Mold Remediation in Lake Geneva, WI

Lake Geneva, WI (April 12, 2025) – A three-vehicle collision resulting in injuries was reported Friday in the area of Como Rd in Lake Geneva, according to information from S.E. Wisconsin Scanner Happenings.

Lake Geneva Fire & Rescue responded to the crash scene, where multiple individuals were assessed for injuries. Medics and fire crews worked to assist those suffering from injuries after the collision. One person reportedly sustained a back injury and was transported to a nearby medical facility for further care. Additional individuals were evaluated on-site.

The crash occurred in the “H area” of Como Rd, a residential and commuter route in the Lake Geneva region. Traffic was temporarily slowed while emergency crews managed the scene and cleared the vehicles from the roadway.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the collision. Preliminary considerations include distraction, unsafe lane changes, or failure to yield—all common factors in multi-vehicle crashes.

Our thoughts are with those injured, particularly the individual with the reported back injury, and we hope for a full recovery.

Multi-Vehicle Crash Risks in Lake Geneva

Como Rd and nearby corridors in Lake Geneva are traveled frequently by both residents and visitors, especially during spring and summer seasons. Three-vehicle collisions often involve chain reactions triggered by following too closely or inattentive driving.

In 2023, Walworth County recorded several similar injury crashes along residential routes and scenic corridors, prompting increased enforcement and local safety awareness initiatives.

Drivers are encouraged to remain alert, maintain proper spacing, and observe all local traffic rules—particularly on two-lane roads like Como Rd.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.

Lake Geneva has, once again, been voted among the best small towns in the Midwest, according to a new ranking by USA TODAY's 10Best.

The southeastern Wisconsin spot is no stranger to such accolades: it's also previously been named among the best small towns for outdoor adventure and the most romantic small towns in the country.

This time, it placed fifth on a list of the 10 best towns in the Midwest with populations fewer than 25,000. The only Wisconsin entrant on the list, Lake Geneva was nominated by an expert panel and then voted onto the list by readers.

Here's what makes Lake Geneva a standout Midwest town and which other spots made the ranking.

What makes Lake Geneva a top destination?

Though it's well-known for its scenic lake views and rich natural landscape, Lake Geneva has even more to offer visitors.

The area is home to an array of local shops, waterfront restaurants and accommodations ranging from campgrounds to upscale resorts, making it one of the most popular summer destinations in Wisconsin. And when it comes to the lakes, there are three surrounding Lake Geneva, so the town is ideal for freshwater activities like paddleboarding, jet skiing or even parasailing, according to USA TODAY.

"Elegant Lake Geneva, once a retreat for Chicago’s elite during the Gilded Age, is renowned for its mansions, best viewed on a scenic boat tour or while walking the around 20-mile Geneva Lake Shore Path," USA TODAY added.

Top 10 small towns in the Midwest

Here's which other towns were voted among the best in the Midwest by readers of USA TODAY's 10Best:

Lake Geneva, WI, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Elite Lake Rentals, a family-owned and operated boutique vacation rental management company, is excited to announce the opening of its new office in downtown Lake Geneva at 772 W Main St, Suite 202.

Elite Lake Rentals Office Downtown Lake Geneva

Elite Lake Rentals manages modern, recently renovated vacation homes in Lake Geneva, Fontana, Williams Bay, Lake Como, Delavan Lake, Lauderdale Lakes, Powers Lake, and the surrounding area. The company also recently launched Elite Lake Home Watch, providing reliable care for second homes while owners are away.

“Lake Geneva is more than just a destination; it’s our home,” said Jason Smolarek, Founder and CEO. “We’re committed to being a good neighbor and supporting this incredible community as both locals and business owners. Our new space gives us a chance to connect more personally with the people we serve.”

Elite Lake Rentals invites homeowners, guests, and local residents to stop by the new office while downtown. Visitors can enjoy a fresh baked cookie or gourmet coffee while learning more about their services; or just saying hello.

“We believe in genuine connection; whether it’s through the stays we host, the homes we care for, or simply offering a smile and a treat to someone passing by,” added Smolarek. “We’d love to meet you.”

With a growing portfolio of modern vacation homes and a strong focus on hospitality and local service, Elite Lake Rentals is proud to continue growing and serving the Lake Geneva area.

To learn more about vacation rental management, visit www.EliteLakeRentals.com.For home watch services, visit www.EliteLakeHomeWatch.com.For media inquiries or more info, contact Jason Smolarek at Jason@EliteLakeRentals.com or 262.203.2496.

About Elite Lake RentalsElite Lake Rentals is a locally owned and operated vacation rental management company serving Lake Geneva, Fontana, Williams Bay, Lake Como, Delavan Lake, Lauderdale Lakes, Powers Lake, and the surrounding area. With a curated selection of lake-area homes and the recent launch of Elite Lake Home Watch, the company is dedicated to providing peace of mind and five-star hospitality for owners and guests alike.

Elite Lake Rentals Logo

Press inquiries

Elite Lake Rentals https://elitelakerentals.com Jason Smolarek jason@elitelakerentals.com 262-228-4466 772 W Main St#202Lake Geneva, WI 53147

LAKE GENEVA, Wis. — Many Wisconsinites and those across the state line in Illinois are enjoying spring break in Wisconsin.

What You Need To Know

That includes the Welsh sisters. Kelly, Abbi and Beka Welsh spent a couple of days in Lake Geneva over their spring break.

“We grabbed some dinner,” said Kelly Welsh. “Walked around a little bit and did some shopping.”

For them, it was a getaway just a couple of hours away from home.

“It’s nice. It’s a little bit different,” said Kelly Welsh. “A change of pace. I live in the city and it’s nice to come and have a slower pace of life.”

Jesse Kearns is the resort manager at Timber Ridge Lodge and Water Park at the Grand Geneva. Kearns said there’s an uptick in reservations over spring break. He also has noticed a good portion of guests haven’t traveled too far.

“I do find that a lot of people are actually from 15, 20, 30 minutes just right around here local,” said Kearns. “I mean, sometimes I see kids that played sports around my kids and stuff. We see a lot of local business, especially this time of year.”

The spring months kick off the busy season for Lake Geneva. Visit Lake Geneva President and CEO Stephanie Klett said March and April can vary each year because the weather can be unpredictable.

“The numbers typically go down a little bit but with spring break and really the advent of four seasons and lots of indoor things to do, we are seeing those increases every year now in what was once a really down time,” said Klett.

Klett has noticed that as tourism numbers increase, the more expensive flights get.

“More travelers want the freedom of a car because when you go to a destination you’re flying to, renting a car can cost a fortune on your length of stay,” said Klett. “We really parlay on that. We’re easy to drive to. It is a destination with a lot to do, but in a matter of seconds, you can be away from it all.”

That was the appeal for the Welsh sisters.

“Walk around, get some food, stuff like that and not be in our hometown for the day,” said Kelly Welsh.

By Bill Barth and Stephanie Klett

Preservation of history can be thought of as a gift we give ourselves and our progeny.

Visitors to Lake Geneva come to experience the beauty of a world-class tourism destination centered around the water, loaded with entertainment attractions and fine restaurants and unique shops.

Residents see it as home, a safe community blessed with a strong economy, good schools, efficient public and private services, a great place to live and work.

Underneath all that, though, is a story. The story of the people.

History.

Who was here first? How did European-descended settlers discover the beauty of the lake? How did the community grow? When did it become a playground for tourists? Who were the prominent citizens who built the great estates? How has the community changed and evolved through the years?

History is best left to the experts who assemble it for everyone to enjoy.

Fortunately, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Geneva Lake Museum’s administrative co-directors Janet Ewing and Sonja Akright. They are delightful and they know their stuff.

“We share the same passion for local history and for the area,” Sonja told us.

The Geneva Lake Museum was founded 40 years ago and for the past 20 has been located downtown, at 255 Mill St., in a former Wisconsin Power and Light building. The facility has 20,000 square feet and is jam-packed with interesting and unique exhibits. No matter how well you think you know the region, a visit will produce a learning experience filled with surprises.

“For me it’s an incredible variety of history, all in one hub,” Janet said. “Every small town doesn’t have the kind of history that we have. We’ve really been blessed in that way. We try to keep everything Geneva Lake-related, which means the whole lake, the watershed. It means Fontana, Williams Bay, Linn and all surrounding areas.”

The lake area has a rich history as a gathering place for Native Americans long before the first settlers arrived and, yes, the museum includes displays with artifacts of the indigenous people. Col. John Kinzie is remembered as the first explorer to see the lake, in May of 1831.

The famous Northwestern Military and Naval Academy – now the site of the South Shore Club – occupies a large display. The site originally was the home of a Potawatomi encampment. Some may remember the Academy was used as a location by Hollywood for the movie Omen 2. The museum’s Academy display includes scale representations of two murals featured at the school, one showing the Potawatomi camp and the other the Kinzie party’s discovery of the lake.

It was fascinating to learn about the community’s long association with health-related sanitariums, which included facilities for medical patients, the mentally ill, light nervous disorders, substance rehabilitation, even an institution for children. Live-in facilities catered to the wealthy. Sonja has made the sanitarium period, from 1885 to 1932, her topic of deep study.

“I am incredibly enthralled with the sanitariums of Lake Geneva,” she told us. “I wrote a book about it. I’ve done a lot of research. I have an exhibit. That’s something that speaks to people. It’s something that’s relevant.”

The industry took root in Lake Geneva largely because of its proximity to Chicago and its wealthy class, allowing families to easily travel by train to visit patients.

“The people (patients) that came here were wealthy people,” she said. “Their people felt good about sending them to Lake Geneva.”

The wealth that turned Lake Geneva into a destination is well documented in museum displays, from artifacts taken from historic properties such as Ceylon Court and Black Point. And, of course, Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Club – now occupied by the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa – has a popular and prominent display.

One of the newer – and wildly popular displays – focuses on the Wizard of Lake Geneva, Gary Gygax, and the birth of his world-wide gaming phenomenon Dungeons & Dragons.

“I love the history of the people who live on the lake, the estates. What a variety of different companies these people owned,” Janet said. “But I also have a soft spot for the people who lived here and helped support those people. They took care of the grounds, did the farming. It’s always been a beautiful place to come to and a desirable place to live for families.”

Seriously, folks, there are far too many exhibits for us to detail here. The brick Main Street that winds through the museum. Buddy Melges’ world championship sailing history. Early firefighting. Pioneer kitchen. One-room school. Trains. Even mobsters.

Locals and visitors alike love the place.

“It’s a healthy blend,” Sonja said. “There are people who come back to visit often. We have people who stumble in, who say ‘I’ve lived here my whole life and didn’t know there was a museum. I’ve never seen any of this stuff’.”

For more information visit the website (genevalakemuseum.org).

The column is produced by the husband and wife team of Bill Barth and Stephanie Klett. Bill is the former Editor of the Beloit Daily News, and a member of the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame. Stephanie is the President and CEO of Visit Lake Geneva, and the former Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism.