Security

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 BGCOLOR="#FFCC66" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Additional Security Information</B></div> <div> <A HREF="id104.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Mission Statement"><U><B>Mission Statement</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id105.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Security Officers"><U><B>Security Officers</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id106.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Member/Guest"><U><B>Member/Guest Services</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id109.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contractor/Delivery Access"><U><B>Contractor/Delivery Access</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id301.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gun Range Rules"><U><B>Gun Range Rules</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id78.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Schedule of Security Department Fines"><U><B>Schedule of Fines</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id321.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Security Reports"><U><B>Security Reports</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id118.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Permanent Guest Form"><U><B>Permanent Guest Form</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" "><U><B>Home</B></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> © <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >2004 casper704</FONT></div> </td> <td valign="top" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>Security</I></div> <div> The Holly Lake Ranch Security Department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, throughout the year. We are committed to providing outstanding service with fairness, justice, and equality for all. Toward this end, we will interact with our membership and guests with a proactive approach to solve the problems of crime, safety, and the fear of crime in our community.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="2362ce10.jpg" border=0 width="300" height="225" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>    </B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>    Security Chief</B></I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div>      Brian South</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Security </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial Narrow" ><B>Department</B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>November 2008</B></div> <div> Well the fall weather is here and the cooler temperatures are for sure welcomed, I just don't really care for the shorter days. Daylight savings time ends on November 2 and it will get dark even sooner. Seems like there is always trade offs in life. While living or visiting Holly Lake Ranch there are a few trade offs as well. For the most part these trade offs or very positive. I don't know of too many places around here that you can cruise around the streets on a golf cart and enjoy the scenery. Cruising around on your golf on the same streets that are traveled by cars and trucks have trade offs as well. The swap is our speed limits have to be adjusted to accommodate our mixed traffic that also includes walkers, joggers and bicyclist and our various wildlife. Golf cart operators in the cooler months have a trade off of decreased visibility and situational awareness when they put on their golf cart covers or enclosures. These enclosures make the occupants much more comfortable, but it can be dangerous if you are not able to see who is behind you through your rearview mirror. I could spend a lot of time pointing out all the positive advantages of living within Holly Lake Ranch but you if your reading this you probably already know them.</div> <div>      </div> <div>      I would like to talk a little about one aspect of our wildlife here at the Ranch, particularly the alligators. Alligators have been here in East Texas practically forever. As more people move here there will likely be more encounters. The same is true for snake, spiders and other creeping creatures. You have probably heard it said but it is true that “they are as afraid of you as they are of them”. There are however, a couple of exceptions. The first being is if they are guarding a nest or their young and the second is if they have lost their fear or have of humans. Alligators have a natural fear of humans and will usually make a hasty retreat. However, if someone routinely cleans fish and throws the heads back into the water or otherwise feeds the alligators inadvertently, they are potentially creating an alligator problem. Without knowing it they have just associated humans with a source of food and could be breaking state regulations. Since October 1, 2003, it is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 for anyone caught feeding an alligator. It's just not a good idea to feed an alligator. Alligators are very intriguing creature and are fascinating to watch. Just please do it from a distance. To learn more about alligators go the Texas Parks and Wildlife at <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/species/alligator/safety/index.phtml" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wil"><U><U>http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/species/alligator/safety/index.phtml</U></U></A></FONT> . If you have an encounter with an alligator or venomous snake please call the Game Warden at (903) 763-2201 ext. 337 and the Holly Lake Ranch Security Office.</div> <bR> <div>      The Holly Lake Ranch Security Department would like to thank all the wonderful members and guests for their efforts to make Holly Lake Ranch the great place that it is. We are here 24-7 to assist in this effort and can be reached at (903) 769-2164 or in case of an emergency you can call (903) 769-4371 or <B>911</B>.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>August 2008</B></div> <div> “Warming up nicely, Isn't it?” An old fishing buddy of mine used to say that to all the fellow fishermen we would come across while fishing during the hottest days of summer. He would say it with a cheerful demeanor that would just infuriate others, as we all would be drenched in sweat. He usually got a colorful remark on just how hot it actually was. Well, I sure don't want to upset anyone but I can't seem to get his words out of my mind so, just let me say that I think this summer is “warming up nicely”. We haven't reached the triple digits yet, but they are coming. Although it hasn't reached 100 + degrees it does not mean that you don't have to take some precautions while working or playing outside. Just remember to drink plenty of liquids (preferably water, non-alcoholic or decaffeinated drinks) and to take frequent breaks. Pay attention to your body and if it says set down, then do so. Heat related problems can come over you rather quickly so, don't over do it. If you do over do it, don't hesitate to call for help. That's what we're here for.</div> <bR> <div>      If Holly Lake Ranch is not the perfect place to live, it's pretty dog on close. The main reason for this in my opinion is the kind and considerate people that live here. The majority of the citizens and visitors are very considerate while driving, golfing, fishing, walking their dogs or just getting along with the Rules, Regulations and Restrictions that makes Holly Lake Ranch a cut above other places. Unfortunately, there are still those that do not hold this “consideration of others” as dear as most of us do. We still have the need to enforce the speed limits and stop signs, pick up loose dogs and write citations for various other infractions. Of the issues that face this department, there is not one that cannot be overcome with your help. </div> <bR> <div> One of the neat things about Holly Lake Ranch is the fact that you can drive your golf carts on the roads. Golf carts are a very convenient, efficient and enjoyable way of getting around the ranch, but can present problems if certain issues aren't considered. First and foremost drivers of golf carts should understand that <U>all</U> the traffic signs apply to them as well. And secondly, golf cart drivers should to be very aware of their surroundings, especially to the rear. I have listened to complaints about and witnessed myself several near collisions that could have resulted in serious injury or death to the driver and/or the occupants of the golf cart because the drivers were not paying attention. One issue that comes to mind is not signaling for turns. I've seen a golf carts almost broadsided, because the slower moving golf cart was about to be passed by an automobile and then made an abrupt turn without signaling, either by hand or with a blinker. I have also seen golf carts being operated on the roads with automobiles stacked up behind them and the driver of the golf cart has no idea that anyone is behind them. At least once a month, I'll have a golf cart driver try to wave me around to pass on a blind hill or curve. While I appreciate their consideration, it would have caused a head on collision on more than one occasion, if I had listened to them. In fact, the Holly Lake Ranch Rules & Regulations specifically addresses this exact concern with General Rule I. 8, which states; <I>Slow moving vehicles such as golf carts must yield to automobiles, trucks, etc. in order not to impede normal traffic flow and cause a potential accident.</I> In closing, I just want to encourage all drivers, no matter what they are driving, to just be considerate of others while traveling on the roads of Holly Lake Ranch.</div> <bR> <div>      The Holly Lake Ranch Security Department would like to thank all the wonderful members and guests for their efforts to make Holly Lake Ranch the great place that it is. We are here 24-7 to assist in this effort and can be reached at (903) 769-2164 or in case of an emergency you can call (903) 769-4371 or 911.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>May 2008</B></div> <div> What a great spring this is shaping up to be! The trees and flowers have started blooming, the grass is getting green and the water is warming up, triggering the fish to move shallower to spawn. As the days get longer and warmer, more and more people will be out enjoying the many activities we are blessed with here at Holly Lake Ranch. It is the Security Department's goal for everyone within Holly Lake Ranch to have an enjoyable experience. At the same time we must ensure that everyone is being safe and not encroaching on somebody else's rights or property. This is not always an easy task, but it is made much easier by the support that we receive from the great folks of Holly Lake Ranch, and for that we are thankful. </div> <div>      Spring is also a time that East Texas experiences more severe thunderstorms and tornados, so please don't take any unnecessary chances while on the lakes or the golf course when a dark cloud blows in. Many fishermen and golfers have lost their lives to lightning, trying to catch just one more fish or to finish 18 holes. With the high winds and lightning associated with these storms we are bound to have some trees fall on power lines. The most important thing to remember is DO NOT APPROACH FALLEN POWER LINES. This is very dangerous especially when the ground is wet. However, the ground does not have to appear wet for the deadly current to reach out and get you. Play it safe and call the Security Department if you see fallen power lines or trees that are threatening them. This does not mean that if you have a simple power outage you should call the Security Department. If you have a simple power outage or you have water or phone problems, please call their respective offices. Invariably when these occasions arise our phone lines are inundated with calls and there is not much we can do to fix the problem. The respective utility providers need to hear directly from whoever is having the problem.</div> <div> As the weather gets more conducive to outdoor activities, traveling at safe speeds gets evermore important to those on and along the roadway. Holly Lake Ranch is unique in the fact that we allow golf carts to travel on the streets. This could present some safety issues if certain considerations aren't taken into account. One of the considerations that comes to mind is actually a rule. General Rule J.9. States, “Slow moving vehicles such as golf carts must yield to automobiles, trucks, etc. in order not to impede traffic and cause a potential accident.” This becomes very important when approaching hills or curves. All golf carts that utilize the roadways are required to have a rearview mirror and we just ask that everyone operating golf carts be considerate when they see a faster moving vehicle approaching from behind. I have seen as many as eight vehicles stacked up behind a golf cart and the operator was totally oblivious of the traffic issue he was causing. No one in the Security Department enjoys writing citations and we do not have quotas to meet, nor do we benefit directly from the fines assessed. We are simply charged with the responsibility of seeing that the common areas and roadways within Holly Lake Ranch can be safely enjoyed by all.</div> <div> The Security Department is open 24 hours a day, all through the year for all your safety and security needs. Please call us anytime at (903) 769-2164.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>February 2008</B></div> <div> I sure hope that all who read this had a wonderful holiday season. I can assure you that the officers of this department were blessed. The generosity of the Holly Lake Ranch members is apparent in the expanded waistlines and the jolly smiles on their faces. You can't help but get into the holiday spirit when you're around such giving people as those here at Holly Lake Ranch. The support and cooperation of the membership is overwhelming at times, and believe me when I say that it is not taken for granted. This support and cooperation manifests itself in many different ways and they're all very much appreciated. One of the ways that you help us is when you give us a call when you see something suspicious or you think that it might need attention. It reminds me of the story I heard a few years ago, when a certain building in Tyler burned to the ground. The fire started in broad daylight and smoke was just billowing out the back of the building. This building happens to be on the corner of a very busy intersection with hundreds of people going by in every direction. Everyone assumes that surely someone has called 911 and that the fire trucks are coming. People just continue to drive by until the place practically burns to the ground. Of those hundreds of people I would suspect that a large portion of them had cell phones. Why didn't someone call?</div> <div> I suppose there are a lot of excuses, but I can't think of many valid reasons.</div> <bR> <div>       Well one thing is for sure, we are not Tyler. We're not even Mineola or even Hawkins. There's nothing wrong with those places. We all travel to or through them all the time. There just is not the same sense of community as experienced here at Holly Lake Ranch. Most everybody knows their next door neighbors' names just about anywhere you go, but here at Holly Lake most consider everyone up and down their street and beyond that, their friend. Friends tend to look out for one another a little closer than strangers do. People here get involved with their neighbors by playing golf together, meeting at the coffee social or the Hook and Ladder events and any number of other activities and clubs, not to mention going to church. This closeness is truly an asset to this department and to your security. I can't imagine a scenario like the one above occurring here at Holly Lake.</div> <bR> <div> Every now and then we still get reports of something that occurred the day or even the week before. In most of these cases it's too late for us to do anything but document the incident. It is, however, good to know these things, but it would be even better if we could respond to them as they are in progress if needed to. I also hear people say from time to time “Hey Brian, I saw something the other day that seemed a little odd or suspicious”. I then ask them if they called the Security Office and reported it. A lot of times the answer is “No, I didn't want to bother anyone” or something along those lines. I would like to encourage everyone to give us a call anytime you see, hear or smell something that you feel needs attention. You are never bothering us when you call us for a safety or security issue. I fact, you are helping us.</div> <bR> <div>  The only time we ask that you do not call us is when you have a utility outage, such as power, water or phone service. We still get inundated with phone calls asking, “Why is my power out?” or “When will the water be back on?” We usually don't have any more of a clue than the caller as to what happened. We simply ask that you call the appropriate utility provider be it Upshur Rural Electric, the water company or your phone company. If it's your phone that's out we don't mind at all if you need to borrow our phone to call, but most everyone today has cell phones. </div> <bR> <div> We are here 24 hours a day 7 days a week throughout the year for any of your safety or security needs. We can be reached by calling (903) 769-2164 or in case of emergency (903) 769-4371 or 911.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>October 2007</B></div> <div> As I write this article it seems that we might have an early fall. We have already had a few nights in the low 60's, and I have also seen a few leaves falling from trees. This might be just wishful thinking on my part, as I just don't care that much for hot weather. However, this has been a great summer overall weather-wise.  I don't recall but a couple of days that were over 100°, and we received plenty of rain. I heard someone saying that the Farmer's Almanac was already predicting next summer as being a record- setter as far as heat. I'm not looking forward to that if it pans out. No matter the season, the weather, the time of year or for that matter the time of day or night, your Security Department is here to provide for your safety and security needs. With that in mind I need to mention that Sergeant Scott Fenlaw and Officer Daniel Miller successfully completed a course on Emergency First Response and are certified through the American Red Cross. Sergeant J.D. Hodson successfully completed the Emergency Medical Technician course and has become a nationally registered EMT-B. In fact J.D. graduated at the top of his class. Congratulations to all three of these officers for their achievements, and I applaud their devotion and commitment to improving their ability to serve Holly Lake Ranch. Other officers will be attending classes in the near future that were not able to attend these classes because of scheduling conflicts.</div> <div>      I would like to thank all the members for their cooperation with the permanent guest list. The implementation of the new requirements has gone very smoothly with only a few hiccups. (You can find all the Rules & Regulations posted on <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.hollylakeranch.net" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.hollylakeranch.net"><U><U>www.hollylakeranch.net</U></U></A></FONT> ) Seems like some members were unaware of the change or failed to notify their guests that they were no longer on a permanent list. This sometimes caused some confusion but we managed to get through it. I would like to remind everyone to please call the Security Office in advance when you are expecting guests, preferably at least 30 minutes before but on the same day. However, if you know several days in advance you can notify us then, but let us know the day you expect them to arrive so we can extend the day. <U>The default guest entry of our computer system is a daily / one time entry</U>, meaning the guest's name is automatically deleted from the guest list when they arrive and are logged in, or at midnight. This is the method that is used for the majority of the guests that enter into Holly Lake Ranch. However, if you are expecting your guest to arrive days in the future or anticipate that they will need to come through the gate multiple times you need to relay this information to the attending officer so your guest information can be entered into the computer correctly. If you have any questions regarding this or any other safety or security issues please call the Security Office at (903) 769-2164 or in case of emergency call (903) 769-4371 or 911. Your Security Department is here to serve you 24 hours a day everyday.</div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>