West of the I

Note: This is a paid announcement from Twin Lakes Area Chamber & Business Association — DH

The Twin Lakes Ara Chamber and Business Association’s Car Show and Business in the Park returns to downtown Twin Lakes on May 16.

This isn’t just a car show… it’s a full community experience.

What to expect:

• A lineup of eye-catching classic, custom, and modern cars
• Local Business in the Park vendors showcasing what makes our community amazing
• Shopping, strolling, and connecting with local businesses
• Food vendors & sweet treats
• Family-friendly vibes and small-town fun
• A perfect kickoff to the weekend

Vendors: Local businesses, makers, and organizations will be set up throughout the park — a great chance to shop small, learn about local services, and support the community all in one place.

Car lovers: Whether you’re bringing a car or just coming to admire them, you’ll love the atmosphere, the stories behind the vehicles, and the pride owners bring to the show.

Business in the Park and Car Show is open to the public free to attend. Starting time is 10 a.m. Mark your calendar, invite your friends, and plan to spend your day soaking up everything local.

Cars sign up is here.

Vendors sign up is here.

At about 2:35 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash near Highways C and 83 on Trevor.

Per dispatch: Crash involves an ATV. Person who fell off the ATV injured.

UPDATE 2:49 p.m.– Response underway from Flight for Life medical transport helicopter.

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:

Jeff Meracle has been appointed to fil a vacant seat on the Wheatland J1 School District board.

Here is a news release from the district:

At a special meeting on May 6th, the Wheatland Board Of Education voted unanimously to appoint Jeff Meracle to the open seat vacated by former President Chris Serak. The board had three excellent candidates, and after careful consideration chose Jeff for the appointment.

Board President, Heidie Dunn, said the following about the process, “Although we had great candidates to choose from, we were excited to select Jeff Meracle to serve on the Wheatland board due to his unique experiences, connection to the community and commitment to continued growth at Wheatland.”

Mr. Meracle is a native Wisconsinite that has been in the Wheatland area for over 10 years. He has worked as an executive in the automotive industry for most of his career. Jeff has had several children go through the Wheatland School District, and in the interview he spoke highly of his family’s experience at Wheatland. His desire to impact the community prompted him to apply for the position.

Mr. Meracle commented, “My family and I have been proud members of the Wheatland School District since moving to the area in 2014. During that time, we’ve been consistently impressed by the strong educational experience the district provides and the dedication of its teachers, staff, and leadership. I am honored to serve on the board and look forward to contributing my time and perspective to help strengthen the district and ensure Wheatland continues to be a
great place for our children to learn, grow, and succeed.”

Mr. Meracle’s first board meeting will be on May 28th, 2026. His appointed term will run through April 2027 at which time the seat will appear on the spring ballot.

Serak resigned after 19 years on the board due to an out-of-state move.

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:

A broken water main in the municipal water system in Paddock Lake has been repaired as of 6 p.m.

A boil order for affected homes will not be necessary, said Tim Popanda, village administrator.

At about 12:30 p.m., Friday a contractor working for the placement of fiber optic cable directional bored through a village water main at 258^th Avenue and 77^TH Place in the Whitetail Ridge Subdivision.

The main is 8 plus feet deep at the location the fiber contractor drilled through the main, Popanda said.

A boil order was not needed due to how the repair was ultimately made.

Becuse the break was isolated to a very small area, the village was able to supply water to users from three different directions while the break was repaired, Popanda said. Without complete loss of pressure and isolation the repaired main was thoroughly flushed.

Here is a link to our original reporting on this issue.

Related posts

Directional boring accident disrupting Paddock Lake water service

At about 2:40 p.m., Town of Randall Fire Department, Wheatland Vol Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units are responding for an alarm in the 39300 block of 93rd Street in Randall.

UPDATE 2:45 p.m. — Randall unit on scene reports confirmed false alarm.

A directional boring error is disrupting water service in parts of Paddock Lake.

A crew performing directional boring for the installation of fiber optic cable in the Whitetail Ridge subdivision struck a main water line, said Tim Popanda, village administrator.

Most affected are Whitetail Ridge residents and properties along Highway 50, Popanda said.

Water system users on the east side of the lake should not be affected, Popanda said.

A crew is working on isolating the break area. Then repairs can take place, Popanda said.

A boil order will likely be issued once service is restored.

UPDATE about 6 p.m. — Repair made; no boil order needed. More here.

Related posts

UPDATE: Paddock Lake water main repaired; no boil order needed

At about 12:48 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding for a gas line break in the 300 block of East Lake St. In Silver Lake.

Per dispatch: Deputy on scene confirms break. Traffic being blocked from entering area.

UPDATE about 12:55 p.m. — SL command requests response from Town of Randall Fire Department with an engine.

UPDATE 1:26 p.m. — SL command reports all fire units clearing the scene and returning to quarters

Note: This is a paid announcement from Twin Lakes Area Chamber & Business Association — DH

The Twin Lakes Ara Chamber and Business Association’s Car Show and Business in the Park returns to downtown Twin Lakes on May 16.

This isn’t just a car show… it’s a full community experience.

What to expect:

• A lineup of eye-catching classic, custom, and modern cars
• Local Business in the Park vendors showcasing what makes our community amazing
• Shopping, strolling, and connecting with local businesses
• Food vendors & sweet treats
• Family-friendly vibes and small-town fun
• A perfect kickoff to the weekend

Vendors: Local businesses, makers, and organizations will be set up throughout the park — a great chance to shop small, learn about local services, and support the community all in one place.

Car lovers: Whether you’re bringing a car or just coming to admire them, you’ll love the atmosphere, the stories behind the vehicles, and the pride owners bring to the show.

Business in the Park and Car Show is open to the public free to attend. Starting time is 10 a.m. Mark your calendar, invite your friends, and plan to spend your day soaking up everything local.

Cars sign up is here.

Vendors sign up is here.

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 2:02 p.m., Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue units and Twin Lakes Police are responding to a crash at Holy Hill Road and Burlington Avenue in Twin Lakes.

Per dispatch: Two vehicles involved. No injuries being reported, but there is fluid leakage.

At about 1:40 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue, Paris Fire and Rescue, Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue, Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue and Newport Fire Protection District units are responding to a report of a possible structure fire in the 11700 block of 212th Avenue in Bristol.

Per dispatch: Caller reporting a possible fire from a well pump. Smoke in residence.

UPDATE 1:55 p.m. — Bristol command reports fire is out. Smoke in house will be ventilated. All units not yet on scene released from responding.

The Friends of Community Library’s spring book sale will be this weekend at the Twin Lakes branch of the library on May 7, 8, and 9.

The usual wide variety of books are available, both fiction and nonfiction, as well as young adult and children’s literature.

Thursday, May 7, hours are from 3 to 7 p.m.; Friday, May 8 hours are 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and Saturday, May 9
hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The popular $9 bag of books is a feature of the sale. Friends members may take advantage of a $7 bag. Friends memberships are available at the sale.

The Twin Lakes library is located at 110 S. Lake Avenue, Twin Lakes.

The Wheatland J1 School District is scheduled to hold two special board meetings Wednesday.

The first special meeting will take place at 5 p.m. in the Large Conference Room – #108.

Agenda items include:

• 2026-27 Open Enrollment
• Contract Approval

The full agenda is available here.

The second special meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:20 p.m., also in Room #108.

Agenda items include:

• Interview Candidates for Board Vacancy
• Discussion and Selection of New Board Member

The full agenda is available here.

The Westosha Central High School District board is scheduled to meet Tuesday.

The regular meeting will start at 5 p.m., or immediately following an executive session scheduled to begin at 4:20 p.m. The regular meeting will take place in the Upper Commons.

Agenda items include:

• 2025-26 Friends of Westosha Awards
• Winter Sports State Qualifier Recognition
• Acceptance of 2026-27 Open Enrollment Applications
• Approval of Parking Lot Addition
• Approval of 2026-27 Professional Staff Contracts and Compensation
• Approval of 2026-27 Support Staff Letters of Assignment and Compensation
• Approval of 2026-27 Administrative and Director Contracts
• Approval of 2026-27 Extra-Curricular Positions and Stipends
• Approval of Cell Phone Policy

The full agenda is available here.

After a Monday that felt like early summer we’re going back to more seasonable weather this week.

High temperatures look to be in the high 50s for the balance of the week before edging up into the 60s over the weekend, says the latest, local National Weather Service forecast.

Nights will be cold, with temps in the 30s with frost a possibility.

