West of the I

At about 6:24 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue, Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue, Paris Fire and Rescue, Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue and Newport Fire Protection District units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to fire int he 8700 block of 184th Avenue in Bristol.

Per dispatch: A structure in a mobile home park is on fire. Residence reportedly has been evacuated.

UPDATE 6:32 p.m. — Bristol command activates MABAS box alarm. Departments due to respond include: Kansasville Fire and Rescue, Antioch (Ill.) Fire Department, Town of Randall Fire Department and Somers Fire and Rescue.

UPDATE 6:46 p.m. — Bristol command requests response from utility company for electric and gas.

UPDATE 6:50 p.m. — Salting of Highway D requested due to water freezing on the road.

UPDATE 7:26 p.m. — Response from Kenosha County Fire Investigation Task Force requested.

At about 5:44 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a crash in the 8500 block of Highway W in Salem Lakes.

Per dispatch: A single vehicle has struck a tree.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Kenosha County.

The advisory is set to be in effect from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday.

The main concern in the advisory is lake effect snow. Accumulations are expected to be higher closer to Lake Michigan. The latest, local NWS forecast for Western Kenosha County says our area’s chance of snow is 50 percent. Hourly forecasts by NWS call for about half an inch of accumulation mid county, but maybe 1-2 inches close to I-94.

And with lake effect, you never know.

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 1:41 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue, Town of Randall Fire Department and Wheatland Fire Department units are responding to a possible fire in the 300 block of West Chestnut in Silver Lake.

Per dispatch: Homeowner trying to thaw pipe in kitchen. Room filled with smoke.

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 the Kansasville Fire and Rescue Department (via Facebook):

Just after 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, the Kansasville Fire & Rescue Department (KFRD) was dispatched along with Kenosha County Sheriff’s deputies to respond to a reported three-vehicle crash that involved a head-on collision in the 2400 block of CTH BD in the western Kenosha County Town of Brighton. Multiple KFRD and Kenosha Sheriff’s units responded immediately and arrived quickly on scene to find a crash involving three vehicles with extensive damage, airbag deployment, entrapment, and requiring extrication. KFRD’s Paramedic team quickly triaged and assessed the patients, stabilized them during extrication and initiated care for the serious injuries they sustained in the crash. Mutual aid resources were requested from the Paris and Salem Lakes Fire Departments. Additional Ambulances and Engine companies responded to assist with the extrication of the injured drivers and to provide the emergency care necessary. A Flight for Life helicopter was also requested to respond to the scene. One driver was transported by ground ambulance to a Kenosha hospital. One driver was transported by Flight for Life to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa. The third driver, sadly, did not survive the extensive traumatic injuries and was deceased at the scene. County Highway BD was closed southbound at 18th Street and northbound at CTH JB/31st Street as emergency crews worked at the crash scene. Kenosha County’s MCAT team is investigating the cause of the crash. Note: This is the 2nd 3-vehicle crash within about 2 miles of each other and within a span of time of about 9 hours. Please drive safely!

UPDATE 3:49 p.m.– Additional details from thr Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office: “On Thursday, January 22, 2026, at approximately 4:11 p.m., Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office deputies and area fire/rescue units responded to a serious three-vehicle crash in the 2400 block of County Trunk Highway BD in the Town of Brighton. The crash involved a Honda CR-V, a Ford Escape, and a Porsche Cayenne. Based on preliminary investigation and witness statements, the Honda was traveling southbound on CTH BD when it crossed the centerline and struck the northbound Ford head-on. Moments later, a Porsche, which was also traveling southbound, was unable to avoid the crash and struck the Honda before leaving the roadway and coming to rest in the east-side ditch. The driver of the Honda, a 75-year-old man from the City of Kenosha, was trapped in the vehicle and sustained life-threatening injuries. Despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, the driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Ford was also trapped and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. That driver was extricated and transported by Flight For Life helicopter to a Milwaukee-area hospital. The driver of the Porsche sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. However, investigators believe the crash may have been caused by a medical emergency. Roadway conditions and vehicle speeds do not appear to be factors in the crash. The Kenosha County Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) responded and is conducting the crash investigation. The roadway was closed for several hours while emergency responders worked the scene and investigators documented evidence. This crash remains under investigation. No further information is being released at this time. The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office reminds all motorists to remain attentive, avoid distractions, and drive safely.”

Related posts

Units responding for crash in Brighton

If you are looking for a place to get warm during Friday’s extreme cold, following are designated warming center locations and hours:

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 4:51 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash in the 15000 block of Highway WG along the Wisconsin-Illinois border.

Per dispatch: A single vehicle has struck a tree.

At about 4:15 p.m., Kansasville Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to the 2400 block of Highway BD in Brighton.

Per dispatch: Three vehicles involved. Injuries being reported.

UPDATE 4:21 p.m. — Paris Fire and Rescue responding as mutual aid with an ambulance.

UPDATE 4:34 p.m. — Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue requested to respond with an ambulance. Kansasville command requests response from Flight for Life medical transport helicopter.

UPDATE 4:42 p.m. — Salem Lakes requested to respond with another ambulance.

Local school districts have announced closures for Friday in light of expected extremely cold weather.

Announcing a closure for Friday are:

Bristol School

Westosha Central High School

Lakewood School

Paris School

Riverview School

Salem School

Trevor-Wilmot School

Wheatland Center School

Wilmot Union High School

Randall School

The National Weather Service has an extreme cold warning in effect for Friday morning followed by a extreme cold watch Friday afternoon until Saturday afternoon.

At about 8:11 p.m., Town of Randall Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to the 11000 block of 336th Avenue in Randall for a crash.

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold warning for an area of Wisconsin that includes Kenosha County.

The warning is set to be in effect from 12 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday.

The warning text says wind chill values could drop to -40 during the warning period.

A extreme cold watch will follow the warning, running from 1 p.m., Friday to noon, Saturday.

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold watch for an area of Wisconsin that includes Kenosha County.

The watch is set to be in effect from 12 a.m., Friday to noon Saturday.

A combination of subzero temperatures and wind gusting up to 30 mph will combine to produce wind chill values as low as -40, the watch text says.

While subzero highs won’t continue, longer range forecasts don’t show a real warm-up — say mid to high 20s — on the way.

Meanwhile, enjoy a little bit of a reprieve on temperature today with a relatively warm high of 24 expected. At 6:10 a.m., it’s 21 at the Westosha Central High School weather station.

At about 7:53 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue, Bristol Fire and Rescue, Town of Randall Fire Department and Wheatland Vol Fire Department units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a fire in the 800 block of Fox Lane in Silver Lake.

Per dispatch: Caller reporting a truck exploded in a garage.

UPDATE 7:58 p.m. — Another explosion reported.

UPDATE — MABAS box alarm activated. Other departments to repond include: Paris Fire and Rescue, Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue and Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue.

UPDATE 8:04 p.m. — SL chief confirms structure on fire with explosions.

UPDATE 8:06 p.m. — Deputies closing down traffic on Riverside Drive.

UPDATE about 8:15 p.m. — Kenosha County Fire Investigation Task Force response requested.

UPDATE 8:21 p.m. — SL chief reports to dispatch that fire is out.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for an area of Wisconsin that includes Kenosha County.

The advisory is set to be in effect from 9 p.m., Tuesday to 6 a.m., Wednesday.

Snow is the main concern during the advisory period. We could see almost 6 inches according to the NWS hourly forecast.

The low temperature Tuesday will be 13 with a high of 25 Wednesday. Winds will be relatively calm compared to recent experience at 5 to 15 mph.

Wednesday’s over 20 temp is a very temporary reprieve from the deep freeze. The latest, local NWS forecast calls for a high of 17 Thursday and just -3 Friday.

2026 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fair Kaelie Billingsley was welcomed home Sunday with a surprise reception at the Kenosha County Center in Bristol.

Billingsley, 19, of Paris was named state Fairest of the Fair at the Wisconsin Association of Fairs convention last week.

Fair officials, supporters, friends and family gathered for the event. Here’s video of Billingsley’s arrival:

Billingsley competed in the 2026 state Fairest of the Fair competition as part of her duties as the 2025 Kenosha County Fairest of the Fair. A Kenosha County last won the state title in 1989.

“I really did not think I would get it,” Billingsley said of her new title. “Every single one of the 31 contestants was great to be around. They all deserved it just as much. It’s surreal that I was the one chosen.”

Kenosha County Fairest of the Fair committee member Betsy Ross talked about how the convention week went for Billingsley:

County Executive Samantha Kerkman presented a proclamation on behalf of the county and state Rep. Amanda Nedweski:

Next for Billingsley will be orientation in Feb. familiarizing her with her new duties, of which a major portion will be visiting other fairs this summer. She also will be giving interviews and other tasks.

“I’m most excited to go and visit all the fairs,” Billingsley said.

Billingsley said she is prepared to make the most of her new title.

“It’s such an amazing opportunity,” she said.

At about 9:31 a.m., Town of Randall Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash in the 11000 block of Highway KD in Randall.

UPDATE 9:33 a.m. — Per dispatch, a semi truck and another vehicle involved. Injuries being reported.

The Diva Quest 2026 vocal music scholarship finals show will take place on Saturday, Jan. 31, at 3 pm, at Journey Church in Kenosha.

All 10 Diva Quest finalists will perform live (collectively and as soloists), evaluated by a panel of judges in front of a live voting audience. The program will also feature The Naturals of Marquette University, Riverport Chorus, and 2025 Diva Quest Winner Yocelin Valdez.

Diva Quest finalists for 2026 are:

• ·         Amareli Arias – Westosha Central High School
• ·         Daniella Berti – Wilmot Union High School
• ·         Elle Kinney – Wilmot Union High School
• ·         Avery Meachum – Wilmot Union High School
• ·         Kendra Meyer – Waukesha South High School
• ·         Emma Robers – Elkhorn Area High School
• ·         Adele Thornton – Wilmot Union High School
• ·         Scarlett Towry – Wilmot Union High School
• ·         AlyVega – Antioch Community High School
• ·         Ariana Wine – Wilmot Union High School

“Diva Quest is a non-profit vocal scholarship competition in Southeast Wisconsin,” explained Susan Nelson, Diva Quest co-founder. “Diva Quest provides young women in high school with the opportunity to showcase their vocal singing talents and earn scholarship money towards their post high school education.”

Since 2007, Diva Quest has drawn aspiring high school girl singers (grades 9-12) from area high schools in Southeast Wisconsin and Northeast Illinois. The program is presented by Riverport Chorus with supporters including Home Helpers Home Care, Thrivent, Diane Pawasarat, and Kate Shortall.

“Last year, the Diva Quest winner received $1,750 in scholarship monies,” explained Lisa Mushel, Diva Quest co-founder. “Descending amounts were awarded to runners-up in the final competition.”

In preparation for the big event, those top 10 finalists have received coaching and mentoring by a team of experienced musicians, music educators, and performers) in song selection, vocal presentation, performance, and more.

Tickets for the Diva Quest finals show are available from any finalist or Riverport Chorus member or online at riverportchorus.org/divaquest. General admission is $20 in advance (or $25 at the door). Admission is free for children ages 10 and under. Doors open at 2:30 pm.

Riverport Chorus, having celebrated 60 years in 2024, is a chapter of Sweet Adelines International. Directed by Laurel Peterson, the group rehearses Monday evenings at 7 pm at Wilmot Union High School in Wilmot, Wisconsin. Singing women are welcome to visit any rehearsal, and auditions are ongoing.