Racine Co. Breeze July 2020

SUMMER 2020

Breeze

VOL. 7 NO. 1 Published by Southern Lakes Newspapers

The

Serving the Wind Lake, Tichigan, Eagle Lake & Browns Lake areas

PAGE 2 • JULY 2020 • THE BREEZE

Whatever your summer lake activity may be, for the area’s largest selection of quality prescription and nonprescription sunglasses, come to...

TERRY ALBY FILE PHOTO The Breeze

Fireworks explode over Tichigan Lake during the a previoius Fourth of July fireworks display. The 48th Annual Fireworks Display begins at dusk on Saturday, July 4. For more information or to donate to the Fireworks Committee, go to info@ tichiganlakefireworks.com.

48th Annual Tichigan Fireworks Display set Nestled in the northern edge of Racine County is the small town of Tichigan, just north of Waterford. If you blink too fast while driving through, you may miss it. But every July people are reminded about our small community, because of our amazing, annual fireworks display which is held on Tichigan Lake.

The community-based event is the result of hard work by the volunteers on the Tichigan Lake Fireworks Committee.

They are a non-profit organization, which relies on donations from the community and fundraising efforts. Planning for the following year’s fireworks display begins right after the current show, although the work doesn’t become focused until March.

People plan their summers around the fireworks. It is spectacular to see about 1,000 boats on the lake all wanting to get the best view. The boats start assembling on the lake around 7 p.m. and the fireworks usually don’t start until dusk.

Wisconsin’s Largest Independent Eyeware Store • Family owned and operated, in the eyewear business since 1918 • All lenses made here as quickly as you need them • Providers of higher quality and hotter styles sold & dispensed by knowledgeable people who care • Motorcycle and dive mask wrap arounds.

• We accept most insurances and charge cards

Anticipation for the fireworks begins early in the day. During the fireworks you can hear the “oohs” and “ahhs” from the shore and as well as from the boats. After the spectacular display has ended, you can hear people clapping and the boat horns indicating it was a fantastic show!

The fireworks display is provided by J&M Displays, which is an Iowa-based company. They have been providing the fireworks display since 1990.

Up until 2001 the fireworks were shot off from shore at the old Dooley’s Knot Inn. In 2002 a decision was made to shoot the fireworks off barges, largely to minimize the danger to nearby spectators.

If you would like to donate your time, or contribute to one of our fundraisers or need more information on an upcoming event, please email us at info@ tichiganlakefireworks.com Thank you, The Tichigan Lake Fireworks Committee

Waterfront

The

On Brown’s Lake Serving more than just great pizza...

Daily Specials: Tuesday - Southern Fried Chicken Thursday - “3 Pack Special” Large 3 Topping Pizza with Antipasto Salad & Garlic Bread Friday - Fish Fry Favorites Saturday - Slow Roasted Prime Rib

If it goes on your face, it should come from our place

262-763-9989

31100 Weiler Road (off Hwy. 11) Burlington, WI 53105

Corner of Hwy. 36 & Main St., Waterford, WI

534-6090

The Waterfront on Brown’s Lake

HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-1 375758

www.flueggeoptical.com

The Waterfront on Brown’s Lake offers outdoor dining on our lakeside patio featuring our full menu and full bar, a fire pit and live music every weekend during the summer months. Inside dining is available all year long with breathtaking views of beautiful Brown’s Lake from every table. Our mouthwatering menu changes seasonally, but always features our Signature Thin Crust Pizza. Open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 3:30 - 9:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Closed Monday and Wednesday. Carryout and private party space available.

Visit our website at www.thewaterfrontbrownslake.com for full details

374848

THE BREEZE • JULY 2020 • PAGE 3

Why the water matters to . . .

novice kayakers

Kayaking is a fun way to spend an afternoon, particularly in summertime.

If smiles on the faces of kayakers aren’t enough to convince you just how fun this sport can be, perhaps statistics can convince you how enjoyable it is to paddle away in a kayak.

