West of the I

Wheatland students participated in an Academic Bowl hosted at Phoenix Middle School in Delavan. Teams were made up of five students from each grade – sixth through eighth. Students were nominated by teachers to compete within their designated area of expertise – Math, Science, English/Language Arts, or Social Studies. Students participated in an individual test of subject knowledge, a current events team quiz, and a team STEAM challenge.

The following students represented Wheatland in the 2026 Academic Bowl: 6th Grade – Tyler Epping, Elijah Jung, Lylian Miller, Charlie Wisneski and Abigail Zavacke; 7th Grade – Tristen Donohue, Avalynn Elfering, Morgan Fauth, Aubree Jurgens and Gursevak Toor; 8th Grade – Jaena Baumeister, Aaron Crane, Austyn Madaus, Landon Paramski and Gabriella Pippin.

Nine Wheatland students placed within their designated area of expertise. Lylian Miller placed first overall in 6th grade English/Language Arts. Abigail Zavacke placed first overall in 6th grade Science and Elijah Jung placed third overall in 6th grade Social Studies. Aubree Jurgens placed first overall in 7th grade English/Language Arts. Gursevak Toor tied for first overall in 7th grade Math and Tristen Donohue placed first overall for 7th grade Science. Gabby Pippin placed first overall in 8th grade English/Language Arts. Landon Paramski placed second overall in 8th grade Social Studies and Austyn Madaus placed second overall in 8th grade Math.

In the current events team quiz, students had the opportunity to work together across grade levels and showcase each other’s strengths. Wheatland Team 3 tied for second overall in the current events team quiz. Members of this team included Aaron Crane, Aubree Jurgens, Morgan Fauth, Abigail Zavacke and Charlie Wisneski. The effort put
forth in the individual tests and teamwork during the current events quiz placed Wheatland second overall in the 2026 Academic Bowl.

Note: The following is a paid announcement from Hospice Alliance — DH

On National Healthcare Decisions Day, The Kenosha Advance Care Planning Community Collaborative will be hosting a program aimed to encourage community members to complete an Advance Directive. Hear from members of our community what completing an Advance Directive has meant to them followed by an opportunity to walk through the Health Care Power of Attorney document. Witnesses will be available for those who are ready to complete their document. A light lunch will be served for those who RSVP. To RSVP call (262)652-4482 x 1268.

Who: Any and all community members over 18!

When: Thursday, April 16 from 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm. A light lunch will be served at 12:30, and the program will begin at 1 pm.

Where: Froedtert South Kenosha Clinic, ABC Conference Room, 6308 8th Ave, Kenosha

Why: Advance Care Planning helps adults at any age or stage of health understand and share their personal
values and preferences regarding future medical care. It is a gift you give your loved ones to help them make choices about your care.

The Kenosha Advance Care Planning Community Collaborative is comprised of industry professionals from: Kenosha
Community Advocates, Froedtert South, and Hospice Alliance.

Background: Hospice Alliance, the #1 provider of hospice care in Southeastern Wisconsin, is committed to offering compassionate physical, emotional, and spiritual care and educating our patients, those who support them, and the communities we serve. Personalized care for patients and families who are facing life-limiting illnesses is available in the patient’s or loved one’s private homes, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, and in the Hospice Alliance Hospice House located in Pleasant Prairie. Hospice Alliance is your compassionate community non-profit hospice, incorporated in Hospice Alliance is also a proud 5-star member of the We Honor Veterans Program, a program developed by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, in partnership with the Veterans Administration. For more information, call 262-652-4400 or visit www.hospicealliance.org.

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:

Two Western Kenosha County municipalities have formed a road consortium and hope to land almost $3 million from a state grant program as a result.

Late last month, the Salem Lakes Village Board and the Paddock Lake Village Board took the final steps of approving an intergovernmental agreement setting up how the consortium will work and applying for the Wisconsin Department of Revenue Innovation Grant before the March 31 deadline.

The consortium could allow municipalities to bid road work as a larger group and get better pricing through economies of scale. 

“The two neighboring communities have come together for the greater good of each municipality’s residents,” said Tim Popanda, Paddock Lake village administrator.

The grant rewards municipalities that transfer functions to another government or agency. A lead municipality in such an arrangement would not be eligible to receive grant funds. By creating the third party consortium, it’s hoped both municipalities will receive funding.

The money could be substantial if the five-year grant is approved. Salem Lakes anticipates receiving $431,033 annually and Paddock Lake $167,624 annually, Popanda said.

“The grant is a promising step towards future collaborations with our neighboring communities, particularly the Village of Paddock Lake,” said Michael Kostiuk, Salem Lakes village administrator.

The consortium and grant have been an ongoing project for the municipalities

“This process was long and difficult to get buy in from other municipalities,” Popanda said. “We started in January with 13 communities interested and after three months of presentations, discussions and multiple drafts of the IGA finally came down to two participants. Without the persistent assistance from VOSL Economic Development Committee member and Village of Paddock Lake resident Brian Filiatreault, Mike Kostiuk ,municipal attorneys, Baxter and Woodman Engineers and the progressive vision of the VOPL and VOSL Board of Trustees we would not have been able to get this done.”

Twin Lake dropped out of the consortium at the last minute, with its Village Board voting to not approve the IGA on March 30.

“One main reason was that the (Twin Lakes) Village Board wanted a few changes to the agreement before they would be part of it,” said Laura Jager, Twin Lakes village administrator. “Because the grant deadline was the next day and the other two municipalities had already voted on the agreement, there was no room to change it … That said, the village is still open to the idea down the road.”

The consortium also may grow by one municipality after the grant approval process is ended, Popanda said. The village of Walworth may join the group, which will require an amendment of the IGA.

The Department of Revenue has said the villages should receive comment on their application in April with approvals in May or June, Popanda said.

Nominations are now being sought for the 2026 Kenosha County Veteran of the Year Award, County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced.

Established in 2025, this annual award honors veterans for their achievements and contributions after their time in service. Kenosha resident Milt Dean was the inaugural honoree.

This year’s award will be presented at Kerkman’s annual Veterans Appreciation Picnic, to be held May 29 at the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park.

Nominations for the inaugural award are being accepted until 5 p.m. April 30 through an online form available at https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/VeteranOfTheYear. Paper forms are also available by contacting the Kenosha County Veterans Service Office at 262-605-6690.

“We have so many exceptional veterans in Kenosha County, and this is an opportunity to salute them for their service to our country and our community,” Kerkman said. “I encourage people who know an outstanding veteran to make a nomination.”

The award winner will be chosen by a selection committee including Kerkman and members of the Kenosha County Veterans Service Office staff. All nominees will be notified that they were nominated, although the nominator may choose to remain anonymous to the nominee.

Nominees must be Kenosha County residents.

“This award is a way to honor veterans who make a difference in the community,” said County Veterans Service Officer Jennifer Blasi. “We look forward to reviewing what we expect to be another impressive list of nominees.”

More details about the Kenosha County Division of Veterans Services and its functions are
available at https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/Veterans.

At about 6:41 p.m., Twin Lakes Fire Department units are responding for an investigation in teh 200 block of West Main Street in Twin Lakes.

Per dispatch: Caller reporting smell of natural gas.

Note: This is a paid announcement from Western Kenosha County Tennis Association — DH

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 7:05 p.m., Town of Randall Fire Department and Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue units are responding to an alarm in the 12000 block of 336th Avenue in Twin Lakes.

UPDATE 7:09 p.m. — Randall command holds Twin Lakes in quarters. Dispatch reports owner says is this is a false alarm. Randall command to continue to respond on non-emergency basis. All other units can return to quarters.

UPDATE 7:11 p.m. — Randall command on the scene. Reports no signs of fire visible from exterior.

UPDATE 7:12 p.m. — Randall command clearing the scene and returning to quarters.

At about 5:27 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units are responding for a report of a fire in the 15600 block of 104th Street in Bristol.

Per dispatch: Passerby reporting a possible small brush fire.

The Paddock Lake Village Board is scheduled to hold a committee of the whole meeting Wednesday, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall (municipal building).

Agenda items include:

• Village Planning Commission favorable recommendation to approve the Mary & Brian Sullivan minor land division and petition to rezone parcels
• Traffic control light
• 2026 Water Patrol contract
• 2026 Fireworks donation
• Status of 2026 Village managed tree removal project
• Closed session for: Evaluation of public employee and conferring with legal counsel regarding litigation.

The full agenda is available here.

Voters in the Bristol #1 School District had a contested election for school board on the April 7 ballot.

One seat will be filled.

With four polls of five reporting incomplete results at 9 p.m.:

• Danielle Whitaker 413 (59.08%)
• Kevin Weeks 281 (40.2%)

UPDATE 9:08 p.m.:

• Whitaker 450 (60.32%)
• Weeks 291 (39.01%)

UPDATE 9:43 p.m. with five of five polls reporting what may be incomplete results:

• Whitaker 691 (58.16%)
• Weeks 491 (41.33%)

UPDATE 10:07 p.m. — The above are complete unofficial results.

Voters in Randall School District had a contested race for school board on the April 7 ballot.

Two seats will be filled.

With two of three polls reporting what may be incomplete results at 9 p.m.:

• Melissa Grochowske 746 (43.91%)
• Jeff Swanson 589 (34.67%)
• Steven Calderwood 353 (20.78%)

UPDATE 10:07 p.m. — The above are complete unofficial results.

Voters in the Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated School District had an operating referendum on the April 7 ballot.

The district was seeking seeking authority to exceed the state revenue limit by $1.1 million for the 2026-27 school year and then $1.9 million per year for the 2027-28, 2028-29, and 2029-30 school years.

With three of three polls reporting what may be incomplete results at 8:56 p.m.:

• No 567 (57.56%)
• Yes 418 (42.44%)

UPDATE 10:07 p.m. — The above are complete unofficial results.

Voters in Twin Lakes #4 School District (Lakewood School) had a operating referendum on the April 7 ballot.

The district was seeking approval of a 4-year operating referendum that is equal to $800,000 each year for a total of $3.2 million over the four years.

With one of one poll reporting what may be incomplete results at 8:51 p.m.:

• No 355 (51.67%)
• Yes 332 (48.33%)

UPDATE 10:07 p.m. — The above are complete unofficial results.

Voters in the Wheatland J1 School District had an operating referendum on the spring election on April 7.

The school district was seeking authority to exceed to exceed the revenue limit by $400,000 per year, for the 2026-2027 school year through the 2029-2030 school year, for non-recurring purposes.

With four of four polls reporting what may still be incomplete results at 8:46 p.m.:

• Yes 604 (58.87%)
• No 422 (41.13%)

UPDATE 9:39 p.m.:

• Yes 621 (58.81%)
• No 435 (41.19%)

UPDATE 10:07 p.m. — The above are complete unofficial results.

Voters in Twin Lakes had a contested race for village trustee on the April 7 ballot.

With one of one poll reporting what may be incomplete results at 8:38 p.m.

• Robert Livingston 696 (23.06%)
• Ken Perl 614 (20.34%)
• Barbara Andres 609 (20.18%)
• Bill Kaskin 548 (18.16%)
• Bryan Neal 527 (17.46%)

UPDATE 10:07 p.m. — The above are complete unofficial results.

Salem Lakes voters had a contested race for village trustee on the April 7 ballot.

The top three candidates will be elected.

With 3 of 3 polls reporting what may be incomplete results at 8:29 p.m.:

• Dennis Faber 1053 (20.56%)
• James Woodke 969 (18.92%)
• Amanda Procknow 893 (17.43%)
• Steven Dunn Jr. 889 (17.36%)
• Kerry Verenski 644 (12.57%)
• Adam Miller 642 (12.53%)

UPDATE 9:09 p.m.:

• Faber 1539 (21.26%)
• Woodke 1404 (19.39%)
• Procknow 1326 (18.32%)
• Dunn  Jr. 1163 (16.07%)
• Verenski 912 (12.6%)
• Miller 848 (11.71%)

UPDATE 10:07 p.m. — The above are complete unofficial results.

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 Westosha Central High School Performing Arts Booster Club is hosting its annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Saturday, April 11, at Westosha Central High School.

The event includes the dinner, student performances, auctions and raffles.

Dinner will be served from 4 to 6 p.m. Tickets: $17 for adults, $12 for seniors (65 plus), performer $10 (required to eat), student ticket non-performer (10 to 18 years) $12 and $10 for children (3 to 9 years). 2 years and under are free.

All proceeds benefit the Performing Arts Booster Club, which supports choir, band and drama programs at Central High School.

At about 12:53 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue, Town of Randall Fire Department, Wheatland Vol Fire Department, Bristol Fire and Rescue and Paris Fire and Rescue are responding to a fire in the 11300 block of 306th Court in Wilmot.

Per dispatch: Caller reporting a fire from an apartment over a garage.

UPDATE 1:01 p.m. — MABAS box alarm activated by Salem Lakes. Other Departments due to respond include: Somers Fire and Rescue, City of Burlington, Twin Lakes Fire Department, Antioch Fire Department, Newport Fire Protection District, lake Geneva Fire Department, Lake Villa Fire Department, Round Lake Fire Department.

UPDATE 1:04 p.m. — Salem Lakes command reports occupant of the building is out and safe and fire is small. Response reduced to only Salem Lakes units.

UPDATE 1:05 p.m. — Salem Lakes command reports fire on staircase. No inside infringement. Box alarm to be struck.

At about 11:46 a.m., Town of Randall Fire Department, Wheatland Vol Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units are responding to a alarm in the 40200 block of 91st Street in Powers Lake.

Per dispatch: This is an activated smoke alarm.

UPDATE 11:49 a.m. — Randall command holds Wheatland units in quarters.

UPDATE 11:57 a.m. — Unit on scene reports no fire after investigating,

Western Kenosha County voters can cast ballots in the spring non-partisan election Tuesday, April 7.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Your polling place may have changed if you live in Salem Lakes. If you used to vote at the Wilmot Fire Station (wards 7,8,9,10) you will now vote at Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue Station No. 1, 11252 254th Ct., Trevor. If you used to vote at Silver Lake Village Hall (11,12,13) you will now vote at Salem Lakes Village Hall, 9814 Antioch Rd, Salem. Voters who already voted at Salem Lakes Village Hall (wards 1,2,3,4,5,6) will continue to do so.

Voters can find their polling place here.

Statewide, there will be an election for Wisconsin Supreme Court with Appeals Court Judge Maria Lazar and Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor on the ballot. Justice Rebecca Grassl Bradley is not running for re-election.

County non-partisan offices of county executive and county supervisor will be on the ballot. County board supervisor districts in Western Kenosha County are all uncontested as is County Executive Samantha Kerkman.

Here are the Western Kenosha County municipalities with contested races:

In Salem Lakes, Steven Dunn Jr.; Dennis Faber, an incumbent; Adam Miller; Amanda Procknow; Kerry Verenski; and James Woodke are on the ballot to fill three Village Board seats. Incumbents Ron Gandt and Bill Hopkins did not run for re-election.

In Twin Lakes, Barb Andres an incumbent; Bill Kaskin, an incumbent; Robert Livingston; Bryan Neal; and Ken Perl, an incumbent are on the ballot competing to fill three seats on the Village Board.

Here are school districts with referendums on the ballot:

Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated Grade School District is seeking authority to exceed the state revenue limit by $1.1 million for the 2026-27 school year and then $1.9 million per year for the 2027-28, 2028-29, and 2029-30 school years. The operational referendum funding would expire after the 2029-30 school year.

Twin Lakes #4 School District (Lakewood School) is seeking approval of a 4-year operating referendum that is equal to $800,000 each year for a total of $3.2 million over the four years.

Wheatland J1 School District is seeking authority to exceed to exceed the revenue limit by $400,000 per year, for the 2026-2027 school year through the 2029-2030 school year, for non-recurring purposes.

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 will be a triple header of government meetings Monday in Twin Lakes.

The Village Board is scheduled to have a committee of the whole meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. and a special board meeting following that. A Lake District commissioners meeting is scheduled to take place following the special meeting. The Lake District commissioners are the same individuals as the Village Board.

Agenda items for the committee of the whole meeting (which are for discussion only) include:

• Discussion regarding a First Amendment to Land License with T-Mobile
• Discussion regarding a Professional Services Agreement with Kenosha County for IT services.
• Discussion on an application for a Cabaret License submitted by On-The-Go Bar & Grill, 406 N. Lake Avenue, Twin Lakes.
• Discussion regarding Village Lighting Ordinance and demonstration on light meter from Police Department.
• Discussion regarding accepting Beth Hendrix resignation from the Library Board.
• Discussion regarding appointing Sean Stewart as an alternate to the Board of Appeals.

The full committee of the whole meeting agenda is available here.

The special board meeting agenda includes:

• Discussion and possible action regarding a Development Agreement with the Aquanuts
• Discussion and possible action regarding a Lease Agreement with the Aquanuts

The full special meeting agenda and supporting material is available here.

Lake District commissioners meeting agenda items include:

• Discussion and possible action regarding a quote from Wisconsin Lake and Pond for Aquatic Plant Management Treatment for 2026.
• Consider a motion to refer the Village’s pier permitting process to the Lake District Committees and Steering Council for evaluation and recommendation back to the Commissioners, including any recommended ordinance changes or policy direction.
• Discussion and possible action regarding catch basin cleaning project for up to $4,999.00 from the Stormwater Committee and up to $4,999.00 from the Shoreline Committee.

The full Lake District commissioners meeting agenda is available here,

The Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated School Battle of the Books team recently competed in the Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association’s state Battle of the Books contest.

The team achieved an impressive accomplishment by finishing 15th place in the state of Wisconsin out of 235 teams in this year’s competition.

The team consisted of 6th Graders Gabe Fox, Avery Peterson, Bay Thompson and 4th Grader Liara Raatz. 

The students spent many months reading and preparing for this year’s contest.  In addition, they demonstrated strong reading skills, teamwork, and dedication throughout the event. 

The Battle of the Books program is designed to foster a love of reading and help students explore new genres and authors.  The team hopes to continue building on this success and looks forward to competing again next year.