Western Kenosha County's news source
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 Randall Town Board and Plan Commission approved a preliminary step Wednesday toward exploring consolidating three local fire departments.
The Plan Commission recommended to the Town Board in a unanimous voice vote to form a commission with Twin Lakes and Wheatland to consider consolidating fire departments. Shortly after, the Town Board approved the same action at the joint plan commission-Town Board meeting.
Town Chairman Mark Nordigian emphasized that Wednesday’s action was only an early step necessary to explore the concept further and was not a vote to actually consolidate departments.
“It’s not being decided tonight,” Nordigian said.
Consolidating the three municipal departments was recommended by a grant-funded consultant study commissioned by Randall with the cooperation of Twin Lakes and Wheatland. The Public Administration Associates LLC study suggested a consolidated department could have a lower operating cost while improving staffing and response.
The study called for the consolidated department to utilize the current Twin Lakes Fire Department and Rescue Squad station in downtown Twin Lakes and a new station in Wheatland near Highway O and Highway 50. That scenario would eliminate the two current Town of Randall Fire Department stations in Powers Lake and Bassett. The Bassett station was built in 2004 and is the newest of the four fire stations for the Town of Randall Fire Department, Wheatland Vol. Fire Department and Twin Lake Fire Department.
All three municipalities have fire departments. Randall and Wheatland contract with Twin Lakes Rescue for emergency medical services.
Members of the plan commission and Town Board who spoke at the meeting generally expressed support for further exploration of consolidating the departments.
“It seems like a good thing to explore,” said Sue Hughes, who is a town supervisor and a member of the plan commission. “Whether or not we do it in the end is another topic.”
Plan commission Chairman Ken Sweinberg said the town needs to address the changing landscape of providing fire protection and emergency medical services in some way.
“We’ve been getting a real good deal with a volunteer force and that’s not going to continue.” Sweinberg said, citing increased difficulty in recruiting and retaining fire department volunteers. “We’ve got to do something … if we can’t get ahead of it it’s going to be worse.”
The Randall and Wheatland fire departments are the last all volunteer departments in Kenosha, Racine and Walworth counties, Wheatland Chief Lou Denko has said.
While each plan commission member present addressed the issue during discussion, Town Board members said little before approving forming the commission.
Neither the Twin Lakes Village Board or the wheatland Town board have considered the issue at a meeting yet.
Plan commissions typically deal with land use and related issues, but the possible impact on Randall’s two fire stations prompted Nordigian to include the plan commission in the process, he said.
“I wanted our plan commission’s input from the start due to the potential that the joint commission could use PAA’s plan and shut-down Randall’s fire stations,” Nordigian said. “That possibility exists and if came to fruition the plan commission will have already been part of it. Especially if it gets shut-down and we sell it along with the 54 acres of property it is attached to a developer.”
Randall Fire Department is also the newest department among the three. It was formed in 1984. Before that Randall was served by the Twin Lakes Fire Department.
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 →All local lakes sampled by Kenosha County were found to be within normal E.coli levels from testing performed this week.
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.
Results from testing this week by Kenosha County are:
Salem Lakes – Silver Lake County Park beach 3E.coli/100 mL; DeWitt Park on Silver Lake 3 E.coli/100mL; Lake Shangri-la 220th Ct. 145 E.coli/100 mL; Center Lake 7 E.coli/100 mL; Hooker Lake Boat Launch 3 E.coli/100 mL; Rock Lake 20 E.coli/100 mL; Camp Lake 6.0 E.coli/100 mL
Paddock Lake — Old Settlers County Park beach 3 E.coli/100 mL; Hoag Park 2 E.coli/100 mL; North Shore Association 42 E.coli/100 mL; PHLA beach 77 E.coli/100mL; PHLA diving board 28 E.coli/100 mL.
Wheatland — Lilly Lake 2 E.coli/100 mL.
Twin Lakes — Lance Park on Lake Mary <1 E.coli/100mL
A special meeting of Randall electors is scheduled to take place Friday starting at 6 p.m. at Town Hall in Bassett.
On the agenda is combining of the Clerk/Treasurer position for the Town of Randall to be discussed and possibly acted on.
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.
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 →
Kenosha County’s 2026 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event will be held Saturday, May 30, County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced.
Everyone who lives in Kenosha County — the city, towns and villages — can dispose of their household hazardous waste, e-waste and refrigerant waste by bringing their items to the Kenosha County Center, 19600 75th St., Bristol, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This is the only countywide household hazardous waste collection date scheduled for this year.
“We’re pleased to offer this no-cost, convenient opportunity for Kenosha County residents to dispose of various household waste items in an environmentally responsible way,” Kerkman said.
Household hazardous waste items include: Household cleaners, aerosol cans, bug sprays, vehicle maintenance related fluids, oil-based paints, paint removal products, fluorescent bulbs, pool chemicals and garden/outdoor related products.
