Carlin Lake Association

News for the end of June

 

1)  Keep enjoying these long days, now that we have passed the summer solstice.    All this week, sunset is at 8:53 pm, but will be one minute earlier by this Friday, the 30th.

2) As of yesterday, the loon chick and parents are still swimming on the lake, to the delight of human neighbors.    Thanks to everyone for keeping your distance, and helping keep them safe.

3) Our rain gauge over the weekend showed 1.5 inches of rain.    Terrific---to finally having a soaking downpour.   

44)  All area county roads have been re-striped in the last week.   To me, that seems to already anticipate snowy days and winter driving, coming before we will be ready.

5)  You will have received an email invitation to "Open Dock" at Steve and Kathy Houle's, this Sunday, July 2nd from noon to 2:00 pm.     If you think you can make it, please RSVP to Steve --his email address is in your earlier email reminder.     (The Houle's home on the south-east corner of the lake was till recently owned by Gayle Strand.)

 

Important concern: EMS services

 

Our four local townships--Presque Isle, Winchester, Boulder Junction, and Manitowish Waters---are sharing a similar and serious concern.   As population continues to grow through the northwoods and as the existing population ages, (that would be all of us, I guess) it is becoming more and more difficult to get EMS trained specialists to serve those of us who live here.

With leadership from the Winchester EMS director Jessie Mabie, the four towns have hired a consultant to study the situation and make recommendations.   Last week, on June 6th and 8th, that consultant reported in two separate meetings, one in MW and one in PI.

The first major point was that townships are required by state law to provide emergency services to their residents.    

The consultant had been asked to make sure the services they recommend would be:  1) of high coverage to all areas;   2) of highest quality; 3) fiscally responsible.

Their report is 74 pages long, and I have a pdf copy saved to my computer.   This report is available to all residents if any of you who would like to take a look.

In the simplest form (as we understood it), they are suggesting two bases, fully staffed by professionals, with centralized locations that may or may not be connected with the four fire stations.   The four towns will need additional funding, some coming from Vilas County, and some from increases in property taxes.    The consultating firm estimated that the increase would be in the neighborhood of $41 annually on $100,000 of property valuation.

As you can see, many decisions will continue to be made.     We left the meeting thinking that the four towns have been far-sighted to tackle this issue on our behalf, and that good services are absolutely necessary for us all to live here with confidence.  

Diana Schroeder and Gayle Strand were also present at the meeting, and can answer questions or give you their opinions.

 

 

Take care. We all care!

 

A loon is nesting on the lake shore this spring, with the mate swimming near the nest to keep watch.  What a welcome surprise!

The nest is on the west end of the lake, on the south shore, between homes of the Jenkins' and the Weide's.    

I report this so you can know, and be aware to keep your distance, as well as alerting any visitors of yours  to do the same.    

Our memory over the years includes only one chick on the lake, two Junes ago.    Observers believe that an eagle hunter may have taken that chick, after we had had about three fun weeks watching the parents with the baby.

Folks tell us this year that the eagle who watches from his "eagle tree" perch on the Krahn point is very aware of the nest.

Fingers crossed that both human visitors and other wildlife will all keep their distance from the loon pair!

 

EMS meeting Thursday eve--consider attending if possible

 

I'm thankful two Carlin residents, Gayle Strand and Diana Schroeder, have informed me about an important informative meeting in Presque Isle tomorrow evening---Thursday, June 8th at 6:00 pm.  

The topic is important to all of us----emergency medical services for our area.   Four communities (PI, MW,  BJ, and Winchester) have worked together, and hope to bring improved access to us.    

John and I intend to be there, and hope some of you are able to attend, either in person or by Zoom.  

Here is the link to publicity about the meeting, including the Zoom link for you to use.   

https://piwi.us/CMS/files/2023/EMS%20meeting.pdf

 

Where:  Presque Isle Community Building

When:  Thursday, June 8th---6:00 pm

Zoom link:  Https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3559702176

Passcode:   fmZ3TQ

I'll let you know more when I think I have the info right.

Plan to visit Discovery Center this summer

 

The North Lakeland Discovery Center on Hwy W recently opened a spectacular new nature center and office building.      You will be amazed, and I think, will want to take every summer visitor, kids and adults,  over to take a look!

Even though we drove past frequently while the construction was taking place, we certainly did not anticipate the lovely and useful spaces in the new building.   It is also connected to the former lodge, now remodeled and ready for four-season use, so will serve many purposes.  

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Here you see the mosaic embedded into the entry hall, with the river leading into the nature center.

The beautiful green hand-painted mural covers one large corner of the center, making both mounted and living critters look right at home.

And the eagle's nest is at the top of a circular staircase, right under the sky-blue, cloud-filled sky.     Make sure you note the mounted eagle on the right in the photo, ready to land into the nest. 

You will feel that you have driven miles rather than being so close to home.     Please stop in---there's no charge---although once you have seen the new opportunities this construction offers, you may be reminded to renew your membership in the Discovery Center.   It's a great centerpiece to the Northwoods communities.