Klinger Lake News
Also see our Klinger Lake Activities page!
General News
Please be especially careful to avoid contaminating the lake with foreign objects or liquids of any kind. Please do your part to Keep Klinger Clean!
Burglaries and Break-Ins
A number of lake residents have been victimized in previous years. Both private and commercial buildings and vehicles have been broken into. Here are some important tips to help avoid trouble:
Fishing Tournaments / DNR
We are currently unable to provide information on fishing tournament dates. We will post information here if it becomes available.
Storms
Severe weather is always a possibility at the lake, as elsewhere. Conditions can change quickly, so keep an eye on the sky when you are outdoors and get off the water when you see a storm coming. The biggest recent storm to hit Klinger Lake happened on Saturday June 5th, 2010, although there have been a few smaller ones since then. The hardest hit areas were along Oakwood Beach, US 12 southwest of the lake, and Fawn River Road. We have pictures of the aftermath of the 2010 storm in the Photo section.
White Pigeon Township
Visit the White Pigeon Township web site for information on meetings and other matters. Here is the page for information on Township Board Meetings.
Water Safety / Marine Patrol / DNR
Boater Safety Classes
Anyone holding an out-of-state ‘online’ boating certificate approved by NASBLA can opt out of the classroom portion of the requirement, but must still pass the written test in order to have a valid boater certificate in Michigan.
The St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office will be conducting Boater Safety Classes for all who are 12 years old and older. If you would like to attend one of the classes, please contact the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office at (269) 467-9045 ext. 221 to reserve a spot, as space is limited. When you call please have your child's name, date of birth, address, age and contact phone number ready. On the day of the class, the students will need to bring a sack lunch and a #2 pencil.
Boat Inspections
There are no scheduled boat inspections for this year as had been done in previous years. However, you can ask one of the Marine Patrol Officers to do an inspection when you see them on the lake and they will accommodate your request if they are able to do so at that time.
Undersheriff Mark Lillywhite and Captain Jason Bingaman will be working with the Klinger Lake Association to help make this a happy and safe boating season. The St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department can be contacted at (269) 467-9045. The office is open 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.
Boating laws that you may need to be reminded of:
Highlights of Michigan Water Safety Regulations can be seen on the last two pages of your directory and also here on our web site. You can also go online at www.michigan.org to check out all relevant regulations.
Burglaries and Break-Ins
A number of lake residents have been victimized in previous years. Both private and commercial buildings and vehicles have been broken into. Here are some important tips to help avoid trouble:
- If you own a GPS or cell phone, lock it up out of sight along with its charger when not in use. Keep in mind that the cost of damage done to your vehicle during a break-in could far exceed the cost of a new GPS unit.
- Do not leave your home, car, garage, or shed unlocked. Thieves are becoming bolder and will come in even during the daytime while you are out on your boat.
- If possible, do not leave portable fuel containers in your boat or on your dock. We've learned that even these relatively inexpensive items have been taken when the opportunity presents itself.
- Be an observant neighbor. Report suspicious activity to the police. Do not attempt to intervene on your own-- you could be hurt.
- Be especially vigilant during holiday periods!
Fishing Tournaments / DNR
We are currently unable to provide information on fishing tournament dates. We will post information here if it becomes available.
Storms
Severe weather is always a possibility at the lake, as elsewhere. Conditions can change quickly, so keep an eye on the sky when you are outdoors and get off the water when you see a storm coming. The biggest recent storm to hit Klinger Lake happened on Saturday June 5th, 2010, although there have been a few smaller ones since then. The hardest hit areas were along Oakwood Beach, US 12 southwest of the lake, and Fawn River Road. We have pictures of the aftermath of the 2010 storm in the Photo section.
White Pigeon Township
Visit the White Pigeon Township web site for information on meetings and other matters. Here is the page for information on Township Board Meetings.
Water Safety / Marine Patrol / DNR
Boater Safety Classes
Anyone holding an out-of-state ‘online’ boating certificate approved by NASBLA can opt out of the classroom portion of the requirement, but must still pass the written test in order to have a valid boater certificate in Michigan.
The St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office will be conducting Boater Safety Classes for all who are 12 years old and older. If you would like to attend one of the classes, please contact the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office at (269) 467-9045 ext. 221 to reserve a spot, as space is limited. When you call please have your child's name, date of birth, address, age and contact phone number ready. On the day of the class, the students will need to bring a sack lunch and a #2 pencil.
Boat Inspections
There are no scheduled boat inspections for this year as had been done in previous years. However, you can ask one of the Marine Patrol Officers to do an inspection when you see them on the lake and they will accommodate your request if they are able to do so at that time.
Undersheriff Mark Lillywhite and Captain Jason Bingaman will be working with the Klinger Lake Association to help make this a happy and safe boating season. The St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department can be contacted at (269) 467-9045. The office is open 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.
Boating laws that you may need to be reminded of:
- All sailboats, regardless of length, MUST be registered with the state and have registration numbers displayed on the boat.
- As of 2013, personal watercraft (PWC-‘jet-skis’) may be out on the water until local sunset.
- Only persons 16 years and older may operate a PWC. Those holding a boater safety certificate who are younger than 16 will no longer be able to operate a PWC.
Highlights of Michigan Water Safety Regulations can be seen on the last two pages of your directory and also here on our web site. You can also go online at www.michigan.org to check out all relevant regulations.
A message from the Klinger Lake Fireworks Committee
We hope you enjoyed the 2018 fireworks celebration. Thanks to all of the volunteers who helped out last year!
The date for the 2019 Fireworks show and Boat Parade has been set for Thursday, July 4th with a July 5 rain date for the fireworks. See you there!
The date for the 2019 Fireworks show and Boat Parade has been set for Thursday, July 4th with a July 5 rain date for the fireworks. See you there!