GATE INFORMATION

 When approaching either gate while following another vehicle, please remember, after the vehicle in front passes through, the gate must be allowed to complete its ‘cycle’, returning completely to the closed position, before attempting to re-open. This is important whether using the keypad or a gate opener. Following this simple practice allows the gate mechanism to function properly, helping to eliminate gate breakage.

‘From the desk of....’ – Brent 

Well, it is winter again and the snow and rain are falling, just not in the order or amounts that I had anticipated.  I think though, that it is up to us to enjoy what we get and let someone else plan the seasons.  So, I will carry in another armload of wood and continue to be grateful for the help I had in getting wood last year.  The phone rang while I was thinking of this article so I will let you in on something that is not fun as a board member.  As you know, we live in a development with restrictive covenants.  Not only a gate at the entrance, but there are things we must or must not do around here.  We are working with a few families currently to encourage them to follow these guidelines/restrictions.  The phone call was a resident who has some stuff in their yard and wanted to let us know they would have it moved/cleaned when the weather improved.  I also received information and correspondence from two families recently who want to put offers on homes in our development but are resistant to take the plunge due to the condition of people’s yards near their prospective new homes.  This is sadness for both the seller and our community. 

I could really get on my soapbox about this; but I know that if you wander by my place you could find something that is not in place, or painted properly.  So, instead I would just ask you all to think about our covenants and see where there is some improvement needed on your place.  If you need help, ask—we might be able to figure something out, after all—we’re neighbors.

We have new neighbors in several homes, including the meadow (Div 4), so please welcome them to Duquette. 

 SLOW DOWN

The majority of Duquette Pines residents are careful, law abiding drivers; however, there is a growing minority of drivers who have no respect for the posted speed limit or the safety of themselves or others. This article is addressed primarily to that minority.

The 20 mph speed limit was arrived at mainly because we have many blind curves; and while our roads are adequate for two-way traffic, they are narrower than most County roads and highways. 

Last summer we installed speed bumps for the second time in the history of Duquette Pines. They had the desired effect of reducing speed and virtually eliminating the gate breakage. With the advent of winter, the speed bumps had to be removed to accommodate the snowplows; and the speeders and gate breakers reactivated. 

It doesn’t matter how good a driver you are (or how good you think you are). Winter driving requires more attention and less speed. Braking distance is 3 to 4 times greater and maintaining control requires more attention and concentration. 

The distance from the junction of Meadow Road and the north intersection with Bull Pine to Main St., Idaho City is 2 miles; driving time at 20 to 25 mph is six minutes; driving time at 40 mph is 3 minutes. 

Think about it; is your time so valuable that 3 minutes saved is worth risking a serious accident resulting in injury or possibly death, not to mention costly repairs?

Duquette Pines web site to feature "Our Stories"
By Bruce Reichert

Have you ever wanted to create a web page featuring a special vacation or a special project? Well, now you can. And it won’t cost you a thing!

In fact, this week Jim White is frantically searching for pictures to prove he caught a 130 pound halibut off the shores of Alaska last year. Those pictures – and a little text – will make a web page that should convince Jim’s friends that he is a great fisherman. His finished product will reside at the “Our Stories” page on our site (www.duquettepines.com/stories.html) along with other stories from Duquette Pines residents.                  

 The Duquette Pines web site (www.duquettepines.com) belongs to all of us. It’s where we put important documents like Covenants and by-laws. It’s where we keep folks up-to-date on water issues and important activities.

But it’s also a place for us to have some fun and maybe learn a few things in the process.  So, if you’ve already got a web page completed, let us know, and we’ll link to it.

If you’re new to the internet and need some help creating a web page, I’d be glad to assist. Just send some photos (preferably via email) and some text, and we’ll put it together for you. Then you can send the unique web address to your friends and impress the heck out of them!