Winter 2019

Loon Lake Property Owners Association

“Working together for a fun, safe and scenic lake community”

Island Stabilization Project COMPLETE!

By LLPOA Board of Directors

The final days of the summer of 2018 saw the island stabilization project come to a conclusion. It was a long road to get to this point and it was very satisfying to see the final stone and plantings placed along the shore of the northernmost island. The project actually began in 2013 when the LLPOA, partnering with the The Watershed Foundation (TWF), began exploring funding options and technical resources to address the severe bank erosion of both islands located on the east side of Loon Lake. Wave action created by wind and increased boating activity was literally washing away both islands and something needed to be done. Actual work first began in the summer of 2015 when approximately 200 feet of the south island and 100 feet of the north island were stabilized. Phase II enabled us to complete the stabilization of an additional 450 feet of the north island's shoreline. To the untrained eye the improvements to the islands may barely be visible since much of the work that took place is below the surface of the water. However, upon closer inspection you can see the change. A glacial stone wall was constructed along the western face of both islands and hundreds of native plants were placed within or near the top of the wall. Project manager, S&L Environmental, handled the heavy lifting portion of the project which included the placement of a fabric barrier and over 115 cubic yards of glacial stone. The end result should be a significant reduction in the erosion of both islands. In fact, using EPA figures supplied by S&L Environmental, the project should reduce sediment loading by an estimated 129 tons per year. In addition there will be a substantial reduction of phosphorus and nitrogen being released into the lake. Additionally, Phase II of the project also included some steps to improve the fish habitat along the north island's shoreline.

AS BUILT - TYPICAL CROSS SECTION

Continued on Page 3.

All Area Codes 260 unless noted

OFFICERS Gary Hicks, President ----------------------------- 403-7691 Steve Lipinski, Vice President ------------- 630-248-2452 Carol Kurtz, Secretary ----------------------------- 799-4980 Rich Nelson, Treasurer --------------------------- 799-4913

All area codes 260 unless noted

CHAIRPERSONS *Denotes Board Liaison 5.5K Run/Walk ------------- (Gary Bock)*Hicks 241-6899 Poker Run ------- (Ehinger & Runion) *Bruce 437-8085 By-Laws ------------------------------ (Garry Hill) 248-8471 Can Collection ------------------ (Bob Gallivan) 820-1240 Finance Committee -------------- (Rich Nelson)799-4913 Fire Hydrants ----- (Terry Huffman) *Steve L. 609-8691 Fireworks -------------- (Bob Barkley) *Steve L 341-1804 Garage Sale ------ (Karen Davison) *Lindsay 609-8144 Golf Tournament -- (chair needed) *Steve W 799-4195 Editor ------------------------------- (Claire Hicks) 403-7689 Kayak Flotilla --------- (Darrell Post) *G Hicks 322-7681 Kids Fishing Day -------- (JoAn Butler) *Carol 799-4193 Lake Enhancement ---(Walt Hessler) *Bruce 799-4903 Lighted Boat Parade ------------ (Carol Kurtz) 799-4980 Loon Lake Apparel------ (JoAn Butler) *Carol 799-4193 Media Sign -------- (Karen Davison) *Lindsay 609-8144 Pancake breakfast -- (Mark Newman) *Clark 799-9990 Sailboat Race ---------(Tom Zahm) *Gary H. 341-8349 Water Quality Testing --- (Bob Wright) *Tena 213-0639 Web Master --------------(Lindsay Gallmeyer) 704-0993 Welcome Committee ------------ (Tena Miller) 213-0638

DIRECTORS Bob Gallivan ---------------------------------------- 820-1240 Steve Weaver --------------------------------------- 799-4195 Garry Hill --------------------------------------------- 248-8471 Clark Milestone ------------------------------------- 348-5706 Tena Miller ------------------------------------------ 213-0638 Bruce Graham--------------------------------- 317-697-5619 Lindsay Gallmeyer --------------------------------- 704-0993

2019 LOON LAKE CONTACTS

COMMUNITY-OTHER Columbia City Utilities ----------------------------- 248-5110 Humane Society ------------------------------------ 244-6664 Noble REMC------------------ 636-2113 or 800-933-7362 The Watershed Foundation --------------- 574-834-3242 Tri-Lakes Sewer District` ------------------------- 691-2820 After Hours Emergency number -------- 609-9680

COMMUNITY-POLICE/FIRE/HEALTH DNR --------------------------------------------------- 244-3720 Whitley County Sheriff ---------------------------- 244-6410 Whitley County Fire -------------------------------- 248-8911 Whitley County Health Dept --------------------- 248-3121 Noble County Sheriff ------------------------------ 636-2182 Noble County Fire ---------------------------------- 636-7712 Noble County Health Dept ----------------------- 636-2191

Loon’s Call Winter 2019 page 2

After Hours Emergencies Tri-Lakes Sewer District

If you ever have sewer issues AFTER business hours and the office is closed, you can call their emergency number. Do NOT call for normal business issues. The number listed above should be posted in your home for quick access. 260-609-9680

www.loonlakeindiana.org

Check out the Loon Lake website! Offer your suggestions on

how to improve it.

Thanks to Lindsay Gallmeyer, Our new webmaster!

Annual Garage Sales

Friday, May 3

Saturday, May 4

Poker Run 2019

Saturday, July 20

Loon’s Call Winter 2019 page 3

Funding for the project came in the form of two separate LARE Grants and a third grant obtained in 2018 from the Fish America Foundation (FAF). In total, the LLPOA received almost $100,000 of grant money to complete this project. In addition, in-kind-labor supplied by volunteers was valued at approximately $15,000 helped to offset a large portion of any expense to the LLPOA. This was an ambitious project, but in typical Loon Lake fashion, we tackle things head on. The lake community pulled together and through hard work and determination we made it happen. Thanks to the LLPOA Board for their vision and dedication to get things started. Thanks also to the Lake Enhancement Committee for their work navigating the sea of red tape that comes with any project of this scope. Of course, thanks is certainly due to the volunteers for their efforts and willingness to literally get down in mud and muck placing plants and putting up the barrier fencing. Additionally, we need to thank the folks at S&L Environmental for their commitment to the project as well as our partners at the DNR. In particular, we owe a debt of gratitude to Rod Edgell at the DNR whose advice and assistance was invaluable.

The barge, planting

and the finished project.

Thanks to all

involved for a job well done

Loon’s Call Winter 2019 page 4

As a Board we collectively breathed a sigh of relief when Gary and Diane Bock stepped forward as new Directors for the Independence Day 5.5k Race. We are excited to have them on board, and the Bock's are equally excited to step in and carry on the tradition of the race. Under their leadership we’re confident the race will continue as one of the premier running events in our area. Gary and Diane are relative newcomers to the lake community, but didn't hesitate to jump right in and lead this event. Thank you and welcome to our community of volunteers. The origin of the race goes back to 2005 when a group of running enthusiasts thought it might be fun to hold a race on the 4th of July. From that simple beginning it has grown and evolved. Under the leadership of prior race Director Chris Rice, the race has grown to attract an average of approximately 300 runners annually. Notable improvements made during her tenure as Director include automated chip timing and online pre-registration and on-line payment. Chris was also able to greatly expand our base of sponsors whose financial support definitely benefits the LLPOA. Thank you Chris for your years of hard work and dedication to this event and contribution to the LLPOA. We will miss your presence, but we are confident that under Gary and Diane's leadership the Loon Lake 5.5k will continue a tradition of success. The snow and ice won't be here forever so mark your calendar now. Next year's race will be held July 6th. And if you are interested in volunteering please contact Gary Bock at 260-241-6899.

Loon’s Call Winter 2019 page 5

Add to Your Loonie Wardrobe

If you don’t have any Loon Lake apparel, now is the time to order. There are so many choices -

sweatshirts, hats, polo shirts and fleeces to mention a few. Beach towels for summer, visors

and jackets. We have catalogues full of items that can be custom ordered with this image.

They can also be personalized too. You pick colors and style, DaniJo’s Embroidery does the

rest!

Pick from our original embroidered loon motif or the newer flip flop sun screen print!

Sample prices include:

Sweatshirts - $25 - $45 Polo shirts - $25 Fleece jackets start at - $42

It takes about 2 weeks, why not put your order in today and beat the Spring meeting rush? Contact

JoAn Butler at 799-4193 or e-mail dcjl1butler@embarqmail.com. She has

everything you need to pick out a special item, even sample sizes. You can see samples and all

the options at the Spring meeting in May, but don’t wait, order now so you can wear it to the

meeting!

Save your aluminum cans for recycling to

benefit the fireworks fund! Take to Tim Brower’s on

Red Bud Lane!

Can Pick-up at Curb 2nd Saturday of each month May - September!

Thanks to all our advertisers! Please be sure you patronize these businesses and

thank them for their support of Loon Lake!!

Find LLPOA on Facebook!

Loon Lake Property Owners Association has

a Facebook page where you can follow news

and other exciting happenings around the lake.

Over 100 folks keep track of lake business

by joining this group. Great for

lost and found, help needed, cottage for

rent, etc. Need an update on a coming event?

Just ask via Facebook.

Check it out!

Independence Day Weekend Events

Mark your calendars for these fun events!!

Thursday, July 4 Lighted Boat Parade

Friday, July 5

FIREWORKS!!

Saturday, July 6 5.5K Run/Walk, Pancake Breakfast, Sailboat

Race & Kayak Float

Visit Shriner Lake Marina Spring Open House

Saturday & Sunday, March 16-17th!

Loon’s Call Winter 2019 page 6

Have you been receiving messages from LLPOA via e-mail to your inbox? If you are not receiving important messages from LLPOA, please contact us at loonlakemail@gmail.com so we have your e-mail address. We do not share e-mail addresses and all messages are sent via blind copy so others can not pick up your information. The summer/winter issue of Loon’s Call will be sent only via e-mail unless you request a hard copy. Be sure we have your e-mail address correct!

Obey Speed Limits Around the Lake!!

S 600 W-57 along east side of lake is now 30 mph.

W 700 N along the south end of lake is 20 mph. Long, curvy, hilly

Brown Road is 20 mph.

This space reserved for your business’ advertisement!

Would you like to advertise here? $50 for black and white,

$75 for color! Runs for 3 issues!

LOON LAKE ASSOCIATION P.O. BOX 605 COLUMBIA CITY, IN 46725

Have your message posted on the main media sign for only $5.00. Contact Karen Davison at

609-8144 to rent the sign.

Annual Spring Meeting

Saturday, May 18, 2019

7722 Arnold Road Bring your chairs

9:00 Coffee & donuts

9:30 call to order!

ROAD REPAIRS CONTINUE

Efforts by Noble County to eliminate the flooding problem on County Rd 700N near the boat launch began last fall, but are far from complete. For various reasons the project needed to be tackled in phases. The initial work saw the installation of a new culvert. Additional phases of the project will see the actual roadbed raised in the hopes that the frequent flooding of the road can be eliminated.