West of the I

It is going to be unseasonably warm — hot even — early this week.

The latest, local National Weather Service forecast says Monday’s high temperature could reach 85 and Tuesday’s reach 80.

Monday night’s low will be 69.

Temps will cool off the rest of the week and actually be much cooler than recent weeks by Friday, when the high may be in just the mid 50s.

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

Agenda iems inclcude:

• Continued Camera discussion and possible action
• Transfer station charges discussion and possible action
• Budget discussion

The full agenda is available here.

From Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue:

At approximately 5:27 p.m. on Sunday, October 11th, 2026, Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue, Town of Randall Fire Department, Town of Wheatland Fire Department, and Richmond (Illinois) Fire Protection District were dispatched to the 500 block of Bayview Avenue in Twin Lakes for a reported fire and black smoke inside a condominium.

Upon arrival, firefighters located a fire involving items on a dining room table. Crews brought the fire under control at approximately 5:38 p.m. with the use of fire extinguishers. Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue and Randall Fire Department remained on scene to complete overhaul operations and ventilate the residence, while Wheatland Fire Department and Richmond Fire Protection District were released from the incident.

Preliminary information indicates the fire may have originated from lithium-ion batteries charging on the dining room table for a remote-controlled electric airplane. The estimated damage from fire and smoke throughout the condominium is approximately $30,000. Due to the extent of the smoke damage, the residence is currently uninhabitable.

The occupants’ prompt actions and the fact that someone was home while the batteries were charging helped limit the potential for more extensive damage to the residence and surrounding condominiums. Following the incident, the occupants were provided with a Wagner Family Fire Fund Go Bag containing essential items to help them through the next several days.

Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue reminds residents to use caution when charging lithium-ion batteries and devices powered by them, including remote-controlled aircraft, electric scooters, and other rechargeable equipment. Always charge batteries while someone is home and able to respond if a problem develops. Follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions, use the appropriate charger, and discontinue use of batteries that appear damaged, swollen, or unusually hot. Batteries should be charged away from combustible materials and never left charging unattended.

Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue extends its appreciation to all responding agencies for their assistance and thanks the Wagner Family Fire Fund for providing support to the affected occupants.

No further information will be released at this time.

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 5:26 p.m., Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue, Town of Randall Fire Department and Wheatland Vol Fire Department units are responding to a fire in the 500 block of Bayview in Twin Lakes.

UPDATE 5:30 p.m. — Fire unit on scene reports light smoke showing.

UPDATE 5:38 p.m. — TL command reports fire is out. All units not on scene can return to quarters.

At about 3:35 p.m., Wheatland Vol Fire Department, Town of Randall Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a crash in the 4100 block of 392nd Avenue in Wheatland.

Per dispatch: Dump truck has rolled over.

At about 7:02 a.m., Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue units are responding to the 500 block of Torrey Pines Drive in Twin Lakes for an investigation.

Per dispatch: A strong smell of natural gas being reported outside a home.

UPDATE 7:08 a.m. — Town of Randall Fire Department dispatched to the scene.

The Salem Lakes Village Board filled its vacant trustee position at a special meeting Monday.

The board voted unanimously to appoint Tom Strachan.

Strachan was one of five people interviewed for the position at a special Village Board meeting Monday. Two others had expressed interest, but one withdrew before Monday and another did not attend Monday and therefore was not interviewed, said village President Rita Bucur.

In his cover letter, Strachan cited “exceptional financial management experience” and “a strong understanding of planning and development” as among his qualifications for the post.

Strachan has served as the chairman of the village Board of Appeals and chairman of the Fire Commission. He also is chairman of the Camp and Center Lakes Rehabilitation District.

It was his lakes management exp0erience that motivated Bucur to vote for him, she said at the meeting.

“My decision on this is because of your lake experience,’ Bucur said of Strachan after the vote. “We need someone in our community and someone on our board that has that experience to carry on what (current Trustee) Dennis (Faber) has worked very hard for.”

Before the Strachan vote, Trustee Peter Poli moved to appoint one of the other candidates, John Walker, but that motion died for lack of a second. Walker is a member of the village Plan Commission.

Bucur encouraged Walker to run for trustee in the future.

The vacancy was created by the resignation in August of Trustee Amanda Procknow, who said in her resignation letter that she would no longer be a resident of the village as of Aug. 28.

Strachan will complete Procknow’s term, which expires in April 2028.

The Wheatland Town Board is scheduled to hold a special meeting Friday, starting at 2 p.m. at Town Hall in New Munster.

Agenda items include:

• Seno Temp Alcohol License approval event 10.10.2026

The full agenda is available here.

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:

A Westosha Central High School coach was dismissed in the wake of an investigation of communication between the coach and a student via social media.

No criminal charges were filed as a result of the investigation.

From a KSOE news release:

On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at approximately 2:20 p.m., a Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office deputy serving as the school resource officer at Westosha Central High School was notified by school administration of a concern regarding communication between a football coach and a student through Snapchat.

The deputy interviewed the student and the coach and reviewed the information provided. The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau also assisted in the matter.

Based on the information obtained at this time, no criminal violation has been identified, and no criminal charges have been filed.

School administration is addressing the matter internally, and the football coach is no longer employed as a coach at Westosha Central High School. The football coach was not a teacher, support staff member, or substitute teacher. The school’s personnel decisions are separate from the Sheriff’s Office’s assessment of whether a criminal offense occurred. Questions regarding those decisions should be directed to the school district.

The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office takes reports involving student safety seriously. To protect the student’s privacy, the student’s name is not being included in this release.

Note: The following is a paid announcement from Hartnell Chevrolet — DH

“I can tell you that October is officially tire season. The temperature drops fast, roads get slick with rain and fallen leaves, and your rubber is all that stands between you and the pavement.”
— Ned

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2. Check Your Tire Pressure and Alignment — Even if you don’t need a new set, every 10-degree drop in temperature cuts your tire pressure by about 1 PSI. Proper inflation and correct wheel alignment keep your vehicle tracking straight and prevent uneven wear on your investment. Hartnell Chevrolet services and maintains all makes & models. Schedule today (262)-843-2361

At about 5:01 p.m., Town of Randall Fire Department, Wheatland Vol Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash in the 9300 block of 388th Avenue in Powers Lake.

Per dispatch: Crash involves a motorcycle and another vehicle.

At about 3:12 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a crash in the 500 block of North Cogswell Drive in Silver Lake.

Per dispatch: Injuries being reported.

UPDATE 3:17 p.m. — Deputies blocking traffic on Cogswell and Manor drives.

UPDATE 3:21 p.m — Unit arriving on scene reports minor damage to two vehicles.

At about 8 p.m., Town of Randall Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a crash at Highways F and JI in Randall.

Per dispatch: Two vehicles involved. Injuries being reported. Smoke coming from one vehicle.

Note: The following is a paid announcement — DH

At 6:04 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash in the 8300 block of Highway 83 (Antioch Road) in Salem.

Per dispatch: Injuries being reported.

From Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated School:

Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated School is partnering with Versiti Blood Center to host a Community Blood Drive on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Trevor-Wilmot School . Thanks to strong early response, TWC is currently just 9 donations away from reaching its drive goal.

Aligned with TWC’s commitment as a Leader in Me school—where student leadership, active citizenship, and initiative are woven into everyday learning—7th-grade students are participating in a hands-on service learning project around the event. Middle school science teacher Kim Elger highlighted the significance of getting students involved early, serving the community, and using the experience as an educational stepping stone for the future.

“Our 7th graders will learn about the circulatory system, medical field careers, and the importance of blood donation as they prepare to volunteer for this meaningful community event…but they need your help!” said Elger.

Ahead of the drive, students are actively reaching out to family, friends, and community members to secure donor pledges. On the day of the event, 7th-grade volunteers will be on-site assisting with check-ins, welcoming donors, and helping the event run smoothly.

The drive comes at a critical time for regional healthcare facilities, where donor blood is constantly needed for emergency trauma care, surgeries, and ongoing medical treatments. A single blood donation can save up to three lives.

TWC families, staff, alumni, and area neighbors are encouraged to claim one of the final remaining spots, help the 7th-grade volunteers meet their pledge goal, and make a direct, lifesaving contribution to local hospitals.

You can schedule a donation appointment here. Advance appointments are strongly encouraged, though walk-ins will be welcomed as the schedule permits on the day of the drive.

Donors are advised to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water prior to their donation appointment.

Please bring a valid photo ID to the donation appointment.

