Woodcliff Security | Announcements Page 1

ATTENTION RESIDENTS

02/19/2012- I know that I have harped on this issue on my web site as well as News Letters, but I am going to do so again. No one is going to be able to use the excuse that they did not know about the change in State Law, and our rules, regarding Boater Safety Course requirements. The new law states that anyone under the age of 27 years must complete the Boater Safety Course prior to operating a water craft. They must carry proof of passing the course with them at all times while operating a water craft. There will be zero tolerance for this requirement. You will receive a Woodcliff Lakes citation on the first offense, and you will be cited into county court under State Statute on the second. There are three courses scheduled at Woodcliff for the first three weekends in May, the 5th, 12th, and the 19th. All three courses are one day, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will be conducted at the Woodcliff Marina/ Back Porch Lounge. The cost of the course is $10, to be paid at the door, and you can bring a drink, snack, or sack lunch. Additional courses will be considered, but a minimum of 10 people are required for the course to be scheduled. Keep in mind this is probably the first step in the Boater Safety Course being required for everyone in the near future, so you might want to consider taking it now and being ahead of the curve. Completing the Boaters Safety Course can also lower your insurance premiums, another reason to take the course. Remember, as a lot owner you are responsible for your guests and you must ensure they have taken the course and have proof of this in their possession when they are operating your water craft. You can register for the Boater Safety Course on this web site, on the Online Forms page, or contacted security at 402-721-3000. You need to get your water craft registrations done as well. You can fill the online form out on the website, and it will expedite the process. You must have this done prior to using your boat on the lake. If your boat is delivered to your lift by one of the storage facilities, you must register it prior to using it on the lake. Let me know when it is delivered and we can get the registration done immediately. You can stop at the security office with your boat or take it to your lot and call for a registration. It is a painless process, but the penalty for not getting it done will definitely hurt the pocket book. I would encourage everyone to read the updated rules for 2012, and make your children and guests familiar with them as well. I am looking forward to another safe summer at the lake, and as always I appreciate your cooperation and support.
02/06/2012- I have posted the rules for 2012 on the Rules page. I would encourage everyone to read them and become familiar with the changes. Chris will be emailing the rules to those with email addresses on record, and mailing copies to everyone else. It is your responsibility to read them and know them, it is my responsibility to issue citations to those that wish to ignore them. There have been changes to the hours of operation for jet skis and towables, and other significant changes, so please read them.
02/04/2012- 2:20 p.m.- The county plow finally showed up and plowed County Road W. It should be in decent shape for a while anyway.

02/04/2012- 12:30 p.m.- The snow has slacked off, but County Road W is miserable as usual with these conditions. Travel with care.

02/04/2012- 8:10 a.m.- There is between 4" and 6" of snow so far, depending on where you are standing. The snow is heavy and wet, and the roads are slick. If you don't have to be out on the roads stay home and stay warm.

02/03/2012- Well depending on who you listen to we are looking at anywhere from 4" -24" of snow out of the storm coming in tonight. One thing we can be sure of, no matter how much snow we get, with the 35-50 mph wind predicted, the roads will be terrible, especially the east west roads like County Road W. I would recommend that everyone stock up today because getting to town tomorrow might be out of the question. I will try to keep the site updated with road conditions, but I have a feeling I will be pretty busy, so no guarantees.
01/29/2012- There has not been much to report on lately, and that is a good thing. I would like to take the opportunity to brag a little however. Last night was the Annual Awards Banquet for the Cedar Bluffs Fire Department, and two of our Woodcliff residents took top honors. Bob Mumm was awarded the EMT of the Year, and Scott Weekley was awarded the Fire Fighter of the Year. I can not say enough about these two people, the amount of dedication they have is just incredible. We are very lucky to have these two EMT/ Firemen at Woodcliff and they really have earned these two awards. If I am counting correctly we now have eight residents who are fire fighter/ EMTs, and several other residents that are on the Incident Support Team. We are still trying to work towards having a Fire Department Sub-Station here at Woodcliff, but are still short of having enough resident members to support the station. Once again, congratulations Bob and Scott, a job well done.
01/22/2012- The snow storm was pretty short and we got somewhere around 2 inches, depending on where your standing. Just enough to make it slick, so be careful in your travels.

