West of the I

From Kenosha County:

Under picnic-perfect skies, the annual Veterans Appreciation Summer Picnic returned to the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park on Friday. 

In addition to offering an opportunity for veterans of all eras to come together, the event celebrated a special guest, 2026 Kenosha County Veteran of the Year Bill Hopkins. 

The annual award, now in its second year, honors veterans for their contributions to the community after their time in service — a theme Hopkins echoed in his remarks after County Executive Samantha Kerkman presented him with the honor. 

“Standing here as the Kenosha County Veteran of the Year for 2026 is an honor I will never forget,” Hopkins said. “Today reminds us that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. It continues in our communities in how we show up for one another, and in how we carry forward the lessons and values that we’ve learned.” 

Kerkman noted Hopkins’ many years as an elected official in Salem Lakes and the former Village of Silver Lake, his service as a volunteer firefighter and youth sports coach, and his efforts to help his neighbors in the aftermath of the severe flood event in western Kenosha County in 2017. 

“When we sat down to pick this year’s nominee, there were many, many wonderful applications, but Bill’s rose to the top,” Kerkman said, later adding, “Thank you for your years of service and your commitment to the community.” 

Hopkins thanked his wife, Suzie, for her support during his 20 years of service in the Navy and his community endeavors that followed. He also acknowledged his four children and their spouses, his four grandchildren, “and the two on the way.” He gave a special thank you to his son, Brian, who nominated him for the award. 

Kerkman also acknowledged county Veterans Services Director Jennifer Blasi, who is retiring later this year. 

“She has been steadfast in her work in Kenosha County, helping our veterans and helping all of you,” Kerkman said. “Jennifer, thank you so much for your service to Kenosha County.” 

Blasi thanked the many veterans who turned out for the picnic. 

“Most of us here today are tied together by the bond of military service, which comes with its own unique set of challenges and rewards,” Blasi said. “Today, all of us being together — multiple generations and all branches of service — is most definitely a reward that we should treasure.” 

The picnic, now in its fourth year, again featured a free lunch served courtesy of Mission BBQ, resource tables with information about county and VA services, and live music from Little Bill’s Big Band. 

Miss Wisconsin’s Teen Natalie Popp was also a special guest, performing the “Star Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful” and speaking on her platform of supporting veterans — a cause inspired by her friendship with World War II veteran Lew Harned, who died recently at age 101. 

“I’m incredibly thankful to be here today to talk to each of you about what a beautiful day we have today, your experiences serving our country, and just how your lives are going,” Popp said. 

At about 3:40 p.m., Paris Fire and Rescue units are responding for a crash in the 12000 block of Highway 142 in Paris.

Per dispatch: Two-vehicle crash with injuries being reported.

UPDATE 3:45 p.m. — Unit arriving on scene reports there may be three vehicles involved with heavy damage.

UPDATE 3:50 p.m. — Ambulance from Kenosha Fire Department responding to scene.

At about 8:40 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding for a report of a fire at Highways C and 45 in Bristol.

Per dispatch: This is being reported as a large brush fire.

UPDATE 8:45 p.m. — Deputy reports fire is on the 19700 block of Hoghway C. Bristol command reports about a 50 foot by 100 foot grass fire.

UPDATE 8:48 p.m. — Bristol activates MABAS box alarm. Among departments responding are: Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue, Paris Fire and Rescue, Wheatland Vol Fire Department, Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue and Kenosha Fire Department.

UPDATE 9:17 p.m. — Box alarm struck out.

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.

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:

All local lakes sampled by Kenosha County were found to be within normal E.coli levels from testing performed this week.

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 from testing this week by Kenosha County are:

Salem Lakes – Silver Lake County Park beach 3E.coli/100 mL; DeWitt Park on Silver Lake 3 E.coli/100mL; Lake Shangri-la 220th Ct. 145 E.coli/100 mL; Center Lake 7 E.coli/100 mL; Hooker Lake Boat Launch 3 E.coli/100 mL; Rock Lake 20 E.coli/100 mL; Camp Lake 6.0 E.coli/100 mL

Paddock Lake — Old Settlers County Park beach 3 E.coli/100 mL; Hoag Park 2 E.coli/100 mL; North Shore Association 42 E.coli/100 mL; PHLA beach 77 E.coli/100mL; PHLA diving board 28 E.coli/100 mL.

Wheatland — Lilly Lake 2 E.coli/100 mL.

Twin Lakes — Lance Park on Lake Mary <1 E.coli/100mL

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.

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:

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 11:11 a.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units are responding for an investigation in the 20800 block of Highway C in Bristol.

Per dispatch: Smoke coming from the ground reported. Two Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units already on the scene.

At about 8:03 a.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units are responding to a report of a fire in the 9800 block of Highway MB.

Per dispatch: Caller reporting flames and smoke coming from a dumpster at Bristol Woods County Park.

UPDATE 8:18 a.m. — Bristol command reports fire knocked down.

The Salem School District board is scheduled to meet Tuesday starting at 5 p.m. in the school’s large group instruction room.

A livestream of the meeting will be available here.

Agenda items include:

• Annual Board Reorganization
• National Weather Service Storm Ready Designation

The full agenda is available here.

The Silver Lake-Salem Jt 1 School District (Riverview School) board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, starting at 6 p.m. in the school library.

Agenda items include:

• Referendum Update
• Budget Update
• Open Enrollment Students
• Student Fees and Lunch Prices
• Closed session for: Considering specific applications of probation, extended supervision or parole, or considering strategy for crime detection or prevention.

The full agenda is available here.

The Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated Grade School District board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, starting at 6:30 p/.m. in the school library.

A livestream of the meeting can be viewed here.

Agenda items include:

• Approval of Teacher Resignation
• Approval of Teacher Contracts and Salary Increases for 2026-2027
• Strategic Plan Update
• Discussion about possible fall referendum
• Health Insurance Renewal
• Shared Services Agreements: Deaf/Hard of Hearing Specialist, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Library Media Specialist

The full agenda is available here,

The Twin Lakes community observed Memorial Day with a parade and ceremony organized and led by American Legion Post 544.

The parade was first, working its way from Lance Park to Legion Park.

Here is video of the marching bands from Wilmot Union High School, Randall School and Lakewood School:

The ceremony followed the parade. Master Sgt. (retired) Dan Knautz USAF of Silver Lake was the guest speaker. Here are some video scenes from the ceremony:

Here are some photos from the parade and ceremony:

Silver Lake and the surrounding area under the leadership of Schultz-Hahn American Legion Post #293 observed Memorial Day Monday.

The post hosted its annual parade and ceremony Monday morning.

The parade made its way from Riverview School through downtown.

After the parade, the meaning of Memorial Day was remembered with a ceremony outside the Legion Hall.

Here is video of the marching bands in the parade from Riverview School, Wilmot Union High School and Salem Grade School:

Here is video of the Westosha Central High School marching band (separate from the others due to a technical problem on our part):

Here is video of scenes from the ceremony:

Here are more photos from the event:

Austin Dawson of Salem, was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, at United States Air Force Academy.

Dawson is among approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 300 campuses in the United States and its territories. Its mission is to “cultivate a community that celebrates and advances the love of learning.”

Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 300 select colleges and universities in the United States and its territories. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The Society’s mission is to “cultivate a community that celebrates and advances the love of learning.”

From the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office:

At approximately 8:12 a.m. this morning (Sunday), a 49-year-old male inmate was found unresponsive in the medical ward dorm at the Kenosha County Jail.

Medical staff and correctional staff responded immediately and began life-saving measures. The Kenosha Fire Department and sworn personnel were also called to assist. Despite life-saving efforts, the inmate was pronounced dead inside the facility.

Following any serious incident inside a Kenosha County detention facility, including an inmate death, it is the policy of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office to request an outside law enforcement agency to conduct an independent investigation. Per protocol, the Racine County Sheriff’s Office was notified and responded to the jail. That agency has assumed responsibility for the investigation.

At this time, the name of the inmate is not being released.

Sheriff David Zoerner issued the following statement:

“On behalf of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Any death in our custody is taken with the utmost seriousness. Our thoughts are with the family as they face this loss, and we remain committed to ensuring this incident is fully and independently investigated.”

Additional information will be released as appropriate and when it becomes available.

At albout 5:04 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding for a reportnof a crash at Cogswell Drive and East Larch Street in Silver Lake.

Per dispatch: Two vehicles involved. Injuries being reported.

UPDATE about 5:10 p.m. — Unit arriving on scene reports heavy damage to vehicles.

UPDATE 5:12 p.m. — Bristol Fire and Rescue and Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue requested to respond with ambulances to the scene as mutual aid.

Note: The following is a paid announcement from Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital — DH

When you flag pole needs a repair it’s good to know someone with a ladder.

Knowing someone with a fire department ladder truck is even better.

On Thursday, Bristol Fire and Rescue personnel brought the department’s ladder truck to Paddock Lake so a village flag pole there could be repaired.

The rope on the flagpole on the north end 248^th Avenue broke during the heavy winds weeks ago, said Tim Popanda, village administrator. Thursday, the Village of Bristol used the fire department ladder truck to assist with restringing the rope.

Paddock Lake contracts with Bristol Fire and Rescue for fire protection for the village.

When you flag pole needs a repair it’s good to know someone with a ladder.

Knowing someone with a fire department ladder truck is even better.

On Thursday, Bristol Fire and Rescue personnel brought the department’s ladder truck to Paddock Lake so a village flag pole there could be repaired.

The rope on the flagpole on the north end 248^th Avenue broke during the heavy winds weeks ago, said Tim Popanda, village administrator. Thursday, the Village of Bristol used the fire department ladder truck to assist with restringing the rope.

Paddock Lake contracts with Bristol Fire and Rescue for fire protection for the village.

Twin Lakes American Legion Post 544 will conduct Memorial Observances on Monday, May 25 at 9 a.m. at Mound Prairie Cemetery, 39000 104th St. and at 9:30 a.m. St Johns Cemetery, Highway KD and 98th Street, Twin Lakes.

There also will be a ceremony at the post immediately following the annual parade.

The parade will begin promptly at 11 a.m.  The parade route will be from Lance Park to American Legion Post 544 using Lance Drive, East Main St, South Lake Avenue and Legion Drive. 

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:

From Wilmot Union High School:

Wilmot Union High School District would like to inform families, students, staff, and community members of several important building access and office updates as summer construction and facility improvement projects begin.

Beginning June 9, the South Lot will be closed for both parking and entrance access through approximately mid-August. During this time, the main entrance to the building will be relocated to Door T on the north side of the building.

Due to ongoing construction work throughout the summer, main office hours may vary. Families and community members needing assistance from the main office are encouraged to call ahead to schedule an appointment by contacting the high school office at (262) 862-2351 or by emailing Lisa Obertin at obertinl@wilmoths.k12.wi.us.

Additionally, the building will be completely closed on Fridays from June 12 through August 12. Office staff and administrators will not be available in the building on Fridays during that time. Community members are encouraged to plan ahead or communicate with staff via email whenever possible.

“These facility improvements are an important investment in our school community,” said District Administrator Christy Weinstock. “We appreciate everyone’s patience, flexibility, and support as we work to improve our facilities
throughout the summer months.”

The district thanks the Wilmot community for its continued support and cooperation during the construction process and wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable summer.