West of the I

The Twin Lakes Village Board on Monday approved joining an effort to study consolidating fire and emergency medical services with Randall and Wheatland.

The Twin Lakes Board unanimously approved a motion to request village President Howard Skinner appoint two board members and Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue Chief Ron Redlin to a joint consolidation committee. Skinner was absent from Monday’s meeting.

The Twin Lakes action means two of the three involved municipalities are on board with study of possible consolidation of their fire/EMS departments.

Currently Twin Lakes, Randall and Wheatland all have their own municipal fire departments. Randall and Wheatland contract with Twin Lakes Rescue — technically a separate, private, non-profit entity though it closely coordinates with TLFD — for EMS.

Fire department consolidation has become a current topic again in the wake of a consultant study commissioned by the Randall town government under a state grant.

That study, performed by Public Administration Associates LLC. and presented at a meeting in May, saw the area well served by a consolidated department using the current Twin Lakes station and a station in Wheatland near Highway O and Highway 50. That would eliminate the two current Randall fire stations, including the Bassett station, which was completed in 2004 and is the largest and newest station among the three departments.

Subsequently, the Randall Town Board voted to form a joint commission to study consolidation, if the other two municipalities agree.

The Wheatland Town Board discussed the issue at a meeting in June, but deferred a decision on joining the commission until the Wheatland fire chief, Randall fire chief and perhaps the Twin Lakes chief had a chance to discuss alternatives to the study’s recommendations. At the meeting, Wheatland FD Chief Lou Denko was critical of the study’s plan for moving forward, Denko had asked the chiefs be allowed to meet and present their suggestions on how to move forward,

Twin Lakes Village Board sentiment has seemed to be in favor of more exploration of the issue when it has been discussed. There was little discussion of the topic Monday, but no board members present objected to the concept of consolidation.

The municipalities need to “get something together so we stay talking,” said Trustee Ken Perl, who is chairman of the board’s Police, Fire, Lake Control, Parks and Beaches committee.

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 Kenosha County Fair is a westofthei.com sponsor — DH

This year’s Kenosha County Fair will host a sensory friendly period for the carnival from 1 to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 19.

Says a social media post from the fair:

This is a free time for special needs kids and adults who would not otherwise be able to enjoy the carnival with all the music and lights when it is open to the public. There will be no music or lights. Immediate family and caregivers are also welcome to attend.

Participants must be reserved with the fair office in advance at kcf1office@gmail.com or call 262-862-6121.

At about 6:40 a.m., Paris Fire and Rescue units are responding for a crash in the 15200 block of Highway 142 in Paris.

Per dispatch: Two vehicle crash. Injuries being reported, Deputies already on the scene.

UPDATE 6:45 a.m. — Fire unit on scene reports one injury and oil on the ground.

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 7:31 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue and sheriff’s deputies are responding to the 12700 block of Highway 45 for a report of a crash.

UPDATE 7:34 p.m. — Bristol command reports three patients. Requests response from Newport Fire Protection District with a medical unit and possibly Flight for Life medical transport helicopter.

UPDATE 7:39 p.m. — Bristol command requests response from Flight for Life.

UPDATE 8:10 p.m. — Flight for Life on the ground at local landing zone.

UPDATE 8:21 p.m. — Flight for Life in the air, landing zone command reports.

UPDATE 8:26 p.m. — Bristol command at the crash scene terminated,

FEMA staff are on the scene Wednesday at The Sharing Center to help people who suffered damage in the April storms with applying for assistance, said Sgt. Chris Hannah, emergency management director for the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office.

A Federal Emergency Management Agency in-person support team will host office hours in Kenosha County this week to assist residents who experienced property damage and losses due to the severe storms and flooding that occurred April 13-23, County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced (Friday).Office hours will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday — July 22, and 24 — at the Sharing Center, 25700 Wilmot Road (Highway C) in Trevor.FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration staff will be available to help affected individuals and households apply for assistance and low-interest loans, answer questions about current applications, and make referrals to other community resources. They may also address immediate and emerging needs that survivors may have.Appointments are not required. Residents of any of the 19 Wisconsin counties included in a recent Presidential Disaster Declaration are invited to attend. This includes Racine County, but not Walworth County.People with homeowners, renters, or flood insurance are advised to file a claim before applying for FEMA assistance, as FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance.Federal assistance may be available for those whose insurance does not cover all disaster expenses.While FEMA staff will be available in person to assist with disaster aid applications, residents may also file an application online, at https://www.disasterassistance.gov.Those who need additional information or additional help may contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for assistance in multiple languages.The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Aug. 31, 2026.

Note: The Kenosha County Fair is a westofthei.com sponsor. This is a paid announcement — DH

The Kenosha County Fair is right around the corner.

The fair will take place this year from Aug. 19-23 at the fairgrounds in Wilmot adjacent to Wilmot Union High School. The theme this year is “Fun for the Whole Herd.” Daily admission is $12 for 12 years old and above. Ages 7 to 11 are $6 a day and children 6 and under are free. Seniors 65 and older have daily admission of $8. Active or retired military (must show ID) are $8 daily. Season tickets are: Adults (12 and over) $40 and children ages 7-11 $15.

Lifetime memberships are $325.

Racing on Saturday night requires a $15 Grandstand Fee for ages 13+; 12 and under $5, Pit Pass (all ages) $20 (with paid Fair Admission).

The fair is a truly something for everyone event with animals, art, rides, music, racing, food and more. It’s the ultimate all ages experience.

Leading up to the fair westofthei.com will publish every day a “2026 Fair Preview” highlighting some aspect of the fair. Keep coming back to learn more about what’s going to be happening at the Kenosha County Fair.

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 Paddock Hooker Lakes Association beach is closed to swimming and Camp Lake is under a swim caution after testing by Kenosha County showed elevated levels of E.coli at those locations,

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.

The result from Monday that prompted the closure and caution were:

PHLA beach — 1300 E.coli/100 mL

Camp Lake — 276 E.coli/100 mL

The above locations are scheduled to be resampled. That typically occurs the next day, weather permitting.

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

Salem Lakes – Silver Lake County Park beach 115 E.coli/100 mL; DeWitt Park on Silver Lake 4 E.coli/100mL; Lake Shangri-la 220th Ct. 110 E.coli/100 mL; Center Lake 11 E.coli/100 mL; Rock Lake 36 E.coli/100 mL; Camp Lake 276 E.coli/100 mL

Paddock Lake — Old Settlers County Park beach 6 E.coli/100 mL; Hooker Lake launch 50 E.coli/100 mL; Hoag Park 19 E.coli/100 mL; North Shore Association 4 E.coli/100 mL; PHLA beach 1300 E.coli/100mL; PHLA diving board 40 E.coli/100 mL.

Wheatland — Lilly Lake 133 E.coli/100 mL.

Twin Lakes — Lance Park on Lake Mary 34 E.coli/100mL

Randall (reported by the District of Powers Lake) — Powers Lake Beach 4 E.coli/100mL

There is still time to enter the Kenosha County Fairest of the Fair contest.

The Fairest of the Fair winner selected this year will reign from January 2027 – January 2028 and will represent Kenosha County Fair at the State of Wisconsin Fairest of the Fair competition in January 2028. The Kenosha County Fair Fairest of the Fair will be given a $1,000 scholarship and a Lifetime Membership to the Kenosha County Fair.

The Fairest of the Fair winner will serve as an ambassador of the Kenosha County Fair and represent the Fair during a year of official duties, including appearances at local events and parades.

To be a contestant you need to meet the following requirements:

• Be 18 years of age as of January 1, 2027.
• Legal resident of Kenosha County, either city or rural area, for at least one year.
• Childless while competing for the Fairest of the Fair and if selected Fairest of the Fair will remain childless during the tenure

More information on duties and eligibility is available here.

Crowning will take place Saturday, Aug. 22, at 10:30 a.m., on the Creekside Stage.

The deadline to enter is July 24, 2026. An application is available here

At about 12:25 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash in the 12700 block of Highway 45 in Bristol.

UPDATE 12:35 p.m. — Bristol command reports two vehicles involved, one showing heavy damage.

At about 11:19 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units are responding to a report of a fire in the 17100 block of 75th Street (Highway 50) in Bristol.

Per dispatch: Caller reporting a wood pile on fire. Not near a structure, but trees nearby.

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

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

Agenda items include:

• Awarding of Village Hall HVAC system #4 replacement contract
• Awarding of the 2026 Lift Station Rehabilitation Project to Fischer Excavating, in the amount of $2,926,000.00
• Payment request #1 from Asphalt Contractors, in the amount of $342,859.10 for the Valmar & Yaws sanitary sewer project
• Wisconsin Boy Scouts Sol Crown, 850 Forest Edge Dr., Vernon Hills, IL 60061-3105 (Owner), Nick Roberts, 850 Forest Edge Dr., Vernon Hills, IL 60061 (Agent), requesting to amend a previously approved Conditional Use Permit to allow expansion of an existing campground in the PR-1 Park-Recreational Dist. on Tax Parcel #70-4-120-311-0502. For
  informational purposes only this property is located on the east side of CTH “B” (304th Avenue) approximately 900 feet south of CTH “C” (Wilmot Rd.).
• SMM Investments LLC, 4011 80th St., Kenosha, WI 53142 (Owner), Daniel Szczap, 4011 80th St., Kenosha, WI 53142 (Agent), requesting approval of a Certified Survey Map (dated May 29, 2026, and prepared by John P. Konopacki of Pinnacle Engineering Group) to create two (2) approximately 0.4-acre parcels from Tax Parcel #70-4-120-083-4214. For informational purposes only these parcels are located on the south side of Dells Road at the intersection of Eastwood Drive.
• SMM Investments LLC, 4011 80th St., Kenosha, WI 53142 (Owner), Daniel Szczap, 4011 80th St., Kenosha, WI 53142 (Agent), requesting approval of a Certified Survey Map (dated May 29, 2026, and prepared by John P. Konopacki of Pinnacle Engineering Group) to create one (1) approximately 2.7-acre parcel, one (1) approximately 4.0-acre parcel, one (1) approximately 3.8-acre parcel and one (1) approximately 2.6-acre parcel from Tax Parcels #70-4-120-083-4212, 70-4-120-083-4210, 70-4-120-083-4225 and 70-4-120-083-4260 For informational purposes only these parcels are located East of Lakeview Drive between Dells Road and CTH ‘B’.
• Ordinance 2026.07-121 – The Paddocks LLC, 25700 Silver Lake Rd, Salem, WI 53168 (Owner), Brian Filiatreault, 25700 Silver Lake Rd, Salem, WI 53168 (Agent), requesting a rezoning from B-2 (Community Business District) to B-5 (Wholesale Trade and Warehousing District) & PUD (Planned Unit Development Overlay District) on Tax Parcel. 70-4-120-302-0241. For informational purposes only this parcel is located on the west side of CTH “W” (Fox River Road) appx. ½ mile north of CTH “C” (113th Street).
• Resolution 2026.07-170 — Resolution Asking Wisconsin Lawmakers to Limit Battery Energy Storage Systems
• Closed sessions for: Possible sale of 317 E Lake Street, 12416 Antioch Road, 73rd Street; Personnel issues in the Fire Department.

The full agenda and packet information 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:

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

Agenda items include:

• Discussion and possible action regarding 2026 Street Resurfacing Bids.
• Discussion and possible action regarding 2026 Storm Sewer Improvement Bids.
• Discussion and possible action regarding creating a committee for EMS/Fire consolidation.
• Discussion and possible action regarding 2026 sewer main repairs.

The full agenda is available here.

Rain. You remember rain. Your landscaping may not, but surely you do despite not seeing much of it in the last couple of hot — sometimes sweltering — weeks.

So when is it going to rain?

Monday night may be the night, says the National Weather Service. There’s a 70-40 percent chance of rain Monday night, before midnight. A thunderstorm also is possible during that time.

But don’t expect wet weather to be a trend. After a 20 percent chance of rain again Tuesday night there’s no chance of rain in the latest, local NWS forecast through Sunday.

Temperatures will moderate during the week after Monday, with highs in the high 70s and low 80s. Hotter temps are expected to be back this weekend.

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 Western Kenosha County Historical Society hosted a picnic in the park Saturday afternoon. The gathering was in Miller Park, 25905 114th St. which also has the historical society’s buildings. Lots of food, including hot dogs, brats, burgers, chips, watermelon, and baked goods were available for free.

County Executive Samantha Kerkman spoke at the flag ceremony, which began the festivities. Behind her on the flag pole is the new Kenosha County flag, which she presented to the society.

Navy Veterans Duncan McNabb, Jeff Van Wie, and Richard Fakes attended. Rickard Fakes talked about his service.

Some children’s games were played and prizes were awarded.

The historical society buildings were open to tour, including the old schoolhouse.

Music for the afternoon was provided by Joe Wejman.

From Kenosha County Executive Office:

A Federal Emergency Management Agency in-person support team will host office hours in Kenosha County next week to assist residents who experienced property damage and losses due to the severe storms and flooding that occurred April 13-23, County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced (Friday).

Office hours will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday — July 20, 22, and 24 — at the Sharing Center, 25700 Wilmot Road (Highway C) in Trevor.

FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration staff will be available to help affected individuals and households apply for assistance and low-interest loans, answer questions about current applications, and make referrals to other community resources. They may also address immediate and emerging needs that survivors may have.

Appointments are not required. Residents of any of the 19 Wisconsin counties included in a recent Presidential Disaster Declaration are invited to attend. This includes Racine County, but not Walworth County.

People with homeowners, renters, or flood insurance are advised to file a claim before applying for FEMA assistance, as FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance.

Federal assistance may be available for those whose insurance does not cover all disaster expenses.

While FEMA staff will be available in person to assist with disaster aid applications, residents may also file an application online, at https://www.disasterassistance.gov.

Those who need additional information or additional help may contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for assistance in multiple languages.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Aug. 31, 2026.

At about 12:43 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a crash in the 26800 block of 104th Street in Trevor.

Per dispatch: ATV rider has a leg injury.

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 Twin Lakes Village Board appears to be open to some sort of exploration of consolidating fire departments with Wheatland and Randall.

The board discussed the issue at its July 6 committee of the whole meeting.

“I’m 100 percent in support of all three entities continuing talks,” said President Howard Skinner.

Some sort of joint committee to explore consolidation also was endorsed by Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue Chief Ron Redlin at the same meeting.

Fire department consolidation has become a current topic again in the wake of a consultant study commissioned by the Randall town government under a state grant.

That study, performed by Public Administration Associates LLC. and presented at a meeting in May, saw the area well served by a consolidated department using the current Twin Lakes station and a station in Wheatland near Highway O and Highway 50. That would eliminate the two current Randall fire stations, including the Bassett station, which was completed in 2004 and is the largest and newest station among the three departments.

Subsequently, the Randall Town Board voted to form a joint commission to study consolidation, if the other two municipalities agree.

The Wheatland Town Board discussed the issue at a meeting in June, but deferred a decision on joining the commission until the Wheatland fire chief, Randall fire chief and perhaps the Twin Lakes chief had a chance to discuss alternatives to the study’s recommendations. At the meeting, Wheatland FD Chief Lou Denko was critical of the study’s plan for moving forward,

In Twin Lakes, board members seemed open to exploring consolidation without committing to how that would look. Challenges discussed including declining volunteerism and the growing need to provide staffing for emergency medical services especially.

“The problem’s not going away,” said Trustee Aaron Karow. “We have to be be proactive.”

A key is to have all municipalities on board, Skinner said.

“All three municipalities have to say we’re moving ahead with discussions,” Skinner said.

Wheatland Chief Denko said he expected to be able to get back to his board about discussion among the chiefs by Labor Day.

Meanwhile, the Twin Lakes Village Board is expected to take up the topic again at its regular board meeting Aug. 20 with an agenda item calling for discussion and possible action on “creating a committee for EMS/Fire consolidation.”

The driver of a car that struck a building early Friday morning was determined to be dead at the scene in Randall.

The occupants of the house in the 39400 block of 104th Street were not injured.

From a news release issued by TLFR:

At approximately 2:40 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue and the Town of Randall Fire Department were dispatched to the 39400 block of 104th Street in the Town of Randall for the report of an injury crash involving a vehicle that had struck a residence.
Initial reports indicated that a pickup truck had traveled completely into the residence. Due to the extent of the reported damage, the Kenosha County Specialized Response Team (SRT) was requested to assist with stabilizing the structure. The Kenosha County SRT, comprised of personnel from the Somers, Pleasant Prairie, Bristol, and Wheatland Fire Departments, responded to the scene. A Richmond (IL) Fire Protection District ambulance was also requested to provide change-of-quarters coverage at the Twin Lakes Fire Department while crews operated at the incident.
Upon arrival, first-arriving Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue units confirmed that a pickup truck had penetrated approximately 10 feet fully into the residence, causing significant structural damage. The occupants of the home were able to safely evacuate and were not injured. Emergency medical personnel determined that the sole occupant and driver of the pickup truck was deceased at the scene.
Due to the severity and circumstances of the crash, the Kenosha County Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) was requested to conduct a comprehensive investigation. The identity of the deceased driver is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. All fire crews werecleared at 7:16 a.m. The incident remains under investigation by the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office. No additional information is available for release at this time.
Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue extends its appreciation to all assisting agencies for their coordinated response and professionalism during this incident.

UPDATE about 11:42 a.m. from Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office:

On July 17, 2026, at 2:38 a.m., the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a truck that had crashed into a residence in Kenosha County. Based on the preliminary investigation, a white 2018 Ford F-250 was traveling north at a high rate of speed on 395th Avenue when it left the roadway and struck a residence on the north side of 104th Street. The homeowner told deputies that after the crash, the operator exited the vehicle and approached him to ask whether anyone inside the home had been injured. The operator then returned to the vehicle and sustained an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The operator, a 23-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. The official cause and manner of death will be determined by the Kenosha County Medical Examiner’s Office. The ME’s Office responded to the scene and is assisting with the investigation. No injuries were reported to the occupants of the residence. The investigation remains active, and no further information is being released at this time.

Note: The following is a paid announcement from the Western Kenosha County Historical Society — DH

The Western Kenosha County Historical Society will host a Picnic in the Park on July 18.

The event will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at Miller Park, 25905 114th St., Trevor.

The event will include hot dogs, chips, lemonade, music and old time games.

There will be a flag ceremony at noon.

Attendance is free.

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 swim caution for Rock Lake was lifted after resampling by Kenosha County Wednesday showed E.coli levels within acceptable range there.

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.

The result from Wednesday that prompted the lifting of the swim caution for Rock Lake was 22 E.coli/100 mL.