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 →School closings for Jan. 21, 2025
The following schools have announced they will be closed Tuesday due to weather:
- Brighton School
- Paris School
- Westosha Head Start
- Bristol School
- Trevor-Wilmot School
- Riverview School
- Lakewood School
- Wheatland Center School
- Randall School
- Salem School
- Wilmot Union High School
- Westosha Central High School
Extreme cold warning issued
The National Weather Service has issued a extreme cold warning for most of Wisconsin, including Kenosha County.
The warning is set to be in effect from 3 a.m. to noon Tuesday.
The warning text says:
The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes … Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.
Spring election 2025: Salem School District to have $2 million operational referendum on ballot
Voters in the Salem Grade School District will have a operational referendum on their April 1 election ballot.
The School Board at a special meeting Jan. 13 authorized a three-year, non-recurring referendum seeking to raise its revenue limit by $2 million per year, through the 2027-2028 school year.
From a news release from the district:
At its Monday Special Board Meeting, the Salem School Board voted to place an operational referendum on the ballot Tuesday, April 1.
If voters approve the proposed three-year, non-recurring referendum, the district will be able to raise its revenue limit by $2 million per year, through the 2027-2028 school year and avoid significant budget cuts over the next several years.
“While our school district is a big point of pride in our community, we are facing serious financial challenges due to rising costs, an inequitable state school funding formula, and a lack of state aid to public schools in recent years,” said Superintendent Dr. Vicki King. “We have worked hard to make budget reductions and make the most of every single dollar taxpayers have invested in our schools. However, we believe the time has come to find a more sustainable solution to our financial needs.”
With an approved referendum, the district would focus on maintaining class size ranges, sustaining high-quality programs, attracting and retaining skilled educators and staff, and maintaining resources, tools, and support systems that help students thrive, especially in areas like reading and math. The referendum would also support the district’s long-term financial stability by addressing the projected $2 million deficit for the next school year.
District leaders and board members are committed to ensuring community members have all the information they need and have their questions answered ahead of election day. The district has established a webpage with information and answers to FAQs, available at https://www.salem.k12.wi.us/o/ssd/page/salemreferendum2025
We have also scheduled informal community chats, and hope that many members of our Salem community attend! Registration is not required to attend these events, join us at any event listed below that works for you.
January 9th: 9am-10am Community Leaders Coffee & Conversation @ Salem School 8828 Antioch Road Salem, WI
January 23: 5:00 – 6:30pm Community Chat Table at Salem School Literacy Night @ Salem School 8828 Antioch Road Salem, WI
February 7th: 8:45 – 9:45am at Dunkin Donuts 24602 75th Street Salem, WI 53168
February 8th: Noon – 1:30pm Drifter’s Bar and Grill, 24317 75th Street, Salem, WI 53168
February 18th: 6:00 – 7:00pm at Community Library in Salem 24615 89th St Salem, WI 53168
March 3rd: 9:00 – 10:00am McDonalds 25555 75th Street Salem, WI 53168
March 17th: 4:00 – 5:00pm at Salem School 8828 Antioch Road Salem, WI
March 20th: 2:45 – 3:45p m at Dunkin Donuts 24602 75th Street Salem, WI 53168
Agenda: Salem Lakes Village Board meeting Jan. 20, 2025
The Salem Lakes Village Board is scheduled to meet Monday, starting at 6 p.m. at Village Hall in Salem.
Live and archived video of this meeting is available here.
Agenda items include:
- Appointments to the Economic Development Committee
- Public hearing on vacating a portion of an unimproved alley between Highway C and 117th Street east of 286th Avenue.
- Introduction of employees: Deputy director of public Works Andrew Kreye and human resources coordinator Shai Demers.
- Review and possible approval of Andres & Orendorff LLP engagement agreement for accounting services for 2025 for an estimated cost of $24,200.
- Final payment request of $64,736 and $53,051 from All-Ways Contractors, Inc.
- Implementation of Pipe tech Inspect Software for Televising Truck in the amount of $9,095 with a recurring cost of $7,510.
Christ Lutheran Church to host Crockpot Chili Cook-off Jan. 25
Christ Lutheran Church will host a Crockpot Chili Cook-off on Saturday, Jan. 25 from noon to 3 p.m. at the CLC Fellowship Hall.
There still is time to enter your special chili in the contest. Competitor entry tickets are $10 and payable online or at the door. Come show everyone your chili is the best. First, second and third prizes will be awarded at 3 p.m.
Tasting tickets are $5 and include 4 ounce cup per station and cornbread. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
There are also some fun surprises planned.
Christ Lutheran Church is located at 24929 75th St. in Paddock Lake.
Deaths Jan. 19, 2025: Donald Lois
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 →Agenda: Twin Lakes Village Board meeting Jan. 20, 2025
The Twin Lakes Village Board is scheduled to meet Monday, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall.
Agenda items include:
- Discussion and possible action regarding a proposal from the Aquanuts for improvements at Lance Park and signs at Lance Park.
- Discussion of recent vacancy on the Village Board and possible appointment to fill such .
Cold weather advisory extended
The latest timefame is now 6 p.m. Sunday through noon Tuesday.
That’s a long stretch of brrrrrr!
Sunday night’s low is expected to dip to -4, says the latest, local National Weather Service forecast. Monday’s high will be 6, with a low Monday night of -9. Tuesday’s high will be just 2 with a low Tuesday night of -4.
Perhaps the real story is how cold it will feel, with 10 to 15 mph winds bringing wind chill values as low of -25. Monday and Tuesday.
These type of conditions represent “dangerously cold wind chills” that can cause “frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes,: the advisory text says.
“Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves,” the advisory text says.
High temperatures will begin to slowly recover starting Wednesday and are forecast to be back in the 30s next weekend.
A word from our sponsors: Jan. 19, 2025 open houses from Bear Realty’s Glenda and Butch Dupons
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:
Cold weather advisory issued
The National Weather Service has issued a cold weather advisory that includes Kenosha County.
The advisory is set to be in effect from 9 p.m., Sunday to 9 p.m., Monday.
Temps in the single digits and wind chill values as low as -25 are possible during this period.
Rhythm on the Lake concert series returning to Old Settlers Park for 2025
From the Kenosha County Executive’s Office:
A popular, free concert series hosted by Kenosha County Parks will return to Old Settlers Park for a full, 10-week season this year, county and village officials announced today.
The 2025 concert series schedule received unanimous approval by the Paddock Lake Village Board earlier this week.
As such, concerts will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. each Thursday from June 12 through Aug. 21 (with the exception of July 3) in the recently constructed band shelter at Old Settlers Park, 24100 75th St.“Thanks to the support of our partners at the Village of Paddock Lake, Rhythm on the Lake will be back — better than ever — in 2025,” said County Executive Samantha Kerkman. “We’re delighted to bring this free, family-friendly event to the community.”
Each concert night will include a pop-up beer garden with beer, nonalcoholic beverages and snacks available for purchase. The Paddock Lake Lions Club and the Kiwanis Club of Westosha- Salem will take turns operating the concessions, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting those organizations.
Paddock Lake Village President Pro Tempore Alex Attiah said he and the Village Board are pleased to work with the county on the concert series.
“We’re looking forward to having this concert series in Paddock Lake and utilizing the new band shelter that we have,” Attiah said. “It’s a great community event — something we look forward to every Thursday during the summer.”
County Board Supervisor John Poole, also a Paddock Lake Village Board Trustee, noted that this year’s schedule will increase the number of concerts in Old Settlers Park from five to 10.
“With an average attendance of over 200 people, this series is well-attended each week,” Poole said. “I appreciate the work that County Executive Kerkman and county Parks Director Wyatt Moore put into expanding this popular summer event in Paddock Lake!”
Moore said the Rhythm on the Lake concerts are an important part of a broad array of events and programming that Kenosha County Parks will present throughout the summer. He said the schedule of musical performers will be announced this spring.
“This is still a relatively new event, and we’re really excited about the positive feedback we’ve been getting over the last two years,” Moore said. “It’s going to be another great summer of music in the park, alongside the lake, in Old Settlers Park.”
Spring election 2025: Wheatland town offices uncontested
Races for Wheatland town office will be uncontested in the April 1 election.
However, there will be somewhat of a new face in the town chairman seat. Incumbent Brett Butler is not running for re-election The only candidate to file for town chairman is Jeff Butler, a past town chairman, who last held the office in 2009.
Those filing for the remaining offices are:
- Incumbent Supervisor 2 Kelly Wilson
- Incumbent Supervisor 1 Kyle Madsen
- Incumbent Constable Robert Santelli Jr.
- Incumbent Municipal Judge Terry Simmons
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Clerk of Courts warns of jury duty phone scam
From the Kenosha County Clerk of Courts Office:
Kenosha County Clerk of Courts Rebecca Matoska-Mentink is warning of a telephone scam that is again making the rounds locally.
Matoska-Mentink said her office has received several contacts recently from people reporting they were called and told they had failed to report for jury service, that there is a warrant out for them, and that they must immediately pay a fine.
These calls are not legitimate and should be ignored, Matoska-Mentink said.
“Absent a court hearing and a finding of contempt by a Judge, the Circuit Court could never demand immediate payment of a fine regarding jury duty,” Matoska-Mentink said. “In Wisconsin, official jury summonses, as well as failure-to-appear notices, are delivered to homes by first-class mail. Court officials and law enforcement officers do not make phone calls to threaten arrest or fines.”
These scam calls are often made in the evening, after court offices are closed for the day, which should be an immediate red flag, Matoska-Mentink said. The clerk also noted that caller ID can be manipulated to appear as a local number or business, making these calls appear legitimate.
“If you receive a call like this and have any question about its legitimacy, hang up and call our office at 262-653-2664,” Matoska-Mentink said.
Matoska-Mentink said those who are called to jury service first receive a questionnaire via U.S. mail, which is then followed by a mailed summons. If email addresses or cell numbers are provided in answering the questionnaire, potential jurors could receive text reminders and email notifications when the Summons date is near. Failure to comply with a service notification may result in a summons for a hearing in front of a judge, not a phone call, Matoska-Mentink said.
For more information about the Clerk of Courts Office and the Kenosha County Circuit Court system, visit https://www.kenoshacounty.org/118/Clerk-of-Courts.
Deaths Jan. 16, 2025: Deborah Ann Garza
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 →A word from our sponsors: Sign up for 12-Week 9-Hole Individual Golf League at Westosha Sports Complex
Note: This is a paid announcement from Westosha Sports Complex — DH
Sign up is underway for 12-Week 9-Hole Individual Golf League at Westosha Sports Complex.
The league starts the week of 01/27/25.
Non-Members: $280 Click here or call us at 262-885-6110
Members $140 (must have an active membership that expires April 1st or later )
MUST call us at 262-885-6110 to sign up.
First come first served gets choice of 5:00 or 7:00 tee time Monday thru Friday(Ask us about weekend times)
1-2 players per time slot are allotted 1 hour complete their round. 3-4 players per time slot are allotted 2 hours to complete their round
Stableford Scoring. Cash prizes based on number of participants, optional weekly skins game
Man dies in crash in Paris
A man died in a crash in Paris Thursday morning.
From a Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department news release:
On Thursday, January 16th, 2025, around 6:00 A.M. the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office (KESO) responded to the intersection of CTH-N (38th St.) and CTH-MB (152nd Ave.) for a semi-truck vs. pickup truck crash. A semi-truck was traveling north on CTH-MB and failed to stop at a required stop sign at CTH-N. The semi-truck proceeded through the intersection as the victim was traveling west on CTH-N in a pick-up truck. The pickup truck crashed into the trailer of the semi where it became stuck under the trailer. The pickup truck operator was the only occupant of the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Kenosha County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Due to the crash resulting in a fatality, the Kenosha County Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) responded to the scene to investigate the crash. The operator of the semi-truck remained on scene and is cooperating with the investigation. The use of intoxicants is not expected to be a contributing factor. The intersection of CTH-N and CTH-MB was shut down from 6:00 A.M. and 11:50 A.M.
The victim, a 70-year-old male, will not be identified at this time out of consideration of the family.
The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office’s thoughts are with those who were impacted by this tragic crash. We would like to remind the community to drive the posted speed limits and drive distraction-free. Please contact the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office with any information regarding this crash at 262-605-5100.
This investigation remains open and active. Nothing further will be released at this time.
Warmer, then even colder
Western Kenosha County is set to get a couple of noticeably warmer days followed up by even colder days than this week.
Thursday’s high should reach 35 and Friday’s high 42, says the latest, local National Weather Service forecast. Lows both days will be in the 20s.
However the warm spell will be short lived. Saturday’s high will be in the mid 20s and Sunday’s in single digits. Sunday will be windy too., with gusts to 25 mph. The low point will be Monday with a high of 1 forecasted.
Temps may rebound into the 20s by Wednesday.
The only precipitation in that period is possible Friday with a 20 percent chance of rain and/of snow.
Deaths Jan. 15, 2025: Delvin Ray Durbin
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 →Twin Lakes Fire Department and Rescue Squad announce first full-time EMS hires
Twin Lakes Fire Department and Rescue Squad have annoinced the hiring of its first full-time staff.
The full-time staff are: Chip Walmsley, Hannah Felipze, Justin Ball, Jade Edwards and John Zwilling.
The process to bring full-time EMS staff to the department began in 2023.
Here is a news release issued by the department Tuesday:
The Twin Lakes Fire Department and Rescue Squad is proud to announce a historic moment in its almost 100-year legacy: the addition of our first-ever full-time staff. This significant step forward marks the culmination of nearly two years of planning and collaboration between the department, the communities we serve, and the dedicated individuals who make up our team.Since its founding in 1929, the Twin Lakes Fire Department has been a cornerstone of safety and service for the communities of Twin Lakes, Randall, and parts of Wheatland. Over the years, we have relied on the hard work and dedication of our volunteer and part-time members. However, as demand for emergency services has grown and staffing challenges have persisted, the need for a full-time team became clear. For the past five years, we have faced critical shortages in part-time personnel and volunteers, limiting our ability to ensure timely responses. Recognizing this challenge, the department undertook an in-depth assessment nearly two years ago to determine the best path forward.With the addition of full-time staff, we are excited to bring significant improvements to the quality of care and emergency response times for our community. By having personnel stationed at our station 24/7, we anticipate reducing response times by up to 8 to 10 minutes. This decrease can make a life-saving difference during medical emergencies, fires, and other critical incidents.“This is a monumental step for the Twin Lakes Fire Department and Rescue Squad,” said Ron Redlin, Fire Chief. “The decision to hire full-time staff was not made lightly. It required meticulous planning, input from our department members, and the unwavering support of the communities we serve. We are incredibly grateful for the trust and encouragement shown by our residents throughout this process.”This initiative is a testament to the forward-thinking leadership and commitment to public safety that has defined the Twin Lakes Fire Department for a century. By adapting to the evolving needs of our community, we continue to honor our mission: to protect lives and property with integrity, professionalism, and dedication.As we look to the future, we remain committed to fostering community support and engagement. We invite residents to visit the station, meet the new full-time team, and learn more about how this historic change will benefit our shared community.For more information, contact us directly at the station.
Agenda: Randall Consolidated School District Board meeting Jan. 15, 2025
The Randall Consolidated School District Board is scheduled to meet Wednesday starting at 6 p.m. in the main office conference room.
Agenda items include:
- Resource officer
- 2025-26 open enrollment
- Closed session to consider administrator update.
Agenda: Twin Lakes #4 School District (Lakewood School) board meeting Jan. 15, 2025
The Twin Lakes #4 School District (Lakewood School) board is scheduled to meet Wednesday, starting at 4 p.m. in the school library.
Agenda items include:
- Closed session to consider staffing
- Food service
- Budget update
- Approval of open enrollment seats 2025-2026
Agenda: Bristol School District #1 board meeting Jan. 15, 2025
The Bristol School District #1 board is scheduled to meet Wednesday starting at 4:30 p.m. in the school library.
Agenda items include:
- 2024-2025 audit findings
- Open enrollment seats
- Closed session to discuss employment of administration
Agenda: Wilmot Union High School District board meeting Jan. 15, 2025
The Wilmot Union High School District board is scheduled to meet Wednesday, starting at 6 p.m. in the school library.
Agenda items include:
- Initial Resolution Authorizing General Obligation Bonds in an Amount Not to Exceed $23,400,000
- Resolution Providing for a Referendum Election on the Question of the Approval of an Initial Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of General Obligation Bonds in an Amount Not to Exceed $23,400,000
- Special Education Open Enrollment Limits for the 2025-2026 School Year
- Regular Education Open Enrollment Limits for the 2025-2026 School Year
- Closed session to consider: Individual Employee Performance Concerns, Individual Employee Compensation Request.
Spring election 2025: Town Board races uncontested in Paris
Town Board races in Paris will be uncontested in the April election.
Filing for office by last week’s deadline are:
- Chairman John Holloway, incumbent
- Supervisor # 1- Roger Gahart
- Supervisor #2 – Martin Vanderwerff, incumbent.
Incumbent Supervisor # 1 Ken Monson did not run for re-election.
Agenda: Westosha Central High School District board meeting Jan. 14, 2025
The Westosha Central High School District board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, starting at 5 p.m., with an executive session at 4 p.m. in the upper commons at the school.
Agenda items include:
- Closed session to discuss and take action, if appropriate, on administrative contracts, post-retirement compensation plans, and a situation involving a student
- Adoption of Open Enrollment Limits for 2025-26
- Approval of 2025-27 Administrative Contracts
- Exploration of Virtual Programming for 2026-27
Deaths Jan. 13, 2025: Wayne P. Koski
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 →Units responding for investigation in Twin Lakes
At about 4:19 p.m., Twin Lakes Fire Department units and Twin Lakes Police are responding for an investigation in the 100 block of Main Street in Twin Lakes.
Per dispatch: Caller reporting possible carbon monoxide leak.
Units responding for crash in Bristol
At about 3:05 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash at Highways 45 and 50 in Bristol.
Per dispatch: Two vehicles reported and injuries being reported.
UPDATE 3:07 p.m. — Eastbound lanes and right turn lane onto Highway 45 being blocked.
UPDATE 3:09 p.m. — Fire unit arriving on scene reports may be four vehicles involved. One is a semi tractor trailer.
UPDATE 3:22 p.m. — Dispatch reports tow being sent for semi.
A word from our sponsors: Kenosha County Durable Medical Equipment Loan & Supply Closet in need
Note: The following is a paid announcement from Aging & Disability Resource Center — DH
Kenosha County Aging & Disability Resource Center’s (ADRC) Durable Medical Equipment Loan & Supply Closet provides durable medical equipment as well as nutritional supplements and incontinence products for older adults and adults with disabilities who are in need. Individuals needing durable medical equipment for either short-term or long-term use, who are not enrolled in one of Wisconsin’s long-term care programs, such as Family Care, IRIS and Partnership may contact the ADRC to request an item.
The Loan & Supply Closet is supported by generous community donations. Currently the closet is in need of adult Incontinence products, pull-ups, all sizes.
If you have items you wish to donate, or are in need of medical equipment or supplies, please call the ADRC at 262-605-6646 to make arrangements. The ADRC is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Appointments preferred. While the ADRC takes additional steps in sanitization, for everyone’s safety, we ask that all items be cleaned and sanitized prior to donation.
