Note: Glenda and Butch Dupons, of Bear Realty, are westofthei.com sponsors. This is a paid announcement — DH
Here are open houses being hosted today by Glenda and Butch Dupons, of Bear Realty:
Local student perform in the 2025 Carthage College Christmas Festival
To celebrate the Advent season, Carthage College students performed in the 151st Christmas Festival the weekend of Dec. 4-6, in the A. F. Siebert Chapel in Kenosha.
The Carthage Christmas Festival is one of the largest and most beloved events on campus, bringing together over 3,500 people throughout the festival weekend. The Christmas Festival artistic staff includes Professors Margaret Burk as Artistic Director and Matthew Hougland as Production Director.
The Wind Orchestra was conducted by James Ripley
The Philharmonic Orchestra was conducted by E. Edward Kawakami
Vox Ignis, Carthage Choir, and Lincoln Chamber Singers were conducted by Margaret Burk
Voces Aquae and Carthage Treble Choir were conducted by Polly Amborn
Accompanists: Melissa Cardamone and Gregory Berg
The following students from the area participated:
- Kiley Kennedy of Trevor Carthage Treble Choir
- Diana Albiter of Twin Lakes Voces Aquae
- Davian Santiago of Kenosha Wind Orchestra
- Lanie Klawonn of Kenosha Wind Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra
- Jada Moss of Kenosha Carthage Choir and Lincoln Singers
- Emily Van Laningham of Kenosha Carthage Philharmonic
- Rachel Lenzi of Kenosha Carthage Philharmonic
- Neil DuJardin of Kenosha Wind Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra
- Rebecca DeBoer of Kenosha Philharmonic Orchestra
- Laurel Brown of Kenosha Wind Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra
- Addison Kelnhofer of Kenosha Wind Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra
- Gia Han Hoang of Kenosha Carthage Choir
- Jalen Imroth of Kenosha Wind Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra
- Danika Stewart of Kenosha Carthage Philharmonic
- Cheyenne Shaw of Kenosha Voces Aquae
Founded in 1847, Carthage blends the liberal arts traditions with programs that shape careers, hands-on learning that fuels discovery, and faculty mentorship that drives student success – all on a Lake Michigan campus in Kenosha, Wisconsin, midway between Chicago and Milwaukee. www.carthage.edu
A word from our sponsors: Dec. 27, 2025 open houses from Bear Realty’s Glenda and Butch Dupons
Note: Glenda and Butch Dupons, of Bear Realty, are westofthei.com sponsors. This is a paid announcement — DH
Here are open houses being hosted today by Glenda and Butch Dupons, of Bear Realty:
Deaths Dec. 12, 2025: Harry L. Flood Jr.
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 →Units responding for investigation in Twin Lakes
At about 12:58 p.m., Twin Lakes Fire Department units and a Twin Lakes Police Department officer are responding for an investigation in the 200 block of Oakwood Teail in Twin Lakes.
Per dispatch: Smell of natural gas reported inside building.
Happy Holidays from westofthei.com!
Merry Christmas from westofthei.com!
We’d like to say thank you to all of our loyal readers and advertisers who continue to make westofthei.com possible. We will continue to work to become more useful to you every day.
Sincerely,
Darren and Karen Hillock
Deaths Dec. 24, 2025: Scott Aaron Shannon, Patricia J. Hussey
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 →2025 Paddock Lake Outdoor Decoration Contest winners announced (PHOTOS & VIDEO)
Here are the winners of the 2025 village of Paddock Lake Outdoor Decoration Contest:
- First place — Schwellenbach house in the 24800 block of 73rd Street.
- Second place — Weber house in the 24900 block of 67th Street.
- Third place — Shook house in the 23600 block of 62nd Place.
First place won $50 and second and third won $25 (Note: westofthei.com sponsored the prizes — DH). Decoration displays were judged on Dec. 20 by Kenosha County Sheriff’s deputies.
Here is video of all of the contest winners:
Deaths Dec. 23, 2025: Carl R. Siegel, Anita R. Christensen, Richard Charles Neu
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 →Lawsuit against Twin Lakes and Aquanuts dismissed
A lawsuit challenging the legality of an improvements project for Lance Park proposed as a joint effort between the village of Twin Lakes and Aquanuts Water Ski Shows has been dismissed by a Kenosha County Circuit Court judge.
The suit, brought by village resident Bryan Neal, was dismissed with prejudice by Judge Angelina Gabriele at a hearing Dec. 2, according to online circuit court records.
In the complaint filed with the court, Neal alleges the village and Aquanuts did not comply with public bidding laws. In the memo of understanding between the village and the Aquanuts, the complaint states, the village acknowledges the improvements being paid for by the village’s $100,000 would be subject to public bidding, but that the improvements contributed by the Aquanuts did not have to be bid because they were donations. Neal’s lawsuit challenged that conclusion.
The Aquanauts first presented the proposal in January. The plan called for the seating area at Lance Park to be reconstructed to be larger and parallel to the lake shore instead of curved, install a new main pier, upgrade electrical and shoreline reconstruction, install sound towers and upgrade landscaping and plant new trees for shade.
All of the work was estimated to cost about $400,000. The Aquanuts raised funds and also received commitments for substantial “sweat equity” donations and a $100,000 grant from The Clinton Family Fund. That grant was contingent on the village matching that amount and the village committing to long-term use of the park by the Aquanuts.
The village had planned to use park impact fees to fund its $100,000 contribution. Those funds can only be used for park improvements.
In April, the Village Board agreed to a memo of understanding with the Aquanuts water ski show team aimed at formalizing how the project would work.
Neal filed suit in August. Later that month, the Aquanuts announced at a Village Board meeting that they were withdrawing the project. The Village Board terminated the MOU in September.
Neal’s lawsuit continued, however until the dismissal in court on Dec. 2.
The Aquanuts are a ski show team that performs free shows on Lake Mary off of Lance Park throughout the summer. The team also competes in competitions.
Deaths Dec. 22, 2025: Edward Joseph Stanek
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 →Units responding for crash on I-94
At about 5:30 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue, Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue and Newport Fire Protection District units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a crash in the 9400 block of I-94, northbound lanes.
Per dispatch: Two vehicles involved. Injuries being reported.
Horses die in crash in Bristol
Six horses that had escaped from their enclosure died from a motor vehicle crash early Monday morning in Bristol.
From the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office:
The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office responded to a motor vehicle crash involving a pickup truck and multiple horses in the roadway on December 22nd, 2025, at approximately 4:14 a.m., near the intersection of County Trunk Highway WG and County Trunk Highway MB.
The operator of the vehicle, a 67-year-old male from Antioch, Illinois, was traveling eastbound en route to work in Kenosha when the crash occurred. He was the sole occupant of a 2004 Ford F-350 pickup truck. Although the vehicle sustained significant damage and experienced full airbag deployment, the driver was not injured. The truck was towed from the scene.
Deputies observed no signs of impairment, and speed is not believed to have been a contributing factor. The crash occurred along a dark stretch of roadway.
The horses involved belonged to a local resident. Investigators determined the horses had escaped from a fenced enclosure on the property and entered the roadway prior to the collision. Five horses died at the scene as a result of the crash. A sixth horse was later humanely euthanized by the owner due to injuries sustained.
The owners removed the deceased animals from the roadway using heavy equipment and will handle burial and disposal on their farm property. One of the six stables on the property was found to have fence damage consistent with the horses’ escape. The property houses approximately 28 horses.
The roadway was closed for approximately one and a half hours while deputies secured the scene and ensured public safety. Citations related to animals at large remain pending further investigation during daylight hours.
The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office thanks the public for their patience during the roadway closure and reminds motorists to use caution when traveling rural roadways, particularly during nighttime and early morning hours.
STATEMENT FROM SHERIFF DAVID ZOERNER: “This was a tragic incident for everyone involved. We are grateful that the driver was not injured, and our thoughts are with the horse owners following this significant loss. Rural roadways can present unexpected hazards, especially in low-visibility conditions. Our deputies responded quickly to secure the scene and protect the public, and the investigation will continue to ensure all factors are appropriately addressed.”
A word from our sponsors: Dec. 21, 2025 open houses from Bear Realty’s Glenda and Butch Dupons
Note: Glenda and Butch Dupons, of Bear Realty, are westofthei.com sponsors. This is a paid announcement — DH
Here are open houses being hosted today by Glenda and Butch Dupons, of Bear Realty:
Kenosha Community Foundation accepting applications for grants for non-profits offering arts or natural world programs
Through Jan. 16, 2026, the Kenosha Community Foundation (KCF) is accepting applications from nonprofits from its CBK Small Grant program, seeking to provide funds to groups offering programs in the arts or those programs that foster an understanding of our natural world. CBK Small Grants will support cross-cultural and multi-generational
programs in both areas, whenever possible.
To apply for a 2026 CBK Small Grant, complete the online form at bit.ly/2026CBK – a link to the online grant application form can also be found on KCF’s website – www.kenoshafoundation.org.
New for 2026, thanks to a generous donation from the family of the late Robert (Bob) Schneider, KCF plans to award one CBK Small Grant in honor of its former Executive Director, extending one award to a project that includes music or a musical element.
“Bob loved music of all types – everything from avant-garde jazz to classical,” says Amy Greil, KCF Executive Director. “During his time at KCF, Bob supported numerous concerts, recitals and music events, including concerts of the Kenosha Symphony Orchestra and the creation of UW-Parkside’s Jazz Week. We are proud to honor Bob’s musical legacy with this grant.”
The CBK Small Grants program was created in 2019 by the donors of two of the Foundation’s field-of-interest endowment funds:
- The Clark-Barber Family Fund endowment – a fund established in 2017 by Kenosha residents Tom and Ruth Barber Clark.
- The Kubasiewicz Family Trust endowment – a fund established in 2012 by Salem Lakes resident Tom Targos in honor of his late mother Irene Kubasiewicz Targos.
In 2025, KCF awarded seven CBK grants totaling $6,000.
The Kenosha Community Foundation, organized in 1926 as a tax-exempt public charity, actively manages permanent endowments established by individuals, families, and business organizations. The Foundation manages over $17 million in endowment funds and each year awards over $1M in grants and scholarships to Kenosha area nonprofit
organizations and students.
A word from our sponsors: Dec. 20, 2025 open houses from Bear Realty’s Glenda and Butch Dupons
Note: Glenda and Butch Dupons, of Bear Realty, are westofthei.com sponsors. This is a paid announcement — DH
Here are open houses being hosted today by Glenda and Butch Dupons, of Bear Realty:
Emily Alber named to Southern New Hampshire University’s Summer 2025 Dean’s List
Emily Alber of Twin Lakes has been named to Southern New Hampshire University’s Summer 2025 Dean’s List. The summer terms run from May to August.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the Dean’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with a 92-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults.
Units responding for crash in New Munster
At about 12:49 p.m., Wheatland Vol Fire Department, Town of Randall Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units are responding for an investigation in the area of Highways 50 and KD.
Per dispatch: Smell of natural gas reported in area.
Jaime Salas studies in Mexico
During the Fall 2025 semester, Carthage College student Jaime (JJ) Salas from Salem studied abroad in Mexico. Salas is majoring in Criminal Justice and Spanish.
As part of its liberal arts curriculum, Carthage offers students the opportunity to study abroad during a month-long J-term, as well as semester or year-long experiences. Students majoring in a foreign language are typically required to study abroad in a country where the target language is spoken for at least a semester.
Founded in 1847, Carthage is located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Kenosha. www.carthage.edu
A word from our sponsors: Froedtert South welcomes back Dr. Goya Raikar
Note: The following is a paid announcement from Froedtert South Hospital — DH
Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated Grade School District to have operational referendum on April 7, 2026 ballot
Voters in the Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated Grade School District will see an operational referendum on the April 7, 2026 ballot after action by the School Board Tuesday.
The board approved a resolutions seeking authority to exceed the state-imposed tax levy limit “by $1,100,000 for the 2026-2027 school year, and by $1,900,000 per year for three years, beginning with the 2027-2028 school year and ending with the 2029-2030 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of expenses related to maintaining educational programming, safety and facilities” and another to hold a referendum election.
The operational referendum resolutions were approved by unanimous vote, said Tracy Donich, district administrator.
Here’s the text of a news release distributed Wednesday:
The Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated Grade School District Board of Education voted on December 16 to place a four-year, non-recurring operational referendum on the April 7, 2026 spring election ballot.
The referendum will ask voters to consider additional local revenue authority to help the District maintain operations. The District is facing ongoing financial pressures as state funding has not kept pace with inflation, rising operational costs, and underfunded mandates.
In addition, approximately $1.4 million in existing local referendum authority will expire at the end of the 2026-27 school year. Without voter approval, District revenue would decline significantly, impacting the ability to sustain current programs and services.
If approved, the referendum would allow the District to replace expiring community-supported funding and help address ongoing state-level funding gaps affecting core operating costs.
“A renewed operating referendum would provide four years of stable funding to maintain the educational programming and services that our students rely on,” said Tracy Donich, District Administrator. “Without action, District revenue will drop significantly below what is needed to maintain educational programming, safety, and facilities.”
This operational referendum funding would expire after the 2029–30 school year. The District will share additional
information with the community in advance of the April election. More information will also be available at twc.k12.wi.usVoting information, including registration and absentee voting, is available at myvote.wi.gov.
The district last had an operational referendum in 2022, which passed.
Deaths Dec. 12, 2025: James Richard Mirek
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 →Agenda: Paddock Lake Village Board meeting Dec. 17, 2025
The Paddock Lake Village Board is scheduled to meet starting at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall (municipal building).
Agenda items include:
- Appoint Kim Lewis of Levinson Law as Municipal Attorney and prosecuting attorney
- Authorize the Village Administrator to reimburse SMMFLP Limited Partnership for tax incentive district #2 public infrastructure improvements
- Authorize Village Administrator to reimburse Bear Development for tax incentive district #2 public infrastructure improvements, associated with the Lakeland Station commercial development
- Authorize village staff to pay Cicchini Asphalt for pavement repair associated with municipal water main break.
- Authorize village staff to pay SCADA system repair invoice from Allan ICS Inc.
- Authorize Village Administrator to issue village purchase order #5252 to Allan ICS for the replacement of SCADA system PLC batteries
- Authorize Village Administrator to issue village purchase order 5256 to Limb Walkers tree service to remove 25 compromised village owned trees using the April 2024 contract pricing
Deaths Dec. 16, 2025: Elmer Nunemaker
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 →Units responding to crash in Paris
At about 4:36 p.m., Paris Fire and Rescue units are responding to a crash at Highways 45 and 142 in Paris.
Per dispatch: Two vehicles involved. Injuries uncertain.
UPDATE 4:43 p.m. — Bristol Fire and Rescue dispatched to respond with an ambulance.
Units responding for crash along Kenosha-Racine county line
At about 10:37 a.m., Paris Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash at Highway 45 and Highway KR along the Kenosha-Racine county line.
Per dispatch” Caller reporting as many as three vehicles may be involved. One is in the ditch.
UPDATE 10:46 a.m. — Paris unit arriving on scene reports Union Grove Fire Department and Racine County sheriff’s deputies on scene.
Warm wave in the forecast
A trend of warmer days is starting Tuesday, says the latest, local National Weather Service forecast.
After getting used to (sort of) high temperatures in single digits over the weekend, we should be back over 30 for most of the balance of the week and maybe even over 40 Thursday.
Forecasted high temps are: Tuesday, 35; Wednesday, 36; Thursday, 42 (with some rain and snow) ; Friday, 24 (boooo!); Saturday, 39.
Agenda: Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated Grade School District board meeting Dec. 16, 2025
The Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated Grade School District board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the school library.
Agenda iems include:
- Strategic Plan Updates
- 2024-2025 Audit Results from Baker Tilly
- Financial Update and Referendum Discussion
- Referendum Resolutions
- Calendar 2026-2027
Agenda: Salem Lakes Village Board meeting Dec. 16, 2025
The Salem Lakes Village Board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, starting at 6 p.m. at Village Hall in Salem.
The meeting also will be livestreamed and available for later viewing here.
Agenda items include:
- Kenosha County Fair Association Inc., 30820 111th Street Wilmot, WI 53192-0096 (Owner), Jennifer Hesse, PO Box 96, Wilmot, WI 53192 (Agent), requesting to amend a previously approved Conditional Use Permit in the PR-1 Park-Recreational District on Tax Parcel #70-4-120-303-1261
- Request from Bear Development for preliminary discussions on Brenner Fields regarding the formation of a Tax Incremental District
- 2025 Tax Collection Update
- Administrator Transition Update
- Status of boundary agreement with Paddock Lake, expiration thereof and negotiations
- Closed session for: Conferring with legal counsel concerning strategy to be adopted by the body with respect to litigation in which it is or may be involved), specifically regarding claims with the Village of Paddock Lake over contractual rights, remedies and obligations for the heavy rescue fire truck; and the status of the boundary agreement between Village of Salem Lakes and the Village of Paddock Lake, expiring on December 20, 2026,
Deaths Dec. 15, 2025: Angela Scott
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 →
