Note: Glenda and Butch Dupons, of Bear Realty, are westofthei.com sponsors. This is a paid announcement — DH
Here are open houses being hosted today by Glenda and Butch Dupons, of Bear Realty:
Deaths Feb. 21, 2025: Jack James Velino, Joseph Edward Wetzel, Richard Plovanich, Franco Floreani
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 →Spring election 2025: Salem School District presentation on operational referendum
Officials from Salem School District on Wednesday gave a presentation to the Paddock Lake Village Board on the need for a $2 million operational budget that will be on the April 1 ballot.
Speaking at the meeting were district superintendent Vicki King, School Board Treasurer Nicole Haas and district director of business services Ryan Sandberg.
The school officials described the district’s financial situation and the need for the referendum to allow the district to levy taxes above the state-imposed levy limit, then took questions from the Village Board and audience. The board is seeking the authority to levy an additional $2 million a year for three years in this non-reoccurring referendum.
Operational referendum money is used to pay for running the school such as paying school staff, not capital needs such as building expansion or renovation.
Here is a video of the presentation (the first person to speak on the video is King (at right) then Haas (center) and then Sandberg:
More information about the referendum is available here at the district’s website.
Warm up expected starting this weekend
It you’ve had enough of temperatures in single digits and below zero wind chills, you’re in luck.
A warm up is expected to get some momentum Friday and result in several days of high temperatures in the mid 40s early next week, says the latest, local National Weather Service forecast.
Friday will be better, but not in a spectacular way. It will be sunny, with a high of 26, but cold wind chills will still be a thing with a southwest wind of 5 to 10 mph producing wind chill values between -5 and 5 (sadly that is an improvement).
Sunday will be a little warmer with a high of 37. The big big news starts Monday with high temperatures of 45 forecast through Wednesday. There is a less than 50 percent chance of some rain Monday night and again Wednesday.
Deaths Feb. 20, 2025: Maria Meyer
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 →Paddock Lake Village Board appoints municipal judge
The Paddock Lake Village Board Wednesday appointed Richard Ginkowski as municipal judge.
The vacancy was created by the retirement of longtime judge Robert Brenner as of Jan. 1.
Ginkowski, a former Kenosha County assistant district attorney, is also the current Pleasant Prairie municipal judge.
Ginkowski was appointed by Racine/Kenosha Circuit Court Chief Judge Wynne Laufenberg to serve as judge until Feb. 28. The board’s action extended that appointment, but for an as of yet undetermined term.
Initially the board was considering a staff recommendation to appoint Ginkowski until April 2026, the next election at which a judge could be elected.
However, Trustee Ron Statz questioned whether the board would be better to appoint Ginkowski until April 2027, since Brenner’s term was to expire then. If the appointment was made until April 2026, the person elected to the post in 2026 would have to run again in 2027 to stay in the post for four more years.
Village administrator Tim Popanda said he had only spoke to Ginkowski about serving in Paddock Lake until April 2026.
After some discussion, village President pro tempore Alex Attiah suggested making the appointment opened ended until Ginkowski’s willingness to serve longer could be determined.
Trustee Joseph Capelli, an attorney who practices in Kenosha County, told the board Ginkowski was well qualified for the post.
“He’s a great attorney,” Capelli said. “As far as qualified, he’s qualified. He knows the law. He’s a law and order type of person.”
A word from our sponsors: Why your tires matter and how Hartnell Tire Outlet can help
Note: This is a paid announcement from Hartnell Chevrolet — DH
Tires are a crucial component of your vehicle, directly affecting safety, performance, and fuel efficiency. Over time, tires can wear down or degrade, leading to various issues that may compromise your driving experience.
Here are a few signs you might need new tires:
- Uneven Wear: This can indicate alignment issues or improper inflation, affecting your vehicle’s handling and safety.
- Low Tread Depth: Tires with insufficient tread can significantly reduce traction, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
- Dry Rotting: Cracks or brittleness in the rubber can lead to tire failure, posing a serious safety risk.
- Age of Tires: Even if they appear visually sound, tires over six years old may need replacement due to the breakdown of materials.
- Check these items or have a trained tire profession do an inspection for you!
At Hartnell Tire Outlet, we understand the importance of reliable tires. Our expert team is here to assist you in assessing your current tires’ condition. We offer free tire inspections to help you identify any issues. If new tires are needed, our certified technicians can professionally install them, utilizing our state-of-the-art laser alignment system to ensure optimal performance.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—visit Hartnell Tire Outlet at Hartnell Chevrolet today for a free thorough tire inspection and let us help keep you safe on the road!
www.hartnelltireoutlet.com 262-843-2361
Paris School honor roll 2024-25 first trimester
The following students were named to the Paris School honor roll for the first trimester of the 2024-25 school year (an asterisk denotes straight A’s):
6th Grade — JoLee Davis, Braeden Enright, *Isaac Fleege, *Roman Fonk, *Erin Gerou, Nathan Gerou, Abigail Harms, Elaina Harris, Genevieve Jacobson, *Neil Kordecki, Brantley Lawrence, *Isla Maney, Jackson Montemurro, Jocelyn Niebuhr, *Carlie Ollila, Jana Savic, Mia Seisay, *Elliot Thomas, *Liam Wildenberg, *Matthew Wojtanowicz, *Emily Zierk,
7th Grade — *Luke Aiello, *Alvin Arizmendi, *Ashlynn Booth, Brandon Boyd, *Stella Charles, *Caleb DeVore, *Caleb Engle, Louisa Fonk, Jayson Frederick, Lilliana Garcia, George Hamm, Andi Hammond, *Ty Lother, Daniel Madrigrano, Jr.,
*Anna Malinsky, *Ellie Monson, Owen Niccolai, Maggie Rafenstein, Ethan Renzoni, *Zoe Runkles, Anna Schwer, *Hunter Scifres, *Riley Swan, *Dylan Taylor, Jensen Van Schyndel, *William West, *Adalyn Zierk
8th Grade — Damon Beth, Logan Boyd, *Mason Coffman, *Noah Corey, Ryan Emery, *Victor Fonk, *Haley Hammond, *Celia Hefner, Karson Kastenson, *Avery Ludwig, James Melby, *Jackson Morgan, *Logan Nutting, *Brianna Petit, *Tucker Richards, *Luke Salas, *Tay Seisay, *Henry Smith, Easton Wampole, Ellie Wildenberg, Ella Woltersdorf, *Malynah Wong
A word from our sponsors: Town of Wheatland seeking applicants for appointed town clerk and appointed town treasurer
Note: The following is a paid announcement from the town of Wheatland — DH
Town of Wheatland Full Time Municipal Clerk
The Town of Wheatland (population 3,376) is seeking applicants for an appointed Clerk position beginning April 2025. Position can expect 40+ hours weekly. Candidates must have strong communication and organizational skills, and a strong attention to detail. A working knowledge of municipal government, accounting, finances, maintaining public records, budgeting, payroll, licensing and permits, and election administration is desired. Computer skills are critical and should include proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and QuickBooks. Starting salary is dependent on a combination of education, prior experience and qualifications, and starting salary could range from $25+ hourly/ $52,000 salary. Two weeks’ vacation to start. Stipend for Self Health Insurance and Self Retirement. (2024 was $5,082 for each)
Send cover letter and resume with subject headline “APPOINTED CLERK” to Kelly Wilson @ kwilson23@wi.rr.com or by mail to PO Box 797, New Munster, WI. 53152.
The position will be open until filled, however application materials received before March 01, 2025 will be given first consideration.
Town of Wheatland Full Time Municipal Treasurer
The Town of Wheatland (population 3,376) is seeking applicants for an appointed Treasurer position beginning April 2025. Position can expect 40+ hours weekly. Candidates must have strong communication and organizational skills, and a strong attention to detail. A working knowledge of municipal government, accounting, finances, maintaining public records, budgeting, payroll, licensing and permits, and election administration is desired. Computer skills are critical and should include proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and QuickBooks. Starting salary is dependent on a combination of education, prior experience and qualifications, and starting salary could range from $24+ hourly/ $50,000 salary. Two weeks’ vacation to start. Stipend for Self Health Insurance and Self Retirement. (2024 was $5,082 for each)
Send cover letter and resume with subject headline “APPOINTED TREASURER” to Kelly Wilson @ kwilson23@wi.rr.com or by mail to P.O .Box 797, New Munster, WI 53152.
The position will be open until filled, however application materials received before March 01, 2025 will be given first consideration.
Deaths Feb. 19, 2025: William G. Haase
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 →Units responding for fire in Brighton
At about 6 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue (all stations) and Kansasville Fire and Rescue and sheriff’s deputies are responding for a report of a possible fire in the 29900 block of 41st Street in Brighton.
Per dispatch: Smoke and sparks reported coming from chimney.
UPDATE 6:04 p.m. — Dispatch eports deputy on scene reports no active fire, but sparks visible at top of chimney.
Units responding to crash in Randall
At about 5:09 p.m., Town of Randall Fire Department, Wheatland Vol. Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue are responding to a report of a crash at Highways EM and F in Randall.
Per dispatch: Two vehicles involved. Injuries unknown.
UPDATE 5:15 p.m. — Unit at scene reports all occupants now out of vehicles.
A word from our sponsors: Twin Lakes Area Chamber & Business Association seeking applicants for executive director
Note: The following is a paid advertisement from the Twin Lakes Area Chamber & Business Association — DH
The Twin Lakes Area Chamber and Business Association is looking for a new Executive Director. This position requires a person who is very organized and able to multi-task. The ideal candidate will have schedule flexibility in order to work on some weekends and evenings for event planning, event attendance, and meetings. The ability to think on your
feet, deal with deadlines and last-minute changes, and be a “people person” who can interact pleasantly with many types of personalities is a must. Familiarity with Quickbooks, Publisher, Excel, GoDaddy, or similar programs is vital. The position will require approximately 30 hours per week. Pay is based upon experience and open to discussion. Please send your resume to web@twinlakeschamber.com, or visit our website, www.twinlakeschamber.com, to apply. Applications must be received by Friday, February 28 .
And another cold weather advisory issued
The National Weather Service has issued another cold weather advisory — the third in the last three days — for an area of Wisconsin that includes Kenosha County.
The advisory is set to be in effect from midnight to 10 a.m., Wednesday.
Wind chills as low as -15 are expected during that period in the latest, local National Weather Service forecast.
Deaths Feb. 18, 2025: Emory Calvin Trussel, John F. Bartuska
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 →Agenda: Wilmot Union High School District board meeting Feb. 19, 2025
The Wilmot Union High School District board is scheduled to meet Wednesday, starting at 6 p.m. in the school library.
Agenda items include:
- First Semester Grades Report
- Class of 2025 Early Graduates
- Referendum Communications Plan
- Additional Alternative Education Teaching Position
- Mentor-Mentee Program and Stipend for Leadership Team
- Closed session for: Considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of
any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility: District Administrator Candidates
Agenda: Brighton School District #1 board meeting Feb. 19, 2025
The Brighton School District #1 board is scheduled to meet Wednesday, starting at 6 p.m. in the School library.
Agenda items include:
- Retirement June 2025
- Building Updates
- Curriculum Updates
- Equipment Purchase
- Closed session to discuss the employment status, compensation, and benefits for specific employees
Agenda: Paddock Lake Village Board meeting Feb. 19, 2025
The Paddock Lake Village Board is scheduled to meet Wednesday, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall (municipal building).
Agenda items include:
- Motion – to authorize Village Administrator accept donation of tax parcels 40-4-120-021-2755 and 40-
4-120-021-2760. - Motion – to authorize and approve Bear Development request to reduce the developer’s cash escrow for
public improvements in the residential development known as Duck Pond. - Motion – to authorize village staff to pay Asphalt Contractors, Inc in the amount of $337,994.08 as pay
request #3 for 2024 street improvement project. - Motion – appoint interim Municipal Judge Richard Ginkowski to serve as the Village Paddock Lake
Municipal Judge until 2026 Spring election - Motion – authorize Village Administrator to contribute $250 of village funds to the Kenosha County
Sheriff’s Department Safety Poster contest.
Twin Lakes approves street resurfacing projects for 2025
The Twin Lakes Village Board Monday awarded a bid for its 2025 street resurfacing project.
Included in the project are:
- Esch Road: Zerfas Drive to 400th Avenue
- 400th Avenue: Esch Road to Village Limits
- Pheasant Ave: Elizabeth Lane to Park Lane
- Willow Road: Lakeshore Way to Park Lane
- Willow Road: Park Lane to Elizabeth Lane
- Sunset Drive: Park Lane to end of curb
- Shady Lane: Esch Road to Swallow Road
Village engineer Gregory Droessler recommended and the board agreed to award the bid to Stark Pavement Corp. for base bid of $577,457. Stark’s bid was the lowest of four received by the village.
The village had also asked the bidders to include an alternate bid for work on Waldeck Drive. Droessler, trying to stay within the $600,000 budget set for the project, was not recommending including the Waldeck resurfacing.
“I was given a firm budget of 600,000,” Droessler said.
However some board members asked whether it would be better to do that stretch now rather than wait two or three years more. Trustee Aaron Karow pointed out the Waldeck work is needed and it won’t be cheaper in the future. Some other board members agreed.
“I’m all in if we can manage it,” said village President Howard Skinner. “And it’s not going to be any less expensive.”
Droessler said some money might be made available if undercutting is not needed. The village also has a state grant coming for the Willow Street portion that could lower what the village spends.
Ultimately, the motion to approve the bid was made to accept Stark’s base bid and include Waldeck as long as the total cost doesn’t exceed $600,000 plus the state grant.
Military helicopters that flew over Western Kenosha County part of training exercise
If you saw — or heard — a group of military helicopters over Western Kenosha County here’s an explanation of what was going on from Wisconsin National Guard:
Another cold weather advisory issued
After a bit of a break during part of Monday, the National Weather Service has issued another cold weather advisory that includes Kenosha County.
The latest advisory is set to be in effect from 9 p.m., Monday to noon, Tuesday. Wind chill values could reach -25 during that period.
Deaths Feb. 17, 2025: Gary Hollister Sr.
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 →A word from our sponsors: Polish your golf game year round at Westosha Sports Complex
Note: Westosha Sports Complex is a westofthei.com sponsor. This is a paid announcement. — DH
Weather or season never gets in the way of your golf game at Westosha Sports Complex in Silver Lake.
Westosha Sports Complex is a professional training facility where players up their game, practice their swings, and just have fun.
Westosha Sports Complex features Full Swing, the worldwide leader in cutting edge indoor golf simulation technology. Full Swing simulators are in the homes of top Tour Pros including Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, Jason Day, Jim Furyk, Padraig Harrington, and many more. Its patented dual tracking technology delivers superior ball tracking data and makes Full Swing the only simulator that actually measures ball flight indoors. With over 30 years of experience, Full Swing provides the most accurate and realistic golf experience you can find. There are 15 different courses you can play.
Hours are: Monday through Tuesday 3-9 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. If you are looking for an earlier tee time call us at least 48 hours in advance and we will try and accommodate you. Refreshments, including beer, are avilable for purchase.
If your game is baseball or softball, stop in for Westosha Sports Complex’s HitTrax baseball/softball hitting simulator.
HitTrax is not your average batting cage. Its patented technology measures real-time data and displays live results for immediate feedback. Analyze key performance metrics to identify tendencies before stepping onto the field.
With HitTrax, players are further engaged, in-depth performance reports are generated. Whether it’s hitting leagues, tournaments or home run derby’s, HitTrax brings the excitement of the outdoor game into this facility.
Click here for full pricing details.
Westosha Sports Complex is located at 1215 N. Pryor St, Silver Lake.
Local students among Fall 2024 UW-Whitewater graduates
More than 800 students graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at winter commencement, held Dec. 14, 2024.
The following students with local connections earned degrees from the UW-Whitewater at winter commencement:
- Haley Gorsuch, Bristol. graduated with the following degree: Art Education – BSE.
- Dylan Griffin, Twin Lakes, graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Finance – BBA.
- Mason Griffin, Twin Lakes, graduated with the following degree: Finance – BBA.
- Cade Nichols, Bristol, graduated with the following degree: Elementary Education – BSE.
- Hazel Parys, Salem, graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Information Technology – BBA.
- Jacob Shippee, Kenosha, graduated with the following degree: Marketing – BBA.
- Cheyanne Spencer, Trevor, graduated with the following degree: Early Childhood Education – BSE.
Approximately 633 students crossed the stage to receive their degrees at the ceremony, held at Kachel Fieldhouse in the Williams Center.
The 815-member graduating class included three international students, 58 military veterans and 138 nontraditional students, defined as undergraduate students who are 25 years of age or older. In addition, 80 self-identified students with disabilities received degrees.
A total of 47 students participated in the university’s Hired Before Graduation campaign, which celebrates students who landed a job, earned a job promotion, were accepted to graduate school, or started their own business before commencement.
A word from our sponsors: Opportunities to learn more about Silver Lake Salem Jt. 1 School District (Riverview School) referendum scheduled
Note: The following is a paid announcement from Silver Lake Salem Jt. 1 School District — DH
The community is invited to learn more about the April 1 referendum for Silver Lake Jt. 1 School District – Riverview School.
Community Information Meetings
- Feb 18, 6 p.m. at Riverview School
- March 19, 6 p.m. at Riverview School
Learn more about the referendum and ask your questions directly to district representatives. These will be duplicate sessions, so please select the one that best fits your schedule.
Drop-in Chats
Superintendent Kim Taylor will also host informal drop-in chats about the referendum at Scully’s Restaurant, 107 S Cogswell Dr, Silver Lake, WI, on February 18 and March 19, from 1 to 2 p.m. The chats are intended to help answer residents’ questions about the referendum.
More information about the referendum can be found on the District’s website at:
https://www.silverlakejt1.k12.wi.us/o/slj1sd/page/referendum-2025
Cold weather advisory issued
The advisory is set to be in effect from 12 a.m. until 11 a.m., Monday. Cold temperatures with very wind chills as low as -25 are expected during that period.
The advisory texts says: “The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.”
Agenda: Twin Lakes #4 School District (Lakewood School) board meeting Feb. 17, 2025
The Twin Lakes #4 School District (Lakewood School) board is scheduled to meet Monday, starting at 4 p.m. in the school library.
Agenda items include:
- Administrative final notice of non-renewal
- Approve 2025-26 calendar
- Closed session for considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility. Financial matters.
Agenda: Twin Lakes Village Board meeting Feb. 17, 2025
The Twin Lakes Village Board is scheduled to meet Monday, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall.
Agenda items include:
- Discussion and possible action regarding awarding the contract for the Village’s 2025 Street Resurfacing Project.
- Consideration of a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-2-1 to Rezone from the Residential Zone to the Commercial Zone Parcel 86-4-119-281-4001
- Consideration of a motion to approve a Condominium Plat for an existing structure at 202 E. Main St. Parcels 85-4-119-211-3525, 85-4-119-211-3535, 85-4-119-211-3541
- Discussion regarding a Kenosha Drug Operations Group Agreement between the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office and the Twin Lakes Police Department.
- Discussion and possible action regarding the Aquanuts Agreement and Compliance Statement.
- Closed session for the purposes of conducting an annual performance evaluation of the Village Administrator.
A word from our sponsors: Feb. 16, 2025 open houses from Bear Realty’s Glenda and Butch Dupons
Note: Glenda and Butch Dupons, of Bear Realty, are westofthei.com sponsors. This is a paid announcement — DH
Here are open houses being hosted today by Glenda and Butch Dupons, of Bear Realty:
Units responding for alarm in Wilmot
At about 7:17 p.m., Town of Randall Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units are responding to an alarm in the 12400 block of Fox River Road in Wilmot
UPDATE 7:37 p.m. — Smoke inside building. Twin Lake Fire Department, Town of Wheatland Vol. Fire Department and Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue requested to respond with additional units.
UPDATE 7:39 p.m. — Randall command activates box alarm. Among the departments requested to respond are Richmond Fire Department, Bloomfield Fire Department, Lake Geneva Fire Department, Spring Grove Fire Department, Town of Burlington Fire Department and Racine Fire Bells.
