West of the I

The villages of Paddock Lake, Salem Lakes and Walworth have been awarded a state Innovation Grant for the creation of a road consortium.

The villages recently received notification from the Department of Revenue of the award.

The consortium will allow municipalities to bid road work as a larger group and get better pricing through economies of scale. 

The grant rewards municipalities that transfer functions to another government or agency in the spirit of creating efficiency. A lead municipality in such an arrangement would not be eligible to receive grant funds. By creating the third party consortium all three municipalities will receive funding.

The letter announcing the grant gave the following annual grant amounts per municipality:

• Salem Lakes: $435,091.44
• Paddock Lake: $163,159.29
• Walworth: $178,698.27

The villages expect to receive the grant money for five years.

Officials from the Kenosha County villages involved praised the work that went into creating the consortium.

 “The grant award is the result of the 12 months of work and leadership from Tim Popanda, village of Paddock Lake administrator and Brian Filiatreault, village of Paddock Lake resident, in cooperation with the villages of Salem Lakes and Walworth,” said Alex Attiah, Paddock Lake village president. “The grant money provides the village of Paddock Lake the opportunity to save our residents/taxpayers money, continue to maintain and/or improve our village roadways, and collaborate with the villages of Salem Lakes and Walworth.”

Salem Lakes village President Rita Bucur said “This grant is a testament to the collaborative efforts of members of our Economic Development Committee, and our village staff, including our administrator Mike Kostiuk, who worked diligently for months to develop this consortium approach with Paddock Lake and Walworth. By working together and exploring new technologies and best practices, we’re positioning Salem Lakes to deliver better long-term results for our residents. We’re grateful to the State of Wisconsin for recognizing the value of this initiative and look forward to putting these resources to work to benefit our community for years to come.”

One person died and two others were injured in a crash that closed down I-94 for over three hours Sunday morning.

From a Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office news release:

The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred Sunday morning, July 5, 2026, on southbound Interstate 94.

At 8:44 a.m., deputies were dispatched to the 200 block of Interstate 94 southbound for a reported single-vehicle crash involving a white Toyota Camry. Callers reported the vehicle had struck the median wall, was disabled near the median, and had airbags deployed.

While deputies were responding, dispatch was notified at 8:52 a.m. that a second vehicle, a black Kia Telluride traveling southbound on Interstate 94, struck the disabled Toyota.

The driver of the Toyota, a 21-year-old man and the vehicle’s sole occupant, sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported by ambulance to Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. The driver was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

The driver of the Kia and a juvenile passenger were transported by ambulance to area hospitals with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

Based on the preliminary investigation, the Toyota was stopped in or partially blocking the inside lanes when it was struck by the Kia. Members of the Major Crash Assistance Team responded to assist with the investigation.

Interstate 94 southbound was fully shut down for the investigation and later reopened at 12:29 p.m.

There were no signs of impairment by alcohol or drugs among the involved parties. The crash remains under investigation.

Sheriff David Zoerner offered the following statement:

“This is a heartbreaking incident, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by this crash. We are grateful to the deputies, firefighters, paramedics and partner agencies who responded quickly and worked to care for those involved and investigate what happened.”

The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office extends its appreciation to all responding agencies for their assistance. The investigation remains ongoing, and no further information is available at this time.

The Wheatland Town Board did not vote to join a joint commission to explore fire department consolidation.

Instead, the board said it would wait until the Wheatland Vol. Fire Department chief and the Town of Randall Fire Department chief could meet and perhaps present an alternative to the one proposed by a consultant’s study.

The deferral came at the June 22 Town Board meeting after Wheatland fire Chief Lou Denko challenged the study’s conclusions on how to move forward.

Currently. Wheatland has its own fire department and contracts with Twin Lakes Rescue for emergency medical service. Neighboring Randall has the same situation. Both of those departments are all volunteer and have had trouble attracting and retaining members in recent years.

In May, a study commissioned by Randall with the cooperation of Wheatland and Twin Lakes and paid for by a grant was concluded and presented. The 98-page study was performed by consulting firm Public Administration Associates LLC. The study said the Wheatland-Randall-Twin Lakes area would be well served by a consolidated department with two stations — the current Twin Lakes Fire Department and Rescue Squad station in downtown Twin Lakes and a new station in Wheatland near Highway O and Highway 50.

