Sec. 4.1 Not more than two (2) watercraft shall be launched and/or docked adjacent to each separate frontage.
Sec. 4.2 If the continuous length of a separate frontage is greater than 100 feet, two additional watercraft may be launched/docked for each 100 feet of continuous frontage in excess of the initial 100 feet.
Watercraft means any water vehicle having a motor or engine of more that fifteen (15) horsepower. Violations of this regulation shall be punished by imprisonment of not more than 90 days or by fine of not more than $500, or both.
Important Clarification of the above Lot Size/Boating Regulation.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Cass County Sheriff's TIPS LINE
(crime information)
800-462-9328
Porter Township/Larry Carroll
(boating regulation violations)
641-2375
Sheriff's Department and/or DNR agent
(boat operation violations/other crime)
663-5225
Water Quality
By: Mike Miller
As we welcome in the spring, our tests begin. During the first week of April, we will take water samples and submit results to the DEQ office in Plainwell for Phosphorus testing. Starting in May, our bi-weekly Secchi clarity program begins. This year, we will be adding a chlorophyll A test, which will determine the condition of the lake water as it relates to supporting algae growth. This directly affects clarity by showing the
concentration of chlorophyll-a necessary component that green algae needs to exist. We will also be adding a summer phosphorus sampling, which will be compared with the early spring test results. The purpose of this will help us to identify the gains (if any) by water runoff, increased septic usage, etc. Phosphorus levels of a higher than desirable ppm contribute greatly to weed growth, algae, and the general condition of our lake water. During the summer, we will continue the Fecal Coliform tests as we have done in prior years, to identify problem areas. This is the most aggressive water testing program undertaken by your association and your continued membership supports these valuable and necessary programs.
Environmental Issues
By: Mike Miller
Purple Loosestrife: This year, the Baldwin Prairie School 5th Grade Science Class will begin to propagate the Loosestrife beetle. This program was initiated through a Michigan State University/SeaGrant program along with Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek. Starter kits, consisting of two Purple Loosestrife root balls, were obtained in February. The plants have come out of dormancy and have greened up. The beetles will be arriving after spring break, and if all goes well, in about 6 weeks there will be several thousand beetles/eggs ready for release when the Purple Loosestrife plants begin to "leaf-out". Since it takes several years for the beetle to totally eradicate the plant in a prescribed area, it is important for us to begin this year. We are looking into the effect, if any, on the beetle by the chemical used in mosquito spraying. At this time, we have not obtained any further information on this, but we will keep everyone updated.
Pictures of the above Project.
Zebra Mussels: Do we have them or don't we-that is the question. Unfortunately, it will remain unknown until SeaGrant re-tests our lake in late spring. No reports of mussels were found on pier posts, boat lifts, diving rafts, etc, when removed last fall.
Progressive Dinner
The Social Committee is planning a Progressive Dinner on Sat., May 27th and would like you to share the evening with us. There will be groups of 4 couples, and we will eat a course at 3 consecutive homes. All groups will meet together at one home for dessert.
Please let us know ASAP if you can join us, so that we can begin to organize the event.
We always have great times when we get together!
Carol Morris 641-7071
Meredith Conte 641-5943
CASS COUNTY CONSERVATION CLUB
You may not know, if you are not a member, that the Cass County Conservation Club is in financial trouble. It would be a real shame if we were to lose this facility where we have our annual meetings, and which contributes in several ways to the quality of life in the area. This is also where the senior luncheons are held once a month. It is the Conservation Club which holds a US-12 road clean-up. If you have not been a member, or have not paid your dues for this year, you can help alleviate the financial problems by joining or paying your dues-$15 for regular members and only $10 for seniors. You can attend their fund-raisers, have breakfast there once in a while on Sunday mornings, or just make a contribution to help the cause.
DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS
By Coe Strain
DISTRICT 2 runs from the end of little Baldwin on Sunset, to Beechwood, and includes Hartshorn and Treasure Island. Mike Feldes represents the ten families on Sunset, and VP Jeff Schaar takes care of the 17 homes on Hartshorn and Treasure Isle. A majority of these families are members of the Association.
Mike is probably better known for his pontoon transporting business, but he also has his hand in an embroidery business and has created some great embroidery emblems for the lake association. He and Linda moved up here in the late seventies, and while both swim, Mike enjoys fishing as well. He tells me that most of the folks in his area are retired couples.
Another crafter is Herman Hein. Herman works with wood, and you can see many of his efforts in their yard at the north corner of Beechwood. Both Herman and Louella keep an eye on the boat ramp and keep me informed about the birds they spot, and what is happening around the launch. Louella is the one who keeps that ramp tidied up.
Another retiree is Fred Stroobandt who took over his father's home and is assisting Mike with Secchi-disc readings during the summers. Mike says he is training Fred to be his replacement as an advisor.
And that is how Jeff Schaar became an advisor. When the Mosiers sold their home and moved to Goshen, Fran informed Jeff that he was the new advisor she had selected to take her place. At that time, Jeff and Sabine had just moved in next door to the Mosiers. Sabine, a native of Germany, came to this country in 1993. She gets back there to see her family once each year, and her parents have visited here. This year, Jeff is going with her. Most of the homes in that area have recently been sold and most of the residents there are relatively new to our lake. Since his "enforced" advisory experience, Jeff has become very involved with what is going on with the association. Unfortunately for us, his recent job promotion has him doing a lot of traveling, and limits his time for enjoying the lake. However, the Schaars have a new boat and are looking forward to more time on the lake this year.
One of the intriguing things in this area is the large white house on the hill, the home of Weldon and Mary Lou Parks. This is probably the oldest home on the lake, built as a hotel for fishermen before there were roads. Weldon and Mary Lou have restored most of the upstairs to the way it was when she came out here as a child to spend summers with her grandmother. It is too bad that the walls can't talk and tell us some tall tales of those very early days on Baldwin Lake. See the article by Mary Lou on this home.
THE BALDWIN LAKE HOTEL
By: Mary Lou Parks
Our home on the East shore of Baldwin Lake was built as a fishing lodge in 1907-08. Rates were $2.00 per day, and $10.00 per week, including boat and fishing tackle. The hotel had 10 units upstairs, and three on the main level. The cottage (block building still at the end of Treasure Island) rented for $6.00 per week. Livery service (or auto pick-up service) from Bristol cost only $1.00).
My great-uncle, Louie Quinton, purchased the property in 1913, and it was never used commercially again after that. He envisioned being a "gentleman farmer" and built an enormous barn (now the Quinn house), an ice house (where the Malone's now live), and a large pigeon house. He had all sorts of farm animals.
When my grandparents took over in the 30's, the animals disappeared. Following WWII, my grandmother, Louise Hartshorn, sold the lots along Treasure Island Road. The 5th generation now enjoys the house and beautiful Baldwin Lake.
CONGRATLATIONS
To Heidi Moyer, who lives with her husband Andy Scupham on the west side of Hilltop. She has been named "YMCA/YWCA Swim Coach of the Year"
Way to go, Heidi!
ROSES TO…
Mike Crofoot and Charlotte Fletcher who are sharing
distribution duties for District 8 since Sharon Pittenger had to resign her post.
IN MEMORY
Frank Cinelli
Our thoughts and sympathy go to Janet Cinnelli, whose husband, Frank, passed away at the end of February. We met Frank when he came to the first Hilltop "take back the lake" party, bringing one of his own homegrown cantaloupe. He and his dog seemed always to be in the yard and there was always a cigar in his hand. We'll miss seeing him as we drive past the house. Janet can use your prayers.
Blood Drive April 29th
8am-2pm(IN)
20,000 pints of blood are needed each day in the United States. That amounts to 2,000 pints of blood needed in Michigan-every day!
