LITTLE GEMS
Update on the couple killed in Elkhorn last week.
Law enforcement across Walworth County is still not saying much, but we do know a person of interest is in custody from the double homicide. The police have arrested a ‘person of interest’ in the fatal shooting of the newlywed couple at the Sports Page Bar. Thomas Routt Jr. was handcuffed in connection with the homicides of Emerson and Gina Weingart who were killed at the popular local watering hole in Elkhorn. Thomas Routt Jr. was identified as a freed parolee, having been freed by Gov. Tony Evers, then-appointee on the state Parole Commission, and served several years in federal prison.
Thomas Routt Jr., who had previously been convicted of arson, burglary, and forgery among a slew of charges was arrested for violating his parole while possessing methamphetamine. Routt, who is currently being held in the Walworth County Jail connected to his previous criminal history, continues to maintain his innocence and denies any involvement in the case. Law enforcement hasn’t said what the motive might have been, or if Emerson and Gina were the intended targets. Prosecutors had not filed any charges against Routt, his lawyer, Russell Jones said, but they’re treating him as a “suspect” in the Wingert’s murders, despite law enforcement’s official statement calling him a “person of interest.”
Winter Realms, formerly known as Ice Castles, in Lake Geneva.
The company announced on Thursday, Feb. 8, that it would be closing for the season due to warm winter temperatures. The same warm winter trend that led organizers to replace the popular Ice Castles at Geneva National Resort with Winter Realms this year, has forced closure of that event, too. The weather prevented Winter Realms from opening until Jan. 26, and Thursday, Feb. 8 was their last day. That’s an improvement over the final Ice Castles, which abruptly closed after just three days last year due to high temps.
After last year’s extremely short run, Ice Castles decided it was time to try something new in Wisconsin, where you’d think a cold winter is nearly assured. According to Ice Castles’ Maren Timmerman, the ice-making process has been improved to help make the formations more durable in case of warm weather. While that process appears to have been an improvement, it is no match for the new Wisconsin winters. Despite the short season, thousands came out to enjoy the Winter Realms. Ticket holders for future dates will receive refunds.
Person of the Week
Max is the wonderful barista in training at Bean and Vine located in the lobby of the Ridge
