West of the I

At about 6:20 a.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units are responding for an investigation in the 10000 block of 196th Avenue in Bristol

Per dispatch: Caller reporting sparking wire on utility pole.

Note: The following is a paid announcement from GPS Family Chiropractic — DH

Voters in the Randall Consolidated School District have a contested election for school board on the spring election ballot.

Appearing on the April 7 ballot are:

• Steven Calderwood, an incumbent
• Melissa Grochowske
• Jeff Swanson, an incumbent

Two seats will be filled. The individuals with the two highest vote totals will be elected to the seats to be filled. Voters will be able to cast two votes.

The same questionnaire was submitted by westofthei.com to each candidate by email to the address they submitted with their candidate information.

Here is their biographical information followed by their question responses, presented in alphabetical order:

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

The warning is set to be in effect until 11:30 a.m.

The next few days are expected to be wet, says the latest, local National Weather Service forecast.

Rain — including a chance of thunderstorms — is expected Tuesday, 50-80 percent chance.

Wednesday has only a 40 percent chance of rain evolving to a 70-100 percent of rain overnight.

Thursday has a 100 percent chance of rain with the addition of wind up to 20 mph and gusts as high as 30 mph. There’s a 70 percent chance of rain Thursday overnight.

Friday during the day may see a bit of a reprieve, but rain is expected to continue Friday night, 40-70 percent chance.

Saturday has a 70 percent chance of rain currently.

Tuesday’s temperature is expected to be warm again with a high of 69. Wednesday’s high will be much colder at 39. High temps are expected to return to the 60s for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, but dip again starting Sunday.

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for an area of Wisconsin that includes Kenosha County.

The watch is set to be in effect until 3 a.m., Tuesday.

Says NWS: “A severe thunderstorm watch is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. A severe thunderstorm by definition is a thunderstorm that produces one inch hail or larger in diameter and/or winds equal or exceed 58 miles an hour. The size of the watch can vary depending on the weather situation. They are usually issued for a duration of 4 to 8 hours. They are normally issued well in advance of the actual occurrence of severe weather. During the watch, people should review severe thunderstorm safety rules and be prepared to move a place of safety if threatening weather approaches.”

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:

At about 5:01 p.m., Wheatland Vol. Fire Department, Town of Randall Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units are responding to a report of a fire in the 7200 block of 352nd Avenue (Highway KD) in Wheatland

Per dispatch: This is for a tractor in a field on fire.

UPDATE 5:24 p.m. — Wheatland command reports fire is out and units will be clearing the scene.

Voters in Twin Lakes have a contested election for village trustee on the April 7 ballot.

Appearing on the spring election ballot will be:

• Barb Andres , an incumbent
• Bill Kaskin, an incumbent
• Robert Livingston
• Bryan Neal 
• Ken Perl, an incumbent

Three, at-large seats will be filled. The individuals with the three highest vote totals will be elected to the three seats to be filled. Voters will be able to cast three votes.

The same questionnaire was submitted by westofthei.com to each candidate by email, to the address they submitted with their candidate information or an address by which they have responded to a candidate questionnaire in the past.

Here is their biographical information followed by their question responses, presented in alphabetical order:

No people or animals were injured in a fire at a Salem farm Sunday, according to a Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue news release.

The fire occurred in the 22000 block of Highway 50 (75th Street) at about 11:50 a.m.

Here is a news release issued by the fire department via Facebook (click image for larger view):

The Westosha-Salem Kiwanis Club partnered with the Kenosha County Fair Association to host its Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza hosted Sunday at the fairgrounds in Wilmot.

The event combined Easter egg hunts separated by age group with a host of other activities, including a petting zoo and sprint/race cars, farm tractors and other vehicles on display. The Easter Bunny also was available for visits and photos.

The fairgrounds was a new location for the event, long hosted by the Kiwanis Club. Some of the egg hunt areas were in open spaces while others were in the animal barns on the fairgrounds.

Before the age group hunts there was a sensory friendly hunt for all ages at noon.

There also was a bike raffle. Food for the items for The Sharing Center also were collected from those attending.

Here are some more photos from the event

At 11:50 a.m. Salem Lakes Fire/ Rescue units and sheriffs deputies are responding for a fire at the 22200 block of Highway 50 for a fire.

Per dispatch: Card board was being burned and the fire got out of control. MABAS box alarm activated with other departments responding including Bristol, Randall, Paris, Kansasville, Lake Geneva , Lake Villa, Raymond, Somers.

UPDATE 12:05 p.m. update: Fire being upgraded to a 2nd Box Alarm. Traffic on Hwy 50 is being stopped. Antioch, Beach Park, Pleasant Prairie and Spring Grove will be responding.

