OUR PLACE
In March of 2025, Alderperson Ames started the dialogue regarding concerns about the safety of the Broad/Dodge intersection.
That’s for both pedestrians and vehicles, especially once the state highway 50 project begins. Broad Street experiences heavy traffic at various times of the day, almost every day during the busy season, and crossing or turning from Dodge Street is particularly challenging. To do so, either vehicle needs to pull out very far onto Broad Street to see beyond the parked cars.
Pedestrians are also taking a risk, as the crosswalk at this intersection is affected by visibility issues. Ames offered a few suggestions for improvements. Bump-outs, flashing lights, or a four-way stop. Ames believes a four-way stop is the best option. Bump-outs are not popular with the public works department or the parking department, as they make plowing a little more difficult, and parking stalls would be lost.
Ames had support from the committee, as traffic patterns will change with the state 50 construction coming and safety issues will need to be discussed, and at least some temporary changes may need to be made. The item will be scheduled for further review and discussion at several meetings. The issue is still unresolved, but is moving forward. Recent signs at the intersection have been placed on both sides of Broad to bring awareness to residents and those driving by, on the issue.
What’s new under the sun in Lake Geneva?
Well, they are not doing free samples anymore at Kwik Trip. That wonderful experience is now over, sort of like their new electronic tag pricing (note with this system, the prices go up every day and sometimes sooner) has decreased customer satisfaction, ambiance, or happiness in their stores. Whole Foods did the same thing, and they are suffering over time for concentrating on maximizing profit while quietly and subtly distancing themselves from customer appreciation or participation.
Meanwhile, the only local radio station, 96.1, run by Nancy, is adding a half hour to her show and which will be put on by Alex, the managing director of the Business Improvement District (the BID). It will be all about downtown Lake Geneva and what’s going on. Sort of like a radio GSR, if you will. Good move, Nancy, the station’s leader. Nancy’s tough as old rawhide, but sure knows what she’s doing, and the GSR welcomes Alex and that kind of reporting. As the national media has almost totally abdicated its role in providing real national news, the local media has tried to do just the opposite. Nice work, 96.1!
