West of the I

Five Wilmot Union High School students earned the opportunity to compete on the international stage at the 2026 HOSA International Leadership Conference, held June 16–21 in Indianapolis.

The WUHS students placed in the top five of their respective events at the Wisconsin HOSA State Leadership Conference.

Representing Wilmot Union High School were:
● Grace Barton – Research Poster
● Caitlyn DePasquale and Taylor Walter – Forensic Science
● Kayla Grubb – Dental Science
● Madison Strom – Respiratory Therapy

Two Wilmot students advanced to the second round of international competition, placing among the world’s top competitors in their respective events.

Barton advanced to present her research poster, Increasing Stress Levels in Adolescents, and Its Correlation with Systolic Blood Pressure, in the Research Poster event. Her work earned her a place among the top 70 competitors in the world selected to present their research.

Madison Strom advanced to the skills portion of the Respiratory Therapy competition after qualifying through the written examination. She was among the top 31 competitors worldwide to advance to the second round.

In addition to individual competition success, the Wilmot HOSA chapter received national recognition in the HOSA Happenings competition. This award recognizes chapters that excel in promoting healthcare awareness and highlighting chapter activities within their schools and communities.

Beyond competition, students and advisors participated in educational symposiums focused on emerging healthcare trends, professional development, and career exploration. At the HOSA EXPO, participants connected with representatives from healthcare organizations, colleges, universities, and employers while exploring new technologies and educational opportunities within the healthcare industry.

Advisor Lena Joch also earned a new microcredential during the conference that will provide additional learning opportunities for students enrolled in Wilmot’s Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Biomedical courses.

This year’s conference marked HOSA’s 50th anniversary and brought together more than 16,000 students, advisors, and chaperones from around the world at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium to celebrate leadership, competition, and career exploration in the health sciences.

Western Kenosha County high temperatures are expected to get back into a range more like July-August than early September this week.

High temperatures are expected to be in the high 80s Monday and maybe even reach 90 Tuesday and Wednesday, says the latest, local NWS forecast,

There will be some chance of rain Monday and Tuesday as well, though at this point less than 50 percent.

Temps are expected to start moderating Thursday and drop into the low 80s by next Sunday.

Wednesday and Sunday are the only days in the latest, local NWS forecast with no chance of rain.

Here are results of judging in miscellaneous open class competitions at the 2026 Kenosha County Fair::

Paris Fire and Rescue and town officials presented a look at plans for an expanded and renovated fire station at an open house Wednesday.

The changes to the fire station would address realities of the current department not met by the present facility, including dedicated living quarters and proper handling of turnout gear.

“This building was originally built to house a strictly volunteer fire department,” said town Chairman John Holloway. As the now fully paramedic department has transitioned to paid personnel living in the building during their shifts, workarounds like partitioned sleeping spaces in an open room have been used. The current facility also does not a a dedicated cooking or dining area.

“We’ve reached the point where we need to get beyond that,” Holloway said.

Adequate living quarters is expected to help retain personnel, said fire Chief Colin Hennessey.

The project has a target cost of $10 million, after revisions that brought it down from an initial $15 million. Holloway said the town would likely issue bonds to cover the costs, but would be able to service that debt through existing town revenue without the need to enact a tax levy.

Donations are also being sought from some major industries in town that it could be argued have contributed to the need for expanded capabilities and equipment for the fire department, Holloway said.

The current plan calls for building on to the east side of the current building on Highway 142 (which also houses the town offices) with a two-story structure. That new building would house trucks and equipment on the first floor with the living quarters on the second floor. The space that currently houses trucks would be reworked for training space, offices and turnout gear storage and handling.

Another benefit of the new space would be freeing up the the Town Hall meeting room. That space is now regularly used by the fire department and is not as available as it used to be for rental.

“Part of the investment is to get this space back for community use,” said town Supervisor Roger Gahart, while standing in the meeting room where the presentation was made.

At about 5:33 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units are responding to a crash in the 19200 block of Highway WG along the state line.

Per dispatch: Deputies on the scene. One person injured.

Here are the results of judging in the 2026 Kenosha County Fair horse show, held Aug. 21:

Here are the results of judging in the 2026 Kenosha County Fair poultry show, held Aug. 20.

Here are the results of the 2026 Kenosha County Fair rabbit show, held Aug. 21:

Here are results from the dairy show held Friday, Aug. 21 at the 2026 Kenosha County Fair:

Sunday was demolition derby day at the 2026 Kenosha County Fair in WIlmot.

International Demolition Derby organized the event held in the grandstand. Categories included various size cars, trucks and even Power Wheels and garden tractors,

Here is a video of some scenes from the early rounds including starting off with garden tractors and then moving on to other classes:

Here are some more photos from the derby:

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 fire on Park Lane in Twin Lakes Friday appeared to start in a second story closet.

From a Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue news release:

At approximately 11:34 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue, along with Automatic Response Area (ARA) departments from the Town of Randall, Town of Wheatland, and Richmond, Illinois, were dispatched to the 2100 block of Park Lane for a report of smoke coming from the roof of a garage. Upon arrival, crews from Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue observed smoke coming from the eaves of the second-story roof. Twin Lakes Engine 6512 deployed a handline and initiated an interior attack. At approximately 11:43 a.m., MABAS Box 65-01 was activated to the Box Level, bringing additional fire resources to the incident.

At the time of the structure fire, Twin Lakes Rescue was already committed to a separate medical emergency. At
approximately 11:42 a.m., a third call for service was dispatched for another medical emergency within the Twin Lakes response area. Due to the activation of the MABAS box and the resulting need for additional fire resources, a Town of Paris Ambulance was en route to the Twin Lakes Fire Department for Change of Quarters coverage. The Town of Paris Ambulance subsequently responded to the third medical emergency, ensuring the patient received emergency medical services.

The fire appears to have originated in a second-story bedroom closet. Crews had the fire extinguished by 12:14 p.m. and remained on scene to conduct overhaul, the process of searching for and extinguishing hidden fire, hot spots, or remaining embers after the main fire has been extinguished, operations. All units operating at the scene, along with Change of Quarters companies, were cleared from the incident at approximately 2:03 p.m. Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue would like to extend appreciation to the following departments for their assistance during this incident: Town of Randall Fire Department, Town of Wheatland Fire Department, Richmond Fire Protection District (IL), Salem Lakes Fire Department, Bristol Fire Department, Bloomfield Fire Department, Hebron Fire Protection District (IL), Wonder Lake Fire Protection District (IL), City of Burlington Fire Department, Town of Burlington Fire Department, Spring Grove Fire Protection District (IL), Pleasant Prairie Fire Department, and the City of Kenosha Fire Department.

We would also like to thank Paris Fire/Rescue for responding to the additional medical emergency and Lake Geneva Fire Department, Somers Fire Department, and Spring Grove Fire Protection District for providing Change of Quarters coverage. Their assistance helped ensure that the communities of Twin Lakes, Randall, and Wheatland maintained emergency services coverage while local resources were committed to the structure fire.

Following the incident, the affected homeowner was provided with a “Go Bag” from the Wagner Family Fire Fund, a 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families affected by fire and other
emergencies. The Go Bag includes a hotel stay voucher, food vouchers for local restaurants, socks, and essential
toiletries such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, combs, and deodorant. Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue is grateful to the Wagner Family Fire Fund for their continued support of families in our community. The Go Bag provided to the affected family was valued at more than $1,000 and will provide immediate assistance as the family begins the recovery process.

At this time, no further information will be released.

A horse pull competition took place at the 2026 Kenosha County Fair on Friday evening in the grandstand, despite rain earlier in the day.

This competition involves teams of horses pulling weight a set distance. As teams complete the pulls, more weight is added until there is a winner. It’s like truck and tractor pull only with real horsepower.

Here is a video sample of the action.

Here are some more photos from the event:

The 2026 Kenosha County Fair hay bale throw took place last Friday at the fair.

Contestants compete to see who can heave a hay bale the farthest. Divisions are by age.

Prizes are awarded to the top throws.

The event is sponsored by Slades Corners Lucky Clovers 4-H Club.

Here are some video scenes to give you an idea of the event:

At about 5:43 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue, Bristol Fire and Rescue, Wheatland Vol Fire Department and Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a fire in the 12600 block of 257th Avenue in Rock Lake for a report of a possible fire.

UPDATE 5:50 p.m. — Unit on scene reports evacuation underway. No signs of fire from exterior.

At about 5:30p.m., Town of Randall Fire Department, Wheatland Vol Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash at Highways P and Z in Randall.

UPDATE 5:34 p.m. — Unit arriving on scene reports two vehicles involved with moderate damage.

At about 5:08 p.m., Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue and Twin Lakes Police are responding to a report of a crash at Lake Street and Wilmot Avenue in Twin Lakes.

Per dispatch: Two vehicles may be rolled over.

UPDATE 5:12 p.m. — Additional ambulance from Twin Lakes Rescue dispatched.

Here are some more of the 2026 Kenosha County Junior Fair Merit Award Winners:

Note: The following is a paid announcement from Old Settlers Oktoberfest — DH

The Cookies & Crowns event was held Sunday at the 2026 Kenosha County Fair in Wilmot.

This events lets participants socialize with fair and other local royalty. They can also make crowns and sahes and have some cookies and milk.

Here are some more photos of the event.

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:

Town of Paris Fire & Rescue will host an open house Wednesday, from 4 to 7 p.m.

A presentation on renovation plans for the fire station is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Those attending also will be able to tour the station and connect with department professionals.

The station is located at 16607 Burlington Road.

Paddock Hooker Lakes Association beach on Paddock Lake is closed to swimming and Lilly Lake beach is under a swim caution after sampling by Kenosha County showed elevated E.coli levels there.

The State Department of Health recommends posting warnings at beaches when test results indicate an E.coli level of 235/100mL or more and closing a beach when test results exceed E.coli 1000/100mL.

The results from Monday that prompted the above actions were:

• PHLA — 1414 E.coli/100 mL.
• Lilly Lake beach — 488 E.coli/100 mL

The above locations are scheduled to be resampled. That typically occurs the next day, weather permitting.

Results from testing this week by Kenosha County (except where noted) are:

Salem Lakes – Silver Lake County Park beach 2 E.coli/100 mL; DeWitt Park on Silver Lake 214 E.coli/100mL; Lake Shangri-la 220th Ct. 10 E.coli/100 mL; Center Lake 7 E.coli/100 mL; Rock Lake 96 E.coli/100 mL; Camp Lake 172 E.coli/100 mL

Paddock Lake — Old Settlers County Park beach 19 E.coli/100 mL; Hooker Lake launch 1 E.coli/100 mL; Hoag Park 133 E.coli/100 mL; North Shore Association 4 E.coli/100 mL; PHLA beach 1414 E.coli/100mL; PHLA diving board 50 E.coli/100 mL.

Wheatland — Lilly Lake 488 E.coli/100 mL.

Twin Lakes — Lance Park on Lake Mary 47 E.coli/100mL

Randall (reported by the District of Powers Lake) — Powers Lake Beach 2 E.coli/100mL

The small animal auction was held Sunday at the Kenosha County Fair in Wilmot.

This is the culmination of the project years for junior fair exhibitors in the poultry and rabbit projects.

Here is a video to give you an idea of the atmosphere:

Here are more photos of the auction: