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Polar Plunge 2023!
Thrill seekers from all over participate in polar bear plunges, mostly for the challenge and adrenaline rush. Some do it for the fundraising aspect as most are connected to a charity. Others do it just to do something exciting and eccentric to welcome in the new year. As always, the Williams Bay Polar Plunge is set for January 1, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. Join the fun and take the plunge into the freezing waters of Geneva Lake. The crowd plungers and spectators will congregate at the Williams Bay Beach just next to Edgewater Park, unless the beach is frozen, in which case the plunge will take place at Pier 290 on Leichty Drive in Williams Bay. A few words of advice before jumping in; do not remove clothing until you are ready to plunge, wear some kind of footwear to protect your feet from cuts and scrapes, and have a dry towel or blanket ready and waiting for you when you get out of the water. Happy New Year!
This holiday season, the City of Lake Geneva Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin and the nation to prevent accidents and fatalities in all communities.
The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is happening now though January 1st. During the national holiday Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin will boost patrols to watch out for impaired drivers. The goal of the stepped-up law enforcement effort is not just to arrest impaired drivers. The mission is to enhance public safety and prevent needless tragedies by discouraging people from making the dangerous decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. Alcohol and drugs have a significant impact on a driver’s focus and ability to maintain control behind the wheel. This affects them, everyone in the vehicle and on the road. Wisconsin and many states also see continued problems with drugged drivers. A person’s ability to drive safely is compromised by illegal drugs and sometimes prescription or over-the-counter medications. Drivers tend to think they are ‘ok’ to drive but in reality, they are altered and put themselves and everyone else at risk. They are making the choice for everyone by driving impaired and risking lives. If you plan to drink or celebrate, identify a sober designated driver, or find a safe ride home. Never allow someone who is impaired to get behind the wheel. If you suspect a driver is impaired call 911. Provide as much detail as possible on the driver, vehicle, and location. Some bars and restaurants have programs to provide patrons with a safe ride home. Someone is injured or killed in an impaired driving crash every two hours in Wisconsin. Drivers can be arrested for OWI even if their blood-alcohol content is below 0.08 if it’s determined their level of impairment makes them unable to safely operate a motor vehicle. Let’s all do our part by not getting behind the wheel after using alcohol or drugs and reporting anyone that does.
The New Year brings a new police chief to the City of Lake Geneva.
Lieutenant Gritzner will officially become Chief Gritzner at the same time the New Year’s bell rings at midnight December 31st. Gritzner has been acting chief, as Chief Rassmusen has been on vacation. He has already begun team building activities, has a mentor helping him with the transition and making a mark here in Lake Geneva. He started with the department as a Patrolman in 2005, working his way up to Administrative Lieutenant. He has also been a moving force behind the body cams that are budgeted for 2023. Gritzner has applied for multiple grants which will cover a big portion of the initial costs. He has also reached out to multiple municipalities for information and guidance on the body cams. We look forward to what 2023 has in store for Gritzner, the police department, and the City of Lake Geneva.
