West of the I

The Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated School Battle of the Books team recently competed in the Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association’s state Battle of the Books contest.

The team achieved an impressive accomplishment by finishing 15th place in the state of Wisconsin out of 235 teams in this year’s competition.

The team consisted of 6th Graders Gabe Fox, Avery Peterson, Bay Thompson and 4th Grader Liara Raatz. 

The students spent many months reading and preparing for this year’s contest.  In addition, they demonstrated strong reading skills, teamwork, and dedication throughout the event. 

The Battle of the Books program is designed to foster a love of reading and help students explore new genres and authors.  The team hopes to continue building on this success and looks forward to competing again next year.

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 Twin Lakes Area Chamber & Business Association — DH

Get ready for a fun, colorful community event coming to Twin Lakes this spring! Our Color Run is all about movement, laughter, and bringing people together for a high-energy, feel-good experience.

The Twin Lakes Family Color Run kicks off and finishes at Lance Park on April 18 at 11AM — and it’s so much more than just a run. We’re talking vendors, music by DJ Keith, a high-energy warm-up led by Fly Girl Dance & Fitness, and an Athletico stretch tent after the race to help you recover like a pro 💪

Details like the full route and final logistics will continue to roll out, but for now — mark your calendar and plan to be there.

Whether you walk, run, cheer from the sidelines, or volunteer, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

You’re officially signing up for one of the most colorful, joy-filled events Twin Lakes has to offer! This Color Run is all about movement, laughter, and community — not speed or competition. Whether you run, walk, dance your way through, or just come for the vibes… you belong here.

Take a moment to complete your registration so we can create a safe, smooth, and unforgettable experience for everyone.

Let’s show what this community is all about Check out our Sponsorship Opportunities!

Here’s a map of the route (click map for larger view):

The latest weather alert for Thursday from the National Weather Service is a flood advisory.

The advisory is set to be in effect until 11:45 p.m., Thursday.

Minor flooding in low-lying areas caused by excessive rainfall is expected, says the advisory text.

At about 8:34 p.m., Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue, Town of Randall Fire Department and Wheatland Vol Fire Department units are responding for an investigation in the 700 block of Kennedy Drive.

Per dispatch: Smell of gas reported in a residence. Occupants evacuating.

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

The warning is set to to be in effect until 8:30 p.m.

From the warning text: ” At 741 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Spring Grove, or near Fox Lake, moving northeast at 50 mph. HAZARD…60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE…Radar indicated. IMPACT…Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”

A tornado watch remains in effect until 11 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for 13 counties including Kenosha County.

The watch is set to be in effect until 8 p.m.

The NWS says tornado watches are issued when “conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area. Their size can vary depending on the weather situation. They are usually issued for a duration of 4 to 8 hours. They normally are issued well in advance of the actual occurrence of severe weather. During the watch, people should review tornado safety rules and be prepared to move a place of safety if threatening weather approaches.”

UPDATE 6:48 p.m. — This watch has now been extended until 11 p.m., Thursday.

At about 4:25 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a crash in the 26800 block of Highway K along the Brighton-Salem Lakes border.

Per dispatch: Single vehicle off the road on north side of the road in a water filled ditch. All occupants out of the vehicle.

At about 2:02 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units and a sheriff’s deputy are responding to a report of a possible fire in the 23500 block of Highway 50 in Paddock Lake.

UPDATE 2:06 p.m. — Bristol command reports smoke in basement and perhaps in a chimney.

At about 7:12 a.m., Town of Randall Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units are responding to a fire in the 9200 block of 392nd Avenue in Powers Lake.

Per dispatch: Caller reporting a wire on fire.

At about 6:03 a.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue and other departments and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a fire in about the 12500 block of Highway 50.

Per dispatch: Initial report is a semi trailer on fire.

UPDATE 6:10 a.m. — Personnel on scene reports fire was in a trailer. Fire appears to be out now. Incident command clearing mutual aid units from responding.

Voters in the Bristol School District will have a contested election for a seat on the School Board.

Appearing on the April 7 ballot will be:

• Kevin Weeks,
• Danielle Whitaker, an incumbent

The same questionnaire was submitted by westofthei.com to each candidate by email to the address they submitted with their candidate information.

Here is their biographical information followed by their question responses, presented in alphabetical order:

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:

At about 6:20 a.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units are responding for an investigation in the 10000 block of 196th Avenue in Bristol

Per dispatch: Caller reporting sparking wire on utility pole.

Note: The following is a paid announcement from GPS Family Chiropractic — DH

Voters in the Randall Consolidated School District have a contested election for school board on the spring election ballot.

Appearing on the April 7 ballot are:

• Steven Calderwood, an incumbent
• Melissa Grochowske
• Jeff Swanson, an incumbent

Two seats will be filled. The individuals with the two highest vote totals will be elected to the seats to be filled. Voters will be able to cast two votes.

