West of the I

At about 8:03 a.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units are responding for an investigation in thebarea of the 20800 block of 128th Street in Bristol.

Per dispatch: Smoke spotted in that area.

At about 7:55 a.m., Paris Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to the 15500 block of Highway 142.for a report of a down power line.

UPDATE 8 a.m. — Deputy on scene reports down wire is not arcing or sparking.

UPDATE 8:21a.m. — Fire units clearing the scene. Deputies remaining on scene blocking traffic. Utility crew responding.

At about 6:37 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash in the 15200 block of Highway K along the Bristol-Paris border.

Per dispatch: Injuries being reported.

UPDATE about 6:48 p.m. — Paris Fire and Rescue requested to respond to the scene as mutual aid.

UPDATE 7:02 p.m. — Bristol command requests response from Flight for Life medical transport helicopter.

UPDATE 7:05 p.m. — Dispatch reports to Bristol command that FFL cannot respond.

At about 5:46 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units are responding to a crash at Highways C and W in Wilmot.

Per dispatch: Deputies have been on scene for about 30 minutes. Person involved now requesting EMS.

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

Twin Lakes Area Chamber & Business Association Mistletoe on Main Street is Nov. 29.

Sip, Shop & Stroll!

Join us for Mistletoe on Main, a festive holiday market happening on Small Business Saturday this November in downtown Twin Lakes! 

Stroll Main Street and enjoy a magical mix of shopping, food, drinks, and holiday cheer while supporting local businesses. Best of all, it’s completely free for vendors and small businesses to set up a table, making this a true community celebration of shopping small and local.

Here’s a rundown of the day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Twin Lakes:

• 70+ vendors
• Hot cocoa & treats
• Santa pics
• Free Parents Day Out
• Live music all day
• Family-friendly holiday magic
• Everything in one place, one day

Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, tasty bites, or a cozy place to gather with friends and neighbors, Mistletoe on Main is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.

Click here for more information.

At about 2:15 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash in the 28600 block of Highway C in Trevor.

Per dispatch: Conflicting reports of one or two vehicles involved. One vehicle may be in the ditch.

UPDATE 2:18 p.m. — Fire unit arriving in scene confirms one vehicle upright in ditch.

At 5:56 a.m., Paris Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to crash in the 4500 block of Higjway 45 in Paris.

Per dispatch: Single vehicle in ditch. Injuries being reported.

At 9:25 p.m. Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue, Town of Randall Fire Department, Wheatland Vol Fire Department and Richmond Fire Department and Twin Lakes Police are responding to a report of a structure fire in the 400 block of Waldeck Drive in Twin Lakes.

UPDATE about 9:29 p.m. — TLFD command activates a MABAS box alarm..Departments responding include: Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue, Spring Grove (Ill.) Fire Department, Bristol Fire and Rescue, Paris Fire and Rescue, Kansasville Fire and Rescue, Hebron (Ill.) Fire Department, Town of Burlington Fire Department and Bloomfield Fire Department.

UPDATE 9:35 p.m. — TLFD command reports structure fully involved.

At about 1:26 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units and a sheriff’s deputy are responding to the 257O0 block of Silver Lake Road (Highway F) along the Salem Lakes-Paddock Lake border for a report of burning.

Per dispatch: This is being reported as a wood pile on fire.

Voters in the Wheatland J1 School District will have a referendum on the April 2026 ballot, after action by the School Board this week.

From a news release from the district:

At the November 19th Board meeting the Wheatland J1 School Board approved an operating referendum for the April 2026 ballot. The Board-approved referendum renews the previous operating referendum for the next four years. While it represents a reduction from the previous referendum, it is still needed to continue to operate the school district. The District is seeking $400,000 for each of the next 4 years (the expiring referendum was $525,000 for 4 years, and the one prior to that was $625,000). Marty McGinley, District administrator at Wheatland said this about the referendum, “We have been able to create a culture of improvement and excellence that has attracted students from all over the area. This has allowed us to grow and provide a world class experience for our students, while decreasing the overall school based tax levy. In our current climate that is unheard of, and we are incredibly proud of our success.”

