West of the I

The Aquanuts Water Ski Show team won a national title this weekend.

The team took first place in Division 1 in the National Show Ski Association Championships .

The Aquanuts competed against 13 other teams in Division 1 from all over the country to take home the title in the tournament held Aug. 7-9 and  hosted by the Waterhawks Ski Club at Eagle Lake in Evansdale, Iowa. This is the Aquanuts seventh National Championship in their 54-year history and fourth in the past 11 years.  

Ethan Shulda from Twin Lakes was named best male skier in the country for the second time.   Kailey Koehler took home her fourth title as best female skier.  Koehler had been the only 3 time best female skier until Sunday.

“After a disappointing performance in the Wisconsin State Tournament in July, The Aquanuts skied a nearly perfect show to win the title,” said Mark Gurda, team representative. The Aquanuts had the best jump act, best barefoot act, Dock Team, and Showmanship.

Aquanut skiers and sisters, Brooke and Lexie Gunderson from Twin Lakes, and Winter Haven, followed up on their win at the Wisconsin State Tournament, with a near perfect routine to win the swivel pairs National Championship on Friday.  

Shulda also won the Division 1, National Championship individual Freestyle Jump competition in Independence Iowa on Friday. This was Shulda’s first time winning the National Championship in Freestyle Jump.  Ethan performs most Wednesday’s and Saturdays with the Aquanut Waterski Show Team and has been a member since he was 6 years old.

Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue has announced the putting into service of a new piece of fire fighting equipment designed to increase fire suppression capability even with limited staffing.

From a news release:

Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue has placed a new Ultra High-Pressure (UHP) fire suppression pickup truck into service, enhancing the department’s ability to quickly and effectively respond to fires while operating with limited staffing.The new vehicle, funded by the Village of Twin Lakes, officially went into service on August 4, 2026. Designed as a Rapid Response Vehicle, the truck will serve as the department’s first-arriving fire apparatus when only two firefighters are staffing the station.Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue maintains around-the-clock staffing with two full-time firefighter/EMS personnel, while an additional supervisor is on duty Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The department also offers optional in-station staffing opportunities on Fridays and weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., which are filled by paid-on-call and part-time personnel when available.”This is a great first-line apparatus for when we only have two people staffed in the station,” said Fire Chief Ron Redlin. “The UHP system can knock down a room-and-contents fire in approximately 30 seconds while using only about eight gallons of water.” Chief Redlin emphasized that the vehicle is intended to provide firefighters with a critical advantage during the first few minutes of an incident. “This system is designed to be operated from outside the structure until additional apparatus and personnel arrive on scene,” he said. “It allows our crews to begin suppressing the fire immediately, helping slow its growth and improving conditions before an interior attack is made.”The truck is equipped with an Ultra High-Pressure fire suppression system, an advanced technology that pumps water at pressures between 1,100 and 1,500 pounds per square inch (psi). The specialized nozzle transforms water into an extremely fine mist, dramatically increasing the water’s surface area. This allows the droplets to absorb heat more efficiently and convert rapidly into steam upon reaching the fire. As the water changes to steam, it removes significant amounts of heat while also displacing oxygen around the flames, creating a highly effective fire suppression method.One of the UHP system’s greatest advantages is its efficiency. Traditional fire attack lines often flow more than 70 gallons of water per minute, while the UHP system typically operates between 5 and 20 gallons per minute. This significantly reduces water consumption while still providing rapid fire suppression. Using less water also means less water damage to homes and businesses. Because the fine mist evaporates quickly into steam, fires can often be controlled using only a fraction In addition to structure fires, the UHP system is capable of fighting vehicle fires using foam and is well suited for grass, brush, and wildland fires, making it a versatile tool for a wide variety of emergency incidents.The response vehicle is built on a Ford F-350 Super Duty chassis equipped with a 150-gallon water tank. The truck was outfitted by 10-33 Vehicle Service in Sullivan, Wisconsin, while the UHP system was supplied by Reliant Fire Apparatus Inc. of Slinger, Wisconsin. The addition of the new UHP response vehicle represents another investment in the safety of Twin Lakes residents, providing firefighters with innovative technology that allows them to begin fire suppression faster, conserve water, and improve operational effectiveness while additional resources are responding.

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for an area that includes Kenosha County.

The watch is set to be in effect until 2 p.m.

Other Wisconsin counties included in the watch are Racine, Walworth, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Jefferson, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, Washington and Rock.

This post sponsored by Westosha Floral.

The following deaths of local residents and those with local connections are being reported by funeral homes today. Click on name to see obituary/service information:

Sharon Pomaville, executive director of The Sharing Center, will be retiring, the local food pantry and resource center announced Friday.

Pomaville has lead the organization for 15 years.

The following is from a news release distributed Friday via social media and email:

The Sharing Center announces the upcoming retirement of Executive Director Sharon Pomaville, who will conclude an extraordinary career after more than 15 years of dedicated leadership and service to the organization and the community.

Since becoming Executive Director, Sharon has been the driving force behind The Sharing Center’s continued growth and impact. Her unwavering compassion, visionary leadership, and steadfast commitment to serving individuals and families experiencing food insecurity and hardship have strengthened the organization in countless ways. Under her guidance, The Sharing Center has expanded its programs, cultivated meaningful community partnerships, and helped ensure that thousands of neighbors have received the support and resources they need.

Among Sharon’s many lasting accomplishments, one stands above the rest: her leadership in securing The Sharing Center’s permanent home. Through her determination, vision, and tireless advocacy, Sharon was directly responsible for the acquisition of the building that The Sharing Center now proudly owns. This milestone transformed the organization,
providing a permanent foundation from which it can continue serving the community for generations to come. Her efforts have created a legacy that will benefit countless families well into the future.

“Serving as Executive Director of the Sharing Center for the past 15 years has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Pomaville said. “From the very beginning, my goal was simple: to leave the organization stronger than I found it. Thanks to the unwavering commitment of our board of directors, dedicated staff, generous donors, faithful volunteers,
community partners, and the countless supporters who believed in our mission, we have exceeded that goal beyond anything I ever imagined. As I prepare to retire, I do so with deep gratitude and tremendous optimism for the future
of the Sharing Center. I look forward to welcoming and supporting the next Executive Director, helping complete our $1.2 million Capital Campaign, celebrating the groundbreaking of our new building and renovations, and ensuring a smooth transition for the organization I have been privileged to serve. Founders Kathy & Rick Fors would agree: the Sharing Center has always been about people coming together to care for one another with compassion, dignity, and hope. I am deeply thankful to everyone who has walked alongside me on this remarkable journey. While this chapter comes to a close, I know the Sharing Center’s best days are still ahead, and I leave with complete confidence that its mission will continue to flourish in the capable hands of our board, staff, volunteers, donors, and all those we are honored to serve.”

Lisa Howe, president of the Board of Directors, said “Sharon’s leadership has had a profound and lasting impact on The Sharing Center and our entire community. For more than 15 years, she has led with integrity, kindness, and an unwavering dedication to our mission. Her vision and determination not only strengthened our programs but also made possible one of the most significant moments in our history—the acquisition of the building we now proudly call home. Because of Sharon’s leadership, The Sharing Center has a permanent foundation from which to serve our community for years to come. She has touched the lives of countless individuals, inspired our staff and volunteers, and helped build The Sharing Center into the trusted organization it is today. While it will be impossible to truly fill Sharon’s shoes, we are incredibly grateful for her years of service and the remarkable legacy she leaves behind. To ensure a thoughtful and seamless leadership transition, Sharon has graciously committed to remaining in her role while the Board of Directors conducts a comprehensive search for her successor. The Sharing Center has retained a professional executive to assist the Human Resources Committee in identifying the organization’s next Executive Director. Learn more about the open role here.Although Sharon’s retirement marks the close of a remarkable chapter in The SharingCenter’s history, the Board of Directors is confident in the organization’s future. Guided by adedicated staff, passionate volunteers, generous donors, and strong communitypartnerships, The Sharing Center remains committed to its mission of providing food, resources, and support to neighbors in need. The Board of Directors extends its heartfelt gratitude to Sharon Pomaville for her exceptional leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the community. Her
influence will continue to shape The Sharing Center for years to come.

This post sponsored by Westosha Floral.

The following deaths of local residents and those with local connections are being reported by funeral homes today. Click on name to see obituary/service information:

Swim cautions for Hoag Park beach on Paddock Lake and Lance Park beach on Lake Mary in Twin Lakes have been lifted while Paddock Hooker Lake Association beach and DeWitt Park beach on Silver Lake are under swim cautions after resampling Tuesday by Kenosha County.

The State Department of Health recommends posting warnings at beaches when test results indicate an E.coli level of 235/100mL or more and closing a beach when test results exceed E.coli 1000/100mL.

The results from Tuesday that prompted the above actions were:

• Hoag Park beach — 16.0 E.coli/100 mL
• Lance Park beach — 63.0 E.coli/100 mL
• PHLA beach — 548.0 E.coli/100 mL
• DeWitt Park beach — 980.0 E.coli/100 mL

PHLA and DeWitt Park beach are scheduled to be resampled. Typically that happens the next day, weather permitting.

The Salem Lakes Village Board Monday unanimously approved naming the boat launch on Camp Lake in the Yaws Subdivision for Dennis Faber.

Faber is a long-time village and town official who also has been very involved with the Camp and Center Lakes Rehabilitation District, as well as lakes in general in what was Salem and is now Salem Lakes.

“For decades, Dennis Faber has been a champion for us and for our lakes.,” said Tom Strachan, CCLRD chairman. “No one has done as much for the village’s lakes than Dennis.”

Strachan spoke at the meeting and asked the board to take the action.

“He does it because he loves the community and he loves the water,” Strachan said. “Every time a boat slides into the water there or a family gathers by the shore we want to remember the man who made this all possible.”

Also speaking in support of the naming were past CCLRD chairman Dean Hintzman, who also read a statement from another past CCLRD chairman Doug Hughes.

Before making the motion to approve the naming, village President Rita Bucur praised Faber for his work on lake issues throughout the village.

Dennis, from my point of view you have been the expert on anything to do with the lakes and you’ve been a big help to me and to this board and the residents here,” Bucur said, “I can’t thank you enough for that. When this idea was presented to me I thought it was very warranted.”

After the unanimous voice vote in favor of the action, Faber spoke, thanking his family and expressing his gratitude for the honor.

“I’m overwhelmed,” Faber said. “Something like this generally happens when someone passes. I get up and I pinch myself, am I still here or does somebody know something I don’t? I am really at a lack for words and that is unusual for people who know me.”

Strachan said the CCLRD will pay for any changes to the launch area to recognize the naming for Faber.

Note: The following is a paid announcement from Wheatland Center School — DH

Wheatland J1 School District is currently seeking an energetic, positive candidate to fill a part-time Instructional Paraprofessional role for Reading Intervention. The highly qualified candidate will assist licensed teachers in delivering targeted literacy support to struggling students. Under professional supervision, they will lead small-group instruction, administer reading assessments, track progress, and adapt lesson plans to build students’ phonics, fluency, and comprehension skills. This role is deeply integrated into the school’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and directly supports student learning and skill mastery.

About Wheatland:
The Wheatland J1 School District is a pre K-8 school district with approximately 115 employees, and 650 students. The district covers over 30 square miles and incorporates 4 municipalities. Wheatland attracts students from all over the area and strives for educational excellence in a results oriented, improvement focused educational system. Wheatland boasts top notch teachers, world class curriculum, and a myriad of amazing programs for students. The staff enjoys a student focused, collaborative, family work environment.

Click here for full position information and how to apply.

This post sponsored by Westosha Floral.

The following deaths of local residents and those with local connections are being reported by funeral homes today. Click on name to see obituary/service information:

This post sponsored by Westosha Floral.

The following deaths of local residents and those with local connections are being reported by funeral homes today. Click on name to see obituary/service information:

West of the I’s garage sales page has been updated.

Be sure to check it out each week before you begin your bargain hunting.

If you’d like your sale added to the list, please drop us a line at darren@westofthei.com. Include your address, days, hours etc. We’ll even add a map to your info.

Paddock Hooker Lakes Association beach is closed to swimming and Hoag Park beach on Paddock Lake, Lance Park beach on Lake Mary in Twin Lakes and DeWitt Park beach on Silver Lake are under swim cautions after sampling by Kenosha County on Monday found elevated E.coli levels there.

The State Department of Health recommends posting warnings at beaches when test results indicate an E.coli level of 235/100mL or more and closing a beach when test results exceed E.coli 1000/100mL.

The results from Monday that prompted the closure and cautions are:

• PHLA beach — 2419.0 E.coli/100 mL
• Hoag Park beach — 378.0 E.coli/100 mL
• Lance Park beach — 921.0 E.coli/100 mL
• DeWitt Park beach — 248.0 E.coli/100 mL

PHLA and DeWitt Park beach are scheduled to be resampled. Typically that happens the next day, weather permitting.

Results from testing this week by Kenosha County (except where noted) are:

Salem Lakes – Silver Lake County Park beach 35 E.coli/100 mL; DeWitt Park on Silver Lake 248 E.coli/100mL; Lake Shangri-la 220th Ct. 47 E.coli/100 mL; Center Lake 17 E.coli/100 mL; Rock Lake 56 E.coli/100 mL; Camp Lake 99 E.coli/100 mL

Paddock Lake — Old Settlers County Park beach 68 E.coli/100 mL; Hooker Lake launch 91 E.coli/100 mL; Hoag Park 378 E.coli/100 mL; North Shore Association 16 E.coli/100 mL; PHLA beach 2419 E.coli/100mL; PHLA diving board 26 E.coli/100 mL.

Wheatland — Lilly Lake 2 E.coli/100 mL.

Twin Lakes — Lance Park on Lake Mary 921 E.coli/100mL

Randall (reported by the District of Powers Lake) — Powers Lake Beach 17 E.coli/100mL

This post sponsored by Westosha Floral.

The following deaths of local residents and those with local connections are being reported by funeral homes today. Click on name to see obituary/service information: