Friendship Lake District 2024 
Newsletter
   “Note from the Chairman” 
Well once again it's finally spring time here on Friendship Lake, although if you look at the forecast it wouldn't seem so with 3 to 5 inches of snow predicted. I hope you all have had a good winter. Here in Friendship it's actually been a very mild one. Knowing spring is on the way makes things bearable. The ice is off the lake and the level is set for the summer so soon boats can be launched, and all our favorite lake activities can begin. A couple things we will be working on in 2024, possible use of chemicals in certain areas of the lake to help control the weeds and Mark Weber our harvesting coordinator is beginning the interview process getting help lined up for harvesting season. Friendship Lake has posted NO WAKE times from 7:00 pm to 10:00 am. Please be respectful to non motorized watercraft and fishermen during those times. The DNR approved boating rules are posted and located at the public boat launch. The Village of Friendship owns and maintains the public beach and boat launch. If you rent out your lake property please make sure your renters or guests have this information. Burning permits are required by the Wisconsin DNR, are free and easy to obtain online at Wisconsin.Gov DNR Burn Permit or call 1-888-WIS-BURN (947-2876). Permits are also available at the Village of Friendship Hall. I am sad to report a tragic fire occurred last week at Family Affair, the restaurant on our lake. It was totally destroyed. No one was hurt, but it was a complete loss. Word is that they will be rebuilding and operational by fall. I am hoping that our early spring weather continues and soon we can all be together for another great year on our lake. Bob Berry, Chairman, FLDChair@gmail.com

“Message from the Secretary”
The Friendship Lake District Board of Commissioners meet monthly from April to September and quarterly from September to April. Our elected commissioners hold three year terms with one position up for re-election annually. In 2024 the chairman position will be up for re-election. In addition to our three elected board positions, a representative from Adams County, Town of Adams, Village of Friendship, and Town of Preston hold and serve a position on our board. Our regular board meetings are open and held at the Town of Adams Hall, at 5:00pm. The annual meeting and budget hearing is open and held on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. The 2024 annual meeting is scheduled for Saturday August 31, 2024 at 9:00 am at the Adams Community Center. Meeting dates, agendas, minutes and other district information is posted on our website, www.friendshiplake.org. If you wish to place an item on a board meeting agenda for discussion I need 30 days notice in advance of our scheduled meeting. Please make sure that I have your preferred contact information, including email, phone, and mailing address.  

If you are new to the district and would like to receive email messages or have new contact information please make sure to update that information. My email is protected and your information is not shared. I obtain the mailing labels directly from the Adams County Clerk. That offers the district the most up to date address for properties in our lake district, especially with the buying, selling, or transferring of properties. I often receive returned mail stating not a valid address, moved and no forwarding, or no mail receptacle available. Please make sure to update your mailing preferences and property title information with Adams County. The Adams County Clerk can be reached at 608-339-4200. In the past lake districts were required by state statute to mail the annual meeting notice and budget information using the USPS. On December 6, 2023, Governor Evers signed Senate Bill 85 creating 2023 Act 62, an update to Chapter 33 that governs lake districts. Under Act 62 previously required written notices can all be sent via email, so long as the recipient has “agreed” to receive such notices via email. This bill allows lake districts the option to send out our annual meeting notice, proposed budget, proposed tax levy and special charges via email. The statute does define or qualify what form that this agreement should take. This is considered an “opt-in” choice for the owners/electors. This new option will be placed on the agenda for discussion and approval at the annual meeting before any action will be taken. Karen Pokorny, Secretary, FLDSecrt@gmail.com

“Treasurer Report”
The treasurer reports are found within the board meeting minutes on our website. As treasurer I manage expenditures, deposits, payroll, loan payments, as well as prepare the treasurer's report to the board. The treasurer serves on the Financial Advisory Committee. My position was up for re-election in 2023. At that time I told the board that due to my full time job and board position for the Town of Preston, I really didn’t have the time to continue as the lake district treasurer. No one came forward to replace me, so I agreed to continue as treasurer until a replacement could be found. To date no one has come forward. Please consider taking this position on the board. I will continue to fulfill the duties and available to help with the transition but would appreciate it if another lake district owner would consider this position. Please contact me if you would be interested or have any questions about this position. 
Sue Booth, Treasurer, FLDTreas@gmail.com

“Financial Advisory Committee”
The Financial Advisory Committee was created several years ago to help evaluate the financial condition and needs of the lake district so that this burden did not fall on one person. For almost 30 years this had been the responsibility of the treasurer, but that volunteer position has enough to do without the added burden of creating a budget and establishing the tax rate. This committee has been responsible for reviewing the finances of the district and recommending both a budget for the following year as well as the method that we raise the necessary funds through setting the taxes to be imposed on Friendship Lake District properties. If you are interested in joining this committee please contact me. Chuck Spargo, Chairman Financial Advisory Committee, cspargo1234@gmail.com