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:

• Swearing in of new Fire Rescue personnel
• Authorization to contract with Caselle to provide Enterprise Resource Planning Software in the amount of $105,420
• Authorization to transfer $10,000 from the Innovation Grant Proceeds to the Regional Road Maintenance and Public Works Consortium
• Purchase and installation of Best Regards without roof playground equipment, for Wilson Runyard Park (Rock Lake Park), in the amount of $102,974.83, after receiving a $48,438.50 grant for the equipment
• Elizabeth Lane Turnaround Easement Agreement
• Payment request #5 from Asphalt Contractors, in the amount of $270,441.23, for the Valmar & Yaws Subdivision Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation
• Benjamin & Evygale Peterson, 9519 Camp Lake Rd., Salem, WI 53168 (Owner), requesting a rezoning from B-2 (Community Business District) to R-4 (Urban SingleFamily Residential District) on Tax Parcel #70-4-120-212-0405 located in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 21, Township 1 North, Range 20 East, Village of Salem Lakes (for informational purposes only this parcel is located on the east side of CTH ‘AH’ (Camp Lake Rd.) approximately 200 feet south of 95th Street.)
• Authorization from the Village Board to allow for the minor streets within the future Brenner Fields North development to be designed and constructed as Rural Cross section, per 335-50, Table 1 of the Village of Salem Lakes Code of Ordinances, Tax Key 70-4-120-104-0401, Brenner Fields South, LLC
• Contract with Savers’ Hope, First Responder Mental Health – Kristen Herried, LCSW, to establish a First Responder Mental Health & Wellness Program in the amount of $8,000
• Changing Village Board meetings from the 1st and 3rd Tuesday’s of the month to the 1st & 3rd Monday’s of the month
• Village purchase of Parcel # 70-4-120-303-0929 for future parking (For informational purposes this lot is located on the corner of CTH W & 144th Street in Wilmot)
• Resolution 2026.10-181 authorizing the Village of Salem Lakes Village President, with the assistance of village staff as may be necessary, to participate with the Village of Paddock Lake in the preparation of an amendment to the term or length of the “Village of Paddock Lake/Town of Salem [now the Village of Salem Lakes] Cooperative Plan Under §66.0307, Wisconsin Statutes” in order continue the cooperative plan until December 31, 2048. (For informational purposes: This is the first step to address the term or length of the Cooperative Plan between the communities which is set to expire December 20, 2026. Upon approval of the Resolution, a joint public hearing will be held no sooner than 60 days after the adoption of the authorizing resolution by both communities.)

The full agenda is available here

Note: The following is a paid announcement from Seno K/RLT Conservancy — DH

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:

• Discussion regarding Pay Request #1 from Payne and Dolan for the 2026 Street Resurfacing Project.
• Discussion regarding Pay Request #1 from Bradford Contractors LLC for the 2026 Storm Sewer Improvement Project
• Discussion regarding an Appendix to the Employee Handbook for full-time Firefighter/EMTs.
• Budget Workshop #2.

The full agenda is available here.

A proposal for building a controversial battery energy storage site in Wheatland is now before the state Public Service Commission after an application was formally filed by the developer last week.

The project is likely to continue to get opposition from local opponents as evidenced by the public opinion expressed at past meetings and the number of anti-BESS yard signs displayed in the town.

Robin Energy Storage LLC is seeking a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the construction of a new 200 megawatt battery energy storage system in Wheatland north of Highway 50 and north of New Munster on 60 acres near an existing power substation. The current application calls for 200 BESS containers, with 44 additional containers and 11 power conversion containers for future possible use.

Robin Energy’s project was rejected at the town and county levels, leaving the PSC route for approval its most viable option.

BESS projects store energy generated by other facilities to use during peak demand periods.

Local opponents cite concerns about fire and environmental hazards.

But while the issue is now passing to the authority of a state entity, local opponents are preparing to continue their fight.

“Our plan is to continue to educate the Wheatland and surrounding communities about the Robin Energy BESS project,” Jenny Morehouse, who has been the leader of the local opposition, said in a text message to westofthei.com. “Now is the time for everyone to do their research, ask the questions to our town board members and fire department, read through the project plan on the Public Service Commission’s website.”

Morehouse said she also will be encouraging community members to participate in the PSC comment periods on the project.

Public opposition to the proposal has appeared to be strong. A January town Plan Commission meeting at which some requirements for the project to move forward were up for consideration featured a packed Town Hall meeting room where virtually all public comment was against the proposal. In the wake of that reaction, the Plan Commission rejected three of four actions and Robin withdrew the project from further local consideration.

There will be more opportunity for the local community to make their opinions known during the PSC process.

“We need to start preparing for upcoming Public Service Commission comment periods,” Morehouse said. “It is important that we come together as a community and effectively communicate to the PSC that the Town of Wheatland is not the right place for a battery energy storage system.”

No information on next steps — such as dates for a hearing to gather public opinion — is apparent from the case material available online.

Kenosha County and some municipalities within Kenosha County have passed ordinances seeking to regulate the placement of BESS projects including Bristol, Paddock Lake and Pleasant Prairie. Kenosha County in May also passed a moratorium on BESS development for a year. Paris, where a BESS facility is located in conjunction with a solar farm, adopted a resolution in July asking state lawmakers to limit BESS facilities.

There has been some question in the past — including expressed by Robin representatives — about whether a stand alone BESS project comes under PSC authority. However, the PSC does outline application requirements for new energy storage system projects “whether as a stand-alone project or as part of a larger electric generating facility or transmission line project application.” in a document on its website.

Related posts

Robin Energy battery energy storage site application filed with Public Service Commission

Wheatland Town Board passes resolution seeking state limit on battery energy storage systems; Robin Energy files application with state Public Service Commission

Robin Energy Storage says it may go to state with battery energy storage system proposal

BESS opponents & Wheatland Town Board clash over progress on battery energy storage site ordinance progress

Battery storage site opponents outline ordinance points for Wheatland officials

Wheatland Plan Commission recommends denial of 3 of 4 land use requests for proposed battery storage project

Mason McNeill, of Bristol, who graduated from Westosha Central High School and whose major is general business, is competing for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team during the 2026 season.

Last season, the Warhawks battled through the fifth-toughest schedule in Division III to an 8-3 record. UWW earned an at-large bid into the NCAA Division III Championship falling in the second round of the playoffs. The 2026 slate will be another battle in the toughest conference in Division III — six WIAC institutions are ranked or receiving votes in the national polls. The Warhawks come in at #12 according to both D3football.com and the American Football Coaches Association.

The 2026 Warhawks return a wealth of experience to the field and sidelines. Head Coach Jace Rindahl begins his fourth year at the helm of the Warhawks this season. Caden Murphy returns as the team’s offensive coordinator along with numerous starters from a year ago including quarterback Justin Klinkner (Two Rivers, Wis./Two Rivers), running back Brian Stanton (Joliet, Ill./Plainfield South), fullback Charlie Koeppen (Palos Heights, Ill./Andrean), wide receiver Tyler Vasey (Crystal Lake, Ill/Prairie Ridge), tight end Colin Fritts and nearly the entire offensive line: McNeill, Aaron Johnson (Brookfield, Ill./Fenwick), Colin Krzeczkowski (Lockport, Ill./Lockport Township) and Troy Dietzler (Ashwaubenon, Wis./Ashwaubenon)).

Ryan Cortez will head the defense once again with a pair of starters coming back on the line (Noah Moris (Union Grove, Wis./Union Grove), Ben Bielawski (Woodridge, Ill./Downers Grove North)), a host of returning linebackers including Karsten Libby (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) and Jayden Fowler (Morton Grove, Ill./Niles Township West), as well as a seasoned secondary that includes Efrein Ramirez (Minooka, Ill./Minooka), Deven Magli (Deforest, Wis./Deforest) and Carter Sessa (Naperville, Ill./Neuqua Valley) – all starters a season ago.

In special teams, Hunter Liszka (St. Charles, Ill./St. Charles North) and Dylan Tackett (Mentor, Ohio/Mentor) will take over the kicking duties. Vasey, the most prolific return man in program history is also back for his senior season.

Wilmot Union High School held its 2026 homecoming parade Friday.

The parade had a little different route this year due to road construction in Wilmot, but still wound its way through the Wilmot streets before heading back to the fairgrounds, adjacent to the school campus.

Here is video of the school marching bands in the parade from Wilmot UHS, Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated School, Lakewood School, Riverview School and Randall Consolidated School:

Here are more photos from the parade:

Westosha Central High School’s 2026 homecoming parade stepped off Friday afternoon on the school’s Paddock Lake campus.

Threatening weather caused the school to change the date and time of this year’s parade from Wednesday at Tuesday. Also, instead of a route through the streets of Paddock Lake, this year’s route stayed on campus.

Here is video of the Westosha Central Marching Falcons performing in the parade:

Here are some more photos of the parade: