We asked readers to recommend the best in-home services, and we received more than 50 nominations, from plumbers to painters. The companies with the largest number of nominations were Patty Muchka Hand-Painted Designs in Oconomowoc and Austin Plumbing in Hartland. Hear what your neighbors had to say about these two businesses as well as four other companies that received nominations.

In response to our request for the area's top teachers, we received several nominations from readers. From the entries we received, we selected a standout teacher at the preschool, elementary, middle school and high school levels – their stories follow.

We also wanted to recognize the other nominees and have included an excerpt from each nomination form.

Elementary School

Dousman Elementary School: Andrew Farrar

"He knows how to motivate each child specifically. He understands and takes the time to learn what makes each child tick."

Hartland North Elementary: Barbara Harmann

"She continuously thinks of ways to support our child emotionally and academically as she does with all of her students."

Park Lawn Elementary, Oconomowoc: Rachel Hahn and Sherry Rieck

"They are the-most patient and caring teachers I could ever ask for."

Richmond Elementary School, Sussex: Cindy Bubolz

"She teaches with rules, making our classroom a fun and safe place to learn. She is also a teacher that lets us do a lot of hands-on learning activities."

Swallow School, Hartland: Lisa Davis

"Mrs. Davis is able to inspire boundless imagination, self-confidence and the intellectual growth of each and every one of her students."

Dousman Elementary School: Barbara Melcarek

"She meets each day’s challenges with new and fresh ideas, even though she has been an educator for many years."

North Lake Elementary School: Linda Freiberg

"She is one of those loved and influential teachers who has stimulated imaginations and encouraged many generations of children to reach for the stars."

Middle School

Nature Hill Intermediate School, Oconomowoc: Todd Little

"Mr. Little is a great teacher because not only does he bring enthusiasm and humor to a subject…but he also understands and connects with his students."

Nature Hill Intermediate School, Oconomowoc: Lisa Docter

"She always finds a way for the subjects to be easier to learn for the students. She also never gives up on kids."

Silver Lake Intermediate School, Oconomowoc: Lindsey Switalski

"She has made some kids in our class look forward to school. She tries to adjust to our learning ability….She also knows how to make us feel better in a sticky situation."

St. Bruno Parish School, Dousman: Eddie Phillips

"Mr. Phillips always has the attention and respect of his students….It starts with the postcard students receive during the summer telling them how he looks forward to the coming year."

Merton Intermediate School, Merton: Jodi Schwartz

"She cares for her students by not letting them fall through the cracks, calls home when they’re sick, congratulates achievements and lets each student know just how special they are."

Nature Hill Intermediate School, Oconomowoc: Leigh Ann Charpie

"She gives special needs to kids’ learning disabilities. She knows how to connect to all types of kids and makes learning fun, too."

Nature Hill Intermediate School, Oconomowoc: Michael Krill

"It is Mr. Krill’s strong selfless desire to bring out  the best in his students that is an inspiration to all that are around him."

We asked, and you responded with 70 nominations for Lake Country's top professionals in the healthcare field.