West of the I

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 Westosha Central High School coach was dismissed in the wake of an investigation of communication between the coach and a student via social media.

No criminal charges were filed as a result of the investigation.

From a KSOE news release:

On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at approximately 2:20 p.m., a Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office deputy serving as the school resource officer at Westosha Central High School was notified by school administration of a concern regarding communication between a football coach and a student through Snapchat.

The deputy interviewed the student and the coach and reviewed the information provided. The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau also assisted in the matter.

Based on the information obtained at this time, no criminal violation has been identified, and no criminal charges have been filed.

School administration is addressing the matter internally, and the football coach is no longer employed as a coach at Westosha Central High School. The football coach was not a teacher, support staff member, or substitute teacher. The school’s personnel decisions are separate from the Sheriff’s Office’s assessment of whether a criminal offense occurred. Questions regarding those decisions should be directed to the school district.

The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office takes reports involving student safety seriously. To protect the student’s privacy, the student’s name is not being included in this release.

Note: The following is a paid announcement from Hartnell Chevrolet — DH

“I can tell you that October is officially tire season. The temperature drops fast, roads get slick with rain and fallen leaves, and your rubber is all that stands between you and the pavement.”
— Ned

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At about 5:01 p.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 in the 9300 block of 388th Avenue in Powers Lake.

Per dispatch: Crash involves a motorcycle and another vehicle.

At about 3:12 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a crash in the 500 block of North Cogswell Drive in Silver Lake.

Per dispatch: Injuries being reported.

UPDATE 3:17 p.m. — Deputies blocking traffic on Cogswell and Manor drives.

UPDATE 3:21 p.m — Unit arriving on scene reports minor damage to two vehicles.

At about 8 p.m., Town of Randall Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a crash at Highways F and JI in Randall.

Per dispatch: Two vehicles involved. Injuries being reported. Smoke coming from one vehicle.

Note: The following is a paid announcement — DH

At 6:04 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash in the 8300 block of Highway 83 (Antioch Road) in Salem.

Per dispatch: Injuries being reported.

From Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated School:

Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated School is partnering with Versiti Blood Center to host a Community Blood Drive on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Trevor-Wilmot School . Thanks to strong early response, TWC is currently just 9 donations away from reaching its drive goal.

Aligned with TWC’s commitment as a Leader in Me school—where student leadership, active citizenship, and initiative are woven into everyday learning—7th-grade students are participating in a hands-on service learning project around the event. Middle school science teacher Kim Elger highlighted the significance of getting students involved early, serving the community, and using the experience as an educational stepping stone for the future.

“Our 7th graders will learn about the circulatory system, medical field careers, and the importance of blood donation as they prepare to volunteer for this meaningful community event…but they need your help!” said Elger.

Ahead of the drive, students are actively reaching out to family, friends, and community members to secure donor pledges. On the day of the event, 7th-grade volunteers will be on-site assisting with check-ins, welcoming donors, and helping the event run smoothly.

The drive comes at a critical time for regional healthcare facilities, where donor blood is constantly needed for emergency trauma care, surgeries, and ongoing medical treatments. A single blood donation can save up to three lives.

TWC families, staff, alumni, and area neighbors are encouraged to claim one of the final remaining spots, help the 7th-grade volunteers meet their pledge goal, and make a direct, lifesaving contribution to local hospitals.

You can schedule a donation appointment here. Advance appointments are strongly encouraged, though walk-ins will be welcomed as the schedule permits on the day of the drive.

Donors are advised to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water prior to their donation appointment.

Please bring a valid photo ID to the donation appointment.

The Salem Lakes Village Board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, starting at 6 p.m. at Village Hall in Salem.

The meeting also will be livestreamed and available for later viewing here.

