Western Kenosha County's news source
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Kenosha County.
The watch is set to take effect at 1 a.m., Saturday and continue until 7 p.m., Saturday.
Flooding and flash flooding ae possible during this period, the watch text ssays.
The Fox River as measured at the New Munster gauge is at 5.9 feet at 9 p.m. Flood stage is 11 feet.
At about 5:10 p.m., Town of Randall Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units are responding to a crash at Highway P and Z in Powers Lake.
Per dispatch: Occupants of vehicles wish to be checked for injuries due to air bag deployment.
After a brief reprieve Friday, the latest, local National Weather Service forecast says it will be a wet weekend.
Rain is expected to start Friday night (100 percent) and dominate Saturday (90 percent) and Sunday (60 percent). Rain chances lessen for Monday and Tuesday, but don’t drop completely out of the forecast until Wednesday.
Current forecasts call for almost 4 inches of rain to fall on Western Kenosha County Friday night through Monday evening.
Temperatures will cool off some too, with highs in just the 60s Sunday through Thursday.
Note: The following is a paid announcement from Hartnell Chevrolet — DH
“After 27 years in the shop, first as a technician and now as Service Manager, I’ve learned that September is the most deceptive month for your car. Summer heat does the hidden damage, but the first autumn chill is what exposes it.” — Ned
Check out our September maintenance tips below.
Hartnell Chevrolet services and maintains all makes and models. Stop in today to get your battery tested and wiper blades replaced and if you’ve noticed your tire tread is getting low while checking your vehicle over, hold tight just a few weeks longer for our major Tire Promotion coming in October!
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 →Note: The following is a paid announcement from Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital — DH
Wilmot Union High School has announced the 2026 inductees to its Athletic Hall of Fame:
From a WUHS news release:
2026 Wilmot Union High School is proud to announce the 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, honoring five individuals whose outstanding accomplishments, leadership, dedication, and lasting impact have helped shape the tradition and legacy of Wilmot Athletics.
The inaugural Wilmot Union High School Athletic Hall of Fame class includes Tom Creutz, John Watson, Kristen Wood, Tristan Kopelke Whitaker, and Courtney Maki. From championship performances and record-setting careers to decades of coaching and leadership, each inductee has left a lasting mark on Wilmot Athletics.
Tom Creutz — Athlete: A standout wrestler, Tom Creutz built an impressive career that included three WIAA individual state podium finishes. He captured the 2005 WIAA Division 1 State Championship at 152 pounds, finished as the 2006 state runner-up at 160 pounds, and placed sixth at state in 2004 at 140 pounds. Creutz was also a four-time Southern Lakes Conference Champion from 2003–2006, was named Southern Lakes Conference Wrestler of the Year, and earned five All-American honors in Freestyle, Greco-Roman, and Folkstyle wrestling.
John Watson — Coach: John Watson’s decades of dedication to Wilmot Athletics have impacted generations of Panther student-athletes. His coaching career at Wilmot included 29 years as head wrestling coach, 14 years as an assistant football coach, 10 years as boys soccer head coach, 15 years as a track assistant coach, 10 years as girls soccer head coach, and one year as a cross country assistant coach. In all, Watson coached approximately 75–80 athletic seasons at Wilmot. His wrestling accomplishments include 66 individual conference champions, 44 individual state qualifiers, 23 individual state place winners, three state champions, and seven team conference championships. Beyond competition, Watson voluntarily opened the weight room from 5:00–7:00 a.m. for approximately 30 years, providing athletes and students additional opportunities to train.
Kristen Wood — Athlete: Kristen Wood established herself as one of Wilmot’s most accomplished softball players. She earned Second Team All-State honors as a pitcher in 2009 before becoming a First Team All-State pitcher and Player of the Year for three consecutive seasons from 2010–2012. In 2012, she was also named the Gatorade State Player of the Year. Wood helped lead Wilmot to three conference championships and two state tournament appearances, including a state runner-up finish in 2011. She continued her softball career at Northwestern University, where she pitched for four years. In 2014, she won the Big Ten strikeout crown with 105 strikeouts in league play, and by 2016, she ranked 17th in Northwestern history with 562 career strikeouts. In 2020, Wilmot retired jersey No. 11 in her honor.
Tristan Kopelke Whitaker — Athlete: Tristan Kopelke Whitaker left Wilmot as one of the most decorated gymnasts in WIAA history. Competing for the Westosha Central/Wilmot co-op, she captured five individual state championships, including back-to-back all-around and floor exercise championships in 1993 and 1994 and the balance beam championship in 1996. Whitaker qualified for state all four years, earned All-State recognition every season, and was a four-time High School All-American in the all-around. She was also a four-time Westosha/Wilmot Most Valuable Gymnast and team captain. Her school floor exercise record of 9.65, set in 1996, still stands. A three-sport athlete at Wilmot, Whitaker also competed in tennis and captained the track team. She later cheered at the University of Louisville as a member of the inaugural All-Girl squad that won the 1998 NCA Collegiate National Championship.
Courtney Maki — Athlete: A highly accomplished multi-sport athlete, Courtney Maki earned 10 varsity letters while competing in softball, basketball, and volleyball at Wilmot. Her honors included three First Team All-Conference selections and three All-Area selections in softball. In basketball, Maki was a three-time All-Conference selection and Conference Player of the Year, three-time Area Player of the Year, two-time All-Milwaukee selection, two-time All-State Honorable Mention selection, and South Wisconsin All-Star. She was also a three-time All-Conference and two-time All-Area volleyball player. Maki served as a two-year captain in both basketball and softball and a one-year captain in volleyball. She received a full scholarship to play basketball at the University of North Dakota and was also a Bucci Scholarship Award recipient.
Homecoming Recognition & Induction Ceremony
The 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees will be celebrated during Wilmot’s Homecoming festivities on Friday, October 2. The inductees will be honored during the Homecoming Parade and recognized again at halftime of the homecoming football game against Badger High School. The five inductees will then be formally inducted as the first class of the Wilmot Union High School Athletic Hall of Fame during the 2026 Alumni & Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, October 3, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at The House on a Hill, 30807 114th Street, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.Wilmot Union High School is honored to recognize Tom Creutz, John Watson, Kristen Wood, Tristan Kopelke Whitaker, and Courtney Maki for their exceptional accomplishments and the lasting contributions they have made to Panther Athletics.
The Paddock Lake Village Board passed ordinances Wednesday regulating solar energy generation and battery energy storage site facilities.
Both ordinances seek to regulate the controversial developments by setting regulations and standards for these type of projects to protect community interests, village officials said.
The village can’t outright ban these developments. Instead, officials said, it can set regulations and designate such development for only certain types of zoning.
Solar farms — if large enough — come under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission, with no formal approval role for local government. Village attorney Kim Lewis said eminent domain also could be used to site a solar farm or BESS.
But village administrator Tim Popanda pointed out having thorough local regulations can still send a message to developers.
“They’re looking for that embrace,” Popanda said. “They’re not going to get it here.”
Said Lewis “The ordinance is to give you whatever control you can.”
Solar farms and BESS developers often lease the land for their facilities. The new Paddock Lake ordinances also establish requirements for insurance and other requirements for landowners, not just the developers, Popanda said.
“It’s the best we could come up, without just saying no,” said Popanda.
The Paddock Lake ordinance is similar to one already enacted by Kenosha County, which would apply to unincorporated areas. However, Paddock Lake did “sharpen” the county ordinance in some aspects, Popanda said.
The village may not be done with regulating controversial large-scale developments.
Popanda said he would like to bring forward a data center ordinance in the future.
A copy of the solar facility ordinance is available here. A copy of the BESS ordinance is available here.
Solar energy facilities are located in Paris and Wheatland. The Paris solar facility also includes a BESS.
A stand alone BESS proposed for a site in Wheatland has drawn strong public opposition and opposition from the town government.
Note: This is a paid announcement from Wagner Family Fire Fund — DH
The Wagner Family Fire Fund will celebrate its 5th anniversary with an event on Sept. 19 at Westosha Fest at Westosha Central High School in Paddock Lake from 3 to 7 p.m.
Note that the above time and location were changed due to weather concerns.
The event will include raffles, live music, silent auctions, food and drinks and family fun.
The Wagner Family Fire Fund was started in 2021 by the Wagner family, which had their home destroyed in a 2020 fire. The nonprofit organization seeks to offer relief, assistance and support to families in Kenosha County who lose their home to a fire. In the past five years, the fund has delivered 150 Go Bags valued at over $1,000 each to Kenosha County fire chiefs for distribution to fire victims.
