|
|  |
The Lake Geneva Municipal Minute
August 15, 2026
| | |
Featured Photo
Each installment of the Lake Geneva Municipal Minute prominently features a photo from a beautiful location or landmark in our stunning community. We asked for photo submissions in our Aug. 1 newsletter and you did not disappoint. We received an abundance of excellent images.
The pic above is of the Grand Belle from the Lake Geneva Cruise Line silhouetted against the setting sun on Geneva Lake on June 4. Megan Malcolm at Lake Geneva Phoography submitted the image. More of Megan's work can be seen on her Instagram page - @Lakegeneva_photography
Please send any pictures you'd like to see in the LGMM to newsletter@cityoflakegeneva.gov.
| |
Newsletter Launch
This is the fourth edition of the City of Lake Geneva's newsletter, the Lake Geneva Municipal Minute, which debuted in early July.
The newsletter is a brief 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.
| | |
August 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.
Meetings are held at City Hall, 626 Geneva Street, unless otherwise noted.
August 17 – 4 p.m. Utility Commission
August 17 – 6 p.m. Plan Commission
August 18 – 4 p.m. Tourism Commission
August 18 – 6:30 p.m. Board of Park Commissioners
Conference Room 2A, City Hall
August 19 – 6 p.m. Common Council (rescheduled due to August 11 election)
August 20 – 5:30 p.m. Library Finance, Building & Grounds Committee
Smith Meeting Room, Lake Geneva Public Library
August 20 – 6 p.m. Library Board
Smith Meeting Room, Lake Geneva Public Library
August 24 – 4 p.m. Public Works Committee
August 24 – 4 p.m. Police and Fire Commission Budget Meeting
Police Training Room, City Hall
August 24 – 6 p.m. Common Council
| | |
Free Documentary Film Viewing
Through a partnership between five Walworth County libraries, including Lake Geneva's, and the Lakeland Players a free screening of the documentary film "The Librarians" will take place at 7 p.m. TONIGHT at the Lakeland Player's Sprague Theater, 15 W. Walworth St. in Elkhorn.
The film details the efforts of librarians in Texas, Florida and several other states to combat book bans and preserve intellectual freedom. For more information on the Lake Geneva Public Library's upcoming events check the library's events calendar.
| | |
Comprehensive Plan Update
Announcement of Annual Comprehensive Plan Amendment Process
The current City of Lake Geneva Comprehensive Plan was adopted on May 9, 2020 and is due for a comprehensive revision in 2030. During this 10-year period, amendments to the Comprehensive Plan may be necessary. Instead of hearing those amendment requests individually throughout the year, the City of Lake Geneva has adopted a process for processing a single amendment each year.
Applications for this year’s process will be accepted from September 1, 2026 through September 30, 2026. The Plan Commission will review the applications at its October 19, 2026 meeting to provide feedback to the applicants.
Once applications are finalized, it is anticipated that a joint public hearing will be held with the Council and Plan Commission to formally review the amendment requests. Lastly, the Council will deny or adopt the proposed amendment to the Comprehensive Plan during a regularly scheduled meeting.
Please contact the Building and Zoning Department for information on application forms and process at bzadmin@cityoflakegeneva.gov
| | |
Venetian Festival August 19-23
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.
Wrigley Drive between Broad Street and Center Street, along with the boat launch, will close at 11 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16 and reopen at 10 a.m. Aug. 24.
More information is available at https://www.venetianfest.com/
Featival goers are encouraged to use the City's shuttle service to get downtown. Parking is at Home Depot at 550 N. Edwards Blvd., with overflow parking available at the City-owned property adjacent to ServPro at 120 E. Sheridan Springs Road. The shuttle will drop you off at 573 Baker Street, which is the intersection of Wrigley Drive and Baker Street.
More information on parking and the shuttle service is available at https://www.cityoflakegeneva.gov/365/Event-Parking-Shuttle
| |
Parks Foundation - Members Needed
Join us and help build something Lake Geneva will love for generations.
Lake Geneva's parks, lakefront and open spaces aren't just amenities. They are the heart of our community. And for the first time, we're building a dedicated organization to invest in them.
The Lake Geneva Parks Foundation is forming now, and we're looking for people who care deeply about this community to join its founding board.
What you'll do: help raise private funds for park improvement, set priorities alongside the Parks Director, and make sure our parks reflect what this community values today and 50 years from now.
We'd love to hear from people with backgrounds or connections in finance, law, marketing, real estate, hospitality, philanthropy or community organizing. But if your passion is simply Lake Geneva itself, that matters, too. This board will be built on a mix of skills and shared love for our city. The Lake Geneva Parks Foundation is a nonprofit in formation and independent of the City of Lake Geneva.
If you are interested, reach out to the Mayor's Office at mayor@cityoflakegeneva.gov.
David Winger, Parks Director
| | |
Work at the Library
The Lake Geneva Public Library is looking to fill two part-time positions. The library is currently hiring for a shelver and circulation assistant. Each position is 20 hours per week and includes some evening and weekend work.
More information, including instructions on how to apply, is available at the website of the Lake Geneva Public Library.
| | |
July 3 Storm Update
On Friday, July 3 at approximately 12 p.m. 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 winding down and nearing completion.
Recovery is tapering off and winding down to an inevitable conclusion at some point in the future. There is no new information to disseminate in this newsletter, but municipalities affected by the storm realize some residents are still working to get back to normal.
- The City's Public Works Department made one final pass through the city to collect storm debris the week of Monday, August 3. Residents need to drop off any remaining storm debris at the Street Department at 1065 Carey Street. The facility is open from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
- Residents are still encouraged to call (262) 294-3170 and report storm damage or lingering issues from the storm. City of Lake Geneva staff will direct the message to the proper department, which will ensure the matter is addressed as soon as possible.
- 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.
- Journey Disaster Response Team continues to be active in the area, offering recovery assistance to those in need. Residents 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. See less
- At its July 27 meeting the Common Council lifted the disaster declaration. The declaration went into effect shortly after the storm hit and allowed the City flexibility to respond to damage from the storm. As staff and City partners moved through the City and cleaned and cleared debris it became evident the declaration would no longer be needed.
| |
Placement of Political Signs
There are some simple guielines to follow regarding placement of political signs.
- Campaign signs may be placed beginning on the first day for circulation of nomination papers through election day (WI Stat §12.04)
- Signs shall be removed within 10 days of election day (Lake Geneva Municipal Code §98-811(3.A))
- Signs must be located entirely on private property, and not in any street terrace or other portion of the right-of-way (Lake Geneva Municipal Code §98-805 (3)c)
- Yard signs may not exceed 11sq ft. (WI Stat §12.04)
- Guidelines are directed towards temporary campaign yard signs.
- Signs that are affixed to buildings or permanent structures may be subject to City of Lake Geneva Zoning Code: Signage Regulations
The 2026 Wisconsin fall general election is November 3. More information is available at MyVote Wisconsin.
| |
Keeping Your Property Neat and Natural
Per City Ordinance § 82-1, Control of Weeds and Grasses, property owners, lessees and others responsible for property are required to keep grass and weeds below one foot in height and control noxious weeds.
The ordinance is enforced from June 1 through December 31. If a property is not maintained after the required five-day written notice, the City may arrange for the property to be mowed and charge the cost to the property.
The ordinance recognizes that not every part of a property needs to be maintained as a traditional lawn. Natural areas such as wetlands, marshes, floodplains, wooded areas and approved conservancy areas are generally exempt from the one-foot mowing requirement. Stormwater pond areas may also have different mowing requirements, although noxious weeds still must be controlled.
Property owners may also establish and maintain a managed natural landscape under § 82-1(d), provided it meets the ordinance's requirements. These landscapes can include native plants, meadow vegetation, rain gardens and other intentional plantings, which provides an attractive, environmentally friendly alternative to a conventional lawn while still keeping the property properly maintained.
| |
(Another) Featured Photo
We mentioned above the delightful influx of photos we received after asking for your submissions in our Aug. 1 edition. Christopher Ponsonby of Lake Geneva submitted the picture of the northwest corner of the intersection of Center and Main shown above. Christopher owns Ponsonby's Creative, which specializes in real estate, property management and associated creative services. Learn more at Christopher's website.
| | |
Hwy 50 Public Information Meeting
The City is preparing for the two years of construciton that will take place on Hwy 50 in 2027 and 2028.
