West of the I

Voters in the Bristol #1 School District had a contested election for school board on the April 7 ballot.

One seat will be filled.

With four polls of five reporting incomplete results at 9 p.m.:

• Danielle Whitaker 413 (59.08%)
• Kevin Weeks 281 (40.2%)

UPDATE 9:08 p.m.:

• Whitaker 450 (60.32%)
• Weeks 291 (39.01%)

UPDATE 9:43 p.m. with five of five polls reporting what may be incomplete results:

• Whitaker 691 (58.16%)
• Weeks 491 (41.33%)

UPDATE 10:07 p.m. — The above are complete unofficial results.

Voters in Randall School District had a contested race for school board on the April 7 ballot.

Two seats will be filled.

With two of three polls reporting what may be incomplete results at 9 p.m.:

• Melissa Grochowske 746 (43.91%)
• Jeff Swanson 589 (34.67%)
• Steven Calderwood 353 (20.78%)

UPDATE 10:07 p.m. — The above are complete unofficial results.

Voters in the Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated School District had an operating referendum on the April 7 ballot.

The district was seeking seeking authority to exceed the state revenue limit by $1.1 million for the 2026-27 school year and then $1.9 million per year for the 2027-28, 2028-29, and 2029-30 school years.

With three of three polls reporting what may be incomplete results at 8:56 p.m.:

• No 567 (57.56%)
• Yes 418 (42.44%)

UPDATE 10:07 p.m. — The above are complete unofficial results.

Voters in Twin Lakes #4 School District (Lakewood School) had a operating referendum on the April 7 ballot.

The district was seeking approval of a 4-year operating referendum that is equal to $800,000 each year for a total of $3.2 million over the four years.

With one of one poll reporting what may be incomplete results at 8:51 p.m.:

• No 355 (51.67%)
• Yes 332 (48.33%)

UPDATE 10:07 p.m. — The above are complete unofficial results.

Voters in the Wheatland J1 School District had an operating referendum on the spring election on April 7.

The school district was seeking authority to exceed to exceed the revenue limit by $400,000 per year, for the 2026-2027 school year through the 2029-2030 school year, for non-recurring purposes.

With four of four polls reporting what may still be incomplete results at 8:46 p.m.:

• Yes 604 (58.87%)
• No 422 (41.13%)

UPDATE 9:39 p.m.:

• Yes 621 (58.81%)
• No 435 (41.19%)

UPDATE 10:07 p.m. — The above are complete unofficial results.

Voters in Twin Lakes had a contested race for village trustee on the April 7 ballot.

With one of one poll reporting what may be incomplete results at 8:38 p.m.

• Robert Livingston 696 (23.06%)
• Ken Perl 614 (20.34%)
• Barbara Andres 609 (20.18%)
• Bill Kaskin 548 (18.16%)
• Bryan Neal 527 (17.46%)

UPDATE 10:07 p.m. — The above are complete unofficial results.

Salem Lakes voters had a contested race for village trustee on the April 7 ballot.

The top three candidates will be elected.

With 3 of 3 polls reporting what may be incomplete results at 8:29 p.m.:

• Dennis Faber 1053 (20.56%)
• James Woodke 969 (18.92%)
• Amanda Procknow 893 (17.43%)
• Steven Dunn Jr. 889 (17.36%)
• Kerry Verenski 644 (12.57%)
• Adam Miller 642 (12.53%)

UPDATE 9:09 p.m.:

• Faber 1539 (21.26%)
• Woodke 1404 (19.39%)
• Procknow 1326 (18.32%)
• Dunn  Jr. 1163 (16.07%)
• Verenski 912 (12.6%)
• Miller 848 (11.71%)

UPDATE 10:07 p.m. — The above are complete unofficial results.

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 Westosha Central High School Performing Arts Booster Club is hosting its annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Saturday, April 11, at Westosha Central High School.

The event includes the dinner, student performances, auctions and raffles.

Dinner will be served from 4 to 6 p.m. Tickets: $17 for adults, $12 for seniors (65 plus), performer $10 (required to eat), student ticket non-performer (10 to 18 years) $12 and $10 for children (3 to 9 years). 2 years and under are free.

All proceeds benefit the Performing Arts Booster Club, which supports choir, band and drama programs at Central High School.

At about 12:53 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue, Town of Randall Fire Department, Wheatland Vol Fire Department, Bristol Fire and Rescue and Paris Fire and Rescue are responding to a fire in the 11300 block of 306th Court in Wilmot.

Per dispatch: Caller reporting a fire from an apartment over a garage.

