West of the I

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:

Have you enjoyed the dry aspect of the weather over the last few days?

If you answered yes, you might be a little chagrined about Monday’s forecast, which is calling for rain Monday afternoon and evening.

Rain is likely to start around noon with a chance continuing through the afternoon, says the latest, local National Weather Service forecast. About 6 p.m. the likelihood of rain picks up with the added possibility of a thunderstorm.

Monday’s high temperature should reach 65.

The balance of the week should be dry after Monday overnight with high temperatures mostly in the 50s and lows in the 40s and high 30s.

At about 6:48 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units are responding to a crash in the 28400 block of Highway F in Salem Lakes.

Per dispatch: Deputies on scene. Airbag deployment in involved vehicle.

Note: The following is a paid announcement from the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Kenosha County. — DH

The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Kenosha County offers no-cost, unbiased, Medicare workshops for those new to Medicare, or who want to learn more.

Trained benefit specialists will be available to answer your questions and discuss the decisions you’ll need to make, including the basics of Medicare coverage, options for private health and drug coverage, and public benefits that can help with health care costs. If possible, we recommend signing up for a workshop 3-4 months before your Medicare starts.

UPCOMING MEDICARE 2026 WORKSHOPS:

• Kenosha County Job Center, 8600 Sheridan Road, Entrance A, Room N2: Thursday, May 21, 1– 3 p.m.; Wednesday, July 15, 10 a.m. – noon.
• Westosha Senior Community Center, 19200 93rd Street, Bristol, Great Room: Wednesday, June 24, 1 – 3 p.m.
• Twin Lakes Community Library, 110 S Lake Ave, Twin Lakes, Meeting Room: Tuesday, August 25, 1 – 3 p.m.

Due to limited seating, reservations are required. Call the ADRC at 262-605-6646 to make a reservation or to learn more.

From the Kenosha County Executive’s Office:

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman took the oath of office (April 19) for her second, four-year term in the office.

Kerkman was re-elected without opposition in the April 7 election. She has served as County Executive since April 2022.

“I thank the voters of Kenosha County for their support,” Kerkman said. “I take very seriously the trust that they’ve put in me to lead our county, and I am honored to continue in this role, working for all of you.”

Retired Judge Mary Kay Wagner administered the oath to Kerkman during a brief swearing-in ceremony with family, friends, and colleagues at the county Administration Building.

A native of Kenosha County, Kerkman previously served in the state Assembly from 2001 to 2022, co-chairing the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and chairing the Assembly Ways and Means Committee. In 2022, she became the first woman to serve as Kenosha County Executive.

As County Executive, Kerkman’s focus has been on public safety, human services, and infrastructure. Highlights in these areas include:

◼ Additional investments in public safety, with more than $199 million in tax levy funding provided since 2022.
◼ The strategic deployment of opioid settlement funds, the enactment of an innovative contract with Lake Behavioral Hospital, and the soon-to-be-completed development of a state-of-the-art Human Services facility in the heart of the community.
◼ Support for the continued maintenance of county highways as well as road improvement projects in partnership with the state, local municipalities, and private developers.

More information about the County Executive’s Office and its functions is available at: https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/Executive.

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:

At about 12:12 p.m., Town of Randall Fire Department, Wheatland Volunteer Fire Department and Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue units are responding to a report of a fire in the 33300 block of Highway C along the Twin Lakes/Randall border.

Per dispatch: Garbage truck with load on fire.

UPDATE 12:15 p.m. — Driver has dumped load on side of road. Still on fire. Truck moved east to 32700 before dumping.

UPDATRE 12:18 p.m. — Randall command requests tender from Twin Lakes Fire Department.

UPDATE about 12:25 p.m — Randall command requests response from county highway department for cleanup of about 25-30 square yards of garbage in middle of Highway C.

UPDATE — From the Twin Lakes Fire Department and Rescue Squad Facebook paage:

Wheatland Center School students competed at the Regional Math Meet that was held at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on Jan. 8.

Students in grades fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth competed against students from seven different schools in the division based on the 2025-26 school enrollment.

Members of the fifth and sixth grade team were: Jordan Goggin, Hadley Madsen, Emerson Naber, Nicholas Syreini, Tyler Epping, Ava Winter, Charlie Wisneski and Abigail Zavacke.

Members of the seventh and eighth grade team were: Natalie Konrad, Parker McCann, Gursevak Toor, Sawyer VanDommelen, Jaena Baumeister, Aaron Crane, Austyn Madaus and Addison McCann.

Students participated in the following events: Problem Solving (without calculators), Consumer Math (with calculators), Geometric Reasoning (with calculator), Mental Math (without calculator) and Team Problem Solving (with calculator).

Every member of the team worked to solve the complex problems within each event. The top scorer for fifth grade was Jordan Goggin and for sixth grade was Charlie Wisneski. The top scorer for seventh grade was Gursevak Toor who also placed second overall for seventh grade in our division. The top scorer for eighth grade was Jaena Baumeister.

Students had the opportunity to showcase their teamwork by delegating responsibilities in order to successfully complete a variety of math challenges during the Team Problem Solving 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:

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

Residents affected by the recent flooding along the Fox River and elsewhere are encouraged to utilize free well-testing services offered by Kenosha County Public Health.

Test kits may be picked up during business hours at the following locations:
◼ Kenosha County Center, highways 45 and 50, Bristol, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

◼ Bristol Village Hall, 19801 83rd St., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

◼ Paddock Lake Village Hall, 6969 236th Ave., 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

◼ Pleasant Prairie Village Hall, 9915 39th Ave., 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

◼ Randall Town Hall, 34530 Bassett Road (Highway F), 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

◼ Salem Lakes Village Hall, 9814 Antioch Road (Highway 83), 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

◼ Somers Village/Town Hall, 7511 12th St. (Highway E), 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

◼ Twin Lakes Village Hall, 105 E. Main St., 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

◼ Wheatland Town Hall, 34315 Geneva Road, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Samples will be collected at all locations Tuesday-Thursday this week and Monday-Thursday next week.

“With the flood waters possibly going into your well, we’d like to make sure you have safe water,” said Health Officer Ricky Ferrari Traner. “If the floodwater went over your well casing, you should also sanitize your well before testing.”

Well testing and sanitizing information is available on the Kenosha County website at the following links:

◼ Well testing: https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/352/Private-and-Public-Well-Water-Tests

◼ Well sanitizing and other safe drinking water information: https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/2518/Drinking-Water-Safety

Other flood preparedness information and resources are available at: https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/2474/Flood-Preparedness-Resources

Christ Lutheran Church, Paddock Lake, is hosting a two-day community benefit rummage sale, on Friday April 24, from 8am to 3pm and Saturday April 25 from 8 am to 2pm.

All items will be sold as a “free-will-offering” (jewelry is priced as marked), benefiting four local area charities: Biggie Paws Animal Rescue, Bristol; ELCA Outreach Center, Kenosha; Matthias Academy, Bristol; The Sharing Center, Trevor.

Cash only please.

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 2:54 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding for a report of a crash in at Highways 83 and SA in Trevor.

UPDATE about 2:58 p.m. — Salem Lakes units arriving on scene report one vehicle involved.

At about 2:33 p.m., Kansasville Fire and Rescue and Paris Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash in the 22000 block of Highway 142 in Brighton.

Per dispatch: At least one vehicle rolled over.

UPDATE about 2:38 p.m. — Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue requested to respond with a ambulance.

UPDATE 3:10 p.m. — Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office social media post says four vehicles involved, with three rolled over. Highway 142 shut down from Highway 45 to Highway BD:

The Salem Lakes Village Board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, starting at 6 p.m. at Village Hall in Salem.

This meeting will be live streamed and available for later viewing here.

Agenda items include:

• Village Board: Role and Responsibilities – Remzy Bitar, Village Attorney
• 2026 Appointments for: Board of Appeals, Board of Review, Fire Commission, Library Board, Park Commission, Plan Commission, Southeastern Fox River Commission, Public Safety Liaison, Sex Offender Residence Board, Road Consortium.
• Sale of platted and unimproved park land owned by the Village, Parcel No. 70-4-120-213-0575 For informational purposes, this is located on the east side 278th Avenue approximately 265 feet south 103rd Street
• Closed session for: Cellular lease agreement with Crown Castle Towers for Village property located at 123 N Northwater St., Parcel No. 70-4-120-181-1556; Negotiating the fees and the extension or duration of the sewer service agreement, boundary agreement and water utility service agreement with the Village of Paddock Lake; Review and possible sale of the Silver Lake Village Hall, Parcel No. 70-4-120-172-3006

The full agenda is available here.

The Randall annual town meeting is scheduled to take place Tuesday, starting at 6 p.m. at Town Hall in Bassett.

Here is the agenda:

Meeting called to order

2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Clerk 2025 Annual Meeting Minutes
4. Treasurer’s approval of 2025 Annual Financial Report
5. Building Inspector report
6. Water Patrol report
7. Fire Department report
8. Additional Town business allowed
9. Set 2027 Annual Meeting date and time
10. Adjourn

At about 4:42 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding for a crash at Highways 45 and 50 in Bristol.

From the Village of Salem Lakes:

With the recent flooding, the Village of Salem Lakes is working with the Kenosha County Department of Health and Human Services to provide free well water test kits. Kits are available at Village Hall in Salem from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Testing is free of charge, and completed kits can be dropped off at Village Hall. A bin will be available outside for after-hours drop-off.For more information, please visit: Private and Public Well Water Tests | Kenosha County, WI – Official Website

Note: The following is a paid announcement from the Western Kenosha County Tennis Association — DH

Western Kenosha County Tennis Association (WKCTA) is hosting an OPEN HOUSE this Sunday April 26th, 2026 from 1-3pm at the Westosha High School Tennis Courts (just south of Culvers). This is a free event to learn about our Summer Tennis & Pickleball sessions for kids and adults.  If you haven’t played before and want to see what our programs have to offer, this is the perfect opportunity to play a little.  We have all the equipment so don’t let that stand in your way.  If you are an experience player and just want to come out and hit with us, we are ready for you as well.  

Also, we will be demonstrating the new racquet sport of TYPTI.  This is an exciting new game played on Pickleball courts but uses many of your tennis strokes.  Here is the website that will introduce you TYPTI  TYPTI • We Love Racquet Sports

Information can be found on our website www.wkcta.com.  

Kenosha County has declared a state of emergency due to heavy rainfall and resulting flooding.

The text of an executive order from County Executive Samantha Kerkman taking the action follows:

Heavy rainfall and resulting flooding have spurred the town of Wheatland to declare a state of emergency.

The resolution declaring the state of emergency was signed by town Chairman Jeffrey Butler Monday.

Following is the text of the resolution:

TOWN OF WHEATLAND DISASTER DECLARATION
OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RESPONSE TO FLOODING

WHEREAS on a series of weather events and heavy rain over the past several days have resulted in excessive rainfall, causing flooding, road damage, and property damage throughout the Town of Wheatland; and

WHEREAS, this flooding has resulted in conditions such as there has been and will likely continue to be damage to public and private property, as well as to public infrastructure, threatening the lives, safety, health, welfare, and property of people within the Town;

WHEREAS, multiple rescues have occurred and will likely continue to occur in the coming days, posing a significant risk to the personal safety of our citizens; and

WHEREAS, because of such emergency conditions, the Town Board is unable to meet with promptness; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Wheatland is asking for county assistance and requests the county to advise the State of Wisconsin of our emergency conditions:

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to sections 323.11 and 323.14 (4) of the Wisconsin Statutes, as Chairman of the Town of Wheatland in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and have caused the great seal of the Town of Wheatland to be affixed.

BE IT RESOLVED, I, Jeffrey J. Butler, Town of Wheatland Town Chairmen, do hereby declare a State of Emergency exists in the Town of Wheatland, Kenosha County, Wisconsin, which requires extraordinary measures to protect the health and well-being of the people of this Town

Done at the Town of Wheatland town hall this 20th day of April, 2026.

Salem Lakes has declared a state of emergency due to conditions caused by the heavy rainfall of last week and historic flooding along the Fox River.

From a news release from the village:

The Village of Salem Lakes is currently experiencing localized flooding conditions due to recent rainfall and elevated water levels. The Village across all departments are proactively engaged in monitoring conditions and responding to calls for service and public concerns as they arise. Emergency services remain actively deployed to ensure the safety of
our community.

Residents are strongly encouraged to exercise caution and follow these important safety guidelines:

Flood Safety Reminders:

— Do not drive through flooded roadways Just a small amount of moving water can carry a vehicle off the roadway.
Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

— Avoid walking through floodwaters Water may conceal hazards such as debris, open ditches, or unstable ground.
Respect all road closures and barricades. These are in place for your safety and to protect emergency responders.

— Use caution near rivers, streams, and drainage areas. Water levels can rise quickly and unpredictably.

— Check on neighbors, especially those who may need assistance Elderly or medically vulnerable individuals may require additional support during these conditions.

Emergency Response

Salem Lakes Fire Rescue, along with partner agencies, remains actively engaged in monitoring conditions and responding to incidents. Residents should call 911 for emergencies.

Village Contacts & Information:

For non-emergency concerns or to report flooding issues:

— Salem Lakes Fire Rescue (Non-Emergency): (262) 620-3880

— Village Hall: (262) 843-2313

— Public Works Department: (262) 862-2371 leave VM in emergency notifications.

Residents are encouraged to follow official Village communication channels for updates and additional information.

Closing Statement

We appreciate the cooperation of our residents as we work through these conditions. Taking
simple precautions now can prevent serious emergencies and help keep both the public and
responders safe.

Salem Lakes has two free sandbag locations: the first is located just south of the former Silver Lake Rescue building (Railroad and East Lake Street) and the second is located at Shorewood Park near the intersection of 76^th Street and Shorewood Drive.

Salem Lakes also has set up an email, flood2026@voslwi.gov, for victims to send photos of the flooding. “We will be compiling the photos for documentation purposes,” said village administrator Michael Kostiuk. “We will be coordinating with the county on this.”

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.

The Wheatland Town Board has scheduled a special Town Board meeting for Monday, starting at 5:30 p.m.

Agenda items include:

• Public comments and questions. Please be advised per State Statute Section 19.84(2), information will be received from the public and there may be limited discussion on the information received. However, no action will be taken under public comments. Please limit comments to no more than 3 minutes.
• Letter authorization to PSC in regards to battery storage facilities.

The full agenda is available here.