01/14/2012- There hasn't been much to comment on lately, the weather has been pretty decent, and Woodcliff has been a relatively quiet place for the last month or so. We have illiminated a few problem beaver, but there are still a few out there dropping trees. There was even a fishing boat out on the water the other day, which is pretty unusual for January. Let's not let our guard down however, keep an eye out for suspicious vehicles and activity, and report anything you see that is out of the norm. Although we have a very small crime rate, we are not immune.
01/01/2012- HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! We got through the night with few problems. Some of us had a short power outage, but nothing too serious. I hope everyone had a good time last night and made it home safely, and I am looking forward to another safe year at the lake.

12/24/2011- MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! I would like to wish everyone safe and happy holidays. To those that sent cards and goodies, THANK YOU!!! They are very much appreciated. Don't forget to break up the bozes for all your Christmas gifts and get them in your trash can, you don't want the bandits to know what you got for Christmas.

12/16/2011- Just a reminder folks, do not leave the boxes for your new TVs, and other expensive electronics outside by your garage or garbage can. This is an invitation for the bandits, and they are out in force this time of year doing their Christmas shopping. Break the boxes up and put them in your trash can where they cannot be seen. There have been several burglaries in surrounding areas, and the prime target is flat screen TVs, and other expensive electronics, as well as jewelry and cash. Keep and eye out for unfamiliar vehicles and people hanging around, and call Security immediately if you see anything.
12/08/2011- 3:30 p.m.- So far just a dusting of snow, enough to make it a little slick, but mostly just annoying. Drive carefully!!!

12/04/2011- Sorry for the lack of storm updates yesterday, my computer was down in the morning, and then I ended up out on Highway 77 most of the day on a traffic accident. I think the road conditions were pretty much self explanitory, they were truly crappy. Stay in, and stay warm.

11/25/2011- CONGRATULATIONS TO KATHY GRIESS!!! Kathy was presented with the Hero's Award at the game in Lincoln today, a great lady, and a true hero.

11/24/2011- HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!

11/11/2011- To those that served before me, to those that served with me, and to those who serve at this time, THANK YOU!!! PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS!!!
11/07/2011- Sorry for the lack of updates, I have been out of town visiting my son who is on leave from Afghanistan. It has been relatively quiet so far this fall, but we don't want to let our guard down. If you are leaving for the winter don't forget to visit with your neighbors and let them know, and ask them to keep an eye on your place as they come and go. One of the greatest Security resources is the resident's eyes and ears. If you see something that strikes you as strange or out of the ordinary, call Security immediately and let us know. Remember, this isn't only the time of year when we are shopping for Christmas gifts, the bandits are out there shopping as well.
10/22/2011- I have eliminated a few beaver from the lake recently, but there are plenty more out there that continue to damage our trees. We will be out on the water again next week trying to find the offending tree eating rodents, but keep that under your hat, I think they have counter-surveilance. They are getting pretty sneaky.

10/07/2011- 9:15 a.m., We have water again, still no word on what happened. Have a nice day.

10/07/2011- 7:45 a.m.- For what ever reason the entire community is without water this morning. People's Service has been notified and are working to resolve the issue.

10/03/2011- You may have heard our "Beaver Abatement" program over the past several nights, and although we have only found a few beaver they have been hearty critters, and not easily "abated". The battle goes on, and we will do our best to thin them out over the winter. Just a reminder, there seems to be a group of bandits working in the immediate area of northern Saunders County, southern Dodge County, so secure your property, especially the ATVs.
09/27/2011- Cancel the runaway report, Dizzy has returned home, covered in burrs and ticks. I'm going to change his name to Houdini, because I still can't find where he got out at. Thanks for the emails and assistance in the search.

09/26/2011- After checking my fence and yard thuroughly I am left with only one scenario, someone, or something took my dog from my yard. Eagles and hawks have been known to take small dogs, but I doubt this was the case, which leaves SOMEONE. If anyone observed anything unusual Sunday morning around 9:15 - 9:30 a.m., please contact Security, I would take particular pleasure in "dealing" with the person who took my dog.

09/25/2011- My little watch dog has come up missing from my yard, if anyone has seen him please call Security. He is a small black and brown Toy Manchester/ Min-pin cross. He left his collar behind when he escaped. He answers to Dizzy or Diz. He is a small dog, around 4-5 lbs.,

09/24/2011- I have had a lot of people ask how the fishing was so I thought I would answer with a photo, FISHING WAS GREAT!!!

09/24/2011- It is that time of year again when we start trying to thin out the beaver population, and save a few trees. We will be doing some beaver hunting on both lakes in the next couple of weeks, so if you hear the bangs and see the spotlights it is just us implimenting the "Beaver Abatement Program".

09/20/2011- I am back from a quick trip to catch some trout, a week off after a long summer. Labor Day Weekend went pretty well, the cool weather slowed things down a little. There were still plenty of citations issued for Glass on the Water, No PFDs on the kids, and speeding on the roads. There were no reported accidents, and a rare weekend wihtout any rescue calls. As you close up for the winter, remember to secure your property, ATVs, and other toys. Just to update you on the recent ATV thefts, the suspect vehicle was recovered in north Omaha, and was also stolen. With the cooperation of the Omaha Police Department, several search warrants have been served, but none of our property has been recovered yet. We are still following up on some leads however. Remember, our best defense against theft is to be pro-active and prevent theft, SECURE YOUR PROPERTY!!!

09/02/2011- FOR SALE- Tony Menousek, T-1014, has a 20' pontoon for sale. It has a 25HP Merc outboard, and the fuel system from tanks to carberators have been replaced recently. It has a 65lb Trolling Motor, and a Humingbird fish/ depth finder. He is asking $2750.00 for it, and you can call Tony at 402-721-9621.

09/01/2011- Just a reminder for this coming holiday weekend... NO GLASS ON THE WATER, ANYONE UNDER 13 MUST WEAR A PFD (LIFEJACKET), and KEEP YOUR TOWABLES WITHIN THE WAKE. It might be a good time for everyone to review the rules, and review them with your guests.

08/18/2011- The ATV theft from the morning of the 17th has turned into two stolen ATVs and a stolen flatbed trailer. We have still not identified the owner of the trailer, so if you own one check to see if it is missing. Here is the timeline for the theft. On Wednesday morning at 4:26 a.m. the Chevy pickup entered the lake, at 4:44 a.m., it leaves with an ATV from S-120 in the back, at 5:06 a.m. the pickup returns, and at 5:33 a.m. it leaves again pulling a flatbed trailer, with an ATV from T-1 on the trailer. We have good video of the vehicle, and are working on enhancing certain frames to try and ascertain the license number. We need to identify the trailer owner so that we can get it entered into NCIC as stolen. YOU NEED TO SECURE YOUR PROPERTY FOLKS!!!! Lets not make it easy for the bandits. Call Security if you observed anything, or have any information.

08/18/2011- ATTENTION!!! As I have stated before, we have a very low crime rate, but we are not immune to crime. Yesterday morning at 4:26 a.m. I pickup truck entered Woodcliff, and 14 minutes later left Woodcliff with an ATV in the back. The vehicle was a late 80s to early 90s Chevrolet pickup, Silver/ Black/ Sliver, extended cab, with shiny chrome wheels, and dual exhaust out the rear under the bumper. Below you will see the surveillance photos from the entrance camera, if you recognize this vehicle or see it around call Security immediately.

08/05/2011- Just a few reminders as we head towards the end of summer. Although we are missing some NO WAKE buoys in some of the bays it is still NO WAKE in the bays. Slow down, and turn around and look at your wake. NO WAKE means the minimal disturbance of the waters surface, SLOW DOWN. Any children under the age of 13 must wear their PFDs when on the boats. NO GLASS BOTTLES OF ANY KIND ON THE WATER!!! When cruising slowly on the lake stay out of the ski channel. Stay to the right, or dock side, and stay out of the way of those towing. When pulling tubes you can not swing them outside the wake, so DON'T ZIG ZAG DOWN THE LAKE!!! Also the snapping turtles are on the move, please don't run over them. Call Security and I will escort them off the road. Tell your kids not to mess with them, they are fast and can do some real damage to fingers and toes if provoked.

07/26/2011- I have had a lot of curious callers inquiring about the activity with the emergency vehicles on the spillway yesterday. It was our annual Water Rescue Training with the Cedar Bluffs Fire Department, and the Yutan Dive Team. We trained on locating and treating injured in the water. Then at around 9:45 p.m. we put the training to use with an actual water rescue on the Platte River. Six people in three Kayaks became disoriented in the dark and swift water and swamped their craft, stranding two in the water about 75 feet from shore adjacent Platte Shore Drive & Cottonwood Lane. A resident heard them yelling for help and summoned Security. Cedar Bluffs Fire/ Rescue was called along with Tim Bryson, of Bryson's Airboat Tours, and Jim Lichtenburg, of Cedar Blulffs, and they were able to assisted in the locating and retrieval of the stranded boaters. All six kayakers were located and only one was transported to the Fremont Area Hospital for treatment of an ankle injury. Thanks to the quick actions of resident Steve Franzen and his son Reese, the parties were quickly located and rescued, thanks Steve and Reese, and thanks to Tim Bryson, Jim Lichtenburg, and the members of the Cedar Bluffs Fire Department. Your assistance was very much appreciated.

07/20/2011- A true hero walks among us folks. Woodcliff resident, Kathy Griess, was honored by the Fremont Rural Fire Department, and the Nebraska State Fire Marshal's office for the rescue of two young children from a burning home in Fremont. Kathy was on her way home on July 18th, and observed smoke coming from the house and stopped to investigate. After learning from another child that there were two kids still in the house Kathy entered without hesitation and got the kids safely out of the house. Kathy is a true hero and deserves to be honored and recognized for her selfless act. Thank you Kathy, it takes a very special person to do something like this, you are a true hero. There was a great article regarding this incident in the Fremont Tribune today, and I would encourage everyone to read it.

07/05/2011- It was an extremely busy weekend for Security, but we got through the weekend without any major accidents, injuries, or the need for bail money to be raised (for residents anyway). I have been fielding calls from angry people all day about citations that were issued over the weekend. Let me be blunt folks, we don't give citations, YOU HAVE TO EARN THEM!!! We wrote the following citations, 11 for glass bottles on the water, 16 for no PFD's on kids under 13, 5 for registration violations, 2 for Careless Operation on boats, 2 for Careless Operation on ATVs, 1 for DWUI (after a 70 mph pursuit), 1 for Stop Sign, and 1 for Malicious Mischief. We made 1 arrest after a person robbed the tip jar at the Marina, and had a foot pursuit after another violator. We gave dozens of rides home to those unable to "navigate" on their own, made numerous Citizen, Motorist, and Boat assists, as well as several hundred other calls. Now to address the water violations that seem to have angered so many people. I have harped on and warned people on this lake for 14 years about glass on the water. This is NOT a new rule, its been a rule here for many years, and is also a STATE LAW. Over the years we have had to send dozens of kids to the Emergency Room for stitches because they step on broken beer bottles in the lake. We had another this weekend, and it is time that we get it stopped. NO GLASS ON THE WATER!!! The other issue was kids without PFDs (life jackets). Again, this is NOT a new rule and is also a state law. To me this is a violation that we should never have to cite for, because it should never happen. I guess if your upset about being cited for lack of PFDs or bottles on the water you have never had to bandage a screaming child with a gash on their foot, or take part in the recovery of a child that has drown falling off a boat without a PFD. I have done both, and will do everything I can to see I don't have to do it again. The 5 registration citations should need no explaination. We have communicated this issue over and over as well. You must have current state registration, lot number, and a current Woodcliff decal on the boat and in the proper location. If not, you WILL be cited. I do not want to hear that they are laying on the counter, in your truck, on your desk, or at home. I am not registering your counter, desk, truck, or home, I am registering your BOAT. It is July, these registrations should have been done months ago. It is your responsibility to get it done, not mine. So there its is folks, I appologize for rambling, but I will never appologize for doing my job and getting you home alive.

07/01/2011- ATTENTION!!! Lock up your vehicles, we have bandits in the area getting into unlocked cars and taking electronics. They were in Woodcliff last night.
06/30/2011- The Fishing Tournament is scheduled for Sunday, July 3rd, registration at 9:30 a.m., at the Woodcliff Lakes Office. It runs from 10am - 1pm. You must register, and then check back in to the office again at 1 p.m.. We would like to take photos of the participants, and especially of the fish caught, to be posted on the Angler Wall of Fame on this site. Contact Steve Sorenson with any questions, 402-651-6819.

06/26/2011- The ATV Safety Course went well yesterday, with 35 kids attending. Everyone left with a raffle prize thanks to the donations of the Lakes Association, the Woodcliff Lions, and Leisure Life Sports. Thanks to the donations of Wimmer's Meats, Subway, Ed Sekera, and Scott & Paula Weekley nobody left hungry or thirsty. I would also like to thank all those that came out to help, Ed Sekera, Cedar Bluffs Fire & Rescue (Woodcliff) Scott & Paula Weekley, Scott Berner, Chet McCarthy, and Don Fiedler, your assistance is very much appreciated. The only ATV citation written yesterday was to a young man who did not attend the course, maybe he would have avoided the citation had he attended and been reminded of the rules.

06/22/2011- The storm damage is slowly being cleaned up and there is an effort to organize a community wide clean up day on this Saturday. One thing that I would like to mention after dealing with the storm the other night is the problem of "Looky Lous" after the storm subsided. If you are not coming out to help, DON"T COME OUT!!! Stay home and out of our way as we try to clear the roads and deal with downed power lines and damage. KEEP YOUR KIDS HOME!!! The last thing we need is to have to deal with your kids on ATVs playing in the mud puddles as we are trying to deal with trees and power lines blocking roads, and checking for injuries. AGAIN, if you are not there to help, YOU SHOULD NOT BE THERE!!!

06/21/2011- 5:30 p.m.- Most of the lake is put back together from last nights storm. Hopefully we won't have anymore like last night for a while. Watch for debris in the lake as you get back to boating. Thanks to all that assisted in getting the roads opened up last night, and in assisting with traffic control on the downed powerlines. Your help is very much appreciated. REMINDER- The ATV Safety Course is this weekend, Saturday June 25th, 10am-2pm, at the Security/ Lakes Office.
06/21/2011- Sorry for the late update, but I had no internet until this morning. We had 60-70 mph winds last night and very heavy rain. There were trees and large limbs down all over the lake, as well as several powerlines. There was roof damage to some cabins, and some boat lifts damaged as well. Power was out on a large portion of the lake for several hours. I would recommend that everyone check their property as it appears more rain is on the way this week.

06/17/2011- 9:08 p.m.- Its been a very busy evening weather wise with one confirmed tornado on the ground a few miles to the west of Woodcliff, and several funnel clouds observed as well. There was golfball sized hail just to the west of us as well, but so far all we have had at the lake are periods of heavy rain and small hail. We remain in a severe weather watch, with continued sightings of suspicious cloud formations. We activated the warning sirens around 6:45 p.m. due to the confirmed tornado sighting. Stay tuned and watch the weather, it could continue to be a busy weather night.

06/16/2011- The river continues to remain low and there are no indications that we are facing any flooding. The lake continues to remain at operating level, and barring any unforeseen heavy rains we will be fine. There have been a few complaints of speeding boats on the Fishing Lake, please remember it is a No Wake lake and anyone observed violating the No Wake will be cited. Slow down and BE SAFE!!!!

06/07/2011- For those that could not make the meeting last night to discuss the possibility of flooding, there is no immediate danger for Woodcliff. However, everyone should watch for announcements on the entrance sign and web sites as things can quickly change. Our risk of flooding will depend on rain fall, and how much water the damns release up stream, as well as how much water backs up from the Missouri River. Plans are in place should things change and the chances of flooding return.

06/03/2011-The ATV SAFETY COURSE will be held Saturday, June 25th, From 10am-2pm, at the Security Office.
06/03/2011- I have been predicting for several years now that eventually everyone will have to have the Boaters Safety Course to operate a watercraft. Recent legislation, LB 105, which was just signed by Governor Heineman, will take affect in January of 2012, and states that anyone born after December 31 1985 (27 year olds) will be required to pass a Boater Safety Course in order to operate watercraft. Eventually all boaters will be required to take the Boater Safety Course. I would suggest getting a jump on the situation and get the course as soon as you can. I would be willing to conduct more Boater Safety Courses this year with a minimum of 10 students if anyone is interested. The course is relatively painless, less painful than the fine you would be assessed for not having the course anyway.