Accepted e-waste items include: Desktop computers, laptops, fax machines, keyboards, mice, stereos, scanners, TVs, VCRs, DVD, CD and MP3 players, printers, phones, copiers, power tools, toner cartridges and electronic toys. All e-waste items will be accepted free of charge.
Refrigerant waste items include: Refrigerators, water coolers, freezers, air conditioners, water heaters, dehumidifiers, microwaves and other household appliances.
The following items will not be accepted: Latex paint, tires, infectious or biological waste, propane cylinders, explosives, radioactive waste, medical and pharmaceutical waste and commercial or business waste.
Latex paint is not considered to be a hazardous material. It may be disposed of with regular garbage by putting kitty litter in a box, spreading the paint over the litter, and allowing it to dry. If latex paint cans are empty or the paint is completely dry in the can, it may also be disposed of with regular garbage.
For more information regarding the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event, please visit Kenosha County’s website at https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/710/Household-Hazardous-
Waste-Collection or contact the Office of the County Executive at 262-653-2600.
Diaper Drive to coincide with Hazardous Waste event:
Waste Management and 1HOPE are again partnering to offer a diaper drive to benefit foster families in the community as part of the Household Hazardous Waste Collection event. People are encouraged to bring donations of unopened packages of disposable diapers and wipes.
The diapers and wipes will benefit 1HOPE’s Foster Family Support Network, which assists foster families with their day-to-day needs through a team of compassionate volunteers.
More information about 1HOPE is available at https://www.1hope.community.
The Wilmot Union High School District board is scheduled to meet Wednesday, starting at 6 p.m. in the school library.
This meeting will be livestreamed here.
Agenda items include:
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 →
At about 11:11 a.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units are responding for an investigation in the 20800 block of Highway C in Bristol.
Per dispatch: Smoke coming from the ground reported. Two Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units already on the scene.
At about 8:03 a.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units are responding to a report of a fire in the 9800 block of Highway MB.
Per dispatch: Caller reporting flames and smoke coming from a dumpster at Bristol Woods County Park.
UPDATE 8:18 a.m. — Bristol command reports fire knocked down.
The Salem School District board is scheduled to meet Tuesday starting at 5 p.m. in the school’s large group instruction room.
A livestream of the meeting will be available here.
Agenda items include:
The Silver Lake-Salem Jt 1 School District (Riverview School) board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, starting at 6 p.m. in the school library.
Agenda items include:
The Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated Grade School District board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, starting at 6:30 p/.m. in the school library.
A livestream of the meeting can be viewed here.
Agenda items include:
The Twin Lakes community observed Memorial Day with a parade and ceremony organized and led by American Legion Post 544.
The parade was first, working its way from Lance Park to Legion Park.
Here is video of the marching bands from Wilmot Union High School, Randall School and Lakewood School:
The ceremony followed the parade. Master Sgt. (retired) Dan Knautz USAF of Silver Lake was the guest speaker. Here are some video scenes from the ceremony:
Here are some photos from the parade and ceremony:
Continue reading →
Silver Lake and the surrounding area under the leadership of Schultz-Hahn American Legion Post #293 observed Memorial Day Monday.
The post hosted its annual parade and ceremony Monday morning.
The parade made its way from Riverview School through downtown.
After the parade, the meaning of Memorial Day was remembered with a ceremony outside the Legion Hall.
Here is video of the marching bands in the parade from Riverview School, Wilmot Union High School and Salem Grade School:
Here is video of the Westosha Central High School marching band (separate from the others due to a technical problem on our part):
Here is video of scenes from the ceremony:
Here are more photos from the event:
Continue reading →Austin Dawson of Salem, was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, at United States Air Force Academy.
Dawson is among approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.
Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 300 campuses in the United States and its territories. Its mission is to “cultivate a community that celebrates and advances the love of learning.”
Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 300 select colleges and universities in the United States and its territories. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The Society’s mission is to “cultivate a community that celebrates and advances the love of learning.”
From the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office:
At approximately 8:12 a.m. this morning (Sunday), a 49-year-old male inmate was found unresponsive in the medical ward dorm at the Kenosha County Jail.
Medical staff and correctional staff responded immediately and began life-saving measures. The Kenosha Fire Department and sworn personnel were also called to assist. Despite life-saving efforts, the inmate was pronounced dead inside the facility.
Following any serious incident inside a Kenosha County detention facility, including an inmate death, it is the policy of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office to request an outside law enforcement agency to conduct an independent investigation. Per protocol, the Racine County Sheriff’s Office was notified and responded to the jail. That agency has assumed responsibility for the investigation.
At this time, the name of the inmate is not being released.
Sheriff David Zoerner issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Any death in our custody is taken with the utmost seriousness. Our thoughts are with the family as they face this loss, and we remain committed to ensuring this incident is fully and independently investigated.”
Additional information will be released as appropriate and when it becomes available.
At albout 5:04 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding for a reportnof a crash at Cogswell Drive and East Larch Street in Silver Lake.
Per dispatch: Two vehicles involved. Injuries being reported.
UPDATE about 5:10 p.m. — Unit arriving on scene reports heavy damage to vehicles.
UPDATE 5:12 p.m. — Bristol Fire and Rescue and Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue requested to respond with ambulances to the scene as mutual aid.
Note: The following is a paid announcement from Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital — DH
When you flag pole needs a repair it’s good to know someone with a ladder.
Knowing someone with a fire department ladder truck is even better.
On Thursday, Bristol Fire and Rescue personnel brought the department’s ladder truck to Paddock Lake so a village flag pole there could be repaired.
The rope on the flagpole on the north end 248th Avenue broke during the heavy winds weeks ago, said Tim Popanda, village administrator. Thursday, the Village of Bristol used the fire department ladder truck to assist with restringing the rope.
Paddock Lake contracts with Bristol Fire and Rescue for fire protection for the village.
When you flag pole needs a repair it’s good to know someone with a ladder.
Knowing someone with a fire department ladder truck is even better.
On Thursday, Bristol Fire and Rescue personnel brought the department’s ladder truck to Paddock Lake so a village flag pole there could be repaired.
The rope on the flagpole on the north end 248th Avenue broke during the heavy winds weeks ago, said Tim Popanda, village administrator. Thursday, the Village of Bristol used the fire department ladder truck to assist with restringing the rope.
Paddock Lake contracts with Bristol Fire and Rescue for fire protection for the village.
Twin Lakes American Legion Post 544 will conduct Memorial Observances on Monday, May 25 at 9 a.m. at Mound Prairie Cemetery, 39000 104th St. and at 9:30 a.m. St Johns Cemetery, Highway KD and 98th Street, Twin Lakes.
There also will be a ceremony at the post immediately following the annual parade.
The parade will begin promptly at 11 a.m. The parade route will be from Lance Park to American Legion Post 544 using Lance Drive, East Main St, South Lake Avenue and Legion Drive.
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 →
From Wilmot Union High School:
Wilmot Union High School District would like to inform families, students, staff, and community members of several important building access and office updates as summer construction and facility improvement projects begin.
Beginning June 9, the South Lot will be closed for both parking and entrance access through approximately mid-August. During this time, the main entrance to the building will be relocated to Door T on the north side of the building.
Due to ongoing construction work throughout the summer, main office hours may vary. Families and community members needing assistance from the main office are encouraged to call ahead to schedule an appointment by contacting the high school office at (262) 862-2351 or by emailing Lisa Obertin at obertinl@wilmoths.k12.wi.us.
Additionally, the building will be completely closed on Fridays from June 12 through August 12. Office staff and administrators will not be available in the building on Fridays during that time. Community members are encouraged to plan ahead or communicate with staff via email whenever possible.
“These facility improvements are an important investment in our school community,” said District Administrator Christy Weinstock. “We appreciate everyone’s patience, flexibility, and support as we work to improve our facilities
throughout the summer months.”The district thanks the Wilmot community for its continued support and cooperation during the construction process and wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable summer.
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 →All local lakes sampled by Kenosha County were found to be within normal E.coli levels from testing performed this week.
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.
Results from testing this week by Kenosha County are:
Salem Lakes – Silver Lake County Park beach 7 E.coli/100 mL; DeWitt Park on Silver Lake 1 E.coli/100mL; Lake Shangri-la 220th Ct. 145 E.coli/100 mL; Center Lake 5 E.coli/100 mL; Hooker Lake Boat Launch 33 E.coli/100 mL; Rock Lake 11 E.coli/100 mL; Camp Lake 29.0 E.coli/100 mL
Paddock Lake — Old Settlers County Park beach 7 E.coli/100 mL; Hoag Park 2 E.coli/100 mL; North Shore Association 1 E.coli/100 mL; PHLA beach 7 E.coli/100mL; PHLA diving board 43 E.coli/100 mL.
Wheatland — Lilly Lake 2 E.coli/100 mL.
Twin Lakes — Lance Park on Lake Mary 3 E.coli/100mL.; Lucille beach on Lake Elizabeth 11.0 E.coli/100 mL; Musial Beach 2 E.coli/100 mL; Sunset Beach 3 E.coli/100 mL
Bristol — Lake George 101st 16 E.coli/100 mL; Lake George 103rd 6 E.coli/100 mL
From the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office:
The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office has concluded a significant phase of an ongoing investigation involving stolen mail, financial fraud, narcotics activity, and burglary-related offenses.
Over the past approximately six weeks, KESO deputies investigated multiple fraud complaints connected to stolen mail. During the investigation, detectives learned that personal and business checks were being stolen from mailboxes, altered, and fraudulently used to obtain money.
Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office Detectives were assigned to the investigation and developed information identifying several individuals believed to be involved. As the investigation progressed, detectives uncovered evidence linking the suspects to additional criminal activity, including narcotics offenses and burglaries involving storage units in the Antioch, Illinois area.
On May 19th, 2026, members of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Bureau, KDOG Unit, and Deputies executed a search warrant at a residence located in the 11400 block of Antioch Road in Trevor, Wisconsin.
During the execution of the search warrant, four individuals were taken into custody:
• Frank W. McClaughry, M/W, DOB 01/23/1986
• Alicia R. Wojtowicz, F/W, DOB 08/04/1983
• Thomas D. Wilton, M/W, DOB 10/29/1972
• Tammy F. Wilton (Wolbeck), F/W, DOB 09/08/1971
Detectives recovered a substantial amount of evidence during the search warrant, including more than 150 items associated with narcotics distribution, fraud activity, and burglary investigations.
Items recovered included:
• Approximately 28.3 grams of methamphetamine
• Approximately 27.3 grams of marijuana
• Approximately 6.1 grams of psilocybin mushrooms
• Approximately 0.5 grams of MDMA
• A small quantity of cocaine
• Fraudulent and altered checks
• Check-washing materials and equipment
• Numerous burglary tools
• Identification cards belonging to other individuals
• Suspected stolen property connected to Antioch-area storage unit burglaries
• Digital scales and drug paraphernalia
As a result of the investigation, the following preliminary charges have been recommended:
Frank W. McClaughry
• Theft of Mail – 2 counts
• Misappropriation of Personal Identification Materials (Obtaining Money) – 2 counts
• Felony Bail Jumping – 4 counts
• Possession of Burglary Tools
• Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine
• Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place
• Felony Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Methamphetamine)
• Felony Possession of Marijuana
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 2 counts
• Active Felony Warrants – 4
Alicia R. Wojtowicz
• Misappropriation of Personal Identification Materials (Obtaining Money) – 2 counts
• Theft of Mail – 2 counts
• Felony Probation Hold
Thomas D. Wilton
• Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine
• Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place
• Felony Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Methamphetamine)
• Possession of Marijuana
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Tammy Wilton (Wolbeck)
• Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine
• Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place
• Felony Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Methamphetamine)
• Felony Probation Hold
These charges are preliminary, and additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.
The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to coordinate with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office regarding the storage unit burglaries in Antioch, Illinois.
Statement from Sheriff David Zoerner: “The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office will continue to aggressively target drug traffickers, drug houses, and the criminals who bring this activity into our communities. Investigations like this send a clear message that we will not tolerate the distribution of dangerous narcotics, organized crime, or repeat criminal behavior in Kenosha County. Our deputies and detectives remain committed to protecting our residents, holding offenders accountable, and working with our law enforcement partners to shut down these criminal operations wherever they exist.”
The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office would like to recognize the efforts of all detectives, deputies, supervisors, and evidence personnel who assisted throughout this investigation and search warrant operation. Their teamwork and dedication led to the recovery of a significant amount of evidence and the dismantling of an active criminal operation tied to narcotics trafficking, fraud, and property crimes.
If you believe you may have been a victim of fraud related to this investigation and have not yet reported it, the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office encourages you to contact our non-emergency number at 262-656-1234 to file a report.
This is an ongoing and open investigation. No further information will be released at this time.
At about 10:05 a.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue, Bristol Fire and Rescue, Wheatland Vol. Fire Department, Randall Fire Department and Paris Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a fire in the 9900 block of 270th Court in Trevor.
UPDATE about 10:08 a.m. — Deputies reporting via dispatch that this is a working fire with lots of smoke.
UPDATE about 10:10 a.m. — Fire unit arriving on scene reports fire showing from two sides of single-story building.
UPDATE about 10:12 a.m. — MABAS box alarm activated. Additional department responding including: Twin Lakes Fire Department, City of Burlington Fire Department, Kenosha Fire Department, Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue, Lake Villa (Ill.) Fire Department, Lake Geneva Fire Department and Town of Burlington Fire Department.
UPDATE 10:26 a.m. — Tender (water tanker) shuttle being organized to maintain water supply.
UPDATE 10:28 a.m. — Salem Lakes command reports fire throughout the house. All companies working.
UPDATE 10:39 a.m. — Salem command upgrades box alarm to second alarm for tenders only. Due to respond are Beach Pakr (Ill.) Fire Department and Richmond (Ill.) Fire Department.
UPDATE 10:40 a.m. — Salem Lakes safety officer requests response from power and gas utility company.
News from Kenosha Lens
