West of the I

Twin Lakes Fire Department and Rescue Squad have annoinced the hiring of its first full-time staff.

The full-time staff are: Chip Walmsley, Hannah Felipze, Justin Ball, Jade Edwards and John Zwilling.

The process to bring full-time EMS staff to the department began in 2023.

Here is a news release issued by the department Tuesday:

The Twin Lakes Fire Department and Rescue Squad is proud to announce a historic moment in its almost 100-year legacy: the addition of our first-ever full-time staff. This significant step forward marks the culmination of nearly two years of planning and collaboration between the department, the communities we serve, and the dedicated individuals who make up our team.Since its founding in 1929, the Twin Lakes Fire Department has been a cornerstone of safety and service for the communities of Twin Lakes, Randall, and parts of Wheatland. Over the years, we have relied on the hard work and dedication of our volunteer and part-time members. However, as demand for emergency services has grown and staffing challenges have persisted, the need for a full-time team became clear. For the past five years, we have faced critical shortages in part-time personnel and volunteers, limiting our ability to ensure timely responses. Recognizing this challenge, the department undertook an in-depth assessment nearly two years ago to determine the best path forward.With the addition of full-time staff, we are excited to bring significant improvements to the quality of care and emergency response times for our community. By having personnel stationed at our station 24/7, we anticipate reducing response times by up to 8 to 10 minutes. This decrease can make a life-saving difference during medical emergencies, fires, and other critical incidents.“This is a monumental step for the Twin Lakes Fire Department and Rescue Squad,” said Ron Redlin, Fire Chief. “The decision to hire full-time staff was not made lightly. It required meticulous planning, input from our department members, and the unwavering support of the communities we serve. We are incredibly grateful for the trust and encouragement shown by our residents throughout this process.”This initiative is a testament to the forward-thinking leadership and commitment to public safety that has defined the Twin Lakes Fire Department for a century. By adapting to the evolving needs of our community, we continue to honor our mission: to protect lives and property with integrity, professionalism, and dedication.As we look to the future, we remain committed to fostering community support and engagement. We invite residents to visit the station, meet the new full-time team, and learn more about how this historic change will benefit our shared community.For more information, contact us directly at the station.

The Twin Lakes #4 School District (Lakewood School) board is scheduled to meet Wednesday, starting at 4 p.m. in the school library.

Agenda items include:

• Closed session to consider staffing
• Food service
• Budget update
• Approval of open enrollment seats 2025-2026

The full agenda is available here.

The Bristol School District #1 board is scheduled to meet Wednesday starting at 4:30 p.m. in the school library.

Agenda items include:

• 2024-2025 audit findings
• Open enrollment seats
• Closed session to discuss employment of administration

The full agenda is available here.

The Wilmot Union High School District board is scheduled to meet Wednesday, starting at 6 p.m. in the school library.

Agenda items include:

• Initial Resolution Authorizing General Obligation Bonds in an Amount Not to Exceed $23,400,000
• Resolution Providing for a Referendum Election on the Question of the Approval of an Initial Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of General Obligation Bonds in an Amount Not to Exceed $23,400,000
• Special Education Open Enrollment Limits for the 2025-2026 School Year
• Regular Education Open Enrollment Limits for the 2025-2026 School Year
• Closed session to consider: Individual Employee Performance Concerns, Individual Employee Compensation Request.

The full agenda is available here,

Town Board races in Paris will be uncontested in the April election.

Filing for office by last week’s deadline are:

• Chairman John Holloway, incumbent
• Supervisor # 1- Roger Gahart
• Supervisor #2 – Martin Vanderwerff, incumbent.

Incumbent Supervisor # 1 Ken Monson did not run for re-election.

The Westosha Central High School District board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, starting at 5 p.m., with an executive session at 4 p.m. in the upper commons at the school.

Agenda items include:

• Closed session to discuss and take action, if appropriate, on administrative contracts, post-retirement compensation plans, and a situation involving a student
• Adoption of Open Enrollment Limits for 2025-26
• Approval of 2025-27 Administrative Contracts
• Exploration of Virtual Programming for 2026-27

The full agenda is available 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 4:19 p.m., Twin Lakes Fire Department units and Twin Lakes Police are responding for an investigation in the 100 block of Main Street in Twin Lakes.

Per dispatch: Caller reporting possible carbon monoxide leak.

At about 3:05 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: Two vehicles reported and injuries being reported.

UPDATE 3:07 p.m. — Eastbound lanes and right turn lane onto Highway 45 being blocked.

UPDATE 3:09 p.m. — Fire unit arriving on scene reports may be four vehicles involved. One is a semi tractor trailer.

UPDATE 3:22 p.m. — Dispatch reports tow being sent for semi.

Note: The following is a paid announcement from Aging & Disability Resource Center — DH

Kenosha County Aging & Disability Resource Center’s (ADRC) Durable Medical Equipment Loan & Supply Closet provides durable medical equipment as well as nutritional supplements and incontinence products for older adults and adults with disabilities who are in need. Individuals needing durable medical equipment for either short-term or long-term use, 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.

The Loan & Supply Closet is supported by generous community donations. Currently the closet is in need of adult Incontinence products, pull-ups, all sizes.

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 to make arrangements. The ADRC is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Appointments preferred. While the ADRC takes additional steps in sanitization, for everyone’s safety, we ask that all items be cleaned and sanitized prior to donation.

It’s going to get pretty cold early this week.

The latest, local National Weather Service forecast says the high temperature Monday will reach just 16. Wind chills will be between 5 and -5. The low Monday night should drop to 1, with wind chill between zero and -10.

Tuesday will be similar if a bit colder with a high of 15, wind chill during the day of -5 to -15 and a low around 2.

Temperatures will begin to rebound some Wednesday and be downright unseasonable Thursday and Friday with highs of 37 and 40 respectively.

It won’t last though. The high will slip below 30 Saturday and be back in the teens by Sunday.

There’s no significant chance of precipitation all week at this point.

The Salem School District board is scheduled to hold a special meeting Monday. starting at 4:15 p.m. in the large group instruction room.

Agenda items are:

• Resolution Authorizing the School District Budget to Exceed Revenue Limit by $2,000,000 Per Year for Three Years for Non-Recurring Purposes
• Resolution Providing for a Referendum Election on the Question of the Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the School District Budget to Exceed Revenue Limit by $2,000,000 Per Year for Three Years for Non-Recurring Purposes

The full agenda is available 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 10:10 a.m., Town of Randall Fire Department, Wheatland Vol Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a crash in the 32300 block of Highway CK in Randall.

Per dispatch: Two vehicles involved. Injuries unknown.

UPDATE 10:18 a.m. — Randall command on the scene confirms two vehicles involved, both off the roadway.

UPDATE 10:32 a.m. — Highway CK traffic being blocked at Fox River Road.

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 7:39 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units are responding for a crash at Highway B and F in Silver Lake.

Per dispatch: Injuries being reported. Deputies already on scene. Two vehicle involved. Both in a ditch.

Our area may see some freezing rain and snow says the latest, local National Weather Service forecast.

Snow may start around 4 a.m. and then mix with freezing rain after 5 a.m. The rain should stop around 10 a.m., but the snow may linger a bit longer. Total snow accumulation should be less than a half inch.

Friday’s high temperature should reach 30.

Saturday sounds more pleasant with mostly sunny skies and a high near 30.

On Sunday there’s a greater chance of snow (70 percent), but accumulation should again be less than a half inch.

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:

Randall residents will be able to vote in contested elections for chairperson and supervisor #3 in the April 1 election.

Two people filed to run for town chairperson as of Tuesday’s 5 p.m., deadline:

• Sue Hughes, the current Supervisor #4
• Mark Nordigian

The incumbent Chairperson Tim Gaffron is not running for re-election.

Two people also filed to run for supervisor #3:

• Nancy Kemp, the incumbent
• David Soderman

Supervisor #1 also will be on the ballot. Only incumbent Julie Horbach field to run for that seat.

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:

Salem Lakes will have a contested election for trustee on the April 1 ballot.

Competing for three open, at-large trustee seats will be:

• Bill Barhyte, an incumbent
• Angela Brooks
• Peter Poli, an incumbent
• Doug Randolph
• James Woodtke

The top three voter getters in April will fill the two-year term seats.

Incumbent Trustee Jared Young did not run for re-election.

Village president also will be on the ballot with incumbent Rita Bucur the only person who filed candidacy papers.

Municipal judge also will be on the ballot. Patrick Dunn was the only person to file candidacy. Incumbent Judge Michael Langel did not run for re-election.

U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil will be holding four listening sessions in Wisconsin on Friday, Jan. 10. 

The listening sessions are free and open to the people of Wisconsin’s First Congressional District. Residents are encouraged to attend to discuss issues pending in Congress or to request assistance dealing with federal agencies. Individuals needing additional assistance or special accommodations should contact the Office of Congressman Steil at 608-752-4050 in advance. 

The Kenosha County session will be held from 3:30 to 4:20 p.m. at the Kenosha County Center, 19600 75th St., Bristol. The meeting will be held in the Public Hearing Room

“My top priority is to be available and accessible to Wisconsin families. I’m looking forward to hearing directly from you about the issues facing our community, our state, and our country,” said Steil. 

Other listening sessions that day are:

• Janesville City Hall, 18 N Jackson Street, Janesville. The meeting will be held in Council Chambers, Room 417 from 9:30 to 10:20 a.m.
• Beloit City Hall, 100 State Street, Beloit. The meeting will be held in The Forum, the common council chambers on the 1st floor, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.
• Mount Pleasant Village Hall, 8811 Campus Drive, Mount Pleasant. The meeting will be held in the Ebe Auditorium, Room B114 from 2 to 2:50 p.m.

The Paddock Lake Village Board is scheduled to hold a committee of the whole meeting Wednesday, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall (municipal building).

Agenda items include:

• Special event application for 2025 Rhythm on the Lake Concert Series.
• Village Hall security and rekeying issues.

The full agenda is available here.

At about 8:23 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding for a crash in the 23100 block of 122nd Street in Trevor.

Per dispatch: Single vehicle off road; injury being reported.

UPDATE 8:29 p.m. — Fire unit on scene confirms single vehicle involved.