06/02/2011- ATTENTION!!! There will be a meeting Monday night, June 6th, at 7:00 p.m., at the Community Center to discuss possible flooding along the Platte River that may impact Woodcliff. The Saunders County Emergency Manager and Cedar Bluffs Fire Chief will be on hand to discuss the situation.

05/31/2011- I thought the rain might slow things down a little around the lake for the Memorial Day weekend but we were still very busy with calls and especially boat registrations. I am sure there are still some boats that need to be registered so contact Security and let us know when you are ready for us to inspect your boat. And remember, we are not registering your kitchen counter or your desk, so if the decals do not make it from those locations to your boat, you are in violation and could face a $300 fine. The numbers and decals have to be on your boat before operating it on the lake, if not it is going to be a very expensive oversight on your part. We stopped a number of golf carts and UTVs for standing up while riding in them, and transported a young lady to the Emergency Room because she was standing up and fell off a golf cart. If there is no where to set down, you should not be riding on it. The driver of the vehicle with someone standing up is going to be the one cited, so make your passengers set down.

05/28/2011- The ATV Safety Course has been postponed due to the rain. It appears on radar that we could be in for rain off and on all day, so we will re-schedule the course for next month sometime. Sorry for any inconvenience.

05/26/2011- ATTENTION!!! The river is high and we are no longer able to spill water from the lake. The lake is already into the red zone on the guage by several inches and if it contiues to rise the lake may be declared NO WAKE. We are monitoring the situation, and awaiting a board decision. With more rain forcasted for the next several days it is not looking good folks. Stay tuned.

05/23/2011- ATTENTION!!! The road is being prepared for the treatment to be applied, please drive slow and respect the work that is being done to make the roads smooth and dust free. Any vehicles or ATVs found to be operating in such a manner as to damage the newly prepared and treated road will be cited and the affending lot owners will be assessed for the repairs. Thousands of dollars, your dollars, are being spent to get the roads into good condition, and its up to everyone to protect this investment. Please pass this on to your kids and guests.

05/22/2011- Penny Thelen at S-1225 is missing her cat "Bob". He is grey and white spotted, and has 6 toes on his front paws instead of the usual 4. If you locate him you can call Penny at 402-620-4484.

05/21/2011- The tornado sirens blasting this afternoon were NOT a test. There was a tornado reported on the ground south west of Woodcliff, between Weston and Malmo, and then there were several sightings of funnel clouds west of Woodcliff, between North Bend and Ames. The funnel clouds could actually be seen from the top of the hill on County Road W. We are still under a Thunderstorm Watch until late tonight. We graduated 10 more safe boaters from the Boater Safety Course today. Remember, the ATV Safety Course is next Saturday,the 28th, from 10am-2pm. There are lots of great raffle prizes, and dogs and chips and drinks will be provided.

05/17/2011- Just one more chance to get the Boater Safety Course at Woodcliff, this weekend, May 21, at the Woodcliff Marina. If you miss this one you will have to seek a BSC from somewhere else. Reminder, the ATV Safety Course will be the following weekend, May 28th.

05/14/2011- WARNING!!! The pot hole on the hill coming into Woodcliff is now officially a CRATER!!!! Use extreme caution coming down the hill. We graduated 24 more safe boaters at today's Boater Safety Course. You have one more chance to take the Boater Safety Course at Woodcliff, next weekend, May 21st, at the Woodcliff Marina. You can either register online or call and get on the list.

05/13/2011- A very large pot hole has developed on the hill coming into Woodcliff, in the downhill lane, use caution. The county is supposed to fix it Monday.
05/11/2011- 4:45 p.m.- The storm blew through and although we had high winds and heavy rain, there has been no apparent damage located so far. Actually the rain felt quite refreshing as I chased trash cans down the roads, and retrieved three teenagers from a pontoon boat out on the lake. A big thank you to Paula Weekley far calling and letting me know the kids were out on the lake, and for providing them with dry towels and shelter after we got their boat tied up.

05/11/2011- 3:05 p.m.- We have been upgraded to a Severe Thunderstorm Warning, large hail & heavy rain with damaging winds possible. We are also now in a Tornado Watch. Stay tuned.

05/11/2011- 2:30 p.m.- We are in a Severe Thunderstorm Watch this afternoon, and it appears on radar that it is heading our way from the south, passing through the Lincocln area at this time.

05/09/2011- We graduated 23 more safe boaters Saturday at the Boater Safety Course held at the Woodcliff Restaurant. I would like to thank the Woodcliff Restaurant for allowing us to use their facility. You have two more chances to take the Boater Safety Course at Woodcliff, Saturday May 14th, and Saturday May 21st. If you miss these dates you will have to go elsewhere to get the class.

05/04/2011- We have added a page to the website called the "Angler Wall of Fame". Please check it out. If you catch a "big one", or even a not so big one take a photo and forward it to me and I will add you to the wall. If you don't have a camera call me and I will stop by and take a photo. Make sure to include all the details with your photo. The only rule is the fish must be caught at Woodcliff, from either lake, or the Platte River adjacent Woodcliff.

05/03/2011- ATTENTION The North Lake Shore Drive common area ("Sand Track") has been closed to ATV traffic until further notice. Due to complaints and liability concerns the board has decided the area is to be closed until the situation can be studied further. The issue will be addressed at the next quarterly association meeting, scheduled for June 12th. Also please be advised, due to continued speeding coomplaints, and the number of small children on Cedar Lane, Speed Bumps will be placed in that area to try and slow down traffic.

05/02/2011- Somehow most of my April "Announcement" updates disappeared. I have been working with my Webmaster to resolve this problem, and if this doesn't work I will work him over and see if that helps. In the mean time, requests for boat inspections have been coming in at a good pace, but there are still a lot to get done. Call security when you are ready or use the online registration form and I will bring you your decals. The Boater Safety Courses are filling up quickly, so if you need to get the class use the online form to register, or call Security. I am in the process of cutting some new ATV lot plates, so if you need one call Security. There have been a lot of speeding complaints lately, mostly on Cedar Lane. With summer coming on and the little kids out playing everyone needs to keep this in mind and slow down.

04/19/2011- The headgates have been closed for 5 days now, and the lake is coming up nicely. Now all we need is for the weather to decide what season it is. Boat registrations have been trickling in, and I would like to remind everyone that they must be done before you use your boats on the lake or you will face a $300 fine. You can use the Online Forms page of this website to register, or call Security, and we will come to you. Don't forget the Boater Safety Courses scheduled for May 7th, 14th, and 21st. The ATV Safety Course is scheduled for May 28th, no registration required, just show up and participate.

03/25/2011- I hope everyone likes the new look of the website, and the new features as well. Take a look around and I would love to hear your comments. There is now an Online Forms page where you will find Watercraft registration, Boater Safety registration, and House Watch registration. These are all secure forms, and can be filled out and sent directly to Security. The Watercraft Inspection is in PDF form so you can print it up and use it as a check list to ensure you have everything ready. I will try to get some newer photos posted as time allows. I enlisted the assistance of my brother, Bill Wolsleben at www.thecodebeetle.com, and this webiste is the result of his hard work. Thanks Bill.

03/07/2011- I have been getting a lot of paniced calls about boat registrations and the new $300 fine. First of all nothing has changed in the process other than it is the boat owners responsibility to get the registration done. It is the same process as years past, call me or drop by the Security office and I will check your boat. If the state registration is current, and in the proper location, and your lot numbers are on the boat, and in the right location, your insurance is current, and you have all the safety equipment, you will be issued the new Woodcliff decal. Red and White this year to make up for the "Hawkeye" colors last year. They only people who have reason for concern are the ones I find on the water without current Woodcliff Decals. They are the ones who will be cited and parked until they are legal. If your boat is being delivered you need to make sure it gets registered BEFORE you use it. Don't wait until you "run into me" on the lake, it will be too late and you WILL be cited. The process is extremely easy, and a whole lot less painful then writing a $300 check.

03/07/2011- 1:20 p.m.- So far there has just been enought snow to make the roads wet. The predictions are that the main snow will come in this evening and Tuesday. I will try to keep you posted of road conditions if they get bad.

03/04/2011- Apparently we are having some "midnight bandits" wandering through the area. Last night there were several cars entered around the lake, and property was taken. All they seem to be after are small, easilly accessible items such as Ipods, cash, and credit cards, and that sort of thing. Everyone needs to ensure that their vehicles are locked and nothing is left in view. If you see anyone or anything suspicious call Security immediately.

02/25/2011- The river is down, and the lake is spilling nicely, and should be down to winter levels soon. I was out of town for a few days visiting my son and his family before his deployment to Afghanistan, and missed out on watching the ice break up this year. I appreciate the assistance from the board in my absence, but have to admit the Louisiana weather was great. We will continue to monitor the river and ice activity, but no problems are expected at this point.

02/14/2011- There was an interesting story in the news today about an ATV and rider falling through the ice at Hansen Lake yesterday. The gentleman was very lucky that someone happened to see it happen and along with several other neighbors rescued the man before hypothermia set in. The ice is in very dangerous condition right now, and it not recommended for foot traffic, let alone ATV traffic. Please watch your kids and keep them off the ice.

02/01/2011- 2:30 p.m. - The roads are still passible, with minor drifting here and there. The roads are snowpacked, or icey depending on where you are at. The wind is supposed to pick up with a little more snow falling, so things could get worse overnight. Drive Carefully!!!

02/01/2011- 5:30 a.m. - Only enough snow to make things miserable. The roads are all open but there is drifting in places, and visibility is the biggest issue. Drive Carefully!!!

01/23/2011- 6:40 a.m.- The plows are out and County Road W is passible, (for now), to Highway 77. Area roads are snow packed and slick in spots. Please Drive Carefully!!!

01/23/2011- 4:40 a.m.- There is one lane open on County Road W to Highway 77, the roads around the lake have yet to be plowed and there are some pretty deep drifts in places. Drive Carefully!!!

01/22/2011- 6:35 p.m.- Its snowing heavy at times and the area roads and highways are getting worse by the minute. The winds are supposed to pick up and drifting is inevitable. Travel tonight may be hazardous at best, and it might be a great night to just stay home and watch a movie. If you do venture out, use extreme caution and DRIVE CAREFULLY!!!
01/20/2011- Just enough snow to make County Road W a little slick in spots, but the highways are just wet. The roads around the lake are snow packed and slick in spots, but other than that they are in pretty good shape. Drive Carefully!!!

01/12/2011- This afternoon I stopped a light blue mini-van with Minnesota plates as it was cruising the lake. The driver claimed to be a Kirby salesman. After checking this individual I can tell you with very little doubt, that he was not a Kirby salesman. I warned him that he would be arrested for trespassing if he returned, and then escorted him out of Woodcliff, and followed him for several miles ensuring he was leaving the area. This should serve as a reminder that even though the holidays are over, we should remain vigilant. Pay attention to who you see driving around and call Security if you see anything suspicious.

01/10/2011- It appears that the snow is out of here unless it decides to re-develop again. 10"-12" but the roads are passible for now, however the wind is supposed to pick up, especially tomorrow, so drifting will become an issue. Drive Carefully!!!

01/09/2011- 4:15 p.m.- The snow continues to fall, but the roads are still passible, snow packed and slick in spots. Drive Carefully!!!

01/09/2011- 9:00 a.m.- Just enough snow to make it slick and hazardous on the roads so far. Drive Carefully!!!

01/08/2011- It appears we have some measurable snow on the way this weekend through Tuesday. I would encourage everyone to get their shopping and stocking up done today, and plan on travelling as little as possible once the snow starts. I have also been getting a lot of calls about whether the ice is safe for ATV traffic, and in my oppinion the ice is NEVER safe for ATVs, but there are no rules pertaining to this issue, other than ATVs are NOT allowed on the island in the main lake, so use your best judgement. I will include these photos of the consequences of taking an ATV on the ice. These are from two years ago, and we could have lost two kids in this incident, they were very lucky. The problem is that the springs tend to move around in sand bottom lakes, and you never know where they are going to be. The ice can be 24" thick in one spot and 2" thick in another. Right now the ice is 18" thick off the "museum point", and the entire north end of the lake is open water. PLEASE BE SAFE!!!