West of the I

At about 4:42 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding for a crash at Highways 45 and 50 in Bristol.

From the Village of Salem Lakes:

With the recent flooding, the Village of Salem Lakes is working with the Kenosha County Department of Health and Human Services to provide free well water test kits. Kits are available at Village Hall in Salem from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Testing is free of charge, and completed kits can be dropped off at Village Hall. A bin will be available outside for after-hours drop-off.For more information, please visit: Private and Public Well Water Tests | Kenosha County, WI – Official Website

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

Western Kenosha County Tennis Association (WKCTA) is hosting an OPEN HOUSE this Sunday April 26th, 2026 from 1-3pm at the Westosha High School Tennis Courts (just south of Culvers). This is a free event to learn about our Summer Tennis & Pickleball sessions for kids and adults.  If you haven’t played before and want to see what our programs have to offer, this is the perfect opportunity to play a little.  We have all the equipment so don’t let that stand in your way.  If you are an experience player and just want to come out and hit with us, we are ready for you as well.  

Also, we will be demonstrating the new racquet sport of TYPTI.  This is an exciting new game played on Pickleball courts but uses many of your tennis strokes.  Here is the website that will introduce you TYPTI  TYPTI • We Love Racquet Sports

Information can be found on our website www.wkcta.com.  

Kenosha County has declared a state of emergency due to heavy rainfall and resulting flooding.

The text of an executive order from County Executive Samantha Kerkman taking the action follows:

Heavy rainfall and resulting flooding have spurred the town of Wheatland to declare a state of emergency.

The resolution declaring the state of emergency was signed by town Chairman Jeffrey Butler Monday.

Following is the text of the resolution:

TOWN OF WHEATLAND DISASTER DECLARATION
OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RESPONSE TO FLOODING

WHEREAS on a series of weather events and heavy rain over the past several days have resulted in excessive rainfall, causing flooding, road damage, and property damage throughout the Town of Wheatland; and

WHEREAS, this flooding has resulted in conditions such as there has been and will likely continue to be damage to public and private property, as well as to public infrastructure, threatening the lives, safety, health, welfare, and property of people within the Town;

WHEREAS, multiple rescues have occurred and will likely continue to occur in the coming days, posing a significant risk to the personal safety of our citizens; and

WHEREAS, because of such emergency conditions, the Town Board is unable to meet with promptness; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Wheatland is asking for county assistance and requests the county to advise the State of Wisconsin of our emergency conditions:

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to sections 323.11 and 323.14 (4) of the Wisconsin Statutes, as Chairman of the Town of Wheatland in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and have caused the great seal of the Town of Wheatland to be affixed.

BE IT RESOLVED, I, Jeffrey J. Butler, Town of Wheatland Town Chairmen, do hereby declare a State of Emergency exists in the Town of Wheatland, Kenosha County, Wisconsin, which requires extraordinary measures to protect the health and well-being of the people of this Town

Done at the Town of Wheatland town hall this 20th day of April, 2026.

Salem Lakes has declared a state of emergency due to conditions caused by the heavy rainfall of last week and historic flooding along the Fox River.

From a news release from the village:

The Village of Salem Lakes is currently experiencing localized flooding conditions due to recent rainfall and elevated water levels. The Village across all departments are proactively engaged in monitoring conditions and responding to calls for service and public concerns as they arise. Emergency services remain actively deployed to ensure the safety of
our community.

Residents are strongly encouraged to exercise caution and follow these important safety guidelines:

Flood Safety Reminders:

— Do not drive through flooded roadways Just a small amount of moving water can carry a vehicle off the roadway.
Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

— Avoid walking through floodwaters Water may conceal hazards such as debris, open ditches, or unstable ground.
Respect all road closures and barricades. These are in place for your safety and to protect emergency responders.

— Use caution near rivers, streams, and drainage areas. Water levels can rise quickly and unpredictably.

— Check on neighbors, especially those who may need assistance Elderly or medically vulnerable individuals may require additional support during these conditions.

Emergency Response

Salem Lakes Fire Rescue, along with partner agencies, remains actively engaged in monitoring conditions and responding to incidents. Residents should call 911 for emergencies.

Village Contacts & Information:

For non-emergency concerns or to report flooding issues:

— Salem Lakes Fire Rescue (Non-Emergency): (262) 620-3880

— Village Hall: (262) 843-2313

— Public Works Department: (262) 862-2371 leave VM in emergency notifications.

Residents are encouraged to follow official Village communication channels for updates and additional information.

Closing Statement

We appreciate the cooperation of our residents as we work through these conditions. Taking
simple precautions now can prevent serious emergencies and help keep both the public and
responders safe.

Salem Lakes has two free sandbag locations: the first is located just south of the former Silver Lake Rescue building (Railroad and East Lake Street) and the second is located at Shorewood Park near the intersection of 76^th Street and Shorewood Drive.

Salem Lakes also has set up an email, flood2026@voslwi.gov, for victims to send photos of the flooding. “We will be compiling the photos for documentation purposes,” said village administrator Michael Kostiuk. “We will be coordinating with the county on this.”

Note: The following is a paid announcement from Options Virtual Charter School — DH

Options Virtual Charter School is excited to announce a new partnership with the Silver Lake Jt. 1 School District. The Silver Lake Jt. 1 School District is redefining what education can look like in Kenosha County.

In today’s fast-changing world, education needs to be flexible, personalized, and built around each student’s unique strengths. That’s exactly what families across Wisconsin find at Options Virtual Charter School (OVCS) — the #1-ranked virtual school in Wisconsin and a leader in innovative, student-centered learning. The Silver Lake Jt. 1 School District is excited to partner with an established, successful virtual school and offer virtual and blended programming for students in western Kenosha County. 

A Personalized Path for Every Student

At Options Virtual Charter School, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning. OVCS is built on the belief that every student deserves a personalized path to success, whether they thrive in hands-on learning, a fully virtual environment, or a blend of both. By combining the personalized learning model of OVCS with the success of a community and student-centered school district like the Silver Lake Jt. 1 School District, families will receive an established virtual school experience with the experienced staff at Riverview Elementary.

Flexible Learning Options for Modern Families

One of the biggest reasons families choose OVCS is the flexibility it offers. Students can learn in ways that fit their schedules, interests, and learning styles. The Silver Lake Jt. 1 School District knows our community wants unique opportunities for its students, and there is no better way to offer a flexible learning option than one that allows our families to travel, spend time together, work on the family farm, or train as competitive athletes. 

Virtual Learning (4K–8)
Students participate in online learning supported by licensed Wisconsin teachers. Flexible schedules allow students to complete approximately three hours of academic engagement each day, making it ideal for families seeking balance and adaptability. 

A Supportive Community That Puts Students First

What truly sets OVCS and the Silver Lake Jt. 1 School District apart is a commitment to supporting every learner. Students benefit from:

• Licensed, experienced teachers
• Personalized and flexible learning pathways
• Strong partnerships between families and educators
• High School readiness programs
• Support for learners from early childhood through middle school graduation

Students also have opportunities to participate in field trips, clubs, and social events, helping them build friendships and stay connected with their peers.

Discover the OVCS Difference

Learn more or start the enrollment process at https://www.silverlakejt1.k12.wi.us/page/riverview-ovcs.

The Wheatland Town Board has scheduled a special Town Board meeting for Monday, starting at 5:30 p.m.

Agenda items include:

• Public comments and questions. Please be advised per State Statute Section 19.84(2), information will be received from the public and there may be limited discussion on the information received. However, no action will be taken under public comments. Please limit comments to no more than 3 minutes.
• Letter authorization to PSC in regards to battery storage facilities.

The full agenda is available here.

The Wheatland annual town meeting will take place Tuesday, starting at 7 p.m. at Village Hall.

Here is the agenda:

Chairman calls meeting to order

2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Approval of minutes of 2025 Annual Meeting Minutes and 2026 Budget & Special Town Meeting
4. Presentation of 2025 Financial Report
5. Fire Dept. report
6. Building Inspector report
7. Municipal Court report
8. Recreation Board report
9. Town Chairman report & comments
10. Old business
11. New business —
12. Annual Budget Hearing – date will be set by the town board for late November
13. Set 2027 Annual Town Meeting – Tuesday, April 20, 2027, 7 P.M.
14. Adjournment

You can view the agenda here.

The Fox River is slowly receding.

The river, as measured at the New Munster gauge, reached crest of 15.04 feet Sunday morning. The river was at 14.90 feet at 4 a.m., Monday, about 24 hours after the crest.

The current National Weather Service forecast for the river calls for the level to still be just above flood stage of 11 feet Sunday evening.