Agenda items include:

• Swearing in of new Fire Rescue personnel
• Authorization to contract with Caselle to provide Enterprise Resource Planning Software in the amount of $105,420
• Authorization to transfer $10,000 from the Innovation Grant Proceeds to the Regional Road Maintenance and Public Works Consortium
• Purchase and installation of Best Regards without roof playground equipment, for Wilson Runyard Park (Rock Lake Park), in the amount of $102,974.83, after receiving a $48,438.50 grant for the equipment
• Elizabeth Lane Turnaround Easement Agreement
• Payment request #5 from Asphalt Contractors, in the amount of $270,441.23, for the Valmar & Yaws Subdivision Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation
• Benjamin & Evygale Peterson, 9519 Camp Lake Rd., Salem, WI 53168 (Owner), requesting a rezoning from B-2 (Community Business District) to R-4 (Urban SingleFamily Residential District) on Tax Parcel #70-4-120-212-0405 located in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 21, Township 1 North, Range 20 East, Village of Salem Lakes (for informational purposes only this parcel is located on the east side of CTH ‘AH’ (Camp Lake Rd.) approximately 200 feet south of 95th Street.)
• Authorization from the Village Board to allow for the minor streets within the future Brenner Fields North development to be designed and constructed as Rural Cross section, per 335-50, Table 1 of the Village of Salem Lakes Code of Ordinances, Tax Key 70-4-120-104-0401, Brenner Fields South, LLC
• Contract with Savers’ Hope, First Responder Mental Health – Kristen Herried, LCSW, to establish a First Responder Mental Health & Wellness Program in the amount of $8,000
• Changing Village Board meetings from the 1st and 3rd Tuesday’s of the month to the 1st & 3rd Monday’s of the month
• Village purchase of Parcel # 70-4-120-303-0929 for future parking (For informational purposes this lot is located on the corner of CTH W & 144th Street in Wilmot)
• Resolution 2026.10-181 authorizing the Village of Salem Lakes Village President, with the assistance of village staff as may be necessary, to participate with the Village of Paddock Lake in the preparation of an amendment to the term or length of the “Village of Paddock Lake/Town of Salem [now the Village of Salem Lakes] Cooperative Plan Under §66.0307, Wisconsin Statutes” in order continue the cooperative plan until December 31, 2048. (For informational purposes: This is the first step to address the term or length of the Cooperative Plan between the communities which is set to expire December 20, 2026. Upon approval of the Resolution, a joint public hearing will be held no sooner than 60 days after the adoption of the authorizing resolution by both communities.)

The full agenda is available here

Note: The following is a paid announcement from Seno K/RLT Conservancy — DH

The Twin Lakes Village Board is scheduled to hold a committee of the whole meeting Monday, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall.

Agenda items include:

• Discussion regarding Pay Request #1 from Payne and Dolan for the 2026 Street Resurfacing Project.
• Discussion regarding Pay Request #1 from Bradford Contractors LLC for the 2026 Storm Sewer Improvement Project
• Discussion regarding an Appendix to the Employee Handbook for full-time Firefighter/EMTs.
• Budget Workshop #2.

The full agenda is available here.

A proposal for building a controversial battery energy storage site in Wheatland is now before the state Public Service Commission after an application was formally filed by the developer last week.

The project is likely to continue to get opposition from local opponents as evidenced by the public opinion expressed at past meetings and the number of anti-BESS yard signs displayed in the town.

Robin Energy Storage LLC is seeking a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the construction of a new 200 megawatt battery energy storage system in Wheatland north of Highway 50 and north of New Munster on 60 acres near an existing power substation. The current application calls for 200 BESS containers, with 44 additional containers and 11 power conversion containers for future possible use.

Robin Energy’s project was rejected at the town and county levels, leaving the PSC route for approval its most viable option.

BESS projects store energy generated by other facilities to use during peak demand periods.

Local opponents cite concerns about fire and environmental hazards.

But while the issue is now passing to the authority of a state entity, local opponents are preparing to continue their fight.

“Our plan is to continue to educate the Wheatland and surrounding communities about the Robin Energy BESS project,” Jenny Morehouse, who has been the leader of the local opposition, said in a text message to westofthei.com. “Now is the time for everyone to do their research, ask the questions to our town board members and fire department, read through the project plan on the Public Service Commission’s website.”

Morehouse said she also will be encouraging community members to participate in the PSC comment periods on the project.

Public opposition to the proposal has appeared to be strong. A January town Plan Commission meeting at which some requirements for the project to move forward were up for consideration featured a packed Town Hall meeting room where virtually all public comment was against the proposal. In the wake of that reaction, the Plan Commission rejected three of four actions and Robin withdrew the project from further local consideration.

There will be more opportunity for the local community to make their opinions known during the PSC process.

“We need to start preparing for upcoming Public Service Commission comment periods,” Morehouse said. “It is important that we come together as a community and effectively communicate to the PSC that the Town of Wheatland is not the right place for a battery energy storage system.”

No information on next steps — such as dates for a hearing to gather public opinion — is apparent from the case material available online.

Kenosha County and some municipalities within Kenosha County have passed ordinances seeking to regulate the placement of BESS projects including Bristol, Paddock Lake and Pleasant Prairie. Kenosha County in May also passed a moratorium on BESS development for a year. Paris, where a BESS facility is located in conjunction with a solar farm, adopted a resolution in July asking state lawmakers to limit BESS facilities.

There has been some question in the past — including expressed by Robin representatives — about whether a stand alone BESS project comes under PSC authority. However, the PSC does outline application requirements for new energy storage system projects “whether as a stand-alone project or as part of a larger electric generating facility or transmission line project application.” in a document on its website.

Related posts

Robin Energy battery energy storage site application filed with Public Service Commission

Wheatland Town Board passes resolution seeking state limit on battery energy storage systems; Robin Energy files application with state Public Service Commission

Robin Energy Storage says it may go to state with battery energy storage system proposal

BESS opponents & Wheatland Town Board clash over progress on battery energy storage site ordinance progress

Battery storage site opponents outline ordinance points for Wheatland officials

Wheatland Plan Commission recommends denial of 3 of 4 land use requests for proposed battery storage project

Mason McNeill, of Bristol, who graduated from Westosha Central High School and whose major is general business, is competing for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team during the 2026 season.

Last season, the Warhawks battled through the fifth-toughest schedule in Division III to an 8-3 record. UWW earned an at-large bid into the NCAA Division III Championship falling in the second round of the playoffs. The 2026 slate will be another battle in the toughest conference in Division III — six WIAC institutions are ranked or receiving votes in the national polls. The Warhawks come in at #12 according to both D3football.com and the American Football Coaches Association.

The 2026 Warhawks return a wealth of experience to the field and sidelines. Head Coach Jace Rindahl begins his fourth year at the helm of the Warhawks this season. Caden Murphy returns as the team’s offensive coordinator along with numerous starters from a year ago including quarterback Justin Klinkner (Two Rivers, Wis./Two Rivers), running back Brian Stanton (Joliet, Ill./Plainfield South), fullback Charlie Koeppen (Palos Heights, Ill./Andrean), wide receiver Tyler Vasey (Crystal Lake, Ill/Prairie Ridge), tight end Colin Fritts and nearly the entire offensive line: McNeill, Aaron Johnson (Brookfield, Ill./Fenwick), Colin Krzeczkowski (Lockport, Ill./Lockport Township) and Troy Dietzler (Ashwaubenon, Wis./Ashwaubenon)).

Ryan Cortez will head the defense once again with a pair of starters coming back on the line (Noah Moris (Union Grove, Wis./Union Grove), Ben Bielawski (Woodridge, Ill./Downers Grove North)), a host of returning linebackers including Karsten Libby (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) and Jayden Fowler (Morton Grove, Ill./Niles Township West), as well as a seasoned secondary that includes Efrein Ramirez (Minooka, Ill./Minooka), Deven Magli (Deforest, Wis./Deforest) and Carter Sessa (Naperville, Ill./Neuqua Valley) – all starters a season ago.

In special teams, Hunter Liszka (St. Charles, Ill./St. Charles North) and Dylan Tackett (Mentor, Ohio/Mentor) will take over the kicking duties. Vasey, the most prolific return man in program history is also back for his senior season.

Wilmot Union High School held its 2026 homecoming parade Friday.

The parade had a little different route this year due to road construction in Wilmot, but still wound its way through the Wilmot streets before heading back to the fairgrounds, adjacent to the school campus.

Here is video of the school marching bands in the parade from Wilmot UHS, Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated School, Lakewood School, Riverview School and Randall Consolidated School:

Here are more photos from the parade:

Westosha Central High School’s 2026 homecoming parade stepped off Friday afternoon on the school’s Paddock Lake campus.

Threatening weather caused the school to change the date and time of this year’s parade from Wednesday at Tuesday. Also, instead of a route through the streets of Paddock Lake, this year’s route stayed on campus.

Here is video of the Westosha Central Marching Falcons performing in the parade:

Here are some more photos of the parade:

The developer behind a controversial battery energy storage site project proposed for a site in Wheatland has filed an application with the state Public Service Commission.

Robin Energy Storage LLC is seeking a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the construction of a new 200 megawatt battery energy storage system in Wheatland north of Highway 50 and north of New Munster on 60 acres near an existing power substation. The current application calls for 200 BESS containers, with 44 additional containers and 11 power conversion containers for future possible use.

Robin Energy’s project was rejected at the town and county levels, leaving the PSC route for approval its most viable option.

Opponents of the project have cited concerns about environmental dangers, groundwater contamination and danger of fire.

Local reaction was swift.

From Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman:

“I am disappointed that Robin Energy has decided to sidestep our countywide moratorium on Battery Energy Storage Systems by filing its application with the state. I stand with the people of the Town of Wheatland and other Kenosha County residents in opposition to this project. While we have not yet had the opportunity to review the application in detail, it is my understanding that the storage system is not going to supply new power to the residents of Kenosha County or otherwise impact power rates. I don’t believe day trading of power ultimately addresses the need for additional power generation, and I hear and appreciate the concerns of residents in the area.”

From County Board Chairman Mark Nordigian and county Supervisor Erin Decker (whose district includes the Robin BESS site):

“The Kenosha County Board has also made clear that this issue warrants careful consideration. On May 19, the County Board voted unanimously, 22-0, to impose a 12-month moratorium on consideration of new battery energy storage permits and zoning approvals while the county evaluates these facilities and their potential impacts. The Town of Wheatland has likewise formally called on Wisconsin lawmakers to establish stronger statewide standards for large-scale battery energy storage projects. The concerns we have heard from residents in Wheatland are serious and include questions about fire safety, emergency response, environmental impacts, agricultural land use, and the long-term effects of placing a large-scale industrial energy facility in this location. Those concerns deserve to be fully considered. While we have not yet had the opportunity to review Robin Energy’s newly submitted application in detail, we believe the Public Service Commission should give meaningful consideration to the concerns raised by the Town of Wheatland, its residents, and local officials. We stand with the people of Wheatland who have made their position clear. We will continue to listen to residents, work with the Town and our colleagues on the County Board, and advocate for a process in which the voices of the people who live closest to this proposed facility are heard and given serious consideration.”

No information on next steps — such as dates for a hearing to gather public opinion — is apparent from the case material available online.

There has been some question in the past — including expressed by Robin representatives — about whether a stand alone BESS project comes under PSC authority. However, the PSC does outline application requirements for new energy storage system projects “whether as a stand-alone project or as part of a larger electric generating facility or transmission line project application.” in a document on its website.

In January, three of four land use requests related to the proposed battery energy storage system project in Wheatland received unfavorable recommendations from the town Plan Commission. Robin then withdrew the project from further local consideration before the Town Board could formally weigh-in.

At a community forum hosted by Robin Energy Storage in May, a company representative said it would consider going through a state process instead of local government if that was to only way to move forward.

“If you cannot go through Wheatland and Kenosha County then you go through the state,” said Robin representative  Jon Porvaznik.

Robin had offered the town through a Joint Development Agreement $8.6 million across the 20-year life of the project, according to Robin documents submitted to Kenosha County planning. But that agreement was voided when the project failed to get local approval.

Some local governments within Kenosha County have passed ordinances seeking to regulate the placement of BESS projects including Bristol, Paddock Lake and Pleasant Prairie.

Paris, where a BESS facility is located in conjunction with a solar farm, adopted a resolution in July asking state lawmakers to limit BESS facilities.

At about 1 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash at Highways 50 and 45 on Bristol.

Per dispatch: Injuries being reported. Debris in westbound lanes.

UPDATE 1:02 p.m. — Fire unit arriving on scene reports two vehicles involved, showing moderate damage.

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!