The renewal of the operating referendum allows the District to continue serving Wheatland Center students with no additional impact on local taxpayers. Although Wheatland was one of the first in the state to experience the need for an operating referendum, in recent years nearly every district in Wisconsin has had to come to taxpayers to increase the revenue limit. Due to recent inflationary costs, most districts need to increase the amount they ask for in each
successive operating referendum. Wheatland’s reduction in overall scope and cost speaks to the Board’s understanding and management of Wisconsin’s complicated school finance system.

When the Board asked the community to approve the last operating referendum, they committed to be good financial stewards. In March, the Board will be able to pay down debt from the 2018 facility referendum at an accelerated rate saving taxpayers nearly $750,000 in interest and reducing the 20 year bond by three and a half years. The Board also made the decision to keep the tax levy flat or reduce it slightly in all four years of the expiring operating referendum. In those four years, the mill rate has also decreased from 6.83 to 4.8. This demonstrates the success of the Wheatland District and commitment to the strong stewardship of tax dollars by the Board.

In addition, over the course of the last 4 years the District has been able to achieve the following financial milestones:
— Created and supported a facility improvement fund to plan for future mechanical needs
— Contributed additional funds to debt service which will reduce interest on the 2018 facility project
— Built and maintained a fund balance to eliminate the need for short term borrowing
— Reduced the yearly amount of the operating referendum from $525,000 for 4 years to $400,000 for 4 years
— Reduced the overall school based tax levy in 11 of the last 12 years (This year’s school based taxes will be less than they were in 2019)

Board President, Chris Serak, added, “The Wheatland School Board is seeking a renewal of the current operating referendum. While we were able to reduce both the yearly ask and overall scope of the referendum, the renewal is needed due to an outdated state funding formula and artificial revenue limit. The referendum asks the local community to continue to support a model school district right here in Wheatland. We are incredibly proud of all that we have been able to accomplish in the past and thankful for the continued support of the Wheatland community.”
For more information: https://www.wheatland.k12.wi.us/page/referendum-2026

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

Twin Lakes Area Chamber & Business Association Mistletoe on Main Street is Nov. 29.

Sip, Shop & Stroll!

Join us for Mistletoe on Main, a festive holiday market happening on Small Business Saturday this November in downtown Twin Lakes! 

Stroll Main Street and enjoy a magical mix of shopping, food, drinks, and holiday cheer while supporting local businesses. Best of all, it’s completely free for vendors and small businesses to set up a table, making this a true community celebration of shopping small and local.

Here’s a rundown of the day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Twin Lakes:

• 70+ vendors
• Hot cocoa & treats
• Santa pics
• Free Parents Day Out
• Live music all day
• Family-friendly holiday magic
• Everything in one place, one day

Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, tasty bites, or a cozy place to gather with friends and neighbors, Mistletoe on Main is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.

Click here for more information.

At about 5:48 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash at Highways 45 and 50 in Bristol.

Per dispatch: Injuries being reported.

UPDATE 5:55 p.m. — Fire unit arriving on scene reports two vehicles involved, showing moderate damage.

From the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office via news release:

Statement From Sheriff David Zoerner Regarding ICAC Investigation and Arrest

In September 2024, the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office (KESO) received a cyber tip from the social messaging platform Kik. The tip reported that an individual had distributed illegal and extremely disturbing content on their service in July of that year. I assigned the case to our Detective Bureau and our Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit, who immediately began a thorough investigation.

Over the course of that investigation, detectives identified the suspect as Jerry D. Lapenta II, a 33-year-old man. After securing and reviewing multiple search warrants, the investigators determined that Lapenta had distributed ten illicit videos—nine involving acts of bestiality and one involving a child engaged in such conduct—through the Kik platform. Cases like this require extensive digital work, and our detectives remained committed to following every lead and verifying every detail.

By November 2025, detectives had gathered sufficient evidence to establish probable cause for Lapenta’s arrest. I authorized the release of a Critical Reach notification to patrol units to locate him.

On November 19, 2025, at approximately 5:58 AM, deputies observed Lapenta’s vehicle at his residence in Wheatland Township. After watching him leave, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 30800 block of 52nd Street. Lapenta was taken into custody without incident at 6:03 AM. He was transported to our Detective Bureau for an interview and then booked into the Kenosha County Jail.

Later that day, KESO Detective Bureau obtained a search warrant for his residence. Detectives executed the warrant and removed electronic devices for forensic analysis.

Lapenta is currently facing multiple charges, including ten counts of distributing bestiality material — one of which involves a child — along with one count of possession of child pornography, possession of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He appeared in court for his initial appearance on November 20, 2025, where a cash bond was set at $100,000.

Message to Parents and Guardians

As Sheriff, one of my most important responsibilities is protecting the children of this community. Technology has created opportunities for predators to hide behind screens, reach into our homes, and target victims. That reality means we must work together—law enforcement, parents, and the community—to stay ahead of these threats.

Here are some ways families can stay vigilant:

— Know the apps and platforms your children use. Review them regularly and understand what they allow.

— Set firm expectations. Talk often about appropriate behavior, online safety, and the importance of speaking up.

— Use parental controls and monitoring tools. Most devices offer filters, time limits, and activity logs.

— Keep the conversation open. Let your children know they can come to you with anything that feels wrong or uncomfortable.

— Watch for hidden or alternate accounts. It’s common for youth to create additional profiles.

— Use reputable resources. The Wisconsin DOJ—Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) have excellent information and tools for protecting children online.

Commitment to Kenosha County

The safety of our children guides every decision we make. When a suspect exploits a child or uses technology to conceal their actions, we respond with deliberate, detailed investigative work. My deputies and detectives are committed to following the evidence and ensuring those who endanger children are brought to justice.

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:

From Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue:

Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue is proud to host a Community Blood Drive with the American Red Cross and Food Drive to support both local patients in need of lifesaving blood and families served by the Twin Lakes Area Food Pantry. The event will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at the Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue Department, offering residents an easy and impactful way to give back.

As winter approaches, the need for both blood donations and non-perishable food items increases significantly. By participating, community members can make a direct and meaningful difference in the lives of neighbors who rely on these essential resources.

Event Details:
• What: Community Blood Drive & Food Drive

• When: Tuesday, November 25th 1:00pm to 6:00pm

• Where: Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue Department, 236 E. Main Street, Twin Lakes

• Who Benefits: Local hospitals through the regional blood center & the Twin Lakes Area Food Pantry

How You Can Help:

• Donate Blood: A single donation can save up to three lives. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome as availability allows. The last walk-in will be accepted at 5:00 pm per the request of the American Red Cross. You can register for an appointment at redcrossblood.org. (Click this link and enter 53181 as Zip code to see available times).

• Bring Food Donations: Canned goods, boxed meals, pasta, rice, peanut butter, cereal, and
other shelf-stable items are especially appreciated.

“We’re grateful for the ongoing support from our community,” said Chief Ron Redlin. “Events like this highlight what makes Twin Lakes such a strong and compassionate place to live. Every donation — whether blood or food — helps someone in a very real way.”

Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue encourages all residents to attend, donate, and help spread the word. Together, we can support families in need and ensure a stable blood supply during the holiday season.

For more information or to schedule a blood donation appointment, please contact Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue at 262-877-2373

Note: The following is a paid announcement from –DH

From Kenosha County 4-H:

Several hundred people turned out Saturday for the Kenosha County 4-H Festival of Trees, a first-time event at the County Center in Bristol.

Some two dozen Christmas trees were on displayed, representing various 4-H projects and clubs.

Santa Claus, apparently tracked down by the Slades Corners 4-H Club, made an appearance, and there were various holiday crafts for families to enjoy. Admission was free, though visitors were encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations for The Sharing Center in Trevor.

The trees will remain on display in the County Center lobby until the end of the year. The building is located at the corner of ighways 45 and 50 in Bristol.

More information about 4-H and other Extension Kenosha County programming is available at kenosha.extension.wisc.edu.

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: