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Yerkes Observatory receives $700,000 grant from the state
The Messier Marathon Open House is March 22 at Yerkes
Observatory in Williams Bay.
SUBMITTED, RESORTER
Gov. Tony Evers visited Yerkes Observatory during National Travel and Tourism Week in May, alongside Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers and Deputy Secretary Maria Van Hoorn.
A week after the governor's visit, Yerkes received additional statewide recognition when it was awarded a $700,000 grant through the Wisconsin Department of Administration's NonState Grant Program.
"Both the governor's visit and the Department of Administration grant reinforce Yerkes' value to the public and the importance of investing in its future," said Executive Director Dennis Kois said in a press release.
The DOA grant was approved at the May 13 meeting of the Wisconsin State Building Commission, which Evers chairs. The grant matches funds already raised by Yerkes and will support two major additions to the observatory's 50-acre Olmsted Arboretum: the Blair Family Foundation Play/Space and the Cosmic Family Pavilion.
The Blair Family Foundation Play/Space area is an accessible, astronomy-inspired playground designed to encourage exploration, creativity and outdoor activity for children of all ages and abilities.
Created by acclaimed Danish design company MONSTRUM, the playground features the firm's blend of storytelling and immersive play experiences.
The Cosmic Family Pavilion will include shaded picnic tables, family restrooms, a quiet space for people with sensory sensitivities and nursing parents, charging station and drinking fountains for both people and pets.
"Yerkes continues to grow as a destination where science, nature, history, and the arts come together," said Kois. "We are excited to create new opportunities for play, exploration, recreation, and discovery for both the Williams Bay community and the tens of thousands of visitors who travel to Yerkes each year."
Yerkes is awaiting final approval from the village of Williams Bay to proceed with construction of Play/ Space and the Cosmic Family Pavilion.
Gage Marine Corporation acquires Norton's on Green Lake supper club
Norton's of Green Lake supper club has been acquired by the Gage Marine Corporation and will operate as Norton's by Gage.
The Green Lake supper club's menu and staff will remain in place. The restaurant, which was established in 1948, will continue to operate without interruption through the summer season.
"For 78 years, Norton's has been a place where Green Lake makes memories," said Bill Gage, Jr., third-generation owner of Gage Marine Corporation, said in a press release. "We're not here to change that; we're here to honor it. Our family has spent three generations sharing the lake life with our customers and the communities where we reside. We feel privileged to help carry the Norton's tradition into its next chapter."
Gage Marine has been in business for more than 150 years, and its Lake Geneva operations include Gage Marine Boat Sales and Service, Lake Geneva Cruise Line, PIER 290 Restaurant, Lake Life Catering and the Lake Life Store.
In 2023, the company expanded into Minocqua, with a second Gage Marine dealership location and the purchase of The Boat House lakefront restaurant with more than 130 years in business.
Gage Marine was named Dealer of the Year in 2025 by Boating Industry Magazine.
"Norton's already has everything that matters most: a rich history, a beautiful setting, and a community that cares deeply about it," said FJ Frazier, chief operating officer of Gage Marine Corporation. "Our goal is to honor that legacy while investing in the future, enhancing the experience, creating new traditions for families, and ensuring Norton's remains one of Wisconsin's great lakefront gathering places for generations to come."
The previous ownership group, which had stewarded Norton's in recent years, approached Gage Marine to help carry the supper club's tradition, and the two parties worked together on a seamless transition.
"When the time came to plan Norton's next chapter, we knew we wanted an owner with deep Wisconsin roots, real hospitality expertise, and genuine commitment to lakefront communities. Gage Marine was the clear choice," said Joe Pregont, one of the previous owners.
As of June 9, Norton's by Gage they will be open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday.
Then, starting Friday, June 12 through Labor Day, they will be offering lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with plans to expand their live music offerings.
Walworth County to conduct upcoming Clean Sweep events
Walworth County will host its annual household Clean Sweep recycling events on Friday, June 26, and Saturday, June 27, at Walworth County Public Works, W4097 Highway NN in Elkhorn. No registration is required.
On June 26, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., residents may dispose of household hazardous waste, including items labeled caustic, acid, flammable, danger, warning or poison.
Examples of acceptable items include:
nicotine vape devices
rechargeable batteries
oil- and lead-based paints
pesticides and herbicides
adhesives and lubricants
old fuel
fluorescent bulbs
mercury thermometers
thermostats
furniture strippers
cleaning chemicals
antifreeze
motor oil.
Items should be in their original containers, if possible.
On June 27, from 8 a.m. to noon, residents may dispose of household hazardous waste, electronics, appliances, and tires.
Household hazardous waste is free to recycle. Most electronics and computers can be recycled for free. The following items can be recycled for a fee, cash only:
Monitors: $5 each
All TVs: $10 each
Mini fridges, small AC units and dehumidifiers: $5 each
Refrigerators and freezers: $10 each; all other appliances are free
Tires with 20-inch rims or smaller may be recycled: The cost is $5 each for tires without rims and $10 each for tires with rims.
Highway 50 project informational meeting set for June 10
Lake Geneva officials, along with VISIT Lake Geneva and Business Improvement District representatives, are set to host a public informational meeting regarding the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s upcoming Highway 50/Main Street road reconstruction project from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 10 at the city hall building, 626 Geneva St.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation representatives are set to conduct the project in 2027 and 2028 in downtown Lake Geneva.
Other upcoming informational meetings are scheduled to be held 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16 and Dec. 9 at the city hall building.
For more information about the project or the meetings, visit www.cityoflakegeneva.gov or call 262-248-3673.
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