West of the I

Note: The following is from the Kenosha County Executive Office:

The public is invited to tour the newly restored Ceremonial Courtroom in the Kenosha County Courthouse during an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced.

Held in conjunction with the Kenosha Community Foundation’s week of 100th anniversary activities, the open house will include a 1:30 p.m. performance of “Lovers of Liberty,” an original musical composition created to tell the story of the Ceremonial Courtroom.

“The restored courtroom is a breathtaking space that we’re excited to share with the public,” Kerkman said. “It’s a project that would not have happened without the support of the community, and we’re pleased to showcase it at this open house.”

The courtroom renovation, which began in 2025 and was completed this summer, restored the grand, two-story-tall room to its original 1925 appearance, removing a dropped ceiling and revealing a large leaded-glass skylight and decorative ornamentation that had been covered up since the 1960s.

Supporting the project was a $675,000 matching grant from the Jeffris Family Foundation, matched by more than $1.5 million in contributions from community members, businesses and foundations. A three-and-a-half-year fundraising campaign was led by a Blue Ribbon Committee co-chaired by retired Judge Mary Kay Wagner and former County Executive John Collins.

The project also modernized the room with the installation of state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and mechanical systems. While the restored room provides the community with a grand space for weddings, adoptions, and other ceremonial proceedings, it also remains a working courtroom for Judge Chad Kerkman’s Branch 8 court. A frieze that rings the room, now back in sight after the removal of the dropped ceiling, displays a quote from Abraham Lincoln in large, gold-leafed letters:

“Let every American, every lover of liberty, every well-wisher to his posterity, swear by the blood of the Revolution, never to violate in the least particular, the laws of the country; and never to tolerate their violation by others.”

The Lincoln quote inspired the title of the musical composition to be performed at the open house by the Prairie String Quartet and the Courthouse Orchestra. Organizer Julia Nowicki said this group comprises a cross-section of the vibrant music community in Kenosha, including Kenosha Unified School District students.

“‘Lovers of Liberty’ features Ben Woods as the speaker who narrates the beauty of the courtroom and the ideals proclaimed — set in stone, engraved on walls and murals painted — by our Kenosha ancestors,” Nowicki said. “The piece is 12 minutes in duration and performed IN the courtroom, so you can view the room as the story unfolds.”

The Kenosha Community Foundation, which is celebrating its centennial, served as the fiscal sponsor for the courtroom restoration fundraising campaign. Foundation Executive Director Amy Greil said it was rewarding to see the project to fruition, and now to share the fruits of our efforts with the public.

“The Kenosha Community Foundation is more than proud to have contributed to the success of this historic project,” Greil said. “The philanthropists, organizers, and partners representing all segments of the community who came together now offer this special gift to the community, for generations to come.”

Thursday is still expected to be wet, with rain likely through late afternoon, says the latest, local National Weather Service forecast.

Rain is most likely to continue through 4 p.m. A lesser chance of rain continues 11 p.m. The heaviest rain is expected in the morning.

All told, we could see another inch of rain.

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 Wheatland Volunteer Fire Department will host its annual pancake breakfast on Oct. 4 from 7 to 11 a.m. at the fire station.

All donations will go to training and equipment.

The firehouse is located 34011 Geneva Road in New Munster.

It’s going to rain Wednesday and Thursday, says the latest, local National Weather Service forecast.

How much? We could see almost 4 inches of rain between Wednesday morning and the early hours of Friday morning, the NWS forecast says.

High temperatures both days will be in the upper 60s.

It should dry out for the weekend and early next week, with no chances of rain yet in the forecast for Friday through Tuesday.

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:

A forecast of steady rain has prompted Westosha Central High School to change the date and time of its homecoming parade.

The 2026 parade will now take place on Friday, Oct. 2, starting at 4 p.m. The route will be on campus, utilizing Falcon Way.

Here is a statement from the school with the details and a map of the new route:

We have made a difficult but necessary decision about the Annual Homecoming Parade, as the forecast calls for steady rain through Wednesday evening. We felt it was necessary to make this decision a day in advance because so many different community groups are involved in the parade. 

To avoid canceling the parade, we have decided to move it to Friday, October 2nd at 4:00 p.m. with an altered route due to the parade being held on a Friday. The parade will now remain on the high school campus and follow Falcon Way from the Bus Lane down to the JV Baseball Field Parking Lot (Hwy 83) and then back up to the Student Parking Lot. 

All parade float staging will now take place in the Bus Lane outside of the Commons starting at 3 p.m. We will be blocking off access to Falcon Way from Hwy 83 starting at 3:15 p.m. All floats arriving after 3:15 p.m. will need to enter from Hwy 50.

We are asking parade spectators to sit along Falcon Way and to park in the Student Parking Lot, Faculty Lot, West Lot, Varsity Softball Lot, or Tennis Lot. 

This is the first time in 15 years that we have needed to alter the parade schedule, and we are hopeful that we will not need to for many years in the future. Any additional questions should be directed to the Westosha Central Athletic Department. Thank you for your flexibility!

Both local high schools — who each have their homecoming activities this week — will use different routes than usual for their homecoming parades this year.

Here are the details:

Westosha Central High School parade, rescheduled to Friday, Oct. 2 starting at 4 p.m.

The Westosha Central High School homecoming parade has been rescheduled due to a forecast of steady rain.

More information and a map of the route are available here.

Wilmot Union High School parade, Friday Oct. 2, 5 p.m.

Wilmot is adjusting this year its route with road construction taking up part of the typical route,. The parade will start at the corner of 308th Avenue and 111th Street and go south one block to 112th Street and turn east, cross Fox River Road (Highway W) and continue east to 306th Avenue, where it will turn north. It will continue for one block to 111th Street where it will turn west and continue to Fox River Road where it will turn north, ending at the fairgrounds exit.

People who are participating in the parade are asked to park in the student lot along Highway W. Staging will be on the fairgrounds.

Here is a map from the school’s Facebook page (click for a larger view):

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 Bristol Village Board is scheduled to meet Monday, starting at 7 p.m. at Village Hall.

Agenda items include:

• Plan Amendment to include the UD-1 and UD-3 Trail Feasibility Study and Village Pedestrian Plan & Shared-Use Path Plan as appendices to the Bristol 2050 Land Use Plan.
• Consider approval of the Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 7 to A.W. Oakes & Son, Inc. for the Industrial Park Watermain Relay.
• Discuss and consider approval of a proposal for the fence around the pickle ball court and garbage containers at Hansen Park.
• Discuss and consider for approval of the contract with Kerber Rose SC for audit services.

The full agenda and some packet information is available here.

The Wilmot Union High School District annual meeting and a board meeting are scheduled for Monday in the school library.

The annual meeting is first at 5:30 p.m. Agenda items include:

• Treasurer’s Report
• Vote annual salaries for School Board Members: Now as follows: President $2,800.00, Vice President $2,500.00, Clerk $2,700.00, Treasurer $2,500.00, all other members $2,500.00, Committee members $220.00.
• Budget presentation and hearing.
• Adoption of tax levy as follows: Operation Tax Levy Fund 10 $8,852,697; Referendum Approved Debt Fund 39 $2,343,365; Community Service Fund Levy Fund 80 $180,000; Total Levy $11,376,062

The full annual meeting agenda is available here,

The regular meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Agenda items include:

• Update on Standards Based Grading Practices
• District Profile Information

The full regular meeting agenda is available here.

The Wheatland Town Board is scheduled to meet Monday starting at 6 p.m. at Town Hall in New Munster.

Agenda items include:

• Innovation Grant discussion continuation
• Credit Card Processing discussion
• Continued Camera discussion
• Closed session for employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation. data of a public employee,
  including review of employee status and employment-related considerations.

The full agenda is available here.

At about 2:45 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash at Highway 83 at Highway JF in Trevor.

Per dispatch: Two vehicles involved. Scene is blocking traffic.

Note: The following is a paid announcement from Washburn Lodge #145 — DH

West of the I’s garage sales page has been updated.

Be sure to check it out each week before you begin your bargain hunting.

If you’d like your sale added to the list, please drop us a line at darren@westofthei.com. Include your address, days, hours etc. We’ll even add a map to your info.

The Paddock Lake Area Lions Club will host a free Community Picnic on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at Old Settlers Park in Paddock Lake from 5 to 7 pm.

Bratwurst , hot dogs, sides and beverages will be provided, but the club needs to know your coming with your family, or just you.  Please call Donna at 263-332-0023 with your count so the club can provide enough food and fixings for everyone.

Some fun and games and an impromptu bags tournament ae planned.  Picnic tables are  available, but you can also bring your own lawn chairs.

This event is open to all ages, from kids, younger adults, families, retirees, veterans and more.  Past Lion members come on out and share your lion experiences.

Any questions or to leave your reservation please call Lion Donna at 262-332-0023.

The Wilmot Union football program will be hosting its annual  “Kick Out Cancer” Game, an event dedicated to bringing the football family and community together to support a local family affected by cancer. 

This year, 100 percent of the proceeds from the event will go directly to Janelle Vera, who is courageously battling colon and liver cancer. Janelle is a mother of a 6th-grade Junior Panther, the wife of a Junior Panthers coach, and the mother of a former high school football player. Her family has been an active and valued part of the football community for years. They have volunteered their time and energy to support players, programs and local youth, and now the community has the opportunity to give that support back to them.

The Kick Out Cancer Game is more than just a football game. It is an opportunity for players, coaches, families, friends and community members to come together, show Janelle and her family that they are not facing this battle alone. 

The game will be held on Oct. 2 (also homecoming game).  Fans can show their support by purchasing Kick out Cancer hoodies and T-shirts.  There will also be raffle baskets, 50/50, and a Miracle Minute.

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:

West of the I’s garage sales page has been updated.

Be sure to check it out each week before you begin your bargain hunting.

If you’d like your sale added to the list, please drop us a line at darren@westofthei.com. Include your address, days, hours etc. We’ll even add a map to your info.

A woman died in a crash in Bristol Tuesday morning, the Kenosha County Sheriff’s reports.

The woman’s name is not being released pending notification of family.

From a KSOE news release:

Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and personnel from Bristol Fire and Prairie Fire responded to a three-vehicle crash in the 21200 block of County Highway C (Wilmot Road) at 5:21 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026.

The preliminary investigation indicates a Chevrolet HHR driven by a 19-year-old man from Genoa City, Wisconsin, was traveling east on County Highway C when it crossed the centerline and sideswiped a westbound vehicle. The HHR then collided head-on with another westbound vehicle, a Chevrolet Impala driven by a 46-year-old woman from Ingleside, Illinois. The two vehicles involved in the head-on collision came to rest in the westbound lanes.

Both drivers were trapped in their vehicles and had to be extricated by rescue personnel. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The man was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries and is cooperating with investigators.

The driver of the vehicle that was sideswiped was not injured and provided a witness statement.

The joint agency Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) responded to investigate the crash. The Kenosha County Medical Examiner’s Office also responded to the scene.

The woman’s name is being withheld pending notification of her family.

“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the woman who lost her life in this tragic crash,” Sheriff David Zoerner said. “I want to thank the deputies, firefighters and rescue personnel who responded to this difficult scene. We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding this crash.”

The roadway was reopened at 10:00 a.m.

The crash remains under investigation.

Related posts

Units responding for crash in Bristol

At about 11:42 a.m., Wheatland Vol. Fire Department, Town of Randall Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue are responding for a report of a fire in the 3300 block of Highway W in Wheatland.

Per dispatch: Callers reporting a wood chipper with a wheel on fire.

At about 5:25 a.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash on Highway C in the vicinity of Highway 45 in Bristol.

UPDATE about 5:30 a.m. — Unit arriving on scene reports vehicles with heavy damage. Response from Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue with an engine requested.

UPDATE 5:33 a.m. — Bristol command confirms two vehicles and two injured people.

UPDATE 5:35 a.m. — Response from Flight for Life medical transport helicopter requested.

UPDATE 5:39 a.m. — Flight for Life response canceled by Bristol command.

UPDATE — One of the drivers died at the scene. More information here.

The Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated School District board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the school library.

Agenda items include:

• Acceptance of Gifts: Wilmot Education Foundation $8,000 towards the Leader In Me School Store and $18,062.51 towards future playground updates; Uline – Raffle Items for the Spooktacular; River Ridge Church Car Wash Donation $882 – Pastor McClain
• Financial Update — Referendum – Predicted Impact Update

The full agenda is available here.

The Paris Town Board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, starting at 6 p.m. at Town Hall.

Agenda items include:

• HCP2 LLC, 1412 136th Ave., Union Grove WI 53182 (Owner), Jason Christensen, 1458 Horizon Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, WI 53406 (Agent), requesting an amendment to the Adopted Land Use Plan map for Kenosha county: 2035 (map 65 of the comprehensive plan) from “Farmland Protection” & “Nonfarmed Wetland” to “Suburban-Density Residential” & “Nonfarmed Wetland” on part of Tax Parcel # 45-4-221-123-0320, located in the southwest ¼ of Section 12, T2N, R21E, Town of Paris. Change would be adopted by ordinance.
• Mark F Neuhaus & Kathy A Jones, 1101 136th Ave., Union Grove, WI 53182; HCP2 LLC, 1412 136th Ave., Union Grove WI 53182 (Owners), Jason Christensen, 1458 Horizon Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, WI 53406 (Agent), requesting a rezoning from A-1 Agricultural Preservation Dist. to A-1 Agricultural Preservation Dist., R-2 Suburban Single-Family Residential Dist., C-1 Lowland Resource Conservancy Dist. & PUD Planned Unit Development Overlay Dist. on Tax Parcel #s 45-4-221-123-0318 & 45-4-221-123-0320, located in the southwest ¼ of Section 12, T2N, R21E, Town of Paris.
• Mark F Neuhaus & Kathy A Jones, 1101 136th Ave., Union Grove, WI 53182; HCP2 LLC, 1412 136th Ave., Union Grove WI 53182, (Owners), Jason Christensen, 1458 Horizon Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, WI 53406 (Agent), requesting a Certified Survey Map on Tax Parcel #s 45-4-221-123-0318 & 45-4-221-123-0320, located in the southwest ¼ of Section 12, T2N, R21E, Town of Paris.
• Action on Fire Department recommendations for false alarm events at the BESS yard.
• Discussion on financing options for the expansion and remodeling of the fire station. g. Acceptance of 30% design by SEH for the Fire Station expansion/remodel.
• Review and possible action on proposal from SEH to amend the contract for design services for the fire station expansion to move past the 30% design threshold. Proposal would be for 100% design and preparation of the bidding documents.

The full agenda is available here.