Dear Dallas Lake Residents,

I recently came across the following information regarding the town of Wolcottville. An article in the LaGrange paper alluded to the fact that Wolcottville is planning on annexing approximately 60 parcels of land that abut the property line of the town. This would mean that west on 800 S. from the town boundary to 200 E. then north to the south shore of Witmer. Most of these parcels are located on the south and southeast shore line of Witmer lake. The homes in question are currently served by the town's sewer line but not their water line.

Some of the advantages for the annexation listed such things as town police patrol, which is currently done by the county, fire and ambulance service, which is handled by the township. Another service would be road repair and snow removal, which is done by the county. Oh, maybe street lights,too.

We all know the hit property owners took in the latest round of "Who got their hand in our pocket now". It seems that their is another one in line for their share. According to the article, the town would gain approximately $52,000 per year minus their expenses for services rendered netting between $40/4500.

Once the town extends their border west and gains revenue, it only makes sense that in order to make more money, more property would have to be annexed. If on were so inclined, that would mean the rest of Witmer, then Westler and last but not least Dallas.

The Wolcottville Town Board, per statute, is required to hold a meeting regarding their desire to begin the annexation process. They sent letters to those effected by their plan stating the meeting was to be held Nov. 29th at the Town Hall at 5:00pm.

We will update you as information becomes available.

At our annual meeting, the board and those in attendance were informed by Hackenburg residents of an important issue affecting their lake and were hoping to receive support from Dallas Lake residents to assist in resolution of this issue that could impact all our lakes.

Two farmers have created a channel approximately 1/3 of a mile long at the northwest corner of Hackenburg Lake. They worked on this channel for several years concealed by trees and cornfields. This summer they broke through to the lake and there are now as many as 13 watercraft docked there. Several residents of Hackenburg Lake got together and filed complaints with the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. It appears that laws regarding destruction of wetlands and alteration of shorelines have been violated by the construction of this channel. In addition, it seems that the number of boats constitute violations of funneling and/or marina regulations. Unfortunately, the individuals from Hackenburg working on this issue with the various government agencies have been unsuccessful in an effort to close the channel and restore the wetlands and shoreline.

We are concerned that allowing these violations to go uncorrected will set a precedent not only for Hackenburg Lake, but also for Dallas Lake and the rest of the chain. As you may have noticed, land was cleared and an unauthorized pier constructed on the north shore of Dallas Lake this summer!

A committee has been formed and contact has been made with DNR. The DNR has assured us that progress has been made and the committee is working on meeting with the DNR within the next few weeks to get an update of the situation.

The committee would also like to solicit your help to keep this issue on the top of the DNR list as well as other government agencies that have an interest with these issues.. We ask that you call, write or email the various government agencies. (We will provide a sample letter and contact information on the website in the near future.)

It is critical that we do not allow unauthorized and possible illegal activity to affect our lake.

Your Board is working hard on this issue and we hope you will assist us in our efforts.

We thank you in advance for any and all effort you provide in closing of this channel.

Click images to enlarge photos
Google Map showing location		Road from 75W to "channel"
Showing small opening from Hackenburg into the "channel"		Area of excavation - widening
Area of excavation - widening		Proceeding into the "channel" - view of docked boats.