West of the I

Just after 9 am, Twin Lakes responded the report of a woman shot in the 1600 block of Wilmot Avenue. After staging, Twin transported the patient to Froedtert South. Twin Lakes did take a subject into custody. Twin Lakes Police and Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office are investigating.

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:

4:36 pm Salem Lakes Fire and Rescue is responding for a supervisory alarm at 22500 block of 85th Place.

They have requested We energies.

At 1:14 pm Kenosha Sheriff’s Office came across an accident on the west Frontage Road and Highway K. Two vehicles, occupants reporting injuries.

Note: This is a paid announcement from Reliable Heating and Air Conditioning — DH

Reliable Heating & Air Conditioning has been in the Western Kenosha County neighborhood for 40 years.

Reliable was founded in 1985 by Ray Sheehan. Ray’s son Rick now runs the company and three generation of Sheehans have worked there.

Reliable Heating & Air Conditioning is fully staffed with HVAC technicians throughout SE Wisconsin to best serve you. 

It’s friendly, knowledgeable and skilled technicians keep your home comfortable and energy efficient all year-round with the best HVAC solutions to suit your home’s layout. 

Reliable can work around your schedule and service you HVAC products with the skill and care that you deserve and a price you can afford.

Besides standard heating and air conditioning services, Reliable also services and installs water heaters and boiler systems.

Whether your need is residential, commercial, installation, service or new construction Reliable brings 50 years of experience to complete your job.

Call Reliable Heating & Air Conditioning today at 262-843-2865

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 3:50 pm a Bristol truck and fire Chief are responding for a working still alarm to Pleasant Prairie for a possible structure fire at Westwood Estates on 88th Avenue. Initial reports states heavy smoke coming from a garage.

4:16 pm Paris Fire has been requested for a rescue squad for change of quarters, Station 3.

Voters in the Wheatland J1 School District will be able to vote on a operating referendum in the spring election on April 7.

We sent a questionnaire to district officials. Following are the responses from Martin McGinley, district administrator.

What is being sought with your district’s referendum? 

McGinley: The Wheatland J1 School District is asking for a renewal of the current, non-recurring operating referendum for an additional 4 years. The question on the ballot will be as follows…
“Shall the Joint School District Number 1, Towns of Wheatland, Brighton, Randall and Salem, Kenosha County, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $400,000 per year, for the 2026-2027 school year through the 2029-2030 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of maintaining the current level of educational programming and operating the District? [YES]  or  [NO]”
Even with increased inflationary costs over the last 8 years the district has been able to reduce each succeeding referendum by a substantial amount. The current operating referendum, which passed in 2022, was a reduction of $100,000 per year for a total of $400,000. If approved, the pending referendum would be an additional reduction of $125,000 per year, or $500,000 over the four years.The non-recurring option was chosen because it provides a sunset for the referendum and allows residents to make an informed choice in four years, while giving the district the benefit of knowing the impact of future state budgets. 

Why is the referendum needed? 

McGinley: The revenue permitted based on the state imposed revenue limit is not sufficient to provide the services that the children of Wheatland need or that our community expects. The only way to increase the amount of revenue available is to have public permission through the referendum to exceed the revenue limit. It is exactly the same issue that Wheatland has had for the previous 20 years. With public approval, the School Board may levy up to that amount if necessary, but in previous years the Board of Education has been able to under levy based on the needs of the district or pay down debt. This month the district will be prepaying $2,000,000 of debt from the 2018 Facility referendum saving taxpayers $750,000 in interest on the loan and reducing the period of the loan by 3.5 years. Approval of the referendum simply allows the Wheatland School Board to increase the revenue limit to accommodate the current budget, however, due to the district’s strong financial position it is not projected to increase the tax levy. This is due to intentional measured growth in open enrollment and conservative spending in the previous 4 years. In fact, as mentioned in later questions, there has been no increase in the tax levy in 11 of the last 12 years and there is projected to be NO TAX LEVY INCREASE with this referendum. 

What is the projected property tax impact?

McGinley: Based on a conservative forecasting model created by Robert W. Baird’s public finance division and the district’s own budget projections, there is predicted to be no increase over the current levy for the school-based portion of property taxes. This is made possible by increased revenue from open enrollment and great fiscal stewardship by the Wheatland Board of Education. The District has been able to decrease the tax levy each year since 2018, and the reduce the overall overall tax levy in 11 of the last 12 years. Wheatland is one of very few districts in the state that has been able to reduce the tax levy, thereby providing an excellent value for the Wheatland community and a destination school for area students. 

What will passing the referendum allow the district to do? 

McGinley: An approval of the referendum will allow the District to continue the momentum toward our Flight to Excellence. Over the last decade Wheatland students have made progress in growth and achievement in every measured category. We are incredibly proud of the opportunities we provide students to thrive in all academic and extra-curricular areas. The Wheatland School District continues to exceed expectations each year on the state report card, while creating powerful students that are ready to fulfill the promise of success in high school and beyond. 

What will be the effect of the referendum not passing?

McGinley: If the referendum question fails, the district will be forced to re-evaluate its long term financial projections. The impact of this reduction may cause a reduction in programming, and a potential loss of students. This would be followed by a decrease in state aid and open enrollment revenue. Ultimately, this loss of revenue would likely cause taxes to increase. It could also dramatically impact the quality of education the community has worked so hard to improve. The Board would have to reassess the situation after all information is available. Unfortunately, unless something changes with the school finance formula, no matter how successful Wheatland becomes, it is unlikely that the district will ever be able to thrive without some form of an operating referendum. 

How can people get more information or ask questions? 

McGinley: Visit the Wheatland Referendum Websitehttps://www.wheatland.k12.wi.us/page/referendum-2026
and/or Contact Marty McGinley, District AdministratorEmail: marty.mcginley@wcspk8.orgPhone: 262-537-2216 ext. 3920

At 10:53 am Bristol, Pleasant Prairie, and Newport are en route to a multi vehicle accident in the 9000 block of I-94. One of the vehicles is a bus.

At 10:58 am they received a separate rescue call for a cardiac issue. Bristol requested Antioch for that call.

11:01 Kenosha responded to the 9400 block of I-94 for a traumatic injury.

11:02 Antioch responded for rescue call.

Bristol Fire and Rescue are responding for a rescue call on 116th St for a head injury. They requested Flight For Life. The patient will be transported by the helicopter from the landing zone at Highways 45 and 50.

Note: Wilmot Auto Service is a westofthei.com sponsor. This is a paid announcement. — DH

Wilmot Auto Service, Inc is an independent auto repair shop and has earned the Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition as prescribed by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, (ASE), a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of vehicle repair and service by means of voluntary testing and certification for automotive repair and service professionals.

Call 862-6300 for an appointment. Hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dwayne & Cindy Garwood are the owners and Dwayne is an ASE Master technician and has been in the automotive repair business for over 25 years. Dwayne’s grandpa Harmon Garwood started Wilmot Auto Service in 1951. They are celebrating 74 years in business. He employs ASE certified and ASE master technicians. Dwayne’s commitment to you has always been to offer the highest quality, honest and friendly auto service.

Wilmot Auto Service offers a variety of services like alignments, brakes, tires, timing belts, check engine lights and state inspections. They can be reached at 262-862-6300. They are located at 11307 Fox River Rd. Wilmot, WI 53192 with the BP gas station in downtown Wilmot. www.wilmotautoservice.com

Note: The following is a paid announcement from Aging and Disability Resource Center of Kenosha County — DH

The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Kenosha County (ADRC) Durable Medical Equipment Loan and Supply Closet provides durable medical equipment as well as incontinence products for older adults and adults with disabilities. Individuals who are not enrolled in one of Wisconsin’s long-term care programs, such as Family Care, IRIS, and Partnership may contact the ADRC to request an item(s).

The Loan and Supply Closet is supported by the generosity of community monetary and in-kind donations. The Loan and Supply Closet has a low inventory of the following items:

• Incontinence products: Chux (disposable underpads), Wipes, Men’s, Women’s, and Unisex Pull-ups, sizes: small, medium, large, Men’s, Women’s, and Unisex Bladder pads.
• Mobility for Standard and Bariatric: Wheelchairs (Bariatric and Standard), Transport Chairs (Bariatric and Standard), Rollators (Bariatric and Standard), Transfer Boards, Knee Scooters (Standard), Portable Ramps.
• Bathroom Essentials: Shower Chairs and Stools (Bariatric and Standard), Transfer Benches (Bariatric and Standard), Commodes (Bariatric and Standard), Toilet Rails. 

If you have items you wish to donate, or are in need of medical equipment or supplies, please call the ADRC at 262-605-6646. The ADRC is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. While the ADRC takes additional steps in sanitization, for everyone’s safety, we ask that all equipment be cleaned prior to donation.

An Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza hosted by the Westosha-Salem Kiwanis Club and partnered with the Kenosha County Fair Association will take place Sunday, March 29 at the fairgrounds in Wilmot.

This event is free.

The event will include egg hunts divided by the following age groups starting at 1 p.m.:

• 2-3 years old
• 4-5 years old
• 6-8 years old
• 9-10 years old

There will be a sensory friendly hunt for all ages at noon.

Find a golden egg and win an Easter basket. Over 30,000 eggs will be hidden.

Other fun planned for the event includes a petting zoo and sprint/race cars, farm tractors and sheriff’s and fire vehicles on display.

There also will be a bike raffle. Each child will receive one free bike raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets are given for non-perishable food items donated to a The Sharing Center food drive. Extra tickets also can be purchased for $5 each or 3 for $10.

Parking is in the main fairgrounds parking lot; enter the grounds at the Big Red Barn entrance.

Here is a map of the layout for the event (click on map for larger view):

A long-time member of the Wheatland J1 School District has resigned.

Chris Serak is leaving the board on which her served for 19 years.

Here is a news release from the district issued Thursday:

At its March board meeting the Wheatland School Board discussed the incredible service and commitment from Board President Chris Serak. He recently resigned his position due to a change in residency. Mr. Serak has served as the School Board President for sixteen of the nineteen years he was on the board. He was instrumental in the success Wheatland has enjoyed, including the district’s unprecedented growth and expansion in programming.

Former Board President Chris Serak wrote, “It is with heavy heart that I resign my position on the Wheatland J1 School Board effective immediately. I have relocated our primary residence to Florida, therefore I am no longer a registered voter or resident of Wisconsin. I have really enjoyed the past 19 years working on the many challenges we faced as a district and I am proud of all we have accomplished together. I am confident I leave the District in good hands with the current School Board and a strong leadership team.”

The Wheatland J1 School district has become a destination school district during Mr. Serak’s tenure. The success includes creating sustainable systems to ensure financial stability, improve instruction, upgrade the facility, and enhance transportation. Wheatland has been at the top of the Exceeds Expectations category for several years. The positive educational atmosphere has contributed to an increase of 250 students, and a decrease in the tax levy in 11 of the last 12 years. The district has an upcoming operating referendum on April 7th that was unanimously approved by the board. This referendum is a reduction from the previous referendum and will not increase the current tax levy. As of March the district also paid off $2,000,000 in debt, saving the taxpayers $750,000 in interest. Mr. Serak’s steady leadership was instrumental in making these accomplishments a reality.

District Administrator, Marty McGinley said, “Chris has been a strong presence in the district for nearly two decades. That kind of service to one’s community is extraordinary. He has given his time and talent to Wheatland, and has impacted the lives of thousands of students. His steady hand and grasp of the big picture have helped us focus on the needs of the students first and foremost. Chris has been a mentor to me and I am forever grateful.”

The district will post the position in the coming weeks and publish a process for the appointment of a board member to fill the open seat in April.

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 District board is seeking applicants to fil a vacancy on the board.

Steve Richter recently resigned. He held the Bristol seat since 2013.

Richter is the second resignation from the board this year. In January, Bonnie Felske resigned her at-large seat ont eh board. Jacob Biehn was appointed to filler that seat.

Here is information on how to apply for considertation to

The Westosha Central High School District is currently seeking applicants to fill a vacant Board position. The position is the Bristol representative; qualified applicants must reside within the Bristol/Westosha Central district boundaries and be at least 18 years old.
The vacancy follows the resignation of board member Steve Richter, who has served on the Westosha Central Board of Education for the past 13 years. Richter wrote that “serving our community and the students of Westosha Central High School for the past 13 years has been a tremendous honor.” He also expressed pride in the district’s progress, noting the board’s work “strengthening academic programs and expanding opportunities for students.”
He added, “I am deeply grateful for the collaboration, dedication, and professionalism of my fellow board members, administrators, teachers, staff, and community partners. The progress we have made has truly been a team effort. As I step away from this role, I do so with tremendous confidence and excitement for the district’s future. The leadership in place, combined with the commitment of this community, ensures that our students will continue to thrive.”
The board will select a candidate following an interview process. The selected candidate will fill the position immediately and complete the current term. The three-year term will then appear on the ballot in the 2027 spring election.
Applicants should send an email communication with a letter of intent to John Gendron, District Administrator, no later than Monday, March 30, 2026, at 3 p.m.
Board interviews will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 6 p.m. The district will send information via email on April 1 to applicants with more details regarding the interviews.
To submit your candidacy for the vacant position:
● Name
● Address
● Phone
● Email
● Letter of Interest, including reasons for wanting to serve and any other information you find relevant to serving on the board
Please email your information to:
Mr. John Gendron
gendronj@westosha.k12.wi.us
For further information, contact District Administrator John Gendron, gendronj@westosha.k12.wi.us, (262) 843-2321, ext. 222, or Executive Assistant Nicole Pahl, pahln@westosha.k12.wi.us, (262) 843-2321, ext. 247.

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 Salem Lakes Village Board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, starting at 6 p.m. at Vilage Hall in Salem.

This meeting also is live streamed and archived for later viewing here.

Agenda items include:

• Ordinance 2026.03-120 – an Ordinance to Repeal and Recreate Chapter 108 entitled “Park Commission,” Section 108-1 Entitled “Creation, Membership, Terms of Office,” Subsection A and Section 108-2 Entitled “Vacancies and Tenure,” of the Village of Salem Lakes Municipal Code
• Appointment of Dean Hintzman to the Park Commission with a term ending 2028 due to vacancy caused by resignation of Mark Eberle
• Appointment of Sandy Verges to the Park Commission with a term ending 2027 due to vacancy caused by resignation of Doug Randolph and Laura Francart 10.4. Updating Chapter 186, Article IV – Chickens in Residential Areas
• Awarding the Valmar & Yaws Subdivision Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project, to Asphalt Contractors, in the amount of $6,981,100.00
• Professional Services Agreement between Kenosha County and Village of Salem Lakes for General Zoning and Shoreland/Floodplain Zoning Ordinance Administration
• Creation of a Clean Boats, Clean Waters program in collaboration with the WI DNR and the area Lake Districts
• Road Consortium Intermunicipal Agreement for the transfer of road services involving the three villages of Salem Lakes, Twin Lakes, and Paddock Lake and efforts to seek Innovation Grant funds
• Review and possible sale of Village owned properties: 70-4-120-212-1350 – R4 1 Acre Channel Front on Center Lake in Camp Lake; 70-4-120-124-0301 – 20 Acres Would need to be rezoned; 70-4-120-124-0270 – R2 1.15 Acres South of the 20 Acres; 70-4-120-172-3006 – Old Silver Lake Firehouse/Town Hall; 70-4-120-354-3300 – 1 Acre Antioch Rd Trevor Zoned B3; 70-4-120-063-0676 – R5 .45 Acres Buyer needs to do Wetland Delineation; 70-4-120-284-1160 – R4 Urban Single Family Residential; 70-4-120-181-1710 – B2 Community Business Dist. Silver Lake; 70-4-120-181-1900 – B2 Community Business Dist. Silver Lake.
• Closed sessions for: Review and possible sale of Village owned properties, Negotiating a cellular lease agreement with Crown Castle Towers for Village property located at 123 N Northwater St., Negotiating the fees and the extension or duration of the sewer service agreement, boundary agreement and water utility service agreement with the
  Village of Paddock Lake; personnel issues in the Fire Department.

The full agenda is available here.

At about 6:31 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue and Kenosha Fire Department units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash in the 14400 block of Highway 50.

Per dispatch: Two vehicles involved, one in the roadside ditch. Injuries unknown.

From Kenosha County:

Kenosha County government buildings are closed to the public today due to dangerous weather conditions. Many county services remain available online at https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov.

Road conditions are hazardous throughout the county. Please travel only if absolutely necessary, and use great caution if you do. Stay safe out there!

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

The Westosha Central High School Band will be holding an open rehearsal on Tuesday, March 17 from 6:30-8 p.m. This will be the WCHS Band’s final rehearsal as they prepare for their upcoming trip to Florida. The public is invited to attend.  Please enter through the Commons doors to enter the auditorium. 

The Westosha Central High School Band will be travelling to Florida March 18-25. The WCHS Band will be participating in the Festival Disney competition.  While in Florida the WCHS band students will be visiting all four Walt Disney World theme parks, all three Universal Studios theme parks, and Cocoa Beach.

The National Weather Service has now issued a blizzard warning for Kenosha County.

The warning is set to be in effect until 4 p.m., Monday.

From the warning text:

Freezing rain and sleet mixed with snow will continue across the area for the next few hours before transitioning to snowfall. High rates up to 1″/hr will develop across the region into the early morning hours Monday as north winds continue to gust between 40 and 45 MPH. The combination of high snow rates and gusty winds will lead to blizzard conditions with visibilities below 1/4 of a mile, potentially during the Monday morning commute. Snowfall accumulations of 3 to 5 inches are expected. Travel could be very difficult. Widespread blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions are expected to impact the Monday morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

The nasty weather forecast is prompting area schools to announce closures for Monday.

There will be no classes Monday at:

• Riverview School
• Bristol School
• Westosha Central High School
• Lakewood School
• Paris School
• Randall School
• Salem School
• Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated School
• Wilmot Union High School
• Westosha Head Start
• Brighton School District

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 National Weather Service has dropped a winter storm watch and replaced it with a less severe winter weather advisory for Western Kenosha County.

The advisory is set to be in effect from 10 p.m., Sunday until 4 p.m., Monday.

From the advisory text:

Mixed precipitation expected. … Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. … IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. … Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

The latest, most local NWS forecast calls for s total of about 2.5 inches of snow accumulation for Sunday overnight and Monday.

The winter advisory is also in effect for Racine, Walworth, Milwaukee and Waukesha counties. If you are going farther west or north, rougher weather is expected with more snow accumulation.

UPDATE 4:48 p.m. — Winter weather advisory now to start at 7 p.m., Sunday.

The National Weather Service shifted when Western Kenosha County was to be under a winter storm watch and is now forecasting a little more snow accumulation

The winter storm watch now is set to extend from 4 p.m., Sunday to 7 p.m., Monday.

During that time we could see snow and sleet accumulation of 2 to 4 inches total, says the latest, local NWS forecast,

Sunday’s high temperature will actually be a warm 58. The low Sundya overnight will be just 19.

The wind that mostly was absent Saturday is expected to wind up again Sunday into Monday.