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AUTHOR TAKES READERS ON A TRIP TO OBSERVATORY
DENNIS HINES
Sloan Sullivan signs copies of her book "More Blueberries
of Life: Brooklyn Discovers Yerkes Observatory." A portion of
the proceeds of the book sales will go towards Yerkes
Observatory's upcoming Blair Family Play/ Space area and Cosmic
Family Pavilion.
Sloan Sullivan recently completed her second children's
book, "More Blueberries of Life: Brooklyn Discovers Yerkes
Observatory."
PHOTOS BY DENNIS HINES, REGIONAL NEWS
Sloan Sullivan is taking young readers on a journey to Yerkes Observatory to search for blueberries.
Sullivan, who lives in Lake Geneva, recently completed her second children's book "More Blueberries of Life: Brooklyn Discovers Yerkes Observatory," along with her granddaughter Brooklyn Freytag of El Paso, Texas.
The book's Brooklyn visits the observatory at 373 Geneva St. in Williams Bay with her grandparents to learn if there are blueberries in outer space.
Sullivan said she developed the idea for the story based on visits to the observatory.
"My kids had field trips here. I've done tours here," Sullivan said. "It's a remarkable place and I'm very honored. I will never stop being in awe of the fact that I wrote a book on Yerkes."
A portion of the proceeds from book sales will go toward the construction of the observatory's Blair Family Play/ Space area and Cosmic Family Pavilion, which is set to feature astronomy-themed playground equipment.
"We're excited about the Play/Space project that will create a place for children and families to engage and learn about astronomy and learn about Yerkes,” said Meg Howes, deputy director of development and external affairs for the observatory.
Howes hopes to have the playground completed in fall 2027.
“We have to see when the ground thaws next year before we can finish up construction,” she said. “We don’t want to lock it in until the equipment is here and the ground is broken.”
Several projects were completed at Lake Geneva schools during the summer.
Buildings and Grounds Director Sean Strauss highlighted some of the projects during the Sept. 8 Lake Geneva Joint No. 1 School Board meeting.
Work that was completed at Badger High School included installing a new roof over the music and theater wing of the building, resealing asphalt near the stadium and updating the clock system.
Rapid flashing beacon signs were installed near a crosswalk on Wells Street between the high school and Lake Geneva Middle School.
"It gives that visibility to our students, letting cars know that there are pedestrians on either side and they will be crossing the street," Strauss said.
On march 9, City Council approved a contract with Outdoor Lighting Company Inc. of Milwaukee to install the beacon signs for about $13,600, with the school districts sharing 50% of the cost.
New roofing was installed over Lake Geneva Middle School's library and gymnasium, and an updated sound system was installed in the gymnasium. A painted walking path was established at the playground, and the school's clock system was updated.
Projects that were completed at Central-Denison Elementary School included installing new concrete on the Cook Street side of the building and removing the carpet in the cafe to install vinyl tile flooring.
A new playground was constructed at Star Center Elementary School, which features a slide structure, swing sets and climbing apparatuses.
Star Center also received new cafeteria flooring, fencing and gates.
Asphalt and concrete work was completed around Eastview Elementary School, and new railings were installed to the building.
The administration building’s parking lot was resurfaced during the summer.
District officials also worked with a pest management company to spray for wasps around several of the buildings.
Strauss said the district also is working on standing response protocols for handling emergency situations and the actions that should be taken when students must remain in classrooms, school buildings have to placed on lockdown or schools buildings have to be evacuated.
City Council OKs strategic action plan
DENNIS HINES
Managing residential development, supporting a diverse economy, balancing the impact of tourism and enhancing community livability are some of the objectives Lake Geneva officials want to accomplish during the next several years.
On Sept. 14, the City Council approved a five-year strategic action plan 5-2, with Alders Brian Smith and Joel Hoiland dissenting.
Hoiland said the plan should have include deadlines, estimate costs, measurable outcomes and regular public reports for how the goals will be accomplished.
"In it's present form it's a good vision document, but it's not complete," he said.
City Administrator Dave De Angelis said the costs for establishing initiatives to accomplish the goals have to be included in the city budget, and that city staff will develop an action plan to accomplish the strategic plan's objectives.
"We have to close the book on this strategic plan and get the action plan identified,” De Angelis said.
The plan’s goals include:
■ Working with county officials to establish a citywide housing strategy.
■ Refining zoning ordinances and development policies.
■ Advocating for more control over short-term rental properties and housing regulations.
■ Developing and implementing traffic mitigation plans.
■ Creating a comprehensive parking and mobility strategy.
■ Expanding environmental and sustainability initiatives.
■ Investing in a structured public information system.
■ Improving walking and biking accessibility.
■ Promoting Lake Geneva as a year-round community.
■ Improving economic opportunities for young residents and families.
“What I thought was very interesting about these actions is it’s a lot about how you manage the impact of tourism to ensure it doesn’t overrun your community and it enhances livability,” said David Beurle, CEO of Future iQ Inc., which helped the city develop the plan.
Future iQ conducted community meetings and created a survey, which about 500 residents completed.
“This was a very successful engagement process,” Beurle said. “We got slightly better engagement than we expected from the community.”
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