Western Kenosha County's news source
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 248th 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 248th 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:
Continue reading →
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.
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:
Continue reading →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 7 E.coli/100 mL; DeWitt Park on Silver Lake 1 E.coli/100mL; Lake Shangri-la 220th Ct. 145 E.coli/100 mL; Center Lake 5 E.coli/100 mL; Hooker Lake Boat Launch 33 E.coli/100 mL; Rock Lake 11 E.coli/100 mL; Camp Lake 29.0 E.coli/100 mL
Paddock Lake — Old Settlers County Park beach 7 E.coli/100 mL; Hoag Park 2 E.coli/100 mL; North Shore Association 1 E.coli/100 mL; PHLA beach 7 E.coli/100mL; PHLA diving board 43 E.coli/100 mL.
Wheatland — Lilly Lake 2 E.coli/100 mL.
Twin Lakes — Lance Park on Lake Mary 3 E.coli/100mL.; Lucille beach on Lake Elizabeth 11.0 E.coli/100 mL; Musial Beach 2 E.coli/100 mL; Sunset Beach 3 E.coli/100 mL
Bristol — Lake George 101st 16 E.coli/100 mL; Lake George 103rd 6 E.coli/100 mL
From the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office:
The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office has concluded a significant phase of an ongoing investigation involving stolen mail, financial fraud, narcotics activity, and burglary-related offenses.
Over the past approximately six weeks, KESO deputies investigated multiple fraud complaints connected to stolen mail. During the investigation, detectives learned that personal and business checks were being stolen from mailboxes, altered, and fraudulently used to obtain money.
Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office Detectives were assigned to the investigation and developed information identifying several individuals believed to be involved. As the investigation progressed, detectives uncovered evidence linking the suspects to additional criminal activity, including narcotics offenses and burglaries involving storage units in the Antioch, Illinois area.
On May 19th, 2026, members of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Bureau, KDOG Unit, and Deputies executed a search warrant at a residence located in the 11400 block of Antioch Road in Trevor, Wisconsin.
During the execution of the search warrant, four individuals were taken into custody:
• Frank W. McClaughry, M/W, DOB 01/23/1986
• Alicia R. Wojtowicz, F/W, DOB 08/04/1983
• Thomas D. Wilton, M/W, DOB 10/29/1972
• Tammy F. Wilton (Wolbeck), F/W, DOB 09/08/1971
Detectives recovered a substantial amount of evidence during the search warrant, including more than 150 items associated with narcotics distribution, fraud activity, and burglary investigations.
Items recovered included:
• Approximately 28.3 grams of methamphetamine
• Approximately 27.3 grams of marijuana
• Approximately 6.1 grams of psilocybin mushrooms
• Approximately 0.5 grams of MDMA
• A small quantity of cocaine
• Fraudulent and altered checks
• Check-washing materials and equipment
• Numerous burglary tools
• Identification cards belonging to other individuals
• Suspected stolen property connected to Antioch-area storage unit burglaries
• Digital scales and drug paraphernalia
As a result of the investigation, the following preliminary charges have been recommended:
Frank W. McClaughry
• Theft of Mail – 2 counts
• Misappropriation of Personal Identification Materials (Obtaining Money) – 2 counts
• Felony Bail Jumping – 4 counts
• Possession of Burglary Tools
• Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine
• Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place
• Felony Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Methamphetamine)
• Felony Possession of Marijuana
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 2 counts
• Active Felony Warrants – 4
Alicia R. Wojtowicz
• Misappropriation of Personal Identification Materials (Obtaining Money) – 2 counts
• Theft of Mail – 2 counts
• Felony Probation Hold
Thomas D. Wilton
• Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine
• Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place
• Felony Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Methamphetamine)
• Possession of Marijuana
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Tammy Wilton (Wolbeck)
• Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine
• Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place
• Felony Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Methamphetamine)
• Felony Probation Hold
These charges are preliminary, and additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.
The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to coordinate with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office regarding the storage unit burglaries in Antioch, Illinois.
Statement from Sheriff David Zoerner: “The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office will continue to aggressively target drug traffickers, drug houses, and the criminals who bring this activity into our communities. Investigations like this send a clear message that we will not tolerate the distribution of dangerous narcotics, organized crime, or repeat criminal behavior in Kenosha County. Our deputies and detectives remain committed to protecting our residents, holding offenders accountable, and working with our law enforcement partners to shut down these criminal operations wherever they exist.”
The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office would like to recognize the efforts of all detectives, deputies, supervisors, and evidence personnel who assisted throughout this investigation and search warrant operation. Their teamwork and dedication led to the recovery of a significant amount of evidence and the dismantling of an active criminal operation tied to narcotics trafficking, fraud, and property crimes.
If you believe you may have been a victim of fraud related to this investigation and have not yet reported it, the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office encourages you to contact our non-emergency number at 262-656-1234 to file a report.
This is an ongoing and open investigation. No further information will be released at this time.
At about 10:05 a.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue, Bristol Fire and Rescue, Wheatland Vol. Fire Department, Randall Fire Department and Paris Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a fire in the 9900 block of 270th Court in Trevor.
UPDATE about 10:08 a.m. — Deputies reporting via dispatch that this is a working fire with lots of smoke.
UPDATE about 10:10 a.m. — Fire unit arriving on scene reports fire showing from two sides of single-story building.
UPDATE about 10:12 a.m. — MABAS box alarm activated. Additional department responding including: Twin Lakes Fire Department, City of Burlington Fire Department, Kenosha Fire Department, Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue, Lake Villa (Ill.) Fire Department, Lake Geneva Fire Department and Town of Burlington Fire Department.
UPDATE 10:26 a.m. — Tender (water tanker) shuttle being organized to maintain water supply.
UPDATE 10:28 a.m. — Salem Lakes command reports fire throughout the house. All companies working.
UPDATE 10:39 a.m. — Salem command upgrades box alarm to second alarm for tenders only. Due to respond are Beach Pakr (Ill.) Fire Department and Richmond (Ill.) Fire Department.
UPDATE 10:40 a.m. — Salem Lakes safety officer requests response from power and gas utility company.
A representative of the company that has proposed to build a battery energy storage system in Wheatland said it would consider going through a state process instead of local government if that was to only way to move forward.
The statement came at a community forum hosted by Robin Energy Storage Tuesday evening at the Kenosha County Center.
The proposal for a 19-acre site north of Highway 50 near 392nd Avenue was rejected by the Wheatland Plan Commission in January. Robin then withdrew from the approval process.
Opponents of the project have been warning about Robin trying to find another channel for winning approval.
At the forum, Jon Porvaznik representing Robin, confirmed the company could move beyond local or county approval if needed to site the project.
“The project is still moving forward,” Porvaznik said. “The project is needed. We are considering going through the state process. It’s something we are looking into. If you cannot go through Wheatland and Kenosha County then you go through the state.”
No new application has been formally made yet, Porvaznik said, but Robin has met with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
In January, Robin Energy Storage proposed a battery energy storage system facility located on approximately 12 acres within an approximately 19-acre tract of land east of 392nd Avenue and north of Highway 50 in Wheatland. The site is especially apt, Robin representatives said, because it is adjacent to an existing electrical substation.
Opponents of the project have cited concerns about environmental dangers, groundwater contamination and danger of fire.
Robin representatives said the forum was an effort at a dialogue with the community after the clashes earlier this year,
“I think it important because what happened in January,” said Porvaznik. “We weren’t able to have a dialogue. We think we understand what the themes (of the opposition) are … and we want to address those theme with answers.”
Before comments from the audience, Robin representatives presented boards with info about the project. Porvaznik said they tried to address points brought up by those opposed to the project.
But there was still strong negative reaction expressed by audience members and those who chose to ask questions and make statements to the Robin representatives.
None of the about 15 people who asked questions and made statements opinions expressed support for the project.
The format of having people line up to ask questions one at a time quickly fractured when other audience members started reacting to statements made by Robin representatives. That happened several times during the meeting.
“The commnity said no, the plan commission voted no, our town chairman stood up to support all of the community,” one questioner said. “Is this your pleasant way of saying your ignoring us?”
Here is video of comments given by one of the leaders of the opposition, Jenny Morehouse:
About 50 people attended the forum, including all members of the Wheatland Town Board.
The end of this work week won’t match the beginning at all in temperature.
The summer like temps of Monday and Tuesday are expected to plunge Wednesday, Thursday and Friday into the 50s and low 60s for highs, says the latest, local National Weather Service forecast.
Put those shorts back in the drawer.
Wednesday’s high is expected to reach 57. Same for Thursday. Friday’s high is expected to reach 61.
Temps are expected to recover some over Memorial Day weekend, with the high Saturday at 69, on Sunday at 74, Monday at 74 and Tuesday at 79.
The Paddock Lake Village Board is scheduled to meet Wednesday starting at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall (municipal building).
Agenda items include:
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:
Continue reading →
The Salem Lakes Village Board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, starting at 6 p.m. at Village Hall in Salem.
This meeting also will be livestreamed and available for later viewing here.
Agenda items include:
From Kenosha County Divsion of Highways:
Highway WG (128th Street) will be closed to through traffic between Highway 45 (Bristol Road) and the I-94 West Frontage Road each day beginning Monday, May 18, for a resurfacing project.
The daily closures will run from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Local access to residences will remain.
This work is expected to be completed in mid-June, but the schedule is weather-dependent and subject to change.
Drivers are encouraged to use an alternate east-west route.
The 2026 Kenosha County Veteran of the Year is Bill Hopkins of Silver Lake, Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced Monday
From a county news release:
The award, which debuted in 2025, is presented annually to honor veterans for their achievements and contributions after their time in service.
“For the second year in a row, we received an impressive list of nominations from members of the community,” Kerkman said. “As we reviewed them, while there were many fine contenders for the award, Bill’s many years of service to the community elevated his name to the top of the list. It’s my honor to present this award to him.”
Kerkman will present the award to Hopkins at the annual Veterans Appreciation Summer Picnic, to be held at noon Friday, May 29, at the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park.
Hopkins served 20 years in the Navy, retiring as an E9 Command Master Chief in 1993. During his years in service, he was assigned to numerous posts around the world, including four tours of duty at Naval Station Great Lakes, which is what initially brought him to Kenosha County.
Following his military career, he worked for 22 years before retiring as a Senior Compliance Training Manager at Abbott Laboratories and Hospira.
After moving to Silver Lake in 1989, he became deeply involved in the community, serving as President of the Riverview School Board, an elected trustee on the Silver Lake and Salem Lakes Village Boards, a member of the Community Library Board, and numerous other boards and commissions. He was also a 12-year volunteer member of the Silver Lake Fire Department.
During the 2017 severe floods along the Fox River, Hopkins and one of his sons drove around the area for several days, helping residents by handing out bottled water, cleaning supplies and decontaminating hundreds of wells.
“It’s just a matter of helping people,” Hopkins said, of his philosophy of community service. “I like working with people. I like working with kids, in particular. I like helping out when I can help. I look at it from that perspective.”
In addition to his work in government and the fire service, Hopkins has served on the Silver Lake Dive and Recovery Team as a diver, coaches football at Wilmot Union High School, coached baseball with Lakeland Little League, and coached youth in soccer, softball, and tee ball.
He is a current member of the Kenosha County Civil Service Commission and serves as Chairman of the Salem Lakes Fire Commission.
“Mr. Hopkins’ life has wholeheartedly been dedicated to public service,” said Kenosha County Veterans Services Director Jennifer Blasi. “It is a rare person who takes the time and effort to make such an impact among so many people and organizations. He is an inspiration.”
Hopkins’ son, Brian, nominated him for the Veteran of the Year Award, writing that his father “has a servant leader’s heart and is always putting his family and the community first.”
“My dad’s commitment to his fellow veterans and the community is evident in everything he does,” Brian Hopkins wrote. “As a role model and mentor, he is a trusted friend to veterans and a guiding influence for young adults considering military service, always offering support, wisdom, and encouragement.”
Hopkins and his wife, Susie, have four adult children: Billy, Emily (Jon), Danny (Becca) and Brian (Miriam). They have four grandchildren and two more on the way.
As for his motivation to lead and serve, Hopkins said: “I think for me, I learned a lot of the work ethic from my dad, and my family. The military definitely brought the chain of command and integrity to the table, and then, lastly, I think it’s just a matter of putting your best foot forward and doing the best things you can to the best of your ability.”
The Veterans Appreciation Picnic now in its third year, will be held at noon Friday, May 29, at the Kenosha County
Veterans Memorial Park, located west of Highway KD and north of Highway F in Randall and Wheatland. The picnic will be held in the Veterans Honor Plaza, which is accessible from the Karow Court entrance off Highway F (Bassett Road), just west of Highway KD (352nd Avenue). Free round-trip transportation to the park from Festival Foods, 3207 80th St., in Kenosha will be offered courtesy of Dousman Transport Co., as space allows. Registration for the picnic is not required, but those who would like transportation are asked to contact the county Veterans Service Office at 262-605-6690 or email Veterans.Services@kenoshacountywi.gov.
The Twin Lakes Village Board is scheduled to meet Monday, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall.
Agenda items include:
A fire-rescue department study commissioned by a grant received by Randall with the cooperation of Wheatland and Twin Lakes sees that area 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.
That scenario would eliminate the two current Town of Randall Fire Department stations in Powers Lake and Bassett. The Bassett station 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 Department.
The study was presented to the public at a meeting of the municipal boards Tuesday evening at Randall School.
The 98-page study was performed by consulting firm Public Administration Associates LLC. It was funded by a $75,000 grant obtained by Randall, said town Chairman Mark Nordigian. Randall conferred with Wheatland and Twin Lakes to gauge interest in the study if Randall was awarded the grant.
Each of the three municipalities currently have their own fire department. Randall and Wheatland contract with Twin Lakes Rscue for EMS services,
The consultants were asked to look at developing the best model for covering the about 12,959 residents in the 56 square miles of Twin Lakes, Randall and Wheatland, Nordigian said.
“What we were looking for was the ideal, and we have to pare back from there,” Nordigian said.
The study includes sections on the history of each municipality and the fire departments. It also addresses rising costs for fire and EMS services and other future challenges of staffing and personnel availability and service expectations from the public.
The consolidated department envisioned by the study could be operated for about $81,000 less per year than current combined operating expenses, the report estimates. The largest chunks of those savings and ongoing savings come from eliminating equipment redundancy and not having to continue to maintain and replace that equipment. Consultants Tuesday said the cost for each municipality is similar to what is currently paid for fire and emergency medical service.
Advantages of a consolidated department listed in the study include:
Disdvantages of a consolidated department listed in the study include:
“The first step is to look at this and say is this something we’d like to pursue?” David Bretl of PPA said of the three local municipalities. “There has to be something for everybody. This isn’t the end or or be all tonight, This is a recommendation that we think a consolidated service would be good for you.”
Nordigian said he sees discussion by the individual boards as the next step. He urged interested citizens to keep an eye out for the item to be on meeting agendas,
Via the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office:
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:
Continue reading →
The Twin Lakes Area Chamber & Business Association Car Show & Business Showcase on Main took place in downtown Twin Lakes Saturday.
The event enjoyed warn and clear weather after a stormy overnight.
Those attending saw a record 151 car entries. There also were booths from local businesses and organizations.
Here are some more photos from the event:
Continue reading →At about 3:15 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash in the 11900 block of 232nd Avenue in Trevor.
Per dispatch: Single motorcycle involved. Injuries being reported.
Note: This is a paid announcement from Twin Lakes Area Chamber & Business Association — DH
The Twin Lakes Ara Chamber and Business Association’s Car Show and Business in the Park returns to downtown Twin Lakes on May 16.
This isn’t just a car show… it’s a full community experience.
What to expect:
• A lineup of eye-catching classic, custom, and modern cars
• Local Business in the Park vendors showcasing what makes our community amazing
• Shopping, strolling, and connecting with local businesses
• Food vendors & sweet treats
• Family-friendly vibes and small-town fun
• A perfect kickoff to the weekend
Vendors: Local businesses, makers, and organizations will be set up throughout the park — a great chance to shop small, learn about local services, and support the community all in one place.
Car lovers: Whether you’re bringing a car or just coming to admire them, you’ll love the atmosphere, the stories behind the vehicles, and the pride owners bring to the show.
Business in the Park and Car Show is open to the public free to attend. Starting time is 10 a.m. Mark your calendar, invite your friends, and plan to spend your day soaking up everything local.
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:
Continue reading →
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.
Note: The following is a paid announcement from Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital — DH
Paddock Lake Village Board is scheduled to hold a committee of the whole meeting Wednesday, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall.
Formal action is not taken at committee of the whole meetings, which are for discussion of issues.
Agenda items include:
The company behind a proposal to build a battery energy storage system facility in Wheatland is back with a community forum next week.
Robin Energy Storage has announced it will host a host a community forum on Tuesday, May 19 from 6 to 8 p.m,. at the Kenosha County Center, Highway 50 and 45 in Bristol.
“The event will be a moderated discussion with our team, which will include Q&A from the audience,” said a project spokesperson. “We’ve brought in specialists with real world experience in topics like safety and groundwater, which have been raised by residents in meetings and online. The evening will provide a forum where community members can hear about the technology and ask follow-up questions.”
A proposal by Robin Energy Battery Storage was rejected by the Wheatland Plan Commission in January and later withdrawn by the company. Community response was strong with several meetings that packed Town Hall to overflowing with virtually all citizen comments opposed to the project. Concerns raised included fire hazards and groundwater and air pollution in case of accidents.
Asked what was prompting the new forum and if there is a new initiative underway to get approval for this project the spokesman said “The project remains committed to sharing information and working towards a path forward in Wheatland and believes a community forum is a step in that direction.”
Robin Energy Storage proposed a battery energy storage system facility located on approximately 12 acres within an approximately 19-acre tract of land east of 392nd Avenue and north of Highway 50 in Wheatland in the rejected and withdrawn project. The site is especially apt, Robin representatives said, because it is adjacent to an existing electrical substation.
Robin had offered the town through a Joint Development Agreement $8.6 million across the 20-year life of the project, according to Robin documents submitted to Kenosha County planning.
Opponents of the project have pushed the town to pass a strict ordinance governing such facilities.
News from Kenosha Lens
