Jul 2nd, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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Photo by Benjamin Earwicker, www.garrisonphoto.org/sxc, via stock.xchng
Note: This is a paid announcement from the Twin Lakes Area Chamber & Business Association. — DH
The 2020 Twin Lakes Area Chamber & Business Association golf outing will take place Wed. July 22. The event is open to the public.
This 30th annual outing will be held at the Twin Lakes Country Club.
Event includes 18 holes of golf with cart, Mega Putt, Ball Toss, contests on the course, hole-in-one opportunities, lunch at the turn, steak dinner, prizes, raffles and silent auction.
Get your foursome together. Applications available at the chamber. Call at 262-877-2220 or email at info@twinlakeschamber.com.
Jul 1st, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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The Kenosha County Division of Health is reporting 1,527 total positive COVID-19 test results in Kenosha County as of Wednesday. That’s 22 more positives than Tuesday. There have been 43 COVID-19 deaths in Kenosha County. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is reporting 17,451 negative test results, a positive rate of 904.2/100,000 people and a 3 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 Tuesday:
Bristol — 22 cases
Paddock Lake — 10 cases
Salem Lakes —55 cases
Randall — 14 cases (2 more than Tuesday)
Twin Lakes — 23 cases (1 more than Tuesday)
Wheatland — 5 cases
Paris — 3 cases
Brighton — 1 case
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:
Here is Kenosha County recovery data as of June 26 (updated weekly):
Wisconsin DHS has begun reporting new county level data: Burden (case rate), trajectory (percent case change), trend and activity level. Here is Kenosha County’s data as of Wednesday:
The Kenosha County Division of Health announced Kenosha County’s first case of COVID-19 coronavirus on March 16.
Wisconsin DHS is reporting 29,199 positive tests and 551,607 negative tests with 786 deaths statewide as of Wednesday.
In Lake County, Ill., where many people from Kenosha County work, there are 9,761 positives as of Wednesday, the Lake County Health Department reports.
Jul 1st, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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Silver Lake-DeWitt Park and Camp Lake are both under swimming cautions after testing Tuesday found elevated levels of E.coli there.
The State Department of Health recommends posting warnings at beaches when the test results indicate a E.coli level of 235/100mL or more and closing a beach when test results exceed E.coli 1000/100mL.
The test results that produced the cautions were:
Silver Lake-DeWitt Park: 980 E.coli/100 mL
Camp Lake: 248 E.coli/100 mL
Those locations were scheduled to be re-sampled Wednesday.
Other results from Monday as reported by the Kenosha County Division of Health (except where noted) are:
Salem Lakes –Silver Lake County Park beach 138 E.coli/100 mL; Silver Lake DeWitt Park 980 E.coli/100mL; Lake Shangri-la 220th Ct. 79 E.coli/100 mL; Center Lake 57 E.coli/100 mL; Camp Lake: 248 E.coli/100 mL; Hooker Lake Boat Launch 43 E.coli/100 mL; Rock Lake 12 E.coli/100mL.
Paddock Lake — Old Settlers County Park on Paddock Lake 38 E.coli/10; Hoag Park 44 E.coli/100 mL; North Shore Association: 67 E.coli/100 mL; PHLA beach 39 E.coli/100mL. PHLA Diving Board 84 E.coli/100 mL.
Wheatland — Lilly Lake 5 E.coli/100 mL.
Twin Lakes — Lance Park on Lake Mary 210 E.coli/100 mL.
Randall — (as reported by town of Randall) Powers Lake beach 25.9 E.coli/100 mL.
Jul 1st, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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This video shows K9 Rex’s swearing in as a Twin Lakes Police Department officer.
Note: This story was updated with new information at about 3:29 p.m. — DH
K9 Rex, a trained police dog brought to the community largely through a grass roots fundraising effort, will remain with the Twin Lakes Police Department, though his handler — who initiated the program — is leaving for a new job.
TLPD Officer Joseph Patla first raised the idea of bringing a trained police dog to the department in 2017. The Twin Lakes Village Board gave its blessing to the effort, but initial and ongoing expenses for the dog were to be raised through fundraising.
Officer Patla made the decision to move on, and we respect that decision and wish him well in his new opportunity. However, because Officer Patla chose to move on, does not mean K9 Officer Rex needs to stop serving the community. K9 Officer Rex is a sworn member of the Twin Lakes Police Department and we hope that he can continue to serve for years to come.”
An agreement reached between the village and the Police Officers Union said the assigned K9 handler would be expected to serve a 6-year term as the handler. It was further agreed that in the event the assigned handler chose to leave the department prior to the retirement of the K9, the K9 would remain property of the Village of Twin Lakes, the news release says.
After researching the issue, the TLPD decided to retrain Rex to work with another officer. From the news release:
There was no concern by any expert K9 trainer that K9 Rex would suffer any emotional trauma by being assigned to a new handler with the Twin Lakes Police Department. Experts expressed just the opposite, that police K9’s are bred to be working animals, not house pets, and that it would be in the best interest of Rex to continue his career serving his community with a new handler.
The Village Board in a special meeting Wednesday voted to deny a request to sell Rex to Patla in a 5-1 vote with one abstention. Voting to deny the request were President Howard Skinner and Trustees Barbara Andres, Sharon Bowers, Aaron Karow and Bill Kaskin. Trustee Jeremy Knoll voted no to denying the request and Trustee Kevin Fitzgerald abstained.
The news release defends the village’s decision to retain ownership of K9 Rex and retraining him:
Based on extensive research and expert opinions, the Village of Twin Lakes believes much of the information circulating in the community and on social media in regards to this topic is false. We understand this is an emotional event for everyone involved in our community. Nobody in the Village of Twin Lakes wanted to see K9 Officer Rex separated from Officer Patla. However, it is our responsibility to do our due diligence to seek out the best outcome for this situation. Officer Patla made the decision to move on, and we respect that decision and wish him well in his new opportunity. However, because Officer Patla chose to move on, does not mean K9 Officer Rex needs to stop serving the community. K9 Officer Rex is a sworn member of the Twin Lakes Police Department and we hope that he can continue to serve for years to come.”
Elsewhere in the letter to Grosz, Patla criticizes the decision to retrain Rex with a new handler as having adverse operational, financial and community impacts. He also talks about how his family has bonded with Rex.
“Rex will never be the same dog if you proceed with the forced removal,” Patla says in his letter to Grosz. “There is a chance he can shut down and not perform due to how strong our bond is.”
My family is deeply humbled by all the outpouring of support. I wish I had a proper description for the love we have been shown. I am at a loss for words to express our sincere gratitude. Thank you.”
UPDATE 10:08 p.m. — The TLPD has posted this additional statement on its Facebook page about the controversy:
We understand that this has become an extremely emotional time for our community and many of you are looking to us for…
Jun 30th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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The Kenosha County Division of Health is reporting 1,505 total positive COVID-19 test results in Kenosha County as of Tuesday. That’s 13 more positives than Monday. There have been 43 COVID-19 deaths in Kenosha County. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is reporting 16,960 negative test results, a positive rate of 892.9/100,000 people and a 3 percent case fatality rate in Kenosha County as of Tuesday.
Kenosha County Division of Health is reporting the following total positive COVID-19 test results for Western Kenosha County as of Tuesday:
Bristol — 21 cases
Paddock Lake — 10 cases
Salem Lakes —55 cases (1 more case than Monday)
Randall — 12 cases
Twin Lakes — 22 cases
Wheatland — 5 cases
Paris — 3 cases
Brighton — 1 case
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:
Here is Kenosha County recovery data as of June 26 (updated weekly):
The Kenosha County Division of Health announced Kenosha County’s first case of COVID-19 coronavirus on March 16.
Wisconsin DHS is reporting 28,659 positive tests and 539,539 negative tests with 777 deaths statewide as of Tuesday.
In Lake County, Ill., where many people from Kenosha County work, there are 9,714 positives as of Tuesday, the Lake County Health Department reports.
Jun 30th, 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:
Jun 30th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a free, 6-week educational series designed by Stanford University to give you tools to take care of yourself while caring for a loved one. Caregivers are currently spending much of their time at home with their loved ones or are unable to visit their loved ones who are quarantined in care facilities and may be feeling a greater amount of stress.
This program helps family caregivers reduce stress, improve self-confidence, communicate feelings better, balance their lives, increase their ability to make tough decisions and locate helpful resources.
This free class online class will be held Thursdays, July 16 to Aug. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon.
To participate, caregivers will must have access to a computer, iPad or tablet and have internet access. They will receive a brief phone call from the program leader prior to the first session on how to use the online meeting program (Zoom) that will be used; minimal computer skills are necessary.
Registration is required by Monday, July 13. For more information or to register, contact the Aging & Disability Resource Center: 262-605-6646. Or register online at adrc.kenoshacounty.org; look for the red registration button.
Our Heads-Up Tackling Certified league provides 100% ALL-PLAY opportunity for every athlete: Westosha Youth Falcons play to learn and learn to play! Our commitment to player development, positive coaching, academics & citizenship, and sportsmanship prepare our athletes for seamless transition to the Westosha Falcons High School football program.
$200 Tackle league fee.
$75 Flag league fee.
$50 Summer Camp fee.
Sibling and referral discounts & flexible payment plan available. Please contact westoshayouthfootball@gmail.com with questions or for more information.
Jun 29th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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The Kenosha County Division of Health is reporting 1,492 total positive COVID-19 test results in Kenosha County as of Monday. That’s 37 more positives than Friday. There have been 43 COVID-19 deaths in Kenosha County. That’s 2 more than Friday. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is reporting 16,588 negative test results, a positive rate of 885.2/100,000 people and a 3 percent case fatality rate 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 — 22 cases
Paddock Lake — 10 cases
Salem Lakes — 54 cases (1 more case than Friday)
Randall — 6 cases
Twin Lakes — 19 cases
Wheatland — 4 cases
Paris — 3 cases
Brighton — 2 cases (1 more case 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:
Here is Kenosha County recovery data as of June 26 (updated weekly):
Wisconsin DHS has begun reporting new county level data: Burden (case rate), trajectory (percent case change), trend and activity level. Here is Kenosha County’s data as of Monday:
The Kenosha County Division of Health announced Kenosha County’s first case of COVID-19 coronavirus on March 16.
Wisconsin DHS is reporting 28,058 positive tests and 527,539 negative tests with 777 deaths statewide as of Monday.
In Lake County, Ill., where many people from Kenosha County work, there are 9,690 positives as of Monday, the Lake County Health Department reports.
Jun 29th, 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:
Jun 29th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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Are you wondering why the gating criteria with the red and green markers were eliminated at the Kenosha County COVID-19 Kenosha County Kickstart website (and we used to post in our wstofthei.com updates too)?
The Kenosha County Division of Health issued a news release Monday through the Joint Information Center about the change from the gating criteria to the display of some new data (well, new for the county’s dashboard).
In short, the county didn’t see the gating criteria being reached before the availability of a vaccine.
“These new charts show a better representation of what is happening in the community, and they are there to help individuals and businesses to make the best decisions for their families and the community,” Kenosha County Health Officer Dr. Jen Freiheit said in the new release.
Here is the whole news release:
The Kenosha County Division of Health last week made changes to the COVID-19 data that it provides to the public, in an effort to better represent how the virus is affecting the community.
In place of the gating criteria that were listed previously, graphs now illustrate Kenosha County’s daily and weekly number of positive cases, the daily percent of positive COVID-19 tests, daily numbers of new hospitalizations and the number of daily positive and negative tests (Note: westofthei.com has been posting daily positives and negatives and the daily percent of positive tests since early May and will continue to do so every weekday. — DH)
The gating criteria were eliminated because it has become clear that the county will not soon meet most of them, as new cases are continuing to flow in at a stable rate of five to 20 per day, said Kenosha County Health Officer Dr. Jen Freiheit. Freiheit said she does not expect the county will meet all of the former gating criteria until a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available.
“These new charts show a better representation of what is happening in the community, and they are there to help individuals and businesses to make the best decisions for their families and the community,” Freiheit said. “It is still important to remain out of gatherings and minimize time spent with others as time (15 minutes or more) and distance (within six feet of others) are how this virus spreads.”
This information will be updated twice a week at minimum (Note: westofthei.com posts it’s data Monday-Friday — DH). Links to the Kickstart dashboard, the county’s general COVID-19 data dashboard and other related resources are all available at www.kenoshacounty.org/covid-19.
The local changes come as the Wisconsin Department of Health Services this week launched its own new data dashboard, providing information on COVID-19 activity level by county and region.
On the state dashboard, counties and regions are color-coded to indicate overall COVID-19 activity status — low, medium or high. This activity status is based on two data points: Burden of cases (the total number of cases per 100,000 residents in the past two weeks) and trajectory (the percent change of cases in the last two weeks).
As of this week, Kenosha County is listed as having a high activity status, with a moderately high burden of 76 cases per 100,000 residents and a trajectory of minus 27 percent.
Jun 29th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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Become part of the team making a difference every day in Western Kenosha County! A key position, the Food Pantry Manager handles the everyday management of the pantry, works as a community advocate locally and regionally, and is key in facilitating community programs.
Must be able to lift 40 pounds repeatedly during a shift, and be on your feet all day. Excellent people skills, a great attitude, clean driving record, and background check are a must.
Excellent pay for this part-time position, with full-time potential, PTO and paid holidays.
Jun 27th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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If you have business to do with Kenosha County face to face it may be a little easier starting Monday.
From a news release from the county executive’s office:
Kenosha County government offices will begin a phased-in reopening on Monday, June 29, when the County Treasurer’s Office will open to begin accepting property tax payments.
All other county offices will reopen to the public on July 6, though many services will require an appointment. As such, the county is rolling out a new online appointment scheduler, at https://kenoshacounty.timetap.com . Many services are now listed on that site, and others will be added soon.
While most services remained available over the phone or online, county offices have been closed to the public since late March, as a precautionary measure in response to the COVID-19 emergency.
The reopening process is being conducted in accordance with the best practices outlined in the Kenosha County Kickstart plan, a series of recommendations for businesses and organizations that the county developed last month in partnership with the City of Kenosha and the Kenosha Area Business Alliance.
Measures are being taken to help to protect county employees and the public from the virus. These include the installation of plexiglass shields at service counters and reception areas, social distancing markers on floors in service areas, and the availability of hand sanitizer at many locations within county facilities.
Many county employees will continue working remotely some or all of the time in an effort to promote social distancing.
Those who visit Kenosha County facilities are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering and to try to maintain a social distance of six feet from others as much as possible.
Exceptions and other limitations to the July 6 reopening include:
The June 29 opening of the Treasurer’s Office locations at the county Administration Building, 1010 56 th St. and the Kenosha County Center at highways 45 and 50 in Bristol. These facilities will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, with the County Center location closed during the noon hour. Both locations will be closed on Friday, July 3, for the Independence Day holiday. Taxpayers are strongly encouraged to pay by mail or online at https://kenoshacounty.org/589/Treasurer in order to avoid crowding and long lines.
The County Clerk’s Office will be open beginning July 6, offering marriage license applications and notary services by appointment only. Appointments may be scheduled online at https://kenoshacounty.timetap.com. Passport services will remain temporarily suspended until further notice. Those who need an emergency passport should contact the National Passport Agency at 877-487-2778 or visit www.travel.state.gov for information about locations offering services.
The Register of Deeds Office will open on July 6 with limited staff on site and will require appointments for all in-person services. Appointments may be made online at https://kenoshacounty.timetap.com or by phone. The office is continuing to record documents and handle applications submitted through the mail and online. For more information, please call 262-653-2444 or visit https://www.kenoshacounty.org/522/Register-of-Deeds.
Human Services offices — including the Division of Children and Family Services, Child Support and the Division of Aging and Disability Services — request that people make an appointment before visiting, but they will still be accepting walk-ins and other emergency cases that require assistance. State agencies within the Job Center building remain subject to state reopening requirements. Users of those services are advised to call in advance before visiting.
