Porters Lake WI

04/06/2026

Hi Everyone! This information was sent in an email on 4/4/26, but we wanted to share those updates here, too.

Update on Fish Stick Project:

As you may have guessed by now, we were not able to move forward with the fish sticks project. According to Sam Cason, by the time the permit was issued and he came to check the ice condition, it was insufficient to move forward on the project. And since the ice conditions did not improve the project will need to move to next winter. Luckily, the permit was issued for multiple year terms and will only need annual updates, which is a great deal. This will allow us to expand the project over the next 3-4 years, if the membership chooses to do so. Any new updates will be on the annual meeting agenda under old business.

Update on Lake Health (Management of Invasive Species):

We are currently using two consultants to help with these efforts—Onterra and Golden Sands.
- - Onterra has been involved with PLMD before Skip joined the board (a long time ago 😊). He believes they were hired to help write our first lake management plan in about 2007 or 2008. Since 2013 we have used Onterra to perform our late season aquatic invasive species survey.
- - Golden Sands and Paul Skawinski were the ones that confirmed our first narrowleaf cattail infestation in the southeast bay and provided the map used to treat the invasive the first time around. They also provide Dave Hansen with purple loosestrife root stock each spring.
- - Golden Sands can help us identify issues and offer options but they do not perform the work that Onterra, Cason or Wisconsin Lake & Ponds do.
Updates on the invasive species work will also be on the annual meeting agenda under old business.

Please reach out with any questions.

09/02/2025

* *BOAT LANDING ALERT* *BOAT LANDING ALERT* *

The Town Board of Mt. Morris has notified us that the Porters Lake Boat Landing will be CLOSED September 15 through October 1 for repairs.

During the closure, there will be no access to or from the lake via the boat landing. PLEASE PLAN AHEAD! Dan Nowak, from the Town Board, shared that if there are any heavy rains during this time, the closure could be extended.

Should you have any questions, please email the Porters Lake Board at our email address.

08/21/2025

Good morning Porters Lake!

We wanted to share that the 2025 Lake District Annual Meeting minutes have been sent to residents via email and they have been added to our documents page - a direct link to the minutes can be found below:

07/30/2025

A little putt-putt around the lake on July 24. The sky was beautiful after a rain storm came through.

07/05/2025

Thank you all for your patience as we have worked diligently, using every available resource, to make the best decisions for this evening’s event.

For the safety of everyone involved, we will be canceling the Freedom Fest parade scheduled for tonight.

The rest of the festivities will continue as planned, including our fantastic food vendors, live music, and fireworks at the fairgrounds. Please note that the band performance will now take place inside the Music Hall rather than in front of the grandstand. We look forward to seeing you there—gates will open at 6:30 p.m.

We will continue to monitor the weather closely and will make any additional adjustments as needed. We also encourage everyone to make the decision that feels best for their own situation regarding attendance this evening.

Your safety is always our top priority and is not something we take lightly.

07/05/2025

06/28/2025

Hi All, we've heard some accounts of residents having Swimmer's Itch. Keep you and your family safe with some helpful summer hints to prevent and treat it if you get it!

While we love to be in the lakes when it is so hot, please remember to be aware of swimmer's itch. Swimmer’s itch is a skin rash caused by tiny parasites found in water. The parasite normally infects birds or mammals that live near water, but sometimes can find a human and cause an allergic reaction. Outbreaks occur when the weather and water get warmer. They are most common in May to early July in southern Wisconsin lakes and late June to early July in northern Wisconsin lakes. SWIMMER'S ITCH IS NOT DANGEROUS AND CANNOT BE SPREAD FROM PERSON TO PERSON, but it can be very uncomfortable. For more information visit: https://apps.dnr.wi.gov/lakes/swimmersitch/

06/28/2025

Good morning! Looking forward to seeing our Porters Lake WI neighbors at the Annual Meeting at the Mt. Morris Community Center!!

9:00am we'll be starting...we even have coffee!!

06/22/2025

Be safe outside this weekend - stay hydrated!

We are under a heat advisory starting tomorrow morning through Monday, with heat indexes potentially exceeding 100 degrees. During this time, prioritize staying cool and hydrated. Seek air-conditioned spaces, drink plenty of fluids, and wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid strenuous activities, especially during peak heat hours, and check on vulnerable individuals like the elderly or those with health conditions.

10/24/2024

As we get ready for Halloween, here are some events taking place around the area!!

🎃🍬👻So many activities, so little time! 👻🍬🎃

06/01/2023

Look at these smarty-pants winning trivia night at Trading Post Bar and Grill!! Go Team Porters Lakers!!

01/20/2023

We are saddened to share that one of our longtime residents, Floyd "Buzz" Busse, passed away at 97 years young on January 15, 2023. Buzz, and his late wife, Marcy, have had a home on Shannahan Lane since 1955.

"Born March 13, 1925 to Edward and Viola (Mauer) Busse in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Buzz was the oldest of 5 siblings, all deceased now. After high school he proudly served in the United States Air Force during WWII. At the conclusion of his service, he attended the University of Wisconsin and graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. It was at this time, while in Madison, that he met and later married Marcella Mulrooney on January 28, 1950. Buzz and Marcy eventually made their home in Verona, Wisconsin, where Buzz had a long career as a mechanical engineer for Carnes Company. Verona is where they raised their 3 children, developed many close friendships, and became involved in their churches and many community endeavors.
In 1955, Buzz built their family cottage on Porters Lake near Wautoma, Wisconsin. He spent many hours building, fixing, and creating, as well as spending wonderful times with his family and life long Porters Lake friends. Buzz and Marcy created a wonderful family sanctuary at their cottage on Porters Lake, where many fond memories have been made. In addition to spending as much time as they could at their cottage, they took many trips within the United States and to foreign countries including Thailand, Morocco, Guatemala, Jamaica, Spain, and China. They retired for 24 winters in Orange Beach, Alabama.
Buzz is survived by his children Terry (Linda) Busse, Jann Van Airsdale, and daughter-in-law Laurie Busse. Grandchildren: Theran (Kari Williams) Busse, Derek Busse, Kristen Busse, Natalie (Pat) Lonegren, Ben Van Airsdale, and Drew Van Airsdale. Great grandchildren: Keanna, Easton, Arya, Christian, and Kennedy.
Buzz is preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Marcy, his son Tim Busse, and son-in-law Scot Van Airsdale.
A Celebration of Life will be held this summer at his beloved Porters Lake.
A special thank you to All Saints Assisted Living and Agrace for their wonderful care."

The entire Porters Lake Family will miss seeing Buzz around the lake, at our annual meeting, and mourns with the Busse family during their time of grief.

If you have memories or pictures that you would like to share of Buzz, you can post them to our community page but replying to this post.