Safe, Inc.Lawnscape Lawn MaintenancePrinting Place, Inc.Sanborn’s Sofas PlusSpecial Cutting ToolsSteuben County Community FoundationSteuben County REMCSteuben County Tourism BureauSteve Jennings Softener RepairThe Corner LandingTom’s DonutsWayside FurnitureWestrick Family Agency

CAMPGROUNDS, CONDOS, PARKSCap’s Mobile Home Park, Inc.Circle B Park, Inc.HI-VIEW Campground LLCJimmerson Shore Cooperative, Inc.Jimmerson Woods CooperativeManapogo ParkPow Wow Point CampgroundSheehans Hamilton Lake Mobile Home ParkYogi Bear’s Jellystone Park

CONSTRUCTION/DEVELOPERFour Seasons Design & Remodeling, Inc.Jaz Development, LLCJICI, Inc.Manahan ConstructionStar Homes by Delagrange Richhart, Inc.Strebig Construction

GOVERNMENT City of Angola

RESTAURANTSCaruso’s RestaurantClay’s Family RestaurantHangout Bar & GrillMad Anthony Lakeview Ale House & Reception HallRed Arrow Restaurant

ENVIRONMENTAL INTERESTSAquatic Enhancement & Survey, Inc.Aquatic Management, Inc.Aquatic Weed ControlBlue Heron Ministries, Inc.Clear Lake Township Land ConservancyHamilton Lake Conservancy DistrictLake George Conservancy, Inc.Lake George Regional Sewer District

Northeast Indiana Solid Waste Management DistrictPond ChampsSandhill Environmental Services, LLCSteuben County Soil & Water Conservation DistrictSteuben Lakes Regional Waste District

LAKE ASSOCIATIONSBall Lake AssociationBig Turkey Lake Improvement AssociationBuena Vista Homeowner’s AssociationClear Lake AssociationCrooked Lake Association, Inc.Golden Lake, Meeks AssociationHamilton Lake AssociationJimmerson Lake Property Owners AssociationLake Arrowhead

Lake Gage/Lime Lake AssociationLake George Cottager’s AsssociationLake James Association, Inc.Lake of the Woods, McClish LakeLake Pleasant Homeowners AssociationLong Lake Cottager AssociationPine Canyon Lake AssociationSnow Lake Cottagers AssociationWest Otter Lake Property Owners

MARINAS/BOAT SUPPLIESClear Lake Yacht ClubDry Dock Marine CenterHamilton Lake MarineMarina of Clear LakeThe Pier Place

PROFESSIONALDuch, Ronald V., D.D.S.Hawkins, Pamela, AttorneyLake James Christian Camp & Retreat CenterLake James Lutheran ChapelRockwell, Joyce A. D.D.S.Scheumann Dental AssociatesWernet, Lynn DPA

REALTORSAnchor Realty &AuctionAugspurger, Fred G., RealtorBarbara HendrickCraig WalkerCouperthwaite, Patti, BrokerRealty Pro Hansbarger RealtyRE/MAX, Brad CooksonRE/MAX Results, John & Diane StockRE/MAX TRI STATE REALTY Todd Stock

Documents

Steuben County Lakes Council - SOUNDINGSlakescouncil.org/newsletters/soundings_fall_2017.pdf · 2021. 1. 16. · SOUNDINGS Steuben County Lakes Council, Inc. 317 South Wayne Street,