Your donated pint of blood is separated into platelets, plasma, and other products. While it may be more dramatic to donate an organ, your pint of blood can serve to help save 4-8 people. They may be accident victims, surgery patients, or folks with debilitating diseases. 97% of the population will need a transfusion by the age of 75.
The Community Policing Committee has organized a blood drive to be held the last Saturday of this month at the Porter Fire Station. You can donate blood if you are 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and are in general good health. It takes only an hour for the complete trip through the system, with coffee, cookies and juice waiting for you when you are done.
Let's see if we can break our record or 63 pints. Take time to save a life!
College Scholarship Money Available
Applications for the Community Policing Scholarships have been sent to White Pigeon, Constantine, and Three Rivers Schools. If you have a senior or a college freshman, there are 6 or 8 $500 scholarships available, some to Southwestern and some to any other college in Michigan. You need not be interested in law enforcement in order to qualify. See the counselors for the applications. If there are problems in getting an application or you would like more information call Coe at 641-5931, or Donna at the sheriff's office at 663-5225, ext. 201. The only requirement is that the student live in Cass County. Applications must be returned to the Sheriff's Office in person or be postmarked by April 10th. If you know a student who may need help to go on to college, encourage them to apply. We need applicants from this area.
CALENDAR
APRIL
1/2 Shrine Turkey Shoot
8/9 Rain date for Turkey Shoot
9 2:30pm Dowagiac Union HS
Sheriffs Dept. vs Detroit Lions
Proceeds to support the
DARE program 800-445-2143
10 CP Scholarship Applications
postmark deadline
19 7pm Township Bldg
Advisors Meeting
All welcome
22 7pm Township Bldg
Community Policing
29 9am (IN time)
Spring Road Clean-Up
29 8am-2pm (IN time)
CPC Blood Drive -Fire Station
MAY
17 7p.m. Township Bldg
Advisors Meeting
All welcome
20 9-1p.m.
Cass Co. Fairgrounds
County Hazardous waste
(no charge, except for tires)
22 7pm Township Bldg
Community Policing
27 B.L.A. Progressive Dinner
CLASSIFIEDS
Four Square Restaurant
Famous Fish and Chicken
Carry-out Available
Owners are BLA Members
663-9901 Edwardsburg
Benson's Soft Water Shop
Water conditioners, drinking water systems,
Sales/rental service, salt delivery
Brad Benson
641-7416 800-268-0354
Wertenberger Insurance Agency
All types of insurance available
from several companies
641-5995
15429 US 12 (next to Post Office)
Carpet Plus Carpet Cleaning
Autos, upholstery, drapes, spills cleaned
John Heckman
641-7510 219-536-7510 (cell #)
VigorTone Dog Food
Almost a century making animal feed
40# sack is $20 (including tax)
(Southern end of lake on Sunset)
641-5336
Advanced Images
Specializing in Computer design,
layout & installation
Signs and lettering Portable sign rentals
641-2149 Robert Long 13856 US12 E
Jon's Septic Service
Plumbing, Roto-rooting
Jon Stone
663-8896 Edwardsburg
Tile Installation
Also: Wood, Vinyl, Ceramic
Call for information and estimates
641-5963
Double D's Ice Cream and Grill
641-7475 15604 US 12
Therapeutic Massage
Susan Sicko RN/Massage Practitioner
Member ABMP
641-7610
Dock and Seawall Company
Custom Built vinyl decks,
docks and seawalls
Permanent boat lifts
For estimates and more information:
Don Huskin 616-731-2470
Susie Tucker Realty
Licensed Broker in IN and MI
616-641-5775 Susie Tucker
219-266-SELL Broker/Owner
616-641-5770 (fax)
Did you hear about Don's adventure with the lion cubs? We heard that one of the cubs bit him. I guess it wanted a bite of "rump"- roast! OW!