West of the I

A proposal to help fund Twin Lakes Rescue 24-hour staff was discussed by the Wheatland Town Board this week.

In late, August, Twin Lakes, Randall and Wheatland opened talks on how to create and fund full-time EMTs to cover those three municipalities on a 24-hour schedule.  Currently Twin Lakes Rescue, a separate entity from the village of Twin Lakes, provides emergency medical services to those municipalities.

TL Rescue officials, facing increased difficulty in providing services with its volunteer and paid on call staffing, developed the proposal for Twin Lakes to hire six advanced EMT level/firefighters and a supervisor, who would be village of Twin Lakes employees, but work for TL Rescue. The EMT/firefighters would work 24 hours on, 48 off. The supervisor would have a more conventional Monday-Friday, daytime schedule, with some exceptions. Starting salary would be $55,000-75,000 depending on licensure, certifications, and position. While the new full-time EMT/firefighters would be village of Twin Lakes employees, TL Rescue would retain ownership of its building and equipment, including its ambulances. Up keep and replacement of that equipment would continue to be paid for through donations and billing for services.

The rescue squad estimates the cost of the new personnel to be $800,000 to $1 million.

Having full-rime personnel in the station 25 hours a day would dramatically improve response time, especially during nights and weekends.

Since a joint meeting Aug. 30 in Twin Lakes, Twin Lakes, Randall and Wheatland officials have been discussing how to move forward. That continued Monday for Wheatland.

In August, officials were talking about three referendums to fund their municipalities share. Further exploration of the finances has caused some exploration of perhaps funding from existing budget instead.

In Wheatland, authorizing additional tax authority through a referendum still seemed to be the preferred path at Monday’s Town Board meeting. Reasoning was that getting approval for additional taxing power through a referendum would secure the funding for the referendum’s term. If the town found money say next year to pay its share, the next year might be a different story, town Chairman Brett Butler said.

A referendum would likely take place in conjunction with the spring election in April.

Butler also reminded the board that the town is required to provide emergency medical services.

Wheatland Vol. Fire Department Chief Lou Denko said he also felt a refendum was best to lock in funding. While he says the three municipalities and fire departments do work together well, he added that he doesn’t see a viable alternative either.

For example, hiring a private rescue company could lead to back-up problems when multiple calls are happening at once, Denko said. Private companies often see a lot of turnover and individuals probably will lack local knowledge.

Another unsettled issue is how the three municipalities will split the approximately $1 million in estimated compensation cost.

At the August joint meeting, Twin Lakes village President Howard Skinner proposed a 40 percent for Twin Lakes and then a 30 percent split for Randall and Wheatland each. That split acknowledges that Twin Lakes, by having the EMS workers as village employees., would incur some additional costs beyond compensation.

Randall Chairman Paula Soderman at that time argued for a split based on population size. Twin Lakes has about 6,300 residents, Randall about 3,400 and Wheatland about 3,100.

In contracting with Twin Lakes Rescue for service, Twin Lakes currently pays $85,000 per year and Wheatland and Randall $60,000. Those fees would no longer be collected and that budget could be applied toward the cost for the full time EMS staff.

Another joint meeting of the three municipalities has not been scheduled. Twin Lakes has further discussion on its board committee of the whole meeting agenda on Monday. Randall discussed the topic in closed session on Sept. 14.

Moving forward, educating residents about the situation will be key to its success, Butler said.

“We will keep looking at options for advertising and how to get the word out on it,” Butler said.

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:

At about 5:04 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash at Highways 83 and C in Trevor.

Per dispatch: Two vehicles involved, one partially blocking traffic. Injuries being reported.

At about 3:50 p.m., I received word from a reader on the scene that road work at Highways AH and 83 is causing traffic headaches.

That situation is likely aggravated by dismissal at Salem School, which is at the intersection.

At about 12:52 p.m., Twin Lakes Fire Department units and Twin Lakes Police officers are responding to the 1200 block of West Main Street in Twin Lakes.

Per dispatch: Gas line leak being reported.

Temperatures more reminiscent of summer than early fall are in the latest, local National Weather Service forecast.

Temperatures around 80 are expected for Saturday, Sunday, Munday and Tuesday.

The real change of pace may be in that all of those days also are expected to be sunny with no forecast chance of rain until Wednesday.

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:

At about 11:39 a.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units are responding for an alarm in the 10300 block of 140th Avenue in Bristol.

Per dispatch: This came from a warehouse pull station at a business.

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

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

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

Note: This is a paid announcement from Hafs Road Orchard — DH

Fall is the time to visit Hafs Road Orchard.

2023 marks owners Richard and Deborah Polansky’s 42nd year of growing apples at Hafs Road Orchard.

The orchard store is bursting with fresh apples for eating, cakes, pies, apple sauce, salads and crisps.

Starting in late September, squash, pumpkin and ornamental gourd selections and broom corn bundles in lovely fall colors will be available. Hafs Road Orchard’s famous macrame hangers for pumpkins and gourds are available in 3 sizes. They add a distinctive touch to your autumn display.

Caramel apples made with Honeycrisp and coated with peanuts, pecans or sprinkles continue to delight.

Hafs Road Orchard is again using its outdoors selling area.