According to the Physical Activity Council, which each year conducts the largest single-source research study of sports, recreation and leisure activity participation in the United States, recreational kayaking is the most popular paddlesport in the United States, attracting more than 11 million participants each year.

People who have never before been in a kayak may be intrigued by those statistics and tempted to follow the example set by millions of kayakers who take to the water every day when the weather permits. Safety should be a top priority for all kayakers, and especially for novices.

A kayaking course can be a great way for novices to familiarize themselves with the basics of kayaking, including the best practices in regard to staying safe on the water. Local watersports retailers and recreational organizations that take

watersports enthusiasts out on the water may offer safety courses, and these courses can be great resources while also helping people get their feet wet before paddling away.

When kayaking for the first time, it’s important that novices choose the right type of water for their experience level. Rough, choppy waters can prove challenging to even the most skilled kayakers, and these same waters can be deadly for novices.

The following are some characteristics novice kayakers should look for in a body of water before pushing themselves and their kayakers into the current.

Size

Novices should avoid vast bodies of water, such as oceans, rivers or large lakes, until they gain more experience. Large ponds and small lakes can be great places to gain some experience and familiarize oneself with the nuances of paddling.

Demeanor

Demeanor might not be a trait one normally associates with water, but looking at a body of water in this way can be a great way to determine if it’s the right place for

a novice. If a body of water is raging, with choppy waters and rapid waves, then steer clear. If the water is calm, then it’s likely a safe spot for novices.

Traffic

Novices may be intimidated by crowds, but other kayakers can serve as something of a safety net for novices. Kayaking is a fun group activity, and novice paddlers should never go it alone.

Variety

Novices should steer clear of waters that allow power boats. Such vessels can alter paddling conditions quickly, and that can put novices in potentially precarious positions. Stick to waters that allow only canoes or other boats that won’t affect water conditions.

Access

Until they get more comfortable in their kayaks, novice kayakers should stay close to shorelines so they have quick and simple access to land should they struggle to get acclimated to the water and being in a kayak.

(METRO CREATIVE)

Kayaking is a popular activity that even novices can enjoy, especially when they take certain measures to ensure their safety.

STOCK PHOTO The Breeze

The

Breeze Serving the Tichigan, Browns, Eagle and Wind Lake Area A publication of Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC

1102 Ann Street, Delavan, WI 53115

(262) 728-3411 Editor: Tracy Ouellette Creative Director: Heidi Schulz Advertising Director: Vicki Vanderwerff Page Designer: Jen DeGroot

For advertising opportunities call (262) 723-2250

On the cover Kayaking is a popular sport on the Fox River. Waterford has a public kayak launch in the park behind the library and Village Hall. Photo by Tracy Ouellette.

PAGE 4 • JULY 2020 • THE BREEZE

Lions will host July 4 parade ORGANIZERS SEEK ENTRIES FOR ANNUAL EVENT

The Waterford Lions Club Fourth of July parade and kids parade will be held as scheduled this year, according to organizers.

“With everything going on this year we would like this to be the best parade ever,” organizers wrote in a news release.

The theme for this year’s event is “United We Stand.”

Community members, businesses and organizations are invited to enter the parade with floats, cars, tractors, bands, or “whatever you may have,” according to organizers.

“We would also like to make a special place in our parade to honor our doctors and nurses, and our 2020 graduates from middle school, high school and college,” they wrote.

Organizers will accommodate vehicles, floats or groups walking the parade route.

The Waterford Lioness Club will again sponsor the kids parade, which starts at Milwaukee and Main streets at 10:30 a.m. The kids will proceed north to Fox Mead Crossing.

Registration forms are available on the Lions website www.waterfordlionsclub.org. Participants may also register on site beginning at 9:30am.

Local children are invited to decorate their bikes, wagons and themselves in patriotic fashion. The participants judged best will receive ice cream and gift certificates from Uncle Harry’s Frozen Custard.

The main parade steps off at 11 a.m. and will proceed from the intersection of Seventh and Main streets to Milwaukee Street where it will head north to Trailside Elementary School. Check-in is from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at Fifth and Aber streets.

Those who wish to enter the parade may find a registration form at waterfordlionsclub.org or by contacting parade chairman Scott Gunderson at 414-581-3157. Entries can be made until July 4.

The Waterford Lions Club will again sponsor the Great Duck Raffle! Duck pins will be sold along the parade route, from any Lions Club of Waterford member or on the group’s Facebook page. Proceeds from the Great Duck Raffle go to local food banks and help pay parade expensFILE PHOTO BY CHAD HENSIAK The Breeze es. The drawing will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the Lions Food A boy dressed in patriotic colors waves to the crowd while riding aboard a tractor during the Waterford Stand.

Lions Club’s Fourth of July parade in 2019. The event is on track for Saturday, July 4, this year, according to Food and beverages will be available at the corner of Milwaukee and Main streets beginning at 9:30 a.m. organizers.

(METRO CREATIVE)

STOCK PHOTO

Recreational activities entice people to embrace the great outdoors, particularly in summer.

Stand-up paddling is one such activity that has become more popular in recent years. Recent research from the Physical Activity Council, a collective effort on the part of eight leading trade associations in sports, fitness and recreation, found that 3.5 million Americans participate in stand-up paddling.

Participation in the sport is split up almost 50-50 by gender (51 percent female, 49 percent male), indicating that stand-up paddling is equally attractive to both men and women.

In addition to serving as a relaxing way to enjoy the beauty of nature, stand-up paddling gets some of its appeal from its relative ease of participating.

The PAC notes that minimal equipment is needed to engage in stand-up paddling, participants typically spend minimal time and effort preparing for an outing. That makes stand-up paddling an ideal respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and a perfect way to spend some time outdoors for people whose schedules suddenly clear up.

Would-be paddlers who are curious about the availability of places to paddle should know that more than half of all stand-up paddlers travel less than 10 miles to paddle, proving that just about any body of water provides an opportunity to engage in this activity.

People interested in stand-up paddling but unwilling to make any significant financial commitment before trying it out should know that 42 percent of people who do not own paddleboards rent them from local businesses such as on-site rental providers at boathouses or marinas and independent outdoor specialty stores. That makes stand-up paddling among the more accessible activities for people looking to enjoy the great outdoors this summer and beyond.

The Breeze

The appeal of stand-up paddling

THE BREEZE • JULY 2020 • PAGE 5

BOATING DURING

COVID-19

Tips for safe social distancing

Boating safety is always—always—a critical consideration whenever you push off the dock, but with all the recent issues regarding COVID-19, many people are wondering if boating is considered a safe social distancing practice.

As boaters everywhere do their best to navigate these uncharted waters, we’ll do our best to serve as a reliable resource in answering many of your questions about boating during the coronavirus—from navigating local boating restrictions and boat ramp closures in your area, to following best practices for social distancing on the water.

these rules are changing by the day.

Discover Boating strongly recommends checking on the legalities before making any trips. One resource you may want to use is the Public Water Access Guide Tool at discoverboating.com, which can help you discover nearby locations to go boating in your local community by using the interactive map. All you have to do is select your state to see the latest updates from state officials regarding public water access points, boat landings, and ramps.

Another handy resource can be found at the US Fish & Wildlife Service: State By State Closures, which lists the U.S. Fish & Wildlife locations including many with Social distancing while boating access points, and their current status is Is boating a safe social distancing updated daily. activity? The short answer is yes, but the Many are asking if they will receive long answer is a bit more involved. assistance with mechanical issues while First and foremost, all the usual rules boating during the COVID-19 crisis? apply: This is a question that may weigh • Limit the people aboard to those family heavily on a lot of people’s minds, since members you share your home with, period it’s another way your safety may be – no guests; impacted out on the water. On-the-water • Don’t raft up with other boats or pull towing assistance from major fleets like up onto a beach close to another boat, as TowBoatUS and Sea Tow remain active that could put you in close proximity with and able to respond. the occupants; In addition, search and rescue and • Be careful to maintain a safe distance emergency personal from the U.S. Coast from others when doing things like loading Guard and most state agencies also remain up at the marina or fueling the boat; active. However, because the constantly • After doing anything that requires changing nature of this emergency touching an item someone else may have Discover Boating highly recommends touched, like a marina gate lock or a fuel double-checking on all of the above, before pump, disinfect by washing your hands or taking out your boat. using a hand sanitizer as soon as possible; and Disinfecting the boat • Finally, to maintain the highest level of Like many solid surfaces, the parts of safety pack your gear and supplies ahead of your boat could temporarily house the time and don’t plan to stop at a store on the COVID-19 virus. As long as you keep way to the marina or launch ramp, as you boating between you and your family, usually might. your boat in and of itself shouldn’t be any problem. But, what if you want to be extra Where can I go boating? cautious and disinfect your boat?

Every state and in many cases different In that case, go by the Centers for municipalities or counties have different Disease Control recommendations. That regulations in place as to where you can means disinfecting surfaces with EPAlaunch a boat during this time of crisis. And approved disinfectants, however, you

should remember that some of the approved disinfectants (like bleach or acids) can harm some of the surfaces of a boat. The canvass and vinyls are particularly subject to damage or discoloration, if disinfecting chemicals are left on their surfaces.

So, after disinfecting be sure to give

your boat a thorough wash-down. The most important thing overall is simply to maintain a clean boat; see the How to Clean a Boat Guide at Discover Boating to keep things ship-shape.

For more information, visit the Discover Boating website.

PAGE 6 • JULY 2020 • THE BREEZE

MARINE TRADING POST

375815

BUYING, SELLING & SERVICING BOATS AND MARINE EQUIPMENT

CLASSIFIEDS Boats

PRINCECRAFT PRO 167 BT, 40hp tiller with power trim, trailer including spare tire and tongue jack, 1998 newer Minn Kota 55 power drive, new Hummingbird Helix 5 sonar gps, new cover, fully serviced water ready, stored inside. Only $5750. mbgamz@aol.com or call Mike 262-492-2694.

16’ BLUEFIN FISHING BOAT 85 HP., trolling motor, two graphs, 4hp. kicker. $1,700 262-537-2724 1988 THOMPSON I/O 3.7 liter, Motor runs well, needs work. With trailer. $1400. OBO. 262-758-0770.

KEN’S PONTOON TRAILERING 262-534-3893, 262-332-1416.

WE BUY - BOATS/RV/PONTOONS/ SLED/ATV’S & MOTORCYCLES! “Cash Paid” Now! AMERICAN MARINE & MOTORSPORTS SUPERCENTER, SHAWANO

866-

955-2628 WWW.AMERICANMARINA.COM (WCAN)

LAKES AREA CLASSIFIEDS BOATS FOR SALE Ski Boats/Fishing Boats

2003 Tracker, 65 hp. Outboard, electric trolling motor, well maintained. $ 2950 SOLD (630) 886-6667

1980’s Runabout bow Rider, 100 hp Johnson, trailer $95 (262) 949-6997

Lift and Lift Parts

Jet ski lift, Needs some repair $25.00.

1985 Mastercraft Prostar 190, trailer, (262) 949-6997 garaged, $2975 best. Text please (630) Jet ski lift, Lauderdale location. S95.00.

886-6667 Delivery available. (262) 949-6997 1990 Mastercraft Prostar 190, low hours, excellent ski boat, trailer, lift kept Shore station lift parts, cheap.

Lauderdale Lakes. (262) 742-3665 $5250 best (262) 949-6997 1995 Mastercraft Sammy Duvall Golf Carts series, Corvette engine, flat wakes great slalom boat $11,500 best. (262) Golf cart, 4 seater, needs new batteries.

742-3665 SOLD 1998 Supra Legacy, Super low hours, $975. Text please. (630) 886-6667 clean, kept in heated garage, bow rider, great family boat. $7950 best. (262) Ski Equipment 949-6997 Ski trainer, easy to get up on, builds 2000 Supra Legacy, very clean, confidence. $75. Text (262) 949-6997 garage/lift kept, bow rider, 275 hours, Slalom ski, HO high performance, $9750 best. (630) 886-6667 perfect shape. Was $500- now $95.

(630) 886-6667

Fishing Boats

STORAGE

BOAT, RV OR AUTO STORAGE RATES –– 2020

SIZE

6 MONTH RATE

Up to 20 feet Up to 24 feet Up to 28 feet Up to 32 feet Up to 36 feet Waverunners

$375.00 $395.00 $445.00 $495.00 $550.00 $195.00

Inside secure storage. Concrete floors.

Pontoon pickup/delivery available.

ELKHORN

SURE LOCK STORAGE

814 N. Wisconsin • 262.949.6997

14 foot aluminum fishing boat, trolling motor, oars, battery. $395. (262) 742-3665.

DEL AVA N

YOU STORE IT, LLC

1034 Ann Street • 262.949.6997

SERVICES OFFERED and Indooroor O u t d ge Stora es Packagble Availa

Boat and Trailers

Prof Gr ession Restound-upal Servoration ices

• Indoor Storage-Summer and Winter • Outdoor Storage-Summer and Winter • Shrink Wrap • Sales • Repairs • In/Out Valet Services • Pickup/Delivery Services Antique Auto • Antique Boat Restoration • Indoor Storage-Summer and Winter • Gel-Coat/Fiberglass Work • Restoration • Custom Woodwork (Transom bars) • Cleaning and Detailing • Cleaning and Detailing • Consignment • Bottom Wash • Consignment • Upholstery • Upholstery • Covers Copyright © 2003-2015. All rights reserved.

375340

THE BREEZE • JULY 2020 • PAGE 7

Buying a boat is an investment but isn’t much different from taking the family on a series of vacations, putting in an in-ground pool, buying a timeshare, or making a different sort of land-based recreational purchase like a vehicle or a piece of property. Boating offers the chance to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends potentially every weekend.

Boating –

DISCOVER BOATING PHOTO The Breeze

The perfect on-demand summer vacation for families If you like the idea of taking an impromptu vacation whenever the whim strikes, Discover Boating says you should be a boat owner.

Whatever your favorite boating activities may be, you probably already know that when you step aboard a boat and cast off the lines, life’s stresses melt away in a heartbeat.

And speaking of heartbeats, it’s been scientifically proven that getting out on the water on a boat promotes a restful state, with various physiological and psychological benefits that we like to refer to as “blue mind.” Not to mention, national surveys have shown that boaters report higher levels of satisfaction in marriage and romance, as well as many other aspects of life.

Boating a vacation on-demand The bottom line? Boating isn’t merely fun – it’s also good for you and your family in countless ways. It soothes the soul, recharges your internal batteries, and improves your attitude. Think of owning a boat like it was owning your own personal never-ending vacation.

Boating is more affordable than you think.

You might be wondering, if being a boater is so great, wouldn’t everyone out there already own a boat of their own?

Well, if all those people perpetually stuck on dry land knew how great boating was, they probably would.

Then, of course, there is the financial end of things. Hopefully you’ve already

checked out the Discover Boating Boat Loan Calculator, and realized that buying a boat really isn’t very different from buying a motorized vehicle intended for use on land. There is such a thing as affordable boating.

Take a look at these 23 Affordable Entry-Level Boat Models, which may surprise you as many have starting price points at well under $30K, $20K, $10K and even $5K.

Things You Can Do on a Boat. You’ll never be shoe-horned into a campsite surrounded by crowds of other people, and you’ll be miles away from noisy hotel rooms.

have, for $166.50 a day?

Go golfing? Nope. The average fees of $36 per person at a public course add up to $180.

Maybe taking the kids to an amusement A boat is long-term investment park would be fun? For sure, but with an average ticket price of $50 per person plus Another factor to keep in mind is how many days do you think you might use your $10 parking fees, that day at the park will boat? Those trips to the Bahamas ended up tap you for $260. costing you about $714 per day. But you’re How about paintball? Not by a longshot, that shakes out to around $55 per person free to use your boat whenever you’d like, per day or $275 for the entire family. and if you use it just 30 times a year the Comparing costs What about taking the gang to a baseball cost per day of fun is less than half that, at game? At an average cost of $65.06, you’re Compare the costs of boating to other $333. Or, it would be if your boat merely looking at $325.30. vacations. What’s even most surprising for disappeared – poof! – like those vacations For an NFL game push that up to $150 many consumers is how well buying a boat do. But since you own your boat you per person, or $750. compares with other types of vacationing eventually gain back its resale value.

Ouch. Those few hours of fun are expenses. Consider the following: As a general rule of thumb (*note probably going to cost a whole lot more • A two-week vacation in the Bahamas that resale value on used boats can vary than an entire monthly payment on that will cost a family of five around $10,000, quite a bit depending on their condition boat, even if you bought it with no money on average. If you vacation once a year and location) a boat depreciates around down. for five years, that’s $50,000. There’s 20-percent the year it’s sold, then about Is buying a boat the right option for also a huge range of very nice bowriders, 10-percent a year beyond that. Crunch your family? Of course, we do need deckboats, and jet boats large enough to the math and you’ll find that the $50,000 to realize that there are other expenses easily fit the entire family – plus several boat should still be worth something like associated with all of these vacation guests – in that price range. But with your $26,244 five years after you bought it. To options and activities. That includes boats, own boat you won’t be going back to the learn more, be sure to read the Discover same place over and over again, and instead Boating guides, Trade-In or Sell Your Boat: too, and we wouldn’t want anyone to go into the boating experience without a can visit virtually limitless lakes, rivers and What Are Your Options? and How to Sell full comprehension of what’s involved bays.

Your Boat. financially.

• You can enjoy various watersports; go Let’s play it safe, and say the boat’s To get a more complete view of the boat camping; try your hand at freshwater value is half its original cost ($25,000). fishing or saltwater fishing and take day When you collect the proceeds from selling big picture, be sure to visit the Discover Boating Cost of Boat Ownership page. cruises. it that cost per day of fun also gets halved, But when you break out the calculator, The list of all the fun activities you can which puts the bottom-line number at remember that each and every recreational enjoy on each and every mini-vacation $166.50 – less than a quarter of the cost of never ends—and you can find more a day vacationing in the islands. So, what See BOATING, Back Page activities to do onboard by reading 10 Fun other fun experiences could a family of five

PAGE 8 • JULY 2020 • THE BREEZE

CALL US FOR ALL YOUR OUTDOOR

landscaping projects!

DISCOVER BOATING PHOTO The Breeze

Boating is a great family activity as kids (and grownups) of all ages enjoy getting out on the water.

• Boating

(Continued from page 7)

activity we’ve mentioned also has peripheral costs associated with it.

And when you get right down to brass tacks, buying a boat isn’t much different from taking the family on a series of vacations, putting in an in-ground pool, buying a timeshare, or making a different sort of land-based recreational purchase like a vehicle or a piece of property.

At least, it isn’t from a financial point of view. Because if you want to look at

these options from the perspective of which will be the most fun, owning a boat is the winner by a longshot.

It’s also good to remember, if you’re not ready to take the plunge into boat ownership, you do have other options.

From simple full- or half-day boat rentals, to peer-to-peer boat sharing, charters, and even joining a boat club.

For more information, visit discoverboating.com.

FULLY INSURED • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL

3 Brick Pavers 3 Fertilization 3 Trucking & Deliveries 3 Mulching 3 Landscaping & Maintenance

3 Retaining Walls 3 Patio Installation & Repair 3 Bobcat Services 3 Spring/Fall Cleanup 3 Complete Lawn Care Service

KOCH KUTS LLC Landscape & Maintenance

for Every Occasion...

ROYAL TREAT 50¢ OFF ANY ROYAL TREAT WITH THIS COUPON

Limit one Royal Treat. Offer good at Burlington Dairy Queen Offer good through July 31, 2020

Burlington Dairy Queen

Office: 262.534.9509 375849

324 S. Pine Street, Burlington

763-9385

374893

www.kochkuts.com kochkuts@yahoo.com