SURPRISING STUFF
A few City Meetings are available through Vimeo on the City’s website.
You may also dial in to listen with the phone number listed on each agenda. Options for cable broadcast for the public viewing of meetings were discussed but nothing was done. This hyper-expensive new recording has been paid for and installed and the transmissions are going nowhere, and the leadership is aware of this. Neglecting the public and hampering its ability to get information is what causes elected officials to lose their jobs.
The elections are not that far away. Here is the direct link to the Vimeo videos of meetings: https://vimeo.com/lakegeneva/vvideos.
Dozens are without a home after a condominium complex went up in flames last week.
The Delavan Fire Department says the call came in just after 3:15 p.m., to 1011 S. 2nd Street at Swan Creek Condominiums. When fire crews arrived, there were flames in the middle of the units and the attic. Smoke could be seen throughout Delavan and even off the highway. Local neighborhoods were filled with a smokey haze. Delavan Fire Chief Tim O’Neill said that the fire started on a balcony and was not suspicious. Twenty-three area fire departments assisted in putting out the fire.
Thankfully no one was injured and pets made it out safely as well. It will be at least a month before people living there can go home. The Red Cross was also on scene helping out the victims. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Donations have poured in to help the victims of last week’s condo fire. Many of the tenants escaped Swan Creek Condominiums with just the clothes on their backs. Locals have been able to spread the word, and our local communities came together. They received enough donations to cloth those that were displaced along with blankets.
The tenants will be displaced for 12 to 14 months so there is no need for household items at this point. Anyone wanting to donate gift cards or monetary donations can do so by dropping them off at Town Bank. They are keeping track of all donations and providing receipts. Checks can be made out to the Swan Creek Condo Association. If you donate, they will also ask for a return address (but not required) so a thank you can be sent.
VISIT Lake Geneva has announced the winners of their yearly Impact Awards.
The winners are a dedicated group of individuals representing some amazing businesses and organizations that embody the very best of Lake Geneva. Donald Driver was in attendance to help celebrate our wounder local communities.
Dianna Colman, Citizen of the Year
Citizen of the Year Award is presented to a person who represents the Lake Geneva region at its very best, consistently making a positive difference. This year’s winner is Dianna Colman. She is best known for the amazing, transformational, and relentlessly optimistic crusade to preserve and protect the historic Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay. She has been a strong advocate for the Lake Geneva Fresh Air Association and Holiday Home Camp. She and her husband Charles have been involved with conservation causes. She has volunteered in classrooms and raised money for fire and rescue in the Town of Linn and Fontana.
The Business of the Year Award is presented to a business or organization that exemplifies excellence in business culture and embodies social responsibility by giving back to the local community. This year’s winner is Magpie’s Den and Pen. Tai Starr Serna, half the dreamer-team with Anthony Silvestri dreamed of opening a business like Magpie’s downtown. They are the managing partners at Magpie’s, which they opened together less than three years ago. It has quickly become one of Lake Geneva’s top destinations for good food, good drinks, and good times.
The Hospitality Award is presented to a person, business, or organization, who exemplifies outstanding customer service, care, and hospitality. This year’s winner is Walt Chadick and the team at Yerkes Observatory. Walt Chadick is a force, a do-er, and a true believer as program director for Yerkes, thoroughly committed to building unforgettable experiences for the tens of thousands of annual visitors to the historic site.
The Rising Star Award is presented to a person, organization, or business who, in five years or less in their respective field, has made a substantial impact in their profession. This year’s winner is Emily Trainor. It all started with an ice sculpture of a bee. The Winterfest sculpture stood outside Queen Bee Artisan Market, and that’s when opportunity met commitment for Lake Geneva visitor Emily Trainor. Coming out of the pandemic, “I felt like I was ready for a change.” She and her husband sold their car, and their house, bought the store, and moved to Lake Geneva. With a background in nonprofit management and retail, Emily was ready to work with artists and producers. Emily is committed to Lake Geneva and to her store’s ethic of working with local and state producers and artists to expose their work while making a difference in the community.
The Community Betterment Award is presented to a non-profit organization that enhances and improves the quality of life in the Lake Geneva region. For six decades – 2024 marks their Diamond Anniversary – the Geneva Lake Women’s Association has extended helping hands to the people of Walworth County and they are this year’s winner.
