What’s happening in #WalCo this week? Lakeland Health Care Center employees put on a patriotic show for residents; Lakeland School's longtime director of special education retires; there’s a new trail coming to White River County Park; and what to do about those pesky spongy moth caterpillars.
Lakeland Health Care Center’s got the Red, White, and Blues
Members of the Lakeland Health Care Center (LHCC) Band and AV Club hosted a patriotic singalong for residents on Thursday, June 29. LHCC staffers started the band during COVID when outside entertainers were not able to enter the facility. During the Patriotic Gems performance, the band led residents through renditions of “God Bless the U.S.A.” and “I’m Proud to Be an American,” among other tunes, and staff also recognized several resident veterans and veteran spouses for their service.
White River County Park’s New Trail
The Walworth County Parks Department has begun the early development of a new trail at White River County Park! The nearly mile-long trail is located on the north side of Sheridan Springs Road across from the barn in the open field. The field is comprised of prairie and oak plantings, which were planted in late 2020. An additional 30 oaks will be planted this summer and fall and additional trees will continue to be planted over the next several years. The trail is tentatively slated to open in 2023. The map (above) illustrates the proposed path of the new trail. View the White River County Park page to learn more about this great local resource and download trail maps.
The Hungry, Hungry Caterpillars
The spongy moth caterpillar (formerly known as the gypsy moth) has been wreaking havoc across Walworth County. The voracious caterpillars love to eat oak trees but have also been attacking maple, birch, and conifers. Unfortunately, widespread outbreaks like the one we’ve been experiencing are beyond human control. The weather and predators will do the job naturally. The caterpillars should be gone within the next week or so … for this year. Watch for where the moths are laying egg masses in July. If you see 25-plus egg masses on a large oak tree then it is likely you will have defoliation the following spring. Treat egg masses from fall through winter by soaking them with horticultural oil or carefully scraping them off and soaking them in soapy water for two days. For more information about spongy moth caterpillars and how to manage them, visit the UW-Extension spongy moth web page. Or contact Horticulture Outreach Specialist Julie Hill at Julie.hill@wisc.edu, (262) 741-4958.
Lakeland School's Longtime Director of Special Education Retires
Tracy Moate, the director of special education at Lakeland School, retired on July 1. Moate had served in the role since July 2003. She started at the school as a teacher in August 1984. Moate was instrumental in spearheading many significant changes at Lakeland, including the construction of the state-of-the-art school, which opened for classes in 2008. She will be greatly missed by staff and students. The Walworth County Board of Supervisors will recognize Tracy for her many years of service to the County at its July 12 meeting.
Her replacement as Director of Special Education is Matthew Huettl, formerly the Director of Special Education and Pupil Services for the Clinton Community School District. Welcome to Walworth County, Matt!
Register to Vote!
The Partisan Primary is August 9! Are you registered to vote? Visit MyVote.wi.gov and confirm your registration today.
Electronics & Appliances Recycling Event on July 23
Walworth County Department of Public Works will host an Electronics & Appliances Recycling Event on Saturday, July 23, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Public Works facility, W4097 County Rd. NN, Elkhorn. Select appliances and electronics may be recycled for free and disposal fees apply for certain electronics ($35 each for all TVs, $10 each for all computer monitors and all-in-one monitors; cash only). To view a list of acceptable items, visit www.co.walworth.wi.us/342/Hazardous-Waste-Recycling.
Job of the Week: Environmental Health Specialist
We’re looking for an Environmental Health Specialist! As part of the Environmental Health team, this position serves in a leadership role for water sample analysis and compliance, overseeing day-to-day operations of the laboratory. This person also works in coordination with the communicable diseases surveillance program for follow-up on food and waterborne disease outbreaks. To view the full job description and apply, visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/walworthco.
Community Events: What's Going on Around the County
The Annual Downtown Elkhorn Walking Tour takes place on July 7 at 6:30 p.m. Meet at the Library Community Center, 101 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn. Matheson Library staff will lead a tour of historic locations around Elkhorn’s downtown square. Check the library’s website (www.elkhorn.lib.wi.us/wordpress/) for more information. The Eighth Annual Beachside Authorfest happens on July 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Library Park in Lake Geneva, 918 W. Main St. Over 30 authors will be on hand to meet and greet guests and sell and sign books. Details at www.lglibrary.org. Rage Against the Machine performs at Alpine Valley on July 9 at 8 p.m. For tickets, go to www.livenation.com. The Elkhorn Ribfest is July 13 through 17 at the Walworth County Fairgrounds. Barbecue, entertainment, and carnival rides. Information at www.Elkhornribfest.com.
Source:https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=300
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