West of the I

Note: The following statement from Jan. 14 relates to a change in how the state is reporting COVID-19 data: “The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has updated the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS) to allow positive COVID-19 test results to be automatically imported into the system. This change is intended to support the efforts of local and tribal health departments (LTHDs) to manage the large influx of positive tests resulting from the ongoing surge driven by the highly contagious Omicron variant. As a result of this new auto-import process, DHS expects COVID-19 data to be temporarily elevated over the next few days while this process occurs and back-logged cases are brought into the live system. This change will help DHS provide the most accurate and up-to-date data moving forward.”

Note: All numbers are cumulative since data started being reported in early 2020, unless otherwise noted. — DH

Kenosha County Public Heath is reporting 31,580 total positive COVID-19 test results in Kenosha County as of Friday. That’s 251 more than Thursday (see above note). There have been 508 COVID-19 deaths in Kenosha County, 2 more than Thursday. Wisconsin Department of Health Services is reporting 109,015 Kenosha County negative test results as of Friday.

In Kenosha County, 57.25 percent of the population has had at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccination and 52.32 percent are fully vaccinated as of Friday.

Kenosha County Public Health is reporting the following total positive COVID-19 test results for Western Kenosha County as of Friday (Note: See note above regarding changes in the reporting of data at the state level):

• Bristol — 874 cases (5 more than Thursday)
• Paddock Lake — 612 cases (5 more than Thursday)
• Salem Lakes — 2374 cases (24 more than Thursday)
• Randall — 527 cases (4 more than Thursday)
• Twin Lakes — 919 cases (4 more than Thursday)
• Wheatland — 501 cases (11 more than Thursday)
• Paris — 193 cases
• Brighton — 232 cases (1 more than Thursday)

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, 2020.

Wisconsin DHS is reporting 1,270,151 positive tests and 10,755 deaths statewide as of Friday.

In Lake County, Ill., where many people from Kenosha County work, there have been 108,37 positives as of Friday.

A distribution of some 440,000 N95 started Friday in various Kenosha County locations.

The packs of 20 N95 masks are free and no ID or residency is required, a Kenosha County Public Health news release said.

Western Kenosha County locations for mask distribution are:

• Community Library in Salem Lakes.
• Community Library in Twin Lakes.
• Westosha Senior Community Center.
• Town of Wheatland office.
• Town of Randall office
• Bristol village office.
• Town of Paris office.
• Twin Lakes village office.
• Salem Lakes village office.
• Brighton town office.
• National Guard testing site in Trevor.

Masks also will be distributed through the programs at The Sharing Center in Trevor.

A full list of locations throughout Kenosha County is available here.

Each person will get a pack of 20 masks. Details on the safety of mask wearing can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-
19/mask.htm and on the CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2010-133/pdfs/2010-
133.pdf

From the Kenosha County Public Health received this supply of masks Wednesday from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and has been distributing them to community locations in order to provide masks to as many residents as possible as quickly as possible while the Omicron surge continues.  The masks only come in adult size and be can reused as long as they are not visibly soiled. Unfortunately, we have not been supplied with child-sized masks. The average person does NOT need to be fit tested with these masks and can wear them without issue. Fit testing is only typically required of healthcare and response personnel. “We are very happy to be able to offer these free masks to Kenosha County residents, particularly those who may have a tougher time obtaining masks,” Freiheit said. “Wearing a well-fitted mask remains one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, particularly the highly contagious Omicron variant.”

For more information about COVID-19 in Kenosha County, including links to local vaccine providers and testing locations, and isolation and quarantine guidelines, please visit the Kenosha County COVID-19 Response Hub website at https://www.kenoshacounty.org/covid-19. For someone having difficulties getting to a location to obtain a pack of masks, please callthe Kenosha County COVID-19 Hotline at 262-605-6799.

Note: The following statement from Jan. 14 relates to a change in how the state is reporting COVID-19 data: “The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has updated the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS) to allow positive COVID-19 test results to be automatically imported into the system. This change is intended to support the efforts of local and tribal health departments (LTHDs) to manage the large influx of positive tests resulting from the ongoing surge driven by the highly contagious Omicron variant. As a result of this new auto-import process, DHS expects COVID-19 data to be temporarily elevated over the next few days while this process occurs and back-logged cases are brought into the live system. This change will help DHS provide the most accurate and up-to-date data moving forward.”

Note: All numbers are cumulative since data started being reported in early 2020, unless otherwise noted. — DH

Kenosha County Public Heath is reporting 31,329 total positive COVID-19 test results in Kenosha County as of Thursday. That’s 447 more than Tuesday (see above note). There have been 506 COVID-19 deaths in Kenosha County, 2 more than Wednesday. Wisconsin Department of Health Services is reporting 108,795 Kenosha County negative test results as of Thursday.

In Kenosha County, 57.21 percent of the population has had at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccination and 52.27 percent are fully vaccinated as of Thursday.

Kenosha County Public Health is reporting the following total positive COVID-19 test results for Western Kenosha County as of Thursday (Note: See note above regarding changes in the reporting of data at the state level):

• Bristol — 869 cases (16 more than Wednesday)
• Paddock Lake — 607 cases (7 more than Wednesday)
• Salem Lakes — 2350 cases (33 more than Wednesday)
• Randall — 523 cases (4 more than Wednesday)
• Twin Lakes — 915 cases (19 more than Wednesday)
• Wheatland — 490 cases (7 more than Wednesday)
• Paris — 193 cases (1 more than Wednesday)
• Brighton — 231 cases (3 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, 2020.

Wisconsin DHS is reporting 1,239,094 positive tests (same number as Wednesday) and 10,648 deaths (same number as Wednesday) statewide as of Thursday.

In Lake County, Ill., where many people from Kenosha County work, there have been 107,080 positives as of Thursday.

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: This is a paid announcement from the Twin Lakes Area Chamber and Business Association. — DH

Registration for the 2022 Twin Lakes Area Chamber & Business Association Winterfest 4 on 4 Pond Hockey Tournament is underway.

Register your team before Feb. 1 to be included in this fun event.

Teams can consist of 4 to 8 players, ages 14 to adult. Games will consist of two 13-minute halves with a running clock. Two game guarantee for the tournament.

Click here for registration form and more information.

The event will also include hot food and beverages, an open skating area and a 50/50 raffle benefiting repairs of the chamber caboose in downtown Twin Lakes.

Note: The following statement from Jan. 14 relates to a change in how the state is reporting COVID-19 data: “The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has updated the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS) to allow positive COVID-19 test results to be automatically imported into the system. This change is intended to support the efforts of local and tribal health departments (LTHDs) to manage the large influx of positive tests resulting from the ongoing surge driven by the highly contagious Omicron variant. As a result of this new auto-import process, DHS expects COVID-19 data to be temporarily elevated over the next few days while this process occurs and back-logged cases are brought into the live system. This change will help DHS provide the most accurate and up-to-date data moving forward.”

Note: All numbers are cumulative since data started being reported in early 2020, unless otherwise noted. — DH

Kenosha County Public Heath is reporting 30,882 total positive COVID-19 test results in Kenosha County as of Wednesday. That’s 249 more than Tuesday. There have been 504 COVID-19 deaths in Kenosha County, 9 more than Tuesday. Wisconsin Department of Health Services is reporting 108,510 Kenosha County negative test results as of Wednesday.

In Kenosha County, 57.16 percent of the population has had at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccination and 52.22 percent are fully vaccinated as of Wednesday.

Kenosha County Public Health is reporting the following total positive COVID-19 test results for Western Kenosha County as of Wednesday(Note: See note above regarding change sin the reporting of data at the state level):

• Bristol — 853 cases (7 more than Tuesday)
• Paddock Lake — 597 cases (4 more than Tuesday)
• Salem Lakes — 2317cases (29 more than Tuesday)
• Randall — 519 cases (5 more than Tuesday)
• Twin Lakes — 896 cases (14 more than Tuesday)
• Wheatland — 483 cases (5 more than Tuesday)
• Paris — 192 cases (1 more than Tuesday)
• Brighton — 228 cases (2 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, 2020.

Wisconsin DHS is reporting 1,239,094 positive tests and 10,648 deaths statewide as of Wednesday.

In Lake County, Ill., where many people from Kenosha County work, there have been 106,234 positives as of 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:

Voters in the Salem School District will be able to vote April 5 on referendums seeking authority to continue to exceed the levy limit for three years and for bonding for facility improvements as a result of actions taken by the School Board Tuesday.

The board approved seeking authority for no more than $18.3 million in a bonding referendum for facility improvements and $1.5 million for a three-year non-recurring operating referendum. The three measures authorizing the referendums were approved unanimously at a regular board meeting Tuesday.

The bonding referendum would allow the district to borrow money for facility improvements at a time of historically low interest rates and the operating referendum to allow the district to continue to exceed the tax levy limit for three years to maintain programming, class sizes and staffing, said Connie Valenza, district administrator.

Voters approved a three-year $3.6 million operating referendum in 2019 that expires this year.

The tax impact of the two referendum questions would essentially equal the impact of the one question passed back in 2019, Valenza said. District officials estimate taxpayers should see no tax increase related to passing the new referendums and perhaps see a small decrease.

“By pursuing a two-question referendum that maintains the 2021-2022 levy approved by previous referenda flat (or with even a small decrease), the board felt they were addressing both the taxpayers’ needs for fiscal responsibility, while providing well-maintained and updated facilities that better meet the learning needs of our students as identified by staff, parents, and our facility focus group,” Valenza said in an email to westofthei.com.

The bonding for facility improvements is projected out over 12 years, Valenza said. The district would need to pass another operating referendum after the three-year non-recurring $1.5 million authority expires in 2024-2025 if the need to pay off bonding continues.

The two-prong approach was decided on by the board to address long-term facility planning.

“Rather than just doing another three-year operating at $3.6 million, the board decided to engage in more long-term facility planning,” Valenza explained. “They underwent a Facility Study (Spring 2020) involving Engineering, Construction, and Architectural Professionals, an educational space analysis, looked at multiple options presented with costing, conducted staff and family surveys, pulled together a Facilities Focus Group, and held multiple Board Retreats to go over survey results, options, and worked with financial consultants.  They determined that the previous non-recurring operating referendum allowed the district to maintain programming and address immediate facility maintenance items, but did not sufficiently address the long-term district facility needs.”

Note: The following statement from Jan. 14 relates to a change in how the state is reporting COVID-19 data: “The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has updated the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS) to allow positive COVID-19 test results to be automatically imported into the system. This change is intended to support the efforts of local and tribal health departments (LTHDs) to manage the large influx of positive tests resulting from the ongoing surge driven by the highly contagious Omicron variant. As a result of this new auto-import process, DHS expects COVID-19 data to be temporarily elevated over the next few days while this process occurs and back-logged cases are brought into the live system. This change will help DHS provide the most accurate and up-to-date data moving forward.”

Note: All numbers are cumulative since data started being reported in early 2020, unless otherwise noted. — DH

Kenosha County Public Heath is reporting 30,633 total positive COVID-19 test results in Kenosha County as of Tuesday. That’s 2,053 more than Friday (see above note). There have been 495 COVID-19 deaths in Kenosha County, 14 more than Friday. Wisconsin Department of Health Services is reporting 108,283 Kenosha County negative test results as of Tuesday.

In Kenosha County, 56.89 percent of the population has had at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccination and 52.04 percent are fully vaccinated as of Tuesday .

Kenosha County Public Health is reporting the following total positive COVID-19 test results for Western Kenosha County as of Tuesday (Note: See note above regarding change sin the reporting of data at the state level):

• Bristol — 846 cases (46 more than Friday)
• Paddock Lake — 593 cases (57 more than Friday)
• Salem Lakes — 2288 cases (136 more than Friday)
• Randall — 514 cases (26 more than Friday)
• Twin Lakes — 882 cases (42 more than Friday)
• Wheatland — 478 cases (35 more than Friday)
• Paris — 191 cases (7 more than Friday)
• Brighton — 226 cases (13 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:

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, 2020.

Wisconsin DHS is reporting 1,226,097 positive tests and 10,582 deaths statewide as of Tuesday.

In Lake County, Ill., where many people from Kenosha County work, there have been 105,432 positives as of Tuesday.

This post sponsored by Westosha Floral.

The following deaths of local residents and those with local connections are being reported by funeral homes today. Click on name to see obituary/service information:

The Paddock Lake Village Board is scheduled to hold a meeting on Wednesday, starting at 7 p.m. at Village Hall.

Among the agenda items are:

• Deny WI DOT SMMA agreement
• Consider for approval various ordinances related to fire.

The full agenda is available here.

At about 4:52 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units are responding to the 25800 block of Highway JF in Trevor for a crash.

Per dispatch: Deputies already on the scene are reporting injuries to people involved in the crash.

UPDATE 4:57 p.m. — Command requests second Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue ambulance.

The Bristol School District #1 board is scheduled to hold a regular meeting Wednesday, starting at 6 p.m., in the school library.

The meeting also will be live streamed on YouTube at this link.

Among the agenda items are:

• Village water tower proposal.
• DRAFT 2022-2023 School Calendar
• Initial resolution authorizing general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $22,300,000 and a resolution to provide for a referendum election regarding the issuing of the bonds.
• School COVID-19 return to school and work provisions – testing requirement only.

The agenda also includes notice of a closed session to consider:

• Administrative Contracts
• District Administrator Evaluation
• Former Employee Fringe Benefits

The full agenda is available here.

A man’s wedding band has been found at Walgreens in Paddock Lake.

If you have information about who might be the owner, message or call 262 945-1959.

Megan Lejcar, of Bristol, was named to Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Dean’s List for the fall 2021 semester.

Lejcar is a freshman at Wisconsin Lutheran College and a graduate of Westosha Central High School.

To be eligible for Dean’s List, a student must carry a semester GPA of 3.6 or higher.

Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC) is an independent college located in Milwaukee. For more information, visit wlc.edu.

Note: This is a paid announcement from the Twin Lakes Area Chamber and Business Association. — DH

Registration for the 2022 Twin Lakes Area Chamber & Business Association Winterfest 4 on 4 Pond Hockey Tournament is underway.

Register your team before Feb. 1 to be included in this fun event.

Teams can consist of 4 to 8 players, ages 14 to adult. Games will consist of two 13-minute halves with a running clock. Two game guarantee for the tournament.

Click here for registration form and more information.

The event will also include hot food and beverages, an open skating area and a 50/50 raffle benefiting repairs of the chamber caboose in downtown Twin Lakes.

There will not be our usual COVID-19 data story today. Key Kenosha County data was not available.

Check back tomorrow.

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:

A 24-year-old man from Milwaukee died in a crash early Sunday morning on State Line Road in Bristol.

From a news release from the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department distributed Monday morning:

On January 16^th, 2022, at 1:05 AM, Kenosha County deputies, and Fire/Rescue personnel from the Village of Newport, IL responded to the 13900 block of State Line Road (CTH WG) for a serious vehicle crash.  Initial reports indicated that a red Chevy Spark was traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed, left the roadway, and crashed into a utility pole and then a tree causing the vehicle to catch fire. 

According to deputies on scene, the operator and sole occupant was not wearing a seatbelt and was partially ejected from the vehicle, suffered severe burns, and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Kenosha County Medical Examiner’s Office.  He was identified as a 24-year-old man from Milwaukee, WI.  The name of the deceased is being withheld pending proper notification.  The vehicle sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene.

“The public is encouraged to contact the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department with any information regarding the crash at 262-605-5100.”

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 7:18 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash in the 25200 block of 103rd Street (Highway SA) in Trevor.

Per dispatch: Single vehicle crash. Vehicle is rolled over.

UPDATE 7:23 p.m. — Fire unit arriving on scene reports single vehicle rolled over with heavy damage.

The Twin Lakes Village Board is scheduled to hold a regular meeting Monday, starting at 6:30 p.m., at Village Hall.

Among the agenda items are:

• Consideration of a motion to approve Pay Application #8 from Scherrer Construction for $75,562. This relates to the new Village Hall construction.
• Consideration of a motion to approve Pay Request #6 from JJ Henderson for $568,556. This relates to the waste water treatment plant and system project.

The agenda also includes notice of a closed session for negotiations regarding a cell tower lease with Crown Castle at 920 Lance Dr.

The full agenda is available here.

At about 1:27 p.m., Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue units and Twin Lakes Police officers are responding to a crash at Highways P and O in Twin Lakes.

UPDATE 1:39 — Police officer requests tows for two vehicles.

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):

11227 136th Ave, Kenosha

1611 Esch Rd, Twin Lakes

26709 105th St, Trevor

The Twin Lakes #1 School District (Lakewood School) is scheduled to hold a regular board meeting Monday, starting at 6 p.m. in the school library.

Among the agenda items are:

• Budget Update
• Twin Lakes Community Education Program Update
• Open Enrollment Regular and Special Education Seats
• Recap of Interim and 3K/4K Community Outreach Event
• Twin Lakes Community STEM Night

The agenda also includes notice of a closed session regarding staffing and benefits.

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: