Western Kenosha County's news source
The swine show was held Wednesday at the 2026 Kenosha County Fair at the fairgrounds in Wilmot.
Exhibitors competed in open class and junior fair.
We expect to have the results of judging later. Check back.
In the meantime, here are some more photos from the show:
Continue reading →
Officials and supporters of the Kenosha County Fair gave a formal opening and ribbon cutting to the new grain bin exhibit outside of the Discovery Barnyard Wednesday morning.
The space will be used to present educational exhibits about agriculture. Currently there are signs about various types of agriculture plus a scale model of a working grain bin inside.
The fair being awarded a Bob Williams Ag Fair Grant was the impetus to create the exhibit, said Jenny Hesse, fair manager.
Once the idea was conceived, various fair supporters stepped up to contribute labor and materials to bring the exhibit — made with a real grain bin — to fruition.
Here is a video of Hesse’s comments at the opening and the ribbon cutting ceremony:
Here are some more photos from the event:
Continue reading →
The 4-H Pop & Pizza Stand — a landmark at the crossroads of the Kenosha County Fair in Wilmot — was dedicated Wednesday to Ken and Ruth (Runge) Asboth.
Dorothy Asboth died this summer of cancer. In addition to being a long-time 4-H Club general leader, she was the coordinator of the pizza stand since 1996.
Dorothy met Ken, known around the fairgrounds as “the Pepsi man,” through her work at the pizza stand, said Kim Diedrich, who led the ceremony Wednesday morning at the stand. After marrying, they managed the stand together.
“Ken and Dorothy have made the best better for the heads, hands, hearts and health of the 4-H community who come together for one week every year to serve up some pizza, pop and ice cream for fairgoers of all ages,” said Diedrich, a 4-H Club leader and fair superintendent.
Diedrich continued: “To the 4-H and community members, let’s continue to build the legacy that Ken and Dorothy brought to this stand.”
Diedrich, who was assisted in the ceremony by long-time 4-H Club leader and Fair Board member Sue Grulich, thanked the Fair Board and the 4-H Council for making the dedication possible.
A marker unveiled at the ceremony will be placed on the building noting the dedication, Grulich said.
Here is a video of the dedication:
Swim cautions have been lifted for Lilly Lake and Rock Lake and swim cautions issued for Camp Lake and Paddock Hooker Lakes Association beach after resampling by Kenosha County Tuesday.
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:
Camp Lake and PHLA are scheduled to be resampled. Typically this takes place the next day, weather permitting,
Here is the schedule for Wednesday at the 2026 Kenosha County Fair:
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.
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:
Continue reading →Camp Lake is closed to swimming and Lilly Lake beach, Paddock Hooker Lakes Association beach and Rock Lake are under swim cautions after sampling by Kenosha County Monday showed elevated E.coli levels at those locations.
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 were:
The above locations were scheduled to be resampled. That typically happens the next day, weather permitting.
Results from testing this week by Kenosha County (except where noted) are:
Results from testing this week by Kenosha County (except where noted) are:
Salem Lakes – Silver Lake County Park beach 55 E.coli/100 mL; DeWitt Park on Silver Lake 52 E.coli/100mL; Lake Shangri-la 220th Ct. 10 E.coli/100 mL; Center Lake 12 E.coli/100 mL; Rock Lake 461 E.coli/100 mL; Camp Lake >2419 E.coli/100 mL
Paddock Lake — Old Settlers County Park beach 225 E.coli/100 mL; Hooker Lake launch 12 E.coli/100 mL; Hoag Park 64 E.coli/100 mL; North Shore Association 17 E.coli/100 mL; PHLA beach 613 E.coli/100mL; PHLA diving board 26 E.coli/100 mL.
Wheatland — Lilly Lake 548 E.coli/100 mL.
Twin Lakes — Lance Park on Lake Mary 78 E.coli/100mL
Randall (reported by the District of Powers Lake) — Powers Lake Beach 6 E.coli/100mL
The watch is set to be in effect until 10 p.m.
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.”
The chance of precipitation has increased to 90 percent in the latest, local NWS forecast.
UPDATE 10:09 p.m. — This watch was allowed to expire by NWS.
At Hartnell Chevrolet, we know that exceptional service starts with exceptional leadership. That’s why we’re excited to introduce a brand-new segment “Ned Talk” featuring our newly appointed Service Manager, Ned Danicic!
Ned isn’t just stepping into this role from behind a desk, he’s earned it with grease on his hands and over 27 years of hands-on wrenching under his belt. Starting his career at just 18 years old, Ned has spent nearly three decades mastering the ins and outs of automotive repair. For the past three years, he’s been a cornerstone of our shop as a trusted master technician right here at Hartnell Chevrolet.
Now, Ned is taking the wheel of our Service Department with one clear mission: to deliver a peerless customer experience.
“I’m hungry to earn your trust and your business. If you’ve had a less-than-stellar experience in the past under previous management, I want the chance to make it right. Our shop doors are open, and we’re ready to show you what true, customer-first service looks like.”
— Ned Danicic
Whether you need routine maintenance or a complex repair, Ned and his team are ready to treat you and your vehicle with the care, honesty, and expertise you deserve.
Stay tuned for future Ned Talk segments where Ned will share quick car maintenance tips, behind-the-scenes looks at our shop, and answers to your service questions!
Need to schedule your next service?
Stop by, say hello to Ned, and experience the difference firsthand!
There are two days of racing at the Kenosha County Fair.
On Wednesday, Aug. 19, the program will feature Winged 604 Sprints, IMCA Modified, Street Stocks and Bandits. Gates open at 5 p.m. Racing starts at 6:45 p.m. This event included with fair admission.
On Saturday, Aug. 22, the program will feature Kenosha County Fair/Roger Iles Tribute featuring The Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series plus WingLESS Sprints and Lightning Sprints. Gates open at 5 p.m. (4 p.m. for advance ticket purchases) Racing starts at 6:45 p.m. An additional fee of applies for ages 13 and older. 12 and under free.
This year’s Kenosha County Fair will take place from Aug. 19-23.
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.
The Pig Pals Swine Show on Friday at the Kenosha County Fair is an event aimed at opening to world of showing animals to new participants, with a little help from a friend.
Youth with a disability between 10-21 years of age. will exhibit. Each exhibitor will be paired with 2-3 4-H members and a pig. The show portion of the event begins at 5:15 pm in the Show & Sale arena.
Pig Pal exhibitors will start with their pig and 4-H members in an individual pen connected to the show ring. There are bleachers surrounding the show ring for spectators to view.
Here’s more information about this event.
This year’s Kenosha County Fair runs from Aug. 19-23 at the fairgrounds in Wilmot.
The Twin Lakes #4 School District (Lakewood School) board is scheduled to meet Monday, starting at 3 p.m. in teh school library.
Agenda items include:
Discussion on Recommended Salary Adjustments for Educational Aides and Paraprofessional Staff
Approval of Salary Adjustments for Educational Aides and Para Staff
Closed session for considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data
The Randall Consolidated School District is scheduled to hold its annual meeting and a board meeting on Monday in the front conference room at the school.
The annual meeting is first, starting at 5:30 p.m. Agenda items include:
The full annual meeting agenda is available here.
The board meeting will take place immediately after the annual meeting. Agenda items include:
The Twin Lakes Village Board is scheduled to meet Monday, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall.
Agenda items include:
At about 8:37 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash in the 12500 block of 120th Avenue-west in Bristol.
Per dispatch: Two vehicles involved.
The Discovery Barnyard at the Kenosha County Fair is a place where you can learn things and get close to baby farm animals.
The Discovery Barnyard is located at the south end of the fairgrounds, adjacent to the midway and across from the Marketplace building. It features a petting zoo and educational exhibits,
Hours are:
From Kenosha County:
Following up on a community survey conducted last year, work is now underway on a refreshed Community Health Improvement Plan for Kenosha County, Health Officer Ricky Ferrari Traner announced.
The Kenosha County Thrive initiative is a community-guided effort to assess the health needs of the county, led by Kenosha County Public Health and supported by Aurora Healthcare and Froedtert South.
The updated plan, mandated by the State of Wisconsin, will update the most recent Community Health Improvement Plan, which was completed in 2023.
Unlike previous plans, which were updated every three years, Ferrari Traner said the new plan is intended to be a five-year document to allow stakeholders more time to make greater progress in implementing measures to address the priority areas for improvement.
“Our objective is for it to be a living document that may be changed as needed as community needs and concerns evolve,” Ferrari Traner said. “This plan belongs to the community and will continue to be informed by the feedback we hear from community stakeholders and the public at large.”
The 2023 Thrive plan identified three priority areas for improvement:
◼ Enhancing access to affordable health care
◼ Improving access to affordable and safe housing
◼ Mental health and substance use
Those areas remained among the primary concerns cited by the 500-plus respondents to the Community Health Assessment survey that was conducted last year. The full survey report and other related materials are available on the Kenosha County Thrive webpage, at https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/Thrive.
At 8:53 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue, Bristol Fire and Rescue, Paris Fire and Rescue and Wheatland Vol Fire Department units and sheriff’s deputies are responding for a report of a possible fire in the 24690 block of 87th Place in Salem.
Per dispatch: Caller reporting smoke in hallway of an apartment building.
UPDATE 8:58 p.m. — Salem Lakes activates box alarm. Additonal response includes: Town of Randall Fire Department, Twin Lakes Fire Department, Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue, Antioch Fire Department, Kansasville Fire and Rescue, Somers Fire and Rescue and Lake Geneva Fire Department.
UPDATE 9:06 p.m. — Salem Lakes command cancels response from any units not already on the scene.
Skills that you might have learned around the farmstead will come in handy at the Ag Olympics to be held on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Kenosha County Fair.
The competition is divided into categories: Junior (Ages 8-11), Intermediate, (Ages 12-14 – two person teams) Seniors (Ages 15-18 – two person teams 1 guy and 1 girl) and Adults (At least 19 years of age – two person teams 1 guy and 1 girl).
Contests will vary by age group and include things such as a milking contest, Tire Flip Competition, herding pigs and Apples to Oranges.
Registration will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 19, in the Show & Sale Arena, from at 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. There’s no entry fee and the competition is open to every one. Intermediate, seniors and adults limited to 10 teams.
The Kenosha County Fair runs Aug. 19-23 this year at the fairgrounds in Wilmot.
The Town of Randall Fire Department opened its doors to the community Saturday with its Summer Picnic event at Station No. 2 in Bassett.
Those who attended were able to see fire fighting equipment on display along with equipment from entities that the fire department partners with such as We Energies and local towing companies Wilmot Auto Service and Silver Lake Auto Service. Flight for Life medical transport helicopter landed on the station’s landing pad.
This family event had a children’s firefighting obstacle course and a bounce house and slide. For the hungry, there were food trucks. For those feeling lucky or just wanting to support the fire department, there were various raffles.
Here are some more photos of the event:
Continue reading →
Note: The Kenosha County Fair is a westofthei.com sponsor. — DH.
If you’re looking for a place to get inspired about the school children of Western Kenosha County you should check out the School Exhibits Building at the Kenosha County Fair.
The building is literally decorated wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling with school work of Kenosha County students. Some are art, some are more explanatory, all are visually interesting. Public and parochial elementary schools from anywhere in the county are eligible, but generally it is Western Kenosha County schools that participate.
Students earn ribbons and premiums for their projects displayed in the building.
The school exhibits building is located just west of the Westosha Kiwanis food building and north of the Midway on the main east-west fairgrounds road.
The Kenosha County Fair runs Aug. 19-23 this year at the fairgrounds in Wilmot.
A swim closure for Old Settlers County Park beach on Paddock Lake has been lifted the beach is open for swimming after resampling Thursday by Kenosha County found E.coli levels within normal range 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 result that prompted lifting the swim closure was 201 E.coli/100 mL.
A slow no wake order has been lifted for Paddock Lake, said Tim Popanda, village administrator.
As of Friday afternoon, the level at the official measuring point was below slow no wake status. Paddock Lake had been on slow no wake status since Monday.
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.
Note: The Kenosha County Fair is a westofthei.com sponsor — DH
If you’re going to the Kenosha County Fair, sometime you’re going to have to eat.
Lucky for you it’s hard to imagine another place where you can find such a variety of food, most of it decadently delicious, if perhaps not what your physician would like to see you consume on a regular basis.
As I have mentioned before, I have spent a fair amount of time at the fair through the years. Consequently I’ve eaten many a fair food meal.
For my money the best deals are available at the stands of the service clubs and other local organizations that serve food at the fair as fundraisers for their good works. Some examples are Westosha Kiwanis, Kenosha County 4-H, Lions Club, Shoreland Lutheran High School and Knights of Columbus. At these places you’ll find food that is varied, delicious and well-priced.
Commercial vendors also offer a wide range of fun and tasty offerings. A food court has been added with seating and entertainment. The court is located at the west end of Center Street near the chainsaw carving and creekside stage.
Better save some room for a fried meal and a sweet treat too.
Old Settlers County Park beach on Paddock Lake is closed to swimming after sampling on Wednesday by Kenosha County 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 result that prompted the PHLA beach swimming closure was 1300 E.coli/100 mL. That location was set to be resampled. Typically that takes place on the next day, weather permitting.
Results from testing this week by Kenosha County (except where noted) are:
Salem Lakes – Silver Lake County Park beach 148 E.coli/100 mL; DeWitt Park on Silver Lake 185 E.coli/100mL; Lake Shangri-la 220th Ct. 31 E.coli/100 mL; Center Lake 65 E.coli/100 mL; Rock Lake 210 E.coli/100 mL; Camp Lake 112 E.coli/100 mL
Paddock Lake — Old Settlers County Park beach 1300 E.coli/100 mL; Hooker Lake launch 42 E.coli/100 mL; Hoag Park 101 E.coli/100 mL; North Shore Association 67 E.coli/100 mL; PHLA beach 179 E.coli/100mL; PHLA diving board 111 E.coli/100 mL.
Wheatland — Lilly Lake 5 E.coli/100 mL.
Twin Lakes — Lance Park on Lake Mary 28 E.coli/100mL
Bristol — Lake George-101st St 20 E.coli/100 mL
Randall (reported by the District of Powers Lake) — Powers Lake Beach 17 E.coli/100mL
The following students were named to the Riverview School honor roll for the 2025-26 school year, third trimester:
Eighth grade — Alayna M. Bachand, Shayne J. Battisti III, Holland Bynsdorp, Barbara Castillo, Anthony Cosio, Laney R. Currington, Brody A. Dewey, Addisyn Falk, Ruby A. Fritz, Ellie J. Gross, Aspen B. Haley, Colton J. Harper, Eleanor J. Holt, Raven S. Lacoy, Luke T. Larson, Charlie A. Plants, Macyn M. Poepping, Veronica P. Semke, Alexandra R. Spencer** Elijah J. Styx, Lillian S. Ten Eyck, Jax R. Wojtkiewicz **
7th Grade — Benjamin R. Albrecht, Lane E. Brown, Reagan E. Caldwell, Liam A. Callahan, Weston T. Fuchs, Dana A. Gooch** Lucas M. Graves, Bentley L. Griffiths, Peyton M. Hermann, Lillian E. Johnson, Mya G. Lagerwall, Abigail S. Lain, Adelyn F. Lindquist, Grace Pearson, Aurora S. Scott, Lucas Tavlas,
6th Grade — Ramona M. Battisti, Judy L. Cyranek, Nicholas C. Dembinski, Kennedy A. Dorr, Mabel R. England, Gabriel T. Hamilton, Riley L. Harper, Blake M. Johnson, Jackson H. Jones, Angela M. Kimball, Jay Jay W. Lockerby, Joey E. Lockerby, Evangeline G. Malliett, Craig Mors, Sadie L. Oliver, Huntley K. Paulsen** Joshua G. Plants, Isabel K. Plowman, Parker L. Schroeder, Mia M. Villalobos, Callan P. Woods **
8th Grade — Dane Kiesler, Naevia R. Leiting, Ashton D. Skinner, Isla J. Villalobos
7th Grade — Lucy M. Cudahy, Giulietta M. Gere, Kelsie N. Glaves, Avery K. Hasselburg, Kyle J. Kosloske, Nathan J. Krejci, Chiara G. Pasquale, Lucy J. Rogers, Emily E. Rosin, Maci M. Schnuck, Camden P. Stangel. Aubrey R. Vilaro
6th Grade — Christian E. Fell, Sophia R. Glithero, Auden E. Martin, Brayden Moxley, Ellie Mae M. Pfarr, James Ruggiero
** student with a 4.0 GPA
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:
Continue reading →
News from Kenosha Lens
