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Lauderdale Lakes BREEZE Summer 2017 • Second Edition

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What better way to spend a summer day than out on the water with family and friends. A boat ride out on the lake is a great way to cool off and have fun, especially if people stop to take a dip in the lake.

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Short-term renter gets victory in court County plans to appeal decision

by Vicky Wedig STAFF WRITER

A Walworth County Circuit Court judge ruled last month that a Chicago man can continue renting out his home near Lake Como despite the county’s assertion that doing so violates county ordinance. The Walworth County Land Use and Resource Management Department cited Brendan J. Hehir in September with violating the county’s ordinance that prohibits lodges in unincorporated areas. Hehir pleaded not guilty to the citation and took the matter before Judge Phil Koss, who ruled in Hehir’s favor. Koss dismissed the citation against Hehir and ruled that Hehir is grandfathered under the county’s ordinance before 2014, therefore allowed to continue renting out his home. However, the county’s Land Use and Resource Management Department argues grandfathering is not possible since the county’s ordinance never allowed short-term rentals. The county updated its ordinance in December 2014 to better define what constitutes “transients,” which are prohibited in residential zones, and began enforcing the ordinance more consistently rather than only

in response to complaints, said Shannon Haydin deputy director of the county’s Land Use and Resource Management Department. Hehir was issued a ticket for renting out his property in August, four months after the county sent letters to 100 other homeowners who were discovered to be renting, informing them they were violating county ordinance and asking them to stop. As a result of the letters, 70 of those people stopped renting, Haydin said. However, some lodge proprietors maintained they were grandfathered in – they were operating their homes as lodges before the county clarified its ordinance in 2014. Twenty-three homeowners appealed to the county’s Board of Adjustment in July, and the quasijudicial board sided with county staff, saying the homeowners must stop renting or they are in violation of county ordinance. Fifteen of those property owners are now appealing the Board of Adjustment’s decision in Walworth County Circuit Court. Only two allowed to rent Haydin said the county’s concern is whether Koss’ decision in the Hehir case will affect the outcome

of those 15 homeowners’ appeal to reverse the Board of Adjustment’s decision. Judge David Reddy heard two hours of oral arguments in that case May 17, and is scheduled to hear further arguments and likely make a decision July 18, Haydin said. Haydin said the decision in the Hehir case immediately created the perception among homeowners who want to rent that they too are allowed to do so. That is not the case, she said. Hehir reported receiving at least three phone calls within days of the April 24 decision from people who assumed they too were now allowed to rent, Haydin said. “I also had a woman who I sent a violation letter call me back and say, ‘Hehir won, I’m grandfathered,’” she said. As of now, Haydin said, Hehir is one of two people grandfathered based on Koss’ ruling, and the county plans to appeal the decision. “We’re very likely to appeal that decision to the court of appeals,” she said. Another renter, Growth Management and Vista Pointe, is also allowed to rent two singlefamily homes in the Town of Delavan as a result of a decision by Koss, which was upheld by the

Wisconsin Court of Appeals in 2015. In making a ruling in the Hehir case April 24, Koss reviewed the Growth Management case to make a decision. “I think the primary concern that we have with the way things happened in court was that the judge not only dismissed the ticket but gave him a pre-existing nonconforming (use) status with very little evidence,” Haydin said. According to online court records, the hearing was in session for 13 minutes before Koss recessed to review the Growth Management case and ruled 18 minutes later. Haydin said the county’s Executive Committee must approve seeking an appeal before the Land

Use and Resource Management Department pursues a decision from the appellate court. If renters win If the county exhausts its appeals, and judges rule in favor of renters in both cases, the county’s ordinance will still stand, Haydin said. “There’s not really a question as to whether or not this ordinance is valid,” she said. If residents win their appeals, the county will accept that they are grandfathered in, Haydin said. However, others can’t broadly apply the decision, she said. “An individual can’t just declare

See RENTER • Page 7

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Page 2 LAUDERDALE LAKES BREEZE Summer 2017 • Second Edition

Lauderdale Lakes JUNE 30 Star Spangled Celebration – 5-10 p.m. at Sunset Park, 200 Devendorf St., Elkhorn, featuring music from the Holton Band, food and snacks, and a fireworks show at dusk. (262) 723-5788 or elkhornchamber.com. 30 LAS Water Ski Team show, 6 p.m. at Lauderdale Landing, W5625 Westshore Dr., Elkhorn

JULY 1 LAS Water Ski Team show, 6 p.m. at Babe Mann Park, 960 Proctor Dr., Elkhorn 1 Lauderdale Lakes Yacht Club’s 4th of July fireworks display 1 Early Harness Race, Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. walworthcountyfair. com (262) 723-3228. 7 Holton-Elkhorn Band Concert, a free open-air concert at Elkhorn’s historic band shell in Sunset Park, 7:30 p.m. (262) 741-5114 8 LAS Water Ski Team show, 6 p.m. at Babe Mann Park, 960 Proctor Dr., Elkhorn 8-9 Partners for Progress Horse Show, Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. walworthcountyfair.com (262) 723-3228. 14-16 – Elkhorn RibFest, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday at the Walworth County Fairgrounds. Event will feature a competition, live entertainment, food vendors, a beer garden and camping. Admission is free (262) 723-3228. 14 Holton-Elkhorn Band Concert, a free open-air concert at Elkhorn’s historic band shell in Sunset Park, 7:30 p.m. (262) 741-5114 15 Elkhorn RibFest Neon 5K – 8 a.m., Holton Manor and RibFest

CALENDARof EVENTS

have teamed up for a 5K to benefit residents of Holton Manor. Participants will receive a discount coupon for RibFest. walworthcountyfair.com or twescott@carriagehealthcare. com. 15 LAS Water Ski Team show, 6 p.m. at Babe Mann Park, 960 Proctor Dr., Elkhorn 15-16 SMILES Horse Show, Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. walworthcountyfair.com (262) 723-3228. 19 Junior Beef Steak Cook-out, 4 to 7 p.m., Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. walworthcountyfair.com (262) 723-3228. 21-22 Relay for Life, 6 p.m. kickoff at the Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. For more information or to register a team call (262) 7233228 or visit cancer.org 21 Holton-Elkhorn Band Concert, a free open-air concert at Elkhorn’s historic band shell in Sunset Park, 7:30 p.m. (262) 741-5114 21-23 Andalusian Midwest Horse Show, Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. walworthcountyfair.com (262) 723-3228. 28 Fish Fry – 4:30-7:30 p.m., Lutherdale Ministries, N7891 Highway 12, north of Elkhorn. Tickets $14, adults, $7 for children 12 and younger. Reservations suggested for groups of eight or more. (262) 742-2352. 28 LAS Water Ski Team show, 6 p.m. at Lauderdale Landing, W5625 Westshore Dr., Elkhorn 29 LAS Water Ski Team show, 6 p.m. at Babe Mann Park, 960 Proctor Dr., Elkhorn

29-30 WI Ranch Horse Association Horse Show, Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. walworthcountyfair.com (262) 723-3228. 31-Aug. 1 Burlington Kennel Dog Show, Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. walworthcountyfair.com (262) 723-3228.

AUGUST 1 National Lights Out Night, Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. walworthcountyfair.com (262) 723-3228. 4-5 Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce Corn and Brat Days in Veterans Park on the downtown square in Elkhorn, featuring a variety of games for kids, crafters, performances and food. 5 LAS Water Ski Team show, 6 p.m. at Babe Mann Park, 960 Proctor Dr., Elkhorn 5-6 Madison Classic Car Show & Swap, Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. madisonclassics.com or (608) 244-8416. 11 Fish Fry – special with preview for Lutherdale Fest Quilt Auction, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Lutherdale Ministries, N7891 Highway 12, north of Elkhorn. Tickets $14, adults, $7 for children 12 and younger. Reservations suggested for groups of eight or more. (262) 742-2352 12 Lutherdale Fest and Quilt Auction – from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., hand-made quilts and other items will be auctioned off to support summer camp. Lunch at 11 a.m. at Lutherdale, N7891 Highway 12. The event will also include children’s programming and a men’s lounge. (262) 742-2352 13 Antique Flea Market, 7 a.m.-

Elkhorn Memory Café A place where people with Mild Cognitive Impairment, early stage Alzheimer’s and other related dementia, and their caregivers, can go to socialize, have fun and enjoy each other’s company. First time attendees are asked to call the Alzheimer’s Association at (800) 272-3900. Meetings are held the fourth Thursday of every month, 10 to 11:30 a.m. on the following dates – July 27, Aug. 24, Sept. 28, Oct. 26, Nov. 23 and Dec. 28 – at Matheson Memorial Library, 101 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn. 4 p.m., Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn, featuring vendors offering a variety of treasures. Admission, $5. (414) 525-0820 or nlpromotionsllc@gmail.com. 14 Lakeland Animal Shelter golf scramble at Hawk View Golf Club, Lake Geneva. (262) 723-1000 or visit lakelandanimalshelter.org, events and search “scramble 1.” 17-20 NBHA State Barrel Races, Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. walworthcountyfair.com (262) 723-3228. 18-19 Midwest Pro Rodeo, Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. walworthcountyfair.com (262) 723-3228. 19 Hand Feed Monarchs, 1-4 p.m., at Price Park Conservancy, N6418 Hodunk Rd., Elkhorn. Learn about the life cycle of Monarchs at live butterfly stations and feed the butterflies from your hands. $5 a person; free for members of the Kettle Moraine Land Trust. kmlandtrust.org or info@kmlandtrust.org 19 LAS Water Ski Team show, 6 p.m. at Babe Mann Park, 960 Proctor Dr., Elkhorn 25 Fish Fry – 4:30-7:30 p.m., Lutherdale Ministries, N7891 Highway 12, north of Elkhorn. Tickets $14, adults, $7 for children 12 and younger.

Reservations suggested for groups of eight or more. (262) 742-2352 25 LAS Water Ski Team show, 6 p.m. at Lauderdale Landing, W5625 Westshore Dr., Elkhorn 26 LAS Water Ski Team show, 6 p.m. at Babe Mann Park, 960 Proctor Dr., Elkhorn 30 Walworth County Fair, featuring shows, animal barns and auctions, food, games, crafts, a variety of contests and a midway. (262) 723-3228 or walworthcountyfair.com

SEPTEMBER 1-4 Walworth County Fair, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn, featuring shows, animal barns and auctions, food, games, crafts, a variety of contests and a midway. (262) 723-3228 or walworthcountyfair. com 2 LAS Water Ski Team Alumni Show, 6 p.m. at Babe Mann Park, 960 Proctor Dr., Elkhorn 9-10 Southern WI Buckskin Horse Show, Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. walworthcountyfair.com (262) 723-3228. 16-17 Jericho Productions Open Horse Show, Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. walworthcountyfair. com (262) 723-3228.

See EVENTS • Page 14

Ski team in full swing

The LAS Water Ski Team (shown in a performance last summer) kicked off the 2017 season in late May at Babe Mann Park, 960 Proctor Dr., Elkhorn. The team also performs a couple shows at Lauderdale Landing, W5625 Westshore Dr., Elkhorn.

COURTESY MINDWORKS PHOTOGRAPHY Lauderdale Lakes Breeze

Summer 2017 • Second Edition

LAUDERDALE LAKES BREEZE Page 3

The LAS Water Ski Team will again be performing at Babe Mann Park in Elkhorn as well as a couple shows near Lauderdale Landing north of Elkhorn in the Lauderdale Lakes area this summer.

COURTESY MINDWORKS PHOTOGRAPHY Lauderdale Lakes Breeze

Council approves LAS water ski schedule by Kellen Olshefski CORRESPONDENT

The City of Elkhorn Common Council voted unanimously in favor of approving the LAS Water Ski Show Team’s six show dates and practices on Elkhorn Lake at Babe Mann Park, as well as an indemnification agreement with the team. The topic was discussed at the Municipal Services and Utilities Committee meeting on May 8, at which time the committee directed city staff to work with the team to find a compromise for Saturday practices. City of Elkhorn Parks and Recreation Director Wendy Meyer said Monday the department and team had already worked out when those practices would be allowed. At the May 8 committee meeting, City Clerk Cairie Virrueta brought the topic to committee members, noting she felt the city’s agreement with the team was much more complex than a special event, which the city had recognized it as in previous years. Virrueta said special events are typically a oneor two-day happening while the ski team is making use of the lake over the course of the entire summer and recommended it be reviewed. After Alderman Bruce Lechner asked for a quick overview, Virrueta said with the team offering learn-toski events a couple of times a year, open to the general public, she had reached out to CVMIC — a mutual insurance organization that provides services to municipalities — which recommended the City pursue an indemnification agreement with the team. She said the city’s previous agreement with the team didn’t address involvement of the general public in skiing activities on the lake. Additionally, Virrueta said the ski team’s proposed Saturday

practices would add an additional 10 weekend dates to the schedule, in violation of the city’s ordinance on recreation permits (19.01.04), which allows for a maximum of six weekend dates with a seasonal permit. City Administrator Sam Tapson said May 8 the way the permit application was delivered by the ski team originally, it should have been denied as it doesn’t meet the city’s ordinance on seasonal permits at the lake. However, he said, no one wants to deny use, but should ensure the team’s use is complementary to the public use of the park and lake.

Concerns raised Meyer said at the May 8 meeting her concern with having the ski team on the lake every Saturday is that last year proved that other private events — such as private parties or church groups — don’t mesh well at times. “If they have music, the boats, the noise, the action, a lot of people go to that park because they want it to be quiet and relaxing,” Meyer said. “So, I think to have every Saturday from May to September be booked by the ski team, I don’t think, in my recommendation, it’d be a fair agreement for other community members who want to use the park for various reasons or other people coming in to run and event.” Meyer noted after an incident at the park last summer, they had started to inform those who rented the park for private parties the ski team would be practicing on the lake, and while it did avoid some issues, renters had made comments that it just “wasn’t the same.” Meyer said she didn’t want to prohibit the team from weekend practices, but wanted to find a middle ground.

Alderman Michael Kluck, chairman of committee, asked about concerns over use of alcohol during the team’s activities last summer. Virrueta said there was an incident where attendees brought alcohol into the park. She had let the team know it wasn’t allowed and they informed all attendees alcohol was not permitted at the park. Additionally, Virrueta said there was a second instance when the club had a special event where they were selling alcohol under a permit they had received from the Parks and Recreation Department but that permit was for private use only, and not to include the public. Jeff Auberger, a member of the ski team’s board of directors, was at the May 8 meeting. He noted much of the concerns were due to misunderstandings and said it was never the club’s intention to be misleading or operate in conflict with the city’s ordinance. “We certainly want to be good users and are appreciative of the opportunity,” Auberger said. Regarding the concerns about alcohol, Auberger said he didn’t recall how it was initially brought to the club’s attention early in the season, but the team made it protocol for their announcer to make the public in attendance aware open intoxicants were not allowed at the park. As for the club’s alcohol permit for last year’s alumni event, Auberger said they thought they were handling it correctly. “I know we thought we did the right thing,” he said. “We had a licensed bartender … so, if we didn’t do something right, it certainly wasn’t intentional and it was done in the best effort.” In regards to concerns about others’ use of the park, Auberger said the club had suggested last year that others looking to rent space at the park be made aware

of the team’s use ahead of time. Furthermore, while the team did have one bad experience with a private event at the park last summer, the vast majority of interactions with community members at the park were positive. “Several of those that were out there that had invited us in,” he said, noting one family renting the pavilion even invited the team to the cookout taking place. “Our goal is to be of value to the community out there, certainly not a hindrance,” Auberger said. “We intend to be good stewards out there to the best of our ability, but if I’m not aware of it, we can’t make it better.” With concerns raised over the team’s learn-to-ski events, Auberger said those events — typically two a year, one at Elkhorn Community Days — are open to the general public, and insurance is handled through USA Water Ski, meaning interested parties sign waivers and are insured through the club in a one-time use situation. “The water ski team is one of a few things where we can have three generations of a family participating in the event,” Auberger said. “So, it’s a pretty unique thing when it comes to a sport that, that can be the case. So, inviting those that might have an interest is our way to expose them, help them to realize they don’t have to own a boat, live on a lake, don’t have to have a friend with a boat. We’ll take you from not knowing how to learning, and then to some valuable part of the team if you desire.” Auberger also said in most cases, it’s children participating in the learn-to-ski events with their parents signing the waivers, and the team has six trained safety personnel available to address any and all safety concerns, following protocol of USA Water Ski.

Regarding Saturday practices, Auberger said the team has held Saturday practices in the past because 30 to 40 percent of the team are Illinois families with lake homes in this area that want to participate, but also have time to relax, partly why the club doesn’t hold Sunday practices. He said weekend practices certainly hold value for the team, as not everybody can make Thursday night practices, and not everybody can make Saturday practices. As such, he said the team would work with weekend practices, whether that means moving them to a different weekend day or a different time.

Possible solutions

Tapson said at the May 8 meeting a more detailed agreement needs to be worked out with the ski team for its 2018 season going forward, moving away from permitting it as a special event and creating a freestanding contract or agreement with the club, which would also touch on concerns raised by committee members and allow for longer-term usage. “It’s not necessarily a special event, it’s a continual use, and to that extent, it should probably be separated out from the ordinance,” Tapson said. “The ordinance can be a guidance for certain aspects, but maybe it shouldn’t be limited to six times. Maybe, by contract, we would agree to eight, or however many. I’m not saying you shouldn’t permit their use this year, but I think you need to focus on doing something going forward.” Alderman Tom Myrin brought up the idea of the ski team setting up practices in a different location on the lake, noting the city has multiple

See WATER SKI • Page 4

Page 4 LAUDERDALE LAKES BREEZE Summer 2017 • Second Edition

Water Ski • from Page 3

The water ski team is one of a few things where we can have three generations of a family participating in the event. ~ JEFF AUBERGER events at Sunset Park regularly and it seems to have worked there in the past. “My question is, why can’t we make it work,” Myrin said. “Is there an opportunity where they could set things up differently? I don’t know, I’m asking that question because I’d like us to be able to work together, because I think, as they stated, there were some opportunities where that happened and it turned out very, very well. I’d like to see them continue to use this as much as we allow them to, because I do think that brings people in, and it’s a great family activity, like they said.” Auberger said while shows are set up typically closer to the pavilion, during practices, all of the club’s equipment is set up at the launch, about 150 feet from the pavilion. He said the club doesn’t use power or music during its practices, and the closest it comes to the pavilion is to use of the restrooms. In response to Myrin’s comments, Tapson said May 8 it would be better to look at the ordinance and an agreement for the future. “A snap decision one way or the other probably isn’t going to be in anybody’s best interest, which is sort of how this got done (originally),” Tapson said. “It was really a very quick turn around, and we probably missed a lot of it, as did the ski club. It’s a two-way street here. We have got to work on this together to come to some understanding.” Auberger said he wants to maintain a positive working relationship with city, and doesn’t want it to turn into an “us against them” type of situation. “That’s not the intent, we want this to work well. If you guys can be forthcoming with us, we’ll do what we can to make it work well,” he said. For more on the water ski show team and its schedule slated for Elkhorn Lake in Babe Mann Park and in the Lauderdale Lake area, visit laswaterskiteam.com.

A member of the LAS Water Ski Team drops the skis to barefoot at a high rate of speed during a performance last season. The team has kicked off its 2017 schedule and will again perform at Babe Mann Park in Elkhorn as well as Lauderdale Lakes. For more information, to make a donation or become a sponsor, visit www.laswaterskiteam.com or follow the team on Facebook at Lauderdale Aqua Skiers.

COURTESY MINDWORKS PHOTOGRAPHY Lauderdale Lakes Breeze

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Officials push for Highway 12 study

Representatives from state, region and area attend forum by Heather Ruenz STAFF WRITER

Approximately 200 people converged at Gateway Technical College in Elkhorn May 19 to discuss options for Highway 12 between Elkhorn and Whitewater, an issue that has been put on the backburner for five decades. Public interest in finding a solution to safety and congestion issues along the major highway remains high, and the majority of the people who spoke at the forum agreed an environmental impact study should be completed. An EIS would help determine whether the current corridor of Highway 12 should be widened to accommodate the ever-increasing amount of traffic and address safety issues, or if a new route should be constructed where the highway currently joins Highway 67 on the north end of Elkhorn. “It’s the first step in both state and federal funding and would give us a bit of a priority because we’d be ahead of others in having had the study done,” said Larry Kachel, chairman of the Greater Whitewater Committee.

Crashes, congestion Michael Hahn, executive director for the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, reported there was no weekday congestion in 2011 but it’s predicted to be moderate by 2050. Weekend traffic, Friday through Sunday, is currently above capacity from June to mid-September. Hahn said there were 404 crashes between 2011 and 2015 on Highway 12 between Elkhorn and Whitewater, exceeding the state’s average crash rate of 74 to 90 per 100 million vehicles. Of the 404, 59 or 15 percent, resulted in fatality or observed injury,” he said, adding that hot spots for crashes along Highway 12 between Elkhorn and Whitewater include highways ES, A, H and P as well as the Highway 67 split with 50 percent of all crashes in that stretch occurring at those intersections.

Budgetary roadblock? Todd Berry, president of the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, said the problem, in brief, is that the state’s transportation system and how that system is funded are both “fairly dated.” “Eighty-nine to 90 percent of all money coming into the transportation fund comes in via the gas tax, which is 30.9 cents a gallon, and vehicle registration fees,” he said, noting it’s a limited revenue base because of flat rates, demography and vehicle efficiency. “We have a general fund that grows and a transportation fund that just sits there. The debt picture (in Wisconsin) has really worsened in recent years. By the end of 2019 we’ll be using almost a quarter of our transportation revenue for debt,” Berry said. “In a sense, transportation is now competing with everything else the state does.” A person in the audience said it appeared most people want, or at least accept, the idea of toll roads and asked Berry why state officials and politicians weren’t listening. “The partisan politics and political careers come into play on this … The psychology is logical – when you’re running the farm and working part-time in the legislature, you don’t want to make a fuss or spend a lot of time in Madison,” Berry replied.

Patience wearing thin

A potential timeline was discussed for the possible Highway 12 project of anywhere from 10 to 15 years before construction would start. “But the process can’t even begin without the EIS being done,” Kachel said. “We’ve been here two hours and there’s 200 people here and we’ve heard excuses but what can we do now? I don’t have 15 years,” a man in the audience asked. Hahn said people should contact their local legislators, senators and representatives. A panel of local business owners shared their thoughts on the possibility of Highway 12 being widened to four lanes, beginning

with Sylvia Baker, of Baker Farms. “My concern, as a farmer, is what it’s like to go out on the highway with farm machinery. There’s no room on the shoulder. There are 1,600 homes that have to get out to Highway 12 and widening it would not make it safer. The people in our community deserve to have this study.” “Safety is a major concern and economic development a critical piece, not just for Whitewater but for the county… This is a no-brainer – the study should be done,” said Nate Parrish, president of First Citizens State Bank, adding that a new Highway 12 corridor would be the shortest route from Chicago to Madison. Jeff Bluhm, executive director at Lutherdale Bible Camp, said the facility serves 10,000 people a year, the majority of them arriving on Friday and leaving on Sunday, June through August. “Part of the appeal is the quiet area and making a bigger highway will not help that,” Bluhm said. Karen Fulbright-Anderson, owner of Ye Olde Manor House Bed and Breakfast, said the expansion of the current Highway 12 “would do more harm than good. Some homes are so close they may actually lose their homes and their property values would drop.” Her husband, John Anderson, said Highway 12 being widened would result in “millions lost for businesses… for farms… for lakes and wetlands… to eminent domain and the court actions that will follow… and tax revenues. Millions will be lost; that is the bottom line,” he said. Jeff Knight, CEO of the Greater Whitewater Committee, said there are four companies located in Whitewater because they were promised Highway 12 would expand, and one of those companies cited 35 minutes of additional travel time to Chicago because of the congestion on Highway 12. “At some point common sense has to come back to this discussion. Why would you look at making changes to the current route when it’s cheaper to go straight through?” Knight said.

“I think it’s a damn shame that the property owners have been wondering for 40 years if this was going to happen and now we’re 15 years out,” an audience member said.

