West of the I

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.

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):