West of the I

At about 11:11 a.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units are responding for an investigation in the 20800 block of Highway C in Bristol.

Per dispatch: Smoke coming from the ground reported. Two Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units already on the scene.

At about 8:03 a.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units are responding to a report of a fire in the 9800 block of Highway MB.

Per dispatch: Caller reporting flames and smoke coming from a dumpster at Bristol Woods County Park.

UPDATE 8:18 a.m. — Bristol command reports fire knocked down.

The Salem School District board is scheduled to meet Tuesday starting at 5 p.m. in the school’s large group instruction room.

A livestream of the meeting will be available here.

Agenda items include:

• Annual Board Reorganization
• National Weather Service Storm Ready Designation

The full agenda is available here.

The Silver Lake-Salem Jt 1 School District (Riverview School) board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, starting at 6 p.m. in the school library.

Agenda items include:

• Referendum Update
• Budget Update
• Open Enrollment Students
• Student Fees and Lunch Prices
• Closed session for: Considering specific applications of probation, extended supervision or parole, or considering strategy for crime detection or prevention.

The full agenda is available here.

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

A livestream of the meeting can be viewed here.

Agenda items include:

• Approval of Teacher Resignation
• Approval of Teacher Contracts and Salary Increases for 2026-2027
• Strategic Plan Update
• Discussion about possible fall referendum
• Health Insurance Renewal
• Shared Services Agreements: Deaf/Hard of Hearing Specialist, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Library Media Specialist

The full agenda is available here,

The Twin Lakes community observed Memorial Day with a parade and ceremony organized and led by American Legion Post 544.

The parade was first, working its way from Lance Park to Legion Park.

Here is video of the marching bands from Wilmot Union High School, Randall School and Lakewood School:

The ceremony followed the parade. Master Sgt. (retired) Dan Knautz USAF of Silver Lake was the guest speaker. Here are some video scenes from the ceremony:

Here are some photos from the parade and ceremony:

Silver Lake and the surrounding area under the leadership of Schultz-Hahn American Legion Post #293 observed Memorial Day Monday.

The post hosted its annual parade and ceremony Monday morning.

The parade made its way from Riverview School through downtown.

After the parade, the meaning of Memorial Day was remembered with a ceremony outside the Legion Hall.

Here is video of the marching bands in the parade from Riverview School, Wilmot Union High School and Salem Grade School:

Here is video of the Westosha Central High School marching band (separate from the others due to a technical problem on our part):

Here is video of scenes from the ceremony:

Here are more photos from the event:

Austin Dawson of Salem, was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, at United States Air Force Academy.

Dawson is among approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 300 campuses in the United States and its territories. Its mission is to “cultivate a community that celebrates and advances the love of learning.”

Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 300 select colleges and universities in the United States and its territories. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The Society’s mission is to “cultivate a community that celebrates and advances the love of learning.”

From the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office:

At approximately 8:12 a.m. this morning (Sunday), a 49-year-old male inmate was found unresponsive in the medical ward dorm at the Kenosha County Jail.

Medical staff and correctional staff responded immediately and began life-saving measures. The Kenosha Fire Department and sworn personnel were also called to assist. Despite life-saving efforts, the inmate was pronounced dead inside the facility.

Following any serious incident inside a Kenosha County detention facility, including an inmate death, it is the policy of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office to request an outside law enforcement agency to conduct an independent investigation. Per protocol, the Racine County Sheriff’s Office was notified and responded to the jail. That agency has assumed responsibility for the investigation.

At this time, the name of the inmate is not being released.

Sheriff David Zoerner issued the following statement:

“On behalf of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Any death in our custody is taken with the utmost seriousness. Our thoughts are with the family as they face this loss, and we remain committed to ensuring this incident is fully and independently investigated.”

Additional information will be released as appropriate and when it becomes available.

At albout 5:04 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding for a reportnof a crash at Cogswell Drive and East Larch Street in Silver Lake.

Per dispatch: Two vehicles involved. Injuries being reported.

UPDATE about 5:10 p.m. — Unit arriving on scene reports heavy damage to vehicles.

UPDATE 5:12 p.m. — Bristol Fire and Rescue and Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue requested to respond with ambulances to the scene as mutual aid.

Note: The following is a paid announcement from Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital — DH

When you flag pole needs a repair it’s good to know someone with a ladder.

Knowing someone with a fire department ladder truck is even better.

On Thursday, Bristol Fire and Rescue personnel brought the department’s ladder truck to Paddock Lake so a village flag pole there could be repaired.

The rope on the flagpole on the north end 248^th Avenue broke during the heavy winds weeks ago, said Tim Popanda, village administrator. Thursday, the Village of Bristol used the fire department ladder truck to assist with restringing the rope.

Paddock Lake contracts with Bristol Fire and Rescue for fire protection for the village.

When you flag pole needs a repair it’s good to know someone with a ladder.

Knowing someone with a fire department ladder truck is even better.

On Thursday, Bristol Fire and Rescue personnel brought the department’s ladder truck to Paddock Lake so a village flag pole there could be repaired.

The rope on the flagpole on the north end 248^th Avenue broke during the heavy winds weeks ago, said Tim Popanda, village administrator. Thursday, the Village of Bristol used the fire department ladder truck to assist with restringing the rope.

Paddock Lake contracts with Bristol Fire and Rescue for fire protection for the village.

Twin Lakes American Legion Post 544 will conduct Memorial Observances on Monday, May 25 at 9 a.m. at Mound Prairie Cemetery, 39000 104th St. and at 9:30 a.m. St Johns Cemetery, Highway KD and 98th Street, Twin Lakes.

There also will be a ceremony at the post immediately following the annual parade.

The parade will begin promptly at 11 a.m.  The parade route will be from Lance Park to American Legion Post 544 using Lance Drive, East Main St, South Lake Avenue and Legion Drive. 

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:

From Wilmot Union High School:

Wilmot Union High School District would like to inform families, students, staff, and community members of several important building access and office updates as summer construction and facility improvement projects begin.

Beginning June 9, the South Lot will be closed for both parking and entrance access through approximately mid-August. During this time, the main entrance to the building will be relocated to Door T on the north side of the building.

Due to ongoing construction work throughout the summer, main office hours may vary. Families and community members needing assistance from the main office are encouraged to call ahead to schedule an appointment by contacting the high school office at (262) 862-2351 or by emailing Lisa Obertin at obertinl@wilmoths.k12.wi.us.

Additionally, the building will be completely closed on Fridays from June 12 through August 12. Office staff and administrators will not be available in the building on Fridays during that time. Community members are encouraged to plan ahead or communicate with staff via email whenever possible.

“These facility improvements are an important investment in our school community,” said District Administrator Christy Weinstock. “We appreciate everyone’s patience, flexibility, and support as we work to improve our facilities
throughout the summer months.”

The district thanks the Wilmot community for its continued support and cooperation during the construction process and wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable summer.

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:

All local lakes sampled by Kenosha County were found to be within normal E.coli levels from testing performed this week.

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.

Results from testing this week by Kenosha County are:

Salem Lakes – Silver Lake County Park beach 7 E.coli/100 mL; DeWitt Park on Silver Lake 1 E.coli/100mL; Lake Shangri-la 220th Ct. 145 E.coli/100 mL; Center Lake 5 E.coli/100 mL; Hooker Lake Boat Launch 33 E.coli/100 mL; Rock Lake 11 E.coli/100 mL; Camp Lake 29.0 E.coli/100 mL

Paddock Lake — Old Settlers County Park beach 7 E.coli/100 mL; Hoag Park 2 E.coli/100 mL; North Shore Association 1 E.coli/100 mL; PHLA beach 7 E.coli/100mL; PHLA diving board 43 E.coli/100 mL.

Wheatland — Lilly Lake 2 E.coli/100 mL.

Twin Lakes — Lance Park on Lake Mary 3 E.coli/100mL.; Lucille beach on Lake Elizabeth 11.0 E.coli/100 mL; Musial Beach 2 E.coli/100 mL; Sunset Beach 3 E.coli/100 mL

Bristol — Lake George 101st 16 E.coli/100 mL; Lake George 103rd 6 E.coli/100 mL

From the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office:

The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office has concluded a significant phase of an ongoing investigation involving stolen mail, financial fraud, narcotics activity, and burglary-related offenses.

Over the past approximately six weeks, KESO deputies investigated multiple fraud complaints connected to stolen mail. During the investigation, detectives learned that personal and business checks were being stolen from mailboxes, altered, and fraudulently used to obtain money.

Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office Detectives were assigned to the investigation and developed information identifying several individuals believed to be involved. As the investigation progressed, detectives uncovered evidence linking the suspects to additional criminal activity, including narcotics offenses and burglaries involving storage units in the Antioch, Illinois area.

On May 19th, 2026, members of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Bureau, KDOG Unit, and Deputies executed a search warrant at a residence located in the 11400 block of Antioch Road in Trevor, Wisconsin.

During the execution of the search warrant, four individuals were taken into custody:

•             Frank W. McClaughry, M/W, DOB 01/23/1986

•             Alicia R. Wojtowicz, F/W, DOB 08/04/1983

•             Thomas D. Wilton, M/W, DOB 10/29/1972

•             Tammy F. Wilton (Wolbeck), F/W, DOB 09/08/1971

Detectives recovered a substantial amount of evidence during the search warrant, including more than 150 items associated with narcotics distribution, fraud activity, and burglary investigations.

Items recovered included:

•             Approximately 28.3 grams of methamphetamine

•             Approximately 27.3 grams of marijuana

•             Approximately 6.1 grams of psilocybin mushrooms

•             Approximately 0.5 grams of MDMA

•             A small quantity of cocaine

•             Fraudulent and altered checks

•             Check-washing materials and equipment

•             Numerous burglary tools

•             Identification cards belonging to other individuals

•             Suspected stolen property connected to Antioch-area storage unit burglaries

•             Digital scales and drug paraphernalia

As a result of the investigation, the following preliminary charges have been recommended:

Frank W. McClaughry

•             Theft of Mail – 2 counts

•             Misappropriation of Personal Identification Materials (Obtaining Money) – 2 counts

•             Felony Bail Jumping – 4 counts

•             Possession of Burglary Tools

•             Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine

•             Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place

•             Felony Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Methamphetamine)

•             Felony Possession of Marijuana

•             Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 2 counts

•             Active Felony Warrants – 4

Alicia R. Wojtowicz

•             Misappropriation of Personal Identification Materials (Obtaining Money) – 2 counts

•             Theft of Mail – 2 counts

•             Felony Probation Hold

Thomas D. Wilton

•             Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine

•             Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place

•             Felony Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Methamphetamine)

•             Possession of Marijuana

•             Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Tammy Wilton (Wolbeck)

•             Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine

•             Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place

•             Felony Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Methamphetamine)

•             Felony Probation Hold

These charges are preliminary, and additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.

The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to coordinate with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office regarding the storage unit burglaries in Antioch, Illinois.

Statement from Sheriff David Zoerner: “The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office will continue to aggressively target drug traffickers, drug houses, and the criminals who bring this activity into our communities. Investigations like this send a clear message that we will not tolerate the distribution of dangerous narcotics, organized crime, or repeat criminal behavior in Kenosha County. Our deputies and detectives remain committed to protecting our residents, holding offenders accountable, and working with our law enforcement partners to shut down these criminal operations wherever they exist.”

The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office would like to recognize the efforts of all detectives, deputies, supervisors, and evidence personnel who assisted throughout this investigation and search warrant operation. Their teamwork and dedication led to the recovery of a significant amount of evidence and the dismantling of an active criminal operation tied to narcotics trafficking, fraud, and property crimes.

If you believe you may have been a victim of fraud related to this investigation and have not yet reported it, the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office encourages you to contact our non-emergency number at 262-656-1234 to file a report.

This is an ongoing and open investigation. No further information will be released at this time.

At about 10:05 a.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue, Bristol Fire and Rescue, Wheatland Vol. Fire Department, Randall Fire Department and Paris Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a fire in the 9900 block of 270th Court in Trevor.

UPDATE about 10:08 a.m. — Deputies reporting via dispatch that this is a working fire with lots of smoke.

UPDATE about 10:10 a.m. — Fire unit arriving on scene reports fire showing from two sides of single-story building.

UPDATE about 10:12 a.m. — MABAS box alarm activated. Additional department responding including: Twin Lakes Fire Department, City of Burlington Fire Department, Kenosha Fire Department, Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue, Lake Villa (Ill.) Fire Department, Lake Geneva Fire Department and Town of Burlington Fire Department.

UPDATE 10:26 a.m. — Tender (water tanker) shuttle being organized to maintain water supply.

UPDATE 10:28 a.m. — Salem Lakes command reports fire throughout the house. All companies working.

UPDATE 10:39 a.m. — Salem command upgrades box alarm to second alarm for tenders only. Due to respond are Beach Pakr (Ill.) Fire Department and Richmond (Ill.) Fire Department.

UPDATE 10:40 a.m. — Salem Lakes safety officer requests response from power and gas utility company.

A representative of the company that has proposed to build a battery energy storage system in Wheatland said it would consider going through a state process instead of local government if that was to only way to move forward.

The statement came at a community forum hosted by Robin Energy Storage Tuesday evening at the Kenosha County Center.

The proposal for a 19-acre site north of Highway 50 near 392nd Avenue was rejected by the Wheatland Plan Commission in January. Robin then withdrew from the approval process.

Opponents of the project have been warning about Robin trying to find another channel for winning approval.

At the forum, Jon Porvaznik representing Robin, confirmed the company could move beyond local or county approval if needed to site the project.

“The project is still moving forward,” Porvaznik said. “The project is needed. We are considering going through the state process. It’s something we are looking into. If you cannot go through Wheatland and Kenosha County then you go through the state.”

No new application has been formally made yet, Porvaznik said, but Robin has met with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

In January, Robin Energy Storage proposed a battery energy storage system facility located on approximately 12 acres within an approximately 19-acre tract of land east of 392nd Avenue and north of Highway 50 in Wheatland. The site is especially apt, Robin representatives said, because it is adjacent to an existing electrical substation.

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

Robin representatives said the forum was an effort at a dialogue with the community after the clashes earlier this year,

“I think it important because what happened in January,” said Porvaznik. “We weren’t able to have a dialogue. We think we understand what the themes (of the opposition) are … and we want to address those theme with answers.”

Before comments from the audience, Robin representatives presented boards with info about the project. Porvaznik said they tried to address points brought up by those opposed to the project.

But there was still strong negative reaction expressed by audience members and those who chose to ask questions and make statements to the Robin representatives.

None of the about 15 people who asked questions and made statements opinions expressed support for the project.

The format of having people line up to ask questions one at a time quickly fractured when other audience members started reacting to statements made by Robin representatives. That happened several times during the meeting.

“The commnity said no, the plan commission voted no, our town chairman stood up to support all of the community,” one questioner said. “Is this your pleasant way of saying your ignoring us?”

Here is video of comments given by one of the leaders of the opposition, Jenny Morehouse:

About 50 people attended the forum, including all members of the Wheatland Town Board.

The end of this work week won’t match the beginning at all in temperature.

The summer like temps of Monday and Tuesday are expected to plunge Wednesday, Thursday and Friday into the 50s and low 60s for highs, says the latest, local National Weather Service forecast.

Put those shorts back in the drawer.

Wednesday’s high is expected to reach 57. Same for Thursday. Friday’s high is expected to reach 61.

Temps are expected to recover some over Memorial Day weekend, with the high Saturday at 69, on Sunday at 74, Monday at 74 and Tuesday at 79.

The Paddock Lake Village Board is scheduled to meet Wednesday starting at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall (municipal building).

Agenda items include:

• Approve Ordinance 26-01 creating chapter 45 for Water Utility District Impact Fees.
• Issue special event permit to Westosha Lakes Church for a one-day event at Old Settlers Park on Sunday June 14t
• Motion – Issue special event permit to Kiwanis Club of Westosha for Octoberfest on September 12.
• Approving the appointment of committee, Planning Commission and professional vendors.
• Authorize village staff to pay Dorner invoice 520025 for emergency lift station pump replacement. And for invoice 519967 for the lift station alarm auto dialer.
• Authorize Village Administrator to issue purchase order to Giles Engineering to perform soil boring at the Channel Stabilization project
• Approve temporary class B license for Paddock Lakes Lions Club
• Authorize Village Administrator to issue purchase order to Limb Walkers Tree Service for tree removal

The full agenda is available here.

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

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

Agenda items include:

• Audit Presentation from Clifton Larson Allen
• Regulation of Short-Term Rental Properties
• Ordinance 2026.03-118 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP FOR THE VILLAGE OF SALEM LAKES. SMM Investments LLC, 4011 80th Street., Kenosha, WI 53142 (Owner), Daniel Szczap, 4011 80th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142 (Agent), requesting a rezoning from R-3 (Urban Single-Family Residential District) & R-4 (Urban Single-Family Residential District) to R-3 (Urban Single-Family Residential District), R-4 (Urban Single-Family Residential District) & PUD (Planned Unit Development Overlay District) on Tax Parcel 70-4-120-083-4214, 70-4-210-083-4212, 70-4-120-083-4210, 70-4-120-083-4255 & 70-4-120-083-4260 located in the Southwest 1/4 of Section 8, Township 1 North, Range 20 East, Village of Salem Lakes. For informational purposes only these Parcels are located on the west side of CTH ‘B’about 150 feet north of Lakeview Drive. This Ordinance was tabled for further discussion at the March 3rd Village Board meeting.
• Awarding of the 216th Street culvert replacement, for information purposes only this culvert is located under 216th Avenue approximately 200 feet south of STH ‘50’.
• Possible 4th amendment to the developer’s agreement with Salem Business Park, LLC.
• Discussion about giving the Village’s 1939 Boyer Firetruck to the Fire Association.

The full agenda is available here.

From Kenosha County Divsion of Highways:

Highway WG (128th Street) will be closed to through traffic between Highway 45 (Bristol Road) and the I-94 West Frontage Road each day beginning Monday, May 18, for a resurfacing project.

The daily closures will run from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Local access to residences will remain.

This work is expected to be completed in mid-June, but the schedule is weather-dependent and subject to change.

Drivers are encouraged to use an alternate east-west route.

The 2026 Kenosha County Veteran of the Year is Bill Hopkins of Silver Lake, Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced Monday

From a county news release:

The award, which debuted in 2025, is presented annually to honor veterans for their achievements and contributions after their time in service.

“For the second year in a row, we received an impressive list of nominations from members of the community,” Kerkman said. “As we reviewed them, while there were many fine contenders for the award, Bill’s many years of service to the community elevated his name to the top of the list. It’s my honor to present this award to him.”

Kerkman will present the award to Hopkins at the annual Veterans Appreciation Summer Picnic, to be held at noon Friday, May 29, at the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park.

Hopkins served 20 years in the Navy, retiring as an E9 Command Master Chief in 1993. During his years in service, he was assigned to numerous posts around the world, including four tours of duty at Naval Station Great Lakes, which is what initially brought him to Kenosha County.

Following his military career, he worked for 22 years before retiring as a Senior Compliance Training Manager at Abbott Laboratories and Hospira.

After moving to Silver Lake in 1989, he became deeply involved in the community, serving as President of the Riverview School Board, an elected trustee on the Silver Lake and Salem Lakes Village Boards, a member of the Community Library Board, and numerous other boards and commissions. He was also a 12-year volunteer member of the Silver Lake Fire Department.

During the 2017 severe floods along the Fox River, Hopkins and one of his sons drove around the area for several days, helping residents by handing out bottled water, cleaning supplies and decontaminating hundreds of wells.

“It’s just a matter of helping people,” Hopkins said, of his philosophy of community service. “I like working with people. I like working with kids, in particular. I like helping out when I can help. I look at it from that perspective.”

In addition to his work in government and the fire service, Hopkins has served on the Silver Lake Dive and Recovery Team as a diver, coaches football at Wilmot Union High School, coached baseball with Lakeland Little League, and coached youth in soccer, softball, and tee ball.

He is a current member of the Kenosha County Civil Service Commission and serves as Chairman of the Salem Lakes Fire Commission.

“Mr. Hopkins’ life has wholeheartedly been dedicated to public service,” said Kenosha County Veterans Services Director Jennifer Blasi. “It is a rare person who takes the time and effort to make such an impact among so many people and organizations. He is an inspiration.”

Hopkins’ son, Brian, nominated him for the Veteran of the Year Award, writing that his father “has a servant leader’s heart and is always putting his family and the community first.”

“My dad’s commitment to his fellow veterans and the community is evident in everything he does,” Brian Hopkins wrote. “As a role model and mentor, he is a trusted friend to veterans and a guiding influence for young adults considering military service, always offering support, wisdom, and encouragement.”

Hopkins and his wife, Susie, have four adult children: Billy, Emily (Jon), Danny (Becca) and Brian (Miriam). They have four grandchildren and two more on the way.

As for his motivation to lead and serve, Hopkins said: “I think for me, I learned a lot of the work ethic from my dad, and my family. The military definitely brought the chain of command and integrity to the table, and then, lastly, I think it’s just a matter of putting your best foot forward and doing the best things you can to the best of your ability.”

The Veterans Appreciation Picnic now in its third year, will be held at noon Friday, May 29, at the Kenosha County
Veterans Memorial Park, located west of Highway KD and north of Highway F in Randall and Wheatland. The picnic will be held in the Veterans Honor Plaza, which is accessible from the Karow Court entrance off Highway F (Bassett Road), just west of Highway KD (352nd Avenue). Free round-trip transportation to the park from Festival Foods, 3207 80th St., in Kenosha will be offered courtesy of Dousman Transport Co., as space allows. Registration for the picnic is not required, but those who would like transportation are asked to contact the county Veterans Service Office at 262-605-6690 or email Veterans.Services@kenoshacountywi.gov.

The Twin Lakes Village Board is scheduled to meet Monday, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall.

Agenda items include:

• Presentation by CLA (CliftonLarsonAllenLLP) regarding the 2025 audit findings.
• Discussion and possible action regarding the Fire Department Pay Scale.
• Discussion and possible action regarding Ordinance 2026-5-1 Creating Chapter 8.90 of the Twin Lakes Code Pertaining to Outdoor Lighting.
• Discussion and possible action regarding appointing Zack Weddig to the Library Board.

The full agenda and supporting material is available here.

A fire-rescue department study commissioned by a grant received by Randall with the cooperation of Wheatland and Twin Lakes sees that area well served by a consolidated department with two stations — the current Twin lakes Fire Department and Rescue Squad station in downtown Twin Lakes and a new station in Wheatland near Highway O and Highway 50.

That scenario would eliminate the two current Town of Randall Fire Department stations in Powers Lake and Bassett. The Bassett station was built in 2004 and is the newest of the four fire stations for the Town of Randall Fire Department, Wheatland Vol. Fire Department and Twin Lake Fire Department.

The study was presented to the public at a meeting of the municipal boards Tuesday evening at Randall School.

The 98-page study was performed by consulting firm Public Administration Associates LLC. It was funded by a $75,000 grant obtained by Randall, said town Chairman Mark Nordigian. Randall conferred with Wheatland and Twin Lakes to gauge interest in the study if Randall was awarded the grant.

Each of the three municipalities currently have their own fire department. Randall and Wheatland contract with Twin Lakes Rscue for EMS services,

The consultants were asked to look at developing the best model for covering the about 12,959 residents in the 56 square miles of Twin Lakes, Randall and Wheatland, Nordigian said.

“What we were looking for was the ideal, and we have to pare back from there,” Nordigian said.

The study includes sections on the history of each municipality and the fire departments. It also addresses rising costs for fire and EMS services and other future challenges of staffing and personnel availability and service expectations from the public.

The consolidated department envisioned by the study could be operated for about $81,000 less per year than current combined operating expenses, the report estimates. The largest chunks of those savings and ongoing savings come from eliminating equipment redundancy and not having to continue to maintain and replace that equipment. Consultants Tuesday said the cost for each municipality is similar to what is currently paid for fire and emergency medical service.

Advantages of a consolidated department listed in the study include:

• Continued improved service and response times.
• Cost efficiency and reduced redundancy. Cost avoidance in sharing expensive fire apparatus is the most significant improvement with this plan. With the need to hire full time personnel and likely more in the future, efficiently utilizing this staff will prove to be another major financial advantage to a joint department.
• The complexity of the department with the addition of full-time personnel has grown beyond the ability of the TLVFRI to provide the administrative support resources needed. In addition, with cost increasing the municipal partners demand and deserve full financial transparency and input in the use of financial resources.
• Standardized training and operations. This is already underway but will only continue to improve. This guides the training program, improving safety and effectiveness on the fireground.
• More efficient use of the personnel pool. This larger pool of paid-on-call members and a more efficient response model to utilize available staff ensures a more consistent and effective response.
• Access to better funding. A larger, consolidated department may be more competitive for state or federal grants.

Disdvantages of a consolidated department listed in the study include:

• Cultural clashes and morale issues. Merging often causes animosity or resistance if not managed well. Firefighters may struggle to blend different traditions, uniforms, and cultures. The staff of the departments has been jointly responding already and needs to keep the focus on improving emergency response.
• Loss of local identity/control. Mergers not only affect the department but the community. Some may view this as losing part of their community identity. Political battles over the loss of autonomy and control can also come into play. Fortunately, the communities involved have already worked together with joint ambulance service and throughout this
  study.
• Initial financial/transition costs. While long-term savings are common, short-term costs for the transition (uniforms, re-lettering trucks, IT integration) can be higher.
• Potential for staff turnover. Some personnel may leave due to the changes. Some personnel near retirement may now feel more comfortable proceeding, knowing a plan is in place to assure coverage.

“The first step is to look at this and say is this something we’d like to pursue?” David Bretl of PPA said of the three local municipalities. “There has to be something for everybody. This isn’t the end or or be all tonight, This is a recommendation that we think a consolidated service would be good for you.”

Nordigian said he sees discussion by the individual boards as the next step. He urged interested citizens to keep an eye out for the item to be on meeting agendas,

The full study is available here.

Via the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office: