What’s happening in #WalCo? US Highway 12 construction update, National Drug Take Back Day, volunteer park work days & more!
US 12 Construction Update
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has resumed roadway and structure improvements along US 12 from Elkhorn to Lake Geneva. As the project progresses into its second year of construction, WisDOT is notifying motorists of what they can expect this year.
The ramp closures below, which were originally scheduled to begin on April 17, have been rescheduled to Monday, April 24:
- US Highway (USH) 12 West ramp to County Highway (CTH) NN (Elkhorn)
- CTH NN (Elkhorn) ramp to USH 12 West
- USH 12 West ramp to Interstate 43 North
- Interstate 43 North ramp to USH 12 West
- USH 12 West ramp to Interstate 43 South
What to Expect
- USH 12 West will be open to through traffic
- Detour routes will be signed for all ramp closures
- Ramp closures are anticipated to begin on April 24 and remain closed until May 8 (14 calendar days)
As always, operations are weather dependent and subject to change. View the project website for additional information at https://projects.511wi.gov/region/southeast/.
National Drug Take Back Day is April 22
Walworth County strongly encourages and seeks to increase awareness of National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 22. Walworth County offers free and anonymous disposal of old, unwanted, or expired medications at convenient drop boxes year-round.
The goal of National Drug Take Back Day is to make the public more aware that there is a safe and responsible means of disposal of prescription and over-the-counter medications throughout the County. Unused prescription medications in homes create a public health and safety concern because they can be accidentally ingested, stolen, misused, and abused.
Residents can dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications in the form of tablets, capsules, or liquids, as well as patches, non-aerosol sprays, inhalers, and creams or ointments.
There are multiple drop-box locations throughout Walworth County:
- Bloomfield Police Department, N1100 Town Hall Rd., Pell Lake
- *Delavan Police Department, 123 S. 2nd St., Delavan
- *Fontana Village Hall, 175 Valley View Dr., Fontana
- *Lake Geneva Police Department, 626 Geneva St., Lake Geneva
- Village of Sharon Police Department, 125 Plain St., Sharon
- *Village of East Troy Police Department, 2015 Energy Dr., East Troy
- *Walworth County Sheriff, 1770 County Rd. NN, Elkhorn
- Walworth Police Department, 227 N. Main St., Walworth
- Whitewater Municipal Building, 312 W. Whitewater St., Whitewater
The locations listed above are available year-round for disposal. Drop boxes marked with an asterisk are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products like cough syrup should remain sealed in their original containers. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. Remove or black out any medication labels. Pills and other solid medications should be removed from their containers and placed in sealable plastic bags or directly into the disposal boxes. Plastic pill containers should be recycled at home. Blister packages are acceptable with the medications intact.
For more information on acceptable items and how to dispose of them, visit www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/permanent-drug-drop-boxes.htm.
Volunteer for Park Work Days
We’re recruiting volunteers for three park work-day events in April to assist with tree planting, trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and park improvements at Natureland, Price, and White River parks. Water and snacks will be provided. Join us and make a difference in your community.
Park work day dates, times & locations:
- Native planting and invasive species removal, on Friday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to noon, at White River Park, 6503 Sheridan Springs Rd., Lake Geneva
- Arbor Day tree planting on Friday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Natureland Park, W8338 Territorial Rd., Whitewater
- Arbor Day tree planting on Friday, April 28, from noon to 2 p.m., at Price Park, N6421 Hodunk Rd., Elkhorn
To volunteer, call or text Volunteer Services Coordinator Karin Texidor at (262) 903-0324 or email ketexidor@co.walworth.wi.us.
ADRC Hosts Welcome to Medicare Workshops on April 20
The Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) will offer Welcome to Medicare workshops on Thursday, April 20, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. This popular educational session will provide information about Medicare for individuals turning 65 years of age, those over 65 and planning to retire, or individuals with disabilities that have received Social Security Disability benefits for 24 months or have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease).
The Welcome to Medicare workshops will be held at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building, 1910 County Road NN, Elkhorn. RSVPs are highly recommended by calling (262) 741-3366.
For residents who cannot attend in April, a Welcome to Medicare workshop will also be held on June 8. More information can be found at www.co.walworth.wi.us/883/Medicare.
AARP Driver Safety Class on April 24
The Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) will offer the AARP Driver Safety Class on Monday, April 24, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at its facilities at the Walworth County Department of Health & Human Services, 1910 County Road NN in Elkhorn.
This class is a great refresher on driving techniques and rules of the road and also provides a proven method for seniors to evaluate their driving and make necessary changes to remain safe. In addition, most insurance companies offer a discount for up to three years for completion of the course. The cost is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members.
For questions or to register for the program, contact Chetney Blaszczyk RDN, CD at (262) 741-3309.
National Work Zone Awareness Week
National Work Zone Awareness Week is from April 17 to 21. This year’s theme is, You play a role in work zone safety. Work with us!
Work zones are a sign to slow down. There are, unfortunately, thousands of crashes in our work zones every construction season. It's in every driver's best interest to stay focused and patient - especially in work zones.
In honor of National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 17-21, we’d like to remind drivers:
- Slow down
- Eliminate distractions
- Be patient.
- Give yourself room to merge and increase the braking distance between you and the car in front of you.
- Check www.511wi.gov for the latest construction updates and plan ahead.
Job of the Week: 911 Communications Training & Quality Assurance Manager
Are you a detail-oriented individual with experience in 911 dispatching/communications that enjoys teaching others the necessary skills to do your job? The Walworth County Sheriff's Office is seeking applicants for the position of Training & Quality Assurance Manager to work in our 911 Communications Center.
The Training & Quality Assurance Manager can earn up to $43.54 an hour and is eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance; scheduled and personal time off; holiday pay; and Wisconsin retirement benefits.
Learn more and apply.
Follow us on Facebook
Walworth County has launched an official Facebook page. Here’s what you can expect to see on the page: News alerts, information about upcoming County Board meetings and public hearings, details about programs and services, park events and highlights, construction updates, community updates, career and volunteer opportunities, answers to FAQs, behind-the-scenes snapshots, and more. We hope you’ll give us a follow and share this page with your friends, family, and neighbors. Also, check out these County departments on Facebook: