Kenosha County COVID-19 update Nov. 23, 2020: 8,473 positives

Nov 23rd, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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Note: Our interactive charts are back. Hover over a data point to see details. Click on “A Flourish Chart” to see a larger version. — DH

The Kenosha County Division of Health is reporting 8,473 total positive COVID-19 test results in Kenosha County as of Monday. That’s 168 more than Friday. There have been 125 COVID-19 deaths in Kenosha County. That’s 4 more than Friday. The Kenosha County Division of Health is reporting 56,603 negative test results, a positive rate of 5033/100,000 people and a 1.4 percent case fatality rate in Kenosha County as of Monday.

Kenosha County Division of Health is reporting the following total positive COVID-19 test results for Western Kenosha County as of Monday:

  • Bristol — 208 cases (7 more than Friday)
  • Paddock Lake — 120 cases
  • Salem Lakes — 478 cases (13 more than Friday)
  • Randall — 99 cases (2 more cases than Friday)
  • Twin Lakes — 196 cases
  • Wheatland — 135 cases (3 more than Friday)
  • Paris — 54 cases (1 more than Friday)
  • Brighton — 61 cases (1 more than Friday)

All other county cases reported above are from Kenosha, Somers and Pleasant Prairie.

Here are Kenosha County COVID-19 daily positives and negatives over time (through Friday):

Here are Kenosha County COVID-19 positives as a percentage of daily tests over time along with a 14-day moving average (through Friday):

The Kenosha County Division of Health announced Kenosha County’s first case of COVID-19 coronavirus on March 16.

New statewide data was not available from Wisconsin DHS Monday.

In Lake County, Ill., where many people from Kenosha County work, there are 32,546 positives as of Monday, the Lake County Health Department reports.

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Posted in: COVID-19.

Deaths Nov. 23, 2020: Bobby Dean Hatcher, Joan L. McManus, Ruth E. Gillmore

Nov 23rd, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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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 →
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Posted in: Death Notices, Obituaries.

Paddock Lake expands golf cart use to all village roads

Nov 23rd, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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Golf cart use has been expanded to all Paddock Lake roads after action by the Village Board last week.

The vote to include 236th Avenue and 248th Avenue was 4-3, with Trustees Gloria Walter, Barb Brenner and Kathy Christenson voting no.

The original golf cart ordinance allowed use of properly outfitted, inspected and permitted carts on all village roads except 248th Avenue, the primary village road on the west side of the lake and 236th Avenue, the primary village road on the east side of the lake. Golf cart use on county and state highways also is prohibited in the ordinance.

At a committee of the whole meeting Nov. 11, board members discussed the idea, which was prompted by residents of 248th and 236th avenues that wanted to be able to legally use their golf carts on their home streets. Other residents have pointed out that the restriction keeps golf cart drivers from accessing some businesses at 248th Avenue and Highway 50 and Village Hall, which is on 236th Avenue.

Village President Terry Burns said the intent of the original ordinance was to allow residents of 248th and 236th avenues to drive on those streets long enough to access an allowed street. But the ordinance language is vague on the point and difficult to enforce.

“The simplest answer is to just vacate that part of the ordinance,” Burns said referring to the prohibition of carts on 236th Avenue and 248th Avenue.

Trustee Kathy Christenson objected to the move as unsafe.

“I think opening up these two major roads, there’s going to be problems,” Christenson said. “I just don’t see this.”

The board also discussed but did not agree to a change in the golf cart season of April 1 to Nov. 30.

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Posted in: Paddock Lake, Uncategorized.

Agenda: Paris Town Board special and regular meetings, Nov. 24, 2020

Nov 23rd, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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The Paris Town Board is scheduled to hold a special board meeting and a regular board meeting on Tuesday at Town Hall.

The special meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Among the agenda items are:

  • Closed session for conferring with legal counsel regarding pending litigation, namely Nelson v. Town of Paris.
  • Reconvene into open session and take action, if any, with respect to matter discussed in closed session.

