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 →Nine sworn in for Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue
Nine new members were sworn in for Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue at Tuesday’s Village Board meeting.
The oath was conducted by village Clerk Sara Spencer and followed a pinning ceremony where each new member had their badge placed on their uniform by a family member.
Sworn in were:
- Rhonda Baumann
- Jason Caira
- Matthew Christopherson
- Eduardo Cruz-Cisneros
- Devin Godager
- James Kirby
- Brian Nielsen
- Charles Ross
- Elizabeth Saftig
“This has been a kind of a milestone coming ,” Chief Alan Carr said in his remarks delivered before the pinning ceremony. “This ceremony marks more than the swearing in of firefighters. It marks the next chapter in our department’s story, a story built on professionalism, integrity and pride of service.”
Here is video of the chief’s remarks:
Here is video of the swearing in ceremony:
Following are photos of each of the new members being pinned:
Continue reading →Highway C blocked for crash
At about 6:38 a.m., traffic is blocked in both directions in approximately the 27700 block of Highway C for a crash.
A report we received from someone near the scene is that a car may be off the road and is now being removed.
UPDATE 6:43 a.m. – Salem Lakes Fire/Recue units are clearing the scene.
UPDATE about 6:46 p.m. — Road re-opened to traffic.
Agenda: Paddock Lake Village Board committee of the whole meeting Oct. 8, 2025
The Paddock Lake Village Board is scheduled to hold a committee of the whole meeting Wednesday, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall (municipal building).
Committee of the whole meetings are for discussion only. No formal action is taken at committee of the whole meetings.
Agenda items include:
- Voluntary attachment of property from Salem Lakes to Paddock Lake: 26313 75th Street
- Repeal and Recreation of Village Building Permit Fee Schedule
- Repeal and Recreation of Boat Launch Fees
Agenda: Randall Town Board meeting Oct. 8, 2025
The Randall Town Board is scheduled to meet Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Town Hall in Bassett.
Agenda items include:
- ICE Enterprises contract, discussion, consideration, and action if any.
- Process to modify the impact fee use. Discussion, consideration, and action if any.
- Pier and shore rack policies and leases. Discussion, consideration, and action if any.
- DNR launch, discussion, consideration, and action if any.
2025 Western Kenosha County Historical Society Fall Fest coverage (PHOTOS & VIDEO)
Sunday afternoon, the Western Kenosha County Historical Society held their annual Fall Fest at Miller Park, 25905 114th St., Trevor. Salem Lakes Community Library brought local historical materials to look at. Live Music played through the afternoon. Hot dogs, chips, roasted sweetcorn, popcorn, and beverages were available to purchase. Other amusements included tractors, a visit from Salem Lakes Fire, and a bouncy house.
They are using a 1925 Fairbanks running the corn sheller, from late 30’s early 40’s. A 1940’s Fairbanks ZD salt block engine is running the corn grinder. The end result is chicken food.
A word from our sponsors: St. Alphonsus Fall Fest and Turkey Dinner is Oct. 19
Note: The following is a paid announcement from St. Alphonsus Parish — DH
St. Alphonsus Parish in New Munster will host its Fall Fest and Turkey Dinner Oct. 19. It is the church’s 98th annual event.
Turkey dinner with all the fixings will be served from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., or until all is gone. Meals are $15 each.
Indoor seating in the parish center and carry-outs will be available.
The event also will include: Raffles, Ladies Booth, baked goods, silent auction, meat raffle and 10x raffle,.
Sweets (& Things) Auction will start at 4 p.m. This is a super fun event to participate in
Packers game will be broadcast.
St. Alphonsus is located at 6211 344th Ave., New, Munster.
2025 Wilmot UHS Go Gold Game Oct. 10 to benefit Sarah Hoffman
Wilmot Union High School will host its Go Gold Game this Friday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. — an annual event dedicated to raising awareness for cancer and supporting those affected by it.
Each year, all proceeds from the Go Gold Game go directly to a local family or charity impacted by cancer.
This year’s recipient is Sarah Hoffman, a mother of a 6th-grade Jr. Panthers football player who is courageously battling brain cancer.
Fans can show their support by purchasing Go Gold T-shirts, hoodies, and fun spirit items including thunder sticks, bead necklaces, sunglasses, tattoos, bubble wands, and hand clappers.
There will also be raffle baskets, a 50/50 raffle, and a Miracle Minute.
All proceeds from these sales and fundraisers will go directly to the Hoffman Family.
A designated speaker will share remarks on the football field Friday night on behalf of the family.
A word from our sponsors: Come to H&R Block Paddock Lake, Twin Lakes or Genoa City for help filing for taxes before Oct. 15 deadline
Note: This is a paid announcement from H&R Block Paddock Lake, Twin Lakes, Genoa City — DH
It’s that time of year if you haven’t filed your taxes yet for 2024, the tax extension deadline of OCTOBER 15th is rapidly approaching!
If you need to file, contact one of our local H&R Block offices in Paddock Lake, Twin Lakes or Genoa City to get them done. Our Tax Preparers are in our offices YEAR-ROUND and eagerly awaiting your call. Our Tax Preparers are leaders in the industry with top notch knowledge and expertise to not only get your taxes prepared quickly and efficiently, but
correctly as well, the first time! Don’t delay, call today!
Paddock Lake 262-843-3557
Twin Lakes 262-877-2505
Genoa City 262-279-0509
Agenda: Salem Lakes Village Board meeting Oct. 7, 2025
The Salem Lakes Village Board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, starting at 6 pm. at Village Hall in Salem.
Agenda items include:
- Pond/Wetland Update – Vince Mosca, Hey and Associates
- Swearing in of Fire Department personnel
- Ordinance 2025.09-102 an ordinance repealing and recreating Chapter 490-30.4 of the Municipal Zoning Code of the Village of Salem Lakes relating to Planned Unit Development Overlay District.
- Ordinance 2025.10-104, an Ordinance amending the adopted Land Use Plan maps for the Village of Salem Lakes (Maps 23, 24 & 25) from “R-8 Medium-Density Urban Residential” to “HC Highway Business Corridor” and “R-9 High-Density Urban Residential” on Tax Parcels 70-4-120-104-0900 & 70-4-120-104-0910 & 70-4-120-104-0920. For informational purposes only, these parcels are located on the Northwest corner of the intersection of 85th Place and STH ‘83’
- Ordinance 2025.10-105, an Ordinance rezoning Tax Parcels #70-4-120-104-0910 & 70-4-210-104-0920 & 70-4-120-104-0900 from (M-1) Limited Manufacturing District & (R-8) Urban Two-Family Residential District to (B-3) Highway Business District & (R-11) MultipleFamily Residential District. For informational purposes only, these parcels are located on the Northwest corner of the intersection of 85th Place and STH ‘83’.
- Addition of a full-time Court Clerk/Administrative Assistant to Village Hall staff 13.2. Wage increase for Public Works Administrative Assistant, Kristin Stone from $24.15/hourly to $28.00/salary
- Fire Chief recruitment update and closure
- Salary compensation for Brad Zautcke & Sara Spencer for performing duties of Interim Administrator.
- The potential sale of Silver Lake Village Hall and Fire/Rescue building, 113 S First Street, Silver Lake, WI.
- Closed session for : The sale of the Silver Lake Village Hall and Fire/Rescue building, 113 S. First Street, Silver Lake; y the sale of 10335 278th Ave., Salem; the 2026 Teamsters Local Union No 200 contract.
Paddock Lake Lions Club spaghetti dinner fundraiser is Oct. 6
Note: The following is a paid announcement from the Paddock Lake Area Lions Club — DH
Rain Monday, then cooler
Rain. Remember rain? Wet stuff, falls from the sky.
Looks like we will get reacquainted with rain Monday and maybe a little bit Tuesday. The latest, local National Weather Service forecast is calling for rain Monday afternoon, most likely between 4 and 7 p.m. and then again between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. early Tuesday morning. A thunderstorm is possible too, mostly between 3 and 7 p.m.
Then it’s going to cool off. The summer like high temperatures we’ve been enjoying are going to cool off about 20 degrees or so starting Tuesday to be in the mid 60s, until perhaps warming into the 70s over the weekend.
There’s no chance of more rain at this point through Sunday.
Agenda: Twin Lakes Village Board committee of the whole and special joint meeting with plan commission Oct. 5, 2025
The Twin Lakes Village Board is scheduled to hold a committee of the whole meeting and special joint meeting with the village Plan Commission on Monday at Village Hall.
The committee of the whole meeting is first, starting at 6:30 p.m. Agenda items include:
- Discussion regarding removing Building Department inspections from Short-Term Rentals and adding that a
Fire Emergency Plan is needed for fire inspections. - Discussion regarding election inspector pay, including results from the City of Kenosha poll worker compensation study.
