Western Kenosha County's news source
At about 4:54 p.m., Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue, Town of Randall Fire Department and Wheatland Vol. Fire Department units and Twin Lakes Police are responding to a report of possible fire in the 200 block of Burden Avenue in Twin Lakes.
Per dispatch: This is being reported as a possible furnace fire.
UPDATE 4:59 p.m. — Twin Lakes command on the scene calls off response from Wheatland and Randall.
Monday will be a busy meeting day in Wheatland with a town budget hearing, a special meeting of electors and a special Town Board meeting scheduled.
The budget hearing will be first at 6 p.m. There will be a presentation and review of the 2026 Town Budget.
The special meeting of electors will follow the budget hearing. This meeting will include Resolution No. 2025-04 – Adopt a 2025 town general tax levy and streetlight district levies to be paid in 2026 pursuant to Section 60.10(1)(a) of the Wisconsin State Statutes.
The special Town Board meeting will take place after the electors meeting. This meeting will include: Adoption of 2026 Town budget pursuant to Section 60.40 (4).
Note: Glenda and Butch Dupons, of Bear Realty, are westofthei.com sponsors. This is a paid announcement — DH
Here are open houses being hosted today by Glenda and Butch Dupons, of Bear Realty:
At about 2:25 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units are responding to the 24600 block of 31st Street in Brighton.
Per dispatch: This is being reported as a grass fire in a road side ditch.
Note: Glenda and Butch Dupons, of Bear Realty, are westofthei.com sponsors. This is a paid announcement — DH
Here are open houses being hosted today by Glenda and Butch Dupons, of Bear Realty:
At about 7:15 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units are on the scene of a crash at Highways 45 and C in Bristol.
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 →
Note: This is a paid announcement from Horbach Chiropractic — DH
Dr. Chandler Hoffner has joined the staff at Horbach Chiropractic in Trevor.
Dr. Hoffner is a Michigan native and a graduate of Central Michigan University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Science in 2010. He went on to receive his Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree from the National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, Illinois, in August 2023.
Before pursuing a career in chiropractic care, Dr. Hoffner spent over a decade in the explosives industry, gaining unique experiences that helped shape his work ethic and dedication. In 2019, he made the life-changing decision to follow his passion for health and wellness by transitioning into the field of Chiropractic Medicine.
Dr. Hoffner and his wife, Alexis, have since relocated to Wisconsin to be closer to family and friends—and, of course, to support their favorite team, the Green Bay Packers. Outside of the clinic, he enjoys golfing, traveling, and spending time on the water whenever he can.
Make an appointment with Dr. Hoffner today at 262-862-6001
Horbach Chiropractic is located at 12027 Antioch Road, Trevor, WI.
At about 3:47 p.m., sheriff’s deputies are responding to crash at Highways C.and D in Bristol.
Per dispatch: One lane blocked
At about 12:25 p.m., Kansasville Fire and Rescue units are responding to a report of a fire in the 30400 block of Burlington Road (Highway 142) in Brighton.
Per dispatch: Caller reporting a brush fire.
UPDATE 12:31 p.m. — Paris Fire and Rescue requested to respond as mutual aid with a brush truck and UTV.
UPDATE about 12:37 p.m. — Deputy reports fire located in road side ditch.
UPDATE about 12:44 p.m. — Kansasville unit on scene reports fire almost out. Paris dispatched to stand down.
At about 11:a.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units are responding to a report of a burning in the 24900 block of 70th Street in Paddock Lake.
A Salem Lakes man was arrested this week and awaits formal charges regarding internet crimes against children.
From the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office (note: westofthei.com does not publish names of defendants until they have been formally charged. The name of the defendant in this press release has been removed):
On October 17th, 2024, the Kenosha Police Department (KPD) received a cyber tip indicating that an individual was distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through the messaging platform WhatsApp. The subject, identified as a 45-year-old man …, was initially residing in the City of Kenosha. During the course of that investigation, it was determined that the man had moved to the Village of Salem Lakes, at which point the case was transferred to the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office (KESO).
KESO subsequently received several additional cyber tips involving the man. On January 31st, 2025, he was reported to have uploaded and distributed CSAM through WhatsApp. Another tip on April 20th, 2025, indicated the same activity using WhatsApp. A third tip on June 4th, 2025, showed he had uploaded and distributed CSAM via Snapchat, and the most recent tip, received on August 3rd, 2025, again involved the distribution of CSAM through WhatsApp.
KESO Detectives identified a vehicle associated with the suspect and learned that the man had an active felony warrant out of Arizona for larceny and a probation/parole violation. This information was provided to the KESO Patrol Division to assist in locating the man.
On November 12th, 2025, at approximately 8:30 p.m., a KESO deputy conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle. The man was a passenger in the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to and booked into the Kenosha County Jail.
On November 13th, 2025, KESO Detectives executed a search warrant at the man’s residence and seized multiple cell phones, laptops, tablets, a personal-use amount of marijuana, and marijuana paraphernalia as evidence.
The man is currently being held in the Kenosha County Jail on ten counts of possession of child pornography, as well as the felony arrest warrant out of Arizona.
Through coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), investigators also confirmed that the man is in the United States illegally. Following the arrest, Sheriff David Zoerner worked directly with ICE to ensure an ICE detainer was placed on this suspect.
Sheriff Zoerner issued the following statement:
“The protection of Kenosha County’s children and families will always be at the core of our mission. These investigations require persistence and teamwork, and I’m proud of the strong, continued working relationship we maintain with ICE and our fellow law enforcement agencies. We stay in close communication with ICE on a daily basis to ensure offenders like this are identified and brought to justice. This arrest highlights the importance of standing together and remaining committed to the safety of the people we serve.”
Note: The following is a paid announcement from Aging and Disability Resource Center Kenosha County — DH
Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment Period is October 15–December 7. It’s an important time of year for those on Medicare to review current coverage and see if any changes are needed for the coming year. Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plan details often change every year. Sorting through all the options to find the right plan for prescriptions can be confusing but Benefit Specialists at the Aging and Disability Resource Center Kenosha County (ADRC) can assist.
ADRC Benefit Specialists offer objective and reliable information and assistance. There is no charge for this service. The Benefit Specialists do not sell or endorse any insurance plans. Benefit Specialists at the ADRC are trained to carefully review current coverage and compare plans with other options based on medications and other details. Benefit Specialists also check to see if beneficiaries qualify for programs or benefits that can save money.
There are four basic reasons to check your plan:
Workshops will be offered throughout Kenosha County and virtually beginning on October 20.
Locations WEST of I-94
Twin Lakes Library, 110 S Lake Ave., Meeting Room
Paddock Lake Village Office, 6969 236th Ave., Salem
VIRTUAL
Locations EAST of I-94
Kenosha County Job Center, 8600 Sheridan Rd., Door D
SW Neighborhood Library, 7979 – 38th Ave., Rm. A
Appointments are limited. To ensure sufficient support, reservations are required. For further information or to make reservations call the Aging and Disability Resource Center Kenosha County at 262-605-6646.
From the Kenosha County Executive’s Office:
County Executive Samantha Kerkman (Wednesday) announced the appointment of Richard Ferrari Traner to serve as Director of the Kenosha County Division of Public Health and the county’s Health Officer.
Ferrari Traner comes to Kenosha County from the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, where he worked roughly four years as Manager of the Prevention and Early Intervention Section.
Prior to that, Ferrari Traner was a Health Project Supervisor for the City of Milwaukee Health Department and a Human Service Worker for the Milwaukee County Department on Aging. A veteran of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, he served as a Director of Plans Coordination, supervising up to 200 soldiers at the Company level.
Ferrari Traner holds a Bachelor and Master of Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
“With his broad experience on the state and local levels and his impressive credentials, I’m confident Ricky will be a highly effective leader of the county’s Public Health operations,” Kerkman said. “I am pleased to welcome him to Kenosha County.”
Ferrari Traner began serving in the position on an interim basis on Monday, pending final confirmation by the County Board. His appointment passed the Human Services Committee on a unanimous vote last week and will go before the full board Nov. 18.
Ferrari Traner succeeds former Health Director Lori Plahmer, who resigned earlier this year.
“As the new Kenosha County Health Officer, I bring to this role years of experience in federal, state and local prevention, logistics and organizational leadership,” Ferrari Traner said. “I look forward to collaborating with other community leaders to ensure the health and well-being of Kenosha County residents and their families.”
Kenosha County Human Services Director John Jansen said he, too, welcomes Ferrari Traner to his department’s leadership team.
“From the city and county of Milwaukee to the state and the Wisconsin Natural Guard, Ricky has been a leader in many arenas,” Jansen said. “I look forward to working with him on the many programs and services that Public Health provides.”
More information about Kenosha County Public Health and its various functions is available at
https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/Health.
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 →At about 4:52 p.m., Town of Randall Fire Department, Wheatland Vol Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units are responding to a report of a fire in the 34400 block of Bassett Road in Bassett.
Per dispatch: Caller reports a tree on fire about 20 feet from a structure.
UPDATE 5:02 p.m. — Randall command holds Wheatland units in quarters.
Kenosha County 4-H is hosting a free afternoon of holiday cheer from 2 to 5 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 15, at the County Center in Bristol.
The 4-H Festival of Trees will feature more than 20 holiday trees, treats, games, crafts, an appearance by Santa, and other holiday surprises.
The event is free, although visitors are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items for donation to The Sharing Center.
The Kenosha County Center is located at the corner of highways 45 and 50 in Bristol.
More information about 4-H and other Extension Kenosha County programming is available at https://kenosha.extension.wisc.edu.
Westosha Central High School students and staff honored the service of US military veterans at an assembly Tuesday at the school.
The program included musical performances by band and choir students, remarks from guest speaker Master Sergeant William Gelden and the playing of Taps by two students.
Here is video of a portion of Gelden’s comments:
Here is video sample of student musical performances:
Here is video of a moment of silence and playing of taps by Micah Wolff and Jack Stemler:
Here are more photos from the event:
Continue reading →
Students and staff at Wilmot Union High School recognized those who have served in the US military at the school’s annual Veteran’s Day Assembly Tuesday.
The assembly had many veterans and their guests in attendance. The veterans were served a breakfast before the Assembly, which took place in the school’s Veteran’s Memorial Fieldhouse.
This year’s guest speaker was Master Sergeant Daniel Knautz, a Wilmot alum who is set to retire from the military at the end of the month. Here is video of part of his comments:
The program also included music by Wilmot band and choir students, posting and dismissal of the colors by the WUHS STAR Program cadets, history of Veterans Day, the Veterans Processional and a honor walk for the students. Veterans were asked to stand their branch and for the era in which they served.
Here is a video sample of one of the musical performances:
Here is video of the honor walk, in which students created a tunnel through which the veterans were able to leave the assembly:
Here are more photos from 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 →At about 4:57 p.m., Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue units and Twin Lakes Police Department officers are responding to a report of a fire in in the area of 388th Avenue and Lance Drive in Twin Lakes.
Per dispatch: Police officer on scene reports field fire is about halfway between Lance and Main Street (to the north).
UPDATE 5:04 p.m. — TLFR chief on scene requests response from Town of Randall Fire Department with its UTV.
UPDATE 5:07 p.m. — TLFR UTV responding to the scene.
UPDATE 6:03 p.m. — Fire extinguished, personnel on scene reports.
At about 7:54 a.m., sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash at Highways 45 and 50 in Bristol.
Per dispatch: Multiple vehicles involved.
UPDATE 7:56 a.m. — Bristol Fire and Rescue dispatched to respond. Injuries being reported.
UPDATE 7:59 a.m. — Bristol chief on scene confirms multiple vehicles involved, including a semi-tractor tanker. Deputies diverting traffic from the scene.
From the Kenosha County Division of Highways:
A planned multi-use trail along County Highway F between Highway EM (360th Avenue) and the Ice House Trail will be discussed at a public involvement meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, at the Randall Town Hall, located at 34530 Bassett Road, Burlington, WI 53105.
The Kenosha County Division of Highways is proposing to construct a 10-foot-wide paved path to accommodate bicycles and pedestrians within the highway right of way. This proposed path will include connections to the existing trails east and west of this project and is part of a multi-phase plan for a continuous path network in this area of Kenosha County.
Minor real estate acquisition will be needed for this project. Construction is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2027 with the project expected to be completed in one construction season.
The meeting will be an open-house format with a variety of exhibits and maps available for review. Representatives from Jewell Associates Engineers, Inc. and Kenosha County will be available to answer questions. Attendees will have the option of making written or verbal comments.
Comments about the project can be submitted by contacting Jeff Smith, P.E. at:
Jewell Associates Engineers, Inc.
1001 Fourier Drive, Suite 104
Madison, WI 53717
Ph: (608) 459-6091
Email: jeff.smith@jewellassoc.com
Persons with concern for or knowledge about historic buildings and structures and archaeological sites are encouraged to attend this meeting or provide comments to Kenosha County or the consultant. The Randall Town Hall is wheelchair accessible.
Note: Westosha Sports Complex is a westofthei.com sponsor. This is a paid announcement. — DH
Weather or season never gets in the way of perfecting your baseball or softball batting at Westosha Sports Complex in Silver Lake.
Westosha Sports Complex is the area’s only climate controlled baseball/softball training facility. WSC offers a clean and well lit facility where players can perfect their craft at their pace.
WSC has 7 batting cages offering hourly rates and memberships. Need an individual lesson? Check out our instructor page at: https://westoshasportscomplex.com/training
How is golf your game? Westosha Sports Complex also features Full Swing, the worldwide leader in cutting edge indoor golf simulation technology. Full Swing simulators are in the homes of top Tour Pros including Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, Jason Day, Jim Furyk, Padraig Harrington, and many more. Its patented dual tracking technology delivers superior ball tracking data and makes Full Swing the only simulator that actually measures ball flight indoors. With over 30 years of experience, Full Swing provides the most accurate and realistic golf experience you can find. There are over 100 different courses you can play.
Hours for regular cages is 7AM-10PM – 7 days a week. For availability of the golf simulators and HitTrax visit our contact page.
Refreshments, including beer, are avilable for purchase.
Click here for full pricing details.
Westosha Sports Complex is located at 1215 N. Pryor St, Silver Lake.
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 →At about 6:08 a.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue, Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue and Newport Fire Protection District units are responding to a report of a crash at I-94 and Highway 165, southbound lanes.
Three individuals are expected to be interviewed Monday about filling the Salem Lakes village administrator job.
“I’m not sure if we will make a decision on Monday or if we will need” more information or interviews. Bucur said at last week’s Village Board meeting. She said it was her hope that a decision could be made Monday.
The three candidates were narrowed from 19 applications, said Jay Shambeau, interim administrator, at least week’s meeting. The narrowing process was undertaken by a subcommittee of the board.
Even if a candidate is selected Monday, Shambeau cautioned that it could be 30 to 60 days before the person would be on duty in Salem Lakes due to provisions in their current contracts.
The next hire will be the fourth administrator since the village’s creation in 2017. The first, Patrick Casey, was the town of Salem administrator, and he left in 2018. Casey was succeeded by Mike Murdock from Sept. 2018 until Aug. 2023, when the Village Board approved a separation agreement with him. Cassandra Hiller was hired in fall 2023 and resigned in Aug. 2025.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory that includes Kenosha County.
The advisory is set to be in effect from 7 p.m., Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday.
A lake effect snow band has prompted the advisory. The band will develop over Lake Michigan and move onshore.
How far onshore is the key for us out here West of the I. Accumulations in the affected area are forecast for 2 to 5 inches, but could be higher in spots, the advisory text says.
Since the greatest potential is for eastern Kenosha County you might take that into account if you’re traveling in that direction tonight or early tomorrow.
Still, I’m going to go out and get some gas for the blower now.
An update from NWS as of about 3:45 p.m:
Note: Glenda and Butch Dupons, of Bear Realty, are westofthei.com sponsors. This is a paid announcement — DH
Here are open houses being hosted today by Glenda and Butch Dupons, of Bear Realty:
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 →
News from Kenosha Lens