The full special meeting agenda is available here.

The regular meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Agenda items include:

  • Open bids for Town Hall land lease agreement.
  • Annual Town appreciation dinner or alternative recognition.
  • Discussion about Town Hall procedure regarding COVID-19.

The full special meeting agenda is available here.

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Posted in: Agendas, Paris.

Snow accumulation expected Tuesday

Nov 23rd, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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Art by Agata Urbaniak via stock.xchng

The National Weather Service’s latest, local forecast says we should expect some snow accumulation Tuesday here in Western Kenosha County.

After an overnight low of 29, snow, eventually mixed with rain at times, could start falling in the early hours of Tuesday, about 3 a.m., and become more persistent by 6 a.m., continuing through about 1 p.m. A little over 1 inch of accumulation is expected.

The weather will stay wet with a 90 percent chance of rain Tuesday night and an 80 percent transitioning to 50 percent chance of rain Wednesday.

Thanksgiving Day, Friday and Saturday should be dry with temperatures in the high 40s.

A chance of rain and snow showers returns Saturday night and lingers into Sunday.

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Posted in: weather.

A word from our sponsors: Now is the time to visit Hafs Road Orchard

Nov 23rd, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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Note: Hafs Road Orchard is a westofthei.com sponsor. This is a paid announcement — DH

Fall is the time to visit Hafs Road Orchard.

2020 marks Hafs Road Orchard’s 27th year of growing the Honeycrisp variety of apples. Their first Honeycrisp were planted in 1992, 60 trees as a trial. In the next several years customer enthusiasm and a buzz in the apple grower community convinced Hafs Road Orchard owners Richard and Deborah Polansky to dive in. They went on Honeycrisp tours, talked with fellow growers and now grow over 1,000 Honeycrisp trees. In spring 2015, Hafs Road Orchard planted 400 new Honeycrisp trees.

The orchard store is bursting with fresh apples for eating, cakes, pies, apple sauce, salads and crisps. Please feel free to call (262) 279-3638 to check on quantities of your favorite varieties. Be sure to pick up some fresh apple cider and don’t forget the orchard’s handmade Honeycrisp caramel apples.

Honeycrisp are a delicious healthy holiday gift.

The orchard also has a fantastic selection of gourds and pumpkins.

This year Hafs Road Orchard has opened a new out of doors selling area, but is also selling apples indoors in a setting that allows social distancing. Face coverings are required.

Hafs Road Orchard is open through Nov. 29. Check here for hours.

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

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Posted in: Uncategorized.

Local fire departments responding for mutual aid to Antioch, Ill.

Nov 22nd, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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Photo by kconnors via morgueFile.com

At about 3:56 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units are responding to a request for mutual aid from the Antioch (Ill.) Fire Department for a structure fire in the 40100 block of North Deep Lake Road in Antioch.

Per dispatch: Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue is requested to respond with a tender and Bristol Fire and Rescue with a an ambulance.

UPDATE 4 p.m. — Antioch command cancels mutual aid response from Salem Lakes and Bristol.

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Posted in: Bristol, Police/fire, Salem Lakes.

Agenda: Joint School District #1 Silver Lake-Salem (Riverview School) Board meeting Nov. 23, 2020

Nov 22nd, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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The Joint School District #1 Silver Lake-Salem (Riverview School) Board is scheduled to hold a regular meeting on Monday, starting at 7 p.m. in the music room, with limited seating due to COVID-19

The meeting also will be livestreamed (audio) here starting at the time of the meeting.

Agenda items include:

  • Discussion and possible action on potential instructional plan changes and Kenosha County Division of Health recommendation for all virtual education from Nov. 23 to Jan. 4.
  • Review and potential approval of administrative oversight guidelines for school closings due to health related issues
  • Resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of a $5,096,000 Taxable (Convertible to Tax-Exempt) General Obligation Refunding Bond
  • Special Education Caseloads and Potential Staffing Needs
  • Administrative Options/Recommendations Relating to COVID-Staffing Issues (Information-Discussion-Action)

The full agenda is available here.

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Posted in: Agendas, Riverview School.

A word from our sponsors: Nov. 22, 2020 open houses from Bear Realty’s Glenda and Butch Dupons

Nov 22nd, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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AD-bear-realty-glenda-butch-revise2

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 (click the links below for more information):

2719 73rd St, Kenosha

114 E Chestnut St, Silver Lake

4021 45th Ave, Kenosha

7955 Williamsburg Ct 101, Bristol

28380 98th St, Salem

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Posted in: Sponsors.

Agenda: Bristol Village Board meeting Nov. 23, 2020

Nov 21st, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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The Bristol Village Board is scheduled to hold a regular semi-monthly meeting on Monday starting at 7 p.m., at Village Hall.

The agenda includes a series of regular reports and only one item of unfinished or new business: Tabled from 6/22/2020: Consider for approval the (MOU) Memorandum of Understanding with Kenosha County regarding bicycle signage and maintenance. This item has been left on the table at recent meetings.

The full agenda is available here.

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Posted in: Agendas, Bristol.

A word from our sponsors: Nov. 21, 2020 open houses from Bear Realty’s Glenda and Butch Dupons

Nov 21st, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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AD-bear-realty-glenda-butch-revise2

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 (click the links below for more information):

114 E Chestnut St, Silver Lake

9016 257th Ave, Salem

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Posted in: Sponsors.

Units responding for burning in Trevor

Nov 20th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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Photo by kconnors via morgueFile.com

At about 8:20 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units are responding to the 26000 block of 103rd Place in Trevor for a report of burning.

Per dispatch: Fire is in a backyard.

UPDATE about 8:33 p.m. — Personnel on scene report bonfires were within village code.

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Posted in: Police/fire, Trevor, Uncategorized.

Kenosha County COVID-19 update Nov. 20, 2020: 8,305 positives

Nov 20th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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Note: Our interactive charts are back. Hover over a data point to see details. Click on “A Flourish Chart” to see a larger version. — DH

The Wisconsin Division of Health Services is reporting 8,305 total positive COVID-19 test results in Kenosha County as of Friday. That’s 193 more than Thursday. There have been 121 COVID-19 deaths in Kenosha County. That’s 1 more than Thursday. The Wisconsin Division of Health Services is reporting 55,869 negative test results, a positive rate of 4936/100,000 people and a 1.4 percent case fatality rate (.1 percent lower than Thursday) in Kenosha County as of Friday.

Kenosha County Division of Health is reporting the following total positive COVID-19 test results for Western Kenosha County as of Friday:

  • Bristol — 201 cases (3 more than Thursday)
  • Paddock Lake — 121 cases (4 more than Thursday)
  • Salem Lakes — 465 cases (11 more than Thursday)
  • Randall — 97 cases (2 more cases than Thursday)
  • Twin Lakes — 197 cases (7 more than Thursday)
  • Wheatland — 132cases (6 more than Thursday)
  • Paris — 53 cases
  • Brighton — 59 cases (1 more than Wednesday)

All other county cases reported above are from Kenosha, Somers and Pleasant Prairie.

Here are Kenosha County COVID-19 daily positives and negatives over time:

Here are Kenosha County COVID-19 positives as a percentage of daily tests over time along with a 14-day moving average:

The Kenosha County Division of Health announced Kenosha County’s first case of COVID-19 coronavirus on March 16.

Wisconsin DHS is reporting 344,945 positive tests and 2,062,191 negative tests with 2,954 deaths statewide as of Friday.

In Lake County, Ill., where many people from Kenosha County work, there are 31,060 positives as of Friday, the Lake County Health Department reports.

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Posted in: COVID-19.

Units responding for loose cows in Brighton

Nov 20th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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Photo by kconnors via morgueFile.com

At about 7:21 p.m., a Kenosha County Sheriff’s deputy is responding to the 29800 block of Highway JB in Brighton for a report of two cows in the roadway.

Per dispatch: Caller reported almost striking the cows.

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Posted in: Brighton, Police/fire.

A word from our sponsors: H&R Block is hiring

Nov 20th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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Note: The following is a paid announcement from H&R Block. — DH

H&R Block is hiring!

You will be an integral part of showcasing our passion and pride and delivering on the H&R Block brand purpose – to provide help and inspire confidence in our clients and communities everywhere.

Joining us* as a seasonal Receptionist means you will relentlessly focus on how to wow clients now, and in the future. You will need the ability to work a flexible schedule in multiple, fast-paced locations during the tax season from January to April.

If the typical year-round 9 – 5 isn’t for you, this seasonal position provides the freedom, flexibility, and extra earnings you’ll need to embrace what makes your life uniquely yours. After successfully working this tax season you may find that you want to apply to return for subsequent seasons, or even apply for advancement.

Day to day your responsibilities may include:
Greeting clients, answering phone lines, matching clients to Tax Pros, schedule client appointments, conduct client exits by ensuring all client current and future needs are met, maintain office cleanliness and organization, and other office duties as assigned.

What you will bring to the team:
High school diploma or equivalent, prior experience working in a fast-paced environment, and previous experience in a customer service centric environment.

It would be even better if you also had:
Sales and/or Marketing experience, ability to multi-task, strong organizational and time-management skills, knowledge of cash register operations, and knowledge and experience with a Windows based
computer system.

Locations:

25140 75th St., Salem, WI 53168
124 East Main St., Twin Lakes, WI 53181
112 Elizabeth Lane, Genoa City, WI 53128

For consideration for this position, please email your cover letter and resume to kameo.ianson@hrblock.com. Please, DO NOT come into the office to apply and NO phone calls. Please apply by email ONLY.

*This office is an independently owned and operated franchise office operating under an agreement with H&R Block. Franchisees make their own hiring decisions and any questions regarding employment at this office should be made directly to the franchisee.

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Posted in: Sponsors.

Deaths Nov. 20, 2020: Lorraine Louise Schutz

Nov 20th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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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 →
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Posted in: Death Notices, Obituaries.

Randall School board rejects county’s virtual learning recommendation

Nov 19th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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The Randall School Board on Wednesday decided to not follow the Kenosha Division of Health’s recommendation to move to all virtual learning from Thanksgiving week to early January.

The recommendation was considered at the board’s regular meeting Wednesday evening.

Last week, Kenosha County Health Officer Dr. Jen Freiheit said she is strongly recommending that all schools within the county — K-12, colleges, and universities — switch to virtual instruction only between Nov. 23 and Jan. 4. The recommendation comes in the wake of mounting cases of COVID-19 here.

“The Randall School Board gave careful consideration to the available data in deciding to offer in-person learning with a virtual option for our families at Randall after the recommendation of the KCDOH,” said Jeffrey Alstadt, district administrator, in an email to westofthei.com. “The board discussed the number of families choosing in-person, which remains above 80%, the number of cases, and what the other area schools are doing with the recommendation, amongst other items.  Randall has had less than a 3% positive case percentage within 14 days. The school board will continue to monitor staffing shortages and how they can help support teachers and staff through this difficult time.”

Randall students were due to return to in-person learning Thursday after being all virtual from Nov. 5, due to multiple COVID-19 positives among students/staff.

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Posted in: Uncategorized.

Kenosha County COVID-19 update Nov. 19, 2020: 8,112 positives

Nov 19th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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Note: Our interactive charts are back. Hover over a data point to see details. Click on “A Flourish Chart” to see a larger version. — DH

The Kenosha County Division of Health is reporting 8,112 total positive COVID-19 test results in Kenosha County as of Thursday. That’s 115 more than Wednesday. There have been 120 COVID-19 deaths in Kenosha County. That’s 9 more than Wednesday. The Wisconsin Division of Health Services is reporting 55,626 negative test results, a positive rate of 4807/100,000 people and a 1.5 percent case fatality rate (.1 percent higher than Wednesday) in Kenosha County as of Thursday.

