Bobber Watchin’Steuben County Lakes Council, Inc.317 South Wayne Street, Suite 2A

Angola, IN 46703 Phone (260) 665-1730E-mail office@lakescouncil.org Web www.lakescoucil.orgVolume #28 Summer 2016

ADDRESS CHANGESWe are diligently working on our database to make sure we havecurrent lake addresses and current mailing addresses of those whoprefer 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.

Bobber Watchin’ is a summer publication of theSteuben County Lakes Council, Inc.

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

E-mail office@lakescouncil.org Web Site www.Lakes Council.org

LET ME INTRODUCE MYSELFBy Janet Bohney, President SCLC, Inc.

I would like to introduce myself and tell you a little about our organization and myself. In October of 2008, I became the president of the Lake Pleasant Homeowners Association when the elected president had to resign to devote more time to his business. This unexpected development came with a commitment to attend the meetings of the Steuben County Lakes Council. The meetings were held on the first Saturday of every month at 8:30 A.M. Now, I was a teacher, and Saturdays were my only chance to sleep in. I loved my Saturdays, but reluctantly I got up and went to my first meeting. What I found at that meeting has kept me coming back for eight years. You may ask “Why?” Sometimes I even ask myself that question, but this organization does more to improve our environment than any other association I have ever been a part of. In short, the SCLC is an organization comprised of volunteer representatives from the lakes in Steuben County. These volunteers put in countless hours to support the preservation of the Steuben County lakes and waterways. They work on many different committees and in many different ways, but always have in common keeping our lakes, waterways, and surrounding land beautiful and safe for today and tomorrow. So, as of January 2016, I proudly assumed the presidency of this great organization. I promise you I will strive to do my very best to keep this organization a viable growing protector of this beautiful area. I will need the help of many people, most notably Sue Myers, who helps keep me on track and up to date and all of the board members who do such a good job with their various committees and commitments. I invite you to join us and help us preserve and protect the beautiful resources we have in Steuben County. Think about attending one of our meetings to see what we are all about. We meet the first Saturday of every month, except January, at 8:30 A.M., at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 314 West Maumee, Angola. We also have a yearly general meeting on August 6, 2016 at the Lake James Christian Assembly. Come join us. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

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President’s Introduction ......................................................... Page 1Officers for 2016 .................................................................... Page 22016 Water Quality ................................................................ Page 3Recycling Available to All ..................................................... Page 4Come to the Annual Meeting ................................................. Page 5Spring Migration Watch ................................................ Pages 6 & 7Scribblings From Sue ............................................................. Page 7Business/Professional Contributors .............................. Pages 8 & 9Three Important Management Plans ..........................Pages 10 & 11Scholarship Memorials ........................................................ Page 11Lake Property Values, Taxes, and Trends ................. Pages 12 & 13Need a Conservation Officer? .............................................. Page 13Lake Life Class 2016 ........................................................... Page 13Stewards and Stewardship ................................................... Page 14Membership Notes ............................................................... Page 15Board Meetings .................................................................... Page 15

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SCLC OFFICERS 2016Steuben County Lakes Council, Inc., (260) 665-1730

President – Janet BohneyPresident Elect – Mel Hathaway

Technical Vice President – Pete HippensteelGovernment Vice President – Velda Dose

Public Relations Vice President – John WilliamsonMembership Vice President – Helen Miller

Secretary – Sue MyersTreasurer – Arnold Dose

Assistant Treasurer – Gary VandenElstMember at Large – Bill Burson

Member at Large – Norm GajewskiMember at Large – Max Robison

Board Advisor – Bill Schmidt

2016 MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION

Name_____________________________Name of Lake_________________

Address of Lake Property__________________________________________

City______________________State____Zip________Phone_____________

Preferred mailing address if different than lake address:

Mailing Address_________________________________________________

City______________________State____Zip________Phone_____________

Individual Membership $35.00 ____________________

Special Donation ____________________

Scholarship Donation ____________________

Water Quality Donation ____________________

Total Amount Enclosed (Donations are tax deductible) ____________________

Mail to: SCLC – 317 S. Wayne St., Ste. 2A, Angola, IN 46703

MEMBERSHIP NOTESSubmitted by Helen Miller, Membership Vice President

Our annual membership drive for 2016 began in January. You may use the membership form above to fill out and send to the office if you have not done so already. Many times I have found that with all the activities we have, it is difficult to remember whether or not this membership has been paid. If you happen to be one of those persons, please call the office and the Secretary will be glad to look up your record and see if you have or have not sent in your donation. Over the years, you have been our continuing supporters. Your dedication to keep our waters clean is greatly appreciated.

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 6th 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.

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2016 WATER QUALITYSubmitted by Bill Schmidt, Steuben County Lakes Council Advisor

The 2016 water quality testing season is underway. The first round of testing was completed in May. The second and third test sets will be done later in the summer. The aim for the three cycles is to include one rain event, if possible, in one of the three test cycles. The Water Quality Committee has met and reviewed all the E-Coli and Phosphate data collected since the Steuben County Lakes Council (SCLC) water quality testing program was started in 2007. The committee was looking to identify those sample sites that are consistently above the Council limits considered acceptable. We have identified six sites and intend to do testing beyond that which is normally done on those sites. The goal of this testing is to determine whether the pollution is coming from a man-made/man-controllable source, or is from wildlife sources. As you are aware from past articles, grants that have been aiding in funding the SCLC water quality testing program have expired or will expire during 2016. The Committee has identified about 50 sites to be tested in 2016. These sites represent most all historical sites tested, with the addition of two new sites that the committee considered areas of concern. The ability to test this many sites, at a cost of $435 per year for each site, is the result of the efforts and contributions of many groups. The first is the membership of the SCLC. Your membership and additional contributions for the water quality testing program are the major source of funding for this project. Several individual lake associations have given special contributions for the project. We appreciate the numerous contributions to the water quality project, which we have received as memorials for individuals. We also have many community partners who have supported this project. This group includes the Steuben County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Steuben County Drainage Board, the City of Angola/Trine University MS4 group, and the Clear Lake Conservancy. Without the support of both the membership and these partners, the project, as it exists, could not be funded. If you have an interest in being involved on the Water Quality Committee, please contact the SCLC office. We will place your name on our list and notify you of the next meeting.

STEWARDS AND STEWARDSHIPSubmitted by Janel Meyer, Steuben County Soil & Water Conservancy District

At the end of April, we celebrated Earth Day (April 22), Soil and Water Stewardship Week (April 24-April 29), and Arbor Day (April 29). A perfect time for these celebrations as new life begins around the county; plants begin to grow again and residents start a flurry of activities. Through these events, stewardship and being a good steward is the common theme. Personally, it’s a great time for me to remember how interconnected we are with our natural resources and the importance of the health of our land. This time of year always reinforces my inspiration to continue making changes to better our world.Stewards can be defined in many ways, including:• Stewards work to preserve the diversity of different species and processes

that shape our land, through various techniques• Stewards work for the responsible use of natural resources in a way that

takes a balanced account of interests of society, future generations, and other species

• Stewards strive to sustain natural resources and our environment for future generations.

Stewardship is defined as the responsible use (including conservation) of natural resources in a way that takes a full and balanced account of the interests of society, future generations, and other species, as well as of private needs, and accepts significant answerability to society (Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics, 2000, Volume 12, Number 3, Page 263: Stewardship of Natural Resources: Definition, Ethical and Practical Aspects). At the most basic level, stewardship means taking responsibility for our choices. We all depend on natural resources in one way or another. Some even depend on natural resources for their livelihoods. Every day we make countless choices, yet the environmental impact of many of those decisions can often be overlooked. I admit, at times, I’m guilty of not thinking about the impacts of anenvironmental decision. However, I continue to work towards making better informed choices in my daily life that are both good for the environment and my quality of life. Once making a commitment on working to be a good steward, try to put commitment into action. Where to begin? My suggestion, using a favorite expression, is to “begin where you stand”. This expression references how we should begin with ourselves, then teach others. Lead by example. There are many everyday choices and opportunities for stewardship. The point I have is to help us all to take a moment to think about stewardship and reflect on how we are doing. It is not always easy, takes effort, but in the end benefits us all.

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RECYCLING AVAILABLE TO ALL Submitted by Pam DeCamp, N. I.S.W.M.D.

Summer has arrived and more and more residents are getting out and about. Everyone is anxious to enjoy the warm weather. As you plan to spend time with family and friends, the Northeast Indiana Solid Waste District encourages everyone to familiarize themselves with correct recycling methods. Residents in the Angola area have an opportunity to utilize the recycling drop-off station at the compost site adjacent to the county fairgrounds. The recycling station in Fremont is located behind the elementary school on Albion Street. Orland residents have a recycling station at Bunch’s Shop Rite and Hamilton residents use the recycling station behind the Town Hall on SR 427. These 24 hour stations accept glass bottles and jars, cardboard boxes, cardboard cartons, junk mail, magazines and newspapers, #1 and #2 plastic containers, as well as tin and aluminum cans. Household batteries may be deposited in the designated box located near the last container. No car batteries please. On Friday, April 15, we began to accept at the Solid Waste District office located on State Road 4, one mile east of I-69 in Ashley, between 8 A.M. and noon, items such as paint, used oil, automotive fluids and filters, chemicals and cleaners, aerosol cans, propane tanks, lead acid batteries, fluorescent bulbs, microwaves, computer components and televisions. Remember – Friday mornings only. Need assistance with tires and appliances? The District will take care of these items as well. Fees do apply for some of our programs. The compost facility, adjacent to the fairgrounds, is open Monday through Friday from 8 A.M.. to 7 P.M. and on Saturdays from 8 A.M. to 3 P.M. No Sunday hours are available. Grass clippings, leaves and brush are accepted at this site. Empty your containers and take your containers with you when you leave. Screened compost is available at the District’s office in Ashley or at the Steuben compost site for $10.00 a cubic yard. Residents with a full-sized pickup truck could expect to pay $30.00 for a heaped load of compost. A loader is available at the Ashley office on Friday mornings only from 8 A.M. to noon. Loader service is available Monday through Saturday at the Steuben County Convenience Center near the County Park. NEED MORE INFORMATION? Check our website at niswmd.org or call 800-777-5462.

“ NEIGHBORHOOD CONSISTENCY” and street appeal has improved so there are less dissimilar properties, which lowered whole lake areas values. “EASY TRAVEL DISTANCE,” plus public versus private roads, affect buyers’ preferences of lake properties. These are only some of the over 30 factors that affect lake property values. As to what is more normal, at least in 2015, breaking properties into the two classes of “ski lake” and “fishing lake” is important. For 2015, ski lakes had an average sold price of $353,281, with 67 feet lakefront, built in 1959 (although remodeled in years since), with 1,760 total finished square feet, 2.9 bedrooms, 1.7 full baths, 1.35 car garage, and paid real estate taxes of $2,844 (all on average). For 2015, fishing lakes had an average sold price of $118,830 with 89.9 feet lakefront, built in 1972 (also with remodeling typically) with 1,453 total finished square feet, 2.7 bedrooms, 1.5 full baths, 2 car garage, and paid real estate taxes of $846 (all on average). Lake properties are like people, all with individual characteristics, and individual values. As evidenced by the last 28 years of rise and fall of values, buyers are shopping by internet searches and travels to find their best, well-rounded growing communities, complete with supportive businesses and services, schools, activities, restaurants, and lifestyle, and pass on the communities that do not. It is a symbiotic relationship of our lake properties with our local community and economy; a “teeter totter” where we both need to support each other to do well.

Need a Conservation Officer?One of our local conservation officers is Jim Price. He can be reached by email at jgprice@dnr.in.gov or by phone at 260-668-6854.

LAKE-LIFE CLASS 2016Submitted by Sue Myers, Secretary SCLC

Changes, Changes, Changes! The Lake Life Class has met for the last few years with really good participation on the part of lake-living folks. It is amazing how so many different topics have been explored in those classes. It occurred to some of us that there is so much in Steuben County to see and hear and learn about, that we need to share our experiences with everyone in the county – not just the lake-living folks. So------------------------- This fall we will have our class experiences with lake-living folks, but we want to open the classes to anyone in the county interested in learning about the many faceted subjects existing in our local world. We will be offering topics of interest to lake-living people, of course, but we will have topics of interest for urban residents, rural residents, suburban residents, gosh—everyone in the county. Watch the local newspaper for information on this exciting venture or call our office in late summer when our schedule will be available to all. We may want to change our title to Steuben-Life Classes. We can learn from you and you can learn from us. Sounds great to me! See you in the fall – call to register 260-665-1730.

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A CORDIAL INVITATIONTO THE PUBLIC

STEUBEN COUNTY LAKES COUNCILINVITES YOU

TO THE ANNUAL MEETING

WHEN—SATURDAY, AUGUST 6

FREE BREAKFAST AT 8:00 A.M.

AT LAKE JAMES CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY

1800 WEST 275 NORTHLAKE JAMES

BUSINESS MEETING AT 8:45 A.M.

SPEAKER - PETER HIPPENSTEEL"200 YEARS OF CHANGE

TO OUR LAKES"

PETER HIPPENSTEEL

COME AND SHARE YOURCONCERNS

Please join us in this timely celebration. Everyone is welcome!These waters are important to all in the county!

LAKE PROPERTY VALUES, TAXES, AND TRENDSSubmitted by Mark Hansbarger & Norm Gajewski, Realtors

“How much is my lake property worth?” “Are my real estate taxes right?”“How much does lake property sell for per lake front foot?” The realtors at our office have gotten these questions frequently by sellers, buyers, appraisers and fellow realtors over the years as we have seen values change significantly. ‘Lake cottages’ that cost about $3,500 back in the 1940s rose to some $28,000 back in the 1960s when there was still not as much difference between rowboats and speedboats. The prices steadily rose in value, sometimes averaging over 18 per cent per year increases. Peak values of $162,000 and $436,000 were in years 2006 and 2007 for Steuben County. Then average prices fell by 30 per cent or more and followed with the ups and downs of the economy to the present 2015 levels. So far in 2016, not enough properties have been sold in the first quarter to confirm a true “market value trend” according to Indiana Regional Multiple Listing Service statistics, which report the lion’s share. Trends are also what determine TAX VALUES on lake properties, and this so-called “trend” can also vary from lake area to lake area. Indiana and national statistics typically quote “average” sales price statistics which lump all residential and lake properties together, thus making Steuben County’s average home prices appear higher than other areas of the state and the USA without further presentation. Yet, it is exactly those differences that make Steuben County preferable. Lake property values are affected by many factors, more than “regular residential” homes. But even the smaller non-ski or fishing lakes, and the all sports or ski lakes, have some common factors which are less quantifiable and frequently more subjective in nature even for seasoned professional realtors, appraisers, and buyers. A “VIBRANT ECONOMY” both locally and nationally affected lake property values more than any other single factor, with both rise and fall in values over the past 18 years. The facts just cannot be ignored about how important a good economic community has become. “SWIMMABLE BEACH” with a firm, sandy, gradual lake bottom for wading and swimming has typical higher value over muck, marl, natural lily pads, or any kind of weeds along the lakefront. While it is contrary to environmentalists, naturalists, DNR and EPA opinions, the fact is that buyers “vote” with more dollars to have for themselves a sandy and gradual firm lake front.” “WATER QUALITY” typically goes hand in hand with swimmable beach and thankfully, the Steuben County Lakes Council continues monitoring efforts so we continue to have safe swimming lakes and waters, and do not suffer from posted warning sings of “No swimming allowed.” “SEWER or SEPTIC-ABILITY,” along with “Build-ability,” affect future potential for adding on or remodeling and thus affect present value. Expansion of the regional sewer system has done much to improve residences that were once fishing shacks to now higher-valued properties.

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SPRING MIGRATION WATCHSubmitted by Mel Hathaway, SCLC & ACRES

An exciting phenomenon began to happen shortly after the lake ice melted in the spring. A variety of northward migrating waterfowl began to appear on our lakes. These birds have flown from their southern wintering grounds, some in southern United States to as far south as South America, and are heading north, some as far as northern Canada, to their breeding grounds. Our lakes provided them not only a safe place to rest, but also to energize by feeding in our clean lakes. Some of the species observed this spring are described in the following paragraphs. Common loons are large, long-bodied, low-swimming birds with black heads and checkered backs. They seem to prefer deeper water, beyond our drop-offs, where they dive for fish. Their vocalizations include weird yodeling and maniacal quavering laughter. They spend their summers on the lakes of northern Michigan and Wisconsin to areas well north of Hudson Bay in northern Canada. The bufflehead is a small duck-sized bird, mostly white with a black back and a large white patch on the back of its head. It, too, is a diving bird and feeds on small fish and some aquatic plants. It summers just north of the Great Lakes in southern Canada, where it will nest in hollow trees and occasionally in a ground burrow. A similar duck-like bird to the bufflehead is the common goldeneye. It, too, is mostly white with a black back, but it has a large white spot in front of its eye on its dark green head. This bird is also a diving bird, but feeds mostly on plant material in shallow water. Its summer range overlaps much of the bufflehead’s range in southern Canada, but it will also be found in northern Michigan and northern Wisconsin. It also nests in hollow trees. The American coot migrates in flocks, as opposed to the above birds, which migrate in pairs or small groups. Coots are also called mud hens and are slate-gray with darker head, neck, and tail, and white bills. Instead of their feet being webbed as in ducks, their toes are separated, each with wavy-margined flaps. Coots are diving birds, eating mostly plant material. They nest on the ground in colonies near water around the Great Lakes and southern Canada. The wood duck is the most highly colored North American duck. It has a dark iridescent crested head with white areas around the eye. The body is dark brown with light flanks and white belly. Surprisingly, it often perches in trees. When on the water, it does not dive, but dabbles, eating mostly plant material from shallow water. Wood ducks nest in hollow trees or on limbs 3 to 50 feet above the ground throughout the northern half of the United States.

Using the above information, along with other data, each report identifies critical sub-watersheds that require a wide range of Best Management Practices (BMP), which can be used to reduce the concentrations of the above pollutants from getting into our streams and lakes. Now comes the hard part. How do these entire watersheds go about reducing the amount of their three main water pollutants? Just as it took a partnership of many to complete and publish these Watershed Management Plans, it is also going to take a partnership of many, working together, to improve the situation. Various government agencies such as the Soil and Water Conservation District, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, IDEM, Lake and River Enhancement (LARE), the County Health Department, urban towns and their Sewage Treatment facilities, the County Drainage Board, the Steuben County Lakes Council and others all play a part. Let us remember that the individual landowners within each watershed will ultimately determine the success of reducing pollution. Whether it be the landowners living on the lakeshore, farmers, city residents, or businesses, each can help incorporate practices that reduce the impact of the big three pollution problems. There have been many strides made over the past forty years to improve the water conditions of our Steuben County water resources. These three Watershed Management Plans identify current problem areas and provide guidance for solutions for continued improvements. Seldom does a county have a comprehensive identification of problems and plans of action for the entire county’s surface water resources such as these three Management Plans. Let us all insist that these Management Plans be put to use.

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

We wish to thank the following scholarship contributors in 2016: Alehouse Mad Anthony, Aquatic Enhancement & Survey, Larry & Sarah Ashley, Warren & Barbara Barnes, Michael L. Burkhalter, Mark & Dawn Christman, George & Maryl Capaci, Eldon Clark, Bob & Paige Conner, Richard Craig, Richard Daugherty, Anita Dierkes, Dorothy Dukes, Jacqueline K. Feil, Bruce Fortier, Jeffrey Fouse, John & Mari Glazier, Jackie & Lydia Griffin, Shirley A. Gunn, Thomas & Judy Guthrie, Gregory D. Hale, George & Donna Hankins, Edward & Karen Hardiek, Pamela Hawkins, Ronald Heiloman, John Hiatt, Ronald Hoellrich, Alyce Hughes, Aleksandar & Susan Jakovljevic, Allen & Kay Kruetyan, Lake James Association, Allen & Mar Langdon, Paul & Linda Longville, Derek & Dau Melchi, Robert Mills, Ken & Helen Miller, J. Steven Mitchell, Sue Myers, Walter & Kathleen Newcomb, Ellen Newcomer, James A. O’Neill, Miles & Judith Perkins, John & Liat Peters, Max & Sandra Robison, Don & Carolyn Schenkel, Kenneth & Marta Schlemmer, Evelyn Schlosser, Bill Schmidt, John & Barb Snider, Don & Bev Stephens, Blaine Stuckey, John Sweeney, John & Carol Tchinski, Marilyn A. Vachon, Jeff & Janet Walborn, Denis & Phyllis Warner, Doug & Frances Weidner, Norman Yoder.

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(Continued from page 6)THREE IMPORTANT MANAGEMENT PLANSSubmitted by Pete Hippensteel, Technical Vice-President SCLC

Over the past two years, three Watershed Management Plans (WMP) have been published for the three main watersheds of Steuben County—Upper St. Joseph River, Fawn River, and Pigeon Creek. Each of these plans uses a very similar approach to analyzing the water quality problems of the streams and lakes within the county. Also, the recommendations of the three WMP for reducing the negative impacts on water quality have almost identical approaches. All of these plans were funded in part by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). Also, the Steuben County Soil and Water Conservation District played a significant role in coordinating and providing input for these studies. One more common factor is that all three studies used the water quality data that the Steuben County Lakes Council (SCLC) has collected and funded over the past eight years as critical information in arriving at the three reports’ conclusions. The three main pollution problems, identified in each report, are: 1. E. coli bacteria, 2. the nutrient phosphorus, and 3. suspended sediments. The method used to determine the magnitude of the problem is by the number of times each of these pollutants exceeds the criteria for state established concentration levels of concern. A total of 17 sub-watersheds from the three studies were evaluated using the same above criteria. 1. E. coli samples exceeded their criteria of 235 colonies per 100 ml, by the following percentages, which varied from 7 to 80 percent for the 6 sub-watersheds of the St. Joseph River Watershed; 13 to 44 percent for the 4 sub-watersheds of the Fawn River; and 15 to 60 percent for the 7 sub-watersheds of Pigeon Creek located in Steuben County. 2. Phosphorus samples, exceeding its criteria of 0.08 mg per liter, ranged from 0 to 100 percent for the St. Joseph River sub-watersheds; 24 to 31 percent for the Fawn River sub-watersheds; and 0 to 35 percent for Pigeon Creek sub-watersheds. 3. Sediment exceeded its criteria of 30 mg per liter by 0 to 33 percent for the St. Joseph River sub-watersheds; 0 to 3 percent for the Fawn River sub-watersheds, and 0 to 15 percent for Pigeon Creek sub-watersheds. As you can see from the above numbers, E. coli bacteria is the most pervasive pollution problem in the county, and it is the reason that IDEM has classified many stream segments in our county as impaired. Also, a Western Lake Erie Basin study has indicated the need to reduce phosphorus entering our streams and lakes by 40 percent if harmful alga blooms (HABs) are to be prevented. The St. Joseph River Watershed, Clear Lake, and Hamilton Lake areas are part of the Western Lake Erie Basin. It is reasonable to make this 40 percent amount of phosphorus reduction a goal for the entire county to be sure that we provide the same protection for all of our lakes. The data shows that significant progress has been made in reducing the sediment impact on our streams and lakes with reduced tillage, buffer strips, and cover crops.

The largest migrating bird observed this spring was the white pelican, as reported in our local newspaper and on the Lake James Association website. This 5 foot bird has an 8-9 1/2 foot wingspan, is white with black wing tips, and has an orange 14-inch long bill. They feed almost exclusively on fish, which are caught by swimming with the bill pouch submerged. This feeding behavior differs from the brown pelican which dives into the water to feed. White pelicans breed from British Columbia to Wisconsin and are quite unusual to be observed in northern Indiana. With the exception of the white pelicans, the above noted species are among the more common migrating waterfowl observed this spring. They represent the arrival of spring, along with spring flowers and flowering trees and warming temperatures. Northern Indiana is blessed to have so many lakes that are used by migrating waterfowl. Northern Indiana is also fortunate to have concerned organizations such as the Steuben County Lakes Council, individual lake organizations, the Soil and Water Conservation Districts, etc., that monitor the water quality and work to protect the overall health and well-being of our lakes!

SCRIBBLINGS FROM SUE You are the best! Over the past (nearly twenty years), your support for the work of the Steuben County Lakes Council has been marvelous, as I see it. Have a need? Tell the supporters and there you are. This past January, as I prepared the membership drive materials to put in the mail, my thoughts about our water quality testing program were center most in my mind. The grants that helped this project grow were going to end. What to do? What to do? Tell the faithful membership folks. We tried to do just that. I have been so pleased with the response of our members. Your contributions keep us in the business of overseeing our waters here in the county. What a really great group of helpers we have throughout this county. You really care about your surroundings and about the waters you use. You have shown how much you care with your response to our appeal. I am proud to be a part of your group and you should be proud as well. Thank you very much for the trust you have shown over the years. We will continue to work hard to locate problems and find solutions. Thank you all for your support.

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BUSINESS4 Corners GalleryAndrews & Shipe, LLCAngola Area Chamber of CommerceBar-Bid EnterprisesBlaschak & Company, LLCBudreau Insurance & Financial Service, Inc.Campbell & Fetter BankClear Lake Electric, Inc.Clear Lake Yacht ClubCore Communication PromotionsCroxton & Roe InsuranceCulligan Water ConditioningCurrent MechanicalFarmers State BankFirst Federal Savings BankFort Financial Credit UnionFranz Nursery, Inc.Gay’s Hops-N-SchnappsG & C Farming, LLCJacob Insurance Services, LLCJMR Cottage, Inc.Larry’s Lock & Safe, Inc.Lawnscape Lawn MaintenancePrinting Place, Inc.Sanborn’s Sofas PlusSatek WinerySpecial Cutting ToolsSteuben County Community FoundationSteuben County REMCSteuben County Tourism BureauSteve Jennings Softener RepairsThe Corner LandingTom’s DonutsWayside FurnitureWestrick Family Agency

CAMPGROUNDS, CONDOS, PARKSCap’s Mobile Home Park, Inc.Circle B Park, Inc.Jimmerson Shores Cooperative, Inc.Jimmerson Woods Cooperative, Inc.Manapogo ParkPow Wow Point CampgroundSheehans Hamilton Lake Mobile Home ParkYogi Bear’s Jellystone Park

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

ENVIRONMENTAL INTERESTSAquatic Enhancement & Survey, Inc.Aquatic Management, Inc.Aquatic Weed ControlBlue Heron Ministries, Inc.Clear Lake Township Land ConservancyHamilton Lake Conservancy DistrictLake George ConservancyLake George Regional Sewer DistrictNortheast Indiana Solid Waste Management DistrictSandhill Environmental Services, LLCSteuben Lakes Regional Waste District

GOVERNMENTCity of Angola

THANKSBUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS 2016

Thank You!

LAKE ASSOCIATIONSBall Lake AssociationBig Turkey Lake Improvement AssociationClear Lake AssociationCrooked Lake AssociationFox Lake Property OwnersIndiana Hills SubdivisionHamilton Lake AssociationJimmerson Lake Property Owners AssociationLake Gage/Lime Lake AssociationLake George Cottagers AssociationLake James Association, Inc.Lake Pleasant Homeowners AssociationMcClish/Lake of the Woods AssociationPine Canyon Lake AssociationSnow Lake Cottagers AssociationWest Otter Lake Property Owners Association

MARINAS/BOAT SUPPLIESClear Lake MarinaHamilton Lake MarineThe Pier Place

PROFESSIONALDuch, Ronald V., D.D.S.Hawkins, Pamela, AttorneyLake James Christian AssemblyLake James Lutheran ChapelRockwell, Joyce A., D.D.S.Scheumann Dental AssociatesWernet, P. Lynn CPA

REALTORSAnchor Realty & AuctionAugsburger, Fred G., RealtorB. & C. Associates, P.C.Cookson, BradCouperthwaite, Patti, BrokerRealty Pro Hansbarger RealtyRE/MAX ResultsRE/MAX TRI STATE REALTY

RESTAURANTSCaruso’s RestaurantClays Restaurants, Inc.Dave’s Lake ShackMad Anthony Brewing Company & Reception Hall