West of the I

From the National Weather Service:

The Bristol Village Board is scheduled to meet Monday starting at 7 p.m. at Village Hall.

Agenda items include:

• Open Public Hearing regarding Wastewater Treatment Plant Facilities Plan [related to DNR required disinfection upgrades}.
• Discuss and consider approval of hiring Mary Gillmore as a full-time Public Works employee.
• Discuss and consider approval of adding David Thoss to the Plan Commission
• Discuss and consider approval of adding Abdul Durrani as an Alternate to the Plan Commission

The full agenda is available here.

At about 2:25 p.m., Wheatland Vol Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units are responding ro the 4800 block of 328th Avenue in Wheatland for a report of a gas line break.

UPDATE 2:27 p.m. — Unit on scene confirms leak from construction work. Asks for northbound traffic to be blocked at Highway K.

UPDATE 2:29 p.m. — Town of Randall Fire Department dispatched to respond with an engine.

The Wheatland Town Board is scheduled to meet Monday, starting at 6 p.m. at Town Hall in New Munster.

Agenda items include:

• RAYMOND A. & LARA J. ALCALDE, 33202 73rd St., Burlington, WI 53105 (Owner), requesting a variance (Section 12.20.050: Swimming pools and spas shall only be installed in the rear yard of a premise) to construct a swimming pool in the street yard in the A-2 General Agricultural Dist. on Tax Key Parcel #95-4-119-024-0301, Town of Wheatland.
• Fire/EMS consolidation discussion
• Seek authorization from Town Board to allow the Town Building Inspector to consult the Town Attorney for legal assistance to perform property maintenance enforcement.
• Closed session for discussion and Bi-Annual Review of EMS Contract with the Village of Twin Lakes.

The full agenda is available here.

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:

• 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.

The Wilmot Union High School board is scheduled to meet Monday, starting at 6 p.m. in the school library.

This meeting will be livestreamed and available for later viewing here.

Agenda items include:

• Athletic Fees
• Overnight Field Trips
• Class Fee for New Graphic Communications Courses
• New Hires, Resignations, Retirements
• Shared Service – DHH Teacher with Trevor Wilmot Consolidated
• State Required Yearly Report on Crime Statistics
• Location of July Board Meetings during Construction
• Preliminary Budget for 2026-2027

The full agenda is available here.

At about 5:16 p.m., sheriff’s deputies are responding to report of a crash at Highways U and WG in Bristol.

Per dispatch: Two vehicles involved. Scene blocking westbound traffic on Highway WG.

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:

There is still time to enter the Miss Bristol contest that is part of the 2026 Progress Days community festival.

Miss Bristol contestants must be between the ages of 15 and 21 as of July 1, 2026, and a resident of the Village of Bristol. Judging is based on civic accomplishments, speaking ability, personality, poise, and appearance. Contestants receive gifts; winner receives cash and gifts. The winner is announced at the Coronation Banquet on Friday of Bristol Progress Days at the Parkway Chateau. 

Nominations/interest for Miss Bristol 2026 should be directed to Carol Gorsuch at 262-758-3912 or Cheryl Nichols at 262-945-4481.

Nominations also are being sought for Outstanding Citizen and Junior Outstanding Citizens.

Each year, Progress Days recognizes an Outstanding Citizen or Citizens. This person is selected from nominations explaining why this person is an Outstanding Citizen of Bristol. The Outstanding Citizen is announced at the Banquet on Friday of Progress Days at the Parkway Chateau.

We  also recognize an Outstanding Junior Girl and Boy.  These children will need to be in grade 5-7 (as of fall 2026), live in Bristol and be an asset to the community. 

If you are interested in nominating an Outstanding Citizen or Junior Outstanding Citizen, contact Carol Gorsuch at 262-758-3912

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 Sharing Center is partnering with the YMCA to provide free summer meals to local children and teens throughout the summer months.

Beginning Tuesday, June 9, through Aug. 18, meal distributions will take place every Tuesday at Lakewood Elementary from 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and Salem Community Park from noon to 12:45 p.m.

All children 18 years of age and younger qualify for meals. Adults ages 19–21 diagnosed with a disability and currently attending a public or private school also qualify.

Each child will receive one Meal Kit containing seven breakfasts and seven lunches designed to be easy, convenient, and family-friendly. Meals are shelf-stable and include nutritional information and storage suggestions.

“This partnership helps address a significant gap in food access for children in rural Kenosha County,” said Sharon Pomaville, The Sharing Center executive director. “While some schools provide meals during their four-week summer school programs, there are currently no summer-long meal sites serving rural children. As families continue to face rising food, transportation, and housing costs, access to nutritious meals during the summer can be a challenge. By offering meal sites in Salem and Twin Lakes, the YMCA and Sharing Center are helping fill this critical need.”

The locations were picked with an eye to providing accessibility to the program, Pomaville said.

“These locations were intentionally selected to reduce barriers to access in a largely rural area where transportation options are limited and most families rely on personal vehicles,” Pomaville said. “The program ensures that more children have consistent access to healthy meals throughout the summer, providing valuable support to families and helping reduce food insecurity when school is out of session.”

Families are encouraged to pre-register using the QR code below, which links directly to the Summer Meals To Go registration form (form also available by clicking here). Families also may register by emailing Gabby Ruiz at gruiz@kenoshaymca.org or Rachel Mall at rmall@kenoshaymca.org. Walk-ups are also welcome during distribution times.

To register, families should provide:

• Name of parent or person picking up meals
• Names of children, ages, and schools attended
• Address
• Parent contact information (phone and email)

The YMCA-The Sharing Center relationship is not new though the program is, Pomaville said.

“The partnership grew out of a long-standing relationship between the YMCA and the Sharing Center,” Pomaville said. “Earlier this year, the YMCA received grant funding from YMCA of the USA to expand nutrition programs throughout Kenosha County. The Sharing Center joined in supporting that effort, helping make healthy, easily accessible summer meals available to children across both urban and rural communities in the county.”

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:

At about about 3:08 p.m., Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue units and Twin Lakes Police are responding to a report of a crash at Highways KD and C in Twin Lakes.

Per dispatch: No injuries being reported.

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:

At about 1:20 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue, Bristol Fire and Rescue, Paris Fire and Rescue, Town of Randall Fire Department, Wheatland Vol Fire Department units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a fire in the 23500 block of 31st Street in Brighton.

UPDATE 1:21 p.m. — Salem Lakes command comfirms presence of black smoke.

UPDATE 1:26 p.m. — SL command holds response to SL units only. Rubbish pile on fire.

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:

For the third straight week, Western Kenosha County lakes sampled by Kenosha County were found to be within normal E.coli levels from testing performed this week.

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.

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

Salem Lakes – Silver Lake County Park beach 6 E.coli/100 mL; DeWitt Park on Silver Lake <1 E.coli/100mL; Lake Shangri-la 220th Ct. 44 E.coli/100 mL; Center Lake 2 E.coli/100 mL; Hooker Lake Boat Launch 194 E.coli/100 mL; Rock Lake 54 E.coli/100 mL; Camp Lake 22.0 E.coli/100 mL

Paddock Lake — Old Settlers County Park beach 10 E.coli/100 mL; Hoag Park 1 E.coli/100 mL; North Shore Association 6 E.coli/100 mL; PHLA beach 2 E.coli/100mL; PHLA diving board 23 E.coli/100 mL.

Bristol — Lake George-101st 2.0 E.coli/100 mL; Lake George-103rd 5.0 E.coli/100 mL

Wheatland — Lilly Lake 4 E.coli/100 mL.

Twin Lakes — Lance Park on Lake Mary <1 E.coli/100mL; Lucille Beach on Lake Elizabeth 48.0 E.coli/100 mL; Musial Beach on Lake Elizabeth 1.0 E.coli/100 mL; Sunset Beach on Lake Elizabeth 1.0 E.coli/100 mL.

Randall (Reported by District o Powers Lake) — Powers Lake Beach 7.5 E.coli/100 mL.; Fox Park Beach 8.5E.coli/100 mL.

The Salem Lakes Village Board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, starting at 5 p.m. at Village Hall in Salem.

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

Agenda items include:

• Property maintenance extension request from Raymond & Debbie Reynolds, 21721 83rd St.
• Road closure request from Uncle George’s Bar & Grill to close E Depot to E Park from 11pm on Saturday, June 13, 2026

A full agenda is available here.

UPDATE 11:49 a.m. — This meeting has been canceled.

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 5:35 p.m., Town of Randall Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units and law enforcement are responding ro a report of a crash in the 40000 block of 93rd Street in Powers Lake.

Per dispatch: Injuries unknown.

From Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office:

This morning, Wilmot Union High School received a voicemail from an out-of-state telephone number regarding a potential threat. School administrators immediately notified the School Resource Officer and the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office. Based on the information available at this time, investigators have determined there is no known or credible threat to the school. Investigators have not found any evidence indicating an immediate danger to students or staff. The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the origin of the report and working to identify the individual or individuals responsible for conveying the information. As a precaution, additional law enforcement personnel have been assigned to the school today. The safety and security of the students, staff, and community remain our highest priority. We appreciate the prompt actions taken by school staff and the cooperation of students and families as this matter is thoroughly investigated. If additional information becomes available that can be shared without compromising the investigation, updates will be provided.”

The Twin Lakes Village Board is scheduled to hold a committee of the whole meeting Monday, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall.

Agenda items include:

• Renewals of liquor licenses
• Discussion regarding sidewalk repairs downtown.
• Discussion regarding an Eagle Scout project at the Cemetery.
• Discussion regarding actions taken at the May 27th, 2026 Plan Commission Meeting: Conditional Use Permit for Dion Romano, Parcel 85-4-119-211-1100.
• Discussion regarding Ordinance 2026-6-1 Creating Chapter 8.90 of the Twin Lakes Code Pertaining to Outdoor Lighting.

The full agenda and packet information are available here.

Two people were injured in a motorcycle crash near the state line in Wilmot.

From Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue:

At approximately 3:28 PM, Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue, the Town of Randall Fire Department, and the Town of Wheatland Fire Department were dispatched to the 12500 block of CTH W (Fox River Road) for the report of a motorcycle crash.

The first arriving Twin Lakes ambulance located two individuals lying in the roadway with bystanders assisting nearby. One patient was noted to have sustained a significant head injury and was reported to not be wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Due to the severity of injuries, a medical helicopter from Flight for Life was requested to land at the helipad at the Town of Randall Fire Station 2. The first patient was transported by Flight for Life to Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital in critical condition. A second patient was transported by ground ambulance to Froedtert South Pleasant Prairie in critical but stable condition.

The Kenosha County Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) was activated to assist with crash reconstruction and investigation.

Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue would like to remind all motorcycle riders and passengers of the importance of wearing a helmet while riding. Additionally, motorists are urged to use caution while traveling on CTH W due to ongoing road construction in the area.

Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue would like to thank the Town of Randall Fire Department, Town of Wheatland Fire Department, Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, Flight for Life, Kenosha County Joint Dispatch, and Twin Lakes Police Dispatch for their assistance during this incident. The incident remains under investigation, and at this time, no further information will be released.

Here is video from Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue of Flight for Life at Town of Randall Fire Station No. 2:

From Kenosha County:

Under picnic-perfect skies, the annual Veterans Appreciation Summer Picnic returned to the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park on Friday. 

In addition to offering an opportunity for veterans of all eras to come together, the event celebrated a special guest, 2026 Kenosha County Veteran of the Year Bill Hopkins. 

The annual award, now in its second year, honors veterans for their contributions to the community after their time in service — a theme Hopkins echoed in his remarks after County Executive Samantha Kerkman presented him with the honor. 

“Standing here as the Kenosha County Veteran of the Year for 2026 is an honor I will never forget,” Hopkins said. “Today reminds us that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. It continues in our communities in how we show up for one another, and in how we carry forward the lessons and values that we’ve learned.” 

Kerkman noted Hopkins’ many years as an elected official in Salem Lakes and the former Village of Silver Lake, his service as a volunteer firefighter and youth sports coach, and his efforts to help his neighbors in the aftermath of the severe flood event in western Kenosha County in 2017. 

“When we sat down to pick this year’s nominee, there were many, many wonderful applications, but Bill’s rose to the top,” Kerkman said, later adding, “Thank you for your years of service and your commitment to the community.” 

Hopkins thanked his wife, Suzie, for her support during his 20 years of service in the Navy and his community endeavors that followed. He also acknowledged his four children and their spouses, his four grandchildren, “and the two on the way.” He gave a special thank you to his son, Brian, who nominated him for the award. 

Kerkman also acknowledged county Veterans Services Director Jennifer Blasi, who is retiring later this year. 

“She has been steadfast in her work in Kenosha County, helping our veterans and helping all of you,” Kerkman said. “Jennifer, thank you so much for your service to Kenosha County.” 

Blasi thanked the many veterans who turned out for the picnic. 

“Most of us here today are tied together by the bond of military service, which comes with its own unique set of challenges and rewards,” Blasi said. “Today, all of us being together — multiple generations and all branches of service — is most definitely a reward that we should treasure.” 

The picnic, now in its fourth year, again featured a free lunch served courtesy of Mission BBQ, resource tables with information about county and VA services, and live music from Little Bill’s Big Band. 

Miss Wisconsin’s Teen Natalie Popp was also a special guest, performing the “Star Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful” and speaking on her platform of supporting veterans — a cause inspired by her friendship with World War II veteran Lew Harned, who died recently at age 101. 

“I’m incredibly thankful to be here today to talk to each of you about what a beautiful day we have today, your experiences serving our country, and just how your lives are going,” Popp said. 

At about 3:40 p.m., Paris Fire and Rescue units are responding for a crash in the 12000 block of Highway 142 in Paris.

Per dispatch: Two-vehicle crash with injuries being reported.

UPDATE 3:45 p.m. — Unit arriving on scene reports there may be three vehicles involved with heavy damage.

UPDATE 3:50 p.m. — Ambulance from Kenosha Fire Department responding to scene.