- Discussion regarding a Certified Survey Map for Philip Diedrich, Productions Unlimited LLC, parcels 86-4-119-311-1000 and 86-4-119-293-3300
- Discussion regarding a Condominium Plat Addendum for John Economou, 202 E. Main St. Parcels 85-4-119-211-3525, 85-4-119-211-3535, 85-4-119-211-3541.
- Discussion regarding increasing part-time dispatch staff from 4 employees to 8 employees.
- Discussion regarding appointing Christine Martin to the Park Board.
- Budget Workshop #2.
The full committee of the whole agenda and packet is available here.
The joint special board meeting with the Plan Commission will start after the committee of the whole meeting.
The Commission will first consider the following: Discussion and possible action by the Plan Commission regarding R2025-10-1 Determining that the 5th Amendment to the Planned Unit Development Agreement Submitted by Thelen Sand and Gravel, Inc. Does Not Constitute a Substantial Alteration and Approving the Same.
Then the Plan commission will adjourn and the Village Board will consider the same item.
Other Village Board items on the agenda are:
- Discussion and possible action regarding a quote from Stark Pavement Corp for paving Waldeck Dr.
- Closed session for considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public
employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility, specifically related to compensation related to specific Village Employees.
The full joint Village Board/Plan Commission meeting agenda is available here.
A word from our sponsors: Oct. 5, 2025 open houses from Bear Realty’s Glenda and Butch Dupons
Note: Glenda and Butch Dupons, of Bear Realty, are westofthei.com sponsors. This is a paid announcement — DH
Here are open houses being hosted today by Glenda and Butch Dupons, of Bear Realty:
Deaths Oct. 4, 2025: Scott M. Szczesny,
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 →A word from our sponsors: Oct. 4, 2025 open houses from Bear Realty’s Glenda and Butch Dupons
Note: Glenda and Butch Dupons, of Bear Realty, are westofthei.com sponsors. This is a paid announcement — DH
Here are open houses being hosted today by Glenda and Butch Dupons, of Bear Realty:
A word from our sponsors: Western Kenosha County Historical Society Fall Fest is Oct. 5
Note: The following is a paid announcement from the Western Kenosha County Historical Society — DH
UPDATE: Man stuck to his shoulders rescued from grain bin in Paris
A man trapped up to his shoulders in a grain silo in Paris this morning was rescued with minor injuries after a multiple fire and rescue department response.
From a news release from the Kenosha County Sheriff’s office:
On Friday, October 3rd, 2025, at approximately 7:45 A.M., the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office (KESO), along with Fire and Rescue agencies from the Town of Paris, Village of Somers, Village of Salem Lakes, Village of Bristol, Village of Pleasant Prairie, Town of Wheatland, Town of Randall, Kansasville, South Shore, City of Kenosha, City of Racine, Village of Rochester, Town of Newport (IL), Gurnee (IL), along with the Kenosha County Specialized Rescue Team, the Racine Fire Bells and Flight for Life responded to a farm located at 3317-169th Avenue in the Town of Paris, Kenosha County, regarding a report of a 65-year-old man who had become stuck in soybeans while inspecting the auger on the interior of a silo. After attempting calls multiple times over approximately 15 minutes, the individual was able to get a signal and used his cell phone to alert a family member, who then contacted 911. KESO supervisors and deputies were on the scene within minutes of the 911 call. Firefighters, using specialized rappelling recovery equipment, accessed the 20-foot-tall silo, which was approximately one-third full of soybeans, to execute the rescue. An emergency wall had to be constructed around the man who was stuck up to his neck and shoulders. The soybeans were then carefully vacuumed out before a harness could be placed on him. He was then carefully winched out through the top of the silo. The man was able to be extracted from the soybeans and free from the silo at approximately 9:45 A.M. He was transported to a local hospital with what appeared to be minor injuries and is doing well. Sheriff David Zoerner would like to thank all the agencies for their professionalism and precision in the rescue efforts, which led to a successful outcome of what could have been a tragic event. Nothing further will be released at this time.
Here is our original reporting on the incident.
Here is a Facebook post from Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue that includes some photos of the rescue:
Wheatland Vol. Fire Department pancake breakfast is Oct. 5
The Wheatland Vol. Fire Department pancake breakfast is Sunday, Oct. 5 from 7-11 a.m. at the firehouse in New Munster.
There will be raffles, fire trucks on display and breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee, milk and orange juice.
All donations go to training and equipment.
The Wheatland FD firehouse is located at 34011 Geneva Road, New Munster.
Units responding to crash at Kenosha-Walworth county line
At about 10:10 a.m., Wheatland Vol Fire Department, Town of Randall Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units are responding to the 40700 block of Highway 50 near the Walworth-Kenosha County line.
Per dispatch: Crash observed by county highways crew. Vehicle swerved and hit signs. Crew administering CPR.
UPDATE about 10:13 a.m. — Incident is in Walworth County. Kenosha County fire Rescue units released from responding.
A word from our sponsors: Washburn Lodge #145 grilled pork chop dinner Oct. 4; Matthias Academy to benefit
Note: This is a paid announcement from Washburn Lodge #145 — DH
Units responding for rescue in Paris
At about 7:50 a.m., the Kenosha County Specialized Rescue Team is responding for a rescue in the 3300 block of 169th Avenue in Paris.
Per radio transmissions: Person is trapped in a grain bin. Sheriff’s deputies on the scene.
UPDATE about 8:03 a.m. — Paris command activates MABAS box alarm for technical rescue-confined space. Additional response requested from Town of Randall Fire Department, Kenosha Fire Department, Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue, Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue, Newport Fire Protection District and Gurnee (Ill.) Fire Department.
UPDATE 8:11 a.m. — Response requested from Flight for Life medical transport helicopter.
UPDATE 8:27 a.m..– Flight helicopter on the ground at the local landing zone.
UPDATE 9:45 a.m. — Paris command reports patient free of material, but still in the bin.
UPDATE 9:46 p.m. — Paris command reports patient out of the bin.
UPDATE about 9:51 a.m. — Flight released by Paris command.
UPDATE about 10:40 a.m. — Paris command releases all units on scene and change of quarters
UPDATE about 2:10 p.m — Man rescued from bin is doing well. More details here,
Units responding for crash in Salem
At about 6:25 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash in the 22300 block of 83rd Place in Salem.
Deaths Oct. 2, 2025: Margaret E. Leimüller
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 →A word from our sponsors: Now is the time to visit Hafs Road Orchard
Note: This is a paid announcement from Hafs Road Orchard — DH
Fall is the time to visit Hafs Road Orchard.
2024 marks owners Richard and Deborah Polansky’s 43rd year of growing apples at Hafs Road Orchard.
The orchard store is bursting with fresh apples for eating, cakes, pies, apple sauce, salads and crisps.
Pie and sauce bags and pumpkins are ready now. Hafs Road Orchard’s famous macrame hangers for pumpkins and gourds are available in 3 sizes. They add a distinctive touch to your autumn display.
Caramel apples made with Honeycrisp and coated with peanuts, pecans or sprinkles continue to delight.
Hafs Road Orchard is again using its outdoors selling area.
Hafs Road Orchard is open through Thanksgiving. Check here for hours.
Honeycrisp are a delicious, healthy holiday gift.
Hafs Road Orchard is conveniently located just 7 miles east of Lake Geneva at W632 Hafs Road, Genoa City.
Local fire department responding for mutual aid to Kansasville Fire and Rescue
At about 1:03 p.m., Paris Fire and Rescue is responding for mutual aid to Kansasville Fire and Rescue at Highways 45 and KR.
Per dispatch: This is for a crash with injuries.
UPDATE 1:23 p.m. — Paris units returning to quarters. Kansasville remaining on scene.
Units responding for fire in Wheatland
At about 12:58 p.m., Wheatland Vol Fire Department, Town of Randall Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units and a sheriff’s deputyare responding to a fire in the 4700 block of 368th Avenue in Wheatland.
Per dispatch: Reported by firefighter who says fire looks like it was a burn pile that got out of control. May be an acre in size. No structures nearby.
UPDATE 1:20 p.m. -‐ Wheatland command reports fire is contained. Units on scene will continue to work the fire.
Units responding for an alarm in Paris
At about 7:40 a.m., Paris Fire and Rescue units are responding to an alarm in the 400 block of 172nd Avenue in Paris.
Per dispatch: This alarm is at a solar energy facility.
UPDATE 7:45 a.m. — Paris chief on the scene confirms this is a false alarm.
Garage sales page updated
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.
Sponsored post: Paddock Lake Area Lions Club Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser is Oct. 6
Note: The following is a paid announcement from Paddock Lake Area Lions Club — DH