More information on the Wagner Family Fire Fund is available here.
From the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office:
Earlier today (Wednesday), the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of an incident at Salem Consolidated School District involving a student who brought a toy foam dart blaster to school.
The school’s administration responded immediately after becoming aware of the item. Deputy Dominguez, the school’s assigned School Resource Officer, was on scene and assisted school administrators with assessing the situation.
The item was confirmed to be a toy and was not a firearm. The student, an 11-year-old, did not make any threats and there is no indication the student had any ill intent. At no time were students or staff in danger.
After reviewing the circumstances, no criminal charges are being sought by the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office. The matter will be handled by Salem School in accordance with its policies and procedures. An email was sent to all parents by the school administration.
We appreciate the quick response and cooperation of Salem School administrators and staff. Situations involving items that may be perceived as weapons are taken seriously, and we encourage parents and guardians to remind children that toy or replica weapons should never be brought to school.
Note: The following is a paid announcement from the village of Paddock Lake– DH
VILLAGE OF PADDOCK LAKE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Streets and Utility Laborer
The Village of Paddock Lake Department of Public Works has an opening for an entry-level full-time operator/labor in the streets and roads division. The primary focus will be street maintenance, snow/ice removal, stormwater infrastructure maintenance, forestry, Parks, and facility maintenance. The position may also be directed to assist with activities within the Water and Sanitary Sewer Utility.
Qualifications: Requires a high school diploma or GED and be at least 18 years of age. Candidate shall possess a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License and have the ability to obtain a Village sponsored Commercial Driver’s License with an endorsement of air brakes within 12 months of employment start date. First aid and CPR certified or willingness to become certified within (1) year. Be able to keep basic records, document information, write legibly and have good communication skills.
Preferred: Experience with basic mechanical equipment operation and troubleshooting, construction principles, and desire to work in customer service. Should be comfortable with operation of heavy and light equipment and use of small hand and power tools.
Compensation: Hourly wage, with excellent benefit package per Village Personnel Manual. Pay will depend on qualifications and probationary period, hourly pay range $18.91 to $20.01.
Conditions of Employment: Work is primarily outside field work that may require entry into confined spaces such as maintenance access holes. At times exposure to inclement weather, fumes, odors and dust that will require use of personal protective equipment. Candidate must be able to do medium to heavy lifting, work involving climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and walking moderate distances around various sites as well as bending and twisting as necessary. Selected candidate must pass a fit for physical, alcohol/drug screening and criminal background check prior to first day of employment.
Applications: Candidates should apply by submitting a cover letter, resume and contact information for (3) work related references along with a fully completed Village of Paddock Lake Employment Application to the Village Administrator, by delivering completed application and resume to Village Hall at 6969-236th Ave, Paddock Lake. Employment applications and job description can be obtained at the Village Hall, 6969-236th Avenue, Paddock Lake, Wi. 53168.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
The Village of Paddock Lake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with American Disabilities Act, the Village will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.
The Paddock Lake Village Board is scheduled to meet Wednesday, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall (municipal building).
Agenda items include:
Public hearings on: Section 12.06 Code of Ordinance relating to Conditional Use Permits; Create section 12.20 relating to Photovoltaic-Solar Energy Systems; Create section 12.21 relating to Battery Energy Storage Systems.
The law license of Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis has been reinstated one day after it was reported that it had been suspended, WGTD radio is reporting.
Note: The following is a paid announcement from Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital — DH
From Westosha Central High School:
Westosha Central High School is inviting all members of our community to join us for Westosha Fest, a Community Block Party, taking place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 3–7 p.m. at Westosha Central High School.
Westosha Fest is designed to bring the entire Westosha community together for an afternoon of entertainment, activities, food trucks, and opportunities to connect with local organizations and businesses.
Attendees can enjoy live music by Jeff Pflueger, a Kids Zone featuring games and activities sponsored by Kids Club/Joyce’s Preschool, free face painting and caricatures, a Bristol Fire Department obstacle course, guided building tours, free games and activities at over 30 booths, and a Westosha Central Alumni Tent. There will also be prize drawings, with free entry provided to each attendee.
Food will be available for purchase from Antioch Pizza, Dawgbite Hot Dogs, Romero’s Taco Truck, and Brookie’s Soda Hut. Community State Bank will also be bringing their cruiser to hand out free ice cream, while supplies last.
Westosha Fest is made possible through the support of our sponsors! Click here to view and help us thank them for their support.
Event Details:
Westosha Fest Community Block Party
Saturday, September 19, 2026
3–7 p.m.
Westosha Central High School, 24617 75th Street, Salem, WI 53168
Free admission and entertainmentThe community is invited to save the date and join us for an afternoon of fun, food, music, and community connection at Westosha Central!
For more information, visit the sites listed below, or contact pahln@westosha.k12.wi.us.
Westosha Fest Website: https://www.westosha.k12.wi.us/page/westosha-fest
Westosha Fest Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/18FH339HG6/
The Salem Lakes Village Board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, starting at 6 p.m.. at Village Hall in Salem.
This meeting also will be live streamed and available for later viewing here.
Agenda items include:
Note: This is a paid announcement from Wagner Family Fire Fund — DH
The Wagner Family Fire Fund will celebrate its 5th anniversary with an event on Sept. 19 at Westosha Fest at Westosha Central High School in Paddock Lake from 3 to 7 p.m.
Note that the above time and location were changed due to weather concerns.
The event will include raffles, live music, silent auctions, food and drinks and family fun.
The Wagner Family Fire Fund was started in 2021 by the Wagner family, which had their home destroyed in a 2020 fire. The nonprofit organization seeks to offer relief, assistance and support to families in Kenosha County who lose their home to a fire. In the past five years, the fund has delivered 150 Go Bags valued at over $1,000 each to Kenosha County fire chiefs for distribution to fire victims.
More information on the Wagner Family Fire Fund is available here.
Xavier Solis, Kenosha County district attorney, has had his law license suspended by the Wisconsin Office of Lawyer Regulation, WGTD radio reported Monday.
Rosa Delgado, deputy DA, is acting as district attorney.
At about 7:48 p.m., Town of Randall Fire Department and Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue units are responding to a crash in the 10300 block of Highway KD in Randall.
Per dispatch: Two vehicles involved. All occupants out of vehicles.
UPDATE 7:51 p.m. — Randall unit on scene reports one vehicle in the ditch and upright.
UPDATE 7:54 p.m. — Two people being checked for injuries.
There’s a decent chance for rain most every day this week after Monday, says the latest, local National Weather Service forecast.
Chances of rain 50 percent or better are forecast for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with a 40 percent chance Friday and a 70 percent chance Saturday. Thunderstorms are possible Wednesday night, but otherwise it’s just rain expected at this point.
Temps are expected to be in the mid 70s for highs and high 50s to low 60s for lows.
The Wheatland Town Board is scheduled to meet Mon day, starting at 6 p.m. at Town Hall in New Munster.,
Agenda items include:
The Bristol Village Board is scheduled to meet Monday, starting at 7 p.m. at Village Hall.
Agenda items include:
The Twin Lakes #4 School District (Lakewood School) board is scheduled to meet Monday, starting at 4:30 p.m. int eh school library.
Agenda items include:
Old Settlers Oktoberfest took place at Old Settlers County Park in Paddock Lake Saturday.
The event is hosted by Paddock Lake Area Lions Club and Westosha-Salem Kiwanis, featured German food, drink, music, dance and other fun such as kids games and the annual dachshund dog races.
Old Settlers Oktoberfest was founded in 2011 by Heidi Schuerstedt. After Schuerstedt’s death in 2017, leading the events was then taken up by Rebecca Lancour and Mindy Cooling. Organizing the event was taken up last year in a cooperative effort between the Lions and Kiwanis clubs.
German music was provided by the Ed Wagner Brass Band. Here is a sample of their sound:
The dachshund Dash dog races are a tradition at this fest. Here is a video of the championship round, which was won by Dr. Bruce Banner, with the help of his race crew Adam and Aspyn Theigs.
The fun continues until 9:30 p.m.
Here are some more photos from the event:
Continue reading →From Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue:
Town of Randall Fire Department, Town of Wheatland Fire Department, Bloomfield-Genoa City Fire Department, and the Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue Department will be conducting a coordinated live-fire training exercise, Sunday, September 13, 2026, beginning at approximately 6:00AM in the 33000 block of County Highway F (Bassett Road).
