07/22/2025
Harvester Repairs Cause Summer Harvesting Delay
This summer, you might have noticed a lull in our usual lake harvesting activities. That's because our trusty harvester, now over 20 years old and well-used, has been undergoing extensive and costly repairs. We've been battling a range of issues, primarily with its hydraulic system.
Here's a quick look at what we've been up against:
We had to repair leaks in a bank of seven valves. This was especially critical because the specialized aquatic oil costs $30 a gallon.
We also had to replace a 16-year-old fluid pump, and it took an extensive search to even locate a suitable part.
On top of that, other additional hydraulic repairs were needed.
Finding both the right parts and skilled technicians has been a significant hurdle. Repair specialists are booked out 4-6 weeks, and just sourcing the necessary replacement parts has been a time-consuming effort. So far, these repairs have tallied up to approximately $5,000, and we anticipate another 1-2 days of work. We're crossing our fingers to have the harvester back in action by the end of this week!
An Unexpected Silver Lining
While the lack of harvesting has certainly been a challenge, there's been an interesting upside: our fish population has seen a noticeable increase. Normally, our harvesting process removes hundreds of fish hatchlings. Without it, the young fish have thrived, cleverly using the floating w**ds as protective cover.
How You Can Help Our Lake and Harvester Efforts
We're a community deeply committed to a healthier lake, and your help is absolutely vital. Here's how you can make a real difference:
Protect Lake Water Quality:
Be mindful of anything that might enter the lake from your property.
Please use lawn fertilizer cautiously, if at all.
Avoid putting lawn clippings or other organic matter into the lake, as these contribute directly to w**d growth.
Prevent Invasive Species:
Always, always clean your boats of w**ds and invasive species before launching them. This is crucial for preventing the spread of harmful plants and animals.
Get Involved:
Come join our lake association monthly meetings! We gather on the third Thursday of every month at 7:00 PM at the Village Hall. We're always eager to hear new ideas and welcome fresh perspectives.
Support Financially:
Please consider donating money or helping us find funding to offset these unexpected repair expenses. While we receive some budget from the Village, it's a partnership with our association, and our current funds don't cover everything.
We recently lost a grant from Leinenkugel's, so we urgently need to replace those funds.
Volunteer Your Skills:
The Village is always looking for dedicated individuals capable of running the harvester or driving the truck to dump w**ds. If you're interested, you can pick up an application at the Village Hall.
We want to extend a huge thank you to all the association officers and Village employees who have put in countless hours helping with the harvester repairs. It's been a stressful situation, and their unwavering dedication is truly appreciated.
If you have additional questions or comments, please email [email protected].
Karla Emery,
President, Lake Hallie Lake Association