The Randall Plan Commission and Town Board voted May 27 to form a joint commission with Wheatland and Twin Lakes to explore consolidation, if the other municipalities were interested in moving forward.

At its June 22 board meeting, the Wheatland Town Board and the plan commission were set to discuss whether to move forward similarly to Randall.

As part of that discussion, Denko criticized what he called the study’s emphasis on saving money over service.

“I don’t have much use for the study,” Denko said.

The PAA study called for some equipment owned by the three departments to be liquidated and for both Randall fire stations to be closed. Randall FD Station No. 2 in Bassett was built in 2004 and is the newest of the four fire stations for the Town of Randall Fire Department, Wheatland Vol. Fire Department and Twin Lake Fire /Rescue.

Denko said he feels losing equipment the departments already have would be a mistake.

“We can’t afford to lose anything we have out here,” Denko said.

Denko also pointed out the Wheatland department — with it’s all volunteer membership — is a bargain with a yearly expenditure of less than $100,000. That figure does not include the EMS contract with Twin Lakes Rescue.

Denko emphasized that all three affected departments already work very well together. Instead of moving forward with a process based on the study, Denko asked for time for him and Randall Fire Chief Matt Gronke to meet and propose something else,

“We have three incredible departmetns that work very well together … and that doesn’t happen everywhere. We do function very well together,” Denko said “Let us take this and let us put this together and make some recommendations and go from there.”

No one on the Town Board proposed joining the commission proposed by Randall. Supervisor Kyle Madsen asked Denko to get the three departments together and come back with their conclusions, which appeared to have he agreement of the other board members.

Earlier in the meeting, Randall town Chairperson Mark Nordigian addressed the study and moving forward with an exploratory commission.

With volunteerism being not “how it was,” Randall is at the point of “near desperation” to have a plan, Nordigian said.

“We are in support of putting a commission together,” Nordigian said.

The Twin Lakes Village Board has not discussed the study or joining Randall’s proposed commission. A discussion of the study is on the July 6 committee of the whole agenda.

At about 8:50 a.m., Somers Fire and Rescue units, sheriff’s deputies and State Patrol are responding for a crash on southbound I-94 near Highway E.

Per dispatch: A vehicle hit the wall. That vehicle was then struck by another vehicle. Injuries being reported.

Day 2 of Libertyfest 2026 — hosted by the Twin Lakes Area Chamber and Business Association — was held Saturday morning.

The day’s event was the annual parade, which had a new route this year. The parade started at Lakewood School made its way north on Wilmot and South Lake avenues and then took a left at Main Street, ending at Lance Park.

Here are some more photos from the event:

Paddock Lake held its annual Fourth of July Bike Parade — which now includes golf carts — Saturday morning.

Bikes and then golf carts set off from McAlonan Park at 10 a.m. and wound their way through town to Village Hall. Escorting the bikes and carts were some Bristol Fire and Rescue trucks, a Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office squad and some village Public Works vehicles.

At Village Hall, the bikes and registered carts were judged on their decorations. Hot dogs and lemonade also was served.

Participating were 112 bikes and 46 golf carts, said village administrator Tim Popanda,

Here is video of the whole parade from near the start:

Here are more photos of the parade and the winners of bike and golf cart judging:

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:

Day 1 of Libertyfest, the annual celebration hosted by the Twin Lakes Area Chamber & Business Association, got underway Friday in Lance Park in Twin Lakes.,

Featured events of Friday’s program were the return of cardboard boat races and the evening closing fireworks over Lake Mary.

The event also featured food and beverages for sale, an inflatable for youngsters and a dunk tank. Music was provided by DJ Keith.

The annual Libertyfest parade is scheduled to take place Saturday, July 4 starting at 11 a.m. The parade will be following a new route this year, starting at Lakewood School, traveling north to Main Street and then west to Lance Park.

Here are some more photos from the earliest heats of the cardboard boat race and other scenes from the event:

At about 7:09 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash in the 8500 block of Highway F in Salem Lakes.

Per dispatch: Single vehicle crash. Vehicle ran into a tree. Injuries being reported.

At about 2:04 p.m., Paris Fire and Rescue units are responding for a report of a fire in the 4600 block of 200th Avenue in Paris.

Per dispatch: Caller reporting a power line related fireŕ.

At about 12:55 p.m., Town of Randall Fire Department, Wheatland Vol. Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of fire and smoke in the 39400 block of 91st Street in Powers Lake.

Per dispatch: Caller reporting smoke and flames from a wooded area behind a house.

UPDATE 1:03 p.m. — Unit on scene reports a power line down on a tree.

At about12:45 p.m., Wheatland Vol. Fire Department, Town of Randall Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units are responding to the 7500 block of 335th Avenue in Lilly Lake for a fire.

Per dispatch: Caller reporting a transformer on fire behind a house.

At about 12:42 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding for a river rescue on the Fox River near 10100 304th Avenue in Wilmot.

Per dispatch: Five tubers stuck in mud on the river.

UPDATE 12:51 p.m. — Dispatch reports someone is enroute to meet tubers. Salem Lakes chief says response will continue until safety of tubers is confirmed.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for Kenosha County, according to Kenosha County Emergency Management.

The warning is set to be in effect until 1:15 p.m.

UPDATE 12:36 p.m. — NWS warning text says this is for northwestern Kenosha County. Areas affected might include Brighton and Slades Corners, says NWS.

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Kenosha and Racine counties.

The warning is set to be in effect until 1:30 p.m.

The storm that has prompted the warning was located over Lake Geneva at 12:23 p.m. and is moving northeast at 45 mph, says the warning text. 80 mph winds and quarter size hail have been seen with this storm.

“This is a destructive storm,” the warning text says.

From the warning text: “Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be heavily damaged. Expect considerable damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles. Extensive tree damage and power outages are likely.”

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

The watch is set to be in effect until 7 p.m.

Other Wisconsin counties in this watch area are Racine, Walworth, Milwaukee, Waukesha and Jefferson.

Says NWS: “A severe thunderstorm watch is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. A severe thunderstorm by definition is a thunderstorm that produces one inch hail or larger in diameter and/or winds equal or exceed 58 miles an hour. The size of the watch can vary depending on the weather situation. They are usually issued for a duration of 4 to 8 hours. They are normally issued well in advance of the actual occurrence of severe weather. During the watch, people should review severe thunderstorm safety rules and be prepared to move a place of safety if threatening weather approaches.”

Note: The following is a paid announcement from H&R Block — DH

H&R Block is excited to share updated office hours for our Paddock Lake office during the non-tax season! As always, our goal is to make it easier and more convenient for you to access the professional services you need throughout the year.

Updated Business Hours

• Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Friday: ·9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4 PM (New extended hours!) *(Saturdays and/or hours may vary. Call for availability.
• Sunday: Closed

Here for You Year-Round

We are proud to remain open year-round, providing reliable support whenever you need it-not just during tax season.

Expanded Availability to Serve You Better

With these updated hours, including extended Thursday evenings and newly adjusted Saturday hours, we’re happy to offer greater flexibility to accommodate your schedule. Whether you need help with:

• Accounting services
• Business support and consulting
• Personal or business tax need

Our team is ready to assist you.

We’re Here When It Works for You

We understand that life and business don’t always fit into a 9-to-5 routine. That’s why we’ve expanded our availability-to better serve our valued clients in and around the Paddock Lake community.

Stop by during our new hours or reach out and call us at 262-843-3557 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you succeed all .year long!

You can get in the spirit of the Fourth of July holiday in Western Kenosha County this week with fireworks displays in Paddock Lake and Twin Lakes.

In Paddock Lake, the display — organized by Paddock Lake Fireworks, Inc. — will take place on Friday, July 3 at dusk. The display will be visible over the lake. If you plan to view the display from Old Settlers Park, the county did charge the admission fee last year.

The Twin Lake Area Chamber & Business Association will host its Libertyfest fireworks on Friday, July 3. The fireworks display over Lake Mary starts at dusk. More information on Libertyfest is available here.

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for an area of Wisconsin that includes Kenosha County.

This watch is set to be in effect until 10 p.m., Thursday. It is running concurrently with an ongoing extreme heat warning, also set to expire at 10 p.m.

Storms are most likely from 9 to 10 p.m., Thursday, but are possible from 5 p.m., Thursday through Saturday 6 a.m. and then resuming as possible Saturday afternoon into Sunday.

Says NWS: “A severe thunderstorm watch is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. A severe thunderstorm by definition is a thunderstorm that produces one inch hail or larger in diameter and/or winds equal or exceed 58 miles an hour. The size of the watch can vary depending on the weather situation. They are usually issued for a duration of 4 to 8 hours. They are normally issued well in advance of the actual occurrence of severe weather. During the watch, people should review severe thunderstorm safety rules and be prepared to move a place of safety if threatening weather approaches.”

At about 7:52 a.m., Wheatland Vol Fire Department, Town of Randall Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a crash at Highway 50 and Highway P in Slades Corners.

Per dispatch: Two vehicle crash. Injuries being reported.

UPDATE about 7:54 p.m. — Deputies on scene blocking some lanes.

Note: This is a paid announcement from the Twin Lakes Area Chamber & Business Association. — DH

Celebrate Independence Day in Twin Lakes with one of the community’s most beloved traditions—Libertyfest! 

 Friday, July 3 | 4:00–10:00 PM | Lance Park
Kick off the festivities with an evening full of summer fun—food, drinks, music from the DJ, and a spectacular fireworks show lighting up the night sky over the lake. It’s the perfect way to gather with friends, family, and neighbors to celebrate everything we love about our hometown.

Saturday, July 4 | 11:00 AM | Parade
Join us for the annual Libertyfest Parade, with a new route beginning at Lakewood School and making its way to Lance Park. Line the streets or walk with us as we celebrate community pride, patriotism, and togetherness.

Keeping Tradition Alive
Libertyfest is more than just an event—it’s a tradition that brings our community together year after year. Your support helps make it all possible, especially the breathtaking fireworks display that so many look forward to. Every donation, big or small, makes a meaningful impact and ensures we can continue celebrating for years to come.

Be part of the tradition. Celebrate with us. Support the magic.

The National Weather Service has extended the extreme heat warning for Kenosha County.

The warning, which has been in effect since Monday, is now set to expire at 10 p.m., Thursday.

Thursday’s high temperature is forecast to reach 92, with a heat index value of 101. Thursday night’s low is forecast for 73.

The southeastern quarter of the state is also under this warning.

Says the warning text: “Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events … Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Stay cool, stay hydrated, stay informed.”

Here’s info on local cooling centers.

Rain is starting to creep into the forecast with a 50 percent chance Thursday overnight. Friday, there’s a 30 percent progressing to 80 percent chance of rain.

The Fourth of July on Saturday forecast is a little grim right now, with a 70 percent chance of rain. But it will be cooler, with a high of just 82 expected.

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:

Note: The following is a paid announcement from Westosha Head Start — DH

Are you looking for a high-quality preschool experience for your child? Westosha Head Start offers a warm, nurturing, and engaging learning environment, where children ages 3 to 5 years old can learn, grow, and thrive. As a federally funded program, Head Start helps children build the skills they need for kindergarten and beyond. Through hands-on learning activities that focus on social emotional development, early literacy, math, science and creative play; our goal is simple, to help every child enter school confident, curious, and ready to succeed. Families love knowing that children do not need to be potty trained to enroll, making it easier for every child to get the strong start they deserve.

Westosha Head Start is proud to be a five-star YoungStar program, with classrooms led by caring and highly-qualified teachers who hold bachelor’s degrees, and are dedicated to helping children reach their full potential. The early years matter! The opportunities your child receives today can make a lasting difference tomorrow! NOW ENROLLING children ages three to five. Don’t wait! Spaces fill quickly! Call Westosha Head Start today at 262-862-6168 to learn more or begin the enrollment process.

At 5:31 p.m., Wheatland Vol Fire Department, Town of Randall Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to the 7800 block of 352nd Avenue in Wheatland for a possible fire.

UPDATE 5:35 p.m. — Deputies on scene report no smoke or flames.

UPDATE 5:43 p.m. — Wheatland unit on scene and investigating.

UPDATE 5:45 p.m. — Wheatland unit at the scene returning to quarters.