UPDATE 12:12 p.m. update: East bound Hwy 50 at Hwy 83 is being shut down.

UPDATE 1:30 p.m. — Eastbound traffic on Highway 50 now open, but having to merge into left lane at scene.

Here are some photos taken from Highway 50 white the fire was still burning (courtesy of Keith and Chris Skrzynecki):

Here are some photos taken later by me:

Salem Lakes held their annual Easter Egg hunt at Schmalfeldt Park Saturday morning.

The Easter Bunny arrived by fire engine from Salem Lakes Fire.

The Salem Lakes Parks Commission hosts the event with 4,000 eggs. They were divided between three areas for kids grouped by age. The Easter Bunny was available for photos after the hunt.

Here are more photos snd video from the event:

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:

At about 9:24 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue, Bristol Fire and Rescue, Wheatland Vol Fire Department, Town of Randall Fire Department and Paris Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a fire in the 9600 block.of 274th Avenue in Camp Lake.

Per dispatch: Caller reported finding fire of unknown origin in basement.

UPDATE 9:31 p.m. — Salem Lakes unit arriving in scene reports no signs of fire from exterior. Occupants alhave evacuated.

UPDATE 9:33 p.m. — Salem Lakes command releases units from other departments from responding.

Growing with Bristol held its annual Easter Egg Hunt Saturday at Hansen Park in Bristol.

The free event included staggered age group egg hunts. Over 25,000 stuffed eggs were put out for the hunters to find.

The event also included an opportunity to meet and take a photo with the Easter Bunny and have a free cookie.

Here are some more photos from the event:

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:

The Wheatland J1 School District has announced a process for filling its current vacancy on the School Board.

Chris Serak recently announced he is leaving the board on which he served for 19 years.

From the school district:

The Wheatland J1 School District is currently seeking applicants to fill a vacant Board position. The position is the at-large representative; qualified applicants must reside within the district and be at least 18 years old. The board will select a candidate following the interview process. The selected candidate will fill the position immediately and complete the current term ending April 26, 2028. The one-year term will be on the spring election ballot in April 2027. Applicants should send a communication of intent to Jessica Mangold, District Administrative Assistant, no later than April 22, 2026. Board interviews will be held in late April. The district will send information to applicants with more details regarding the interviews.

To submit your candidacy for the vacant position:
— Name
— Address
— Phone
— Email
— Letter of Interest, including reasons for wanting to serve and any other information you find relevant to serving on the board

Send or email your information to:
Wheatland Center School
Jessica Mangold
6606 368th Ave.
Burlington, WI 53105
jessica.mangold@wcspk8.org

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:

Note: The following is a paid announcement from Options Virtual Charter School — DH

Options Virtual Charter School is excited to announce a new partnership with the Silver Lake Jt. 1 School District. The Silver Lake Jt. 1 School District is redefining what education can look like in Kenosha County.

In today’s fast-changing world, education needs to be flexible, personalized, and built around each student’s unique strengths. That’s exactly what families across Wisconsin find at Options Virtual Charter School (OVCS) — the #1-ranked virtual school in Wisconsin and a leader in innovative, student-centered learning. The Silver Lake Jt. 1 School District is excited to partner with an established, successful virtual school and offer virtual and blended programming for students in western Kenosha County. 

A Personalized Path for Every Student

At Options Virtual Charter School, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning. OVCS is built on the belief that every student deserves a personalized path to success, whether they thrive in hands-on learning, a fully virtual environment, or a blend of both. By combining the personalized learning model of OVCS with the success of a community and student-centered school district like the Silver Lake Jt. 1 School District, families will receive an established virtual school experience with the experienced staff at Riverview Elementary.

Flexible Learning Options for Modern Families

One of the biggest reasons families choose OVCS is the flexibility it offers. Students can learn in ways that fit their schedules, interests, and learning styles. The Silver Lake Jt. 1 School District knows our community wants unique opportunities for its students, and there is no better way to offer a flexible learning option than one that allows our families to travel, spend time together, work on the family farm, or train as competitive athletes. 

Virtual Learning (4K–8)
Students participate in online learning supported by licensed Wisconsin teachers. Flexible schedules allow students to complete approximately three hours of academic engagement each day, making it ideal for families seeking balance and adaptability. 

A Supportive Community That Puts Students First

What truly sets OVCS and the Silver Lake Jt. 1 School District apart is a commitment to supporting every learner. Students benefit from:

• Licensed, experienced teachers
• Personalized and flexible learning pathways
• Strong partnerships between families and educators
• High School readiness programs
• Support for learners from early childhood through middle school graduation

Students also have opportunities to participate in field trips, clubs, and social events, helping them build friendships and stay connected with their peers.

Discover the OVCS Difference

Learn more or start the enrollment process at https://www.silverlakejt1.k12.wi.us/page/riverview-ovcs.

Voters in Salem Lakes have a contested race for village trustee on the spring election ballot.

Appearing on the April 7 ballot will be:

• Steven Dunn Jr.
• Dennis Faber, an incumbent
• Adam Miller
• Amanda Procknow
• Kerry Verenski
• James Woodke

Three, at-large seats will be filled.

Two other incumbents, Bill Hopkins and Ron Gandt, did not run for re-election.

The individuals with the three highest vote totals will be elected to the three seats to be filled. Voters will be able to cast three votes.

The same questionnaire was submitted by westofthei.com to each candidate by email.

Here is their biographical information followed by their question responses, presented in alphabetical order:

Thursday will have a pleasant high temperature, but may get a bit wet before the day is over, says the latest, local National Weather Service forecast.

Thursday’s high temperature should almost reach 60. That peak of 59 should come in the late morning.

Rain may move in this afternoon, most likely between 4 to 6 p.m.

Looking a bit ahead, the weekend looks dry, but rain returns to the forecast Monday through at least Wednesday next week. High temps will mostly be in the 60s Sunday through Wednesday.

At about 8:44 p.m., Paris Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash in the 15800 block of Highway K along the Bristol-Paris border

Per dispatch: One person injured.

Note: The following is a paid announcement from Slades Corners Computer Repair — DH

Slades Corners Computer Repair provides service for home and small business in the local area. We offer computer repair, TV antenna installation and service, security camera installation, Wi-Fi and network setup, modem and router install, and wire running for homes and offices.

Services include:

• Desktop and laptop repair
• Virus and malware removal
• New antenna install and antenna repair
• Smart TV setup
• Security camera systems
• Wi-Fi expansion and network setup
• Modem and router installation
• Clean wire running for home or business

On-site service available.

Local, reliable, and experienced. Call 262-539-2228 www.sccrwi.com

The Salem Lakes Annual Easter Egg Hunt will take place Saturday, March 28 at 10 a.m., at Schmalfeldt Park in Silver Lake.

Children ages 0-10 are invited to participate. Children will be divided into age groups with a staggered start.

The Parks Commission hosts the event. Bring your own basket or bag. Take a photo with the Easter Bunny after the hunt. Organizers of the event ask that you arrive early to allow for parking and line up.

Rain date is Saturday, April 4.

Growing with Bristol will host its Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 28 at Hansen Park.

The hunt starts at 10:30 a.m. sharp. Attendees are advised to arrive before then and be ready for action ahead of time.

There will be staggered starts of age groups of:

• Up to 2 years old.
• 3 and 4 year olds.
• 5 and 6 year olds.
• 7 and 8 year olds
• 9 and 10 year olds.

Each of over 25,000 stuffed eggs filled with candy or small toy prizes.

Some more tips for this event from Growing with Bristol:

• Bring a bag or basket.
• Please plan to match up and return all your eggs prior to leaving the park in the designated Egg Return Areas by each hunt area.
• Easter Bunny will be available for pictures.
• Complementary cookies will be available while supplies last.

At about 6:51 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding for a report of smoke in the 24800 block of 61st Street in Paddock Lake.

Per dispatch: Caller reporting smoke inside a house but no flames seen yet.

UPDATE about 6:58 p.m. — Deputy on scene reports smoke inside house. Occupants being evacuated.

UPDATE about 7:03 p.m. — Bristol command reports working fire in chimney. Call upgraded to structure fire with units from Paris Fire and Rescue, Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue, Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue and Newport Fire Protection District now responding.

UPDATE about 7:08 p.m. — Command reports fire knocked down.

 Note: The following is a paid announcement from Kenosha County Aging & Disability Resource Center — DH

The Spring Primary for Kenosha County residents will be Tuesday, February 17.  The Spring Election will be April 7. 

Free Rides for voting purposes will be provided by the below transportation service providers with advance registration. Call early to reserve your ride.

• Carepool: 262-278-6455
• Link Western Kenosha Transportation: 888-203-3498
• KAFASI Volunteer Transportation: 262-842-7433

Persons with disabilities can request special voting accommodations, such as curbside voting. To learn more call Disability Rights WI Voter Hotline: 844-DIS-VOTE.
The website  myvote.wi.gov is also an excellent resource to register and request an absentee ballot.

For those unable to access the MyVote website, Kenosha County Aging and Disability Resource Center staff can provide direct assistance. To learn more, call the ADRC at 262-605-6646.