Wee-Ma-Tuk News
Digitizing Our Past
I just inherited some archives.
Janet McCaughey, by way of past WMTLA
president Rick Birkey, has supplied me with
several boxes of WMT documents, including
several hundred color slides.
I haven’t sorted it all out yet, but it appears
that the documents include covenants and
WMTLA Board minutes dating back to the
1960s. The slides go back that far, too.
This priceless donation creates some
questions: what should be kept, and where
and how should it be stored?
At last Tuesday’s (03/02/10) meeting, the
Board voted to dispose of the covenants,
since digital files exist for all of them (see
History Page.) Old minutes will be scanned
and digitized, and the paper copies thrown
out. Further, we will buy a pair of one-
Terabyte USB drives, to be kept at different
locations, to store digital material. For the
time being, one will be with me, and the
second at Dave and Bobbie Davis’s house.
We will mirror the drives, updating as
appropriate.
The slides are wonderful. They portray Wee-
Ma-Tuk nearly fifty years ago. Most are
unlabeled, so houses and people pictured
will be anonymous until and unless someone
identifies them.
I’ve been scanning them as time has
permitted. I’m triaging them into lakescapes,
people shots, and slides lacking much
content. All will be kept, even if some don’t
get scanned.
My plan is to display many of these at Spring
Fling April 10, and post them on our History
Page as well. All the scans will go to the 1T
drives.
It will take some time to get all this done—but
what an education. One of the first slides I
scanned was shot from a lake, showing a
house on a hill, with barely visible railroad
tracks coming to the shoreline. There are
only two such houses on the big lake, and Al
and Daryle Coleman’s matches the contours.
I emailed the shot to Al, and he confirmed
that it was his house, built in 1953. It was one
of the first ones built at WMT.
This is going to be fun.
I’m wondering if there might be more old
slides and photos out there…
I just inherited some archives.
Janet McCaughey, by way of past WMTLA
president Rick Birkey, has supplied me with
several boxes of WMT documents, including
several hundred color slides.
I haven’t sorted it all out yet, but it appears
that the documents include covenants and
WMTLA Board minutes dating back to the
1960s. The slides go back that far, too.
This priceless donation creates some
questions: what should be kept, and where
and how should it be stored?
At last Tuesday’s (03/02/10) meeting, the
Board voted to dispose of the covenants,
since digital files exist for all of them (see
History Page.) Old minutes will be scanned
and digitized, and the paper copies thrown
out. Further, we will buy a pair of one-
Terabyte USB drives, to be kept at different
locations, to store digital material. For the
time being, one will be with me, and the
second at Dave and Bobbie Davis’s house.
We will mirror the drives, updating as
appropriate.
The slides are wonderful. They portray Wee-
Ma-Tuk nearly fifty years ago. Most are
unlabeled, so houses and people pictured
will be anonymous until and unless someone
identifies them.
I’ve been scanning them as time has
permitted. I’m triaging them into lakescapes,
people shots, and slides lacking much
content. All will be kept, even if some don’t
get scanned.
My plan is to display many of these at Spring
Fling April 10, and post them on our History
Page as well. All the scans will go to the 1T
drives.
It will take some time to get all this done—but
what an education. One of the first slides I
scanned was shot from a lake, showing a
house on a hill, with barely visible railroad
tracks coming to the shoreline. There are
only two such houses on the big lake, and Al
and Daryle Coleman’s matches the contours.
I emailed the shot to Al, and he confirmed
that it was his house, built in 1953. It was one
of the first ones built at WMT.
This is going to be fun.
I’m wondering if there might be more old
slides and photos out there…
CC1--Valentine's Day & Ice Fishing
CC2--What's Up with the Dock?
CC3--Wee-Ma-Birds
CC4--Fishing Story
CC5--Walking the Dogs
CC6--Who Was That Masked Kid?
CC7--Rescued
CC8-Demographics
CC9--Officially Unhip
CC10--Civic Pride
CC11--You Know You're from Downstate...
CC12--Blah Chasing
CC13--For Sgt. Ordaz
CC14--Two Entirely Unrelated Topics
CC15--Petersen Aces Number Eight
CC16--A Safety Rant
CC17--You Meet the Nicest Dogs
CC18--Reliable Sources
CC19--The Gotcha Cycle
CC20--Digitizing Our Past
CC2--What's Up with the Dock?
CC3--Wee-Ma-Birds
CC4--Fishing Story
CC5--Walking the Dogs
CC6--Who Was That Masked Kid?
CC7--Rescued
CC8-Demographics
CC9--Officially Unhip
CC10--Civic Pride
CC11--You Know You're from Downstate...
CC12--Blah Chasing
CC13--For Sgt. Ordaz
CC14--Two Entirely Unrelated Topics
CC15--Petersen Aces Number Eight
CC16--A Safety Rant
CC17--You Meet the Nicest Dogs
CC18--Reliable Sources
CC19--The Gotcha Cycle
CC20--Digitizing Our Past
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The Lone Pine Donation
A WMTLA member has earmarked a
donation to beautify the area
surrounding the lone pine tree at
Wee-Ma-Tuk Rd. and Hyatt
Cemetery Rd. The Board is
considering how best to spend the
money, but would like to hear from
volunteers with ideas, tools, and
labor to supply. Contact any Board
member by phone or email. See
Board Page. Click to enlarge photo.
A WMTLA member has earmarked a
donation to beautify the area
surrounding the lone pine tree at
Wee-Ma-Tuk Rd. and Hyatt
Cemetery Rd. The Board is
considering how best to spend the
money, but would like to hear from
volunteers with ideas, tools, and
labor to supply. Contact any Board
member by phone or email. See
Board Page. Click to enlarge photo.
Past Columns (.doc files)
Putman Twp. Plowing Plan: lists of
streets (.jpg files):
White Truck Streets
Blue Truck Streets
Red Truck Streets
A fourth vehicle, actually road
construction equipment, will be
employed as needed.
For environmental reasons, no
calcium chloride will be used this year.
Woodruff stressed that school bus
routes would be the first priority,
followed by main roads, then
secondary roads.
As in the past, a difficult area can
receive individual attention.
Woodruff's cell number is 224-1544.
streets (.jpg files):
White Truck Streets
Blue Truck Streets
Red Truck Streets
A fourth vehicle, actually road
construction equipment, will be
employed as needed.
For environmental reasons, no
calcium chloride will be used this year.
Woodruff stressed that school bus
routes would be the first priority,
followed by main roads, then
secondary roads.
As in the past, a difficult area can
receive individual attention.
Woodruff's cell number is 224-1544.
Wee-Ma-Tuk and
Facebook
We've been wishing for a
bulletin board addition to the
website; it would permit active
interchange between users
that's faster and easier than
email.
In addition, a bulletin board
(sometimes called a forum)
allows many users to react to
the same ideas.
Unfortunately, the program
that generates this site lacks
the feature, and all the
add-ons seem cumbersome
and lacking in security.
Enter Facebook.
Users of this social networking
site need only log in, search
for Wee-Ma-Tuk, and click
"Become a Fan." Then you may
post messages, upload
pictures and videos, ask
questions, and tell how you're
feeling at the moment. The tab
marked "Discussions" lets you
engage in (civil, we hope)
debate.
Those without Facebook
accounts may create them at
facebook.com.
They're free.
If you wish, you may limit your
Facebooking to the
Wee-Ma-Tuk page and not get
involved in all the "friending,"
that users partake of. It can
get fairly addicting.
Over 200 of us are there
already. Come on in!
We've been wishing for a
bulletin board addition to the
website; it would permit active
interchange between users
that's faster and easier than
email.
In addition, a bulletin board
(sometimes called a forum)
allows many users to react to
the same ideas.
Unfortunately, the program
that generates this site lacks
the feature, and all the
add-ons seem cumbersome
and lacking in security.
Enter Facebook.
