Latest News

Community Garage Sale? (Posted 6/5/2010)

Are you interested in being part of a community garage sale? Contact Janet Parker at janetlastnameparker @yahoo.com. Also, tell her if you have a large area where the sale could be held.

Want to Pay off Your SBA Loan?

If any homeowner is interested in paying off their SBA Loan early, payout amount for 2010 is $250.16. This would save you $168 in interest on the loan which doesn't end until 2026. Please contact North Idaho Accounting at 623-3571 if you have questions or Cathy Richardson at treasurer@spiritlakeeast.org

Road Improvement Vote (May 18, 2010)

117 - No
59 - Yes

My personal opinion: Whatever your vote, we all fail if people are applauded or allowed to go unchallenged when they resort to name calling and unsupported accusations instead of reasoned discussion of the pros and cons.

Road Committee Update (May 12, 2010)

We recently acquired a roller/compactor from a donor--George Whitmier who is a building contractor/developer in the Athol area. After getting it up and running, we got it hauled to the subdivision and have been working out most of the bugs. Of course another element of maintaining the roads is to create a crown for better drainage. As of today almost all of the subdivision roads have been graded this Spring. More details and some pictures

Special Assessment Meeting May 18,2010 (Posted 4/25/2010)

By now you should have received a notice about a Special Assessment Meeting to consider a proposal to chipseal the roads from the highway to the circles.

Please attend this important meeting. The Road Committee and the contractor will be available to answer questions before the vote. Everyone is encouraged to come and join the discussion.

Notice

Proposal

Proxy

Newsletter Editors Needed (Posted 2/9/2010)

We need people to work on the newsletter. If you have computer skills and can use Word, PageMaker (or its successor) or other software to layout the content, contact the board. If you want to gather the content, ads, etc, contact the board. If you are willing to do both, definitely contact the board.

New Board Member (Posted 2/5/2010)

Cindy Holbrook has been appointed to the board. She will fill the position until the May membership meeting. Thank you for volunteering, Cindy.

Found: Two Dogs (Posted 1/22/2010)

I found 2 blonde dogs, long-haired, that have been running loose for several days. One is older, one smaller, please call to claim or adopt 208-610-6100. I cannot keep them. I saw them on Highway 54 and they were in my driveway on Hayden Drive this morning. Peggy Marco

New Meeting Time (Posted 1/2/2010)

The board has decided to change the monthly meeting at the library to start at 6:30 instead of 7:00 (on the first Tuesday of the month). TA maximum of 23 people are allowed in the conference room. By starting before the library closes at 7:00, the librarian can open the whole library if more than 23 people show up.

Water Info Updated (Posted 11/19/09)

The contact information and emergency numbers for the Spirit Lake Water Company have been updated on the website. Just click on the Utilities link in the right hand menu.

Roads Update (Posted 11/15/09)

FYI: From the November Semi-Annual Meeting, there were concerns regarding the muddy section near the St. Joe. Entrance. The Road Committee worked on this in October to improve drainage and was working properly. However, due to the concerns, they have filled that area in temporarily until they can dig all they way out to Hwy 54 and drain it properly again. This will cause some drainage issues until this is redone.

New Road Committee (Posted 11/11/09)

We have a new road committee as of about 4 weeks ago. They are hard at work trying to improve the roads before the ground freezes. There is a lot that needs to be done and work has been slowed by the weather and equipment problems, but every effort is being made to have more of the road graded before winter comes and more material added along St. Joe near the entrance to reduce the problem of getting stuck. If you want to volunteer to help, thank them, or make suggestions, you can contact them through the board phone line or at roads@spiritlakeeast.org. The members are Leroy Clausen, Jim Sheetz, Michael Meyer, Ron Anello, Al Near.

The goal (this fall and next year) is to have all the roads crowned so that water will run off instead of creating pot holes. Another goal is to bring the roadways back to a standard width closer to 20 feet, move some of the material into the road way, and thus, reduce the width of road than has to be maintained. Ultimately, the goal is to find a way to put a hard surface on the roads between the highway and the circles and eventually, on the bus route. Those are areas that all of us use and therefore, improvements would benefit all of us.

NOTICE OF SEMI-ANNUAL MEETING

DATE: November 10, 2009

TIME: 7:00 p.m.

PLACE: Timberlake High School Commons

There will be a semi-annual meeting of the Spirit Lake East Homeowner’s Association on November 10, 2009 at Timberlake High School Commons at 7:00 p.m. There are no items to vote on at this meeting. However, we do have a new Road Committee and drivers and this will be your opportunity to meet them. Also, we are short Board Members. After this meeting we will only have 4 Board Members, so if you are interested in serving and helping your community please contact the Board via the email listed on the website, boardmembers@spiritlakeeast.org ,call the hotline 623-6810, or come to the meeting and put your name into nomination.

CdA Drive Sign

Mike Schmidt and Ron Bart are repairing the sign and clearing a safer area where they can install it.

Lost dog (Posted 10/20/2009) and Found

Small black and tan Yorkshire terrier. Name is “Cutie.” Is wearing a red Petco bandana. Please call 659-9071 if you have seen him.

Follow Up on the Garage Sale (and the Weather)

Just to follow Up, it appears that the weather for this weekend will not be favorable (ugh). Everyone has decided to postpone in hopes of an Indian Summer, hopefully in the next couple of weeks. If not, we'll shoot for Spring/Summer-time!! Let us know if you will be interested in this re-schedule, or what dates interest you, and we will try to work to accommodate. We are putting together a new list of/for those interested, and we can keep you posted.

Interested in a Community Garage Sale?

We will be placing an ad in several papers for the weekend (Fri, Sat, Sun) of October 16th-18th for a community garage sale, if anyone has anything they would like to include. We have had quite a bit of interest, to varying degrees, so I thought I'd share the different ideas, and everyone can decide if they are interested, and what works for them.

We will be having what appears to be a good sized sale here at our place. Quite a few people are interested in bringing what items they have here, and have somewhat of a "community" get-together, some ideas were to have a bbq, everyone can set up there own "areas", tables/tents, etc, and kinda pot-luck type of get-together/sale. Not sure how many people would be interested in this, but, we're seeing how many people are.

Another idea people have mentioned is simply having signs directing people to additional homes, this way, people can have a garage sale at their own homes, if they have LOTS of items or big items to sell, and it would be a huge community sale, people could drive from one to the next.

Finally, a few people do not have time to, or do not care to spend a whole day or weekend sitting/selling at a garage sale, and/or don't have time to get items together, and everywhere in between (pricing, sorting, setting up, taking down, etc). This can be arranged, as well. The kids are working on this at different levels, depending on what is needed for a percentage, based on how much work is required. They can handle all of those needs, and even hauling, if necessary. We'll see how all that goes...LOL! We'll help them out however necessary.

If you are interested contact Shane & Velorie at 623-3128

Keep Message Boards Tidy (9/26/2009)

This is trivial compared to the next item, but if you post a sign on the SLE message boards, use two tacks. A message that has folded over on itself is useless. Better yet, put the sheet in a page protector (upside down)--the tacks will hold it in and the page protector will keep it clean and dry.

Reckless Driving (9/26/2009)

On Friday the 25th September, just minutes before the school buses dropped off 3 young children on Priest River Dr. & Liberty Dr. I witnessed two teenage boys (coming home from high school) driving two small older grey type colored pickup trucks racing up Liberty Dr. This, by the way, is a "reckless driving" infraction that is a very serious driving offence. These two teenage boys were racing side by side up Liberty Dr. and traveling more than twice the posted speed limit. If they were just a few minutes later, a vehicle verses child accident would/could have resulted in a death of one of our children. And, of course, after they sped by, they left a very large dust storm that took over 10 minutes to clear and see. Liberty Dr. is a school bus route that drops off many young, small and inexperienced children. I am sure these two teenage boys will never read this posting on our website, but I do hope the parent/s (of these two irresponsible boys) may read this posting and take proper action.

Thank you.
A concerned Parent.

Water Outage Problems

We are experiencing some water outages due to the digging for the natural gas service. (10:20am 9/2--they are fixing the problem right now, but it is an abandoned connection and will take 4-5 hours to repair.)

New Newsletter Editor

Kelly Lewis has agreed to take over the newsletter starting in July. Thank you Kelly.

Good News: The Dogs have Found their Owner

Dogs--Lost and Found (Posted 5/16/2009)

2 LOST DOGS will be taken to the humane society today. One is a female
black lab (no collar), the other is a golden retriever/collie mix, golden
color with white chest and a very long puffy tail, wearing a lavender
plaid collar (no tags). The spirit lake police department will be
delivering these 2 well behaved dogs to the humane society in Cd'A today.
Please contact the Humane Society to retrieve your dogs.

Please note: Dogs periodically get lost. It would be nice if residents
would keep tags with contact phone numbers on their dogs, so that they
don't have to be locked up at the humane society waiting for someone to
claim them.

NOTICE OF SEMI-ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
7:00 P.M.
MAY 12, 2009
TIMBERLAKE HIGH SCHOOL MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM

SLE Homeowners,

The SLEHA board would like to sincerely thank Paul Peloquin and Cindy Murphy for their years of tireless service to our community. If you've enjoyed not having to worry about whether or not our roads will be plowed after it has snowed all night, thank Paul. If you are glad that "Somebody" put some sand over that dangerous ice on the road, Thank Paul. Cindy has done a wonderful job as our treasurer. If you're amazed at how well this community runs on the small amount of dues we pay each year, you can thank Cindy for keeping track of every penny for us. Paul and Cindy have both decided to step down. This creates an opportunity for those willing to help with our community. Cathy Richardson has agreed to have her name placed into nomination and will assume the duties of Treasurer if she is elected. This will necessitate Darrell Richardson stepping down from his position on the board as both husband and wife cannot serve at the same time.

We need to accomplish the following at the Membership Meeting:

1. Select a Road Committee Chairperson - If you are interested in this vitally important position, please contact the Board at boardmembers@spiritlakeeast.org or call 623-2810 and leave a message.

2. Board Election - 3 positions are open. We currently have 2 names to place into nomination. They are Kathy Gray and Cathy Richardson. If you would like to have your name placed into nomination, please email the Board at boardmembers@spiritlakeeast.org or call the Board number and leave a message at 623-2810.

Enclosed is a proxy for the Membership Meeting. You may mail your proxy back for the Board to vote on any issues that are voted on at the meeting or you may assign the proxy to a friend or neighbor. Currently, there are no issues being voted upon except the open Board positions.

An agenda of items for discussion will be posted on the website - http://spiritlakeast.org closer to the time of the meeting.

We hope to see you at the meeting. We can have a great community if we all work together.

Sincerely,

Spirit Lake East Homeowners' Board

Road Committee chair and treasurer step down

The SLEHA board would like to sincerely thank Paul Peloquin and Cindy Murphy for their years of tireless service to our community. If you've enjoyed not having to worry about whether or not our roads will be plowed after it has snowed all night, thank Paul. If you are glad that "Somebody" put some sand over that dangerous ice on the road, Thank Paul. Cindy has done a wonderful job as our treasurer. If you're amazed at how well this community runs on the small amount of dues we pay each year, you can thank Cindy for keeping track of every penny for us. Paul and Cindy have both decided to step down. This creates an opportunity for those willing to help with our community. Cindy has graciously agreed to train anyone who will take over as treasurer. If you are willing to help out on either the road committee or as treasurer please e-mail us or call Scott Thomson- 623-2217

Dog Complaints (Posted 3/11/2009)

Recently, the Board has received numerous complaints about dogs running loose, chasing wildlife, chasing cars, and even biting at children on their bikes. Several adults have stated that they no longer go for walks because of dogs running out at them. It is important; both for the welfare of the dogs, as well as our residents, that you not allow your dogs to roam off your property. If it continues, we will encourage residents to contact the Sheriff's Department Animal Control Officer.

There have also been calls about dogs barking incessantly, both during the day as well as at night. People, let's remember to be considerate neighbors. Someone should not have to ask us to think about how we affect our neighbors. We are all adults and should be responsible. Common courtesy still has a place in this world.

Extension on SLE Dues

To let everyone know, since the statements for the dues were sent out late because of the weather, we will extend the due date to February 10, 2009 before any interest or fees are accessed.

More Good News: Jeff Hill is Available to help with snow removal.

He has a truck with plow and a front end loader with a backblade. $75 minimum and $50 an hour thereafter. 623-2183 or 661-9506.

Change in Policy for Late Dues

In April 2008, the SLE baord decided that dues are payable on receipt and interest and $25 late fee will be charged after January 31, 2009. See the newsletter for more information.

Good News: Local Snow Removal Service (December 18)

An SLE family has a wide variety of snow removal services

Skid Steer (construction equipment) to clear driveways
DR Snowblower to do paths and sidewalks
3 man crew for shoveling roofs, etc. (Yes, they probably can handle a pole building)

$60 per hour for the skid steer and $35 per hour per person for the roof clearing

Contact Shane or Velorie Crist at 623-3128

Beer Cans on St. Maries Circle

There have been reports of beer cans being discarded on St. Maries Circle. Common people, take them home or take them to the school and recycle them. Maybe it's time for a community clean up day.

Membership Meeting November 11

The SLE November Membership Meeting will be held on the 11th at 7:00 at Timberlake High School.

It's a Truck!!

We purchased at auction today a 1997 International with a Cummings Diesel Engine. Formerly owned by the State of Oregon. It was refurbished by one of the State Colleges as a trade school project. It was completely repainted, frame and body. It is in excellent condition with very heavy duty axels which makes it a good snowplow. We will install one of our plows on it in the next few days. The total purchase price with taxes, fees, etc. of $18,216.10. We still need to purchase vehicle license and install our plow, and tire change as this has larger tires than our former snow plow. The old plow will now become our sanding truck and back-up snow plow. With the purchase of this particular truck it will reduce the use of the grader which will help to last a little longer.
We would like to thank all those who supported the purchase.
Paul
Road Committee Chair

$100 Reward (October 2008)

Last Sunday a vehicle stopped by a residence on Tahoe at 9:45 PM and shot their cat. A $100 reward has been offered.

Bear Warning (and More) (October 2008)

There is a large black bear in the neighborhood. Also, there is reputed to be a mountain lion at Farragut, as well as a wolf pack coming down to Farragut from the Bunco.

Vandalism in SLE (October 2008)

From a resident: On September 29, the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office was called about an incident that happened on the Spokane Circle. Gun shots were heard and a vehicle's tires were heard spinning around on the road. Bullet holes were found in two of the one way signs. Let's protect our community. The sheriff will patrol our community, but we as residents need to keep our eyes and ears open for any such disturbances and call the Kootenai county Sheriff's Office immediately. Phone 446-1300.

Note from the webmaster: Many new residents do not realize that we are not part of the town of Spirit Lake. If you encounter these kinds of problems, do not call the Spirit Lake Police.

New Treasurer's Report (September 2008)

Cindy Murphy has added a new report. This report separates out the money being collected for the purchase of the new truck. You can find these reports in the archive of treasurer's reports in the future. Truck Report

Local Notary Services Available (August 2008)

Sherry Bradley is offering notary services here in SLE. See her ad for details. Sherry will do simple notarizations free for neighbors in SLE, except for a small fee for mileage or travel. Larger or non-SLE notarizations will be charged at normal rates. She is offering this service just to make life easier and save her neighbors some hassles for those small routine notarizations.

Moose Calving Season (July 9)

Moose calving season is well under way, and if you find, or see any new born calves that appear to be alone or abandon, this is not the case. Please just let them be, keep an eye on your dogs (if you have any) and do not interfere. Interference may result in the Mother cow just giving up, and really abandon the new born. We currently have twin moose calves taking up camp in our front yard, and the twins show the (classic) signs of being orphans. We did see them with their Mother, but for that past few days, the moose twins are alone and just resting in the tree line. After some research with the Idaho Fish and Game, it turns out that, shortly after birth, the Mother cow will lick then clean of all scents, and then "stash" their new born in a safe place so that Mother can leave (including her body scent) the general area to feed, and hopefully keep the predators at bay as well. The Mother cow will sometimes return (at night) to nurse them, and then leave for a day or two again. Within a week or two, she will return for her new born to make their way back into the deep woods for their new endeavors.

Thanks, Steve Debbie and Justin Lane.

Meeting Location Change (June 22)

We no longer can use the Senior Center for board meetings. The SLE board meeting will be held at the Library on July 1, 2008 at 7:00 pm. Watch the website and newsletter for the location of future meetings.

Kitchenware Needed (June 9)

Just after Memorial Day, the Randy Reese residence on Hayden Dr. burned to the ground. Neighbors are collecting kitchen items to help them get settled in their temporary rental home. The good news is that they are going to rebuild and are staying close to the community. They need to equip their kitchen and your unneeded items could help. Drop off items with Trudy Shrigley at 32734 Hayden. You can call first at 623-2671.

New Store in Spirit Lake (Posted June 5)

Our neighbor, Diane Balbi, is associated with the new Stamper's Camp and More in Spirit Lake. See their ad in our new Ads page. Would you like to advertise your business or services. Ads on the website are free.

Want Ads are Back (Posted May 25)

The want ads got lost when the site was redone, but they are back. Send your ads (free to residents) to the webmaster: sle@spiritlakeeast.org.

Lost Dogs (Posted May 2)

Bob Bingham has lost 2 dogs, one is a 2 year old black female, husky and malamute mix. The other is a 5 year old German Shepherd – blue collar. They were seen in SLE on May 1 in the morning. If you see them, phone 360-961-8540. The dogs both have collars, and the female has a rabies tag with a phone # on it for the Nooksak Veterinary clinic in western WA.

More Moose Pictures (Posted April 24)

More moose pictures

Community Garage Sale (Posted April 21)

Is anyone interested in having a community wide garage sale this spring-summer; perhaps in May or June? Please contact Jannet Parker at 623-5156. Pass the word to your friends who don't use the website. I would like to have at least 5 or more families so that it is worth the drive.

New SLE Phone Number (April 14)

In the future, all phone calls to board or committee members will be handled by a voice mail system. The messages will be checked regularly and your call will be acted on or returned by the appropriate person. Call
208-623-6810.