Western Kenosha County's news source
The Fox River has slipped below 13 feet.
The river at 6 p.m., was at 12.63 feet as measured at the New Munster Gauge. With flood stage being 11 feet, the National Weather Service continues to have a flood warning in effect.
With the latest, local NWS forecast showing no precipitation through Saturday, the Fox is expected to continue to recede, getting back below flood stage early Thursday morning.
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):
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:
It appears the Fox River is now receding after reaching a crest of 13.38 feet Friday evening as measured at the New Munster Gauge.
At 10 a.m., Saturday the river was measuring at 13.22 feet.
Friday’s mark is the seventh highest historic crest recorded at the New Munster Gauge.
Flood stage is 11 feet. A flood warning remains in effect.
The latest, local NWS weather forecast has no substantial chance of rain in the next seven days (there is a 20 percent chance of rain/snow showers Tuesday night), which should help bring the river down.
Photo by Patrick Hajzler via stock.xchng
UW-Extension is offering a program on March 20 in Burlington for local farmers planning and preparing for the future of their farm business in the context of current challenging economic conditions. The world of agriculture is always shifting, and developing a plan will help farmers navigate the future and regain a sense of control of their future.
This program will provide a blueprint for navigating important decisions. “Wisconsin farmers are evaluating their options for 2019 and beyond, and will need to take stock of their business and their goals for the future. The blueprint will outline important financial and succession considerations in order to make informed decisions about the future,” says Jenny Vanderlin, UW Center for Dairy Profitability.
Participants of the program will become more confident about understanding their farm financial position and performance in order to discuss the future with family members, farm business partners, legal professionals and consultants.
The program is sponsored by the UW-Center for Dairy Profitability, UW-Extension Farm and Risk Management Team and by the local UW-Extension County offices.
This program will be held on Wednesday, March 20, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Gateway Campus in Burlington, Room 100, 496 McCanna Pkwy, Burlington. The fee to attend is $15, which includes lunch. Similar programs will be held at other locations throughout the state.
Contact the Walworth County UW-Extension office to learn more and register: (262) 741-4951 or email gvega@co.walworth.wi.us.
Note: This post sponsored by StateLine Legal LLC. — DH
At about 8:50 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units and a sheriff’s deputy are responding to an alarm at a business in the 8200 block of 120th Avenue in Bristol.
Per dispatch: This is being reported by the alarm company as a general fire alarm.
UPDATE 8:56 p.m. — Fire units arriving on scene report no signs of fire from three sides.
The National Weather Service has downgraded its forecast for a crest of the Fox River from recent flooding at the New Munster gauge.
The latest NWS forecast calls for a crest of 14 feet, about six inches lower than the previous crest forecast. A crest of 14 feet would be the fifth highest on record. The crest is now expected to be reached in the very early morning hours of Sunday.
A flood warning remains in effect.
At 6 p.m., the river was measuring at 13.38 feet. Flood stage is 11 feet.
/Submitted photo
Westosha Central High School’s Forensic team competed on March 9 at the conference meet held at Lake Geneva Badger High School.
Central finished in 2nd place. The team was led by James Talbert, public address champion; Maria Greyno, storytelling champion; Kaitlyn Shaffer/Amelia Kusch, Group Interpretation champions.
Second place finishers were: Emily Thomas, solo serious; Isabelle Brenton, poetry; and Tyler Holewinski, extemporaneous speaking.
Note: This post sponsored by StateLine Legal LLC. — DH
At about 2 p.m., Salem Fire/Rescue units and a sheriff’s deputy are responding to a medical call at Salem School.
Per dispatch: Patient is having chest pains.
The Dousman Transport entry in the 2017 Libertyfest Parade in Twin Lakes.
Note: Dousman Transport is a westofthei.com sponsor. This is a paid announcement. — DH
Dousman Transport is looking for a few good individuals to join its bus driving team based at its facility in Wilmot.
Starting pay is $14.50, more with CDL and experience. $500 signing bonus and quarterly safety bonus up to $0.35 per hour.
Dousman gives paid training. These positions are part-time with flexible hours (4 hours per day on school days). A.M. and P.M. hours available now.
For more information about a rewarding career transporting school children please apply in person at Dousman Transport, 28401 Wilmot Road, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Phone: 262-862-6086.
Dousman Transport drivers Sue Morton and Jessica Koltz collect dog food and toys for Meals on Wheels at a Central-Wilmot basketball double header.
With the Fox River over flood stage and heading higher, the Kenosha County Division of Health has offered the following information on flood safety:
With a Flood Warning in place along the Fox River and Flood Safety Awareness Week coming up the week of March 18-22, the Kenosha County Division of Health is urging people to take precautions to stay safe when flooding events occur.
“Springtime flooding is already happening on the Fox River, and it’s likely to pop up elsewhere, too, as all of that snow that we saw over the winter melts rapidly,” said Cynthia Johnson, Kenosha County Division of Health Director and Health Officer. “It’s important for people to emphasize personal and family safety, and to prepare before flooding begins.”
Follow these tips to prepare before a flood:
- Stock an emergency supply kit: Kits should include a three-day supply of food and water, a cellphone and charger, a flashlight and batteries, a can opener, first aid kit, extra cash, and a change of clothes.
- Move electronics off the floor: If there is an active flood warning, move electric appliances off the floor and make sure your sump pump is working and has a battery-operated backup.
- Consider adding flood insurance: Standard insurance policies generally don’t cover flooding. Flood insurance is available for homeowners, renters, and business owners through the National Flood Insurance Program.
Follow these tips during and after a flood:
- Do not drive through floodwaters: It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a car. When you encounter flood water, turn around, don’t drown.
- Stay out of floodwaters: Floodwater can contain bacteria, sewage, sharp objects, and other dangerous items.
- Make sure tetanus vaccinations for you and your family are up to date: A same-day tetanus vaccination should be administered to those who acquire a puncture wound in floodwater or have open wounds exposed to floodwaters in the home or outdoors.
- Drain basements slowly: Basements containing standing water should be emptied gradually – no more than 2-3 inches per day. If a basement is drained too quickly, the water pressure outside the walls will be greater than the water pressure inside, which may cause the basement floor and walls to crack and collapse.
- Shut off electrical power if you suspect damage to your home: Even if the damage isn’t easily seen, shut off electrical power, natural gas and propane tanks to avoid fire, electrocution, or explosions.
- Use battery-powered lanterns to light homes rather than candles: Candles could trigger an explosion if there is a gas leak.
- Use generators at least 20 feet from your home: Generators create carbon monoxide. In enclosed spaces, the carbon monoxide can build up and cause sickness or death.
- Throw out food if you can’t be sure it’s safe: Throw out any refrigerated food if your power was out for four hours or more. If frozen foods still have ice crystals, they can be refrozen. Any food that was touched by floodwaters – even canned food – should be thrown out.
- Look out for mold: Follow the recommended steps for cleaning mold growth. More details are here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/mold/index.htm.
- Check your water supply. If you have municipal water, run your faucet for at least five minutes before using it. If you have a well that touched flood water, follow steps to disinfect it. Well water testing instructions from the Kenosha County Division of Health are available here: http://bit.ly/KCWellTesting.
For more information, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ Flood Hazards and Recovery page at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/flood/index.htm.
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 Randall Fire Department Auxiliary will be hosting its annual Vendor and Craft Sale on March 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fire Station No. 2, Town 9252 336th Ave, Bassett.
This is the auxiliary’s second annual craft fair. Visit over 30 crafters and vendors.
The auxiliary also will be selling food, and Messiah Preschool will be hosting a bake sale.
At 2 p.m., the river as measured at the New Munster gauge is at 12.49 feet. Flood stage is 11 feet, which was reached Wednesday afternoon.
A National Weather Service flood warning remains in effect.
The current NWS forecast calls for the river to crest at 14.5 feet. If reached, that would tie for the fourth highest crest on record.
Material to assemble sandbags to protect property in flood prone areas are available from the Kenosha County Emergency Management:
Here also is some information from Kenosha County Emergency Management about what to do when encountering flooded roadways:
/Tim Popanda photo; used with permission
Paddock Lake village administrator Tim Popanda shared these photos of a bald eagle that visited the area of Paddock Lake Village Hall.
Popanda took the photos around 1:15 p.m., Thursday.
/Tim Popanda photo; used with permission
Randall School PTC will be hosting its premier ShamRock N’ Run 5K run/walk and after party on Saturday, March . This event will raise money for the Randall Consolidated School.
The race will start and finish at The Twin Lakes Country Club (TLCC) in Twin Lakes. The race will begin at 10 a.m., rain, snow or shine. All race participants and supporters are invited to the TLCC Pavilion for an After Race Party including: raffles, live music, food and beverage, kids activities, running/spirit awards ceremony. All fitness levels welcome.
Awards will be given to top 3 overall M/F and top 3 M/F per age group (10 & under)(11-14)(15-18)(19-24)( 25-34)(35-44)(45-54)(55+).
This event is designed for the whole family to enjoy so come and get your green on.
Thursday should be warm and wet and windy, says the latest, local National Weather Service forecast.
In fact, the NWS has issued a wind advisory for our area to be in effect from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday. Winds may reach 15 to 25 mph with gusts as high as 40 mph during this period.
It will be warm, with a high of 63 expected this afternoon, before temps plunge back down into the mid 30s Thursday night. Friday’s high is expected to reach just 38.
Graphic by Agata Urbaniak
And it will be wet. There will be a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., then a slight chance of showers after 4 p.m.
With the cooler temps Friday, there’s a chance of rain and/or snow showers.
At 7 p.m., the river was at 11.29 feet and projected to raise rapidly over the next few days. A crest of 15 feet is forecast by the National Weather Service for Saturday morning.
A crest of 15 feet would be the third highest on record at the New Munster Gauge.
The Salem Lakes Village Board rejected an appeal of a decision under the village’s sex offender residency ordinance and an initial request for an exemption under the same ordinance at its regular monthly meeting Monday.
The appeal was from Jeffrey Spencer, who was seeking to be allowed to live in Silver Lake about 900 feet from a park. The village’s current ordinance requires that registered sex offenders live 1,500 feet or farther from protected areas where children congregate, such as schools, parks and churches.
Spencer’s initial request for an exemption to the ordinance was made last year. The matter was tabled twice and then ultimately rejected by a split decision of the board at a Sept, 17 special board meeting.
Meanwhile, the Village Board at a Dec. 10, 2018 meeting reduced the distance from a protected area to 1,500 feet.
Spencer said he decided to appeal given that the standard was changed.
“I’m here to throw myself at your mercy,” Spencer said Monday.
Spencer, a former teacher, pleaded guilty to two counts of child enticement in 2015. In earlier appearances before the board he said he has served his prison time and received treatment. He has found steady employment outside of education. The address in Silver Lake where he was looking to live is a home his girlfriend recently purchased.
Village President Diann Tesar moved to grant the appeal and allow Spencer to live at the Silver Lake address. That motion was seconded by Trustee Ron Gandt who said about Spencer “it takes a hell of a man to stand up there.”
The motion was defeated with Trustees Ted Kmiec, Dennis Faber and Bill Hopkins voting against Tesar’s motion. Trustees Mike Culat and Dan Campion were absent.
Also Monday, the board voted against a request from Dakota Hensley for an exception to the sex offender residency ordinance. That Silver Lake address was within 414 feet of a protected area. Hensley was not present at the meeting, The rejection of the request for an exemption was approved unanimously.
Central High School Music Parents Association is hosting its annual Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser this Saturday, March 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Westosha Central High School in Paddock Lake.
Dinner will be served from 4 to 7 p.m. Enjoy performances by band, choral and drama students while you eat your meal.
Tickets sold at the door: Adults $8; seniors or students $6; and Children 3 and under eat free. Please note that all students need to have a ticket to eat.
Student performance times are:
Announcement of raffle/silent auctions winners will take place at 7:15 p.m.
Note: This post sponsored by StateLine Legal LLC. — DH
At about 4:15 p.m., a sheriff’s deputy is reporting that a train is stopped on the Canadian National tracks, blocking the crossing at Highway F in Silver Lake.
Washburn Lodge is hosting its annual Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, at Washburn Masonic Lodge, 8102 199th Ave., Bristol.
Tickets are $13 for adults and $9 for children (under age 12). Dessert and beverages are included. Chef Ruth Atwood again will be preparing the meal.
Tickets can be purchased at the door. Carry-outs are available.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood waning for the Fox River in Western Kenosha County.
The start of a period of rain and warmer temperatures spurring snow melt has increased run-off has the Fox as measured at the New Munster Gauge on the rise again. At 1:30 p.m., Tuesday the river was at 9.39 feet. At 6 a.m., Wednesday the river was at 10.17 feet and rising. The current NWS forecast calls for the river to crest at 14.9 feet Saturday afternoon. That would be the fourth highest crest on record.
Note: This post sponsored by StateLine Legal LLC. — DH
At about 5:29 p.m., Town of Wheatland Fire Department is being requested to respond for mutual aid to the Burlington Fire Department for a structure fire in the 7900 block of Greendale Avenue in Bohner’s Lake.
Per dispatch: Wheatland requested to respond with an engine or a truck per response agreement.
UPDATE 5:38 p.m. — Per dispatch: Fire is in a stove uncontained.
A flood watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for the Fox River in Western Kenosha County.
The river is expected to rise rapidly starting Wednesday afternoon, cresting at 14.9 feet Saturday morning. If that level is reached, it would be the third highest crest recorded and the highest since the record crest of July 2017, according to the NWS.
At 3 p.m. Tuesday, the river is at 9.39 feet. Flood stage of 11 feet is expected to be reached by very early Thursday morning.
Expected rain and mild temperatures resulting in snow melt are driving the river rise.
Note: This is a paid announcement from St. Alphonsus Parish. — DH
St. Alphonsus Parish is hosting its second Lenten fish boil on Friday, March 22, 2019 from 4:30 to 8:00 pm at St. Alphonsus Parish Center, 6211 344th Avenue, New Munster, WI.
The fish boil features all-you-can-eat boiled fish, potatoes, onions, carrots, coleslaw, bread, dessert, milk and coffee. Grilled cheese sandwiches are also served. Carryouts are available.
Ticket prices: Adults (12 & older) $13.00, children (ages 4-11) $6.00, ages 3 and under free.
For more information call St. Alphonsus Parish at 262.537.4370.
Photo by Scott Telle via stock.xchng
Christ Lutheran Church will host its Monthly Community Bingo on Thursday, March 14 (held second Thursday every month), at the church at 24929 75th St.,(Highway 50), Paddock Lake.
Doors open at 5 p.m.; game starts at 6 p.m. Packages available for $10.
Everyone is welcome. On-site concessions available (please, no outside food or beverages). This month featuring taco dinners.
Note: Westosha Senior Community Center is a westofthei.com sponsor. This is a paid announcement. — DH
Corned Beef? It MUST be SPRING!
Spring weather or not, join the Westosha Senior Community Center on Friday, March 15 and savor this traditional Irish favorite featuring “best I’ve ever eaten!” corned beef and cabbage. This year you can double the fun as you browse a rummage sale at the east end of the building. New or gently used items (no clothing) accepted for donation to the center’s rummage sale. Items may be dropped off in our office M-F, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. A silent auction rounds out this fundraiser for the Westosha Senior Community Center. Come hungry and come with an empty car to fill with rummage treasures! Meal served 2 to 7 p.m.; Rummage sale open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Westosha Senior Community Center is located at 19200 93rd St.(Hwy C) in Bristol.
262-891-3436
The Wilmot Academic Decathlon team celebrating with their fans after their Live Super Quiz victory. /Submitted photo
The Wilmot Union High School Academic Decathlon team was crowned the state champions for the sixth straight year this weekend.
Next, Wilmot is headed to the nationals finals in Bloomington, Minnesota in late April. This year’s theme is the decade of the 1960’s.
A presentation including a unique life-size exhibit of a teen’s bedroom with more than 20 “red flags” that can signal drug or alcohol use will come to Central High School on Tuesday, March 12, from 6:30-8 p.m.
This is a a special Wake Up Call presentation.
A resource fair will be held prior to the event from 6-6:30 p.m. This educational opportunity is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Central High School District of Westosha and Your Choice to Live, Inc. “Our goal is to educate parents and other adults who are influential in the lives of youth so they know what seemingly innocent items can actually be an indication of substance abuse,” says Sandi Lybert, founder of Your Choice and Wake Up Call presenter.
Participants will learn the signs and symptoms associated with substance use as well as current drug trends, specifically in relation to the growing prevalence of vaping among teenagers; receive a guided tour of the bedroom along with a description of items used to conceal substance use; learn parenting strategies to help prevent substance use; receive a comprehensive resource handbook and receive an opportunity to go through the bedroom and ask questions. Parents, grandparents, educators, and community members are encouraged to attend this presentation to learn how to identify possible substance use/abuse. With teen drug and alcohol use, it’s so important to address it right away before an adolescent’s use escalates into an addiction or leads to other risky behavior. This is an educational opportunity for adults only (21 years of age and over).
For more information or to register for this free presentation please visit: https://wakeupcallwestosha.eventbrite.com.
For questions related to this event, please contact Elisa Rosenick at rosenicke@westosha.k12.wi.us 262-843-2321, ext. 233 or a Your Choice team member at yourchoice.live@yahoo.com.
Your Choice to Live, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to alcohol and drug prevention. For more information on all their educational
programs please visit www.yourchoice-live.org.
Central High School Booster Club Wilmot High School Booster Club
