West of the I

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.

Old Settlers County Park Beach is closed to swimming and Hooker Lake boat launch under a swim caution after testing by Kenosha County showed elevated E.coli levels at those locations.

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.

The results from Monday that prompted the closure and caution were:

Old Settlers County Park Beach — 1120.0 E.coli/100 mL.

Hooker Lake boat launch — 727.0 E.coli/100 mL.

Results from testing this week by Kenosha County (except where noted) are:

Salem Lakes – Silver Lake County Park beach 55 E.coli/100 mL; DeWitt Park on Silver Lake 3 E.coli/100mL; Lake Shangri-la 220th Ct. 153 E.coli/100 mL; Center Lake 11 E.coli/100 mL; Rock Lake 73 E.coli/100 mL; Camp Lake 27 E.coli/100 mL

Paddock Lake — Old Settlers County Park beach 1120 E.coli/100 mL; Hooker Lake launch 727 E.coli/100 mL; Hoag Park 60 E.coli/100 mL; North Shore Association 31 E.coli/100 mL; PHLA beach 70 E.coli/100mL; PHLA diving board 22 E.coli/100 mL.

Wheatland — Lilly Lake 19 E.coli/100 mL.

Twin Lakes — Lance Park on Lake Mary 166 E.coli/100mL

Randall (reported by the District of Powers Lake) — Powers Lake Beach 22 E.coli/100mL

The National Weather Service has extended its extreme heat warning.

The warning is now set to be in effect until Wednesday at 7 p.m.

The weather for Tuesday and Wednesday is very similar to what we all experienced Monday, says the latest, local NWS forecast. High temperatures in the mid 90s. Heat index values about 105. Lows about 77.

Temperatures are expected to continue to be high Thursday, but there is a chance of rain, especially Thursday night.

High temps may only be in the 80s Friday through Monday.

The Paddock Lake Area Lions Club is holding a diaper drive (all sizes) and wipes for One Hope, which provides foster parents with many needs associated with fostering. 

For more information on their needs contact them at onehopeunited.org.

A Collection bin is located at Walgreens at the corner of Highways 83 and 50 in Paddock Lake through mid July.  Donations can also be brought to Old Settlers Park during Rhythm on the Lake on Thursdays, where the Lions are providing the concessions.

The Paddock Lake Area Lions Club works to raise funds and support many area needs as well as well as state and regional efforts.  For more information about the Paddock Lake Area Lions  call Lion Donna Deuster at 262-332-0023.

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:

There are designated cooling centers that local people can access during this extremely hot weather.

Here are Western Kenosha County locations:

• Bristol Village Hall, 19801 83rd St., Bristol 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. M-F. Call 262-857-2368 or 262-857-2711 for weekend hours.
• Randall Town Hall, 34530 Bassett Road, Bassett, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-Th.
• Twin Lakes Village Hall, 105 E. Main St., Twin Lakes, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. M-F.
• Kenosha County Center, Highways 45 & 50, Bristol, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. M-F.
• Twin Lakes Community Library, 110 S. Lake Ave., Twin Lakes, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. M-Th., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. F-Sa.
• Salem Community Library, 24615 89th St., Salem, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. M-Th., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. F-Sa.
• The Sharing Center, 25700 Wilmot Road, Trevor, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mon.-Fri. (closed Th.)

Some locations may be closed for holidays or other reasons.

Here is a list of all sites countywide.

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 heat wave has begun and for emphasis the National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for southern Wisconsin including Kenosha County.

The warning will go into effect at noon Monday and is scheduled to stay in effect until 7 p.m., Tuesday.

The high temperature is expected to reach 94 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the latest, local NWS forecast says. Heat index values as high as 105 care expected Monday and Tuesday.

Low temperatures are expected to be in the 70s through Friday night.

Precautionary steps in the warning text include: “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.”

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!

At about 11:14 a.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue and Kenosha Fire Department units and law enforcement are responding to a crash in the 14400 block of Highway 50 along the Bristol-Kenosha border.