The purpose of the trip was to assist the Ukrainian soldiers in their conflict with Russia, which began in February 2022.
Dennis Hines
Reporter
Officials from the Lake Geneva Cruise Line conducted their annual mailboat jumper tryouts on June 11 to determine who will be their mailboat delivers for the 2026 tour season. Seven candidates tried out with four being selected. Several of the candidates were veteran mailboat jumpers, while others were trying out for the first time in several years. The candidates were judged on how fast they could jump from the U.S. Mailboat Walworth to piers along the Lakefront, deliver mail and jump back onto the boat. They also were judged on how they could narrate information about historic homes along the Lakefront area. Several of the veteran jumpers said they enjoyed being a part of tours and interacting with the riders. The judges said the hardest part of their job is selecting the candidates. Lake Geneva Cruise Line’s mailboat tours run through Sept. 15. For more information, visit www.cruiselakegeneva.com.
Members of the Lake Geneva City Council unanimously approved on June 8 to hold off voting on a conditional use permit for a proposed supper club set to be located near the northeast corner of Center Street and Interchange North. Members of the Lake Geneva Plan Commission unanimously approved the conditional use permit on May 18. Alderwoman Mary Jo Fesenmaier said the meeting packet included a draft document related to the conditional use application but not the final application. Fesenmaier said she wanted to see the final document to determine if the proposal meets parking requirements and includes a storm water management plan. David Scotney, owner of Oakfire restaurant, 831 Wrigley Drive in Lake Geneva plans to construct and operate the Swan Creek Supper Club at that location. The supper club would seat 300 people and is set to include a restaurant, bar and banquet rooms. The establishment is set to employ 50-80 workers. Several residents who live near the proposed development are concerned that the supper club would increase traffic in the area. However, other residents and several business owners are in support of the project.
Dousman Transport officials have offered to operate the program for about $273,900, however, city officials still have to negotiate a contract and determine funding options before the program is established.
State officials estimate that tourism-generated revenue saves Walworth County residents about $1,339 a year in taxes by offsetting costs for maintaining government services.
Some of the proposed changes include reducing the number of members from six to five, and no longer requiring that the commission include a resident member.
The task order contract with the Burlington engineering firm is not to exceed $53,268
Representatives from the Lake Geneva Business Improvement District conducted “Main Street Makeover Conceptual” tours on May 27. As part of the program, Lake Geneva residents, business owners and Business Improvement District officials walked throughout the downtown area to determine what they like and do not like about the area, as well as what could be done to help enhance the area. Participants also receives a workbook to rate different aspects of the downtown area including walkability, appearance, accessibility, safety, lighting and seasonal comfort, as well as offer suggestions for improvements. Some the ideas that were presented included installing garden beds, improving wayfinding and street signs and establishing more restroom space. Business Improvement District officials plan to use the information to develop renderings and design plans for improving the downtown area.