West of the I

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.

Scouting America Three Harbors Council will host a drone open house at Camp Oh-Da-Ko-Ta on Saturday, July 18.

The event is event is geared towards boys and girls ages 14-20 who are interested in flying drones/learning about drones. They do not need to be members of Scouting America. The event is open to Scouts and those not in Scouting America.

Camp Oh-Da-Ko-Ta is located at 3363 Dyer Lake Road, Burlington.

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.

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.

Note; The following is a paid announcement from the Western Kenosha County Tennis Association — DH

You can register here.

At about 3:15 p.m., Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue and Twin Lakes Police are responding to the 500 block of Sunset Vale in Twin Lakes.

Per dispatch: Caller reporting hissing gas line.

At about 1:10 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a crash in the 23900 block of Highway 50 in Paddock Lake.

UPDATE 1:14 p.m. — Unit arriving on scene reports two vehicles involved.

Camp Lake is closed to swimming and Hooker Lake boat launch, Rock Lake and DeWitt Park beach on Silver Lake are under swim cautions after testing by Kenosha County showed elevated E.coli levels 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.

Results that prompted the closures and cautions from Monday sampling were:

• Camp Lake — 1553 E.coli/100 mL
• Hooker Lake boat launch — 921 E.coli/100 mL
• Rock Lake — 326 E.coli/100 mL
• DeWitt Park beach — 548.0 E.coli/100 mL

The above locations were scheduled to be re-sampled Tuesday, weather permitting.

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 4 E.coli/100 mL; DeWitt Park on Silver Lake 548 E.coli/100mL; Lake Shangri-la 220th Ct. 66 E.coli/100 mL; Center Lake 53 E.coli/100 mL; Rock Lake 326 E.coli/100 mL; Camp Lake 1553 E.coli/100 mL

Paddock Lake — Old Settlers County Park beach 70 E.coli/100 mL; Hooker Lake launch 921 E.coli/100 mL; Hoag Park 27 E.coli/100 mL; North Shore Association 15 E.coli/100 mL; PHLA beach 68 E.coli/100mL; PHLA diving board 15 E.coli/100 mL.

Wheatland — Lilly Lake 7 E.coli/100 mL.

Twin Lakes — Lance Park on Lake Mary 24 E.coli/100mL

Randall (reported by the District of Powers Lake) — Powers Lake Beach 3 E.coli/100mL

From the Twin Lakes Police Department:

The Twin Lakes Police Department has arrested a 35-year-old Illinois man following an online child exploitation investigation conducted by the department.

During the investigation, an adult male identified as Marc W. Bruce, of Woodridge, Illinois, engaged in online communications with who he believed to be a 15-year-old female. Throughout the conversations, Bruce repeatedly acknowledged the purported age of the juvenile and continued engaging in sexually explicit communications. Investigators determined that Bruce arranged to travel to Twin Lakes with the intent of meeting the child for sexual purposes.

On July 13, 2026, Bruce traveled from Illinois to Twin Lakes and arrived for the planned meeting. He was taken into custody by members of the Twin Lakes Police Department without incident. Bruce was booked into the Kenosha County Jail on the following charges:

• Child Enticement (Class D Felony)
• Use of a Computer to Facilitate a Child Sex Crime (Class C Felony)

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be referred to the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office pending further review of evidence. Due to the ongoing nature of this case, no further information is available at this time.

The Twin Lakes Police Department remains committed to protecting children and holding accountable those who seek to exploit minors. Parents should remember that offenders often use online platforms and electronic communications to target young people. We encourage families to have ongoing conversations about online safety and to remain actively involved in their children’s online activities. Investigations such as this are an important part of our mission to keep children safe and prevent victimization before it occurs.

At about 5:46 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units are responding to the 8400 block of Highway MB in Bristol for an investigation.

Per dispatch: Smoke reported in this area.

UPDATE 5:57 p.m. — Dispatch reports caller says smoke is more like in the 7600 block of MB.

UPDATE 5:59 p.m. — Bristol command reports to dispatch that units have searched area from Highway C to Highway 50 and not found smoke. All units returning to quarters.