The Division of Planning and Development requests that people schedule an appointment before visiting.
The County Executive’s Office requests that people make an appointment before visiting.
The Clerk of Courts Office has remained open during regular hours throughout the pandemic, though courtrooms have been closed and many hearings have been conducted through video and telephone conferencing. Earlier this week, on Wednesday, the Kenosha County Circuit Court entered into Phase 1 of its reopening process, which now allows for certain in-person proceedings.
Division of Finance and the Division of Purchasing staff will be available in person by appointment only.
Those who are uncertain about availability of certain services or are unable to schedule an online appointment are encouraged to call ahead before visiting. A phone directory of county offices is available at https://www.kenoshacounty.org/directory.aspx.
Jun 26th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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The Kenosha County Division of Health is reporting 1,455 total positive COVID-19 test results in Kenosha County as of Friday. That’s 13 more positives than Thursday. There have been 41 COVID-19 deaths in Kenosha County. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is reporting 16,175 negative test results, a positive rate of 861.4/100,000 people and a 3 percent case fatality rate 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 — 22 cases (1 more than Thursday)
Paddock Lake — 10 cases
Salem Lakes — 53 cases (1 more case than Thursday)
Randall — 10 cases
Twin Lakes — 21 cases
Wheatland — 5 cases
Paris — 3 cases (1 more case than Thursday)
Brighton — 1 case
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:
Here is Kenosha County recovery data as of June 26 (updated weekly):
The Kenosha County Division of Health announced Kenosha County’s first case of COVID-19 coronavirus on March 16.
Wisconsin DHS is reporting 26,747 positive tests and 507,168 negative tests with 766 deaths statewide as of Friday.
In Lake County, Ill., where many people from Kenosha County work, there are 9,561 positives as of Friday, the Lake County Health Department reports.
Jun 26th, 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:
Jun 26th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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Resurfacing of Highway K is scheduled to start next week and perhaps continue through July.
From a news release from the Kenosha County Division of Highways distributed Friday:
The Kenosha County Division of Highways is scheduled on Monday, June 29, to begin a resurfacing project on Highway K (60th Street) between the Interstate 94 West Frontage Road and Highway 45 (200th Avenue). This work could last until the end of July, depending upon the weather. Highway K will remain open throughout the project with flagging operations in place. Drivers are, however, urged to use the alternate routes of Highway 50 or Highway N to avoid delays.
Jun 25th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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The Kenosha County Division of Health is reporting 1,442 total positive COVID-19 test results in Kenosha County as of Thursday. That’s 4 more positives than Wednesday. There have been 41 COVID-19 deaths in Kenosha County. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is reporting 15,856 negative test results, a positive rate of 855/100,000 people and a 3 percent case fatality rate 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 — 21 cases (1 more than Wednesday)
Paddock Lake — 10 cases
Salem Lakes — 52 cases
Randall — 10 cases
Twin Lakes — 21 cases
Wheatland — 5 cases
Paris — 2 cases
Brighton — 1 case
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:
Here is Kenosha County recovery data as of June 18 (updated weekly):
The Kenosha County Division of Health announced Kenosha County’s first case of COVID-19 coronavirus on March 16.
Wisconsin DHS is reporting 26,227 positive tests and 498,561 negative tests with 766 deaths statewide as of Thursday.
In Lake County, Ill., where many people from Kenosha County work, there are 9,513 positives as of Thursday, the Lake County Health Department reports.
Jun 25th, 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:
Jun 25th, 2020
by Darren Hillock.
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Center Lake is closed to swimming after resampling there Wednesday showed elevated E.coli levels.
The result for Center Lake that prompted the closure was 1,046 E.coli/100 mL.
A swimming caution at Lake Shangri-la (220th Ct) has been lifted after resampling Wednesday. Lake Shangri-la’s result was 58 E.coli/100 mL.
The State Department of Health recommends posting warnings at beaches when the test results indicate a E.coli level of 235/100mL or more and closing a beach when test results exceed E.coli 1000/100mL.
