HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Happy Holidays from Iris and Dave.

SWAN SAGA

The two Sweetwater Lake Swans were frozen in at the north end of Sweetwater on December 13th. They kept a hole approximately 3 feet in diameter open until Saturday, December 18th. On the 18th they made a break for open water walking across the snow covered ice for about 500 feet to open water where they are now residing. They are very people oriented. When I launched my kayak on December 24th for a ride they made a "beeline" for me circling the boat several times.

SWAN POPULATON INCREASES

A third swan has taken up residence at Sweetwater Lake. I noticed it the other day at the beach thinking it was one of the pair that usually stay at the north end. Today, while out on the lake I saw the pair at the north end and then came upon the single at the beach. This one is not people oriented like the other pair and it can fly.

MORE WINTER TRAPPER

Trapper Gary Smith stated that he started earlier due to the cold spell we've been having. Because Cordry and Sweetwater are such deep lakes, they are the last to freeze over. Neighboring lakes like Lamb are already skimmed over completely with ice. Gary has taken 218 muskrats and a pair of beaver from Sweetwater Lake this fall. He is finished with Sweetwater and has just a little more to complete on Cordry.

WINTER TRAPPER

The CSCD let a trapping contract this fall to Gary Smith. Gary has trapped both Cordry and Sweetwater Lakes over the past few years. Gary is pictured taking his boat out on the evening of December 15th. He had to break away 10' of ice to launch today.

CELL PHONE TOWER COMPLETED

The new Cell Phone Tower for the Cordry Sweetwater Lakes area is up and completed. Wiring, fencing, and final "hook ups" still need to be done. Actual date for activation has not been released. I personally worried about the physical appearance of the structure but now that it's up, I don't think it's as noticable as the nearby water tower. It does have a flashing beacon at the top.

CLUBHOUSE UPDATES

Brian Lucas, Cordry Sweetwater Lot Owner's Association clubhouse manager, has been hard at work "updating" the interior of the clubhouse. New blinds replace the curtains and new light colored paint give the interior a fresh lighter atmosphere. The clubhouse can be reserved for parties, receptions, reunions, etc. Call Brian at 933-2372.

CELL TOWER IS UP!

The Cell Tower is up and growing. Today, the tower is above the tree line and easily seen. Completion of the actual tower might be by December 1st.

BURN BAN LIFTED

According to Mary Fouch (Brown County Commissioner) The total burn ban is to be lifted on Wednesday, November 17th, 2010. Burning of leaves and debris will be allowed according to regular burning rules. The smoke will fly this weekend!

NEW GUARD RAIL

A new guard rail system was installed on November 11th, 2010 on Church Hill/Nineveh Road. After several serious accidents, the Conservancy voted to have a guard rail system installed.

NOVEMBER WATER SKIERS

70 degree weather on Monday, November 8th produced some water skiers on Cordry Lake. Pictured is Dan Federspill, Cordry Lake property owner, enjoying the glassy smooth waters. Dan and a couple of friends just couldn't resist getting one more ski ride in before winterizing the boat.

FROST-NO SNOW-YES!

Looked out over the lake this morning and noticed the white roof-tops. Thought that must be a really heavy frost. WRONG! It was the season's first covering of snow!

WORK BEGINS!

Yipee! Work on the new cell phone tower has begun. Grading and graveling of the area south of the fire station just off of Sunset Drive began today.

CRACK SEALED?

The roads crew has been "crack-sealing" for the past few weeks. The weather has been cooperative and the crew has kept busy. Sealing the cracks in the pavement prevents water for entering and freezing in cold weather. If you notice sand on the roads, the sand is used to cover the hot tar and keep it off vehicles.

DEAR REDUCTION PROGRAM UPDATE

So far it's hunters....Zero (0) and deer One Thousand (1,000) The archery season has produced no deer. The target area has been shut down for the Fire Department Open House and the Haunted Forest project. Possible construction start up on the cell phone tower may also interfere with the program.

TRICK OR TREAT

The annual "trick or treat hayride" through Cordry Sweetwater Lakes was a huge success. The party started at the Church of the Lakes with fun and games. Then, the 15 wagons loaded up 175 Children and their parents for trick or treat stops through the lakes area. (Mainly Center Lake Road and Cordry Drive)

WHERE'S HOWARD?

The statue of Howard Prince at the entrance to Prince's Lakes is gone. The Prince family offered the lot to the town of Prince's Lakes with the stipulation that the statue remain. The town rejected the offer so.....the Prince family removed the statue and the lot is up for sale. Several alternatives for the statue are being considered. Placement at the "Y" of Lakeview and Rozelle Drives and/or the Town Hall are two of the considerations.

TAKE OUT TIME!

Early morning steam coming off the water and cool nights signal that it's time to take boats out and winterize. Pictured is Henry Leck and buddy from Sweetwater Lake meeting the boat mechanic at the launch ramp preparing for winterization.

HAUNTED HAY RIDE / TRAIL

The annual Haunted Hay Ride and Haunted Trail will be held on Friday, October 29th and Saturday, October 30th at Sweetwater Beach. Hayrides begin at 8:00 PM each evening and continue until Mid-night. Fee is $4 for youngsters under 12 and $8 for adults. This fundraiser benefits the Cordry Sweetwater Fire Department.

SWAN SONG

Early morning kayakers were also enjoying the swans at the north end of Sweetwater. At present time, the swans seem quite docile but they have been known to be quite agressive in the spring. The Conservancy is dedicated to relocating the swans to a private owner's pond.

MORNING KAYAKERS

Early morning kayakers today! Anita, Betty, Cathy, and Marylou were out at 8:30 AM enjoying the glass-like water and the fall colors on Sweetwater Lake.

WING DRYING

I passed across Cordry Dam on Wednesday morning, September 29th about 11:00 AM and enjoyed the turkey vultures drying their wings in the sunshine. Some of their brothers and sisters were across the road at water's edge jumping in for a morning bath.

DEER REDUCTION PROGRAM

The Board of Directors recently voted to participate in a deer reduction program again this year. Archery will be allowed on October 2,3,10,16,17,23 in the area behind the Fire Station bounded by Center Lake Road and Sunset Drive. Firearms will be permitted on November 13,14,11,12, and December 18-19. Late archery will be allowed on December 4,5,11,12,18,19.

ACORN TIME!

It seems that approximately every other year the oak trees produce a bumper crop of acorns. This is the year! The sound of acorns hitting the roof, decks, docks, and the car parked outside remind us of another of Mother Nature's presents! And then walking on acorn marbles on the side of a hill while raking leaves presents another challenge!

CSCD FIRE DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSE

Don't miss the CSCD Fire Department Open House on October 9th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The departement wants to show off their new ambulance and existing facility. Due to our active fire department, we enjoy one of the best fire ratings in the state of Indiana which reduces home insurance rates for home owners.

NEW CONSTRUCTION

Another new house going up, this time on Cordry Lake. New house is under construction on Salmon Drive on lot K-55.

NEED RAIN!

Pictured is the spillway at Cordry Lake. Lack of rain this month has lowered the water levels at both lakes. It appears that both lakes are approximately 10 inches down from regular pool levels. Also note recent cement and blacktop paving completed at the Cordry Spillway/Launch Ramp areas.

OX ROAST #51

Great September weather blessed the 51st annual Cordry Sweetwater Lot Owners Association's Ox Roast. Numerous vendors, political exhibits, various performers, inflatable kids park, boat displays, silent auction, and delicious B-B-Q provided the crowd with plenty to do.

TORN DOWN!

The real estate market may be slow right now but that isn't stopping several lakes owners from investing in their properties. Several new boat lifts/party decks are under construction at present. Owners of a property located on Lemur Drive recently demolished their house in preparation for a new home to be constructed. (pictured) Another "tear down" under construction is located on Muskrat Drive.

CRYSAL CLEAR WATER!

Several times each month, a black and white Secchi Disk is lowered into both Cordry and Sweetwater Lakes to test water clarity. The depth at which the disc can still be seen is recorded and sent to www.indianacleanlakes.com On August 24th, Quinn Hetherington recorded a 22 foot depth on Cordry Lake and on the same date, I recorded a 24 foot depth on Sweetwater Lake. This is the best reading that I've witnessed in the 2 years that I've been involved with the project.

OX ROAST

Local contractor Jerry Cleefman is working on the CSLOA Clubhouse parking area in preparation for the Annual Ox Roast scheduled for Saturday, September 4th.

SCUBA DIVER HEAVEN

Occassionally, neighboring counties sheriff's diving teams visit Cordry and Sweetwater Lakes for their practice and updating. Today, the Monroe County units were diving at Sweetwater Lake.

NEW AMBULANCE

The Cordry Sweetwater Fire Department just took delivery of their new ambulance. A sizable down payment was made but contributions are still needed. Contributions can be mailed to 101 Firehouse Road, Nineveh, Indiana 46164

CIRCUIT COURT RULING ANNOUNCED

Jerry Fenwick announced to a small group this evening that Judge Stewart of Brown County Circuit Court has rendered her ruling on the Klosinski verses Conservancy lawsuit. The ruling favored the Conservancy on all points of the lawsuit.