UPDATE 1:01 p.m. — MABAS box alarm activated by Salem Lakes. Other Departments due to respond include: Somers Fire and Rescue, City of Burlington, Twin Lakes Fire Department, Antioch Fire Department, Newport Fire Protection District, lake Geneva Fire Department, Lake Villa Fire Department, Round Lake Fire Department.

UPDATE 1:04 p.m. — Salem Lakes command reports occupant of the building is out and safe and fire is small. Response reduced to only Salem Lakes units.

UPDATE 1:05 p.m. — Salem Lakes command reports fire on staircase. No inside infringement. Box alarm to be struck.

At about 11:46 a.m., Town of Randall Fire Department, Wheatland Vol Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units are responding to a alarm in the 40200 block of 91st Street in Powers Lake.

Per dispatch: This is an activated smoke alarm.

UPDATE 11:49 a.m. — Randall command holds Wheatland units in quarters.

UPDATE 11:57 a.m. — Unit on scene reports no fire after investigating,

Western Kenosha County voters can cast ballots in the spring non-partisan election Tuesday, April 7.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Your polling place may have changed if you live in Salem Lakes. If you used to vote at the Wilmot Fire Station (wards 7,8,9,10) you will now vote at Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue Station No. 1, 11252 254th Ct., Trevor. If you used to vote at Silver Lake Village Hall (11,12,13) you will now vote at Salem Lakes Village Hall, 9814 Antioch Rd, Salem. Voters who already voted at Salem Lakes Village Hall (wards 1,2,3,4,5,6) will continue to do so.

Voters can find their polling place here.

Statewide, there will be an election for Wisconsin Supreme Court with Appeals Court Judge Maria Lazar and Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor on the ballot. Justice Rebecca Grassl Bradley is not running for re-election.

County non-partisan offices of county executive and county supervisor will be on the ballot. County board supervisor districts in Western Kenosha County are all uncontested as is County Executive Samantha Kerkman.

Here are the Western Kenosha County municipalities with contested races:

In Salem Lakes, Steven Dunn Jr.; Dennis Faber, an incumbent; Adam Miller; Amanda Procknow; Kerry Verenski; and James Woodke are on the ballot to fill three Village Board seats. Incumbents Ron Gandt and Bill Hopkins did not run for re-election.

In Twin Lakes, Barb Andres an incumbent; Bill Kaskin, an incumbent; Robert Livingston; Bryan Neal; and Ken Perl, an incumbent are on the ballot competing to fill three seats on the Village Board.

Here are school districts with referendums on the ballot:

Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated Grade School District is seeking authority to exceed the state revenue limit by $1.1 million for the 2026-27 school year and then $1.9 million per year for the 2027-28, 2028-29, and 2029-30 school years. The operational referendum funding would expire after the 2029-30 school year.

Twin Lakes #4 School District (Lakewood School) is seeking approval of a 4-year operating referendum that is equal to $800,000 each year for a total of $3.2 million over the four years.

Wheatland J1 School District is seeking authority to exceed to exceed the revenue limit by $400,000 per year, for the 2026-2027 school year through the 2029-2030 school year, for non-recurring purposes.

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 will be a triple header of government meetings Monday in Twin Lakes.

The Village Board is scheduled to have a committee of the whole meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. and a special board meeting following that. A Lake District commissioners meeting is scheduled to take place following the special meeting. The Lake District commissioners are the same individuals as the Village Board.

Agenda items for the committee of the whole meeting (which are for discussion only) include:

• Discussion regarding a First Amendment to Land License with T-Mobile
• Discussion regarding a Professional Services Agreement with Kenosha County for IT services.
• Discussion on an application for a Cabaret License submitted by On-The-Go Bar & Grill, 406 N. Lake Avenue, Twin Lakes.
• Discussion regarding Village Lighting Ordinance and demonstration on light meter from Police Department.
• Discussion regarding accepting Beth Hendrix resignation from the Library Board.
• Discussion regarding appointing Sean Stewart as an alternate to the Board of Appeals.

The full committee of the whole meeting agenda is available here.

The special board meeting agenda includes:

• Discussion and possible action regarding a Development Agreement with the Aquanuts
• Discussion and possible action regarding a Lease Agreement with the Aquanuts

The full special meeting agenda and supporting material is available here.

Lake District commissioners meeting agenda items include:

• Discussion and possible action regarding a quote from Wisconsin Lake and Pond for Aquatic Plant Management Treatment for 2026.
• Consider a motion to refer the Village’s pier permitting process to the Lake District Committees and Steering Council for evaluation and recommendation back to the Commissioners, including any recommended ordinance changes or policy direction.
• Discussion and possible action regarding catch basin cleaning project for up to $4,999.00 from the Stormwater Committee and up to $4,999.00 from the Shoreline Committee.

The full Lake District commissioners meeting agenda is available here,

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: