West of the I

Both local high schools — who each have their homecoming activities this week — will use different routes than usual for their homecoming parades this year.

Here are the details:

Westosha Central High School parade, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 5 p.m.

Westosha Central’s new route will all be all south of Highway 50 and mostly on 248th Avenue. The parade will start at 248th Avenue and 74th Street and continue north until 66th Street. There it will circle a block and then double back on the southbound side of the 248th Avenue boulevard. Staging for the parade will mostly be on 74th Street.

School officials say the route change is designed to have less impact on residents and local traffic and address the front of the parade catching up to the end of the parade, which has happened in recent years. Spectators are asked to use 248th’s grass median to view the parade to lessen disruption of residential yards and driveways,

The pep rally will take place in the football stadium after the parade.

Here’s a map of the Westosha Central parade map from the school:

Wilmot Union High School parade, Friday Oct. 2, 5 p.m.

Wilmot is adjusting this year its route with road construction taking up part of the typical route,. The parade will start at the corner of 308th Avenue and 111th Street and go south one block to 112th Street and turn east, cross Fox River Road (Highway W) and continue east to 306th Avenue, where it will turn north. It will continue for one block to 111th Street where it will turn west and continue to Fox River Road where it will turn north, ending at the fairgrounds exit.

People who are participating in the parade are asked to park in the student lot along Highway W. Staging will be on the fairgrounds.

Here is a map from the school’s Facebook page:

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 Bristol Village Board is scheduled to meet Monday, starting at 7 p.m. at Village Hall.

Agenda items include:

• Plan Amendment to include the UD-1 and UD-3 Trail Feasibility Study and Village Pedestrian Plan & Shared-Use Path Plan as appendices to the Bristol 2050 Land Use Plan.
• Consider approval of the Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 7 to A.W. Oakes & Son, Inc. for the Industrial Park Watermain Relay.
• Discuss and consider approval of a proposal for the fence around the pickle ball court and garbage containers at Hansen Park.
• Discuss and consider for approval of the contract with Kerber Rose SC for audit services.

The full agenda and some packet information is available here.

The Wilmot Union High School District annual meeting and a board meeting are scheduled for Monday in the school library.

The annual meeting is first at 5:30 p.m. Agenda items include:

• Treasurer’s Report
• Vote annual salaries for School Board Members: Now as follows: President $2,800.00, Vice President $2,500.00, Clerk $2,700.00, Treasurer $2,500.00, all other members $2,500.00, Committee members $220.00.
• Budget presentation and hearing.
• Adoption of tax levy as follows: Operation Tax Levy Fund 10 $8,852,697; Referendum Approved Debt Fund 39 $2,343,365; Community Service Fund Levy Fund 80 $180,000; Total Levy $11,376,062

The full annual meeting agenda is available here,

The regular meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Agenda items include:

• Update on Standards Based Grading Practices
• District Profile Information

The full regular meeting agenda is available here.

The Wheatland Town Board is scheduled to meet Monday starting at 6 p.m. at Town Hall in New Munster.

Agenda items include:

• Innovation Grant discussion continuation
• Credit Card Processing discussion
• Continued Camera discussion
• Closed session for employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation. data of a public employee,
  including review of employee status and employment-related considerations.

The full agenda is available here.

At about 2:45 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash at Highway 83 at Highway JF in Trevor.

Per dispatch: Two vehicles involved. Scene is blocking traffic.

Note: The following is a paid announcement from Washburn Lodge #145 — DH

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 Paddock Lake Area Lions Club will host a free Community Picnic on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at Old Settlers Park in Paddock Lake from 5 to 7 pm.

Bratwurst , hot dogs, sides and beverages will be provided, but the club needs to know your coming with your family, or just you.  Please call Donna at 263-332-0023 with your count so the club can provide enough food and fixings for everyone.

Some fun and games and an impromptu bags tournament ae planned.  Picnic tables are  available, but you can also bring your own lawn chairs.

This event is open to all ages, from kids, younger adults, families, retirees, veterans and more.  Past Lion members come on out and share your lion experiences.

Any questions or to leave your reservation please call Lion Donna at 262-332-0023.

The Wilmot Union football program will be hosting its annual  “Kick Out Cancer” Game, an event dedicated to bringing the football family and community together to support a local family affected by cancer. 

This year, 100 percent of the proceeds from the event will go directly to Janelle Vera, who is courageously battling colon and liver cancer. Janelle is a mother of a 6th-grade Junior Panther, the wife of a Junior Panthers coach, and the mother of a former high school football player. Her family has been an active and valued part of the football community for years. They have volunteered their time and energy to support players, programs and local youth, and now the community has the opportunity to give that support back to them.

The Kick Out Cancer Game is more than just a football game. It is an opportunity for players, coaches, families, friends and community members to come together, show Janelle and her family that they are not facing this battle alone. 

The game will be held on Oct. 2 (also homecoming game).  Fans can show their support by purchasing Kick out Cancer hoodies and T-shirts.  There will also be raffle baskets, 50/50, and a Miracle Minute.

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:

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.

A woman died in a crash in Bristol Tuesday morning, the Kenosha County Sheriff’s reports.

The woman’s name is not being released pending notification of family.

From a KSOE news release:

Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and personnel from Bristol Fire and Prairie Fire responded to a three-vehicle crash in the 21200 block of County Highway C (Wilmot Road) at 5:21 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026.

The preliminary investigation indicates a Chevrolet HHR driven by a 19-year-old man from Genoa City, Wisconsin, was traveling east on County Highway C when it crossed the centerline and sideswiped a westbound vehicle. The HHR then collided head-on with another westbound vehicle, a Chevrolet Impala driven by a 46-year-old woman from Ingleside, Illinois. The two vehicles involved in the head-on collision came to rest in the westbound lanes.

Both drivers were trapped in their vehicles and had to be extricated by rescue personnel. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The man was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries and is cooperating with investigators.

The driver of the vehicle that was sideswiped was not injured and provided a witness statement.

The joint agency Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) responded to investigate the crash. The Kenosha County Medical Examiner’s Office also responded to the scene.

The woman’s name is being withheld pending notification of her family.

“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the woman who lost her life in this tragic crash,” Sheriff David Zoerner said. “I want to thank the deputies, firefighters and rescue personnel who responded to this difficult scene. We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding this crash.”

The roadway was reopened at 10:00 a.m.

The crash remains under investigation.

Related posts

Units responding for crash in Bristol

At about 11:42 a.m., Wheatland Vol. Fire Department, Town of Randall Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue are responding for a report of a fire in the 3300 block of Highway W in Wheatland.

Per dispatch: Callers reporting a wood chipper with a wheel on fire.

At about 5:25 a.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash on Highway C in the vicinity of Highway 45 in Bristol.

UPDATE about 5:30 a.m. — Unit arriving on scene reports vehicles with heavy damage. Response from Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue with an engine requested.

UPDATE 5:33 a.m. — Bristol command confirms two vehicles and two injured people.

UPDATE 5:35 a.m. — Response from Flight for Life medical transport helicopter requested.

UPDATE 5:39 a.m. — Flight for Life response canceled by Bristol command.

UPDATE — One of the drivers died at the scene. More information here.

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

Agenda items include:

• Acceptance of Gifts: Wilmot Education Foundation $8,000 towards the Leader In Me School Store and $18,062.51 towards future playground updates; Uline – Raffle Items for the Spooktacular; River Ridge Church Car Wash Donation $882 – Pastor McClain
• Financial Update — Referendum – Predicted Impact Update

The full agenda is available here.

The Paris Town Board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, starting at 6 p.m. at Town Hall.

Agenda items include:

• HCP2 LLC, 1412 136th Ave., Union Grove WI 53182 (Owner), Jason Christensen, 1458 Horizon Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, WI 53406 (Agent), requesting an amendment to the Adopted Land Use Plan map for Kenosha county: 2035 (map 65 of the comprehensive plan) from “Farmland Protection” & “Nonfarmed Wetland” to “Suburban-Density Residential” & “Nonfarmed Wetland” on part of Tax Parcel # 45-4-221-123-0320, located in the southwest ¼ of Section 12, T2N, R21E, Town of Paris. Change would be adopted by ordinance.
• Mark F Neuhaus & Kathy A Jones, 1101 136th Ave., Union Grove, WI 53182; HCP2 LLC, 1412 136th Ave., Union Grove WI 53182 (Owners), Jason Christensen, 1458 Horizon Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, WI 53406 (Agent), requesting a rezoning from A-1 Agricultural Preservation Dist. to A-1 Agricultural Preservation Dist., R-2 Suburban Single-Family Residential Dist., C-1 Lowland Resource Conservancy Dist. & PUD Planned Unit Development Overlay Dist. on Tax Parcel #s 45-4-221-123-0318 & 45-4-221-123-0320, located in the southwest ¼ of Section 12, T2N, R21E, Town of Paris.
• Mark F Neuhaus & Kathy A Jones, 1101 136th Ave., Union Grove, WI 53182; HCP2 LLC, 1412 136th Ave., Union Grove WI 53182, (Owners), Jason Christensen, 1458 Horizon Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, WI 53406 (Agent), requesting a Certified Survey Map on Tax Parcel #s 45-4-221-123-0318 & 45-4-221-123-0320, located in the southwest ¼ of Section 12, T2N, R21E, Town of Paris.
• Action on Fire Department recommendations for false alarm events at the BESS yard.
• Discussion on financing options for the expansion and remodeling of the fire station. g. Acceptance of 30% design by SEH for the Fire Station expansion/remodel.
• Review and possible action on proposal from SEH to amend the contract for design services for the fire station expansion to move past the 30% design threshold. Proposal would be for 100% design and preparation of the bidding documents.

The full agenda is available here.

The next week ahead looks to be a bit cooler and drier than last week, says the latest, local National Weather Service forecast.

High temperatures Monday through Sunday are expected to be in the 60s. Low temps will be in the high 40s to low 50s.

At this point, there’s no chance of rain for that whole period, except for a “slight chance of sprinkles” Tuesday.

At about 11:28 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue, Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue, Paris Fire and Rescue, Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue and Somers Fire and Rescue units are responding to a report of smoke in a building in the 24700 block of Highway 50 in Paddock Lake.

Per dispatch: Smoke reported in a bathroom in a business.

UPDATE 11:36 p.m. — No fire found.

At about 8:09 a.m., sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash in the 18000 block of Highway N in Paris.

UPDATE 8:12 a.m. — Paris Fire and Rescue dispatched to respond to the scene. Deputy on scene reporting there are injuries.

Salem School District is seeking candidates to fill a vacancy on the School Board created by the resignation of a member

Board president Ted Goergen said in an email to westofthei.con that he stepped down due to work responsibilities.

“Essentially, I resigned because shifting professional responsibilities made it difficult for me to provide the time, attention, and support that Salem’s current and future leadership deserves,” Goergen said. “I’m especially proud of the work we did to support our students, establish stronger community partnerships, and strengthen the relationship between the board and staff.”

Goergen had been on the School Board since 2019.

By board policy, Vice President Nick Pauloni has assumed the role of the board president through the 2027 spring election.

The district is currently seeking applicants to fill the Board position. Qualified applicants must reside within the Salem district boundaries and be at least 18 years old.

The board will select a candidate following an interview process. Because the resignation was before the last Tuesday in November, The term of the school board’s appointee will expire as of the fourth Monday in April of 2027. The three-year term will then appear on the ballot in the 2027 spring election.

Applicants should send an email communication with a letter of intent to Nick Pauloni, board president, and Ryan McBurney, superintendent, no later than Oct. 2, at 3 p.m.

Board interviews will be held on Oct. 15, at 5 p.m. The district will send information via email on Oct. 6, to applicants with more details regarding the interviews. The board reserves discretion to narrow the field of potential appointees prior to conducting interviews based on the candidates’ letters of interest.

To submit your candidacy for the vacant position include:

• Name
• Address
• Phone
• Email
• Letter of Interest, including reasons for wanting to serve and any other information you find relevant to serving on the board

Email your information to: Nick Pauloni at nick.pauloni@salem.k12.wi.us and Ryan McBurney at ryan.mcburney@salem.k12.wi.us

For further information, contact McBurney, ryan.mcburney@salem.k12.wi.us, (262) 843-2356, ext. 2720, or administrative assistant Bobbie Hofmann, bobbie.hofmann@salem.k12.wi.us, (262) 843-2356, ext. 2752.

The Twin Lakes Village Board is scheduled to meet Monday, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall.

Agenda items include:

• Discussion and possible action regarding a new animal sheltering service agreement with Wisconsin Humane Society.
• Discussion and possible action regarding the purchase of a crosswalk sign for Lance Drive.
• Discussion and possible action regarding a new roof for the Police Department.
• Budget Workshop #1.
• Closed session the purpose of deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session, specifically to discuss 1) The potential acquisition of three parcels from Kenosha County, identified as Tax Parcel numbers 85-4- 119-214-2300, 85-4-119-214-2305, and 85-4-119-214-2315; 2) A proposal received by the
  Village regarding the potential purchase/buyout of certain cellular tower lease interests associated with the Village-owned property at 920 Lance Drive.

The full agenda and packet information is available here.

From Kenosha County:

Laurens “Dutch” Vellekoop made it home safely. Many others did not. 

Vellekoop, a prisoner of war for 130 days shortly after Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in August 1990, was the featured speaker at a POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony hosted Friday at the Kenosha County Center in Bristol. 

During his time as a POW, Vellekoop recalls, he was subject to daily death threats, political threats, loss of free movement, and attempts to charge him as a spy. He was housed in a 6-by-10-foot supply closet. 

“The daily physical and psychological hardships, poor living conditions, poor diet, were a daily occurrence for my 130 days in captivity, which has had a lasting effect on me,” said Vellekoop, a civilian employee at the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait at the time of his capture. 

In the months and years following his release, Vellekoop struggled to adjust back to life with his young family. But, he said, the help of the Veterans Administration and the Kenosha County Veterans Service Office were invaluable in helping him to turn his life back around. 

“This event today is a representation of the continued support that is still provided to all veterans, prisoners of war, and those still missing in action,” Vellekoop said. 

Local veteran Steve Tindall organized the Friday ceremony, which was hosted by American Legion Post 361 of Wilmot. 

County Executive Samantha Kerkman welcomed attendees to the event, noting, “It’s so important that we not forget this day.” 

“All gave some, some gave all,” Kerkman added. 

Other speakers at the ceremony included Kenosha County Veterans Service Officer Robert Swanson and his Racine County counterpart, Shawn Rivers. 

Tindall — who has worked with Rolling Thunder Chapter 2 Wisconsin to place POW/MIA Honor Chairs on permanent display at the County Center, the Kenosha County Administration Building and Simmons Field — encouraged people to take time to reflect on the day. 

“It’s important for us to remember our POWs and Missing in Action, and even more importantly, their families that they’ve left behind who have suffered along with their capture,” Tindall said. “As you go about your day today, keep that in mind. … And never forget.” 

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 National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Fox River in Western Kenosha County.

The watch is set to take effect at 8:30 p.m., Sunday, and continue until Wednesday at 3 p.m.

The current river forecast calls for flood stage of 11 feet to be exceeded by 1 a.m., Monday, and a crest of 11.9 feet on Monday at 1 p.m.

Steady and sometimes heavy rain is the culprit. Paddock Lake measured 1.9 inches of rain Saturday and 3.1 inches on Sunday as of about 8 a.m., said Tim Popanda, village administrator. That rain caused roadway flooding at 248^th and 67^th Street and at 236^th and 62^nd St., with village staff placing roadway barricades.

MaryAnn Raash has been named the new executive director of The Sharing Center in Trevor.

Raash succeeds Sharon Pomaville, who lead the food pantry and resource center for 15 years. Pomaville announced her intent to retire in early August.

From a Sharing Center news release:

The Sharing Center is pleased to announce the appointment of MaryAnn Raash as its new Executive Director, marking an exciting new chapter for the organization as it continues its mission of serving individuals and families throughout Western Kenosha County.

Raash brings more than 20 years of leadership experience spanning the nonprofit, healthcare and corporate sectors, with an extensive background in organizational growth, fundraising, strategic partnerships, operations and team development.

Most recently, Raash served as the Chief Donor Experience Officer at Shepherds College, where she led donor engagement and advancement efforts, cultivated relationships with individual, corporate and foundation donors, developed partnerships and sponsorships, and supported capital campaign efforts.

Previously, Raash served as Executive Director of GIFTS Men’s Shelter, overseeing fundraising, volunteer management, operations, finance, human resources and community partnerships. During her first year, she increased organizational funding by 150%, while diversifying revenue through grants, foundations, corporate partnerships, churches and individual donors. She also strengthened employee retention and increased volunteer engagement and retention by 20% in six months.

Her extensive fundraising experience also includes serving as Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships for the American Cancer Society, where she generated more than $20 million in corporate and philanthropic revenue, developed partnerships with Fortune 500 companies and Wisconsin professional sports organizations, and helped establish the CEOs Against Cancer initiative supporting a $10 million fundraising effort.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome MaryAnn to The Sharing Center,” said Lisa Howe, President of The Sharing Center Board of Directors. “Throughout our search, we were looking for more than someone who could simply manage the organization. We wanted a strong leader who could inspire our team, build relationships throughout the community and help us grow so that we can serve even more of our neighbors. MaryAnn’s experience, energy and passion really stood out to us.”

A Message from MaryAnn:

“I am truly honored and humbled to have the opportunity to lead The Sharing Center. What drew me to this organization is its deep commitment to meeting people where they are and helping individuals and families navigate some of the most difficult seasons of their lives. I am excited to listen, learn and build relationships – with our team, volunteers, donors, community partners and, most importantly, the individuals and families we serve. My hope
is to build on the strong foundation already in place while looking for new opportunities to strengthen our organization and expand our impact throughout Western Kenosha County.” — MaryAnn Raash, Executive Director

About The Sharing Center

The Sharing Center serves individuals and families throughout Western Kenosha County by providing
essential resources and support to neighbors facing food insecurity, housing instability, financial
hardship and other critical needs. Through the generosity of donors, volunteers, businesses and
community partners, The Sharing Center works every day to strengthen the community and help
neighbors through times of need.