PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Southern Lakes Newspapers
**ecrwss POSTAL CUSTOMER
Lauderdale Lakes BREEZE Summer 2016 • First Edition
FREE
MYWALWORTHCOUNTY.COM
City to draft rolling contract with skiers Contract would create more permanent home for team, open doors to grant opportunities
BY
Kellen Olshefski
STAFF WRITER
n the spirit of working together, the City of Elkhorn Common Council voted in favor of directing staff to draft a multiyear contract that would allow the Lauderdale Aqua Skiers to continue shows on Elkhorn Lake at Babe Mann Park. Prior to Monday night, the contract between the city and ski club was set for a yearly renewal, however, with new grant opportunities, the city opted to look at different possibilities in the upcoming years. Ken Reynolds of the Lauderdale Aqua Skiers said Monday night said the club thinks it’s a great site, though in looking to apply for grant money, they would need it to be more of a permanent home.
Reynolds said Monday night the Wisconsin Water Ski Federation gives grant money to teams, however, it won’t give money to a team unless it has a permanent site. “So, we have to prove to them we have a home, somewhere we can call home,” Reynolds said. Reynolds said the club would like to have at least a 5-year agreement with the city, as from their understanding, the grant indicates a permanent home of 5 to 10 years. “We understand right now a 10-year commitment, even on our end, is a lot, and for the city as well,” he said. “But it just gives us a better chance at getting some grant monies.” As for the use of the grant money, Reynolds said all money would go to the approval of the site. So far, he said the site has been great for the team, noting it had
about 400 people attend its end of the year show last year. “This year, we’re hoping for some of those same results,” he said. Reynolds said the club is also working with city organizations, including the city and Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce, to engage Elkhorn citizens through events and more. He said if the club were able to hold a statewide tournament at Elkhorn Park, it could bring thousands of people into the city, in turn bringing revenue to city businesses. Looking at options, City Attorney Ward Phillips said he thinks the easiest option would be to draft a perpetual contract that would include a way for the city to opt out at any point in time. City Administrator Sam Tapson suggested something like creating a
contract that offers a base of three years and then rolls over each year after, while giving the city an option to sever the contract with a years notice, or something along those lines. With the club operating under an events permit at the lake last year rather than a contract, Tapson said it would make sense the club would still submit an events permit application, possibly without any fees outside of those specified by the contract, to keep the city informed of when the club would be on the lake and if they might need any city services, such as police or emergency personnel. Under this method, the city would continue to have an understanding of the club’s schedule for the upcoming season. Alderman Scott McClory said,
See SKIERS • Page 2
COURTESY MINDWORKS PHOTOGRAPHY Lauderdale Lakes Breeze
The City of Elkhorn recently voted in favor of the Lauderdale Aqua Skiers continu- council the site has worked great for the ski team with about 400 people attending its ing to perform shows on Elkhorn Lake at Babe Mann Park. Ken Reynolds told the final show last year.
Lauderdale-La Grange FD volunteers recognized By Tom Ganser
go into situations that most people try to avoid. Members of the Lauderdale-La Grange Lauderdale-La Grange Fire Fire and Rescue has served Department (fire fighters 36 square miles of farms, and rescue) were recognized woodland and lakes since recently at the La Grange its formation in 1959. The Methodist Church in an department operates out of annual event that included a one firehouse located on pancake breakfast supporting Highway 12 in the Town of the La Grange Methodist La Grange. Church’s Emergency Relief In 2015, LLFD fire Fund. fighters and EMTs responded During the worship service to 217 calls, including 52 fire on March 13, Pastor Don calls and 165 for Emergency Norman thanked the LLFD Rescue Team assistance. volunteers, pointing out that Over the past 10 years, the in their roles they willingly number of response calls CORRESPONDENT
has grown nearly every year, according to department representatives. Chief John “Curly” Duerst said he is thankful for the dedication of all current and past volunteer fire fighters as shown in their enthusiastic participation, dedication to training and contribution of personal time to the work of the LLFD. In August – date yet to be determined – the department will host its annual Steak Dinner Cookout. In addition to good eats, fire trucks and other equipment will be on
display and fire fighters and EMTs will be on hand to give familiarization tours. EMT Chuck Taylor said the LLFD does all the fire prevention and home safety training each year at Lakeview Elementary School in the Whitewater School District. The department also awards two $500 scholarships, one at Whitewater High School and one at Elkhorn Area High School, to senior students planning a career in fire service or health care fields. The Lauderdale-La Grange
Fire Department is currently staffed by 35 volunteers though the approved staff level for volunteer fire fighters is 42. New volunteers are always
welcome and should call Duerst at (262) 495-8610 for more information. Especially needed are volunteers who are available during the day on weekdays.
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