Western Kenosha County's news source
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:
Continue reading →
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.
The Paris Town Board Tuesday passed a resolution calling for a data center permitting moratorium.
The resolution passed unanimously, but town officials acknowledge the action is largely symbolic.
Data centers are physical buildings used to store and process large amounts of digital data. The rise of artificial intelligence technology has increased the demand for such facilities of late, which have become controversial due to their large footprint and large energy and water use.
One such center is making its way through the approval process in Kenosha for land along Highway 142 that once was in Paris before being annexed.
Paris has limited power to stop data center placement. Since Paris, as a town, operates under county zoning it cannot enact a data center moratorium because it doesn’t have its own zoning ordiance, said town Chairman John Holloway at Tuesday’s Town Board meeting.
“The town cannot enact a moratorium of its own,” Holloway said.
The resolution calls for the relevant authorities to enact a moratorium until impacts of the centers can be established and relevant zoning ordinances and others applicable statutes can be reviewed to properly address such centers. The moratorium is to allow the impact and viability of the centers to be established.
“The Board wishes the State of Wisconsin, Kenosha County and its municipalities to engage in a thorough review of zoning ordinances, including but not limited to definitions, siting requirements, use classifications, performance standards, environmental protections, and public infrastructure considerations related to data centers … the Board, with input from Town residents, is concerned about the rush to permit and construct mega data centers before the impact and sustainability of the centers has been thoroughly vetted,” part of the resolution says.
The resolution calls for a 12-month moratorium.
“In my opinion even though it is somewhat symbolic, it is still an important comment for us to put out as a community,” Holloway said of the resolution.
From Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office:
The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office has referred charges to the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office following an investigation into allegations involving 19-year-old Austin Scaletta of Twin Lakes.
The investigation began July 24, 2026, after the Sheriff’s Office received information through the Speak Up Speak Out reporting system alleging that Scaletta had inappropriate communications with minors through Snapchat.
Scaletta previously volunteered with the Wisconsin National Guard and assisted them with a program at Wilmot High School. The Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that none of the alleged conduct occurred at Wilmot High School, and the investigation has not identified any connection between the alleged offenses and the school, its students, or school operations.
Wilmot High School administration notified parents about the investigation in an email on Aug. 27, 2026.
Investigators obtained preservation requests and a search warrant for relevant Snapchat account records. The investigation identified sexually explicit communications with minors, including a 13-year-old. During an August 20, 2026, interview, Scaletta admitted that he communicated with the juvenile through Snapchat and asked her to engage in sexual acts, knowing she was 13 years old.
The Snapchat records also led investigators to identify a 16-year-old. Scaletta possessed nine sexually explicit images and videos of that juvenile that had been saved within Snapchat conversations. Scaletta was arrested on August 20.
Scaletta is charged with the following:
• Nine felony counts of possession of child pornography, Wis. Stat. § 948.12(1m).
• Two felony counts of expose child to harmful material, Wis. Stat. § 948.11(2)(a).
• One felony count of sexual misconduct by school staff or volunteer, Wis. Stat. § 948.098(2).
“The safety of children is not negotiable,” Sheriff David Zoerner said. “Anyone who exploits, solicits or targets a child, whether in person or online, will be investigated thoroughly and held accountable under the law. Our deputies and detectives will continue to pursue every available lead to protect children, support victims and bring these cases forward for prosecution.”
The investigation involved coordination with law enforcement agencies in Illinois and Wisconsin. Information related to separate incidents identified during the investigation was referred to the appropriate jurisdictions for follow-up.
A swim caution has been lifted for Lilly Lake and Paddock Hooker Lakes Association beach is under a swim caution after resampling by Kenosha County on Wednesday.
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 that prompted the above actions were:
PHLA is scheduled to be resampled, That typically occurs the next day, weather permitting.
Note: The following is a paid announcement from Reliable Heating & Air Conditioning — DH
Reliable Heating and Air Conditioning is part of the Lennox Feel the Love community program that provides free heating and cooling systems to deserving homeowners.
“Each year, deserving individuals such as educators, first responders, healthcare workers, and families facing financial hardship, are nominated by their communities for their selfless contributions,” says Lennox’s website. “Nominations from the community help determine each year’s recipients. Together with local Lennox dealers, we bring comfort and care to those who make a difference.”
Reliable is a proud Lennox local dealer.
Here is how the Feel the Love program works, according to info at Lennox.com:
Community nominates — “Across the country, compassionate individuals like you are changing lives by nominating hometown heroes for the gift of comfort—brand-new heating and cooling systems for those who deserve it most.”
Selections are made — “Every nomination we receive is thoughtfully reviewed and carefully vetted to ensure we select homeowners who truly need support. Those chosen will receive a brand-new heating or cooling system, completely free of charge. Many of these individuals have spent years putting others first, often without the means to create a comfortable home for themselves.”
Dealers spread the love — “During the second week of October, Lennox partners with our dedicated network of dealers (like Reliable) for a special mission—installing top-quality systems for our selected community heroes at absolutely no cost.”
Do you know someone worthy of receiving a free heating or cooling system? Click here to submit a nomination. Deadline for nominations is Aug. 31.
Here are some more of the 2026 Kenosha County Junior Fair Merit Award Winners:
Continue reading →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.
Continue reading →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 →
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:
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:
Continue reading →
Note: This is a paid announcement from the Twin Lakes Area Chamber and Business Association — DH
THE COURSE IS READY… ARE YOU?
This year’s Twin Lakes Area Chamber and Business Association Golf Outing has plenty of chances to earn some serious bragging rights.
Closest to the Pin — Men & Women
Longest Drive — Men & Women
TWO Hole-in-One Challenges
NEW THIS YEAR: Closest to the Line!
Whether you’re chasing the win, playing for fun, or just hoping your ball goes where you actually intended — there’s something happening all over the course.
Grab your foursome and join us September 16 at Twin Lakes Country Club for a day of golf, friendly competition, community, and a whole lot more than 18 holes.
Don’t be the team hearing about it afterward. Get yours registered here: https://twinlakeschamber.com/36th-golf-outing
The Paris Town Board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, starting at 6 p.m. at Town Ahll.
Agenda items include:
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 →This year’s recipients of Quits of Valor quilts were honored at a ceremony Sunday morning at the 2026 Kenosha County Fair.
Twelve veterans were awarded quilts this year in recognition of their service in the US military.
The Quilts of Valor Foundation was founded in 2003. The local awardees are nominated and then selected to receive a quilt by the local affiliated organization, Sew Much Honor Kenosha County. This is the second year for the program here in conjunction with the Kenosha County Fair.
This year’s awardees are: Charles Ogren, Leonard Eibl, Bruce Feldkamp, Jared Kwiatkowski, Scott Andressen, Edward Crandall, Alan Jones, Jeffrey Martin, Carl Sattersten, Raymond Lee Cates, William Koehnke and Dennis Curnes (who was not present at the ceremony, but will be presented with his quilt around Veterans Day).
This year’s quilters were: Rose Ames, Patty Austin (Texas), Sarah Bazata, Ruth Bratz, Char’s Crafty Cottage, Debra DeVries, Doreen Daniels, Phyllis Epping, Ruth Epping, Pat Happ, Jenny Hesse, Lorie Hintz, Sue Keller (Indiana), Joan Ledanski, Kathy Moss, Old Company C, Serenity Puffinberger (Ohio), Shari Reilson, Mary Rossi, Carol Schneiderman, Dorothy Vorpahl and Nancy Wagner.
Here are photos of the awardees and their quilts:
The annual parade through the fairgrounds was held Sunday morning at the 2026 Kenosha County Fair in WIlmot.
Participants in the parade included elements of the fair, the Westosha Central High School band, fair royalty, some of the Quilts of Honor awardees, old tractors and other supporters of the fair.
Here is video of the WCHS band:
Here are more photos from the parade:
Continue reading →The 2026 Kenosha County Fair may have ended Sunday, but westofthei.com will still be publishing events we covered and judging results Monday (and maybe beyond).
If you’re looking for our coverage of Quilts of Valor, the Sunday parade, Cookies and Crowns and the small animal auction we’re working on them now, Check back!
Those attending the Kenosha County Fair had a chance to pay for some sweet treats and other things and benefit the fair’s building fund in the process at the annual pie auction on Friday night.
Supporters of the fair made baked goods or donate other things to be auctioned off at this event. All the proceeds go to the fund.
Generosity means paying a few hundred dollars for a pie is not unusual.
There’s also a battle of the barns, where each junior fair animal project assembles a package to be bid on.
Here is a video to give you an idea of the atmosphere:
Here are some more photos from the event:
Continue reading →
The large animal auction took place Saturday at the 2026 Kenosha County Fair in Wilmot.
This is the payoff event where exhibitors in the junior fair swine, beef and sheep projects auction their animals.
Here is a video sample to give you an idea of the sights and sounds:
Here are some more photos from the event:
Continue reading →
The Dairy Futurity show was held Friday at the 2026 Kenosha County Fair in Wilmot.
In the futurity show, kids too young to show animals 4-H get a chance to show their stuff in the Show and Sales Building. Each contestant dresses up themselves and a calf in a theme that promotes dairy.
This year’s judge was Scoopie from the Culver’s on Highway 142.
The winner was Bradley Edmonds.
Here are some more photos from the show:
Continue reading →
Here is the schedule for Sunday at the Kenosha County Fair:
The annual children’s parade took place Friday at the 2026 Kenosha County Fair in WIlmot.
Children dress up by 26 categories. Prizes are awarded for the best costumes in each category. A bountiful supply of cuteness is the result.
Here are more photos of the parade:
Continue reading →
The horse show was held Friday at the 2026 Kenosha County Fair in Wilmot.
We may have results of judging later. In the meantime, here are some photos from the morning:
Continue reading →
Below are pedal tractor pull results from day 2 of competition (Friday) at the 2026 Kenosha County Fair.
Continue reading →
The rabbit show was held Friday at the 2026 Kenosha County Fair in Wilmot.
We expect to have results of the judging later. In the meantime, here are some more photos from the show:
Continue reading →
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