The City and its partners at gmoxie, VISIT Lake Geneva and Downtown Lake Geneva are holding additional public information meetings in 2026. Each meeting will run from 6-7 p.m. and be held at Lake Geneva City Hall, 626 Geneva Street in Lake Geneva.
The next PIM is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 16, with another set for Wednesday Dec. 9
All interested citizens are encouraged to attend. Please contact City Hall at (262) 248-3673 if any special accommodations are needed.
| | |
Help Wanted - Lake Geneva PD
Are you looking for a police department that values your experience and invests in your future?
At the Lake Geneva Police Department you'll find a team-oriented culture, modern policing practices, strong community support and opportunities for professional growth. We especially encourage experienced officers to explore what a career in Lake Geneva might offer.
Please apply today at www.cityoflakegeneva.gov
| | |
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 beginners 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.
| | |
Yet More Featured Photos
We want to feature yet another of the excellent pictures we received from our subscribers. Shown above is The Riviera at dawn last fall, shortly before sunrise, submitted by Lake Geneva resident Victoria Ross.
| | |
Ongoing construction
Crews will be crack filling and repairing asphalt at various locations throughout the city yet this summer. Please check the City's Facebook page or website for the latest information.
Cook Street is going to be reconstructed from Main Street to Geneva Street, including the alley to the west of the block, Work is expected to begin in early September and be concluded in early October.
Asphalt patching will take place on the following roads before the end of summer. Sept. 11, 2026 is the cutoff date given to contractors for completion of the work -
- 500 block of Broad Street
- 700 block of Wisconsin Street
- 1100 block of South Lakeshore Drive
- 300 block of Oakwood Lane
- 900 block of Bonnie Brae Lane
- 100 block of Laurie Street
- 1000 block of Mobile Street
- 1100 block of Boulevard
- 800 block of Wells Street
- 500 block of Jefferson Avenue
- 900 block of Maxwell Street
- 1500 block of Orchard Lane
- 1200 block of Wisconsin Street
- Ceylon Court
- Parking lot of the City Water Treatment Plant at 361 W. Main Street
- Intersection of Geneva Street and Center Street
- Intersection of Broad Street and Geneva Street
- Intersection of Broad Street and Dodge Street
- Intersection of Dodge Street and Madison Street
TDS fiber installation
TDS and its contractors will be in Lake Geneva through the end of 2026 installing a fiber optic network. Contractors will leave information at homes in areas where construction is slated to take place. The city also will post installation and construction updates to its Facebook page and website for the duration of the project.
Please call TDS at 1-833-597-8405 with any questions. More information is available at the TDS website about the installation.
| | | |
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
Vanessa Jahns is the City's Deputy Clerk. Vanessa started with the City in May of 2019 as a part-time Clerk at our front counter and moved into her current role in January of 2021. Vanessa is primarily responsible for licensing, elections and agendas and minutes, mostly for Committee of the Whole. Vanessa is married to Ben, shown in the photo, and they have two children. Vanessa earned a degree in English Literature from the University of Wisconsin. Outside of work Vanessa enjoys reading. Her favorite book is "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and fantasy is her current genre of choice. Vanessa also enjoys going to museums and other attractions with her family.
| | |
Featured Pet
Theresa Bachhuber of Lake Geneva wants you to meet Abbie, her family's beloved cat. Abbie is a relatively recent addition to the Bachhuber family after arriving in December of last year. Theresa said they adopted Abbie from Lakeland Animal Shelter in Elkhorn. Theresa said Abbie is the sweetest little girl, is very vocal and talkative and loves to eat.
Theresa said Abbie also rounds up the family each night when it's time to go to bed and sleeps with them all night. Abbie also loves to go for walks in her hot pink vest and always runs to the door to greet the family when they return home.
If you'd like to see your pet featured in the LGMM please send a pic and a brief bio to newsletter@cityoflakegeneva.gov
| | | Click HERE to sign up for The Lake Geneva Municipal Minute | | | | |