State reps weigh in District 31 and 33 representatives, Amy Loudenbeck and Cody Horlacher, respectively, were also at the forum. Loudenbeck, who said she was involved in drafting a proposal for the last budget, said there’s been a long-standing agreement with SEWRPC and Walworth County that an alternative Highway 12 route would be built. “We do have a new DOT secretary, and he and the governor are very firm in that we finish what’s going before starting anything else. You can call us and let us know how you feel but I also encourage you to talk to the executive branch,” Loudenbeck said. “It’s clear Gov. (Scott) Walker doesn’t want to spend any money on anything

See HIGHWAY 12 • Page 7

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From the top: Greg Wisniewski, commissioner for the Lauderdale Lakes Management District, speaks at the May 19 Highway 12 Transportation Forum at Gateway Technical College in Elkhorn. Wisniewski said the current corridor of Highway 12 is close to all three lakes and widening it safely and reducing some of the curves would involve frontage roads and major infrastructure. Jeff Bluhm, Lutherdale Bible Camp Executive Director, said at the forum Lutherdale serves 10,000 people a year, with part of the appeal being the quiet, rural area its located in, which would be jeopardized if the current highway is widened. Above: Todd Berry, Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance President, refers to one of several slides he presented at the forum, saying, in part, the issue with the state’s transportation system and how the state finances that system is that both are fairly dated.

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Page 6 LAUDERDALE LAKES BREEZE Summer 2017 • Second Edition

The ins and outs of Lauderdale Lakes Size • Green Lake is 311 acres • Middle Lake is 259 acres • Mill Lake is 271 acres

Lauderdale Lakes consists of Green Lake, Middle Lake and Mill Lake and is located in La Grange Township a few miles north of the City of Elkhorn, west of highways 12 and 67. For more information contact the Lauderdale Lakes Marina at (262) 495-8200 or www.lauderdalelakesmarina.com.

Fish species Lauderdale Lakes offers a wide array of fish with the predominant species being: • Largemouth bass • Smallmouth bass • Northern pike • Walleye • Panfish

Maximum depth • Green Lake: 55 feet • Middle Lake: 42 feet • Mill Lake: 44 feet

Access Lauderdale Lakes is accessible via a paved ramp on Sterlingworth Road off of Highways 12/67. Additionally, unimproved landings are located off of Bubbling Springs Road and Westshore Drive.

Pleasant Lake Girl Scout Camp

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5 Pleasant Rd

Witte Island

g Rid

Goose Island

Bubbling Springs Rd

Ar ro

Lost Nation Rd

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Strawberry Rd

Mill Lake Plantation

Summer 2017 • Second Edition

Lauderdale Lakes LIVING

LAUDERDALE LAKES BREEZE Page 7

SAFETY TIPS FOR

boats watercraft

Sea-Doo suggests keeping these safety tips in your watercraft or boat at all times and make sure that you and everyone aboard understands them all prior to leaving dock and observes them once out on the water. • Know and understand all operational features of the

craft you are riding – read and follow your operator’s guide. • Ensure your watercraft is Coast Guard-compliant and has all required equipment. Securely attach engine cutoff lanyard to your wrist or Personal Flotation Device. Keep attached at all times.

• All watercraft riders must wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD. The operator and passenger(s) of watercraft must wear protective clothing, including: • A wet suit bottom or thick, tightly woven, snugfitting clothing that provides

equivalent protection. Thin bike shorts for example would not be appropriate. Severe internal injuries can occur if water is forced into body cavities as a result of falling into water or being near jet thrust nozzle. • Normal swimwear does not adequately protect against

forceful water entry into the lower body opening(s) of males or females. • Footwear, gloves and goggles/glasses are also recommended. Some type of lightweight, flexible foot protection is recommended. This will help reduce possible injury, should you step on

Follow the rules of the waterways when having fun out on the lake. Jet ski riders are at an increased risk from boating traffic. Stay alert and keep a sharp eye out for possible hazards.

FILE PHOTO Lauderdale Lakes Breeze

sharp underwater objects. • Know your vessel’s capacity – don’t overload. • Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Constantly look in all directions for skiers, divers, swimmers and other boats or watercraft. • Keep a safe distance! Avoid wake jumping, splashing and passing close to any other vessels. • Know the waters you will be operating in and observe all applicable federal, state and local boating laws. • Know the weather conditions – tune into your local forecast. • Stay clear of all restricted areas. • Obey ALL posted signs, such as “No Wake,” “Right of Way,” “Idle” and other navigation signs. • Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while operating a watercraft or boat. • All operators must be of legal age to operate the craft you will be riding. • BRP recommends a minimum operator of 16 years of age to ride. • Always operate at a safe speed and be prepared to stop or alter course in emergencies. Ride within your limits, and allow sufficient distance to stop. • Whether you’re heading in or out, always maintain a slow speed until you’re in a clear area, away from shore. • Know and understand right-of-way rules. • Remember you need throttle power to steer. • Stay in sight of shore, but avoid operating too close to residential and congested areas. Be considerate of others who share the waterways. • A boating safety course is strongly recommended. For more information, visit www.sea-doo.com.

Highway 12 • from Page 5 so maybe it’s time for representatives to stand up to him and say, ‘Yes, we do,” and borrowing money to pay for roads is crazy,” a member of the audience said. Knight agreed it’s time to find a new way to fund road projects, saying there are issues throughout the state due to failing roads and bridges that are affecting farmers and industry.

Local officials speak The final panel at the forum featured Walworth County Board Chairperson Nancy Russell, Town of La Grange Supervisor Marcia Sahag, Lauderdale Lakes Management District Commissioner Greg Wisniewski, Pleasant Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District Commissioner Peter Schuler, Whitewater Common Council President

Patrick Singer and Elkhorn Mayor Howie Reynolds. Wisniewski said the current corridor is close to all three lakes in the Lauderdale and to make a safe highway, frontage roads and a reduction to some of the curves would be necessary. Sahag said the traffic count is a topic of concern, with how current those counts are and consistency relative to the time of year they were tallied. She also said either option will impact someone negatively. “No matter which route is taken people will be impacted, I understand that. But, someone loses the basketball game and someone will lose here,” Sahag said. Pleasant Lake has about 70 homes on the lake and 30 off it, so it’s smaller in comparison to Lauderdale Lakes but faces many of the same issues, Schuler said. “If the DOT is not

particularly supportive about extending the road, how supportive will they be in maintaining the current road,” Schuler said. “We understand there are homes in the way and how those homes were placed there is pointless to discuss at this point. They’re worried about losing their homes but that won’t happen and the road will have to be re-routed.” Russell said Walworth County needs “good transportation or we’re going to die. I’ve seen that happen in so many places and it’ll happen here. I understand the concerns of those in Sugar Creek, but regardless of which way this goes, they have a right to know what’s going to happen. They deserve that.” Knight said the pressure for the EIS needs to continue and updates will be emailed, including the possibility of a large-scale petition.

Following the forum, Brenda Yurs said her family has a farm in the path of the proposed Highway 12 reroute and she knows of other farm families that do as well. “My biggest concern is capital gains tax. If they’re going to take away our livelihood, they shouldn’t be able to tax us for it, too,” Yurs said. The video from the

May 19 Highway 12 Transportation Forum is online at whitewater-wi. gov. The forum was hosted by the Redline Coalition, a group consisting of the Greater Whitewater Committee, Inc., Walworth County, the City of Whitewater, Township of La Grange, City of Elkhorn, Lauderdale Lake and Pleasant

Lake Management Districts and the Walworth County Economic and Development Alliance. Those interested in receiving updates should send an email to pr@ knightpublicaffairs.com. An online petition was also available at gopetition. com. Enter “Highway 12 EIS Petition” in the search box at the top of the page.

grandfathered in would be on homeowners seeking to rent. Furthermore, Haydin said, properties declared exempt from the county’s ordinance, are only exempt as they were when they were grandfathered. “Mr. Hehir, he has been grandfathered by the court,” Haydin said. “However, he’s locked into his building.” She said individuals who claim a pre-existing non-

forming use, can’t expand the use of their building or add to or alter the residence that was exempt. Anyone who applies for a building permit must comply with the updated ordinance. “Once you expand, you lose your non-conforming use,” she said. “You’re grandfathered for what you have on the day you’re grandfathered. Nothing more.”

Renter • from Front Page themselves grandfathered,” she said. But, she said, the county would be remiss to say only those who sought legal action are allowed the exemption. Therefore, criteria would have to be established for grandfathering renters, she said. “We don’t want to keep writing tickets we’re going to lose in court,” Haydin said. The burden of showing the criteria required to be

Page 8 LAUDERDALE LAKES BREEZE Summer 2017 • Second Edition

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Summer 2017 • Second Edition

Lauderdale Lakes LIVING

LAUDERDALE LAKES BREEZE Page 9

SANDARA LANDEN MACHAJ Lauderdale Lakes Breeze

Right: Morels are collected in a mesh bag to protect them from being squashed or bruised. Lillian Roy, of Whitewater, is trusted with the morel collection on a recent hunt near Rushing Waters. Above: The casual and open dining room of The Trout House at Rushing Waters, where participants were treated to a special meal following a recent search for morels (close up below), overlooks the surrounding woods.

Morel-ity play

Group hunts coveted mushroom at trout farm by Sandra Landen CORRESPONDENT

Machaj

On a sunny but cool spring day, visitors from Janesville, Lake Geneva, Fontana, Fort Atkinson, northern Illinois and elsewhere in the area, gathered at the Trout House at Rushing Waters in Palmyra, for a journey into the nearby woods to hunt for the somewhat elusive morel mushrooms. Morels have been a favorite of fine chefs and their diners for many years and are a favorite ingredient in high-end French cuisine. Food epicureans and chefs look forward to this time of year when these mushrooms make their appearance, albeit for only a relatively short season. Peter Fritsch, owner of Rushing Waters Trout Farm and the Trout House at Rushing Waters restaurant, greeted participants at the door and directed them to the outside patio where he would introduce us to the pleasure of hunting the morels. There was time to stop at the bar and order a cocktail for those who wished to do so. A popular choice was the Old Fashioned, a favorite of supper clubs in Wisconsin. The Lux Old Fashioned is the Wednesday $5 special. So some with their favorite beverages in hand and others without made their way to the

patio where Fritsch began by placing a large platter of morels on the table. Morel mushrooms have a far different appearance than the button mushrooms that are commonly seen on the shelves in grocery stores. Morels are a conical shaped with a cap that appears to have a honeycomb or sponge-like appearance. Fritsch said, pointing out the different morels on the platter, “The morels come in tan, yellow blonde, and some in a gray that is almost black. It is hard to mistake them because of their distinctive look. But the old adage applies – Don’t eat what you aren’t sure of.” There is a pseudo-morel that is poisonous but it has a very different look. The cap is flatter and has more compressed wrinkles not the honeycomb appearance of the true morels. A FLEETING MOMENT Fritsch, who runs the seafood plant at Rushing Waters, said, “I have been hunting morels in our woods here on the property for the past four years.

I don’t claim to be an expert on morels but I am pretty good when it comes to knowing about morels and finding them.” The morel season usually begins in April or sometimes early May, depending on the weather. “It is dependent on weather but usually morels may be found around Mother’s Day in May,” Fritsch added. When the asparagus are emerging from the ground, so too are the morels. “Another indicator of the morel’s appearance is said to be the lilacs. Lilacs in bloom, time to hunt mushrooms.” And so the group under the leadership of Fritsch began its trek into the woods. As we tramped down the trail, Fritsch continued to talk about the morels, beginning with where to look for them and how to pick them. “If you see a dead Elm tree, head for it. They are often found near them,” he said. “Old apple orchards and cherry orchards are also good places to spot the morels.” Having said that, Fritsch stopped in a large,

open clearing where he said he had found morels the day before, then pointed to some areas further in the woods that he also found to be good for morel hunting. We spread out to begin the search for the morels until someone found one tucked under some green foliage. “When you find one like this,” Fritsch said, “watch where you step for there will likely be others in the area, in fact you may be stepping on one.” A GENTLE TWIST After allowing time for the photographers in the group to take a picture of the first one found, Fritsch demonstrated how to harvest it. “Take your fingers around the stem and twist gently. Do not pull as you do not want to disturb the roots. If you accidently pull out the roots, as may

happen when the soil is wet, put them back in the ground. Remember, use your fingers. Don’t bring knives into the woods.” After traipsing through the woods for about an hour, we returned with our community-harvested morels in a black net bag to The Trout House where Chef Jonathon Cross had prepared a four-course dinner featuring morels in each course. Actually that isn’t completely true. The fourth course, cheesecake with salted caramel, did not contain any morels but did make a delicious end to a wonderful dinner. Chef Cross, who has been at the Trout House since last September, picks a different menu for each morel foray. How does he decide on the menu? “Whatever I manage to dream up that works well with morels,” Cross said. He enjoys designing interesting meals and in addition to the trout for which Rushing Waters is famous, he enjoys creating special presentations of Chilean Sea Bass and Halibut.

See MOREL-ITY • Page 11

Page 10 LAUDERDALE LAKES BREEZE Summer 2017 • Second Edition

Jury finds man guilty in shooting, robbery Sentencing set for Sept. 6 for one of four men charged in case

A Walworth County jury found a Milwaukee man guilty last week on all four felony counts against him in connection with a Town of Troy shooting and robbery in 2014. Jeremy L. Thomas, 29, was found guilty May 25 of armed robbery, first-degree reckless injury, false imprisonment and

substantial battery, all as a party to a crime. He faces up to 74 ½ years in prison and $120,000 in fines and is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 6. Thomas is one of four men charged in connection with an October 2014 robbery in which a woman was shot and a man beaten in an apartment at Barley’s Hops and Malt in the Town of Troy Drevon A. Grant, 21, of Milwaukee, pleaded guilty

to armed robbery and was sentenced in December 2015 to 15 years in prison and seven years extended supervision. Charges of first-degree reckless injury, substantial battery and false imprisonment against him were dismissed. Charges of armed robbery, first-degree reckless injury, substantial battery and false imprisonment are pending against Michael Kraft, 36, of Glendale, and Jacob A. Curler,

Man appears on homicide charge by Vicky Wedig STAFF WRITER

A Janesville man was scheduled to appear in court May 30 on charges that he supplied the heroin that caused the overdose death of a man in Elkhorn. Jason A. Wedell, 34, pleaded not guilty Feb. 21 in Walworth County Circuit Court to first-degree reckless homicide and delivering heroin. A status conference was scheduled for May 30 in the case. According to the criminal complaint, police were called to Sweetener Supply Corp. in Elkhorn at about 1:45 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, where an employee, Mathew C. Brown, 42, had collapsed. Brown’s brother, William Brown, also an employee at Sweetener Supply, said he looked for his brother around 1:30 p.m., saw him out back of the business on his knees and slumped over and immediately suspected Mathew Brown had overdosed on drugs, according to the complaint. Mathew Brown died Jan. 6, and police found 10 packets of heroin in his locker

at Sweetener Supply, according to the complaint. An autopsy of Brown conducted Jan. 7 indicated he died of an opiate overdose. Police spoke with James Brown, another brother of Mathew Brown, who said Brown was a known drug addict and described his dealer. Surveillance video from Sweetener Supply showed a small red car pull into the parking lot at 8:18 a.m. Jan. 6 and a man get out of the car, go to Brown’s car, then get back into his car and leave. Mathew Brown’s girlfriend, Tammy Bratkovich, said she and Brown had been getting heroin for the past year – on Fridays when Brown gets paid – from “Pud,” later identified as Wedell, who would get money out of Brown’s car, drive to Chicago and then return and give the heroin to Brown, according to the complaint. Wedell admitted delivering heroin to Brown on Jan. 6 and said Brown usually used two packets of heroin at a time, and Wedell would have sold him 12 packets on Jan. 6, according to the complaint.

Lika told the detective he went to bed around 10:30 p.m. or 10:45 p.m. and was in his bedroom when two men allegedly entered the room with guns. Lika said he kicked the skinny robber in the arm and fought with him and then the second man. He said the skinnier man told the other man to tie up Lika’s wife, Altije Fejza, and Lika fought with both men, according to the complaint. Lika said as he fought with the three men, Fejza helped to stop the men from hitting Lika, and one of the men shot her in the leg, according to the complaint. A bullet entered Fejza’s thigh and exited her right calf, according to the complaint. Grant allegedly told an

informant that he shot Altije Fejza, and the informant identified Grant in a photo lineup. Grant admitted participating in the robbery and said he saw the other robbers fight with Lika and saw one of the other robbers shoot Altije Fejza, according to the complaint. Grant told police one of the other robbers was known as “White Boy Mike,” who was later identified as Kraft. When Kraft was arrested, he told a detective he was “probably going away for a long time for this,” according to the criminal complaint. During an interview with the detective, Kraft allegedly acknowledged Curler was one of the robbers and said Curler anticipated getting $30,000 to $50,000 from the robbery.

Home inventories shrinking SALES PACE SLOWS AS MARKET BECOMES TIGHTER Fewer homes on the market led to fewer home sales last month, according to the Wisconsin Realtors Association. While sales were up slightly in the area comprising Kenosha, Racine and Walworth counties, the number of closed home sales statewide were down 10.7 percent in April compared to April 2016.

The relative lack of inventory has created a seller’s market, according to the association. That fact is supported by median prices that are up 6.9 percent statewide – and nearly double that in the local three-county area – over April 2016. Inventory levels have consistently dropped over the past year, and there

are now just 5.3 months of supply statewide, which is indicative of a seller’s market, according to the association. “Eventually the lack of supply catches up with you, and that’s exactly what’s happening here,” said WRA board chairman Erik Sjowall. To put See SHRINKING • Page 11

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36, of East Troy. A status conference is scheduled for June 8 in Kraft’s case. Kraft was expected to testify against Thomas and Curler and reach a plea agreement with the district attorney’s office. Curler is scheduled for a final pre-trial conference July 27 and a five-day jury trial beginning Aug. 7. According to the criminal complaints, three men entered an apartment at Barley’s Hops and Malt in the Town of Troy on Oct. 20, 2014, and injured the residents. A detective spoke with one of the residents, Afrim Lika, at the hospital. Lika was bruised and required several stitches to close a cut above his eye and a cut on his head behind his right ear, according to the complaint.

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Morel-ity • from Page 9 TIME TO EAT We all made our way back to the restaurant and found a table, and soon the wait staff began to deliver the first course – a delicious flatbread topped with asparagus, artichokes, Vidalia onion, drunken goat cheese and morels. The bar staff was available to serve wine, beer, or mixed drinks for those who wished to have them. If one was unsure what would go best with the morel driven courses, the staff was willing to make suggestions. Once the flatbreads were finished, they were followed with a spring pasta dish. Cappelini pasta was tossed with fresh, sweet sugar peas in the pod, morel mushrooms, gulf shrimp and fresh garden herbs topped by a light cream sauce. It would have been difficult to outdo the third course of a pan-seared Rushing Waters’ Rainbow Trout served almandine and topped with heirloom tomatoes, morel mushrooms, sweet lemon basil, and oregano and finished with a dill citrus buerre blanc sauce. Chef Cross made rounds to each table between courses answering questions that diners may have and accepting their praise for a meal well done. Everyone left satisfied and many of us brought much of the meal home as there was too much to eat in one sitting. SERVING SUGGESTIONS For those interested in serving morels at home, here are some suggestions: First never eat them raw. They need to be cooked even if it is a quick sauté to bring out their flavor. Members of our morel hunt

LAUDERDALE LAKES BREEZE Page 11

Shrinking • from Page 10

recommended some simple ways of cooking. Washing is important as dirt collects in the stems and hollows of the mushroom. Always check inside the hollow stems for small bugs and remove them before cooking. A simple way to prepare morels for a side dish or to top a steak or fish, is to dredge them in flour and fry in butter. Another simple preparation is to dip in an egg wash and cover with panko bread crumbs before frying. The morels will keep in the refrigerator for 5 to 6 days according to Fritsch. Morels are an expensive treat. They may cost upwards of $25 per pound. Joyce Havens, who lives in Fontana, recently purchased a half pound of morels for which she paid $30. While the morel foray dinners have ended for the season, there will be other interesting dinners served, including a walk through the woods identifying edible plants. For bird watchers there will be a bird walk and dinner. The monthly four-course dinners with wines are a favorite of many of the restaurant’s regular customers. For information, check the Trout House website and Facebook for dates. Many of those who took part in the morel foray are frequent visitors to The Trout House for lunches and dinners. And all complimented the restaurant on their great food. “I have never had a bad meal here” was heard from many of the visitors. Others are just morel lovers who are always looking for places that have special morel dinners.

the current inventory levels in perspective, there were 50,258 available homes on the market in Wisconsin in April 2015. That fell to 43,516 homes this time last year, and it further dropped to 36,173 available homes in April 2017, which represents a two-year slide of 28 percent. Locally, Kenosha County was the lone decline with home sales down 34 to 194 compared to April 2016. Sales in Racine County increased 23 to 270 and in Walworth County 13 to 170. Walworth County continued to lead the area in price inflation with the median price increasing $23,900 to $213,750 in the April-vs.-April comparison. Prices were up $22,500 to $163,500 in Racine County and $18,700 to $167,200 in Kenosha County. “The regional picture is SANDARA LANDEN MACHAJ Lauderdale Lakes Breeze Peter Frisch, an owner of Rushing Waters trout farm generally consistent with and restaurant north of Lauderdale Lakes, speaks to a this characterization of group of prospective morel mushroom hunters to pre- an inventory constrained market,” said Sjowall. pare them for the job ahead. Statewide, home sales slipped in five of the six FIRST A TROUT FARM p.m. On Thursday all you care regions, with most regions falling by double-digit Rushing Waters Trout Farm to eat crab legs are served margins. The only region from 4 to 9 p.m. While many has been a fish farm since the that saw a slight increase in 1940s. According to Fritsch, it Wisconsin restaurants serve sales was the Central region was purchased by Bill Graham a Friday fish fry, The Trout of the state, up 0.9 percent. House serves one on both in 1994 and he began selling That region had an Wednesday and Friday. It trout to restaurants. The trout inventory with 6.9 months offers a choice of trout or cod are raised in a chemicalof available supply in April. from 4 to 9 p.m. free environment with no In contrast, sales dropped The Trout House at antibiotics and the farm has 5.8 percent in the Southeast Rushing Waters is at N301 used sustainable fishing region, which also includes practices since 1999. Rushing Highway H, Palmyra. Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Waters trout are served at Wednesday through Saturday. Sheboygan, Washington and many restaurants around the It’s open Sundays from 9 a.m. Waukesha counties, with 4.1 country. months of supply. to 3 p.m. Closed Monday Visit The Trout House for “The tight inventories and Tuesday. Call (262) 495their Hook and Cook meals. are not just a Wisconsin 2089 for reservations. Visit You catch them, they cook them on Facebook or at www. phenomenon – they are them, Wednesday through hitting a lot of regions rushingwaters.net Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3

hard,” said WRA president and CEO Michael Theo. “When demand conditions are strong and supply is limited, something has got to give to relieve that pressure, and that something is the price.” Market prices statewide increased 7.4 percent between April 2016 and April 2017. “With so many buyers chasing so few homes, homes don’t stay on the market very long,” Theo said, noting that average days on the market dropped from 103 days in April of last year to 87 days in April 2017. The Wisconsin Housing Affordability Index is down slightly, according to the WRA. The index shows the percent of the median-priced home that a household with median family income can afford to purchase, assuming a 20 percent down payment and a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage on the remaining balance. The index stood at 218 in April, down from 233 a year earlier. “Even though we’ve seen strong price appreciation and mortgage rates are up about a half percent compared to last year, we’ve benefited from income growth to keep our affordability above national levels,” said Theo. He said continued erosion of affordability is inevitable in the short term given the increasing prices and interest rates. “Buyers who don’t have their financing arranged will be edged out by prequalified buyers or those with cash offers, so moving quickly is crucial in this market,” warned Theo.

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Located off Highway 12/67 just 30 minutes north of the Illinois-Wisconsin Border this property is a place anyone would be proud to call home. WHAT: A ranch home with 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ bathrooms, and 3 car garage and 4-plus car auxiliary garage in the Gladhurst Subdivision with private lake park, boat slip and sandy beach.

Sept. 15, 2016 W5216 Plantation Rd. Ronald & Sandra Seacord to 7601 Skokie Boulevard LLC $1,100,000

Dec. 27, 2016 W5292 Lauderdale Dr. William & Janet Dudek to Vincent & Pamela Mchugh $796,000

Sept. 23, 2016 N7390 Arrowhead Ln. Jerome Bock to Roy & Barbara Cummins $1,060,000

Jan. 25, 2017 W5688 Bubbling Springs Dr. Jill Ingrassia to Demetrios & Michelle Xentras $440,000

Sept. 30, 2016 W5667 Psark Rd. Beverly J Elbert Revocable Trust to Russel & Kimberly Walton $282,925

March 2, 2017 W5684 Bubbling Springs Dr. Ronald & Elaine Prebis to Vincent & Amy Casieri $475,000

Sept. 30, 2016 W5610 Cool Hill Dr. Terry & Bonita Davis to Jack & Rebecca Koenigsknecht $490,500

March 3, 2017 W5746 Bubbling Springs Dr. Stoffel, Shari & Lothrop, Christopher to James & Deanna Finnley $275,000

Sept. 30, 2016 W5361 Lost Nation Rd. Lisa Kolick to Terry & Bonita Davis $632,000 Oct. 7, 2016 W5159 Bayshore Dr. Edward & Joanne Surtyk to Johnson, N&L Living Trust $480,000

WHERE: W5395 Gladhurst Elkhorn WI. AMENITIES: Superior craftsmanship and design describes this 3 bedroom 2.5 Bath ranch on 2.08 acres in the Gladhurst Subdivision on Lauderdale Lakes. Enjoy stunning views of Green Lake at the private association park with sand beach and your own boat slip. The low maintenance landscape design is impeccable featuring water garden and blossoms from spring to fall. Home features include: gas fireplace; main floor laundry; finished lower level family room and sewing studio; ceramic tile; 3 car att garage; concrete drive; deck and patio. Perfect boat storage and workshop in the 28x42 heated auxiliary garage.

Oct. 14, 2016 W5431 Acorn Way Michael Bendetto to David & Rita Nebel $347,500 Oct. 21, 2016 N7762 Westshore Dr. Anthony & Katherine Bylak to Stephanie Marnell $532,000

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Rob Edwards Keefe Real Estate, Inc.

(262)903-0566 • www.SellwithRob.com 814 N. Wisconsin St., Sugar Creek, WI 53121-1137 Professional Office Space located in High Traffic business district area of Elkhorn. Located across from Sentry Grocery Store and next to Reeds Furniture offering approximately 1100 Sq Ft. of space with kitchen, bathroom, conference room, inviting waiting room, offices, and storage space. Many possibilities! MLS#: 1522914 ........................................Price:$850

927 W Main St, Lake Geneva, WI 53147-1806 Built in 1908, the Historic John Jennings Home is a brick American Foursquare located in the Maple Park historic district across the street from Geneva Lake in the midst of downtown Lake Geneva offering incredible views of the Lake. This 2 1/2 story home is in excellent condition offering a bright and warm ambiance while providing modern comforts with newer: central air, windows, roof, and leaf guard gutters. Charming: Old World Craftsman-style woodwork; built-ins; beveled leaded glass windows; red oak and birdseye maple floors. Two car heated garage with upper apartment - metered separately. MLS#: 1509752 ...................................Price:$675,000

Lt12 Rose Ter, La Grange, WI 53121 Build your dream home on this 1.7 Acre lot with Lauderdale Lakes Access through Gladhurst Association’s lake park. This wooded lot with mature trees is close to the association beach and pier on Green Lake. The Gladhurst Lake Park is the Gem of Lauderdale Lakes - never crowded, sandy beach with a beautiful view of Green Lake. The property has a lot to offer located close to recreational area of the Kettle Moraine State Forest which offers Biking, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Skiing and more. MLS#: 1526391 ............................. Price:$69,900

N9296 Tamarack Rd, La Grange, WI 53190-4018 Prairie and Wood Views abound on this one-of-a-kind property. Located on 12.4 acres this farm house has the old world Wisconsin charm and warmth you will love to call your own. Completely remodeled with modern amenities and yet maintaining the old world character. Located in the Kettle Moraine Forest where you will relish the expanse of the land and nature located on this stunning property. Amazing views of the prairie with the pond at the west end of the property. Horses are allowed. MLS#: 1527715 . $425,000 284854

Nov. 4, 2016 W5616 Westshore Dr. Wells Fargo Bank to Daniel Perkins $400,000 Nov. 18, 2016 W5455 Lost Nation Rd. Bruce & Barbara Johnson to Thomas & Michelle Tomsovic $467,700 Nov. 18, 2016 W5866 Bubbling Spring Dr. Beer, Walter, Else to Les & Lori Vincent $450,000 Nov. 30, 2016 W5693 Ridge Rd. Jeanette Sellergren to Gary & Stacy Epsein $449,000 Dec. 20, 2016 N7420 Arrowhead Ln. Glen Willmeng to Mazza, Merrily Trust $415,000

March 8, 2017 W5602 Cool Hill Dr. Bruno & Jill Scalzo to Maurice & Fiona Walsh $430,000 March 23, 2017 W5251 Lauderdale Dr. Casvic LLC to Susan & Edward Lacerra $575,000 April 3, 2017 W5520 Westshore Dr. Richard & Anne Rodgers to James Ertmann $1,032,000 April 12, 2017 W5507 Oak Park Rd. Daniel Mchugh to Edward & Shiela Stygar $545,000 April 27, 2017 W5660 Cool Hill Dr. Jennifer Todd to Darlene Kelly $459,000 May 1, 2017 N7786 Westshore Dr. Idlehour Cottage LLC to Oscar & Erin Cantu $567,000 May 4, 2017 W5596 Cool Hill Dr. Havdala, Sandra Trust to B96 LLC $420,000 May 12, 2017 W5505 Rocky Rd. Robert Richart to Jason & Ricci Huber $520,000 May 30, 2017 W5525 Oak Park Rd. Alphonse & Donna Pelkowski to Shari Stoffel $360,000

Summer 2017 • Second Edition

Lauderdale Lakes

LAUDERDALE LAKES BREEZE Page 13

REAL ESTATE

Small nest egg, big dreams? Tips for buying your retirement home

Planning for retirement means making a lot of decisions, including when you’ll stop working, how much you’ll withdraw from your savings each year, and where you’ll live. Many Americans view retirement as an opportunity to move into a house they’ll love and live in for all their golden years. In fact, 64 percent of retirees either have moved or plan to move, according to a Merrill Lynch survey. Some retirees move to be closer to children or grandchildren, to down-size into a more manageable home, live in a warmer locale, or to secure a more luxurious home where they can easily age in place. “The decision of where to live in retirement is important

and can directly affect quality of life in your golden years,” says Geoff Lewis, President of RE/MAX, LLC. “Research by Trulia shows that in virtually all areas of the country, it makes better financial sense for retirees to buy a home, rather than rent. In fact, buying is nearly 42 percent cheaper than renting for seniors across the country.” With offices in more countries than any other real estate brand, RE/MAX agents have helped millions, including retirees, find the home of their dreams. Lewis and the RE/MAX team offer some advice for buying your retirement home: HAVE A PLAN Ideally, you should think about where you want to live

FILE PHOTO Lauderdale Lakes Breeze

Retirement often means a move and downsizing for many Americans. In fact, more than 60 percent of retirees in the country either have moved or plan to move.

BY THE NUMBERS Waterfront Homes for Sale in Lauderdale Lakes

$324,000.............W5421 Lost Nation Rd $325,000................ W5423 Shagbark Ln $369,900................ W5525 Oak Park Rd $429,900.....................W5661 Ridge Rd $445,000.................... W5493 Rocky Rd $489,000...........W5225 Sterlingworth Ct $549,000.............W5349 Lost Nation Rd $599,000.................... W5505 Rocky Rd $639,000............ N7445 Country Club Dr $649,700............ N7435 Country Club Dr $719,500...............W5258 Plantation Rd $859,000..............W5308 Lauderdale Dr $919,000.............W5406 Lost Nation Rd $1,199,900.................. W5573 Oriole Dr $1,250,000......... N7440 Country Club Dr $1,299,000...........W5336 Lauderdale Dr $1,389,000.......... W5564 Westshore Dr $1,499,900.......W5438 Solid Comfort Rd

long before retirement, but it’s never too late to think about your priorities. Do you want to be close to family or health care resources? Do you desire a home in the mountains or somewhere you’ll never see snow again? Trulia’s research shows that some of the cities most popular for retirees are also ones where buying a home can save you the most money over renting. Desirable, warmweather locations in Florida and Arizona offer significant value, even in regions where average home prices are higher. Make a list of what you want in a home location so you’ll have a starting point for your search. DON’T DELAY If possible, don’t wait until poor health or declining finances force you to move somewhere that’s not your ideal location. Move while you’re still young enough to enjoy your dream retirement home. GET PROFESSIONAL FINANCIAL ADVICE It’s important to protect

your nest egg and keep it growing throughout retirement. A professional financial planner can help you understand what size mortgage is right for you, so your dream home doesn’t strain your finances. BE MINDFUL OF AMENITIES When choosing a location and a home, in addition to your personal priorities, it’s important to keep in mind accessibility to amenities important to seniors. Community features such as good transportation, quality of roads, safe neighborhoods, and access to health care, socialization opportunities, shopping and cultural venues are all options to consider. RELY ON REAL ESTATE PROS Once you know where you want to be, it’s time to find a real estate agent. Wellversed on local real estate trends, RE/MAX agents can help retirees sell their current home so they can make the purchase of their dream retirement home a

reality. Visit www.remax. com to search for an agent. FOCUS ON MUST-HAVES Make a list of must-have features and those you would like your retirement home to have. Share the list with your agent to help him or her focus on properties that meet your criteria. Your list of must-haves and desirables will likely be very different from the list you made when you bought your first home. Now, a single-level house with large bathrooms and a level lot may be more desirable than a two-story with lots of bedrooms and a big backyard. Finally, says Lewis, keep in mind whether you plan to age in place. “More Americans are looking for homes that will allow them to stay independent and living on their own throughout their retirement years,” he says. “If that’s your plan, look for home features that will help facilitate that, like wider doors, few or no exterior stairs, and good lighting.” (BPT)

Markets keep fresh offerings aplenty Fresh, locally grown plants, produce and products are available at weekly farmers markets throughout the area. Here’s a listing of the locations, dates and times of markets in the area: ELKHORN The Walworth County Farmers Market is every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon in Veterans Park, on the courthouse square in Elkhorn. WHITEWATER The Whitewater Farmers’ Market is every Saturday from 8 a.m. until sell out – generally around noon – through November, rain or shine, in the parking lot at the Winchester True Value Hardware, 1415 W. Main St. The market includes a variety of fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables, baked goods,

honey and preserves, flowers, shrubs, birdhouses and jewelry. The Whitewater City Market is held every Tuesday from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., through October at Cravath Lakefront Park. The market features locally-grown, fresh fruits and vegetables from area farmers, artisans, food carts, free music, kids’ activities and more than 50 vendors, on average. EAST TROY The East Troy Farmers Market is every Friday, from 3 to 7 p.m. through early

October, on the downtown village square. Vendors, fresh produce, live entertainment and more. LAKE GENEVA The Lake Geneva Farmers Market is 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday through October at Horticultural Hall, 330 Broad St. MUKWONAGO The Mukwonago Area Farmers Market is every Wednesday until Oct. 14 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Field Park (highways 83 and NN.)

Page 14 LAUDERDALE LAKES BREEZE Summer 2017 • Second Edition

Events • from Page 2

22 Keefe Kares Fundraiser, Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. walworthcountyfair.com (262) 723-3228. 24 Antique Flea Market, 7 a.m.4 p.m., Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn, featuring vendors offering a variety of treasures. Admission, $5. (414) 525-0820 or nlpromotionsllc@gmail.com. 29 Fish Fry – 4:30-7:30 p.m., Lutherdale Ministries, N7891 Highway 12, north of Elkhorn. Tickets $14, adults, $7 for children 12 and younger. Reservations suggested for groups of eight or more. (262) 742-2352 29-Oct. 1 Wisconsin State Jayco Camping Rally, Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. walworthcountyfair. com (262) 723-3228.

Big Cup Open Evergreen Golf Club, N6246 Highway 12, Elkhorn – $40 per person includes: 18 holes golf and cart, 3-person teams paired as 6-somes, men first nine from back tees and second nine from forward tees, women play forward tees twice, tailgate lunch, team prizes, hole event prizes, optional team skins game. Remaining dates: July 24 and Sept. 25. (262) 723-5722, evergreengolf.com.

Farmers market The Walworth County farmers market – featuring farm fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade items, flowers, plants and more – is held 8 a.m. to noon, Saturdays from early June through October in Veterans Park on the downtown square in Elkhorn. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. (262) 741-4961

2 Annual Reindeer Run at Sunset Park, Elkhorn, 9 a.m., sponsored by the Elkhorn Recreation Department and Elkhorn Running Club with all proceeds going toward a Park Dedication Fund to replace outdated equipment. All participants will receive a Reindeer Run T-shirt, goodie bag and refreshments. Medals will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in each age category, and fastest male and female overall. Prizes will be awarded for best holiday outfit. $20 if registered prior to Oct. 27, $25 if registered after Oct. 27, $30 on the day of the race. http://runsignup.com and search “Elkhorn Reindeer Run.” (262) 741-5114 or elkhornpark andrec@cityofelkhorn.org

Whitewater City Market Establised in 2015, the market brings area artisans, food carts and the greater community together at Cravath Lakefront Park, 301 W. Whitewater St., from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays through October. The market includes free music, kids’ activities and an average of more than 50 vendors. For more information visit downtownwhitewater.com or like Whitewater City Market on Facebook.

OCTOBER 6-8 Fall Fest Barrel Racing, Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. walworthcountyfair.com (262) 723-3228. 21 Peoples Bank Oktoberfest 5k Run, 2-mile walk, 8 to 11 a.m., Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. Registration includes long sleeve shirt, sports pack, water bottle and a free drink ticket for Elkhorn’s Oktoberfest for participants 21 and older. Register early for discounted price. Info: Oktoberfest@peoplesbankwi.com 21 The 12th Annual Oktoberfest, a growing favorite event in the Elkhorn community that fills the town with fun, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the more than 100 crafters and vendors showcasing handcrafted items, antiques, produce and plants in the downtown square. Stop by the north parking lot of the government center for the 5th Annual Oktoberfest Car Show, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids activities will include games, pumpkin decorating, a bounce house, slides and more. For food there will be a chili cook-off, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and a variety of food vendors. Adults are invited to stop inside Pocket Park for the wine and beer tasting between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Several live entertainment acts will perform. General admission is free; wine and beer tent is $6 for tastings and $12 to take home a commemorative Oktoberfest glass. (262) 723-5788 or info@ elkhornchamber.com. 28 Annual Scare on the Square, 2 to 4 p.m., Veterans Park in

downtown Elkhorn. Fall fun for the entire family, featuring kids’ activities, storytelling, a costume contest and more. Hosted by the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce, the Elkhorn Recreation Department and Mercy Health System. 31 Trick or Treating, 5 to 7 p.m., city wide in the City of Elkhorn.

NOVEMBER 11 The 15th Annual Holiday Affair Craft Show, a “round robin” event featuring more than 250 crafters at six locations – Walworth County Fairgrounds Activity Center and Log Cabin; Monte Carlo Room; St. Patrick’s School; Elkhorn Middle School; Elkhorn High School, and; Jackson School. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., $2 admission. (262) 723-3228.

2 Brown Swiss Cattle Sale, Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. walworthcountyfair.com (262) 723-3228. 2 Annual Christmas Card Town Parade – 1:30 p.m., downtown Elkhorn. Bundle up the family and grab a spot downtown to see

20 Transgender Day of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil, 6:30-8 p.m., downtown square in Elkhorn (corner of Walworth and Wisconsin streets.) Candles will be provided and a presentation with refreshments will follow at the UCC Church, 76 S. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn. www.lgbtwalco.org.

DECEMBER 1 Tree Lighting and Santa Reception – 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Downtown Square in Elkhorn. Santa will light the town’s own Christmas tree, then all attendees are invited to Matheson Memorial Library, 101 N. Wisconsin St., for crafts, cookies, hot chocolate and music.

21 Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Party The calendar of events is compiled from a variety of sources including the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce and the Walworth County Visitors Bureau and contains events available as of press time.

Although we make every attempt to provide accurate information regarding area events, dates and times may change or events may be cancelled. We suggest you visit elkhornchamber. com or visitwalworthcounty.com prior to making travel plans.