Our Place

The United States was founded on personal freedom, self-reliance, and integrity.
Over time, much of that personal freedom, self-reliance, and integrity has eroded away and succumbed to the power of the dollar, and to those who have controlled that dollar. In addition to the dollar’s influence over everyone’s lives, the dollar is the main driving force behind governmental action at all levels (local, county, state & national). The concern for the “dollar” is, at the base of every major decision (including Hillmoor), with the driving force behind those making the decision being, who will benefit from their decision. The problem with the dollar in governmental decisions is that it has the power and force of being alive to influence decisions, but it is dead and has no intrinsic integrity, loyalty or compassion except as used by its current owner.

Which is why government decisions of today are often cold and done as a favor, or to return a favor for one’s “friends and supporters” with one hand, while quietly washing the other hand. Although considered “political influence,” and not “corruption”, there is no love in “political influence.” But, like its other name “corruption,” it demands loyalty and has its power in its ability to reward or punish one for their actions.  The eventual vote on the city’s comprehensive plan map changes will tell which of the elected members of City of Lake Geneva’s Common Council still have personal freedom, self-reliance, and integrity, and which ones have succumbed to the power, influence, and pressure of the dollar.

 

An open house to review the second draft of the comprehensive plan was held last Thursday.
Jackie Nish was present representing Vandewalle & Associates, and a handful of Lake Geneva Alderpersons were also in attendance. The ‘meeting’ really wasn’t a “meeting,” it was more a weak attempt to make the public feel a part of the ten-year update of the comprehensive plan. There was no board, no vote, no decision, and no real presentation. It was an open room with maps displayed, showing possible changes that could be adopted in the final comprehensive plan draft. Jackie Nish and the alderpersons were there to discuss the possible changes and to answer any questions or make note of any suggestions.

Of course, the public that showed up did have questions. The topic most asked about was the Hillmoor property. The open house announcement specifically stated that the meeting was not Hillmoor focused, and the maps portrayed that quite clearly. Regardless, Jackie was still questioned about it by several residents. She handled the Hillmoor hot potato a bit nervously, as she has been the messenger regarding the comprehensive plan at most meetings and has been on the defensive for Vandawalle and the city on many occasions. The answer Nish gave regarding Hillmoor, though, was that it would be dealt with after Vandawalle completes the concept plan it is currently working on.

The other big topic was the potential of a single and multi-family development being added near Highway 120 and Townline Road. Residents of an existing neighborhood came to the meeting hoping for answers as to the traffic issues that area is already starting to have, and how the inevitable increase in traffic another development could create would be dealt with. No answers were forthcoming. The comprehensive plan has a schedule of meetings between now and early February or later, with additional joint meetings to work through specific issues, before a new plan is adopted.

 

Duesterbeck’s Brewing Company at N5543 County Road O in Elkhorn is now open.
It’s located in a beautiful country setting and visiting it is a ‘must-do’ for anyone’s to-do list.  are a great couple and team, and they share a stellar work ethic. Having this in common is how they are able to raise their six children, work at the brewery, volunteer, and run a family farm. The Duesterbeck Farm has been in the family for over one hundred and fifty years and Laura and Ben are committed to not letting the legacy end with them. It’s becoming more and more difficult to keep family farms as working farms, let alone profitable businesses. Laura and Ben came up with a plan to incorporate Ben’s hobby of brewing with their mutual desire to keep the farm running well into the future for their children. Ben’s plan was to turn one barn into Duesterbeck’s Brewery. Last Saturday was their opening day and the place looked fabulous. After the brewery established itself, the next step is to turn a second barn into an event venue, and then eventually a third barn will be worked on. The Dusterbeck farm is changing and growing in wonderful ways, and the entire area is benefitting.

Visiting Duesterback’s Brewing Company

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Sign up for Updates