The same questionnaire was submitted by westofthei.com to each candidate by email to the address they submitted with their candidate information.

Here is their biographical information followed by their question responses, presented in alphabetical order:

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for an area that includes northwestern Kenosha County.

The warning is set to be in effect until 11:30 a.m.

The next few days are expected to be wet, says the latest, local National Weather Service forecast.

Rain — including a chance of thunderstorms — is expected Tuesday, 50-80 percent chance.

Wednesday has only a 40 percent chance of rain evolving to a 70-100 percent of rain overnight.

Thursday has a 100 percent chance of rain with the addition of wind up to 20 mph and gusts as high as 30 mph. There’s a 70 percent chance of rain Thursday overnight.

Friday during the day may see a bit of a reprieve, but rain is expected to continue Friday night, 40-70 percent chance.

Saturday has a 70 percent chance of rain currently.

Tuesday’s temperature is expected to be warm again with a high of 69. Wednesday’s high will be much colder at 39. High temps are expected to return to the 60s for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, but dip again starting Sunday.

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for an area of Wisconsin that includes Kenosha County.

The watch is set to be in effect until 3 a.m., Tuesday.

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.”

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:

At about 5:01 p.m., Wheatland Vol. Fire Department, Town of Randall Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units are responding to a report of a fire in the 7200 block of 352nd Avenue (Highway KD) in Wheatland

Per dispatch: This is for a tractor in a field on fire.

UPDATE 5:24 p.m. — Wheatland command reports fire is out and units will be clearing the scene.

Voters in Twin Lakes have a contested election for village trustee on the April 7 ballot.

Appearing on the spring election ballot will be:

• Barb Andres , an incumbent
• Bill Kaskin, an incumbent
• Robert Livingston
• Bryan Neal 
• Ken Perl, an incumbent

Three, at-large seats will be filled. The individuals with the three highest vote totals will be elected to the three seats to be filled. Voters will be able to cast three votes.

The same questionnaire was submitted by westofthei.com to each candidate by email, to the address they submitted with their candidate information or an address by which they have responded to a candidate questionnaire in the past.

Here is their biographical information followed by their question responses, presented in alphabetical order:

No people or animals were injured in a fire at a Salem farm Sunday, according to a Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue news release.

The fire occurred in the 22000 block of Highway 50 (75th Street) at about 11:50 a.m.

Here is a news release issued by the fire department via Facebook (click image for larger view):

The Westosha-Salem Kiwanis Club partnered with the Kenosha County Fair Association to host its Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza hosted Sunday at the fairgrounds in Wilmot.

The event combined Easter egg hunts separated by age group with a host of other activities, including a petting zoo and sprint/race cars, farm tractors and other vehicles on display. The Easter Bunny also was available for visits and photos.

The fairgrounds was a new location for the event, long hosted by the Kiwanis Club. Some of the egg hunt areas were in open spaces while others were in the animal barns on the fairgrounds.

Before the age group hunts there was a sensory friendly hunt for all ages at noon.

There also was a bike raffle. Food for the items for The Sharing Center also were collected from those attending.

Here are some more photos from the event

At 11:50 a.m. Salem Lakes Fire/ Rescue units and sheriffs deputies are responding for a fire at the 22200 block of Highway 50 for a fire.

Per dispatch: Card board was being burned and the fire got out of control. MABAS box alarm activated with other departments responding including Bristol, Randall, Paris, Kansasville, Lake Geneva , Lake Villa, Raymond, Somers.

UPDATE 12:05 p.m. update: Fire being upgraded to a 2nd Box Alarm. Traffic on Hwy 50 is being stopped. Antioch, Beach Park, Pleasant Prairie and Spring Grove will be responding.

UPDATE 12:12 p.m. update: East bound Hwy 50 at Hwy 83 is being shut down.

UPDATE 1:30 p.m. — Eastbound traffic on Highway 50 now open, but having to merge into left lane at scene.

Here are some photos taken from Highway 50 white the fire was still burning (courtesy of Keith and Chris Skrzynecki):

Here are some photos taken later by me:

Salem Lakes held their annual Easter Egg hunt at Schmalfeldt Park Saturday morning.

The Easter Bunny arrived by fire engine from Salem Lakes Fire.

The Salem Lakes Parks Commission hosts the event with 4,000 eggs. They were divided between three areas for kids grouped by age. The Easter Bunny was available for photos after the hunt.

Here are more photos snd video from the event:

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:

At about 9:24 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue, Bristol Fire and Rescue, Wheatland Vol Fire Department, Town of Randall Fire Department and Paris Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a fire in the 9600 block.of 274th Avenue in Camp Lake.

Per dispatch: Caller reported finding fire of unknown origin in basement.

UPDATE 9:31 p.m. — Salem Lakes unit arriving in scene reports no signs of fire from exterior. Occupants alhave evacuated.

UPDATE 9:33 p.m. — Salem Lakes command releases units from other departments from responding.