Users of this social networking
site need only log in, search
for Wee-Ma-Tuk, and click
"Become a Fan." Then you may
post messages, upload
pictures and videos, ask
questions, and tell how you're
feeling at the moment. The tab
marked "Discussions" lets you
engage in (civil, we hope)
debate.
Those without Facebook
accounts may create them at
facebook.com.
They're free.
If you wish, you may limit your
Facebooking to the
Wee-Ma-Tuk page and not get
involved in all the "friending,"
that users partake of. It can
get fairly addicting.
Over 200 of us are there
already. Come on in!
Spring Fling and Fall Ball
Date Changes
The WMTLA Board suspects that
our general meetings in May and
November might not suit members'
schedules as well as they might in
April and October.
Having Spring Fling before most of
the boats are in, and the Fall Ball
before most are out might better
suit our members with two homes.
Additionally, the holidays and
graduation events of May would
seem to make April the better
choice.
Spring Fling will take place on April
10, 2010. The Fall Ball date will be
determined later.
Date Changes
The WMTLA Board suspects that
our general meetings in May and
November might not suit members'
schedules as well as they might in
April and October.
Having Spring Fling before most of
the boats are in, and the Fall Ball
before most are out might better
suit our members with two homes.
Additionally, the holidays and
graduation events of May would
seem to make April the better
choice.
Spring Fling will take place on April
10, 2010. The Fall Ball date will be
determined later.
Coyotes in the Area
Bob Searle called me January 25 to say
that he had spotted a pack of coyotes in the
Tomahawk Dr. area.
He pointed out that winter's feeding
challenges drive the animals closer to
areas they would normally avoid.
Your pets are high on their list of delicacies.
"They'll eat cats like candy," said Bob. "You
should put a warning up on the website."
There's a good article on coyote
precautions here.
Thanks to Bob for the heads-up!
Bob Searle called me January 25 to say
that he had spotted a pack of coyotes in the
Tomahawk Dr. area.
He pointed out that winter's feeding
challenges drive the animals closer to
areas they would normally avoid.
Your pets are high on their list of delicacies.
"They'll eat cats like candy," said Bob. "You
should put a warning up on the website."
There's a good article on coyote
precautions here.
Thanks to Bob for the heads-up!
Putman Township Meeting
Minutes
As a service to WMT website
users, minutes of monthly Putman
Township meetings (first
Wednesdays) will be published
follwing their approval.
February minutes are at the
bottom of this page. Click for .pdf
download: Pg 1 Pg2
Minutes
As a service to WMT website
users, minutes of monthly Putman
Township meetings (first
Wednesdays) will be published
follwing their approval.
February minutes are at the
bottom of this page. Click for .pdf
download: Pg 1 Pg2
Minutes - Board of Putman Township Trustees
State of Illinois, Fulton County, Putman Township
THE BOARD OF TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES
met at the office of the Town Clerk at Cuba, Illinois on February 3, 2010.
PRESENT:
Jim Mitchell, Assessor Joe Putrich, Supervisor
Raymond Burgess Wilbur McClaughry, Town Clerk
Bonnie Burgess Francis Clark, Town Trustee
Bob Fisher Lisa Fahrenbruch, Town Trustee
Ramona Fisher Jim Hootman, Town Trustee
Chris Strong Everett Lofftus, Town Trustee
With Joe Putrich acting as chairman, and Wilbur McClaughry as clerk, the
following official business was transacted:
After Pledge of Allegiance, the January 6, 2010, meeting minutes were reviewed.
Motion by Jim Hootman to accept minutes. Seconded by Everett Lofftus. Motion carried.
The previous month's bills and receipts were reviewed by Supervisor Joe Putrich.
Motion was made by Francis Clark to approve the Treasurer's report. Seconded by Everett Lofftus.
Motion carried.
Supervisor Joe Putrich report: TOI training and educational seminar schedule available. Noted
Trustee new book and throw old one away as there is some new changes. County to meet February
16th at Red Brick School at 6:00 for organizational meeting. R.s.v.p. 647-0124. Joe probably will go to
East Peoria Training session April 6th if anyone else wants to go. Joe had asked Allan Woodruff
Road Commissioner for
MFT from county but has not received any report yet, will keep asking. Joe would like permission
for an additional bulletin board for office and repair and more motion light on outside of building.
Light needs to be higher and shine down instead of pointing out.
Motion by Lisa Fahrenbruch to allow Joe to do both projects. Seconded by Jim Hootman. Roll call
vote: Francis, yes; Lisa, yes; Everett, yes; Jim, yes. Motion carried.
Highway Commissioner Allan Woodruff was not present but left attached report:
Joe had questions about where old grader blade was. Raymond Burgess said it was in bad shape
and out back of Main Street building. Also questioned vehicle service report. Raymond reported
Triple Creek Road still closed. Road District bills were reviewed and initialed by Trustees. Motion by
Jim Hootman to allow payment of bills. Seconded by
Everett Lofftus. Roll call vote: Francis, yes; Lisa, yes; Everett, yes; Jim yes. Motion carried.
Assessor Jim Mitchell's report; No County Supervisor of Assessments yet but
could possibly know by next Tuesday, the 9th. Interim Supervisor Reba Ford's, ninetyday
appointment is up tomorrow. Jim has been reviewing County Assessment report for
township and some seem to be quite a bit different than actual value of property. Jim had
last quarter of 09-10 year expense request and had budget prepared for 2010-11 year. Jim
is taking a home school class but the school needs $500 cost before receiving it Joe will
write check for the amount.
Clerk Wilbur McClaughry's report: Nothing to report.
Trustees report: Francis Clark - Cemetery Board ready to advertise for mowing
bids. Lisa Fahrenbruch-- nothing to report. Everett Lofftus--nothing to report. Jim
Hootman--Putt Creek Road is in bad shape.
Public comments: Ramona Fisher of Wee Ma Tuk reported during bad ice & snow
storm, Pokihantus Road was real bad with very little effort to make it better. Her
husband plowed his own drive and Pokihantus. Mrs Fisher called Allan Woodruff,
Highway Commissioner and talked to his son. .The son said his dad was stuck with road grader. She
asked Allan to call her when he could. Son said he probably wouldn't have time to return her call.
She did not appreciate the way she was treated over the phone.
Frequently the pea gravel that was used on Pokihantus Hill washes down hill after
thawing or rain and accumulates in front of resident's property at bottom of hill. Water
can not drain because of bad ditching which affects Mrs Fisher's septic tank bed. Wee
Ma Tuk residents need to contact County Highway Department and County Board for
request not taken care of by Road Commissioner. Mr. Fisher would help anytime
township is in a bind of clearing roads. Emergency vehicles need to be able to get in and out if
needed. Mr. Fisher reported he was in Casey's General Store on Main St and
overheard a woman comment about Road Commissioner clearing out her driveway and he thought
that this was a no-no.
Chris Strong would like to publish township minutes in Wee Ma Tuk website or
township could have their own website. He would charge just the cost. Joe will contact Attorney
McCarthy about legal aspect. Board will discuss at later meetings.
No further business, Jim Hootman moved to adjourn. Seconded by Everett
Lofftus. Motion carried.
Wilbur McClaughry
Township Clerk
State of Illinois, Fulton County, Putman Township
THE BOARD OF TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES
met at the office of the Town Clerk at Cuba, Illinois on February 3, 2010.
PRESENT:
Jim Mitchell, Assessor Joe Putrich, Supervisor
Raymond Burgess Wilbur McClaughry, Town Clerk
Bonnie Burgess Francis Clark, Town Trustee
Bob Fisher Lisa Fahrenbruch, Town Trustee
Ramona Fisher Jim Hootman, Town Trustee
Chris Strong Everett Lofftus, Town Trustee
With Joe Putrich acting as chairman, and Wilbur McClaughry as clerk, the
following official business was transacted:
After Pledge of Allegiance, the January 6, 2010, meeting minutes were reviewed.
Motion by Jim Hootman to accept minutes. Seconded by Everett Lofftus. Motion carried.
The previous month's bills and receipts were reviewed by Supervisor Joe Putrich.
Motion was made by Francis Clark to approve the Treasurer's report. Seconded by Everett Lofftus.
Motion carried.
Supervisor Joe Putrich report: TOI training and educational seminar schedule available. Noted
Trustee new book and throw old one away as there is some new changes. County to meet February
16th at Red Brick School at 6:00 for organizational meeting. R.s.v.p. 647-0124. Joe probably will go to
East Peoria Training session April 6th if anyone else wants to go. Joe had asked Allan Woodruff
Road Commissioner for
MFT from county but has not received any report yet, will keep asking. Joe would like permission
for an additional bulletin board for office and repair and more motion light on outside of building.
Light needs to be higher and shine down instead of pointing out.
Motion by Lisa Fahrenbruch to allow Joe to do both projects. Seconded by Jim Hootman. Roll call
vote: Francis, yes; Lisa, yes; Everett, yes; Jim, yes. Motion carried.
Highway Commissioner Allan Woodruff was not present but left attached report:
Joe had questions about where old grader blade was. Raymond Burgess said it was in bad shape
and out back of Main Street building. Also questioned vehicle service report. Raymond reported
Triple Creek Road still closed. Road District bills were reviewed and initialed by Trustees. Motion by
Jim Hootman to allow payment of bills. Seconded by
Everett Lofftus. Roll call vote: Francis, yes; Lisa, yes; Everett, yes; Jim yes. Motion carried.
Assessor Jim Mitchell's report; No County Supervisor of Assessments yet but
could possibly know by next Tuesday, the 9th. Interim Supervisor Reba Ford's, ninetyday
appointment is up tomorrow. Jim has been reviewing County Assessment report for
township and some seem to be quite a bit different than actual value of property. Jim had
last quarter of 09-10 year expense request and had budget prepared for 2010-11 year. Jim
is taking a home school class but the school needs $500 cost before receiving it Joe will
write check for the amount.
Clerk Wilbur McClaughry's report: Nothing to report.
Trustees report: Francis Clark - Cemetery Board ready to advertise for mowing
bids. Lisa Fahrenbruch-- nothing to report. Everett Lofftus--nothing to report. Jim
Hootman--Putt Creek Road is in bad shape.
Public comments: Ramona Fisher of Wee Ma Tuk reported during bad ice & snow
storm, Pokihantus Road was real bad with very little effort to make it better. Her
husband plowed his own drive and Pokihantus. Mrs Fisher called Allan Woodruff,
Highway Commissioner and talked to his son. .The son said his dad was stuck with road grader. She
asked Allan to call her when he could. Son said he probably wouldn't have time to return her call.
She did not appreciate the way she was treated over the phone.
Frequently the pea gravel that was used on Pokihantus Hill washes down hill after
thawing or rain and accumulates in front of resident's property at bottom of hill. Water
can not drain because of bad ditching which affects Mrs Fisher's septic tank bed. Wee
Ma Tuk residents need to contact County Highway Department and County Board for
request not taken care of by Road Commissioner. Mr. Fisher would help anytime
township is in a bind of clearing roads. Emergency vehicles need to be able to get in and out if
needed. Mr. Fisher reported he was in Casey's General Store on Main St and
overheard a woman comment about Road Commissioner clearing out her driveway and he thought
that this was a no-no.
Chris Strong would like to publish township minutes in Wee Ma Tuk website or
township could have their own website. He would charge just the cost. Joe will contact Attorney
McCarthy about legal aspect. Board will discuss at later meetings.
No further business, Jim Hootman moved to adjourn. Seconded by Everett
Lofftus. Motion carried.
Wilbur McClaughry
Township Clerk
The fox and deer
above were
photographed by
Tim Hackett. Click
to enlarge.
above were
photographed by
Tim Hackett. Click
to enlarge.