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Lauderdale Lakes BREEZE Summer 2017 • Third Edition

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Lefty’s takes it on the road (and lake) by Heather Ruenz STAFF WRITER

Lefty’s Chicago Style Hot Dogs, a small food stand on Highway 12 in the Lauderdale Lakes area north of Elkhorn, recently expanded and now has a food truck, Lefty’s on the Go. “We decided to add Lefty’s on the Go this year. This is only our second event,” Dona Mann, who co-owns Lefty’s with her daughter, Karlee Mann, said at last month’s Elkhorn Community Days event. The first event for Lefty’s on the Go was First Friday Food Truck Fest in East Troy early in June. Lefty’s features hot dogs, Italian sausage and beef, burgers, cheese curds, chicken wings, fries, soda, iced tea, lemonade and milkshakes, but they enjoy being creative, too. “We have BBQ pork smothered fries, tater tots and macaroni ‘n cheese bites and are making some specialty milkshakes where we add candy flavors,” Dona said. Other specials that have been offered at times include taco dogs and taco tots for Cinco De Mayo, a Philly beef hot dog, and at this weekend’s event it was the Wisconsin Dog – a beef hot dog topped with cheese curds, ranch dressing and bacon pieces. The name Lefty’s came from the previous owner of the business, Dona said, and when her daughter, Karlee bought the Highway 12 stand three years ago, she decided to keep the name. Dona said they decided to add Lefty’s on the Go because it allows them to be part of community events and expand their business. “We want to go around to towns and cater parties and events, so this

“

There are a lot of people that pull in and we know their order before they get out of the car.” ~ Dona Mann, co-owner, Lefty’s Chicago Style Hot Dogs

is perfect. We’re already booked for Balestrieri’s employee luncheon and Kunes Ford’s appreciation event,” Dona said. For events that feature food trucks, whether or not it’s worth the time and effort is an unknown because vendors have to pay a fee, she said. “But we won’t know until we try and it’s important to be out in the communities,” Dona said. Another facet to Lefty’s is the variety of services they offer on Lauderdale Lakes. “We have a pontoon that sells hot dogs and so on, a smaller menu, on the lake. And we cater to parties and events there,” she said. Dona said her favorite part of the business is the regular customers and their loyalty to Lefty’s. “There are a lot of people that pull in and we know their order before they get out of the car,” she said. Some of their regular customers even took the time to stop by HEATHER RUENZ Lauderdale Lakes Breeze Elkhorn Community Days, in part Dona Mann (right), co-owner of Lefty’s Chicago Style Hot Dogs (with her daughter, Karlee), and her to support Lefty’s. sister, Tish Connolly (left), serve a customer at Elkhorn Community Days last month. Lefty’s on the Go

is a new facet this summer for the business, which has a permanent food stand on Highway 12, and See LEFTY’S • Page 5 also sells and delivers food on Lauderdale Lakes via a pontoon boat.

Life on the water Many of those that live in lake communities think there is no better way to spend a summer day than out on the water with family and friends. A boat ride on the lake is a great way to cool off and have fun, from leisurely rides at sunset on a pontoon, to fishing, waterskiing, tubing or one of the latest watersports trends, wakesurfing.

Lauderdale Lakes

BREEZE A publication of Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC

For advertising opportunities in the Breeze or any of our weekly newspapers or other specialized publications, please call PETE HANSEN at (262) 723-2250

Page 2 LAUDERDALE LAKES BREEZE Summer 2017 • Third Edition

Lauderdale Lakes JULY 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

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. The final date of the event is Sept. 25. (262) 723-5722, evergreengolf.com.

CALENDARof EVENTS

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.-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) 7231000 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

Water ski shows The LAS Water Ski Team has several shows remaining this season and performs at two locations – Babe Mann Park, 960 Proctor Dr. in Elkhorn, and Lauderdale Landing, W5625 Westshore Dr. in Lauderdale Lakes. Below is a schedule of remaining shows though readers are advised to confirm times and dates on the website, laswaterskiteam.com or on Facebook at Lauderdale Aqua Skiers: Friday, July 28 at 6 p.m., Lauderdale Landing Saturday, July 29 at 6 p.m., Babe Mann Park Saturday, Aug. 5 at 6 p.m., Babe Mann Park Saturday, Aug. 19 at 6 p.m., Babe Mann Park Friday, Aug. 25 at 6 p.m., Lauderdale Landing Saturday, Aug. 26 at 6 p.m., Babe Mann Park Saturday, Sept. 2, Alumni Show at 6 p.m., Babe Mann Park

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. 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.

See CALENDAR • Page 14

Pyramid performance The LAS Water Ski Team (Lauderdale Aqua Skiers), shown in a performance last summer, has several shows remaining in the 2017 season, all beginning at 6 p.m., including: Fridays, July 28 and Aug. 25 at Lauderdale Landing, W5625 Westshore Dr.; and Saturdays, July 29, Aug. 5, 19 and 26, and Sept. 2 on Elkhorn Lake at Babe Mann Park, 960 Proctor Dr. Prior to attending a show, those interested are advised to confirm via the team’s website, www.laswaterskiteam. com or on Facebook at Lauderdale Aqua Skiers.

PHOTO COURTESY MINDWORKS PHOTOGRAPHY Lauderdale Lakes Breeze

Summer 2017 • Third Edition

LAUDERDALE LAKES BREEZE Page 3

Tazio Stefanelli, 17, of Elkhorn, takes a victory lap in his Formula Ford after winning his first Sports Car Club of America Majors race in May at Blackhawk Farms in Rockton, Ill. It was there that he set his best personal qualifying time.