Chances of rain are minimal at this point with nothing above 50 percent through Monday.

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 Twin Lakes Village Board is scheduled to hold a special board meeting and a committee of the whole meeting Monday at Village Hall.

The special board meeting is first at 6:15 p.m. On that agenda is: swearing in of new trustees and consideration of a motion to approve Committee Appointments.

The committee of the whole meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. Agenda items include:

• Discussion regarding Kane’s Lakeside LLC, d/b/a Buoys, request to amend its alcohol beverage licensed premises to include the parking lot on parcel 85-4-119-214-1307 for Baggo League tournaments on May 20; June 3 and 17; July 1, 15, and 29; August 12 and 26; September 9 and 23; and October 7 and 21.
• Discussion regarding Resolution R2026-5-1 Urging the State of Wisconsin to Provide Sustainable and Adequate Transportation Funding.
• Discussion regarding a recommendation from the Plan Commission regarding a Comprehensive Plan Update Proposal.
• Discussion regarding the Fire Department Pay Scale.
• Discussion regarding Ordinance 2026-5-1 Ordinance Creating Chapter 8.90 of the Twin Lakes Code Pertaining to Outdoor Lighting

The full agenda is available here.

Paddock Lake recognized Arbor Day in a ceremony Saturday morning.

Local Scouts helped withe ceremony. Scout Robert Ader gave a history of Arbor Day and Scout Andrew Cerda read a relevant quote from naturalist John Muir. Here is video of Ader:

Here is video of village Trustee John Poole giving some facts about Paddock Lake and Arbor Day:

The village expects to have saplings available for free for planting by village residents later in May,

The Scouts then finished the planting of a purple crabapple tree on the Village Hall property. 2026 marks Paddock Lake’s 26th year as a designated Tree City USA.

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:

Three people were injured and one was trapped in a vehicle as the result of a crash in Wheatland this morning.

Following is a news release from Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue:

At approximately 10:07 a.m. on May 2, 2026, Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue, along with the Town of Wheatland Fire Department and the Town of Randall Fire Department, were dispatched to the 5700 block of STH 83 for a reported head-on motor vehicle collision.

Upon arrival, emergency personnel encountered a significant and complex scene. Two patients were located lying in the roadway, one patient was trapped and pinned within a vehicle, and a second vehicle was fully involved in flames.

Due to the severity of the incident, two medical helicopters from Flight for Life were requested to respond to land on the scene. Fire crews initiated an extensive extrication operation to free a female patient trapped in one of the vehicles. The extrication process lasted approximately 57 minutes due to the extensive damage sustained in the crash.

Two patients were transported via helicopter to Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital in Milwaukee in critical condition. Life-saving interventions, including the administration of blood products, were provided to both patients prior to air transport. A third patient was transported by ground ambulance to Aurora Medical Center Kenosha, and was reported to be in stable condition.

Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue responded with three paramedic ambulances and Squad 6551. The Town of Randall Fire Department responded with Truck 5735 and Engine 5715. The Town of Wheatland Fire Department responded with Engine 6614, Brush Truck 6671, and Tender 6661. To maintain emergency coverage in the area Twin Lakes, Randall, and Wheatland area during the incident, Salem Lakes Fire Department provided change-of-quarters coverage to Randall Station 2, and Richmond, Illinois Fire Protection District Ambulance 1451 was assigned to Twin Lakes Fire Department.

Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue would like to thank all assisting agencies for their coordinated response, including Kenosha County Joint Dispatch, Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, Flight for Life, and Twin Lakes Dispatch. The incident remains under investigation, and at this time, no further information will be released.

Photos from the scene are available here at TLF/R’s Facebook page.

Related posts

Units responding for crash in Wheatland

At about 10:08 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 in the 5700 block of Highway 83-north in Wheatland.

Per dispatch: Two vehicles, one on its side, one on fire. Road closed.

UPDATE about 10:15 a.m. — Response from Flight for Life medical transport helicopter requested. Two helicopters needed.

UPDATE about 10:57 a.m. — Flight for Life is on the ground.

At about 9:15 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash at Highways 83 and JF in Trevor.

Per dispatch: Injuries being reported.

At about 8:10 a.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue, Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue and Newport Fire Protection District units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a crash in the 7500 block of I-94 northbound.

Per dispatch: Injuries being reported.

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:

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.