“Dam Operations”
Friendship Dam is owned, operated and maintained by our lake district and monitored daily by volunteer operators. Annually our Emergency Action Plan(EAP) and Inspection, Operations, and Maintenance(IOM) plans are reviewed. This information is shared with AC County Emergency Services, fire, police, and sheriff’s departments. Our district has an approved DNR permit to operate the dam. In August of 2023 the required DNR dam inspection was completed by Ayres Engineering. The inspection noted two small areas on or near the dam that have been placed on watch only. First there is a small crack in the concrete near the dam gates and second on the west side of HWY 13 there is some seepage, recommending that some of the foliage be trimmed back in that area. This spring we plan to coordinate that trimming with the Village of Friendship who maintain that area. Our operators ask that you please remember to inspect your shorelines and remove any limbs or debris. If tree debris lets loose there is a high risk that it will flow directly to the dam and can cause damage to the gates. If you need help with shoreline or tree trimming Delambo Outdoor Services recently acquired Bert’s Lawn Care and continues to provide outdoor services including mowing, tree removal, trimming, and lawn clean up. Call 608-472-9853 or email Delamboservices@gmail.com for a quote. The dam powerhouse has both alarm and camera surveillance. If you would be interested in being a volunteer dam operator, please contact me. Chuck Spargo, Dam Operator, cspargo1234@gmail.com

“Weed Harvester Operations”
The weed harvesting program runs from May 15th to September 15th. We have a DNR approved lake management plan. While on the lake this year please observe the markings placed by the harvesting team last fall. Please do not remove those poles as they mark large tree stumps located under the surface and prevent damage to our equipment. The program is overseen by the board with Mark Weber as the harvesting coordinator. Mark is beginning the hiring process for the 2024 season. You must have mechanical experience, 18 years or older and hold a valid drivers license. The board approved starting pay for a new hire is $14 per hour. Because this is a seasonal part time position no additional benefits are provided. Please contact Mark Weber at 920-219-0324 to apply.. 

“Friends of Friendship Lake”
The Friends of Friendship Lake coordinate and sponsor fundraising and social events supporting our district. Breakfast meetings are monthly, usually the first Saturday and at Moundview Golf Course. All lake district owners are welcome to join. For the past few years money raised has been dedicated to weed harvesting equipment costs and reduction of our loan debt. The committee chairman position is open, so if interested please attend the next scheduled meeting, Saturday May 4, 2024, 9:00am, at Moundview Golf Course.  
On May 11, 2024, the AC Chamber of Commerce is holding their annual Ducky Derby at Friendship Park. The Friends will be providing the brat fry. Many volunteers are needed for grilling, serving, and cleanup. If you are available please call Karen Pokorny at 414-840-2076 to help even if it is for only a few hours. The event runs from 10:00am to 2:00pm with the Ducky Derby at noon. Tickets are 1 / $10 or 3 / $20 and available to purchase at the Chamber Office, local businesses and on the day of the event.
 The 4th of July is a Thursday with the annual AF parade, boat parade and fireworks scheduled. Event times will be available closer to that day. 
 On August 10, 2024 the 5th Annual “Dam Mulligan’s Golf Outing" is scheduled at Moundview Golf Course in Friendship. A fun day of golf, food, prizes, games, and raffles is planned. If you are interested in playing or sponsoring this event please contact Karen Pokorny as soon as possible as these teams fill up fast. Jen Parr from Coldwell Banker is our honorary chairman, and FM 106 is sponsoring the hole in one contest with a chance at winning a $10,000 prize.

“Friendship Island Resort”
My name is Justin Hutter, owner of Friendship Island Resort since 2021. My family and I would vacation on Friendship Lake and stay at Island Resort every summer. On vacation in July of 2020, we were told by the current owners that they were selling the property. I was able to purchase the property and business with it. I bought the property with the intention of renovating it, adding a dojo, and offering Martial Arts camps. I am proud to say that over the past three years I have done just that. Friendship Island Resort offers a private mat room, private beach, party shed, and much more. Over the summer we offer a variety of different camps and events. I have been able to bring top level coaches in their respected fields ranging from wrestling to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. If you don't find interest in martial arts, we still have lots you can enjoy, from reading a book in a hammock to swimming, kayaking or spending your whole day in a fishing boat. We hope Friendship Island Resort will be your choice for your next vacation and so happy to continue the long history of a resort on Friendship Lake. Call to make your reservations today at (608)-339-6725.

“Cabins on the Lake Resort”
In the summer of 2020 Eddie Bender and Patti Grabowski were on their annual Wisconsin Dells Weekend with Eddie’s daughter Eliana when they decided to extend their visit and take the drive north to visit the Adams Flea Market. Eddie knew the area well as he had camped nearby since he was 17. They attempted to get a room at the Adams Inn and were turned away, COVID protocols. The Anchor Inn had the open sign so they got a cabin and fell in love with Friendship Lake. As Patti said out of the blue she told the owner that if you are ever interested in selling, “I am your girl”!  Four months later they owned a resort, sold their homes in the Milwaukee area and moved to Friendship, with no experience in operating a lake resort. They renamed the resort to Cabins on the Lake and began the journey of remodeling, updating, and marketing their new business. Patti and Eddie said it has been an amazing experience, meeting guests from all over the country, settling in and falling in love with Friendship Lake and the surrounding community. If you would like to book a cabin or stop by for a visit please call 608-339-1291.  

“Lake House on Friendship”
My name is Josh Hughes and along with my wife, Alli, are the proud new owners of a lake house on Dakota Court. While we are new to Friendship, we aren't new to this area. We met in the summer of 2014 and have been camping at Buckhorn state park ever since. It's a convenient two hour drive from our home in Waukesha, WI, where we both grew up. 
We were married in the fall of 2017 and both work in the Milwaukee area. Alli is a marketing director for Derse and I am a video producer for Carroll University. As we've grown in our careers we were looking for an opportunity to try something new. I wanted to purchase a duplex and Alli wanted a lake house, so we compromised. Penny, the previous owner, operated the property as a rental, so we made an easy quick decision. We looked past the business opportunity, and fell in love with the house before even seeing it. It has that old personality and charm on the inside that is an extension of our 1918 home in Waukesha. Old houses have their quirks and that's what we love about them. I am a history buff and have enjoyed learning about the area including a couple of books I borrowed from our neighbor, Darlene. As we embarked on this new adventure, we were welcomed with another surprise the first weekend we spent at the lake house. We found out we were pregnant with our first child! So while Alli didn't get to enjoy sipping beers at the lake all summer, we were over the moon that we will get to spend next summer with a little one at the lake. Shannon Bette Hughes was born on November 19th and has been an absolute bundle of joy! This area has become our favorite destination in the entire state of Wisconsin and we look forward to sharing its greatness with others. We've felt so welcomed by our neighbors and the lake district in our first year on Friendship Lake and look forward to making memories for years to come. If you are interested in renting our place, please call me at 262-337-0361.
“Neighbor Spotlight”
 Ed & Vicky Aksamit
The summer of 1954 marked the beginning of my love of fishing and love of Friendship Lake. My parents had rented a cottage on Hillwood Lane near the cabins of Island Resort. As a youngster my primary objective was to catch a largemouth bass preferably a trophy size. Despite my lofty goal, the end result of several days of rowing my boat around Friendship Lake yielded only bluegill fish with no signs of the sought after bass. Soon thereafter an older gentleman in an apparently homemade kayak paddled up to my rowboat and handed me a lure with instructions on how best to use it to entice a bass. The very next day I caught my very first bass on that lure. It was a two pound two ounce beauty. I was “hooked” on fishing thanks to that unknown man in the kayak. Since then I have never seen nor identified the gentleman but I always acknowledge the part he played in my fishing career. Years later after my family’s initial stay on Friendship Lake my parents retired from their jobs in Chicago and bought a home in Big Flats in 1973. Their happiest years were lived in Adams County where I often found myself coming to visit them from my home in Chicago. My trips always included fishing on Friendship Lake. After marrying my wife, Vicky, the trips continued. She too developed a love of fishing. My daughters Amanda and Abbi and their children joined us as time went on. Their children also discovered the joys of Friendship Lake. Sadly my parents passed away after twenty years in Big Flats. We had moved our family to Arizona by that time so my only recourse was to sell their home. In 2017 our daughter Amanda summer encouraged me to buy a house on Friendship Lake knowing how much we had all missed it. We took her advice and happily we were able to once again be a part of life on Friendship Lake. Every spring since then, my wife Vicky and I make the two thousand mile trek to Friendship from Arizona, always eager to get in our boat and do some bass fishing. Our Chicago friends visit regularly as do our children and grandchildren, Declan and Lilly. We’ve also been blessed with new friends in the Friendship area. The Friendship Lake District organization has provided us with many days of enjoyment due to their diligent care and protection of Friendship Lake. My family and I look forward to each spring and summer and our time here. My passion for fishing has taken me to many different states as well as yearly trips to Canada. Despite these adventures I have never lost sight of the part Friendship Lake has played in my love of fishing. And it all started with a kind man who offered me a chance to experience the excitement of capturing those often elusive largemouth bass. That first bass, though not a record breaker, will always be my “trophy” fish.