A pair of sandhill cranes stand in a yard in this file photo OCONOMOWOC — The man who took out a federal permit to have a sandhill crane killed said it caused about $2,500 worth of damage to his vehicle and trailer before he decided to get the permit as a "last resort." a resident on South Maple Street in Oconomowoc said when the lone sandhill crane became a nuisance starting in March he used several methods to try and deter it I worked with the Fish and Wildlife of Wisconsin and followed everything to try keep it away," Shimel said According to an Oconomowoc Police Department report of the incident an officer responded to the man’s residence on South Maple Street at 6:34 p.m The man had been issued a permit from the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service for the lethal taking of one sandhill crane with the use of a rifle or shotgun provided that nonlethal deterrence methods remained in use concurrently The officer wrote that he isolated the bird near the railroad tracks to the south Shimel’s residence and it was backdropped by the raised berm of the railway lines allowing him "to fire at a downward angle to maximize safety." Also the officer said he aimed and fired at the bird’s vital organs It was struck and flew onto the railroad tracks The officer then said he used a secondary and final round to humanely end any suffering other area residents told the police officer the crane had also damaged their vehicles and property recently a game bird ecologist with the Department of Natural Resources said the department receives about three to five calls per year about nuisance sandhill cranes Sandhill cranes are a federally protected migratory bird so any action with them must first be approved at the federal level Finger said moving a sandhill crane to a new location often isn’t successful because the bird will usually return to from where it was removed SIGN UP While farmers complain of sandhill cranes causing damage to crops homeowners report the birds pecking at houses and reflective objects such as windows and solar panels according to a report from the University of Wisconsin Extension “The attacks are usually a result of seeing their reflections and probably related to territorial behavior These damages usually occur during the breeding season and in spring and summer and typically cease in late summer,” according to the report Finger said when a sandhill crane appears in the vicinity of someone’s home it’s looking to set up an area for nesting and to create a home range The first thing a person should do is to remove a bird feeder and take actions to make the cranes less comfortable If we make the bird feel comfortable at some point it will be too comfortable and then we will be complaining about it,” he said Finger said people can use fake owls and coyote decoys With the crane population growing in recent years people are definitely seeing more of them in their neighborhoods Finger said there were an estimated 40,000 sandhill cranes among the eastern population “We have created an ideal habitat and there are no predators,” Finger said adding millions of dollars have been spent on improving wild fowl habitat which in turn has been beneficial to the sandhill crane 10 things to know this week from the WOW counties (Waukesha Ozaukee and Washington) sent on Sundays Get the latest Waukesha County news delivered every day so you don't miss out on updates Have Waukesha County breaking news alerts sent to your inbox as they happen At 12:54 p.m. on Wednesday, a vehicle was stopped at Michigan Avenue and Grandview Boulevard for a stop sign violation. The driver a… Read moreWaukesha police blotter: April 30-May 1, 20225 Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: The Wildlife in Need Center in Waukesha County answers about 10,000 phone calls a year from people asking for advice or help with wildlife issues often taking in animals who are orphaned or treating injuries and diseases before reuniting them with nature So it surprised the nonprofit's executive director when she learned while scrolling Facebook that an Oconomowoc police officer shot a sandhill crane April 28 after a resident obtained a permit for lethal force following the bird's repeated damage to his property "It's disappointing we weren't called," Kim Banach told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel but we could have provided solutions and alternatives to try." After a sandhill crane caused persistent damage to his vehicle and other property on his street throughout April an Oconomowoc resident alerted police and contacted federal agencies to obtain a permit to shoot the bird according to reports from the Oconomowoc Police Department Since sandhill cranes are migratory birds that are federally protected a federally issued permit by the USDA-Wildlife Services or U.S Fish and Wildlife Service is required to shoot them Here's what we know about the crane in Oconomowoc and some tips experts shared to minimize crane disruptions before deciding to obtain a permit to use lethal force on the animal Since it's breeding season and cranes are highly territorial relocating the sandhill crane shot by Oconomowoc police would not have helped "We could have moved that bird to Minnesota Iowa and they would have come back," said Anne Lacy director of Eastern Flyway Programs - North America at the Baraboo-based International Crane Foundation That bird planned to stick around Oconomowoc An Oconomowoc police report said the sandhill crane was on its own when the officer shot it and the resident confirmed it was the same bird There's no way to know if it was truly the same bird returning to cause damage but she presumes this crane was a nesting bird that would have stuck around through breeding season until September or October The crane's behavior damaging vehicles was hormonally driven aggression that would have waned through the summer Banach said it's not clear if the bird had a mate nearby something her team would take into consideration when working to alleviate some of the issue wildlife experts sayIt's not clear if the Oconomowoc crane was being fed by neighbors but Finger advises that people don’t get too close to birds and should not feed them residents should take their bird feeders down they will return to the source of food or defend against it if they perceive a threat in their reflection cranes can spot their reflection in car or house windows and defend against what they think is a bird infringing on their turf People can prevent potential from cranes pecking at their reflection by covering windows with stickers or closing shades Brad Timm told the Journal Sentinel the resident's truck sustained $2,000 in damages due to scratches from the sandhill crane and his trailer cannot be repaired because of the trailer's surface material Lacy suggests they cover their vehicles for the evening "But sometimes that's the price we have to pay for living with wildlife." Every scenario with a crane or bird differs and a call to a wildlife rehabilitation center or organization like the International Crane Foundation can connect an individual with the options other than a permit for lethal force specific to their situation they try to re-nest and reunite animals whenever possible The center's wildlife clinic is open 9 a.m Contact staff at 262-965-3090 or by email at contact@helpingwildlife.org (This story was updated to add new information.) Contact the reporter Bridget Fogarty at bfogarty@gannett.com An Oconomowoc police officer shot a sandhill crane after reports of its repeated damage to residents' property causing some neighbors to wonder whether authorities could have taken other measures to address the issues caused by the federally-protected bird the same sandhill crane kept damaging a resident's vehicle and other property on South Maple Street according to documents the Oconomowoc Police Department provided to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel The ongoing issues led the resident to alert the police of damage and contact USDA-Wildlife Services to obtain a permit for law enforcement to shoot the bird Since sandhill cranes are migratory birds that are federally protected The police department verified the permit April 28 and shot the bird the same day Neighbors nearby confirmed to police that the same sandhill crane had caused damage to other vehicles and property on the street The DNR confirmed it received a complaint about a sandhill crane nuisance issue in Oconomowoc in early April and reported the issue per department protocol Some neighbors whose property was damaged by the bird told Fox 6 they would have preferred the bird be relocated or that other alternatives be taken to mitigate the issue told the Journal Sentinel that the sandhill crane causing issues in Oconomowoc likely would have stuck around the area for many more months and it was unlikely that it could have been relocated While some populations of sandhill cranes migrate further north for the summer the Oconomowoc bird and all other sandhill cranes spotted this time of year in Wisconsin are part of the eastern population that's here to stay This bird picked a spot that was just too close to people "(The crane) was going to be a problem from here on out." Migratory birds that are federally protected are generally not relocated since they’ll just fly back to the spot they came from When sandhill cranes are spotted within municipalities residents can take small steps to ensure the birds don't get too comfortable in the area or cause nuisance issues Finger advises that people don’t get too close or feed the bird which means they should take their bird feeders down People can put up party streamers or other décor that causes movement that makes the birds uncomfortable while those with lawns can put up fake deer or other animal statues Birds may see their reflection in car or house windows and defend against what they think is another bird in their area Stickers on windows or closing shades can break up that reflection It's unknown if residents in Oconomowoc were feeding or interacting with the bird that's where differences in opinion come up with how to mitigate issues “Everyone likes to see wildlife up close and personal but it’s important to keep wildlife wild,” Finger said Tony Evers' 2025-27 state budget included a proposal to provide $3.7 million to reimburse corn farmers up to 50% of the cost of crane-deterring seed treatment It does not include a crane hunting option About 48% of surveyed state residents opposed crane hunting while 35% were neutral and 17.6% supported it, when asked by the University of Wisconsin Survey Center for a 2023 study Contact the reporter at bfogarty@gannett.com WAUKESHA — An Oconomowoc man has been ordered to remain a mile away from his ex-girlfriend after her report that he held a knife to her neck and threatened to kill her after celebrating her birthday last January was released after signing a $10,000 signature bond on Monday which carried a condition that he remain at least a mile from the woman and follow requirements of GPS monitoring He was charged Monday in Waukesha County Circuit Court with a count of first-degree recklessly endangering safety misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct using a dangerous weapon all with domestic abuse enhancers that could subject him to up to 15 years in prison if convicted of all charges The complaint in the case said a woman went to Oconomowoc police on Friday to report an incident that took place at her home on Jan they were living together as boyfriend and girlfriend but they are no longer romantically involved But the woman said she didn’t report the matter at the time because she was scared and felt guilty because he was battling cancer The woman reported they had argued on their way home from her birthday celebration the morning of Jan and once home Mullins hit her in the stomach and threw her against a wall When she told him to leave he punched a mirror in a hallway and broke a gate as he returned to the kitchen The woman reported Mullins punched her in the face The woman said Mullins went to the kitchen grabbed a knife and chased her around the kitchen table threw her again and smashed her head into the toilet before holding a knife with a footlong blade to her neck as he straddled her She 'stated that the defendant pushed down on her neck with the knife and the defendant told (her) he was going to gut her like a pig,' the complaint said The woman was able to push Mullins off of her but he slashed at her with the knife as she did so It added the woman also showed police a photo of a mark on her arm which she said she got when Mullins bit her A camera in the residence captured a verbal argument and parts of the physical altercation where Mullins struck the woman Mullins told police 'at the time of that incident he was heavily medicated with drugs related to his cancer treatment and he had no recollection of the incident The defendant stated that he only knew of the incident because of what Victim A had told him,' the complaint said Mullins also was charged in a separate case of disorderly conduct after he allegedly broke a window during an argument with the woman March 21 Mullins is to return to court May 28 for a preliminary hearing Liam Mullins She "stated that the defendant pushed down on her neck with the knife and the defendant told (her) he was going to gut her like a pig," the complaint said Mullins told police "at the time of that incident The defendant stated that he only knew of the incident because of what Victim A had told him," the complaint said — Costco has applied to build on approximately 23 acres of vacant land at Pabst Farms in Oconomowoc City officials received the application on April 17 The proposed location sits north of Interstate 94 near County Highway P in the business park area of the 1,500-acre Pabst Farms development said the project makes sense given the area's recent growth “When I started working in Oconomowoc from Dousman Anything along the interstate is going to grow.” That’s what attracted us here — it’s up and coming We wouldn’t have to drive 20 minutes to Pewaukee.” The application follows a series of recent developments at Pabst Farms including a $189 million Aurora Medical Center The city has marketed the site as a mixed-use community with commercial Watch: Residents split on Costco coming to Oconomowoc Magnus said interest from a national retailer like Costco aligns with the city's long-term development goals “The Oconomowoc community continues to grow with new residents and consumers so it is a positive step for the overall Pabst Farms Development,” Magnus said who has lived in Oconomowoc for more than 50 years expressed concern about continued development I don’t want it to keep growing,” Kratzer said I went to a grade school across the street — it’s not there anymore City officials have not announced a timeline for construction or opening Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more. Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip Report a typo Top Projects Exclusive big box store chooses new location in Oconomowoc By: Ethan Duran//April 18 There were 248,000 job openings in construction on the last day of March the Assembly Speaker and members of WILL for its "Building Influence" l[...] who entered the construction workforce after his father said he's already learned a lot with co[...] The newest pour from Starbucks is a 3D printed store that's set to open this week in Texas Tony Evers and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson in attendance the Building Advantage career fair in[...] Sign up for your daily digest of The Daily Reporter Daily News View Results Trump's shifting tariff policies are creating economic uncertainty in Wisconsin A majority of school district referendums across this year’s February and April elections were app[...] the EEOC and the Department of Justice released two technical assistance documents offe[...] This month I will attempt to bring the basics back and show an easy trick when calculating the volum[...] What can you do to create respectful work environments where everyone can work safely and in which y[...] and substantial completion are familiar to const[...] who has focused on renewable energy for much of his time in office As Wisconsin’s next state budget debate begins state finances appear stronger than at most points[...] The Daily Reporter provides 24/7 construction news coverage and events honoring top construction professionals Get our free The Daily Reporter News & breaking news notifications Subscribe for access to the latest digital and special editions MADISON, Wis. — Two brothers finally get justice after the Wisconsin State Supreme Court finds they were wrongfully fired in 2014 Gregory and Jeffrey Cota of Oconomowoc worked for the Oconomowoc Area School District over a decade ago on the grounds crew for the district with one of their duties being to recycle scrap metal the processor would pay in cash or using a check made out to “cash” to be deposited back by the district According to the court documents, just over $5,600 in cash payments for the scrap metal recycling was not accounted for by the school district. The district’s Director of Human Resources Pam Casey launched a formal investigation, but was unable to determine who was responsible for the missing funds. She then turned the investigation over to the Town of Oconomowoc Police Department they were also unable to directly link the Cotas brothers to the missing funds The Cotas were eventually cited for “municipal theft” even though the detective on the case was unable to prove any direct misconduct by the Cotas the city district attorney told the school district that “he believed he could obtain convictions and that he also believed the case could be settled The assistant city attorney proposed dismissing the citations against the Cotas in exchange for a $500 payment which he characterized as ‘restitution.’ The District indicated that it supported the proposal the District terminated the Cotas’ employment” The brothers sued for arrest-record discrimination, which is a violation of the state’s Fair Employment Act They never pled guilty to or were convicted of municipal theft The state’s high court agreed with the brothers on April 10 concluding that the Fair Employment Act “does not prohibit terminating employees with arrest records it prohibits terminating employees because of their arrest records” which was the primary rationale for the Cotas’ termination the high court found that the brothers were wrongfully terminated in violation of the Fair Employment Act The Labor and Industry Review Commission has ordered the Oconomowoc Area School District to award the Cotas their old jobs MILWAUKEE --  Nehring's Sendik's grocery store on Downer Ave has temporarily closed after the Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) found mouse and rat.. is voluntarily recalling its "on the vine" tomatoes over concerns of potential salmonella contamination... MILWAUKEE -- On the Monday before Mother's Day the Daisie Foundation is bringing its signature "Random acts of Kindness" event.. OCONOMOWOC — The ability to purchase toilet paper in bulk and to eat a $1.50 hot dog could be in the future of Oconomowoc-area residents should Costco Corporation’s plans to build a retail store in the city come to fruition The city of Oconomowoc announced the application for the Costco store on approximately 23 acres of vacant land in the Pabst Farms development just north of Interstate 94 at the exit to Highway P on Pabst Farms Boulevard so it is a positive step for the overall Pabst Farms Development with interest from a major retailer like Costco,” said Mayor Robert Magnus in a statement “Oconomowoc is the heart of Lake Country — the city established a foundation of success in rebuilding downtown as a destination entertainment and innovation/incubation opportunities at Pabst Farms that will continue to transform it as a community of choice for continued development activity.” The redevelopment of the Pabst Farms area off I-94 and Highway 67 has been going on for a few decades and recently has seen a significant increase in new development activity that includes a mix of commercial and residential buildings Plans for a tech hub have also been approved Some of the other major retailers in Pabst Farms include a Fleet Farm Costco Corporation so far has only submitted plans which will need to go through an approval process Magnus said several other companies in the past have shown interest in the area planned for the Costco location SIGN UP “Until a business makes a formal application you never really know how serious they are to build,” he said Monday Road work is already being done that would allow companies to build in that portion of Pabst Farms “Those road improvements are being paid by the developers said Costco would be a “good addition” to the city “The area where they are locating along I-94 is ideal for this type of use I have heard nothing but positive feedback from my constituents,” he said Get the latest Oconomowoc and Lake Country news delivered each week Have Lake Country breaking news alerts sent to your inbox as they happen — A retired woman in Oconomowoc lost her entire savings after falling victim to a cryptocurrency scam as local police report an alarming increase in similar cases over the past year RELATED: 'A spiderweb of lies': St. Francis man shares how his wife lost $80K in a crypto scam Lee Ann Malec lost $24,000 when scammers convinced her to transfer her money to a Bitcoin ATM claiming it was the only way to protect her bank account from fraudulent activity "Sometimes I wake up and I shiver because I can still hear his voice It is probably something I will never get over," Malec said The scam began when a webpage appeared on Malec's laptop that she couldn't close She believed it was from Microsoft saying there was something wrong with her computer a man told her there was suspicious activity in her bank account Malec even called what she believed was her bank's fraud department which was actually another number controlled by the scammers 'You don't understand this is happening in the bank and we have to find out the scammers had convinced her to transfer her entire savings of $24,000 to a Bitcoin ATM Oconomowoc police said once the money entered the machine it was gone — likely transferred internationally Watch: Oconomowoc police warn crypto scams on the rise after local woman loses savings Malec said in hindsight she wishes she just said something to her bank teller during the incident I wish I had just lifted it up," Malec said The problem has become so widespread that Oshkosh Police have posted warning signs on local cryptocurrency ATMs listing common scam scenarios including "Did someone send you to a Bitcoin ATM When Malec's son-in-law called the scammer the next day to confront him about taking all her savings using profanity and stating he didn't care "I don't know how these people can get up and look at themselves in the mirror in the morning Oconomowoc Police are investigating the incident This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy OCONOMOWOC - The city's already massive and modern business sector within a wide-ranging development area could soon get a new major commercial player: Costco The renown wholesale retailer, a major commercial attraction in three other Waukesha County communities, has submitted an application to the city of Oconomowoc expressing an interest in building on a 23-acre site within Pabst Farms The property is just north of Interstate 94 and just east of Fleet Farm in a growing business park and certainly not a firm proposal at this point in conjunction with the city's announcement that it had received the Costco application at the point where Pabst Farms Boulevard more closely parallels I-94 between Highway 67 and Sawyer Road has been rumored as a place of development interest repeatedly "There have been a lot of different companies looking at that property," Magnus said in a Facetime call "We know who the people are who are looking but we never take it seriously until they send us a formal application." In a separate statement included in a city news release Magnus said Costco could add to the significance of Pabst Farms a 21st-century development area with "future retail entertainment and innovation/incubation opportunities" that a quarter-century ago was still mostly farmland "The Oconomowoc community continues to grow with new residents and consumers so it is a positive step for the overall Pabst Farms Development with interest from a major retailer like Costco," he said in that statement The 23-acre site in which Costco has expressed interest is also just east of a tech-centered business concept development first discussed in 2023 plus the $189 million Aurora Medical Center facility to the south Whether Costco will be able to move forward and join such high-profile entities remains to be seen including the size of the potential Costco store and a targeted opening date "We look forward to working with their team throughout their submittal process and we will keep all informed as pertinent details come forward," officials said in the news release Contact reporter Jim Riccioli at  james.riccioli@jrn.com and anything else we should know about living in Oconomowoc at Cornerstone Sports Pub & Eatery on Wednesday Watch: TMJ4 hosts Let's Talk Oconomowoc at Cornerstone Sports Pub Come and share your stories with Waukesha County reporters Kaylee Staral and Rebecca Klopf Come and mingle with our reporters and tell them what makes Oconomowoc special or what could use some improvement in a relaxed setting Cornerstone Sports Pub & Eatery is located at 24 S jam and other items for sale at the 2024 Oconomowoc Summer Farmers Market OCONOMOWOC — It’s finally springtime in Wisconsin and the annual Oconomowoc Farmers Market starts for the season on Saturday Held again in the Bank Five Nine Campus Lot Operated by the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce there will be several special additions to the Oconomowoc Farmers Market this year June 14 — The 12th International Public Markets Conference will be stopping by for a special tour of the market June 28 — The Children’s Entrepreneur Market will be participating Come see what young local entrepreneurs have to offer July 25 — It’s the Friday Night Market on the Village Green Enjoy a festive evening market experience with music and a lively atmosphere 9 — A celebration of the National Farmers Market Week with community activities and a focus on the importance of local markets To commemorate Oconomowoc’s 150th birthday the farmers market is offering a limited supply of canvas Farmers Market totes These special items are available for purchase at the Chamber of Commerce booth "We’re looking forward to another successful year with over 150 vendors and an average of 2,500 visitors each week The market continues to be a vibrant space for fresh produce and strong community connections," said Sara Ninmann director of Community Events for the chamber For more information, go to https://oconomowoc.org/ OCONOMOWOC - A property owner has set the table for the addition of two new restaurants at the base of Oconomowoc's blossoming Olympia Fields development area A portion of the massive residential development including what was once Olympia hotel and resort land west of Summit Avenue includes a segment set aside for commercial development. If plans hold, the 1.89-acre commercial spot will split into two separate lots — one for a new Chipotle Mexican Grill and the other for a less familiar restaurant brand called First Watch That tidbit emerged from a March 5 meeting of the city's Plan Commission which considered a certified survey map with the lot split just north of Pabst Drive by the project manager the lot is in the process of being sold to Presnick for commercial development Olympia Fields LLC and Majers LLC were listed as the current property owner applicants on a March 5 city planning report and other documents focused on the restaurants themselves The Common Council on March 18 approved the certified survey map containing the lot split It has 10 Milwaukee-area locations and 30 in Wisconsin It would open a 2,300-square-foot restaurant on a new 0.7-acre lot at 1299 Olympia Fields Drive The Florida-based breakfast-brunch-lunch café chain It would open a 3,800-square-foot restaurant on a new 1.2-acre lot at 1295 Olympia Fields Drive An opening date is not expected to be announced until plans are finalized No building permits will be issued until the certified survey map is signed The latest plans come on top of the city's recent approval for a Panera Bread location in that same segment of Olympia Fields re-emerged last summer in a slightly different location It's expected to open in latter half of this year The broader Olympia Fields development area is led by developer Wangard Partners It includes apartments and commercial lots including the redevelopment of the old Kmart building which now includes a Sendik's supermarket and other businesses That commercial collection of businesses neighbors the Panera Chipotle and First Watch restaurant properties This article was updated to include new information Two sandhill cranes stand in a field in this file photo OCONOMOWOC — A sandhill crane was shot and killed by an Oconomowoc police officer after a resident on South Maple Street received a permit from the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service to kill the federally protected migratory bird an officer responded to a man’s residence on South Maple Street at 6:34 p.m The man said the sandhill crane had been causing damage to his vehicle and that he had obtained the permit to kill the animal Fish and Wildlife Service permit allowed for the lethal taking of one sandhill crane with the use of a rifle or shotgun provided that non-lethal deterrence methods remained in use concurrently The resident told the officer that he had been using methods to deter the bird in particular predatory statues and human harassment tactics The report said the permit was issued after repeated incidents of the crane causing damage to the resident’s property in particular his vehicle and enclosed trailer and the resident was able to identify the bird for the officer The officer wrote that he isolated the bird near the railroad tracks to the south of the permit holder’s residence and it was backdropped by the raised berm of the railway lines allowing him “to fire at a downward angle to maximize safety.” Also The bird’s body was then released to the resident’s possession for disposal in accordance with the terms and conditions as outlined in the permit A Facebook message was sent to the possible permit holder Phone: 262-513-2641 Email: soundoff@conleynet.com Responders are required to sign their names Please provide a phone number for verification and the community where you live Email: soundoff@conleynet.com A home on Jorgenson Way on Okauchee Lake will be the location of the Freedom Waves Summer Benefit Concert on July 17 Neighbors raised concerns about noise and disruption to their lives as a result of the event during Monday’s Village Board meeting LAC LA BELLE — For many neighbors who live near a home on Okauchee Lake that has gotten the reputation as a party house learning of plans to hold a fundraiser there this summer was the final straw Those neighbors packed Village Hall on Monday night to share their concerns with the Village Board as well as event organizer Matt Neumann who tried to convince them to trust him to hold a respectful event Before residents were given time to share their thoughts president of Folds of Honor Wisconsin chapter and CEO of Neumann Companies which provides educational scholarships to the spouses or children of military members and first responders who have died in the line of duty or have been disabled Plans for the Freedom Waves Summer Benefit Concert on Jorgenson Way on July 17 include three musical acts and fireworks for 300 guests; however Neumann said he was hearing that residents did not want a fireworks show at the conclusion of the evening so he would not seek a permit for it He also went over options of shuttling guests to the $1,000-per-ticket event Neumann said he had not been aware of the complaints regarding the property owned by Chris and Natalie Kappl when they donated the use of it for the event Their home was also the site of the Christmas Fantasy House in 2024 "This is about the families we serve and there is nothing we’d want to do to paint it in a negative light," Neumann said said he feels like he lives next to a "frat house." He said for the past four years there have been parties at the home that go late into the night and disrupt their lives "This event does not belong here," she said encouraging the organizers to move it to a different venue said she has the right as a homeowner to be inside her house on Jorgenson Court without it being filled with noise from her neighbors Scully cautioned people to "be careful what you wish for" because making rules more stringent for events could also be a "slippery slope." Trustee Erik Mullett reminded neighbors that they were having the presentation and discussion as a way to come up with some solutions and that it was important to separate the previous issues with the home from the Freedom Waves Summer Benefit Concert Village President Robert Hulquist said the village is still in the process of updating its ordinances after the village and Town of Oconomowoc merged Jan That includes ordinances regarding public events No action was taken during Monday’s meeting regarding the event A protest was held in Oconomowoc on Saturday against actions taken by President Donald Trump and D.O.G.E About 200 to 300 protestors lined downtown Oconomowoc on Saturday to tell President Donald Trump and Department of Government Efficiency leader Elon Musk to keep their “hands off” America Protestors line Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Oconomowoc on April 5 They carried signs that asked President Donald Trump and D.O.G.E leader Elon Musk to keep their “hands off” OCONOMOWOC — About 200 to 300 protesters lined the downtown streets of Oconomowoc on Saturday as part of a National Day of Action telling President Donald Trump and Department of Government Efficiency leader Elon Musk to keep their "hands off." Protests were staged around the state and nation with two large gatherings held in Madison and Milwaukee Oconomowoc Police Chief Jim Pfister said OPD was notified a couple of hours before the protesters arrived of their plans The protesters carried signs and waved American and Ukrainian flags. According to HandsOff2025.com "Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them They’re taking everything they can get their hands on we’re taking to the streets nationwide to fight back with a clear message: Hands off !" "This is a nationwide mobilization to stop the most brazen power grab in modern history and their billionaire cronies are orchestrating an all-out assault on our government and our basic rights — enabled by Congress every step of the way "They want to strip America for parts — shuttering Social Security offices and gutting Medicaid — all to bankroll their billionaire tax scam "If we don’t fight now, there won’t be anything left to save," reads HandsOff2025.com Alderwoman Jennifer Aultman Kloth was driving through downtown when she saw the protesters who has been active in the campaigns of conservative candidates in recent months and took to Facebook on Saturday to share photos of the protesters said she respects people’s right to assemble and the First Amendment but she said their presence negatively affected downtown businesses Aultman Kloth said because they did not have a permit the protesters were not allowed to stage in the Village Green in the heart of the downtown "I wish they would have been more mindful of downtown businesses and had gotten a permit and done their due diligence," she said She said with Saturday being one of the biggest days for local businesses she believed the business owners were "impacted by their selfishness." "They were shouting and disruptive and I heard from a few people that they were rude," Aultman Kloth said OPD Chief Pfister said the protesters didn’t cause any issues "There were no problems other than trying to keep the protesters moving and maintaining the sidewalk was passable," Pfister said "The department requested additional (Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department) units to be in the area to assist if needed and all the protesters complied with our requests The sidewalk was not blocked to any business in the downtown and we were not notified that any customers could not get into a business." director of community events for the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce and the owner of The Lounge Collection and Snips and Giggles in downtown Oconomowoc said the protests did cause a "noticeable slowdown in business." "Anytime traffic or parking is disrupted in the downtown area — whether due to protests public safety concerns like bomb threats or train incidents or even celebratory parades — our local businesses feel the impact," she said "Many of us downtown business owners understand that there are positives and negatives to most situations We recognize the importance of public safety and the value of civic engagement and we are often willing to adapt when events serve a meaningful purpose the most recent protest appeared to be a disruption without any tangible benefit." She also said that it appeared some of the protesters were unaware or dismissive of how their presence and what they were doing was affecting the small businesses this led many potential customers to avoid downtown entirely which hurts not only sales but the overall vitality of our community," Ninmann said James Day organized the Oconomowoc protest His original expectation was about 20 people "I had wondered what I could do about what is happening in America right now," Day said he wanted to plan an event to celebrate Susan Crawford’s election to Wisconsin Supreme Court and Jill Underly’s reelection as state superintendent but it grew with the Hands Off and Indivisible movements Day said people of all ages attended and there was minimal agitation "It went great; people were cooperative," he said The protest and protesters also became a topic on social media Julie Benedict posted on the Facebook group Lake Country 411 defending the protesters (I don’t care) what your political stance is Terry Williams Conley expressed happiness at seeing the First Amendment in action "This is what Democracy looks like!" Williams Conley wrote Others were critical of the protesters and their impact on the downtown area Make everyone suffer for what they believe Why hinder fellow citizens trying to go places or the local businesses trying to make money," Paul Marmes wrote on Lake Country 411 "There is huge open grass area they could stand in and make their point Why piss off people trying to go about their day Some of the people they are hindering have same views as them." OCONOMOWOC — Incumbent District 2 Alderman Andrew Moroni hopes to retain his bid for reelection against challenger Rusty McConnell The Enterprise asked both candidates the same questions ahead of the April election CONLEY MEDIA: Why are you running for this position McConnell: I am running to champion the interests of our local businesses and families here in Oconomowoc we need engaged and proactive leadership now more than ever I am committed to bringing a strategic and active voice to the discussions shaping our future My priorities are ensuring sustainable growth supporting AND prioritizing local businesses Moroni: As I seek re-election as the 2nd District alderman I remain committed to serving Oconomowoc in a productive and meaningful way ensuring that residents have a strong voice on the city council My key priorities include maintaining public access to our lakefronts and pursuing strategic development that preserves Oconomowoc’s small-town charm It is essential that we protect the historical integrity of our downtown for future generations CONLEY MEDIA: What is your approach to handling controversial and complicated issues and those on the other side care just as deeply If we ignore this and focus only on our own opinions we see this far too often in politics today That’s why I make it a priority to truly understand all perspectives and approach every issue with an open mind This doesn’t mean compromising my values and beliefs but it does mean ensuring that everyone has a fair and equal opportunity to be heard Moroni: Transparency is crucial in achieving the best outcomes for our community I encourage residents to attend informational meetings and provide feedback on matters affecting our city Listening to the opinions and concerns of residents is at the heart of my role as alderman CONLEY MEDIA: How would you deal with the need to improve/grow the area (developments etc) with the need to respond to the local taxpayer burden we can all agree on the destination — it’s how we get there that differs Each option can get us from point A to point B but the choice depends on specific needs and budget My focus is on understanding those needs and finding practical It may not always be the most luxurious option or include every preferred feature but it will address the issue and do so in a financially responsible way we must consider responsible and sustainable options Funding for large-scale development and infrastructure projects should be approached with smart budgeting strategies such as utilizing net new construction dollars and securing grants the preservation and rehabilitation of our natural resources should remain a top priority CONLEY MEDIA: Funding and budgets are ongoing issues McConnell: There’s no denying that the cost of living is high — and that applies to government spending as well That’s why it’s essential to prioritize public safety we need to be open to creative solutions and willing to have tough conversations (think back to the "Kia I firmly believe that raising taxes should be a last resort and every dollar spent should be carefully evaluated wouldn’t it be nice if taxes actually went down once in a while I will continue advocating for responsible budgeting and spending The city staff and council are dedicated to maintaining a strong financial foundation while planning for future growth and sustainable development CONLEY MEDIA: Do you think our main street/downtown is healthy and successful McConnell: Oconomowoc’s downtown is a true gem of Lake Country Our local businesses and city departments work hard to make this community what it is and they deserve our continued support — not just downtown I am committed to preserving what makes Oconomowoc special while ensuring that those who call this city home have a strong voice in shaping its future Every decision I make will reflect that commitment Moroni: Oconomowoc’s vibrant downtown is a treasured asset that requires thoughtful and well-managed development particularly concerning future development projects such as the Village Green It is essential to find common ground among residents to shape downtown’s future while preserving its historical character See all of our election coverage at gmtoday.com/elections Read more of our election coverage at gmtoday.com/elections To see every race and referendum that will be on your ballot, visit myvote.wi.gov and click on the "What's On My Ballot?" button Years lived in the city: 5 Years in Oconomowoc’s 2nd District Previous elected office: Current 2nd District Alderman for City of Oconomowoc A Chipotle with indoor and outdoor seating is planned for Olympia Fields Drive in Oconomowoc A First Watch restaurant location has been proposed for Olympia Fields Drive near Highway 67 and Interstate 94 in Oconomowoc As the southeastern portion of Oconomowoc continues to grow in both residential population and commercial operations two chain restaurants are seeking approval to open locations in the city Plans have been submitted to City Hall for a Chipotle and a First Watch for Olympia Fields Drive near Highway 67 and Interstate 94 The two restaurants would be located across from each other A quick-service restaurant specializing in Mexican food The proposed Oconomowoc Chipotle is 2,328 square feet and would have a quick pickup window for online orders but ordering cannot be done in the drive thru The interior of First Watch is described as an urban air farm design There would be an outside covered patio for dining in nice weather The proposed building is 3,853 square feet Both restaurant proposals will be discussed during the March 5 Architectural Commission meeting and then will be up for a vote at the following Plan Commission meeting (Have a Waukesha County restaurant news tip? Email Katherine Beck at kbeck@conleynet.com.) in downtown Oconomowoc in early 2023 with the intention that a mixed-use building would be constructed upon it OCONOMOWOC — Should the city continue to pursue existing plans to extend the Village Green the Fowler Lake boardwalk and add a pavilion with public restrooms it could face litigation from Rockwell Partners which had sought to turn a now-vacant lot next to the Village Green into a mixed-use building containing restaurants the Common Council voted against a requested tax incremental financing plan for the Rockwell project on North Main Street It was a tie vote among aldermen with Mayor Robert Magnus casting the tiebreaking vote has since opted not to move forward with the project and the lots have sat empty A part of the original plans was for the development to include public bathrooms the city moved forward with plans for constructing a performance pavilion with bathrooms on the north side of the downtown Village Green at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Main Street The city also plans to extend the boardwalk turning the public parking lot north of the Village Green into green space and building a pavilion there infringes on Rockwell Partners’ rights as owners of the property at 125 according to a letter sent to City Attorney Stan Riffle by attorney Joseph D Newbold with O’Neil Cannon Hollman Dejong and Laing Rockwell is proposing several modest modifications to the Park Plans Rockwell is NOT demanding any payment or funding from the City to reach this settlement While future development may involve (tax incremental) funding if Rockwell and the City can agree to modified Park Plans no present funding will be required by my client to reach a settlement allowing the City to proceed," reads the letter if the City proceeds with its Park Plans without any modification Rockwell will have no choice but to pursue litigation." The letter goes on to say that if the Village Green plans should proceed as planned it would prevent Rockwell and others from developing the North Main Street properties for multiple reasons such as blocking an easement and the pavilion would block views and "likely result in sewage smells from the restrooms wafting over the outdoor restaurant area." As a means to avoid litigation Rockwell is asking the city to create a 68-foot setback and buffer from the southern property line of the lots 13-15 to any park building including: 6 feet for a sidewalk along the property and 18 feet for parking spaces "ensuring pedestrian safety and sufficient vehicle access for future development; 24 feet for a two-way drive to our property’s rear meeting standard safety widths for roads; and 10 feet for a park-side sidewalk (matching existing widths) to aid event logistics plus 10 feet for a landscaped buffer with trees and shrubs to enhance the park’s appeal." Other requested changes include the bathroom doors and venting would not face Rockwell’s lots maintaining the existing amount of parking spaces and the waiving of future retail mandates for lots 13-15 which would provide more flexibility for development "My client also believes the park structure should be built on the southeast corner to optimize both the park’s layout and allow for Lots 13-15’s long-term potential and we can discuss modifying some of the above demands," reads the letter sent to the city to show its commitment to the city and to be cooperative Rockwell says it is proposing to collaborate on reviving the 1947 shoreline easement to avoid any confusion about the viability of that easement allow their lots for park renovation staging and to address the braced wall of Lots 1315 Magnus declined to comment on the letters Friday but did say that Rockwell was planning to do a presentation at Tuesday’s Common Council meeting although details were not included in the meeting packet during the Common Council meeting at 7:30 p.m there will be updates on the Bethany Recovery Center for Group Living Use The council will go into closed session to discuss potential development within Olde Highlander in Tax Incremental District No litigation involving the city and Village of Lac La Belle pertaining to annexations and potential development of the Rockwell Partners Project in TIF No The council meets in the City Hall Council Chambers The former ski chalet at Olympia Resort could be transformed into a family friendly space with recreational activities and food if preliminary plans come to fruition OCONOMOWOC — Not only are big things in store for Oconomowoc’s 150th anniversary in 2025 there are significant development plans for the city During Mayor Robert Magnus’s State of the City address at an Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce event last Thursday he highlighted how the city continues to grow in population the city celebrated the opening of a splash pad in Roosevelt Park expanded pickleball courts in Northeast Regional Park and an upgraded Oz Plaza Magnus also highlighted how the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce had started renovation on the former Killer Antiques Store space to become their offices in downtown Oconomowoc it’s often the future changes that create the most buzz and Magnus had several of those to share with the packed Community Center during the breakfast meeting While the former Olympia Resort has been significantly redeveloped into a residential neighborhood Magnus spoke about plans to convert the former ski chalet building into a family-friendly attraction said the city is working with a developer to transform the building into a multi-use family friendly space that could contain pickleball courts He said the 56,000-square-foot building will be redeveloped as part of the plan adding they have met with the city a couple of times to show staff what they are thinking of for the building In addition to major work needing to be done to the former ski chalet Decleene said a public road to access it will need to be developed Decleene said he would love for work to begin on the project in late summer with it opening in spring 2026 for the public but he said that’s just in a perfect world "People associate Oconomowoc with that ski hill," Decleene said "Resuscitating it and turning it into something cool has always been on the short list and to get it back into play." There is the possibility the former ski hill could once again host tubing but Decleene said they are not anticipating skiing returning to the hill city residents can also look forward to the opening of Toto’s Territory a reopened City Beach boat launch with a new lifeguard and concession building and an updated Rockwell Park with bathrooms border disputes among municipalities and balancing small-town charm with growth The Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce has moved into its new offices in downtown Oconomowoc The Oconomowoc Sign Company put the final touch on the exterior of the building this week that previously was home to Killer Antiques OCONOMOWOC — The Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce has moved into its new offices in downtown Oconomowoc which first underwent significant remodeling The chamber can be reached at 262-5672666 or https://oconomowoc.org/ OCONOMOWOC — The Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce has moved into its new offices in downtown Oconomowoc. The chamber now operates out of 175 E. Wisconsin Ave., which first underwent significant remodeling. The chamber can be reached at 262-5672666 or https://oconomowoc.org/ OCONOMOWOC — The city is set to celebrate its 150th birthday with a two-day party extravaganza that will feature fireworks and a blast from the past — a street dance The HomeTown Celebration will coincide with Independence Day and be held July 4 although the city’s actual sesquicentennial anniversary of incorporating into a city is Jan "I’m thrilled to celebrate the upcoming sesquicentennial of our city — 150 years of history It’s an exciting time to reflect on our past while looking forward to all the amazing things ahead This will be an epic celebration in the coming year stay tuned to learn more," said Mayor Robert Magnus Magnus will dedicate a time capsule in the city’s John and Lavinia Rockwell Park Helping to support the 150th anniversary celebration is Bank Five Nine which has stepped forward to be the title sponsor of the HomeTown Celebration The Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce is also helping to organize the bulk of the logistics of the event “Bank Five Nine was founded locally in Oconomowoc in 1859 and we are proud to support the 150th birthday of our hometown in 2025 and other residents and businesses to make this a fun and memorable celebration,” said Tim Schneider Still being held during the big celebration will be Oconomowoc’s traditional Independence Day recognitions such as the parade hosted by Oconomowoc Rotary Club which will follow a route through downtown Oconomowoc it will have even more to entertain the crowd such as more entries and a military fly-over has been requested Magnus also came up with a spectacular show on July 4 that will feature two over-thewater fireworks shows to truly celebrate the city “where the waters meet.” Barges will be set on the traditional spot on Fowler Lake but another barge will be stationed on neighboring Lac La Belle Chamber Director of Community Events Sara Ninmann is heading up bringing back Oconomowoc’s beloved street dance Years ago when the street dance was a summertime staple people would gather in the closed-off parking lot by the Fowler Lake boardwalk the street dance will take place on Wisconsin Avenue right downtown A giant stage will be set up in the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Main Street “I’m excited to bring in local bands that love the city as much as all the festival-goers do Oconomowoc loves its street festivals and the street dance will be a sweet summer addition as we celebrate 150 years,” Ninmann said Bands and event details will be announced as the event nears There will be other celebrations throughout the year to mark the city’s milestone anniversary that will be shared at a later date Complete Oconomowoc Sesquicentennial Celebration information will be hosted on VistOcon.com Years lived in the city: Born and raised in Oconomowoc Born 1964 in Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital and attended OASD until graduation in 1982 Occupation: Sales Director in the telecommunications industry OCONOMOWOC — Two candidates will face-off on April 1 for one of the District 3 aldermanic seats in Oconomowoc Alderman Chris Douglas filed non-candidacy papers Conley Media asked both candidates seeking the seat Galbraith: I'm running for alderman of District 3 to serve my community and ensure Oconomowoc continues to thrive With my leadership and problem-solving experience from the Navy I know how to bring people together and make informed decisions My focus is on supporting local businesses and practical solutions to strengthen our city and working hard to keep Oconomowoc a great place to live Jungwirth: I am running because I love Oconomowoc my home for over 15 years and the home to my kids and their families 1.) transparent and accountable government CONLEY MEDIA: What is your approach to handling controversial and complicated issues Galbraith: My approach to handling controversial and complicated issues is grounded in listening I believe in gathering input from all stakeholders and relying on facts and data to guide my choices Open communication and transparency are key — I want residents to feel heard and know that their concerns matter I’m skilled at finding common ground and making tough decisions while staying focused on what’s best for the community and a commitment to solutions that serve Oconomowoc’s long-term interests Jungwirth: I would approach these issues as I would in my personal life Thoughtful consideration through questioning Community engagement will be crucial to ensure the wishes of residents are a priority etc.) with the need to respond to the local taxpayer burden Galbraith: I believe in balancing responsible growth with fiscal accountability Development and beautification efforts should enhance the community without placing an unnecessary burden on taxpayers My approach is to prioritize projects that bring long-term benefits such as attracting businesses that contribute to the tax base and improving infrastructure efficiently and cost-effective solutions to minimize taxpayer impact and I would ensure transparency in decision-making preserving Oconomowoc’s charm while strengthening its economy and quality of life for residents Jungwirth: Taxpayer burden will always be at the forefront of my considerations Growth and improvements are a natural progression of any suburban community and should be implemented with a hypersensitive focus on the impact to taxpayers Galbraith: The municipality should focus on responsible fiscal management by prioritizing essential services and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently I would advocate for a transparent budgeting process that involves community input and thorough cost-benefit analysis we should explore alternative funding sources such as grants and economic development initiatives that expand our tax base without overburdening residents Smart planning and long-term financial strategies are key to maintaining quality services while keeping taxes reasonable we can ensure Oconomowoc remains financially stable and well-positioned for the future Jungwirth: Thorough review of resident opinion CONLEY MEDIA: Do you think the downtown is healthy and successful Galbraith: Oconomowoc’s Main Street and downtown area are vibrant and have a solid foundation A healthy downtown requires a balance of thriving businesses I would support initiatives that attract and retain small businesses and partnerships with local businesses can further boost economic activity Parking and traffic flow should also be managed effectively to support accessibility By listening to business owners and residents we can make strategic improvements that keep downtown Oconomowoc a lively and welcoming destination Jungwirth: Our downtown community is a true gem in Waukesha County There will always be opportunities for growth and change however we cannot lose our "small town" charm WAUKESHA — A Milwaukee man was charged Thursday in Waukesha County Circuit Court after he allegedly pointed a gun at two co-workers at the Target Distribution Center in Oconomowoc on Sunday was charged Thursday with two counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety as well as disorderly conduct using a dangerous weapon and a misdemeanor count of bail jumping for allegedly committing a new crime while a 2018 case of possession of LSD or amphetamine or psilocin remains pending An arrest warrant was issued Thursday as well seeking for him to be held on $25,000 bond The complaint in the case said police were called to the Target Distribution Center in Oconomowoc at about 6:10 a.m A security officer reported to police there was an argument in the front lobby between Hawthorne and another employee Surveillance video showed the security guard stepped in to de-escalate things when Hawthorne pulled a gun from his pocket and pointed it at both the other co-worker and the security guard It added the security officer was able to knock Hawthorne's arms upward sending Hawthorne backward; the security guard then crawled to a restroom and called 911 The other co-worker ran down a hallway with Hawthorne chasing him while holding the gun Hawthorne went to the lobby then back down the hallway "all while other staff and employees hide in either offices or behind any objects while the defendant continually walks past with a firearm at his side," the complaint said A review of security video showed Hawthorne "rack" the slide of the gun to be sure a round was loaded into the chamber and it appeared his finger was on the trigger A police officer believed Hawthorne "was attempting to fire the weapon as he was pointing it at the heads of both Victim A and Victim B," the complaint said It added that the officer believed that had the security guard not knocked Hawthorne's arms upward Hawthorne may have fired the gun at both men but was seen on video raising his right arm toward a vehicle in the parking lot however officers could not determine if he was holding a firearm at that point Security video reviewed by police showed Hawthorne walking with other employees toward the front lobby at about 6 a.m. when he turned and gestured with his arms toward the direction he'd just come from Those men had "some interaction with each other at which time Victim A struck the defendant in the face with a punching motion," the complaint said Hawthorne continued walking with others while Victim A went back to the area he came from but nine minutes later Hawthorne returned with a gun waited in the lobby and then pointed it at the two men OCONOMOWOC — The restaurant planned to replace Coco’s Seafood and Steakhouse in downtown Oconomowoc will no longer be opening The social media pages for 72 Waverly are no longer active and the website for the restaurant now says “Delayed until further notice We are going to change things up and ask for your patience as we figure out new chapters.” An automatic response was received in response to an email to John Levine “Unfortunately I have decided to go a different direction at the present moment and not proceed with 72 Waverly in Oconomowoc I know how this looks and I am severely apologetic We hope to bring 72 back to life in one shape or another in near future However there are no further updates at this time I am also no longer with Coco’s effective immediately This mailbox will be monitored and certain correspondence will be contacted directly Levine clarified that he “decided to part ways with opening 72 Waverly at that location in Oconomowoc I am looking to reform 72 Waverly into a smaller concept currently.” He added that he is not sure what will happen with Coco’s because he has parted ways with the company he said money was given to the owners of Coco’s for the total amount of gift card purchases for 72 gift cards said they are “making way for something new and have communicated to our staff that we will remain closed.” Whittaker said gift card purchases will be honored once the business has reopened “We are excited about the new venture that is to come and will share more in the coming months,” she said Levine was planning to open the restaurant at 151 St He had created a new menu focused on farm-to-table and elevated small dishes A shot from the exterior of the storefront at 20 S Konda also owns La Tavola and The Beach House Bistro across from Pewaukee Lake in Pewaukee Have a Waukesha County restaurant news tip? Email Katherine Beck at kbeck@conleynet.com An official website of the United States government The .gov means it’s official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil make sure you're on a federal government site The https:// ensures that you're connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and sent securely Come see what this new community-based outpatient clinic can offer Veterans in the Waukesha Veterans and caregivers are invited to tour VA's new convenient Oconomowoc VA and learn more about getting world-class VA health care close to home and get information on how to enroll or transfer your VA health care get a toxic exposure screening and assistance with claims Even if you were denied VA benefits in the past you may be eligible to enroll under new provisions associated with the 2022 PACT Act OCONOMOWOC — The Oconomowoc Police Department evacuated Oconomowoc City Hall Tuesday morning after receiving reports of a suspicious package an employee at Sherper’s Outdoor Store in downtown Oconomowoc “I saw the trucks coming in this morning—had no idea what was going on,” Spalding recalled Oconomowoc police arrived at City Hall shortly after 10:15 a.m described the package as a 6x8-inch box that was heavily taped and appeared similar to an explosive device Watch: Police investigate suspicious package at Oconomowoc City Hall; no public threat Officers evacuated the building and called the Milwaukee County Bomb Squad recalling his reaction to a text from the mayor police had not taken anyone into custody and said they would continue to investigate Spalding described the incident as unexpected but praised the emergency response “A lot of people are driving and visiting town—it’s a setback for everybody Ellis said he was unaware of any threats against city officials “I don’t know anybody who would have ill feelings against us It just doesn’t make any sense,” Ellis said City officials plan to hold the scheduled City Council meeting at City Hall on Tuesday night Oconomowoc Police say there is no threat to the public — It has been three weeks since an Oconomowoc family has been able to hold their brand-new baby in their arms is in a fight for her life and needs a new heart to survive you just want to snuggle all day and hold them,” said Laura Welch Watch: This little girl needs a new heart to survive: That is the only option for Laura now since 4-week-old Eleanor cannot be held while the machines keep her alive at Children’s Hospital Wisconsin neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) “The cry is just the sweetest sound,” said Tyler Welch remembering the last time he even heard his daughter That is because Eleanor is in a medically induced coma something Children’s Hospital Wisconsin says is becoming all too common “Almost one in 500 children can have some form of congenital heart disease Eleanor only has half of a normal heart or the function of half of a normal heart,” said Tyler "Meaning she will have to be in the hospital on this heart pump until she is ready to be a transplant candidate she will have to wait in the hospital for a heart,” said Raskin But the issue is Eleanor has to be well enough to even get on the list to start that process Eleanor showed she can breathe without a machine Doctors say they are now working on the steps to get Eleanor out of her coma they know the next steps include getting a heart so they hope others think of Eleanor and consider organ donation “To see how tough she is and nothing getting in her way is giving us hope It is a miracle that we even have a chance and that she is as strong as she is,” said Tyler — The Town of Oconomowoc has merged with Lac La Belle to create a new village but the merger has led their neighbors to file a lawsuit against them The City of Oconomowoc and the Village of Oconomowoc Lake are seeking to stop the merger The Town of Oconomowoc merged into Lac La Belle,” said Hultquist all members of the Village of Lac La Belle board resigned and the Town of Oconomowoc’s board took over the former chairman of the Town of Oconomowoc took on the new title of president of the Village of Lac La Belle the Town of Oconomowoc had to merge into Lac La Belle the City of Oconomowoc and the Village of Oconomowoc Lake The situation has left residents from all the municipalities confused “I didn’t know about the lawsuit,” said a Town of Oconomowoc resident I don’t understand what the problem is,” asked a City of Oconomowoc resident TMJ4 reporter Rebecca Klopf spoke to Oconomowoc Lake Village President Mike Bickler over the phone to ask just that “Is there a reason you entered into the lawsuit with them?” asked Rebecca instead pointing her to a press release he issued the Village of Oconomowoc Lake says it had negotiated “a minor border adjustment” in May with the Town of Oconomowoc the Town has not responded to whether it would honor the agreement Watch: Lac La Belle's new president weighs in on lawsuit over merger the City of Oconomowoc and Oconomowoc Lake say that they could “annex an area of the Town of Oconomowoc.” The new village president says that is what this lawsuit boils down to Our borders are sacrosanct,” said Hultquist City of Oconomowoc Mayor Bob Magnus refused an on-camera interview but issued this statement: “We look forward to meeting in the coming weeks to address longstanding issues that have affected the residents of the city Engaging in collaborative and good-faith discussions is essential to ensuring that our residents receive the solutions they deserve.” Wis.—It was something that was planned for years the town of Oconomowoc will no longer exist as it will be consolidated and absorbed by the village of Lac La Belle The village of Lac La Belle is currently surrounded by the town of Oconomowoc but village president Timothy Clark says the absorption of the town provides more benefits to residents of both communities “Addresses will not change,” said Clark “The only thing that will change really is resident’s tax forms to say Lac La Belle instead of the town of Oconomowoc.” The consolidation of the town brings the police force and administrative services all under the village organizations the village had a contract with all throughout 2024 Clark says the move to bring everyone into an established set of borders keeps zoning laws local and doesn’t interfere with Waukesha County zoning requirements Clark says this consolidation brings a change with how small Wisconsin communities are sustaining themselves as a part of cost-saving measures “I think this is something for all communities towns and even counties to look into,” said Clark “These municipalities should be looking at ways to decrease the tax-burden on their residents while at the same time maintaining or improving services.” As for leadership in Lac La Belle moving forward Clark says himself along with the other village trustees will resign as Oconomowoc town leaders take over duties to lead the larger village “Our little village accounts for 3% of the population of the greater township and about 3% of the land,” said Clark “It only makes sense that the current town board takes over and run the combined municipality.” two Lake Country communities in Waukesha County will combine into a larger municipality securing the borders of a former town from further annexation The village of Lac La Belle and the town of Oconomowoc are finally following through on a merger that has been considered for decades but only recently began a detailed Now only a few details are being ironed out before the combined municipality forms on Jan What's odd about this annexation of a town is that it's the town that is the heavily populated community "It's kind of like the minnow swallowing the whale," Village Administrator George Stumpf said in his final days in that role Here's what you should know about the merger While the small village will absorb nearly all of the town's voluminous territory town officials will actually take over the administration of the new village that's because the town has about 8,000 residents living in an area that stretches to the Dodge County line compared to several hundred in the village Services in new village of Lac La Belle also combineGiven that it's all going to be one municipality the village will be in charge of all services But some services that have come from the town — such as the police department and public works — will essentially remain unchanged the Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement is a 10-year deal for the delivery and management of all services who added he is proud of the old village's sewer services under his watch (Sewer operations are in the process of being transformed into a formal utility whose various roles in the village (including a long stint as village president prior to his administrative role) date back more two decades said the push for some form of annexation involving the two municipalities isn't new both communities felt more pressure to consummate a lasting relationship like the need to make Lac La Belle Drive into a more suitable road or else nearly eliminate traffic (The strip of land on which the road runs is actually an easement granted to the village by adjoining landowners along the lake Stumpf said Waukesha County's effort in the distant past to condemn the land to create a true public road was one of the reasons the village incorporated in the first place also showed Lac La Belle had little clout to protect its interests In an online FAQ summary officials spelled out why one is better than two municipalities The new village will directly have control of "critical services," including police and will have more administrative staffing to deliver services residents want Both communities already utilize the same engineer The combined municipality will stabilize those services the town will no longer lose land areas through annexation and the county will not have a say in land-use decisions and permitting as it does in the few remaining towns within its borders Where can people get more information about the merger?The FAQ page answers questions that are also more individualistic Most of what people might want to know is there the village is directing all residents with particular questions to these resources: emails to clerkoffice@townoconomowoc-wi.gov or clerk@townoconomowoc-wi.gov or paper mail to W359 N6812 Brown St. Drop-in the Oconomowoc VA Clinic between 9 a.m Come see what this new community-based outpatient clinic can offer Veterans Left: A sign welcomes people to the Village of Lac La Belle Right: The sign identifying Oconomowoc Town Hall OCONOMOWOC — City Administrator Mark Frye wrote a letter to the residents of the Town of Oconomowoc and Village of Lac La Belle last Thursday encouraging them to be informed of what would happen to them if their municipalities merge and what rights they have regarding the proposal Town of Oconomowoc Chairman Bob Hultquist responded with a letter of his own in which he warns that Frye does not have the best interest of the town’s and village’s residents in mind Mark Frye is no more a friend than all of the city mayors past or present I have been in office as the town chair for almost 20 years and have dealt with all of the past city mayors Every single one of them — including the present mayor — looks upon our town as a land bank," Hultquist wrote Lac La Belle Village President Tim Clark also said he was disappointed in Frye’s letter saying the city administrator made "threats" regarding city-provided services “I am writing this letter as the City Administrator not to try and convince you to support or not support the proposed boundary change The intent of this letter is to ensure all impacts of this proposal are known and understood,” Frye wrote adding his experience of 16 years in Utilities 16 years as the director of Public Works and nearly three years as the city administrator we want you to have needed information before a final decision is made The FAQ documents on the Town and Village individual websites did not cover all items to be considered with the proposed adjustment and the long-term impacts associated with it Neither the Village nor Town had a legal obligation to consult with the City regarding their proposed boundary changes The City was not invited to these discussions we would have made them aware of the critical points detailed below.” include there will be no more sewer hookups to city-provided sewer for residents of the new combined village properties that are in the town would no longer be able to request annexation into the city once part of the village and the assessment ratio is different for the town versus village Frye also includes information about the residents of the town and village having another option besides simply sharing their thoughts at the Wednesday public information meeting He writes that they can request a referendum on the planned merger If 20% or more of residents affected by the boundary agreement request a referendum and their petition is filed within 30 days after publication of the approved boundary agreement in the local newspaper That referendum is binding and would determine whether or not the residents are in favor of the merger His complete letter can be found at: https://www.oconomowoc-wi.gov/ Clark called Frye’s letter “disappointing” especially what he referred to as the “threats” He said while the village has all of the hookups it currently needs but he said he believes that when the facility was built it was meant to be a regional sewer plant to support the greater Oconomowoc area Clark also pointed out how Frye’s letter says that residents in the village would be cut off from Oconomowoc Electric Utility “Oconomowoc Electric Utility provides cost effective and reliable electric service to most of the Village and a portion of the Town Those that have our service enjoy rates that are on average over 25% lower than We Energies We will be evaluating continuing this non-City resident service moving forward versus negotiating with We Energies for them to become the electric service provider if borders change.” “I am not sure how those things are being productive,” Clark said He also added that village residents received mail from the city with three items dated Nov a letter from Mayor Robert Magnus reacting to the merger and a letter about collaboration 7 and he said no one brought up these documents being in the mail during that meeting including the city of Oconomowoc leadership if approved by both the Oconomowoc Town Board and Lac La Belle Village Board The new community would be known as the Village of Lac La Belle the merger discussions have been going on for over a year and were a natural progression after the village contracted with the town for several services the village would have guaranteed services for the long term and the town would protect its boundaries otherwise the city could continue to annex town land the town would have self-management of zoning and shorelines The new tax rate for the combined village would need to be determined but would likely result in the town residents’ tax rate increasing a small amount and the village residents’ rate going down a little “Representatives of both municipal governments then met to exchange ideas and agree on the provisions needed to protect the unique history of both communities while also focusing on the needs for the future These representatives have communicated with the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration Department of Revenue and other agencies whose input was considered essential for the proposed combination,” reads the letter signed by Clark and Hultquist “They also communicated with those offices of County government whose role would be recast to hear their recommendations to make the transition into one combined community as efficient as possible for the County and our two communities A smooth and seamless transition for all of our property owners has been a major objective to ensure that all current services are continued and extended well into the future.” Oconomowoc Mayor Robert Magnus responded to the planned merger questioning the speed at which the two communities’ leaderships were going after making the plans public information “Both the Town and Village are in solid financial positions and have already established their budgets for 2025 There is no justification for rushing this important decision that affects so many for decades to come,” Magnus says in a letter to the editor He also questioned why the city and others were not informed about the merger discussions until Oct which is when the general public also learned about it He said this timing “should raise several concerns for all area residents.” I have observed that inviting politicians to the table often complicates what should be simple matters Personal agendas and historical grievances can detract from the objective of serving our constituents it seems that when personal agendas take precedence residents are informed as late as possible limiting opportunities for thorough review and constructive dialogue,” Magnus wrote He believes that through further collaboration with the city He said he was open to discussions with the town to explore other options but Magnus said after speaking with Hultquist last Thursday he was told the town was not open to more discussion on the matter Hultquist said in his letter that both he and Clark both think the merger should go through as soon as possible with no delays Town Supervisor Erik Mullett has also chimed in answering questions and pointing residents to the online documents regarding the merger including a copy of the certified letter sent to residents commenting “it has been discussed and attempted many times over several decades there were barriers we could not overcome to finalize the process the opportunities and options have changed the Village and Town entered into several intermunicipal agreements to reduce cost and to better serve the residents of both communities The leadership from both communities saw this as an opportunity to solidify all the benefits of working together and we began conversations with the State of Wisconsin to understand all the pros and cons of a merger.” Hultquist also said there was a reason the city didn’t know about the discussions sooner that as soon as the city of Oconomowoc learned of it try anything in their power to keep the joinder from happening,” he wrote Both town and village residents were planning on attending the Nov Tyler Welch wrote on the Enterprise’s Facebook page that he was curious if town residents living near the Village of Lac La Belle will be “forced to connect to the village sewer?” “The village has a problem with their sewer because it does not have enough volume to work properly This would be a very high expense that as a town resident I had no control over the decision (that the village made) Is the town inheriting a possibly very expensive problem?” Welch wrote “Current town residents will already be subsidizing current village lakefront property taxes with this deal Will a sewer fix add to that cost for current town residents Has the golf course expressed interest in hooking into village sewer?” Clark responded saying that town residents will not be forced to connect to the existing sewer system as it is defined and cannot be expanded “The Village DOES NOT have a problem with the sewer system You are correct that the system has the capacity for additional flow to compensate for the lower flow rate chemicals are introduced to keep potential odor from being noticed near lift stations,” Clark said “All sewer operations in the town and village are being transitioned into utility districts which effectively make each operation a stand-alone corporation Only resident/users in each district will be responsible for costs of operations and capital improvements Non-sewered areas in the Town and Village will be protected from the costs of operating any of the four districts The two facilities at the Club at Lac La Belle are connected and have been part of the Village system.” Jamie Marquardt said she will be there “to understand the why and the impact it will have.” Tina Christopherson said she will also attend and she is interested in learning about what impact the merger will have on taxes if the governing body will be a mix from both the village and town and if there will be any support from the state Clark said if all goes well with the joint public hearing on Nov the plan is for the Village Board and Town Board to take up the intergovernmental agreement resolution at the regularly scheduled meetings We will then continue to communicate with county and state agencies to assist us with the next steps of the process as we restructure village government and unify or amend the ordinances currently in place in the village and the town,” Clark said “Our goal is to make the transition as easy as possible for the county and state agencies as well as for residents of both communities.” When asked what would happen if there is significant opposition to the merger at the public hearing Clark said he would be surprised if there was from village residents “But I also recognize that it is almost impossible to get everyone to agree on anything We will continue to solicit questions and concerns from residents up until the point that a vote of our board is taken I remain in full support of the planned merger,” he said both communities will continue to act as they do now town land will still be able to be annexed into the city of Oconomowoc The sheet also says that as some village residents have become seasonal versus permanent residents the village has found it more difficult to fill state-required commissions and board vacancies the village could be forced to dissolve back into a town losing all its protection and zoning benefits afforded to the community and residents under a village,” according to the sheet posted to the municipalities’ websites — A father in Oconomowoc is trying to use a near-tragic moment to drive change and we didn't know it was going to be different And it almost ended terribly,” Anthony Birch said was getting off the bus and crossing the street on Jan the home security camera captured the bus driver starting to drive forward "That day could have been horrific for my family My daughter could have died,” Anthony said Watch: Oconomowoc dad addresses school board after near tragic moment watched their young daughter quickly step back from the moving bus Olivia screamed and waved her hands to stop the substitute driver as she ran to rescue her daughter It’s an afternoon the Birch family will never forget "She (June) asked if we remembered the bus incident that happened And we asked her how she felt about it or if she was thinking about it a lot I like to think about happy things.' And we told her that that's her job—to think about the happy things—and it's our job to keep her safe,” Anthony said That's why he spoke to the Oconomowoc Area School District Board Wednesday evening to make changes now and not after the serious injury or death of a child,” Anthony said during the school board meeting and notifications when kids have substitute drivers "This isn't just a lucrative contract with a district They are choosing to transport the most precious part of our community The district sent this statement Wednesday evening: The incident occurred during an afternoon bus route in an Oconomowoc neighborhood and the family notified the district after it occurred Since the incident there have been multiple conversations with the family and our transportation provider Go Riteway has many safety expectations and protocols for drivers and they have been reinforcing those expectations with their staff.  We continue to talk with them about strategies to ensure our students are transported to and from school safely We did reach out to the bus company for comment and did not hear back in time for this report 2025 at AngelsGrace Hospice after a valiant 13-year battle with cancer Dean graduated from Oconomowoc High School in 1975 and on August 16 (Engh) Plante at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Joanne was Dean’s best friend and the love of his life and preceded him in death on July 4 Dean had a life-long passion for sports and spent much of his free time watching baseball He was a fan of every team and every player on the field Dean was a collector of sports cards; a pastime he enjoyed since the late ‘60’s Introducing this hobby to his sons and watching them brought Dean lots of joy Dean enjoyed woodworking and maintaining his beautiful lawn Dean and late wife Joanne loved animals and had golden retrievers for most of their time together Dean is survived by sons Andrew of Oconomowoc and Benjamin (Emily) of Beaver Dam; granddaughter Madeline of Lebanon; sisters Marcia of Hartland and Gayle of Whitefish Bay; and nieces The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at AngelsGrace Hospice for their compassionate care and support until the time of funeral service at 12 p.m Schmidt & Bartelt Notbohm-Kreutzmann Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family. For more information, call 262-567-4459 or visit online at www.schmidtandbartelt.com For Waukesha Obituary Pricing and Guidelines For Washington and Ozaukee Obituary Pricing and Guidelines For Waukesha obituaries earlier than 2020 For Washington and Ozaukee obituaries earlier than 2020 VILLAGE OF LAC LA BELLE — As news of the planned merger of the village of Lac La Belle and Town of Oconomowoc has spread among their approximately 9,117 residents questions have arisen about the plan and how it all came about calling on the neighboring municipalities to slow down "Both the Town and Village are in solid financial positions and have already established their budgets for 2025 There is no justification for rushing this important decision that affects so many for decades to come," Magnus says in a letter to the editor He said this timing "should raise several concerns for all area residents." and cities throughout Wisconsin are grappling with significant financial challenges the Legislature enacted increases in shared revenue leading many to believe the issue was resolved limiting opportunities for thorough review and constructive dialogue," Magnus wrote He also contends that there are better options for dealing with the financial struggles that the town and village are facing “With a population of approximately 8,000 in the town and 300 in the village the proposed merger has the potential to foster collaboration that could reduce costs and enhance resource sharing for all involved it is disheartening that discussions and negotiations between the Town and Village have proceeded without the involvement of the City This exclusion undermines the potential for a comprehensive approach to addressing shared challenges and finding solutions that could lower property taxes rather than increase them,” Magnus said equipment and facilities in our region is an inefficient use of resources that could be avoided through collaboration Sharing infrastructure could reduce and possibly eliminate the need for new large capital projects and purchases and stimulate positive growth for future decades.” Magnus said he has reached out to the leadership of both the town and village asking them to take a step back postpone their vote and to talk more with the city about possible solutions that could help all residents He also calls on residents to attend the joint public meeting on Nov “Collaboration among local governments is essential for fostering sustainable balanced growth and ensuring that all residents benefit from well-informed we can work toward solutions that truly serve our communities,” Magnus said As soon as town and village residents heard about the planned merger Some residents took to the Enterprise’s Facebook page to share their thoughts and questions which ranged from if people would still be allowed to hunt on town land to how long the municipal leaders had been discussing the merger Town Supervisor Erik Mullett chimed in answering questions and pointing residents to the online documents regarding the merger several residents have said they have yet to receive the certified mailing about the merger and the joint public hearing scheduled for Nov An FAQ sheet on both the village and town websites reiterates this point Another question raised is why the town didn’t incorporate into a village such as Town of Pewaukee and Town of Waukesha have done The FAQ sheet said there were a couple of hurdles that limited the town’s ability to do that which were lack of contiguous boundaries and not enough population density per square mile the larger community will be known as the Village of Lac La Belle some of the rules that currently apply to town residents and to village residents will remain it is anticipated that people will still be allowed to hunt on town lands and burning permitting will remain the same Other areas that will not be affected include the assessed values of homes and mailing addresses What will change will be the amount residents pay in property taxes Those living in the village now will see a decrease in their 2025 tax rate while those living in the town will see a slight increase For a property that is assessed at $500,000 there will be about a $50 per year increase in property taxes For those living in the unincorporated areas known as Okauchee Lake Monterey and Mapleton within Town of Oconomowoc The town “would enjoy the privileges and protections afforded to incorporated municipalities in the State of Wisconsin shorelines and protection from annexation,” according to a letter to the editor drafted by Town of Oconomowoc Chairman Robert Hultquist and Village of Lac La Belle President Tim Clark which are currently provided by the town through three separate short-term agreements The specific tax rate of the merged communities has yet to be determined Clark said for the first year of operation town residents would be taxed based on the budget in the process of being approved and village residents would be taxed based on the budget being created there A new budget would be created for 2026 for the merged community upon which the one tax rate would be based the village is taxed at a little higher rate than the town The two communities would become one Village of Lac La Belle on Jan losing all its protection and zoning benefits afforded to the community and residents under a village,” according to the sheet While the city of Oconomowoc isn’t directly impacted by the planned merger such as it no longer being able to annex town land into the city who unsuccessfully ran for mayor against Robert Magnus took to Facebook to share his thoughts about the merger “Negotiations for border agreements and public launch cost share between the Village of Lac La Belle and the City of Oconomowoc have been ongoing for years Educating citizens in the city and surrounding communities about the differences between a city and town over the past 10 years as a candidate and elected official has been one of the many topics I’ve focused on,” he said “Cities and villages have legal standing and operate on their own Towns do not and rely on the county for many of the core (government) functions and exist as a holding status for lands that one day will be annexed by a city or village.” He said the direction the leaders of the town and village have taken are not a surprise to him he goes on to say that it’s an indication of a “breach of trust and cooperation” with the city and Mayor Magnus Bob Hultquist and their trustees and Board members are obligated to look out for the best interest of the citizens they represent “The mayor and his ego has not done the citizens of the city and our surrounding communities any service in what has resulted in the epic failure of negotiations surrounding the border agreements Even if they do not finalize an agreement between the town and the village the damage done between the 3 communities will last through his term and for some time beyond.” What: Joint public hearing on proposed intergovernmental agreement Info: Merger FAQ sheet, documents can be found at bit.ly/townofocon, villageoflaclabelle.com OCONOMOWOC — A home in Wisconsin's Lake Country has hit the market for $8 million But take a closer look and you'll see chipped paint While a home like that certainly isn't worth $8 million Don't look at the Zillow listing to get an idea of square footage on Okauchee Lake in Oconomowoc isn't meant for living it The plot of land on the north end of Okauchee Lake is about 2.4 acres and has 500 feet of lakeshore that wraps around the property There are two homes and a boat house on the property "They probably could be salvaged, but at this price, it just doesn’t make sense," Pat Bolger the listing realtorsaid The ideal buyer is one who has cash to spend and will likely build a $2 Bolger said this is becoming a more common practice "I recently have sold several tear-downs on Lac La Belle that all went for $2 million or more with quite a bit less frontage and less land And then I recently sold another one on Okauchee Lake and that was again less frontage less land and that one sold for 2.4 million," Bolger said modern amenities that our current buyers would like to have and since they aren’t making any new land anymore it makes sense to buy an older home on a really nice piece of property This may usher in a new era of real estate in Lake Country the vast majority of the higher-end homes in that region top out around $7 or $8 million The new homes coupled with the property could easily result in valuations of millions more dollars "Some of these newer homes that have been built when they do go hit the market they'll probably be well over $10 million," Bolger said Given the size of the property on Bayview Road Bolger and the owner have entertained the idea of splitting it into two parcles and selling them separately The goal would be to sell it all together; however they already have an offer for one-half of the land I’ll give you the money right now.' But we are still going through the process to get all the permits and all the permissions for it," Bolger said the value of the land with the new home would likely be between $10 and $15 million Watch the story on this home to see more views of the property and lake frontage.. WAUKESHA — A Waukesha County judge on Monday dismissed the lawsuit the City of Oconomowoc and the Village of Oconomowoc Lake filed to block the merger of the Town of Oconomowoc and the Village Lac La Belle ruling that the plaintiffs lacked standing to challenge the merger a merger combined Lac La Belle and most of the former Town of Oconomowoc after the boards of the respective communities approved the process last fall the City of Oconomowoc and Oconomowoc Lake filed suit to block the merger claiming there were several properties within the city’s jurisdictional boundaries that are part of the new village and the transfer of land therefore is illegal The plaintiffs argued the merger means they lose extraterritorial rights the law grants incorporated municipalities over unincorporated ones and the fact there is ongoing litigation related to 10 annexation proceedings seeking to annex into Oconomowoc — the subject of another pending lawsuit — gives the city a stake in the merger Both Lac La Belle and the Town of Oconomowoc receive services from the city including sanitary sewer and the merger agreement “hinders the City of Oconomowoc and Village of Oconomowoc Lake’s growth by precluding future annexations of Town of Oconomowoc property owners,” the plaintiffs complained Lac La Belle and the Town of Oconomowoc replied to the suit with a motion to dismiss it on Feb saying state law allows “any 2 municipalities” to adjust their common boundary and because the city and Oconomowoc Lake are not parties to the agreement They said in their motion to dismiss that a 5-acre parcel of land known as the Miller Parcel previously annexed from the town to the city was erroneously included in the legal description for the merged municipality But once a corrected legal description was made Two other properties the city challenged in the litigation were later determined to have properly been considered part of the merged municipality attorney for Lac La Belle and the Town of Oconomowoc said the two municipalities share services and staff He said the grounds on which they sought the lawsuit dismissed were apparent early on — the motion to do so was filed a day after the suit was A small remnant remains as a separate part of the Town of Oconomowoc but Hammes said the majority of the town has been part of Lac La Belle since Jan He added that the disputes over the three contested parcels were resolved before Monday’s hearing “The court concluded that Oconomowoc had no standing to challenge the contract because they are not a party to the contract The general rule is if you’re not a party to a contract you’re don’t have standing to challenge the contract,” Hammes said “I don’t talk about matters that are currently in litigation.” Court records indicate that Riffle argued that the erroneous legal description was more than a mere “scrivener’s error,” but rather was a more serious error that hampered the process completely But Waukesha County Circuit Judge Brad Schimel ruled the City of Oconomowoc and Oconomowoc Lake lacked the standing to challenge the merger agreement between the other two municipalities The suit Lac La Belle later filed against the City of Oconomowoc said there were 10 annexation petitions seeking to annex into the city filed in December and January which properties were included in the merged with Lac La Belle Lac La Belle has filed a motion for summary judgment saying the state Department of Administration told the City of Oconomowoc that the annexations may be precluded by the Rule of Prior Precedence which holds that when there are two competing legal proceedings involving the jurisdictional transfer of the same land Lac La Belle argued the public notices and hearings of last October began the merger process and any annexation effort after that becomes voided as a result “The annexation ordinances are also void under the Rule of Prior Precedence because the pendency of the agreement’s approval and ultimate adoption takes precedence over subsequent annexation petitions and annexation ordinances that involved the same disputed territory was the subject of the agreement and triggering ordinance,” according to the complaint The City of Oconomowoc has 30 days from April 2 to respond to the motion for summary judgment with Lac La Belle then having the opportunity to reply to the city’s brief before the court sets a hearing on the matter he would say he was born 2/11/Dirt — a day before Abraham Lincoln as he was affectionately known) was a shining example of what it means to be a good human His journey with us on Earth was one of laughter His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family and many others whose lives were impacted by his presence Cynthia Jaeger (née Bergman) and Jill Davy (née Bergman) He was the proud grandfather of Ryan (Jill) Jaeger He is further survived by his aunt Miriam Schuett and cousin Kathy Majeski Bob's first job out of college led him to work at Nashotah Molding for 45 years Bob's life was full of many trips throughout the United States Even through the tragedy of losing his daughter Cynthia at 23 to a horrific car crash he enjoyed a comfortable life living in the in-law apartment of his daughter Jill's home He played sheepshead and euchre four days a week including every Tuesday with a group known as “Five Women and Bob!” Bob’s presence will be missed but we know that he is now back with his girls at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc VILLAGE OF LAC LA BELLE — First the city of Oconomowoc filed a lawsuit challenging the intergovernmental agreement between the Village of Lac La Belle and Town of Oconomowoc that allowed the two municipalities to merge Jan and now the combined Lac La Belle has filed suit against the city challenging its recent annexation of former town land The Oconomowoc Common Council voted several times in December January and February to approve annexation requests from property owners in Lac La Belle who wished to have their land become part of the city In the civil complaint filed by the Village of Lac La Belle on Monday in Waukesha County Circuit Court it alleges that when the Common Council adopted the annexation ordinances on Feb the disputed territory was already located within the village boundaries The complaint goes on to say that only land located within the town can be annexed into the city or village The village is asking for the court to decide if the annexations should be voided "The annexation ordinances are also void under the Rule of Prior Precedence because the pendency of the agreement’s approval and ultimate adoption takes precedence over subsequent annexation petitions and annexation ordinances that involved the same disputed territory was the subject of the agreement and triggering ordinance," according to the complaint The village is seeking temporary injunctive relief against the city saying it will "suffer irreparable harm" and lists several reasons why including the village clerk needing to ensure each elector residing in the disputed area may vote in the village elections statutes requiring the village to provide municipal services to the disputed areas such as garbage collection and fire and police services the inclusion of the disputed territory affecting the calculation of the village’s levy and budget and the village needing to know its exact boundaries so it can communicate properly with county and state agencies "The current and future harm that the village will suffer by permitting the annexation ordinances to remain in effect is difficult or impossible to compensate in monetary damages because such harm limits or prohibits the village from performing its statutorily and constitutionally required duties," reads the complaint Oconomowoc Mayor Robert Magnus responded to the suit Thursday The lawsuit by the Village contesting their residents’ voluntary request to come into the City is wrong The Town of Oconomowoc (now Village) is infringing on the property rights of their own citizens I am shocked by this action,” he said in an emailed statement After the Village of Lac La Belle and Town of Oconomowoc merged on Jan the city and Village of Oconomowoc Lake joined in filing a lawsuit challenging the merger The suit was placed on a temporary hold to see if the communities could reach an agreement regarding some boundary issues The leadership of the Town of Oconomowoc and Village of Lac La Belle said they sought to merge in order to guarantee continued services to village residents many of which the town was already providing such as police and department of public works and the town sought to protect its boundaries from annexation Firefighters responded to a house fire on Highway Q in the Town of Oconomowoc at 2:51 a.m The residents and their dogs were able to safely evacuate TOWN OF OCONOMOWOC — A family and their two dogs were able to get safely out of their home after it caught on fire early Tuesday morning in the Town of Oconomowoc Western Lakes Fire District responded to a report of a single-family structure fire on Highway Q at 2:51 a.m Smoke detectors alerted the home’s residents to the fire They then called 911 as their home filled with smoke “Upon arrival initial crews reported a smoke charged home The incident was upgraded to a level 1 (full-still) with a full response from the district and mutual aid from Lake Country and Pewaukee fire departments,” according to WLFD “Residents were assessed for difficulty breathing and smoke inhalation by med units scene.” As a result of the size of the home and rural water supply the call was upgraded to a level 2 (working still) and more mutual aid was received from Hartland and Sullivan with change of quarters from the City of Waukesha Interior crews were able to locate the seat of the fire in a basement utility room and knock the fire down The fire had extended through the walls to the main level with overhaul and suppression completed The cause of the fire remains under investigation but the furnace has been determined to be the origin “We are grateful that the family and their two dogs were alerted of the fire from smoke detectors and able to safely evacuate They were able to quickly call 911 before the alarm company notified dispatch Thank you to our team here at the Western Lakes Fire District Town of Oconomowoc Police Department and Waukesha County Communications for the team effort this morning,” reads the WLFD Facebook post the Oconomowoc High School dance team will compete at state The Oconomowoc High School band led the members of the dance team through the halls and into the field house to the cheers of parents and students It is a moment senior dance team captain Emily Garbing says has been years in the making “Every year we have been so close,” said Emily Watch: Oconomowoc cheers on its dance team ahead of the big competition the team couldn’t even perform a competition dance So hearing their name announced at regionals as a state qualifier made it even more special "It was just like tears," said Audrey Carter A lot of parents felt the same way Friday morning Some of their daughters have been dancing together since they were 4 years old which had moms like Carrie Cohen reminiscing about how her daughter "She always had to wear a dress or a tutu," said Carrie Cohen "Can you believe she went from that to a state competition?" asked reporter Rebecca Klopf That’s why the parents say the grandfather of one of the dancers emailed Rebecca to invite her to the state send-off "I think he's just so proud," said Nicole Fischer explaining why her dad wanted TMJ4 to cover the send-off "They didn't expect this routine to make it but all this hard work and dedication—and look what happened I'm really proud of all of them for working so hard," said Scott Fischer The dance team will compete at state Saturday in La Crosse The Oconomowoc Common Council voted to not move forward with plans presented to revamp and upgrade Village Green park in downtown Oconomowoc OCONOMOWOC — Citing concerns about the cost of a proposed revamping and upgrading of the Village Green park in downtown Oconomowoc a majority of aldermen voted Tuesday to not move forward with the plans as presented at this time which called for a pavilion with bathrooms a supermajority vote of six in favor would have needed to have been cast five aldermen voted against and three voted in favor said that when the council previously voted 8-0 in favor of developing plans for the project they didn’t know that the final price would be so large The redone Village Green would cost about $5 million which would include money from tax incremental financing districts grants and some borrowing which would have amounted to about $11.37 per year for the average homeowner for 10 years Aultman Kloth added that when the discussion began on how to redo Village Green the council has approved bathrooms at Rockwell Park and new bathrooms are being added to City Beach She also questioned having two stages located so close to each other (one at Village Green and the other at City Beach) "I don’t think the spend is right for now," she said "Spending $5 million on a luxury project right now seems irresponsible." was one of the strongest voices in favor of the project on Tuesday "The whole thing would be a waste of money and a waste of process So why did we as a council vote 8-0 to proceed and then vote to put it all out to bids to potentially pull the rug out from under it tonight," she said describing the plans for the Village Green as an "incredible project" that would bring the community together and attract more people to the city "(It would be) a legacy project to enjoy for generations to come," she said Also raised during the council’s discussion Tuesday was how two weeks ago an attorney for Rockell Partners Development stood before the aldermen and threatened litigation over the park project citing its impact on his client’s easement and rights for the property they own to the north Public Works Director Jason Herzog did offer some possible tweaks to the plans to provide more access to Rockwell’s property to the north such as increasing an access way from 15 to 18 feet Alderman Matt Rosek said he was in favor of the project at the start but he did not anticipate it costing around $5 million which he said could put the city in a "less favorable financial position." "I try to treat taxpayer money as my own," he said He added that he would not want Tuesday night’s no vote to be an end to the project Rosek said perhaps the city could look at how it could reuse some of the $232,000 spent on the design portion director of community events for the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce said how beneficial an upgraded Village Green would be for the downtown area and the city overall she asked that should the council vote no that it would still do something in the future "It cannot be no with nothing behind it," Ninmann said "We have to have a solution and it has to come within a timely manner."