OUR PLACE
Please stay off the ice!
We cannot express this strongly enough. The integrity of the ice on Geneva Lake, and the surrounding lakes, is quickly declining. With the weather getting warmer, and winds picking up, the ice is rapidly melting and leaving nearly invisible portions of open water. There were multiple incidents of vehicles going through the ice this past weekend, all of which could have easily been prevented. Whitewater Lake had a snowmobile go through the ice with the driver leaving his helmet on the ice. He, fortunately, left tracks while running away toward the shore from the hole. Thankfully, he made it to shore safely.
On Sunday, around noon, a vehicle went through the ice on Geneva Lake, and the City of Lake Geneva Fire Department was called to the boat launch. When they arrived at the scene all occupants were out of the vehicle with no injuries reported. The vehicle was towed out. Most drivers, in such unfortunate circumstances, don’t realize that auto insurance companies will not generally cover the damage that was done to the vehicle or occupants. The act of driving on thin ice is considered ’willful negligence.’ The firefighters would like to remind everyone that, in no shape or form, do they suggest that anyone should be on the ice now, whether it’s driving, walking, or being out on it for any other reason.
If you do choose to go out on the ice they ask that you wear bright-colored clothing as it will help them find you in the water, and for heaven’s sake wear a life vest so you will float long enough to be rescued.
What green space? What building?
The Brick & Mortar owners, Thomas and Kathy George, purchased the old funeral home, which was located at 252 Center Street. Their intention was to raze the building, create a green space, and then build a new and more functional (and eye-pleasing) building on that plot of land. The plan for that was presented and approved during the course of several city meetings. The new building will be a two-story structure. The first floor will house a furniture assembly and display area, and a couple of rentable storefronts, while the upstairs will be two apartments for short or long-term rental options.
The George’s are well known around Lake Geneva, and so are their other beautiful thriving businesses. That fact made it easy for the city to get on board with the plan as quickly as it did. The building was razed and now the result is an empty hole in the ground surrounded by fencing. The green space was supposed to be available all summer long for everyone to enjoy, and, after the winter season, the new building was to go under construction. The delay has been disappointing but not completely unexpected. The price of building materials and labor issues have made construction very unpredictable. The plan may change as needed to accommodate these new challenges.
252 Center Street
Brick & Mortar is behind schedule with the new building but they hope to be back on schedule in spring.