BOAT LENGTH ENFORCEMENT CHANGE

At its July 20, 2010 meeting, the CSCD changed policy on boat length enforcement on Cordry and Sweetwater Lakes. Previously, the Conservancy accepted Indiana titles as proof of boat length requirements. Now, the Conservancy will begin physically measuring any new runabouts to be stickered for the lakes. Any runabout (hull-type craft) over 19' will be disqualified for use on the lakes This decision was passed without any organized study of surrounding lakes, safety issues of certain types of boats, etc. Previously stickered craft will not be measured. The pictured boat is an inboard ski boat designed for minimal wakes, superior manuverability, and safety oriented propeller placement.

GOOD BYE SWANS

The CSCD approved a motion to remove the two swans from Sweetwater Lake. Seems as though the swans have been territorial and aggressive in the North end of Sweetwater. Dr. David Brickler of Trafalgar has offered to remove the swans and relocate them to his acreage and pond to accompany his other exotic animals. I personally "nursed" them through last winter's cold weather not realizing the consequences. Lesson learned.

CSLOA FIREWORKS SHOW

The Cordry Sweetwater Lot Owner's Association annual fireworks show was presented on Saturday evening, July 10th, 2010. Great weather contributed to a beautiful evening on the water.

CORDRY LAKE BOAT PARADE

The annual Cordry Lake Boat Parade took place on the evening of July 4th, 2010. Over 30 boats decorated and partipated in the parade. Thanks to Herb and Joann Clark for organizing this annual event.

HOLIDAY FUN

An impromptu fireworks display was sponsored by the Sherman Families on the North end of Sweetwater Lake on July 3rd, 2010. A perfect weather evening and hundreds of boat/spectators enjoyed the show. The annual Cordry Sweetwater Lot Owners fireworks display is scheduled for June 10th at Sweetwater Lake Beach.

2010 KAYAK RACE

Fifteen Kayak Racers from ages 9 through 60's participated in the July 3rd, 2010 Cordry Sweetwater Lot Owners Kayak Race. The course was set up between the shore of Sweetwater Dam and the Idle Zone buoys. First, Second, and Third Place trophies and certificates were awarded to participants.

SAM EGGERS PARK

Sam Eggers Corner located at the intersection of Hackberry Drive and Cordry Drive was officially dedicated on Thursday, July 1st, 2010. Sam is one of the original settlers at the lakes and has cared for and tended this park area for many years.

ANOTHER TREE DOWN

One huge tree toppled over in one the recent rain/thunder storms. This one is on Grouper drive falling toward Halibut Drive on Cordry Lake. It blocked the cove for several residents until local contractors Rodney Gunter and Jerry Cleefman teamed up to remove the tree.

CELL PHONE TOWER APPROVED

The proposed cell phone tower was approved by the Brown County Planning and Zoning Commission on June 23rd, 2010. Lease agreements between the CSCD and Verizon should be signed and completed on July 1st, 2010. Construction on the 295' tall tower should begin in the fall with completion around the end of the year 2010. The tower will have room for 3 other suppliers and 2 "repeaters" for county fire and police protection.

INSPIRATION

I had oportunity to drive and pull handicapped water skiers last week at the annual Rehabilitation Hospital Handicapped Water Ski Tournament held on Morse Reservoir. Approximately 40 different skiers participated. Pictured is 22 year old Brandon who possessed the most postive attitude and enthusiasm. He was very well spoken and has several life goals set including a current contract with Fox news. Good Luck Brandon.

IMPORTANT DATES

Don't forget the rescheduled cell phone meeting in front of the Brown County Planning and Zoning on June 23rd @ 6:00 PM. June 26th is the Concert on Sweetwater Beach to begin at 8:00 PM.

5 MILE RUN/WALK

The Church of the Lakes sponsored a 5 mile run/walk on May 29th around Cordry Lake. A huge turnout enjoyed picture perfect weather. Pictured is Debbie Sandlin being greeted by daughter and followed by mother Loraine Cleefman in the golf cart. Debbie just successfully completed a year-long treatment for cancer and chose to celebrate by participating.

TEAM IN TRAINING TRIATHILON

Great weather on Sunday, May 23rd for the second "Team in Training" for the Leukemia Society. Swimming, biking, and running in the Cordry Sweetwater Lakes area hosted by the Sherman Family on Duck Drive.

CELL TOWER MEETING

The Brown County Planning and Zoning meeting to consider permission for the construction of a cell phone tower flopped! Verizon did not have all the needed forms ready and the meeting was cancelled. Plenty of interested citizens were turned away at the door. Let's try again on June 23rd.

CSCD MEETING

At its May 18th meeting, the CSCD Board of Directors listened to various concerns related to the current lawsuit of "Klosinski verses the Conservancy." Judge Judy Stewart of the Brown County Circuit Court is due to produce a ruling by early July. The outcome will affect security in our area. At present, our securty officers are being paid with funds borrowed from the water utility and boat sticker funds.