In the driver’s seat

SUBMITTED PHOTO Lauderdale Lakes Breeze

Area teen has a grip on future, on the racetrack and in life

by Heather Ruenz STAFF WRITER

azio Stefanelli, a recent graduate of Elkhorn Area High School, has his sights set on attending the University of WisconsinMadison in the fall for mechanical engineering. But for several weekends this summer, his goal is to be the first to reach the checkered flag on the racetrack. Stefanelli, 17, who graduated from EAHS last week in the top 10 of his class, races Formula Fords in Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan. The fastest track he’s raced at is Elkhart Lake’s Road America, where he’s reached a top speed of 136 mph. Prior to moving up to Formula Fords last year, he had spent about six years racing go-karts. “In go-karting you learn how to drive safely in a competitive environment so it’s a good place to start,” Stefanelli said. But he’s learned most of what he knows about racing from his dad, Tony Stefanelli, who is a former racer himself. “I did road racing and motorcycles. When Taz started go-karts, I did that, too. When he got faster than me, I told him he deserved to race cars,” Tony said. The family, including Tazio’s mom, Kathy, are at a track nearly every other week and are members of the Sports Car Club of America and the Midwest Council of Sports Car Club, the sanctioning bodies for the races. The goal for the current racing season is for Tazio to be in the car 30 days including regular practices to up his game, Tony said. “More time in the car will help him improve overall because the car keeps data that helps him get faster and more efficient,” Tony said. Tazio and his dad are hands-on with the racecar including routine maintenance and machining parts when needed, though this year they’re spending a little less time fixing things.

“Last year Taz was in an older car which had some issues. But that taught him a lot about repairing things so was a good opportunity to learn,” Tony said. Now Tazio races a 2014 Spectrum F1600.

Young and fast

Tazio has won all six of the events in his class of competition this season, all at Blackhawk Farms in Roscoe, Ill. His next planned race will feature his debut in the SCCA June Sprints at Road America, June 15 to 17. After winning the opening weekend’s races, April 22 and 23, Tazio said he learned a lot about the new car and how it handles. “The battle for the lead was a blast. It was a real challenge to overtake him (the leader), he had more horsepower, but getting a good exit out of turn 7 set me up to finally get past him in turn 1,” Tazio said. In his first SCCA Majors race at Blackhawk, May 6 and 7, Tazio set a new personal best time in qualifying. “I’m really excited to be able to get down to a lap time of 1:13.22. This weekend I have beaten my previous times and I’m now running laps with the quickest guys out there. I’m learning so much about car handling and how hard I can push it in the corners,” Tazio said following that Sunday’s race. The races vary between number of laps and time and, unlike some racing divisions, they do compete in the rain. “I don’t take the same line I do when it’s dry because of oil, which makes the track slippery,” Tazio said. His dad said Taz is generally one of the youngest drivers at the track. “In one recent race weekend there were about 200 drivers total. Of those, a handful were college kids and two – Taz and another driver – were the only ones younger than 18,” Tony said. “It’s a good group of people we race with. Some of them give him a

hard time, but in a good way.” Road racecars can range in price from $5,000 to $150,000, Tony said. But the ongoing cost of racing – from a few hundred dollars a day to several thousand – is why drivers seek sponsors, as the Stefanellis are doing. “Taz is showing some talent, he really is. Whether or not he’ll make it to a higher level we won’t know for some time, but to take steps from where we are, we need sponsors,” Tony said. The Stefanellis have created several levels of sponsorship packages and say it is important to allow anyone wanting to support Tazio’s racing to be able to do so. “We have packages and tried to make some affordable enough so people can get involved and support him,” Tony said. Sponsors for Tazio are Millenium Forms, of Elkhorn, and Taylor Design, Inc., of Rockton, Ill.

Family support key

Tony and Kathy said they are looking forward to seeing where Tazio’s future takes him. “When he gets to college, he hopes to be part of a baja car program where they build a car and compete against other colleges from all over the world,” Kathy said. Tony said the lessons Tazio has, and continues to learn through racing, can be used in many situations throughout life. “Being able to adjust and react and keep enough mental capacity to make good decisions is a tremendous way to learn risk management. It’s amazing at the track, how many successful people and businessmen are there because they can use those skills in both areas of their lives and be successful,” Tony said. Tazio said since he was a young child, he’s heard stories about his dad’s racing days. “Those stories made me want to have the same experiences he has, HEATHER RUENZ Lauderdale Lakes Breeze whether it’s having an exciting Tazio Stefanelli sits in his racecar at his home in Elkhorn where race or meeting interesting people he and his dad, Tony, perform maintenance and the majority of at the track,” he said. adjustments and repairs on the car.

Page 4 LAUDERDALE LAKES BREEZE Summer 2017 • Third Edition

After winning his first SCCA Majors race in early May, Tazio Stefanelli (right) stands atop the podium with his trophy.

“My parents letting me do this exciting and unique sport have given me some of the best experiences of my life, and not just on the track. My dad and me spend a few nights in the garage working on my car. He’s taught me everything I know about cars and how to work on them,” Tazio said. “Even when I’m not in the

mood to work on the car, I still go down and help my dad. Every time we finish and solve one more problem it’s one of the best feelings you can have,” he added. Tazio said the support and encouragement his parents have given him helped him become the person he is today. “On the track they give me a reason to try and take a corner a

bit faster or attempt to pass going into a turn. Their encouragement has given me the drive to achieve the most I can, whether it’s on the track, or in school,” he said. For more information, including updates, videos from Tazio’s helmet cam during portions of qualifying and racing, follow PerFormula LLC on Facebook.

Tazio Stefanelli, who graduated from Elkhorn Area High School last month, said the support and encouragement from his parents, Tony and Kathy, inspire him to do great things on the racetrack and in school. He will attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the fall for mechanical engineering. His dad, a former racer himself, said when Tazio started beating him in go-kart racing, he knew it was time to put his son in a car.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Lauderdale Lakes Breeze

HEATHER RUENZ Lauderdale Lakes Breeze

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Summer 2017 • Third Edition

LAUDERDALE LAKES BREEZE Page 5

JUDGE DENIES FURLOUGH FOR MAN CHARGED IN DRUG DEATH by Heather Ruenz STAFF WRITER

A man charged with homicide for supplying the heroin that caused the overdose death of a man in Elkhorn will not be allowed to leave jail for the birth of his child, a judge ruled late last month. Jason A. Wedell, 34, appeared in court, in custody with his attorney, Julia Marie

May, June 30, on a motion to modify his bond. May asked the court to consider a short release so Wedell could be present for the birth of his child, the first for he and his girlfriend, who was present in the courtroom. “She would like him to be present for the birth and a day or two after,” May

Local women killed in two-vehicle crash An Elkhorn woman was killed June 5 in a crash in LaGrange Township when the vehicle she was riding in was struck by another vehicle that failed to stop at a stop sign, according to a press release from the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department. Nancy Sanchez-Castillo, 39, of Elkhorn, was in the passenger’s seat in a Mazda Protégé driven by Cesar Varela-Cuatle, 47, also of Elkhorn. The two were reportedly southbound on Highway H. A Dodge Nitro driven by Allen Griffin, 32, of Delavan, was reportedly heading east on Territorial Road when it failed to stop at Highway H, striking the vehicle Sanchez-

Castillo was riding in on the passenger’s side, the release states. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene about 6:15 a.m., Monday, and reported both vehicles had extensive damage. Both drivers were transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries, according to the release. Sanchez-Castillo was pronounced dead at the scene by a Walworth County Medical Examiner. The crash remains under investigation. In addition to Walworth County Sheriff’s deputies, the LaGrange Fire and Rescue Department responded to the scene.

said. District Attorney Zeke Wiedenfeld said while the state “understands the request, Mr. Wedell is charged with a serious felony so I don’t believe it’s appropriate to adjust the bond.” “I believe he poses a flight risk so don’t recommend granting the request,” Wiedenfeld added. Walworth County Circuit Judge Kristine Drettwan agreed, saying while the court also understands the request, the seriousness of charges Wedell is facing cannot be overlooked. “I am denying the request for a furlough because the seriousness of the crimes do imply you pose a flight risk,” Drettwan said. Wedell was charged Feb. 3 in Walworth County Circuit Court with first-degree reckless homicide and delivering heroin. 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 Mathew 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. Brown had three children ages 14, 13 and 10, five brothers and a sister, according to his obituary. A three-day jury trial for Wedell is set to begin Oct. 30 at 8:30 a.m. A final pretrial is scheduled for Oct. 19.

HEATHER RUENZ Lauderdale Lakes Breeze

Lefty’s Chicago Style Hot Dogs, whose main business is a food stand on Highway 12 in Lauderdale Lakes, also sells and delivers food on the lake via a pontoon boat. This summer Lefty’s on the Go – a food truck – is making its debut this summer, and is shown above on the right at Elkhorn Community Days at Babe Mann Park.

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“YOUR COMFORT IS OUR TOP PRIORITY” Lefty’s • from front page “They have great hot dogs and they’re awesome people,” Becky Martin said. “We like supporting a local business, especially one that’s family-run. Their food is good and they’re great at coming up with new ideas to try,” Heather Martin added. The business is run by Karlee, Dona and Dona’s sister, Tish Connolly, along with a few employees that help out at Lefty’s on Highway 12, as well as the on the go truck and the pontoon boat. Lefty’s, N7033 Highway 12, Elkhorn,

36 41

YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer, seven days a week – weather permitting. The hours vary, as does its open season; updates are posted on the Facebook page. The Highway 12 stand offers outdoor seating and customers are welcome to call in orders for pick-up. For more information call Lefty’s on Highway 12 at (262) 215-8266; Lefty’s on the Go at (262) 215-3638, Lefty’s boat at (262) 379-4518, or follow Lefty’s Chicago Style Hot Dogs on Facebook.

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Page 6 LAUDERDALE LAKES BREEZE Summer 2017 • Third 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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High Ridge Rd

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Boy Scout Camp

12 40

Green Lake Shore Ln

West Shore Rd

Court Ln

Surfwood Rd

Blue Jay Rd

Wren Rd

Robinson Rd Lueske Rd

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Drokin Island

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Green Lake Rd 10 5

Laura Ln

W Lakeshore Rd

k Par OakRd

Riddford Island

Middle Lake

Forest Rd

Katy Ln

Stewart Rd Bay Shore Rd

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5 Pleasant Rd

Witte Island

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Goose Island

Bubbling Springs Rd

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Lost Nation Rd

Woods Ln

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12 5

Sprogues Island

Lost Nation Rd

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Baywood Rd

Cool Hill Rd

Strawberry Rd

Mill Lake Plantation

Summer 2017 • Third Edition

Lauderdale Lakes FISHING

LAUDERDALE LAKES BREEZE Page 7

New state record program officially underway

Goal is to promote fish survival, hook young anglers Dedicated catch and release anglers know there’s little that equals the joy of releasing a healthy musky, northern pike or even a walleye with the hope that it will spawn again and perhaps provide excitement for another angler. But what if the fish is really big – possibly one for the record books? A new live release record fish program rolled out by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources this year aims to end the dilemma and provide anglers with the win-win satisfaction of achieving a state record and a successful live release. The program is part of a larger effort to promote quality fishing and encourage the careful release of trophy-size popular sport species. Similar efforts have found success in other states and among some national record-keeping organizations. “As anglers, part of what we enjoy is the thrill of the unknown – the thought that the fish on the end of our lines could be a trophy catch or even a new record,” said Justine Hasz, DNR fisheries bureau director.

“What we’ve seen with musky populations in areas where there is a strong catch and release ethic is that the fish are reaching larger sizes and providing more anglers with the experience of a lifetime,” he said. “Since it can take 10 years or more for walleye to reach trophy size and 15 years or more for musky, our new catch and release record option means Wisconsin’s legendary fish will create even more memories,” Hasz added. Hasz said earlier this year, the program also was expected to increase public awareness and encourage protection of fisheries habitat. Efforts to market the new program are expected to draw more non-resident anglers into the state and improve retention among anglers who participate only sporadically. Another goal of the new format is to attract younger anglers, who may be quick on the draw with cell phone cameras and able to quickly land, measure and photograph their fish, said Karl Scheidegger, DNR fisheries biologist and state record fish coordinator. The program began in May.

The Wisconsin DNR’s new live release record fish program began this year. It was started with a goal of providing anglers with the satisfaction of achieving a state record followed by a successful live release – in an effort to promote quality fishing

Here’s how it works: • After landing the fish, take clear, color, side view photographs. Take several photos from different angles. • One photo must clearly show the fish lying on its side with a ruler or other measuring device placed beside the fish with the length number clearly visible. Get close enough so that the image fills the frame. Another photo must show the angler with the fish. • DNR fisheries biologists will identify the species from the photographs submitted with the application. If the biologists are unable to make a conclusive identification from the photographs, the record claim will not be considered. • While it’s desirable to have witnesses to capture of live release fish entries, the program is honor-based and witnesses are not mandatory. Fish survival is the highest priority. • Fish must be caught by legal angling methods and released in good condition back into the same water. • Anglers are encouraged to keep the fish in the water as much as possible prior to the release.

Do not hang the fish on a stringer. Gently place it back in the water and revive it by holding it upright in the water and moving it back and forth to force water through its gills. • Applications are available by visiting DNR.wi.gov and searching “Live Release.” • The forms for live release record certification must be either completed online or submitted to: Live Release Record Fish, Bureau of Fisheries Management, 101 S. Webster St., P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921 within 30 days of catch. • Live release records will be recognized by length only. Fish records will be determined by total length measured to the nearest 1/4 inch and to be certified, new live release records must exceed the existing record by at least 1/4 inch. Eligible species and minimum qualifying lengths for Wisconsin state record fish Live Release category. Lengths should be recorded by total length measured to the nearest 1/4 inch (longest measurement from the snout or nose to the tip of the compressed tail).

and attract young anglers with fish survival being the main priority. Live release record applications must be completed online, or submitted via mail, within 30 days of the fish being caught. FILE PHOTOS Lauderdale Lakes Breeze

Length requirements To be certified, new live release records must exceed the existing record by at least 1/4 inch. Species...................... Length (in.) Bass, Largemouth.................... 23 Bass, Rock................................ 10 Bass, Smallmouth.................... 22 Bass, White.............................. 17 Bluegill..................................... 10 Burbot...................................... 30 Carp, Common......................... 35 Catfish, Channel....................... 35 Catfish, Flathead...................... 40 Crappie, Black.......................... 15 Crappie, White......................... 15 Drum, Freshwater.................... 35 Muskellunge............................. 52 Muskellunge, Tiger.................. 45 Northern pike .......................... 40 Perch, Yellow........................... 13 Pumpkinseed.............................. 8 Salmon, Chinook..................... 40 Salmon, Coho........................... 35 Sauger...................................... 18 Sturgeon, Lake......................... 70 Sturgeon, Shovelnose............... 24 Sunfish, Green............................ 8 Trout, Brook (inland)............... 15 Trout, Brook (Great Lakes)...... 20 Trout, Brown (inland).............. 24 Trout, Brown (Great Lakes) .... 34 Trout, Lake (inland)................. 34 Trout, Lake (Great Lakes)........ 34 Trout, Rainbow (inland)........... 24 Trout, Rainbow (outlying)....... 36 Walleye.................................... 30

Page 8 LAUDERDALE LAKES BREEZE Summer 2017 • Third Edition

Karen Ostermeier REALTOR ASSOCIATE

Keefe Real Estate, Inc.

(630) 373-6005 • kareno@ keeferealestate.com 204 Commerce Ct., Elkhorn VIEW ALL LISTINGS AT www.escapetowi.com Living on Lauderdale Lakes for over 25 years

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#1519822 “93’ of prime Green Lake frontage. 5 BD 3.5 BA 2 FP 2 decks, screened porch and custom Chris Craft bar. The one you’ve been waiting for!” $1,349,000

#1364941 “Private executive sanctuary nested on 185’ of prime swim frontage. 3+BD, 2BA, 2 FP’s, gatehouse, boathouse with sundeck. High end finishes throughout” $919,000

#1521667 “Beautiful lake access home with HDWD floors, 3 BD, main floor master, 1.5 baths and 3+ garage. Association pool and lake front park. Temp boat slip available. A gem.” $160,000

#1523297 “Beautifully updated log style home on 5 WD acres on quiet road with expansive views. This 3 BR 2.5 BA gem has top of the line finishes. Screened porch, walking trails. Must see.” $419,000

#1519855 “Beautiful, expanded ranch nestled in the trees with deeded boat slip on Lauderdale Lakes. 3+ BR, 2.5 BA. Finished LL with WB FP.” $425,000

#1506371 “119’ of level frontage features 3 BD 2 BA walk out ranch with finished LL with family room, WBFP and master suite. Great Room with cathedral ceilings.” $429,900

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#1521527 “Charming 2BD 1 BA lake home. 60’ of fantastic swim frontage. Nice landscaping & boulder seawall. Many updates & low maintenance. Furnished. Take a look.” $360,000 #1496247 “Adorable and affordable 2 BD 1 BA lake home with fantastic swim frontage and many updates. Come test the water!” $299,900

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#1526333 “½ AC wooded lot with Lauderdale Lakes access, swimming beach and park. Close to Kettle Moraine State Forest and I43 corridor. Adjacent ½ AC lot also available.” $72,000 #1526301 “Beautiful ½ AC wooded lot with BOAT SLIP on Lauderdale Lakes. Near Kettle Moraine State Forest, I 43 corridor. Adjacent ½ AC lot also available. Let’s make a deal!” $77,000

#1522592 “.95 acre wooded, level lot with Lauderdale Lakes boat slip. Close to I43, Kettle Moraine State Forest and Elkhorn area school district.” $69,000

#1497109 “Level, wooded .26 AC lot just steps to the boat launch. Build your home next to Lauderdale Lakes.” $27,000 #1257109 “Lakefront lot on Lauderdale Lakes in a quiet area. Just down the street from the boat launch”. $69,900 287118

Summer 2017 • Third Edition

Lauderdale Lakes LIVING

LAUDERDALE LAKES BREEZE Page 9

‘Super Ryan’ chosen for Kade’s Klassic Boy with chromosome abnormality showing improvement

by Heather Ruenz STAFF WRITER

Ryan Mayfield, 8, of Elkhorn, was born six weeks prematurely on Sept. 30, 2008, and immediately proved to be a fighter. He was sent home from the neonatal ICU after six weeks and was able to breath and sleep without oxygen or monitor by the age of five months, according to his mom, Robin McCabe. Because Ryan wasn’t meeting the expected milestones that most babies do, blood work, scans and muscle tests were ordered but all came back normal, Robin said. At the age of eight months, he was diagnosed with global

development delays and began undergoing therapy. Ryan’s doctors recommended genetic testing but insurance would not cover the cost. “In order for the insurance company to approve the test, Ryan would either have to be hospitalized or there would need to be other reasoning given by the doctor,” Robin explained. Two years later, in 2010, an MRI revealed Ryan had a Chiari malformation, meaning part of his brain was extending down his spinal canal and causing hydrocephalus, or the buildup of fluid in his brain. Hospitalization and surgery was required and, therefore, the genetic testing was

approved. Following surgery, Ryan began having seizures and was placed on epileptic medications, which in turn caused an array of side effects including muscle weakness, decreased appetite, increased constipation and temper tantrums. “Finally, in January 2011, when Ryan was 2 years old, we received the results from the microarray testing and were given an underlying diagnosis of an abnormality of chromosome 18 – mosaic,” Robin said. She explained that, in simple terms, at four to six cells after conception, Ryan’s 18th chromosome was created differently than normal and once made, the abnormal chromosomes are duplicated. “Parts of Ryan’s 18th chromosome are deleted, duplicated and inverted. Doctors told us we would find things out throughout his life, as they come up, as to how this affects him,” Robin said. She also said the doctor told them Ryan would write his own book as no one else has the exact same chromosome 18; others who have been diagnosed with chromosome 18 differences have their own variances. “Doctors told us Ryan may never walk or talk… and that 40 years ago, those diagnosed with a chromosomal abnormality were institutionalized. I still can’t get over that one,” Robin said.

Moving forward Therapy for Ryan continued and they connected with the Chromosome 18 Registry and Research Society in San Antonio, Texas, which has become a support network for the family. When Ryan turned 3, he aged out of the birth-to-3 program and started school, even though he was still having seizures and used a walker. “When medications leveled out, Ryan was learning how to do things better. After a series of

Ryan Mayfield

seizures, his body was not always able to pick up right where it left off,” Robin said. The following year, Ryan was riding the bus to school, which “made him so happy with his newfound freedom and confidence,” Robin said. But the seizures were becoming more frequent and after a few hospitalizations that included monitoring, tests and scans, Ryan was diagnosed with Mesial Temporal Sclerosis, or scar tissue, in his left temporal lobe. In December 2013, when Ryan was 5, he spent two weeks in the hospital where he underwent double brain surgery to remove his left temporal lobe.

“The recovery time was lengthy, but Ryan, as always, proved to be a fighter. He started back at school a month after surgery and we considered it a success,” Robin said. Ryan had 10 good months without seizures, became more expressive verbally and physically with smiles and hugs, learned how to walk again and was eating better, Robin said. But the seizures returned and appeared different than before. Tests confirmed Ryan was consistently having seizure activity in his brain, and they weren’t always visible to his family. Attempting to control the seizures with medication led to Ryan losing weight, a common side effect due to a decrease in appetite. In January 2016, he was hospitalized for pneumonia followed by febrile seizures. A bezoar – a mass of indigestible material – was discovered in his stomach and was removed. Ryan was discharged with a nasogastric tube to help him gain weight and recently had a gastric tube placed.

Support humbling “He’s doubled his weight and has grown so much since he has been getting the nutrition he’s needed. We started hearing his laugh and giggles for the first time in years,” Robin said. Ryan still has seizures but seems to be responding to a strict,

See KADE’S KLASSIC • Page 10 Above on left: Emmett Babcock, 3, of Milton, gets a little help from his sister, Josie, 1, at the Kade’s Klassic, held June 25 at Evergreen Golf Club. Sage Babcock (left, from the left), Kade Vance and Delores Billings volunteer at the event, named after Vance and now including the Sue Babcock Memorial Run/Walk. Sage and Delores are Sue’s daughter and mother, respectively. HEATHER RUENZ Lauderdale Lakes Breeze

Page 10 LAUDERDALE LAKES BREEZE Summer 2017 • Third Edition

Kade’s Klassic • from Page 9 new diet specific to helping control them. Robin said at one time she was able to maintain a full-time job and balance everything Ryan and the rest of the family had going on. “The seizures and Ryan’s daily needs have been too much to handle for someone else to care for him… Ryan has the support, love and encouragement from his sister, two stepbrothers and

his stepdad,” she said. “The journey of Super Ryan has been the complete opposite from easy, but we have gotten through all of it with our faith,” she said. Robin said she used to think that God only gives “us what we can handle but I read something that made a lot more sense to me: ‘God gives special needs children to regular everyday parents, who choose to step up and

be strong for their child. That special child teaches you life lessons that you never could have anticipated, and throughout your journey together, you learn how to become the parent your child needs.’ Isn’t this true for all parents?” she shared. Robin said being chosen for this year’s Kade’s Klassic was “humbling and we feel so very blessed as a family.”

About Kade’s Klassic Kade’s Klassic, a 501(c)(3) charity, was created in response to the kindness the community “showered on the Kade Vance family following a 2004 accident in which Kade was seriously injured,” a statement on the website reads. The annual fundraiser began with a golf outing, has helped a different family each year since the charity was started, and now includes the Sue Babcock Memorial 5K Walk/Run. Kade’s Klassic for 2017 was June 25, and kicked off with the Sixth Annual Sue Babcock Memorial Run/Walk at Evergreen Golf Club, N6246 Highway 12, Elkhorn.

The fundraiser featured a run/walk, 18-hole golf event, a beanbag toss tournament, a special mini golf for kids course, and several special events including Beer for your Height – where those 21 years and older attempted to be closest to the pin on the selected hole to win cases of beer as tall as the winner, and a hole-in-one event sponsored by Kunes Country Ford. There were also a variety of prizes awarded throughout the day. For more information about Kade’s Klassic or to be a sponsor or volunteer at next year’s event, call Pat Ehlen at (262) 903-1692 or visit kadesklassic.com and click on “events.”

Nolan Olsen and his brother, Bradyn, of Delavan, take a turn at the bags game at this year’s Kade’s Klassic, held June 25 at Evergreen Golf Club. HEATHER RUENZ Lauderdale Lakes Breeze

Redline Coalition releases Highway 12 progress update is three-fold: one, Governor Walker and legislators direct the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to complete the Highway 12 Environmental Impact Study; two, look for a long-term solution to sustainable transportation funding, and; three, ask the Federal Highway Administration to work with the state to loosen the regulatory re-

straints that cause expenses to the tier one EIS. To accomplish this goal, the Redline Coalition circulated a petition to send to Governor Walker and state legislators. The petition is online at gopetition.com/petitions/highway-12-eis-petition.html. In less than a month signatures on the petition reached

has increased drastically. I am constantly in fear of being rear ended again. Speed limits are too high in the stretch between Hwy. A and (the) Lauderdale Lakes area on Hwy. 12. It’s a residential area with several entrances leading in and out of subdivisions and businesses. Something must be done. People take dangerous

chances trying to get onto Hwy. 12 because the traffic is out of control,” Deborah Kessel, of Elkhorn, wrote. “Do not widen and destroy the lake community or the businesses along the existing two-lane Route 12, Elkhorn to Whitewater.

See HIGHWAY 12 • Page 11

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1,199 and as of press time, remained open for continued support. In addition to the signatures there were nearly 90 comments from residents, property owners and business owners, according to an update from the coalition. “I am a victim of a crash on Hwy. 12. The amount of traffic since my accident

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The Redline Coalition is made up of the Township of La Grange, City of Elkhorn, Lauderdale Lake and Pleasant Lake Management Districts, Greater Whitewater Committee, Inc., Walworth County, the City of Whitewater and Walworth County Economic and Development Alliance. The coalition’s mission

Summer 2017 • Third Edition

Highway 12 • from Page 10 Let’s finish the Redline 4 Lane Highway,” Christi Adams, of Elkhorn, commented. “(Highway) 12 is a twolane road that was meant to connect local towns and businesses. The problem now is that since the limited access road extension to the four-lane highway was never completed, there is no alternative limited access road, Highway 12 has traffic that is extensive – large number of semi-trucks and more car traffic. Many local business and housing developments would be impacted with widening of current Highway 12. Piecemeal fixes to current Hwy. 12 to help the situation are just band-aids that will not fix the situation. Finish what was started and extend the four-lane road where is now ends,” Jean Bateman, of Elkhorn, wrote. “This project is urgently needed for the safety of the thousands of motorists using this highway every day,” Richard Costa, of Whitewater, commented. “Highway 12 expansion is critical to economic development as well as highway safety in the Whitewater area. Please support timely completion of the EIS. Thank you,” Lynn Binnie, of Whitewater, wrote. “This has been long overdue. The ability for people to transit along routes that are not the interstate are key to growth. Smack dab in the center of the golden triangle of Madison, Milwaukee and Chicago, Walworth County is key to providing high quality services to the regional industries if

it has quality roads,” Mark support the redline route of Rhodes, of Lake Geneva, Highway 12. She went commented. on to say the Pleasant Lake District, Lauderdale Lake What’s been done District, City of Whitewater The Redline Coalition has and the Town of LaGrange hand delivered letters asking have unanimously adopted for support from Governor the same resolution supWalker; Co-Chairs of the porting the Highway 12 EIS Joint Finance Committee, completion. Senator Darling and Repre- On May 19, 2017 at 8 sentative Nygren; Assembly a.m. the Redline Coalition Speaker Vos; Senate Majori- conducted the Highway 12 ty Leader Fitzgerald; Repre- Transportation Forum. sentatives August, Horlach- The forum was an orgaer, Loudenbeck, Vruwink; nized event for community and Senators Nass and Ring- members in the surrounding hand. Highway 12 area to come to “The Walworth County gether and speak their minds Board has passed and sent to on the Highway 12 EIS the our legislators and the Gov- WisDOT canceled. WisDOT ernor two resolution sup- Secretary David Ross and/or porting the EIS completion,” any of that office’s staff were Walworth County Board invited. Also in attendance Chair Nancy Russell said. were reprentatives Cody “Its completion is essential Horlacher, Amy Loudenbeck to maintain and grow our and Don Vruwink. economy sectors of manu- “The citizens of Elkhorn facturing, tourism and agri- need a four-lane highway culture.” and I support the Redline Russell also said the Coalition’s goals,” Elkhorn Walworth County Highway Mayor Howie Reynolds Jurisdictional Committee, said. “The forum held in comprised of all towns, cit- May was successful in learnies and villages in Walworth ing everyone’s thoughts on County, earlier voted to the situation and I look for-

Traffic, crash increases According to SEWRPC, in 2016 the average annual daily traffic volumes between the end of the fourlane segment to Highway 12 and Highway ES have historically exceeded the 14,000 capacity. “It was clearly approved in the budget years ago,” Greater Whitewater Com-

mittee President/CEO Jeffery Knight said. “Our hope is for the Governor and legislators will direct the DOT to complete the EIS.” Traffic continues to grow annually and causes congestion on the current Highway 12 route. Walworth County is the sixth largest tourist county in Wisconsin, and growth in congestion can lead to increased accidents on Highway 12, the update states. Between 2011 and 2015 there were 404 crashes on Highway 12 between Elkhorn and Whitewater. Fifty-nine of the 404 crashes were fatalities, and 60 percent of the two-lane Highway 12 exceeds the average state crash fatality rate. These numbers are expected to increase as the tourism industry in Walworth County continues to grow, the update states. “Residents living on the current two-lane Highway 12 route have waited 50 years for answers about some sort of expansion,” LaGrange Town Board Supervisor Marcia Sahag

said. “Everyone on Highway 12 and people living on the 1967 purposed route deserves answers from the DOT.” A two-lane Highway 12 will not suffice, it cannot accommodate the large number of travelers during the summer months, according to the update. The Redline Coalition is looking to finish the Highway 12 EIS and if funding became available the Redline Coalition would like to move forward with the proposed “redline” route. “The delay in the study keeps those affected by the highway project in a continued state of uncertainty about the future of their properties, businesses and lives,” Whitewater Common Council President Patrick Singer said. “The uncertainty hinders the future development of possible jobs, businesses and any other developments.” For more information on the progress of the Highway 12 EIS and petition contact Jeffery Knight at (920) 728.0662 or at jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com.

From the administrator’s desk...

Check out the Walworth County parks Before you finalize your summer vacation itinerary, don’t overlook some of the great parks that we have right here in Walworth County. Walworth County government was a lateentrant when it came to the

acquisition and development of parkland. When I first started here, Natureland was the only county-owned park. The pace of park development picked up over the years. Today, we have four of them as well as a multi-use trail that

DAVID BRETL

Walworth County Administrator

we maintain. If you want to enjoy nature this summer, without the long drive to the north woods, check out these Walworth County parks.

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Natureland Park Located in the Town of Richmond on Territorial Road, Natureland is comprised of 122 acres of woods and wetlands. Four well-marked trails wind through the Kettle Moraine terrain. For those of us who can’t tell a pinecone from a cattail, printed guides are available, which describe the vegetation and geological features found along the trail. Natureland is great for small children. The trails are short enough so it is possible to get back to the car relatively quickly in the event one or more hikers get tired. The trail guide numbers different attractions along each route, turning the hike into a scavenger hunt of sorts for youngsters who may want more activity than just enjoying the fresh air and sun.

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ward to the continuation of everyone’s efforts.” The Highway 12 purposed route to the west of Lauderdale Lakes between Elkhorn and Whitewater was officially mapped out by the WisDOT in 1967, according to the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. However, no progress has been made on the purposed route, according to the coalition. The preparation of the EIS was included in the 2013-15 Wisconsin biennial budget and approved by legislators and the Governor. After a purpose and needs evaluation, the Highway 12 EIS was brought to a halt by the WisDOT.

LAUDERDALE LAKES BREEZE Page 11

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Price Park Conservancy First opened in 2002, Price Park is located on Hodunk Road in the Town of Lafayette. The park is comprised of more than 100 acres and consists of several walking trails and a meadow area. Like Natureland’s trail guide, the one prepared for Price Park is very informative, emphasizing the early use of the land and vegetation by its Native American inhabitants. A dog run was added to the park in 2014. White River State Trail It took a motion to reconsider by the county board to eventually get

this trail off the ground. The board had originally rejected a proposal to turn this old railroad right-of-way into a biking, hiking and snowmobile trail back in 2002. The project was not without controversy. Adjacent property owners worried about the impact of trail users on their property, and board members were concerned about the cost of developing and maintaining the trail. The project was eventually given the “green light,” and today, a crushed limestone trail extends from Elkhorn to Burlington. The trail is ideal for both hiking and biking. There are a number of parking lots on the trail and mile markers located along the route make navigation easy. White River County Park The county’s newest park features more than 9,000 feet of frontage on the White River. Located at 6503 Sheridan Springs Road in the Town of Lyons, the 195-acre park features a pond, hiking trails and spectacular views of the river. White River County Park was dedicated three years ago and was purchased by the county with the help of a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Stewardship grant. Veteran’s Park Although this land has been under county ownership since the 1800s, the four acres surrounding the county’s Government Center was formally dedicated as a park in 2002. The veteran’s memorial was refurbished in 2009. In 2014, a bronze “battlefield cross” memorial, donated by area veterans, was dedicated to honor service men and women who served in the Middle East. One of the arguments that was historically made against park acquisition was the cost of maintaining them. This is a legitimate concern given the fact that our county supports a number of programs not

found in most other counties. To minimize maintenance cost, Walworth County has left much of its parkland in its natural state. It is less costly to maintain hiking trails than swimming pools or golf courses. Our county also receives help from non-profit groups including the Geneva Lake Conservancy, Friends of the White River Park and the Kettle Moraine Land Trust. Generous volunteers from organizations like these donate money and labor to improve our parks. One of these groups, Kettle Moraine Land Trust, recently announced that it will host two educational seminars this summer. Both of these classes were offered last year and received great reviews. A “Wild Edibles” class will be held at Natureland Park at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 15. If you ever wanted to hand feed a monarch butterfly, plan on attending “Meet the Monarchs” which will be held at Price Park on August 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A $5 donation is requested and you do need to register for the classes at www.kmlandtrust. org. Before you venture off to a county park or trail, check out the Department of Public Works website at www. co.walworth.wi.us. Complete directions on how to get to each park are available as well as hours of operation, rules and information on reserving picnic shelters if you are thinking of a larger get-together. Maps and trail guides can be downloaded and printed to make your visit more enjoyable. For anyone feeling philanthropic, there is also information on the webpage regarding how to make donations to improve or expand the county’s park system. The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Walworth County Board of Supervisors or Southern Lakes Newspapers.

Page 12 LAUDERDALE LAKES BREEZE Summer 2017 • Third Edition

Lauderdale Lakes

REAL ESTATE

GOINGRATE

HOME of the

THE

HOMES RECENTLY SOLD IN LAUDERDALE LAKES

Month

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 Park 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 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 Nov. 4, 2016 W5616 Westshore Dr. Wells Fargo Bank to Daniel Perkins $400,000

WHERE: W5442 Ridge Rd., Town of LaGrange, Elkhorn, WI 53121 ASKING PRICE: $399,900

Nov. 18, 2016 W5455 Lost Nation Rd. Bruce & Barbara Johnson to Thomas & Michelle Tomsovic $467,700

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. 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 • Third Edition

Lauderdale Lakes

LAUDERDALE LAKES BREEZE Page 13

REAL ESTATE

Home inventories remain tight May sales rose but year-to-date slightly below 2016

Home sales rose by a modest margin in May, but tight inventories kept upward pressure on median prices, according to the most recent analysis of the existing housing market by the Wisconsin Realtors Association. May home sales were up 1.3 percent relative to that same month last year, and median prices rose 5.8 percent over that same period to $174,500. Despite a solid first quarter for sales this year, weakness during April and only slight growth in May have kept yearto-date home sales slightly below the first five months of 2016. The first five months of 2016, however, set a record for sales, and to be within a half percent of that pace puts 2017 as the second strongest start to the year since the WRA recalibrated its data collection methods in 2005.

“I keep reminding people that Realtors are still moving a lot of homes even though there are fewer homes on the market this year,” WRA board chairman Erik Sjowall said. The absorption rate is the months of available supply based on the number of available homes for sale in May relative to the monthly pace of sales established over the last 12 months. The absorption rate is a good barometer of just how tight Wisconsin’s housing market is right now. When the absorption rate falls below six months of supply, the market is classified as a seller’s market; and above six months, it’s a buyer’s market. “With 5.6 months of supply statewide, the state is characterized as a slight seller’s market, but that hides a more complex picture,” Sjowall said, noting that there are only 4.3 months of supply

in the urban counties, making them strong seller’s markets. In fact, there are six counties that have less than four months of available supply, including Waukesha at 3.9 months, Kenosha at 3.8 months, Rock and Racine at 3.7 months, Dane at 3.4 months, and La Crosse at just 2.8 months of supply. “In contrast, the 46 nonmetropolitan counties have 9.2 months of available supply, and so buyers are clearly in the driver’s seat in those areas,” Sjowall said. “As we enter the peak sales season, we had hoped to see inventories improve, but relative to this time last year, new listings are down slightly, and that continues to drive prices higher,” WRA President and CEO Michael Theo said. Theo said Wisconsin’s home prices bottomed out in early 2012 and have consistently grown since that time. Since

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

May 2012, median prices have increased 26.4 percent, and this far outpaces the general price level as reflected in the Consumer Price Index, which increased just 6.6 percent over that same period. In comparison to the first five months of last year, median prices in Kenosha County this year have increased 10.1 percent from $144,450 to $159,000; 9.1 percent in Racine County from $129,900 to $141,750; 8.5 percent in Walworth County from $175,000 to $189,900; 5.9 percent in Waukesha County from $255,000 to $270,000. The median price in Jefferson County during

that same period of time fell 0.4 percent, from $169,815 in 2016 to $169,200 this year. “Remarkably, our affordability continues to be high relative to other parts of the country, but there is no doubt that it is slipping,” Theo said. The Wisconsin Housing Affordability Index shows the percent of the medianpriced home that a household with median family income and good credit can afford to purchase, assuming a healthy 20 percent down payment, and the remaining balance financed using a 30-year fixed rate mortgage. The Wisconsin index

stood at 220 in May, which is down 4.3 percent from last May. In contrast, the national affordability index stood at 156.2 in April, falling 5.3 percent from April of last year. “We’ve been lucky to have solid job growth and low statewide unemployment, but the steady increase in home prices and the ongoing actions of the Fed to raise interest rates are going to continue to reduce affordability,” Theo said. “If you’re looking for a home in the rural parts of the state, you may have the luxury of time, but if you’re buying in the tighter urban markets, you must be prepared to move quickly,” he added.

Many home values are still below 2008 levels Home values continued to rise statewide in Wisconsin last year, but they remained below pre-recession levels, according to a new report by the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization devoted to public policy research and citizen education. Drawing on state Department of Revenue figures, WISTAX researchers found that total statewide residential values in 2016 were 4.4 percent below 2008. By comparison, commercial values were 6.7 percent higher, while manufacturing properties values grew 10.7 percent. Overall, 46 of the state’s 72 counties reported declines in total residential values during the period,

while 26 reported increases, according to the alliance. Counties where values declined by at least 5 percent outnumbered those that increased by the same amount, 26 to 16. The largest differences were most apparent in existing home values. In 11 counties, all in west-central Wisconsin, existing home values recovered enough to exceed their 2008 values. Of these, only two saw value gains of 5 percent or more – La Crosse with 6.9 percent and Trempleau with 5.1 percent – while the majority of increases were less than 3 percent. In the other 61 counties, existing home values had yet to recover to their 2008 levels. In 26 of these counties, values were off

Old glory

by more than 10 percent; virtually all were located near the Illinois border, in central Wisconsin, or across the north, according to WISTAX. In another 22 counties, existing property values dropped between 5 and 10 percent. “There is not a single county in eastern Wisconsin where existing residential home values did not fall. The same is true for the northern third of the state,” the report concludes. The recovery of values in some parts of the state may be related to job growth, WISTAX researchers suggest. Western Wisconsin, greater Madison, and the Fox Valley all have seen the largest increases in employment and residential property values.

HEATHER RUENZ Lauderdale Lakes Breeze

The colors of an American flag stand out as it flies near a pier and boats on Lauderdale Lakes in the calm of the early morning hours, prior to the hustle and bustle of boats, waterskiing and jet skis.

Page 14 LAUDERDALE LAKES BREEZE Summer 2017 • Third Edition

Calendar • from Page 2 Farmers market The Walworth County farmers market – featuring farm fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade items, flowers, plants and more – is held in Veterans Park on the downtown square, Elkhorn, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.on Saturdays. For more information call (262) 741-4961.

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.

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

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.

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) 7235788 or info@elkhornchamber. com.

Walworth County Fair The 2017 Walworth County Fair, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn, will be held Wednesday, Aug. 30 through Monday, Sept. 4. As of press time, one headliner music act has been announced – Foghat & Blue Oyster Cult, who will perform Sunday, Sept. 3; the Saturday act has not yet been named. Daily admission prices are $10, adults, $8, seniors, $5, kids 5 to 12 years old, free, kids younger than 5. Season passes, available online and at the Fair Office are $25 if purchased by Aug. 4; after that it increases to $40. For more information visit walworthcountyfair.com or call (262) 723-3228. The August issue of Lauderdale Lakes Breeze will include a detailed preview of this year’s fair.

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. 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. 25 Lutherdale Fish Fry – 4:307:30 p.m. at Lutherdale Camp, N7891 Highway 12. Ticket cost for adults is $12, $7 for children 12 and younger. (262) 742-2352

DECEMBER 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. at the following locations: July 27, Aug. 24, Sept. 28, Oct. 26, Nov. 23 and Dec. 28 at Matheson Memorial Library, 101 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn.

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.

INSURANCE

of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. (262) 723-5788 or info@ elkhornchamber.com.

2 Annual Holiday Cookie Sale, 10 a.m. until noon or sold out, First Congregational Church, 76 S. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn – stock up on an assortment of holiday cookies. (262) 723-3246.

21 Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Party.

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 Christmas-decorated floats, novelty acts, music, animals, and

2 Annual Reindeer Run at Sunset Park, Elkhorn, 9 a.m., sponsored by the Elkhorn Recreation Department and Elkhorn Running

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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 elkhornparkandrec@cityofelkhorn. org

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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.

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17 Walworth County Agricultural Society, Inc.’s annual meeting, 7 p.m., Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. walworthcountyfair.com (262) 723-3228.