The training will utilize a residential structure that was generously donated to the Town of Randall Fire Department. The structure will be intentionally burned under controlled conditions, allowing firefighters to gain valuable hands-on experience in fire behavior, fire suppression, ventilation, search operations, and other critical firefighting skills.
Residents and motorists in the area should be aware that smoke, flames, fire apparatus, and firefighters will be visible throughout the training exercise. These conditions are part of the planned training operation. There is no emergency associated with this activity. The fire will be closely monitored and controlled by trained fire personnel, with appropriate safety measures in place throughout the exercise, including a standby ambulance from Twin Lakes Rescue. Twin Lakes Rescue is also staffing a second ambulance to ensure covererage for the communities of Randall, Wheatland, and Twin Lakes.
Live-fire operations are anticipated to be completed around or before 1:00 PM. Motorists traveling through the area are asked to use caution and be alert for emergency vehicles and personnel operating near County Highway F.
The participating fire departments would like to thank the property owner for donating the structure, Randall Fire Department for the invitation to come take part and learn, and the community for its continued support of firefighter training and emergency services.
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 →Note: The following is a paid announcement from the village of Paddock Lake– DH
VILLAGE OF PADDOCK LAKE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Streets and Utility Laborer
The Village of Paddock Lake Department of Public Works has an opening for an entry-level full-time operator/labor in the streets and roads division. The primary focus will be street maintenance, snow/ice removal, stormwater infrastructure maintenance, forestry, Parks, and facility maintenance. The position may also be directed to assist with activities within the Water and Sanitary Sewer Utility.
Qualifications: Requires a high school diploma or GED and be at least 18 years of age. Candidate shall possess a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License and have the ability to obtain a Village sponsored Commercial Driver’s License with an endorsement of air brakes within 12 months of employment start date. First aid and CPR certified or willingness to become certified within (1) year. Be able to keep basic records, document information, write legibly and have good communication skills.
Preferred: Experience with basic mechanical equipment operation and troubleshooting, construction principles, and desire to work in customer service. Should be comfortable with operation of heavy and light equipment and use of small hand and power tools.
Compensation: Hourly wage, with excellent benefit package per Village Personnel Manual. Pay will depend on qualifications and probationary period, hourly pay range $18.91 to $20.01.
Conditions of Employment: Work is primarily outside field work that may require entry into confined spaces such as maintenance access holes. At times exposure to inclement weather, fumes, odors and dust that will require use of personal protective equipment. Candidate must be able to do medium to heavy lifting, work involving climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and walking moderate distances around various sites as well as bending and twisting as necessary. Selected candidate must pass a fit for physical, alcohol/drug screening and criminal background check prior to first day of employment.
Applications: Candidates should apply by submitting a cover letter, resume and contact information for (3) work related references along with a fully completed Village of Paddock Lake Employment Application to the Village Administrator, by delivering completed application and resume to Village Hall at 6969-236th Ave, Paddock Lake. Employment applications and job description can be obtained at the Village Hall, 6969-236th Avenue, Paddock Lake, Wi. 53168.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
The Village of Paddock Lake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with American Disabilities Act, the Village will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.
At about 10:11 a.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue, Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue and Newport Fire Protection District units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a crash in the 7500 block of I-94, southbound.
Per dispatch: Caller reporting being forced between two vehicles, which left the scene. Traffic not blocked.
The Sharing Center will be hosting its second annual Speakeasy fundraiser Sept. 19, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the historic Wonderbar (Rumpoles) in Twin Lakes.
Step through a hidden entrance and into a 1920s inspired speakeasy where glamour shimmers, jazz drifts through the air and spirits flow like a well-kept secret.
Sip from a “bootlegger’s stash”, enjoy ~~ passed hors d’oeuvres, and compete in a dazzling costume contest all set to the soulful sounds of jazz and blues.
Your attendance is more than a night out; your presence strengthens the community. Proceeds benefit The Sharing Center, supporting rural housing, employment and nutrition programs.
Tickets are $50 in advance on line and $60 at the door. Includes food and two drink tickets. Click here to purchase tickets.
Questions? Contact The Sharing Center at 262-298-5535.
Note: The following is a paid announcement from Old Settlers Oktoberfest — DH
Here is the schedule for 2026 Old Settlers Oktoberfest:
News from Kenosha Lens
