The Lake Geneva Municipal Minute

Newsletter Launch

This is the second edition of the City of Lake Geneva's newsletter, the Lake Geneva Municipal Minute.

The newsletter is a brief, twice monthly look at what you should know about the community you love. Feel free to share the newsletter far and wide.

Click on the paperboy to the left to sign-up and please - encourage friends to also sign-up and stay informed.

A Message from

Mayor Todd Krause

On July 3, our community experienced tremendous loss and tragedy. At the same time, I have never been so encouraged by the people of our city, businesses, churches, and service groups working together, checking on neighbors and helping to put our city back together. In the immediate aftermath of the storm, I witnessed residents helping to clear roads, alleys and sidewalks. This is community: this is the Lake Geneva I know and love!

I would like to recognize the Lake Geneva Police, Fire, EMS, Department of Public Works and City staff who did an exemplary job during and after the storm. I witnessed the greatest example of job above self in Police Chief Gritzner, Lieutenant Keller and Officer Ward. They raced across the lake to respond to the 911 call for a capsized boat in just seven minutes, in hurricane-like conditions. First on scene, they rescued seven people in the Lake Geneva Police boat, further assisted by Water Safety Patrol, the Fontana/Williams Bay Dive boat, and the Geneva Lake Law Enforcement boat. Their swift and selfless actions, I believe, saved additional lives.

Thanks to the hard work of Alliant Energy power was quickly restored throughout the City. We thank all the men and woman who worked around the clock for more than three days. We will be posting updates as needed on the city’s website, cityofllakegeneva.com, and on our Facebook page. Again – thank you to so many people for all your help and kindness over the holiday weekend and in the time since as we work to recover and continue to thrive. 

Lake Geneva Strong!

Warmly,

Mayor Todd Krause

City of Lake Geneva

July 3 Storm Recovery

On Friday, July 3 at approximately 12:18 PM the greater Lake Geneva area experienced a major storm that caused considerable damage. The greater Lake Geneva area endured power outages, damage to homes, property and trees and loss of life.

The communities of Walworth County appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation throughout the area as we continue our recovery. The communities of Walworth County, particularly those in the greater Lake Geneva area, are working with the county and Emergency Management Coordinators. Recovery efforts are ongoing and area communities are working with the county and additional agencies. 

• On the morning of July 10 the City reviewed its disaster declaration and decided to keep it in place. The City is still in its initial clearing of debris, which requires additional work hours, especially in the early morning, and keeping the disaster declaration in place allows for rolling street closures and large-scale burning. The City realizes residents will continue to put out storm debris, requiring future trips to remove debris. The City expects to be at this level of operation for several weeks and will evaluate the status of the disaster declaration weekly on Friday. The City is committed to lifting the disaster declaration as soon as possible, but it is easier for the City and its partners to clear debris and deal with the aftermath of the storm with the disaster declaration in place. The City is committed to helping the community get back to normal as soon as possible. 

• Journey Disaster Response Team is operating its volunteer center out of Immanuel Lutheran Church, 700 N. Bloomfield Road in Lake Geneva. The center is going to be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday until further notice. In addition to the general public individuals skilled with tools or experienced with damage clean-up and recovery are encouraged to contact DRT if they are interested in volunteering. ATTENTION: Those in need of assistance are asked to call (262) 308-1105 or email response@widrt.org. DRT is standing by and ready to help pair residents and resources. Any volunteer from DRT that comes to a residence or business intending to help will be identifiable by a colored wristband. DRT staff, along with those from Team Rubicon, the American Red Cross and additional non-profits, will also soon start doing drive-by damage assessments of homes and business. A flier with more information is available at https://www.cityoflakegeneva.gov/ImageRepository/Document?documentID=1975

• Residents are encouraged to call (262) 294-3170, which is the City's storm response hotline, and report any storm damage or issues as a result of the storm. City staff will direct the message to the proper department, which will ensure the matter is addressed as soon as possible.

• Please access the City’s storm response website at https://www.cityoflakegeneva.gov/392/July-2026-Storm-Response for the latest information. The site can also be accessed through the City’s homepage at https://www.cityoflakegeneva.gov.

• Walworth County's 211 line is being used to document damage throughout the county. If you are dealing with storm damage please call and report the extent of your issues. The 211 line can also help connect you to services like temporary shelter, food and cleanup assistance. Documenting damage through 211 will help the City get reimbursed by the state for expenses due to the storm.

• Please stack downed limbs/yard waste parallel to the street in the right of way in front of your residence and City crews will pick up the waste as soon as possible. Recovery is expected to take several weeks. The City of Lake Geneva’s brush drop-off site is at 1065 Carey Street, which is the site of the Public Works Department and is for City of Lake Geneva residents only. The site is open from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. City residents need to bring a driver's license, utility bill and proof of residency to use the site. Please note – the City will not go on private property, such as a resident’s backyard, to remove brush/yard waste. The City's Public Works Department is working through the community and collecting debris from the curb using the same priority map it does for snow removal following winter storms. From July 3 through the end of the day on July 14 the City's Public Works Department collected and processed more than 4,614 cubic yards of brush. That amount is equal to more than 380 dump truck loads and averages roughly 43 loads per day of waste. 3,756 yards was collected and later burned, and 858 yards was collected and chipped. The amount of brush collected through July 14 is enough to cover a football field to a depth of two feet.

Election - Tuesday, August 11

The August Partisan Primary election is set for Tuesday, August 11. The City's one polling place is City Hall, which is located at 626 Geneva Street.

Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can vote in person absentee prior to election day at City Hall from July 28-August 7, weekdays only, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A valid photo ID is required.

For more information on the partisan primary, or to view a sample ballot, register to vote or request an absentee ballot, please go to the My Vote Wisconsin website at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/

 Help Shape Our Parks & Lakefront

If asked, what would you improve about Lake Geneva's parks and lakefront? Now is your opportunity to help answer that question.

The City of Lake Geneva needs you to help shape the future of its parks and lakefront. The City is creating a long-term plan to guide future investments in parks, trails, recreation programs, the marina and the lakefront. Before any recommendations are made, we want to hear from the people who use and enjoy these spaces.

Whether you're a resident, seasonal visitor, boater, parent or simply someone who enjoys our parks your feedback matters. Our goal is to hear from at least 400 people, and every response helps create a plan that reflects our entire community.

The survey is linked below, takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and is available through July 31. The time you invest today will help shape decisions for years to come. 

Lake Geneva Land to Lake Plan Survey

July 2026 Meetings

Listed below are the meetings remaining for the month of July. Please check the municipal calendar on the city's website if you plan to attend a meeting to be certain nothing was moved or cancelled.

All meetings are held at City Hall, 626 Geneva Street.

July 16 - 5:30 p.m. Library Finance, Building & Grounds Committee Meeting

July 16 - 6 p.m. Library Board

July 20 - 2 p.m. Strategic Planning Session

July 20 - 4 p.m. Utility Commission

July 20 - 5 p.m. Special Common Council Meeting

July 20 - 6 p.m. Plan Commission

July 21 - 6:30 p.m. Board of Park Commissioners

July 27 - 4 p.m. Public Works Committee

July 27 - 6 p.m. Common Council

Fall Pickleball Registration

Lake Geneva Parks is back on the court this fall with two Pickleball Leagues — one for beginners and one for intermediate and above players.

Just picking up a paddle for the first time? Our Beginner League, starting Wednesday, August 19th, is the perfect low-pressure way to learn the game, meet fellow newbies, and get hooked on pickleball.

Already know your way around the kitchen line? Our Intermediate+ League, starting August 17th, brings the friendly competition up a notch, with sharper rallies and stronger matchups.

Whichever level you're at it's a great chance to compete, connect, and have some fun this fall. Grab a paddle and sign up today!

League Details:

        Start Date: Week of August 17th

        Time: 5:30 - 8:00 pm

        Format: 7-week league, with Week 7 as the League Tournament

        Resident Price: $36

        Non-Resident Price: $54

For more information and to sign-up please go to our registration site.

Mobi-Mats

The City recently placed Mobi-Mats on the beach in order to increase lake accessibility. Mobi-Mats are a portable, roll-out accessibility mat designed to create a firm, non-slip pathway over soft sand.

The mats are made from 100 percent recycled, heavy-duty polyester. The mats allow wheelchair users, families with strollers and the elderly to safely navigate to the water's edge. 

The Common Council approved purchase of the mats this past spring and beach staff installed the mats in early July.

Venetian Festival

The 64th Annual Lake Geneva Jaycees Venetian Festival will take place Aug. 19-23 at various locations throughout our wonderful City. Activities include a carnival, entertainment pavilion with numerous bands, an arts & craft show, a car & bike show, baggo tournament, water ski show and, of course, the Lighted Boat Parade and fireworks along the lakefront to close the celebration on Sunday, Aug. 23. More information is available at https://www.venetianfest.com/

Hillmoor Commission Newsletter

The Hillmoor Commission publishes a monthly newsletter. Anyone interested in the latest news on happenings at the site is encouraged to sign up and receive a monthly update in their Inbox by going to this link. More information on plans and developments at the site is available at the City's website.

Introducing City Staff

Not all members of the City's professional staff are full-time employees of the City. City Engineer Naomi Rauch is an employee of Kapur & Associates and is based out of the organization's Burlington office. The City contracts with Kapur for engineering services. Naomi has been the City's engineer since 2020. If you are, or have been in the past, involved in matters such as drainage, development, road projects or anything involving civil engineering then you've dealt with Naomi. Naomi has been a Project Engineer with Kapur since 2019. She holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin and professional engineering licenses in Wisconsin and Florida. Naomi is a mother to three children and lives in the Burlington area. In her free time Naomi enjoys knitting, reading, and kayaking.

Newsletter Nuts and Bolts

Please contact the City at newsletter@cityoflakegeneva.gov if there is a topic you want to see addressed in an upcoming issue of the newsletter. The newsletter is scheduled to be released on the 1st and 15th of each month, but the City reserves the ability to alter the schedule. Please click this link to sign-up for the newsletter if you received it from a friend and please feel to share this newsletter with a friend. On behalf of the City, thank you for helping launch this new initiative in communication with our beloved citizens.

Previous Newsletters

Recent, previous editions of The Lake Geneva Municipal Minute are linked below.

The Lake Geneva Municipal Minute - July 1, 2026