A heat advisory has been issued for Kenosha County by the the National Weather Service.

The advisory is set to be in effect from noon, Tuesday until 8 p.m., Wednesday.

Heat index values of up to 102 are possible during this period.

The NWS advises:

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

High temperatures in the 90s are expected through Thursday.

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 1:44 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units are responding for a report of a gas line leak in the 19400 block of Wilmot Road.

Per dispatch: Fiber optic crew struck a gas line.

UPDATE 1:50 p.m. — Deputies dispatched to close down road in both directions at request of Salem Lakes command.

We’re going to see high temperatures in the 90s through Friday, says the latest, local National Weather Service forecast.

It will be warm at night too with lows in the low 70s-high 60s.

So far, there have been now heat advisories or warnings issued. Heat index values could be as high as 96 Monday and 100 Tuesday, the hottest day of the week.

There’s no rain in the forecast until Friday afternoon, 20 percent.

The annual Silver Lake Boat Parade was held on July 4.

The parade had 41 entries this year. This year’s theme was: Patriotic for 250 Years.

Prizes were awarded for the best decorated boats and pier:

• First — Perez
• Second — Higgins
• Third — Malek
• Fourth — Albrecht
• Fifth — Schecckel
• Sixth — Schrader
• Pier — Raker

Here are more photos of some of the entries (all photos contributed and used with permission):

The Bristol Progress Days Parade wound its way through downtown Bristol Sunday afternoon.

There were floats, cars, Miss Bristol contestants and Bristol outstanding citizens, Scouts, bands and more as well as of course candy everywhere.

Here is video of the fire equipment — sirens on — that started the parade:

Here is video of the bands that were in the parade (Westosha Central High School Marching Band, Kilties Mad Plaid, Band of the Black Watch, Salem School Band, Rambler Band):

The Tebala Motor Patrol performed their motorized acts of daring do. Here’s some video:

Here are some more photos from the parade:

There were multiple injuries, including one person being airlifted to a Milwaukee hospital, in a crash on Highway F in Randall Sunday afternoon.

From a Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue news release:

At approximately 2:17 p.m. today, Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue, the Town of Randall Fire Department, and the Town of Wheatland Fire Department were dispatched to the 38500 block of CTH F (87th Street) for the report of a two-vehicle motor vehicle crash.

Upon arrival, crews found one vehicle with heavy damage in the roadway, one female patient located in a nearby field, and a second vehicle approximately 20 yards off the roadway within a tree line. Initial reports indicated three occupants were involved in one vehicle, while the sole occupant of the second vehicle, an adult male, sustained critical injuries.

Due to the number of patients and the severity of the incident, additional ambulances from the Richmond Fire Protection District (IL) and Elkhorn Area Fire Department were requested to the scene. Flight for Life was also requested and responded to the Town of Randall Fire Department Station 2 helipad.

Ground ambulances from Richmond Fire Protection District and Elkhorn Area Fire Department transported patients to Aurora Lakeland Medical Center. The critically injured male patient was subsequently airlifted by Flight for Life to Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital in Milwaukee in critical but stable condition.

Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue would like to thank the Town of Randall Fire Department, Town of Wheatland Fire Department, Richmond Fire Protection District (IL), Elkhorn Area Fire Department, Flight for Life, the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, Kenosha Joint Services Dispatch, and Twin Lakes Police Dispatch for their assistance and coordinated response to this incident. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office. At this time, no further information will be released.

Elizabeth Bergene was named Miss Bristol 2026 at the Progress Days Banquet, which takes place on the first evening of the annual community festival.

The banquet took place Friday at The Parkway Chateau.

Bergene was one of three contestants for Miss Bristol this year.

First runner up was Allison Chmielski. Second runner-up was Carly Corelli.

Bergene also was named Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants.

Bergene is a junior at Shoreland Lutheran High School. She plains to attend Wisconsin Lutheran College or University of Wisconsin-Parkside and pursue degrees in biomedical science. She recently earned her CNA from Gateway Technical College. At Shoreland, she is involved with volleyball, soccer HOSA, student ambassadors, St. Light, drama club and music, including Chamber Choir. She has been accepted into the National Honors Society. Outside of school, Bergene is active in her church in Bristol, teaching Sunday School, volunteering with the Food Pantry, church car wash fundraisers and the choir.

Bergene is the daughter of Rev. Dustin and Dee Bergene.

Grace Bies and Zoe Jonas were the 2026 Bristol Junior Outstanding Citizens at the Progress Days Banquet which takes place on the first evening of the annual community festival.

Grace Bies is a member of Bristol Strivers 4-H Club and plays for Jr. Illinois Wave Softball. Her nomination lauded her having a “habit of showing up at community events and functions and simply going to work.”

Zoe Jonas keeps a busy schedule that includes basketball, dance, school band and choir. She was a spelling bee finalist and worked crew for the Bristol Drama Club. She is a 4-H member and volunteers at the Senior Center.

The banquet took place Friday evening at the Parkway Chateau.

Jonah and Brittany Gauger were named the 2026 Bristol Outstanding Citizens at the Progress Days Banquet, which takes place on the first evening of the annual community festival.

The banquet took place Friday evening at the Parkway Chateau.

The Gaugers were recognized for their involvement in the Bristol community in a number of areas.

Brittany Gauger was recognized for her involvement at church, the historical society and Progress Days as the parade coordinator.

Jonah Gauger was recognized for his involvement at church, including choir, ushering and Sunday School. He also has coached tee-ball for Bristol Recreation. He is a school counselor.

The Gaugers have five children.

At about 9:47 a.m., Wheatland Vol Fire Department, Town of Randall Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units and the Wheatland constable are responding to an alarm in Wheatland

Per dispatch: This is a supervisory alarm at Wheatland Center School.

UPDATE 9:51 a.m. — Wheatland command releases all units still responding.

Note: This is a paid announcement from Bristol Progress Days — DH

2026 Bristol Progress Days, the annual community festival held the weekend after the Fourth of July in Bristol, will take place over three days on July 10, 11 and 12.

The theme for this year is “Bristol Progress Days is 56 in ’26.”

The festivities include the Miss Bristol crowning and the Outstanding Citizens Awards, which are announced on Friday at the coronation banquet. The sports tournaments are always a big hit and the fireworks show and parade draw people from all over the southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois area.

Here’s some of the other fun at Bristol Progress Days:

CORONATION BANQUET — This year’s Miss Bristol and the Outstanding Citizen announcements are made at the annual banquet held at the Parkway Chateau on Friday evening.

RUN/WALK — This year’s events will again include a 5K run/1.5 mile walk on Saturday morning, starting at Village Hall. Same day registration.

PARADE — The parade known for its large number of varied entries and its abundance of candy treats takes place starting at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. The parade route works its way through downtown Bristol and ends at Hansen Park, where the other Progress Days activities are held. Make sure to bring a container for all that candy!

FIREWORKS — The annual fireworks display takes place at dusk on Sunday.

INFLATABLES — The festival will host a variety of inflatables and arcade games.

AUCTION — A live auction will take place Sunday following the parade at 2:30 p.m.

MUSIC — Music in the beer garden will be provided: On Friday at the Hansen Park Beer Garden starting at 6 p.m. Dirty Boogie Band; Saturday 6pm – Live Music at Hansen Park Beer Garden w/Myles Wangerin; Sunday 4pm – Live Music at Hansen Park Beer Garden Dan Lepien Band.

SOFTBALL — Softball tournaments will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

KIDS PEDAL PULL — Saturday starting at 11 a.m. at basketball court area. Register at 10:30 a.m.

VOLLEYBALL — A volleyball tournament will take place at Hansen Park on Saturday. Starts at 9 a.m.

DART BALL — A Dart ball tournmanent will take place on Saturday, with registration starting at 10:30 a.m.

RAFFLES — Tickets are $5 each with only 1,000 sold. Drawing is at 8:30 p.m., Sunday. Prizes: 1st Place: 2-night resort stay in Branson, MO or Wisconsin Dells 2nd Place: $150 3rd Place: $75

PING PONG BALL DROP — Get your ping pong ball. Drop is at 7 p.m., Saturday.

More information available here.