It’s going to get a lot colder than we’re used to lately overnight Sunday.

Widespread frost and a low of 28 is in the latest, local National Weather Service forecast.

Temps could be below freezing by about 1 a.m. and hit rock bottom about 5 a.m., Monday.

Relative warmth should come back eventually Monday with a high of 52 in the forecast.

We won’t be close to that bone-chilling weather the rest of the week with temps high 60s and 70s the balance of the work week. Temps may even get close to 80 Thursday and Friday.

Also, in contrast to the last couple of weeks, there’s no rain in the forecast until Thursday night.

At about 2:25 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue, Bristol Fire and Rescue, Wheatland Vol. Fire Department and Paris Fire and Rescue units are responding to a report of a fire in the 26900 block of 95th Place in Camp Lake.

Per dispatch: Caller reporting a fire in an oven. Fire may be out .

UPDATE 2:30 p.m. — Unit on scene reports no signs of fire from exterior.

UPDATE about 2:33 p.m. — Salem Lakes command releases all units still enroute from responding.

The Wilmot Union High School board is scheduled to hold a regular meeting Monday, starting at 6 p.m. in the school library.

These meetings are also live-streamed and posted for later viewing here (newest meetings at bottom of page):

Agenda items include.

• Overnight Field Trips
• BOE Meeting Calendar
• Computer Technology Purchases for Tech Ed and ESports
• Student Chromebook Purchases
• Wireless Access Points Purchase
• Closed session for: Individual Contracts

The full agenda is available here,

A Google Maps view of the area of Lance Park used by the Aquanuts

Shoreline improvements at Lance Park could be back on as some kind of joint effort between Twin Lakes and the Aquanuts Ski Show team.

The Village Board considered a lease agreement and development agreement with the Aquanuts that would help govern the project at a special Village Board meeting April 6.

Representatives of the Aquanuts said they are now focusing on placing a new year-round pier and stabilizing the shoreline at the portion of the park they use for their summer shows.

Last year, the Aquanuts and the village had agreed to undertake a more extensive improvement project that would have reworked the seating area and added other amenities. That project was challenged in court and the project was discontinued. The court case continued, but was eventually dismissed by a circuit court judge.

At the special meeting, Andy Amore, an Aquanuts board member, said the team had a contractor lined up to do the shoreline work as a donation, but that company pulled out just before the meeting due to the litigation last year.

“We’re in this spot where we will have to find a contractor,” Amore said.

There also was some discussion about team members or other volunteers doing the work. The team reps asked if village Public Works could do the work, but they did not receive a definitive answer.

The team wants to focus on stabilizing the shoreline where the pier will be, the representatives said.

Trustee Aaron Karow asked for the team to come back with some drawings of the planned work so the Village Board could more accurately assess the options.

“Let’s start out with a good plan,” Karow said. “We just want to make sure it’s going to be done right.”

The lease and rental agreement are on the agenda for Monday’s Village Board meeting.

The sky above Twin Lakes was full of color instead of rain for the inaugural Twin Lakes Area Family Color Run Saturday.

The event started at Lance Park worked its way through downtown, then east to the Ice House Trail and then back west to downtown and the park.

About 250 people pre-registered for the event and at least 30 more signed up Saturday, said Alanna Colborn, chamber executive director.

Most of the runners and walkers were decked out in white so as to make maximum display of the powdered colors distributed just before the start and at spots along the route.

Back at the park there were music, bananas and oranges for recovery, vendors and a display by the Twin Lakes Fire Department.

Here is a video of the initial color toss:

Here are more photos from the event:

At 4:43 p.m., Kenosha County Dive Team members are responding to the 800 block of N. Riverside Drive in Salem Lakes.

Per dispatch: This is a non-emergency response.

UPDATE about 6 p.m. — Salem Lakes command reports occupants of a house surrounded by flood waters have been rescued. Units expected to begin clearing the scenes.

Kenosha County has announced the following flooding related closures of Highway W:

• Section of Highway W from 45th Street to Highway 50: Now closed. 
• Section of Highway W from Highway 50 to Highway C: Scheduled to close at 4 p.m. today (Saturday).

The remainder of Highway W will be monitored for any other flooding concerns and closed as necessary.

ALSO: Highway BD (formerly Highway 75) is now closed between Highway 11 and Church Road in Racine County due to a failed culvert. 

Updates will be provided as they become available.

Here is an update from Kenosha County on local flooding and weather conditions as of about 10 a.m., Saturday:

🌧️ UPDATE: A weather-related update from the Kenosha County Department of Public Works:

📏 FOX RIVER: The river is now forecast to crest at 15 feet on Sunday afternoon, one of the highest levels on record.

🛣️ ROAD CLOSURES: Highway 45 is closed near the 500 block this morning due to standing water in the roadway.

In Salem Lakes, 216th Avenue is closed just south of Highway 50 due to a collapsed culvert. DO NOT drive around the barriers.

Crews are also responding to other minor road issues throughout the county.

⛳️ GOLF COURSES: Brighton Dale Links and Petrifying Springs Golf Course are closed until further notice due to flooding.

Again, a reminder to use caution in areas of flooding and not to attempt to drive in standing water. Stay safe out there!

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 Fox River has reached major flood stage as measured at the New Munster gauge in Wheatland.

The river had reached 14.5 feet as of 8:15 p.m., Friday. Major flood stage is 14 feet.

That would be the second highest level since the record of 17.47 feet in July 2017.

The current forecast calls for the river to crest at 14.2 feet, at 1 a.m. Saturday.

Salem Lakes has announced that free sand and bags are available to village of Salem Lakes residents on East Park Street, near the railroad tracks, just south of the former Silver Lake Fire Rescue building.

Here is some additional flood related information from Kenosha County:

At about 8:27 p.m., Paris Fire and Rescue units are responding for a fire in the 700 block of 200th Avenue (Highway 45) in Paris.

Per dispatch: Caller reporting a transformer on fire.

At about 8:25 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue is reaponding for a report of a wire on fire in the 28300 block of Silver Lake Road in Salem Lakes.

At about 8:21 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units are responding for a report of a fire in the 24700 block of 31st Street in Brighton.

Per dispatch: Caller reporting a possible blown transformer with trees on fire.

At 7:48 p.m., the National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for all of Kenosha County.

This warning is set to be in effect until 8:45 p.m.

From the warning text: “At 746 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms capable of producing a tornado were located along a line extending from Wind Lake to near Hebron, moving east at 30 mph.”

Places in line of this storm according to the warning text are: Muskego, Union Grove, Paddock Lake, Wind Lake, Franklin, Camp Lake, Twin Lakes, Raymond, Wheatland, and Yorkville.

UPDATE 8:46 p.m. — Tornado warning has expired. A tornado watch continues for Kenosha County until 10 p.m.

At about 7:18 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units are responding to a report of a fire in the 6500 block of Highway BD in Paddock Lake.

Per dispatch: Caller reporting field fire.

UPDATE 7:21 p.m. — Bristol command on scene confirms active fire. Requests UTV response from Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue.

UPDATE 7:35 p.m — Fire out. All units clearing thr scene.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for northwestern Kenosha County and a severe thunderstorm warning for all of Kenosha County.

The tornado warning is set to be in effect until 8 p.m.

The thunderstorm warning is set to be in effect until 8:15 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for Kenosha County.

The watch is set to be in effect until 8 p.m., Friday.

The NWS says tornado watches are issued when “conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area. Their size can vary depending on the weather situation. They are usually issued for a duration of 4 to 8 hours. They normally are issued well in advance of the actual occurrence of severe weather. During the watch, people should review tornado safety rules and be prepared to move a place of safety if threatening weather approaches.”

This is the third tornado watch issued this week.

The latest, local National Weather Service forecast calls for more rain and thunderstorms Friday.

The rain etc. is expected to start around 7 p.m. and continue until at least midnight and maybe beyond.

Before the rain, Friday will be warm, with a high temperature of 79 in the forecast.

Temperatures are expected to be much cooler over the weekend with highs around 50 on Saturday, Sunday and Monday

UPDATE 1:14 p.m. — Tornado watch now issued.

The National Weather Service has issued a dense fog advisory for Kenosha County.

The advisory is set to be in effect until 9 a.m.

During this advisory, visibility of one quarter mile or less in dense fog is possible, says the advisory text.

The Union Cemetery Association will be having its annual meeting on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

The meeting starts at 1:30 pm and will be held at the Paddock Lake Village Hall, 6969 236^th Avenue.

Minutes from the last meeting will be read and a financial report given.Anyone with lots-plots or anyone that is interested in purchasing them at Union Cemetery is welcome to attend.