Hafs Road Orchard is open through Thanksgiving. Check here for hours.

Honeycrisp are a delicious, healthy holiday gift.

Hafs Road Orchard is conveniently located just 7 miles east of Lake Geneva at W632 Hafs Road, Genoa City.

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:

Note: The following is a paid announcement from Hospice Alliance — DH

Hospice Alliance is hosting its 6^th annual Serving Our Seniors Expo on Thursday, Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gateway Technical College, Madrigrano Conference Center / Haribo Hall

Admission, is free. This event will feature 55 exhibitors of healthcare and life management professionals serving the Southeastern Wisconsin Senior community. There will be interactive exhibits and helpful information, health screenings, and raffle drawings. Good Value Pharmacy is offering Covid-19 and Flu Vaccinations to attendees who provide insurance coverage.

For more information including a list of vendors click here.

The Wilmot Union High School District board is scheduled to hold a meeting Wednesday in the school library starting at 6 p.m.

Agenda items include:

• COVID Return to School Plan
• Overnight Field Trips
• 2023-2024 Occupational Therapy Staffing
• 2024 Summer School Calendar
• 2023-2024 Preliminary Budget & Tax Levy

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:

Wheatland J1 School District will host its annual meeting and hold a board meeting on Wednesday in the Community Room at the school.

The annual meeting and budget hearing will be held first, starting at 7 p.m. Agenda items include:

• Superintendent’s Report
• 2023-24 Budget Presentation
• Authorize School Based Tax Levy
• Authorize the School Board to Acquire or Purchase Real Estate, Structures, and Facilities Necessary for School District Purposes

The full annual meeting agenda is available here.

The regular meeting is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. Agenda items include:

• Finance Committee Report
• 2023-24 Board Goals Approval

The full regular board meeting agenda is available here.

From the Twin Lakes Police Department Facebook page:

Jaxx, whose handler with the department is Officer Jeffrey Comp, has been with the TLPD since 2021.

Sunday afternoon, the Western Kenosha County Historical Society held their annual Fall Fest at Miller Park, 25905 114th St. Trevor. People could visit the various displays or activities for free.

Kids could paints pumpkins or visit the hit and miss engines.

Kids or adults could try to shell corn and grind it up into cornmeal. The corn sheller was introduced in 1815 to make it easier to get the grain off the cob. The cob has to be dried. The kernels can then be ground into cornmeal.

Kids could attend class in the one-room schoolhouse.

Salem Lakes Fire Department brought one of their current engines and their 1929 antique engine that was an engine for Silver Lake.

Crafters had their wares for sale.

Dave Derler cooking the hot dogs that were for sale, with chips and cookies.

The Paris Town Board is scheduled to hold a special board meeting and a regular board meeting on Tuesday at Town Hall.

The special board meeting is scheduled first, starting at 5:30 p.m. The agenda calls for it to be largely a closed session for:

• The draft Master Agreement with Midwest Fiber Networks.
• Strategy to be adopted with respect to litigation the Town is presently involved in:  specifically:  Case No:  22-2435, United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit Peter Nelson, Plaintiff-Appellant v. Town of Paris, Defendant-Appellee, Appeal from the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin No. 22-CV-1100;

The full special board meeting agenda is available here.

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

• Approval of ordinance to adopt updates to the Town of Paris Land Use maps and plan.
• MidWest Fiber Network agreement
• Bid documents for replacement of concrete approach to Fire/Rescue equipment bays.
• ATC Road repair agreement closure
• Internet updates – Spectrum, Mid-West Fiber projects
• Paris Solar project updates
• Highway E closures
• Donation to the school’s PSO for the Panther Prowl

The full regular meeting agenda is available here.

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

Agenda items include:

• SOS Program
• Band Trip – Maddie Weirick
• 2022-23 Year-End Results
• 2023-24 Budget Update / Budget Development

The full agenda is available here.

At about 8:09 a.m., Twin Lakes Fire Department units are responding to a report of a fire in the 300 block of Meadow Court in Twin Lakes.

Per dispatch: This is being reported as a brush fire.

Note: This is a paid announcement from Wheatland Center School — DH

Wheatland Center School is seeking a custodian.

The Custodian will provide custodial services ensuring an attractive, sanitary, and safe learning environment. In addition, the Custodian will perform a variety of special cleaning operations, assisting in preparing facilities for classroom activities and events, and general building and grounds maintenance in and around the school buildings and its property. Opportunity to become full-time with bus driver certification.

Qualifications

The custodian must be able to:

• Lift, carry, push or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Walk, stand, kneel, bend, crawl, stoop, sit, and reach for extended periods of time.
• Occasional exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather.
• Regular exposure to fumes, dust, odors, heights, and loud noises.
• Occasional prolonged and irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Exposure to cleaning agents and chemicals such as disinfectants, floor wax, paint,etc.

This is a year-round position.

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. Duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be adjusted based on the needs of the company.

Job Type: Part-time

Salary: From $18.77 per hour

Physical setting: School

Schedule: Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate: Burlington, WI 53105: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Contact: Tom McCormack

tom.mccormack@wcspk8.org

262.537.3901 

Click here for a job application.