Kenosha County Division of Health is reporting the following total positive COVID-19 test results for Western Kenosha County as of Thursday:

  • Bristol — 198 cases (4 more than Wednesday)
  • Paddock Lake — 117 cases (4 more than Wednesday)
  • Salem Lakes — 454cases (6 more than Wednesday)
  • Randall — 95 cases
  • Twin Lakes — 190 cases (2 more than Wednesday)
  • Wheatland — 126 cases (2 more than Wednesday)
  • Paris — 53 cases
  • Brighton — 58 cases (2 more than Wednesday)

All other county cases reported above are from Kenosha, Somers and Pleasant Prairie.

Here are Kenosha County COVID-19 daily positives and negatives over time:

Here are Kenosha County COVID-19 positives as a percentage of daily tests over time along with a 14-day moving average:

The Kenosha County Division of Health announced Kenosha County’s first case of COVID-19 coronavirus on March 16.

Wisconsin DHS is reporting 338,472 positive tests and 2,049,526 negative tests with 2,876 deaths statewide as of Thursday.

In Lake County, Ill., where many people from Kenosha County work, there are 30,982 positives as of Thursday, the Lake County Health Department reports.

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Posted in: COVID-19.

Deaths Nov. 19, 2020: Brion Keith O’Dell

Nov 19th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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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 →
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Posted in: Death Notices, Obituaries.

Bristol closes Village Hall to public as COVID-19 precaution

Nov 19th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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The Bristol Village Hall office will be closed to the public as of Nov. 23 as a measure to help slow the spread of COVID-19, village officials announced Thursday.

“This decision was made in order to ensure the safety of our office staff, fire department and our community,” said the announcement document, distributed Thursday.

The decision to close the office was made by village President Michael Farrell and village administrator Randy Kerkman.

The village office will continue to meet the needs of residents and will be communicating with residents using the following options:

  • Phone: 262-857-2368
  • FAX: 262-857-2136
  • email: Administrator-Randall Kerkman admin@villageofbristol.org; Clerk-Treasurer Amy Klemko clerk@villageofbristol.org; Building Inspectors Don Fox, Phil Petroski buildinginspector@villageofbristol.org
  • Mail: 19801 83RD STREET. BRISTOL WI 53104
  • Drop box: Located by front doors of building, at above address.

Here is the full announcement, including some specific information about how to accomplish some examples of interaction with the village.

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Posted in: Bristol, COVID-19.

Bristol School Board rejects county’s all virtual learning recommendation in split vote

Nov 19th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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The Bristol School Board on Wednesday narrowly voted to not follow the Kenosha County Division of Health’s recommendation to move to all virtual learning from Thanksgiving week until early January.

Last week, Kenosha County Health Officer Dr. Jen Freiheit said she is strongly recommending that all schools within the county — K-12, colleges and universities — switch to virtual instruction only between Nov. 23 and Jan. 4. The recommendation comes in the wake of mounting cases of COVID-19 here.

After considering the recommendation, the Bristol board voted to not follow the recommendation, with members Justin Miller, Adam Scheele and Michael Saad (who had just been appointed to the board at the meeting to fill a vacancy) voting to not follow the recommendation and members Stephanie Butenhoff and Sue Kratowicz voting to follow the recommendation, said David Milz, district administrator.

In an email to westofthei.com, Milz offered the following perspective on COVID-19 at the school:

Since the beginning of the school year we’ve had 17 students and 15 staff members test positive.  Currently there are 5 students and 5 staff members that are in quarantine due to a positive diagnosis.  We have 2 tests pending right now for staff.  A growing concern is with coverage in the building.  The ability to find enough coverage the last 4 or 5 school days was becoming increasingly challenging.  As long as we have the appropriate and necessary staff coverage we will continue to keep Bristol School open to in-person learning. Administration will continue to follow the numbers with regard to staff and student absences and make the best decisions possible for Bristol School.  

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Posted in: Bristol School, COVID-19.

Wilmot UHS moving to temporary all virtual learning due to COVID-19 driven staff shortage

Nov 19th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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Wilmot Union High School is moving to all virtual learning starting Nov. 23 and returning Dec. 7 due to a COVID-19 driven staff shortage, the school announced Thursday afternoon.

“This temporary shift to virtual learning is occurring because we are unable to staff classrooms as COVID-19 and related issues have affected our staffing level,” a letter signed by district administrator Daniel Kopp sent to school families Thursday afternoon said.

Wilmot had offered both face-to-face and virtual options to students this year.

“Please know that we are taking this action to protect the health and safety of our students, staff, and families,” Kopp’s letter said. “We will continue to update you throughout the closure with any changes.”

Kopp’s entire letter, which includes a bell schedule for the virtual period and Google Meet learning expectations, is available here.

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Posted in: Uncategorized.

Paris School Board does not act on county’s virtual education recommendation

Nov 19th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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The Paris Jt. 1 School Board on Wednesday did not act on a Kenosha County Division of Health recommendation to move to all virtual learning from Thanksgiving week until early January.

Last week, Kenosha County Health Officer Dr. Jen Freiheit said she is strongly recommending that all schools within the county — K-12, colleges and universities — switch to virtual instruction only between Nov. 23 and Jan. 4. The recommendation comes in the wake of mounting cases of COVID-19 here.

The board discussed the recommendation at its meeting Wednesday, but voted unanimously not to take action, Roger Gahart, district administrator, said.

Paris is offering only face-to-face learning five days per week.

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Posted in: COVID-19, Paris School.

Wheatland Center School to move to all virtual learning Nov. 20-Dec. 7

Nov 19th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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Wheatland Center School will move to the all virtual learning starting Nov. 20 with a return to face-to-face learning Dec. 7.

The Wheatland J1 School District Board approved the move Wednesday after a presentation on the school’s status from district administrator Marty McGinley.

“The board decided to take a proactive approach rather than wait until we had to shut down due to staffing shortages,” McGinley said. “By using the planned days off around Thanksgiving and extending the break for a week we are able to get a full 14 day reset for staff and students.”

The district was initially going to start virtual learning Monday, but moved it to Friday after multiple staff absences Thursday.

Last week, Kenosha County Health Officer Dr. Jen Freiheit said she is strongly recommending that all schools within the county — K-12, colleges and universities — switch to virtual instruction only between Nov. 23 and Jan. 4. The recommendation comes in the wake of mounting cases of COVID-19 here.

Western Kenosha County school boards have been meeting to decide whether to follow the recommendation since then.

Following is the text of a letter sent to district families this morning with more details:

Good Morning Wheatland Families,

When we began planning for this year, we knew a point may come where we would need to transition to virtual instruction for a period of time. Several grade levels have already made this adaptation due to quarantining or staffing shortages. At last night’s meeting the board approved a plan to transition all grades to virtual for two weeks in order to mitigate the health and safety risk to students and staff, assist with critical staffing shortages, lessen community exposure, and reduce the potential impact from the Thanksgiving holiday. The Wheatland J1 School District will be transitioning to virtual instruction starting tomorrow Friday, November 19rd through Friday December 4th. Students will resume their regular in person schedule on Monday December 7th.

We currently have significant staffing shortages in critical areas due to quarantines, and current cases. We had hoped to be proactive rather than wait for the notification that puts us over the tipping point, however, this morning brought additional positive cases. This reset will allow all students and staff a full 14 day quarantine, and we will be able to resume with face to face instruction on December 7th. We have continued to program for all students virtually in preparation for such a time. We feel confident in our planning and preparation. While it is our goal to have face to face instruction when safe and practical, we believe in our virtual platform and the expertise of our teachers.

You will receive information from both Mr. Halbesma and your child’s teacher regarding the logistics of this change. We will continue to provide food service in our current format starting again on Monday. In addition, we will have a plan to distribute technology to students in grades 1-8 that do not already have it.

Please know that we will continue to work hard to keep students in school as we attempt to make decisions in the best interest of the entire Wheatland learning community. Please follow safety protocols over the Thanksgiving Holiday. We are truly at a critical point in our state and county and your adherence to guidelines may impact further closures. Thank you for your patience and support as we navigate these difficult times.

Sincerely,

Marty McGinley

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Posted in: COVID-19, Uncategorized, Wheatland Center School.

A word from our sponsors: Now is the time to visit Hafs Road Orchard

Nov 19th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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Note: Hafs Road Orchard is a westofthei.com sponsor. This is a paid announcement — DH

Fall is the time to visit Hafs Road Orchard.

2020 marks Hafs Road Orchard’s 27th year of growing the Honeycrisp variety of apples. Their first Honeycrisp were planted in 1992, 60 trees as a trial. In the next several years customer enthusiasm and a buzz in the apple grower community convinced Hafs Road Orchard owners Richard and Deborah Polansky to dive in. They went on Honeycrisp tours, talked with fellow growers and now grow over 1,000 Honeycrisp trees. In spring 2015, Hafs Road Orchard planted 400 new Honeycrisp trees.

The orchard store is bursting with fresh apples for eating, cakes, pies, apple sauce, salads and crisps. Please feel free to call (262) 279-3638 to check on quantities of your favorite varieties. Be sure to pick up some fresh apple cider and don’t forget the orchard’s handmade Honeycrisp caramel apples.

Honeycrisp are a delicious healthy holiday gift.

The orchard also has a fantastic selection of gourds and pumpkins.

This year Hafs Road Orchard has opened a new out of doors selling area, but is also selling apples indoors in a setting that allows social distancing. Face coverings are required.

Hafs Road Orchard is open through Nov. 29. Check here for hours.

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

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Posted in: Sponsors.

Trevor-Wilmot School rejects county recommendation on virtual learning

Nov 18th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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The Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated School District Board voted Tuesday to not follow the Kenosha County Division of Health’s recommendation to move to all virtual learning from Thanksgiving week through early January.

The vote was unanimous, district administrator Michelle Garven said in a video announcement Wednesday.

Last week, Kenosha County Health Officer Dr. Jen Freiheit said she is strongly recommending that all schools within the county — K-12, colleges and universities — switch to virtual instruction only between Nov. 23 and Jan. 4. The recommendation comes in the wake of mounting cases of COVID-19 here.

Garven said the board gave careful consideration to available data in making its decision to stick with allowing district parents to choose between in-person learning or all virtual learning.

“We believe our parents are making good decisions,” Garven said.

Garve praised efforts of staff, students and parents in stopping the spread of COVID-19 at the school. The district has seen one student positive test and seven staff positives since the beginning of the school year.

“We have been doing a very good job … mitigating COVID-19 spread,” Garven said.

The board also considered results of a parent survey, and what other local school districts are doing regarding the county recommendation in making their own decision, Garven said.

The school’s position on all virtual school could change if additional COVID-19 cases cause a staffing shortage, Garven said.

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Posted in: COVID-19, Trevor-Wilmot School.

Kenosha County COVID-19 update Nov. 18, 2020: 7,997 positives

Nov 18th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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Note: Our interactive charts are back. Hover over a data point to see details. Click on “A Flourish Chart” to see a larger version. — DH

The Wisconsin Division of Health Services is reporting 7,997 total positive COVID-19 test results in Kenosha County as of Wednesday. That’s 286 more than Tuesday. There have been 111 COVID-19 deaths in Kenosha County. That’s 2 more than Tuesday. The Wisconsin Division of Health Services is reporting 55,004 negative test results, a positive rate of 4753/100,000 people and a 1.4 percent case fatality rate in Kenosha County as of Wednesday.

Kenosha County Division of Health is reporting the following total positive COVID-19 test results for Western Kenosha County as of Wednesday:

  • Bristol — 194 cases (20 more than Tuesday)
  • Paddock Lake — 113 cases (5 more than Tuesday)
  • Salem Lakes — 448 cases (30 more than Tuesday)
  • Randall — 95 cases (5 more than Tuesday)
  • Twin Lakes — 188 cases (7 more than Tuesday)
  • Wheatland — 124 cases (13 more than Tuesday)
  • Paris — 53 cases (2 more than Tuesday)
  • Brighton — 56 cases (4 more than Tuesday)

All other county cases reported above are from Kenosha, Somers and Pleasant Prairie.

Here are Kenosha County COVID-19 daily positives and negatives over time:

Here are Kenosha County COVID-19 positives as a percentage of daily tests over time along with a 14-day moving average:

The Kenosha County Division of Health announced Kenosha County’s first case of COVID-19 coronavirus on March 16.

Wisconsin DHS is reporting 331,837 positive tests and 2,036,941 negative tests with 2,793 deaths statewide as of Wednesday.

In Lake County, Ill., where many people from Kenosha County work, there are 30,468 positives as of Wednesday, the Lake County Health Department reports.

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Posted in: COVID-19.

Deaths Nov. 18, 2020: Donald A. Adams, Jeffery Deryk Fain

Nov 18th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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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 →
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Posted in: Death Notices, Obituaries.

Central HS moving to all virtual learning through Dec. 3

Nov 18th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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Central High School will move to all virtual learning from Thursday through Dec. 3 after a “significant increase in positive tests” at the school, administration announced Wednesday.

The announcement included the following data as of Wednesday:

  • 25 students who have tested positive since Nov. 9, with this number still climbing.
  • Over 225 students who are currently on quarantine from positive tests at school and/or being identified as a close contact from a family member’s positive test.
  • A steady increase in daily absences; Tuesday saw nearly 30 percent or 300 students, absent from school (Note: students who are on virtual learning are not considered absent).
  • A significant increase in staff absences due to COVID-related reasons (positive tests, quarantines, COVID-related symptoms).

The move comes about a week after school officials said they were not going to follow a Kenosha County Division of Health’s strong recommendation for schools to move to virtual learning Nov. 23 through Jan. 4.

“Last week, I communicated our intention to continue face-to-face instruction at Westosha Central, but also promised we would continue to examine our building numbers daily, including positive tests, quarantined students, and staff absences,” district administrator John Gendron said in a letter sent to school families Wednesday. “The safety of our staff and students is our number one priority.

“The switch to virtual learning was not taken lightly; it was our goal to remain face-to-face as we believe it is what is best for our students and staff, but we have seen a significant increase in positive tests and quarantined students, prompting a decision that we believe is the right one for our school.,” Gendron said.

The parent asserts the move to virtual learning is temporary and that students will return to regular schedule Dec. 3.

The full parent letter is available here.

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Posted in: Central High School, COVID-19, Uncategorized.

Salem School Board rejects county’s virtual learning recommendation

Nov 18th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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The Salem School District Board voted Tuesday to not follow the Kenosha County Division of Health’s recommendation to move all students to virtual learning from late November to early January.

The vote to not follow the recommendation was unanimous with all board members present.

Last week, Kenosha County Health Officer Dr. Jen Freiheit said she is strongly recommending that all schools within the county — K-12, colleges and universities — switch to virtual instruction only between Nov. 23 and Jan. 4. The recommendation comes in the wake of mounting cases of COVID-19 here.

The school board vote means the school will continue to offer all virtual, all in-person or blended schedules.

Before the vote, district administrator Connie Valenza said the district had received over 30 letters from the public about the issue, with 3 supporting following the recommendation.

In casting their votes all board members praised the efforts of school staff in observing COVID-19 spread mitigation measures.

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Posted in: COVID-19, Salem School.

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