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:
2018 Paddock Lake Lighted Holiday Parade and Santa visit coverage (PHOTOS & VIDEO)
Lighted holiday themed vehicles paraded through the streets of Paddock Lake Saturday evening as part of the annual Paddock Lake Lighted Holiday Parade.
The parade featuring units from Salem Fire/Rescue, the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department, local business and other groups wound its way from McAlonan Park on the west side of the lake around to Village Hall on the east side of the lake. Santa rode the route in a Salem Lake fire engine and got out to visit with youngsters and pose for photos at Village Hall. There were cookies and milk and an early gift for the youngsters as well.
Here is video of the parade from the beginning of the route:
Here are photos of the parade and at Village Hall:
A word from our sponsors: Dec. 9, 2018 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 (click the links below for more information):
2018 Santa Comes to Salem Lakes coverage (PHOTOS)
Santa came to Salem Lakes Village Hall Saturday to hear Christmas wishes and pose for photos.
While youngsters were there, they also could make holiday crafts, ride a Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue engine and have refreshments including popcorn, cookies and hot chocolate.
Here are some more photos from the event:
2018 Oak Vue Farm Live Nativity coverage (PHOTOS & VIDEO)
The local tradition of the OakVue Farm Live Nativity continued Friday evening.
At this event, the story of the birth of Jesus Christ is acted out in a barn in Bristol, as it has been for over 20 years.
The presentations include people acting out the part of the people involved in the Christmas story. Live animals are also used. The Gillmore family has been coordinating the event for two decades and Ed Gillmore says people from all over now help out as well. A choir of local church members sings and there are refreshments served afterwards.
There will be two more presentations Saturday, Dec. 8 at 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. A diaper and wipe drive for a Kenosha family with a premature baby is also being held.
OakVue Farm is located at 14700 104th Street in Bristol.
Here is video of some scenes from the live nativity at the second showing Friday, followed by some photos:
Twin Lakes Area Chamber and Business Association 2018 Trees on Parade and Holiday Shopping coverage (PHOTOS)
The Twin Lakes Area Chamber and Business Association’s annual Trees on Parade and Holiday Shopping event opened Friday evening at Community Center at St. John the Evangelist Church, 701 N. Lake Ave., Twin Lakes.
The event continues Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for ages 3-12 and free for children under 3 years of age.
At Trees on Parade and Holiday Shopping you can choose your favorite tree from the 16 creative Trees in the tree decorating contest. Trees are from businesses, schools, churches, the library, American Legion Auxiliary and organizations. There will be 2 Gingerbread Contest entries by Wilmot High School Culinary Classes. Winners of both contests will be chosen by “People’s Choice” ballots. Twenty three crafters and retail vendors will be there to help you with your Christmas Shopping. Food will be served from 11 am until 2 pm on Saturday. There will be raffles, a silent auction and The Kids Korner will have activities and face painting for the little ones. Santa will be available in the Kids Korner from noon until 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Here are some photos from shortly after opening time, Friday:
2018 Twin Lakes Tree Lighting coverage (VIDEO & PHOTOS)
The 2018 Twin Lakes Christmas Tree Lighting took place in Central Park Friday evening.
Despite the cold weather, members of the Wilmot Union High School band program played holiday songs before the lighting. Boy Scout Troop 380 sold hot chocolate and cookies. There was a Santa Express Train Village display courtesy of Bob and Linda Breault. And as always, Santa stopped by on a Twin Lakes Fire Department engine. He was assisted with the lighting of the park’s giant Christmas tree by village President Howard Skinner.
Here is a video sample of the band’s performance:
Here is a video of the Breaults’ train display:
Here is video of the tree lighting:
Here are some more photos from the event:
A word from our sponsors: Wisconsin Emissions Testing available at Wilmot Auto Service
Note: Wilmot Auto Service is a westofthei.com sponsor. — DH
Wisconsin Emissions Tests can now be done at Wilmot Auto Service.
The test is free to you. Call 862-6300 for an appointment. Hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 to 11 a.m.
Wilmot Auto Service, Inc is an independent auto repair shop and has earned the Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition as prescribed by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, (ASE), a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of vehicle repair and service by means of voluntary testing and certification for automotive repair and service professionals.
Dwayne & Cindy Garwood are the owners and Dwayne is an ASE Master technician and has been in the automotive repair business for over 25 years, 16 of these years have been in Wilmot. Dwayne’s grandpa Harmon Garwood started Wilmot Auto Service in 1951. They are celebrating 67 years in business. He employs ASE certified and ASE master technicians. Dwayne’s commitment to you has always been to offer the highest quality, honest and friendly auto service.
Wilmot Auto Service offers a variety of services like alignments, brakes, tires, timing belts, check engine lights and state inspections. They can be reached at 262-862-6300. They are located at 11307 Fox River Rd. Wilmot, WI 53192 with the BP gas station in downtown Wilmot. www.wilmotautoservice.com
Units responding to Bristol School for medical call
Photo by kconnors via morgueFile.com
At about 3:10 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units are responding to Bristol School for a medical call.
Per dispatch: Patient is unconscious.
Central HS athletes Laura Shoopman, Rebecca Edwards, Austin Glidden, Kennedy Muff sign college letters of intent
Laura Shoopman/Submitted photo
Westosha Central High School recently had four athletes sign DI and DII letters of intent.
Laura Shoopman signed her letter to intent play DI volleyball at Oral Roberts. Oral Roberts is a member of the Summit League and located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Joining Laura at her signing were her parents, Allen and Karen.
Rebecca Edwards signed her letter of intent to play DI softball at UW-Green Bay. UW-Green Bay competes as a member of the Horizon League. Joining her at her signing was her father, Rich Edwards.
Austin Glidden signed his letter of intent to play DII baseball at the University of Illinois-Springfield. The Prairie Stars compete as a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC). Joining him as his signing were his parents, Jon Glidden and Jamie Schenning.
Kennedy Muff signed her letter of intent to play DII volleyball at Flagler College. Flagler College is a member of the Peach Belt Conference and located in St. Augustine, Florida. Joining her at her signing were the coaches who impacted her volleyball career.
Rebecca Edwards /Submitted photo
Austin Glidden /submitted photo
Kennedy Muff /submitted photo
Union Grove UMC to host Christmas Open House Dec. 8
Union Grove United Methodist Church will host a Christmas Open House on Dec. 8, at the church at 906 12th Ave. Union Grove.
Doors open at 6 p.m. Performing will be the Union Grove High School Dicken’s Christmas Carolers, the Union Grove Jazz Band, Hims of Harmony, Mr. Rick the Magician, and the church’s own talent to bring you the sounds of the season. Gingerbread house, cookie and ornament decorating will be available for our younger guests downstairs. A holiday movie and snacks will also be provided. A Silent Auction featuring baskets and local business gift cards will be available to start your holiday shopping to support our mission in the community. Also, this will be the group’s 2nd Annual Pie Auction. Popcorn, hot dogs, soda, water and chips are provided with your Free Admission.
Cold Friday morning, five sunny days in forecast
Photo by Agata Urbaniak via stock.exchng
Do the seemingly constant cloudy skies of the last week or so have you craving a little sunshine?
You’re in luck! The latest, local National Weather Service forecast calls for five straight days of sunny skies with no anticipated precipitation.
Alas, there’s a price to be paid. Friday morning’s temperature could be the coldest we have seen so far this season. Before 8 a.m., we could see temperatures in the mid teens and wind chill in single digits.
A word from our sponsors: Wheatland J1 School District seeking part-time custodian
Note: This is a paid announcement from Wheatland J1 School District. — DH
Wheatland J1 School District is currently seeking a part-time custodian. The qualified candidate will be responsible for basic tasks of building and grounds care which include, but not limited to: Sweeping, mopping, waxing, dusting, trash removal, moving of furniture and supplies, set-up and take down of equipment.
Pay is $16.00/hour. 27.5 hours/week, PM shift, year-round position.
Please visit www.wheatland.k12.wi.us for how to apply and for more information on this and other positions available.
Wheatland Center School students collect 1,000-plus pairs of socks for those in need
Wheatland Center School students who dropped off the socks at The Sharing Center included: (Front row, from left) Paige Olson, Cody Pappadakis, Ian Kerkman (back row) Adam Switalski, Hunter Ratz, Wyatt Anderson. /Submitted photo
The student leadership group at Wheatland Center School organized a drive to collect socks for those in need. Over the two-week effort, Wheatland School District students collected 1,571 pairs of socks.
The socks were dropped off at The Sharing Center on Wednesday,.
Third grade students won the Wheatland competition by collecting 329 pairs of socks. The students were informed of the final numbers by teacher Joe Vrchota at the PBIS school assembly on Friday, Nov. 30 and the third graders will receive a pizza party for their winning effort.
The leadership group began as an elective class at Wheatland two years ago. It now meets during the students’ lunch and recess period. Students were presented with multiple options for holiday giving and decided on starting a sock drive. This is just one of the many examples of projects undertaken by students in the last few years. Some of these include: A lunch and scavenger hunt for new students, a fundraiser for community members, and a program to grant the wishes of students in need.
Vrchota, Leadership group coordinator, said, “It was a great opportunity to emphasize service and giving during the holiday season. I am proud that they have decided to spend their own time to organize, plan and execute this worthy endeavor.”
A word from our sponsors: 2018 Paddock Lake Lighted Holiday Parade is Dec. 8
From a past parade.
Note: Paddock Lake is advertising this event with westofthei. This is a paid announcement. — DH
Paddock Lake’s 6th annual Holiday Parade will be on Dec. 8., starting at 4 p.m.
This year’s theme is “A Christmas Story.”
Village Board and Staff invite all residents young and old to participate in the Village of Paddock
Lake 6th Annual Christmas Parade. The parade will start at McAlonan Park and arrive at the Village Hall. The parade will feature decorated floats, Christmas carolers and Santa.
The parade route will follow the same route as the bike parade. Residents will be treated to cookies and milk. For the children, Santa will pose for pictures at Village Hall.
Any resident interested in participating or volunteering their talents and time may contact the village administrator Tim Popanda at 262-843-
2713.
Questions can be directed to Popanda or Michelle Shramek at 262-843-2713.
2018 Santa Comes to Salem Lakes is Dec. 8
From the 2017 event. /westofthei.com file photo
Santa will come to Salem Lakes Village Hall on Dec. 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This event includes Santa visits (bring your own camera for a photo), children’s crafts, coloring contest and refreshments.
The event also is a Toys for Tots collection site.
Salem Lakes Village Hall is located at 9814 Antioch Road (Highway 83), Salem.
Portion of northbound I-94 back to four lanes Thursday
There’s some good news from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for people who travel north on I-94 regularly. You going to get another lane.
Says a WisDOT news release:
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s (WisDOT) I-94 North-South project team is announcing a traffic shift and reopening of a lane of traffic on northbound I-94 in part of Racine and Kenosha County. The completion of the new pavement and structures is allowing the northbound traffic to be shifted and a third lane reopened to traffic. The area that will see the reopened lane is in the south segment of the overall project. The crews will use a full freeway shut down of the northbound lanes of traffic between WIS 142 and 7 Mile Road beginning at 10 p.m. on Wednesday and wrapping up by 5 a.m. Thursday morning. There will be a sign lane closure beginning at 8 p.m. to prepare for the full closure going into place. Traffic will be moved onto the new northbound pavement. The ramps along this portion of the project will be opened at a later date. The third lane between WIS 20 and County G is expected to be reopened a week later, weather dependent. Information about the I-94 North-South project is available here: https://projects.511wi.gov/i94northsouth/ Information about the Wisconn Valley development roads is available on the WisDOT’s 511 construction projects site: https://projects.511wi.gov/fdr/
Units responding for crash in Randall
Photo by kconnors via morgueFile.com
Per dispatch: This may involve a rolled over vehicle.
UPDATE 1:39 p.m. — Dispatch reports sole occupant of vehicle out and walking around; car is upside down.
Paddock Lake to have 2018 Holiday Decorating Contest
Photo by cohdra via morgueFile.com
Paddock Lake residents, get decorating!
The village of Paddock Lake is having a 2018 Holiday Decorating Contest.
Judging of holiday displays throughout the village will take place Dec. 17 by the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department. Make sure you have your lights and decorations on that day from 6 to 9 p.m. to be considered.
Winners will receive $50 for first prize, $25 for second prize and $25 for third prize. Prize money for this contest is donated by westofthei.com.
Wilmot UHS a capella group “Key Change” to perform at International Championship of High School A Cappella
The new a cappella group from Wilmot Union High School named “Key Change” has been selected to participate in the Quarterfinals of the International Championship of High School A Cappella.
That event will take place on Feb. 9 at 7 p.m., at South Milwaukee High School. Tickets are available here.
This group has been working together for only three months and has already performed in events outside of the school, including opening for University of Wisconsin-Parkside group “Parkside Range” as well as participated in a workshop with internationally recognized a cappella professional Tony Huerta.
Here are two videos of the group performing:
Deaths Dec. 4, 2018: Joyce Ann Lemar, Lyndon H. Berglund
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:
Second class of Westosha Central Athletic Hall of Fame inductees announced
The Westosha Central High School Athletic Department has announced the second class to be inducted into the Westosha Central Athletic Hall of Fame.
This year’s inductees are:
John Zeihen – Class of 1962: Zeihen was a standout basketball and baseball player for the Falcons in the early 1960s. He was a member of two undefeated regular seasons in basketball and went on to play for St. Norbert College in DePere.
Bob Tierney – Class of 2004: Tierney was a standout golfer for the Falcons in the early 2000s. He played collegiately at UW Parkside and won three Kenosha County Open Championships.
Keith Drissel – Class of 1970: Drissel was a standout wrestler for the Falcons in the late 1960s and 1970. He finished with a career record of 53-12-1 as a varsity wrestler.
Dorm Grams – CHS Staff Member & Coach: Grams worked for Central for a total of 29 years. While at Central he coached football, basketball and golf. Later in his career he also served as the district’s athletic director.
Megan Greeno (Elfering) – Class of 2005: Greeno was a standout three sport athlete for the Falcons. She earned a total of ten varsity letters between volleyball, basketball and softball. She played volleyball for UW-Green Bay.
Mary Meyers (Haske) – Class of 1983: Meyers was a standout runner for the Falcons in both cross country and track. She broke many school records including in the one and two mile.
Megan LaQuense (Kerkman) – Class of 1997: LeQuense was a standout three sport athlete for the Falcons. She earned a total of six varsity letters between volleyball, basketball and softball. She played softball collegiately for UW-Whitewater.
Ruth Leeftink – CHS Staff Member & Coach: Leeftink worked at Central for many years. She was instrumental in establishing girls sports following the implementation of Title IX. She also was a very successful basketball and volleyball coach for the Falcons.
Inductees will be introduced at halftime of the boys basketball game on Jan. 25. The the following evening, Jan. 26 there will be an induction banquet at Strawberry Creek. The banquet starts at 5 p.m. and includes a Smokehouse Barbeque buffet.
Tickets may be purchased for $25 through the CHS Athletic Department at 843-2321 or by emailing athletic director Jonathan Lindh at lindhj@westosha.k12.wi.us.
A word from our sponsors: Twin Lakes Area Chamber and Business Association Trees on Parade & Holiday Shopping 2018 is Dec 7 & 8
From the 2014 Trees on Parade /westofthei.com file photo
Note: Twin Lakes Area Chamber and Business Association is a westofthei.com sponsor. — DH
Twin Lakes Area Chamber & Business Association is hosting the 13th Annual Trees On Parade and Holiday Shopping on Friday December 7th and Saturday December 8th.
The event will be held in the Community Center at St. John the Evangelist Church, 701 N. Lake Ave., Twin Lakes on Friday from 4-8 pm Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday. Admission is $2.00 for adults, $1.00 for ages 3-12 and free for children under 3 years of age.
Come choose your favorite tree from the 16 creative Trees in the tree decorating contest. Trees are from
businesses, schools, churches, the library, American Legion Auxiliary and organizations. There will be 2 Gingerbread Contest entries by Wilmot High School Culinary Classes. Winners of both contests will be chosen by “People’s Choice” ballots. Don’t forget to vote and place your ballots in the designated ballot boxes before you leave. Everyone receives one ticket to win a fabulous door prize with their admission.
Twenty three crafters and retail vendors will be there to help you with your Christmas Shopping. Don’t forget the always popular holiday cookies from Hope Lutheran and Calvary Churches. Food will be served from 4-7 pm on Friday and 11 am until 2 pm on Saturday. Get your raffle tickets to win one of many great raffle prizes from an array of baskets and many vendor donations. There is something for everyone. Win one for yourself or to use as a gift.
The Kids Korner will have activities and face painting for the little ones. Santa will be available in the Kids Korner from 5:45-7pm on Friday and noon
until 3pm on Saturday.
The Village Tree Lighting will take place Friday Dec. 7th at 5:30pm in the park by the caboose, by Santa and Howard Skinner. At 4:30pm, prior to the tree lighting, New Life Bible Church and Westosha Baptist Church will sing Carols. Then at 5:00pm Wilmot High School Band will play many carols ending with 0 Tannenbaum leading up to the tree lighting. Stop and look at the “Santa Express” Train on display in the park during the event, courtesy of Bob and Linda Breault. As always, Boy Scout Troop 380 will be selling cookies and hot chocolate during the event. Santa will ride by fire truck to St. John’s, courtesy of the Twin Lakes Fire Department and with the assistance of the Twin Lakes Police Department. You don’t want to miss your hometown kick off for the holiday season. Enjoy some time with your family and friends or meet some new friends at this special event.
For more information contact the chamber at 262-877-2220 or info@twinlakeschamber.com or click here.
Twin Lakes Rescue to get new defibrillator/monitors
The Twin Lakes Village Board agreed Monday to front the expense of two new defibrillator/monitors for Twin Lakes Rescue.
The new defibrillator/monitors or LIFEPAKs will replace units in the department’s two ambulances. Those units are outdated, said Fire Chief Stan Clause Jr.
“They’re well over 15 years old,” Clause told the board Monday.
The new units will be purchased from Physio-Control Inc. of Redmond, Washington, which Clause said is one of only two companies that make such equipment. The cost will be $53,319, after a trade-in allowance for the old units and including the Twin Lakes purchase in with a purchase being made by Walworth County. The village will pay the cost upfront and rescue will reimburse the money at a rate of $10,000 a year.
OakVue Farm live nativity for 2018 is Dec. 7 and 8
A scene from a previous live nativity at OakVue Farm. /westofthei.com file photo
The local holiday tradition of the live nativity at OakVue Farm in Bristol continues in 2018 on Dec. 7 and 8.
The live nativity — which includes live animals — will be presented Friday and Saturday evening.
On Friday, Dec. 7, the approximately 45-minute presentation will take place at 6 and 7:45 p.m.
On Saturday, Dec. 8 the presentations will be at 3:30 and 6:30 p.m.
The nativity started out as a project of the Gillmore family and a few friends and neighbors, said Ed Gillmore. But as the years have gone on, people have experienced the nativity and have wanted to help out too. Besides the people portraying the various people in the story, live animals are used. There also is a choir that accompanies the scenes with music.
There is no admission charge, but donations are accepted.
This year in conjunction with the nativity, a collection will be held for diapers (any size) and wipes for a Kenosha family that has a child in a neonatal intensive care unit, said Jill Gillmore.
“When their sweet Preemie comes home, hopefully they will not need to worry about diapers or wipes for the next year,” Jill Gillmore said.
The farm is located at 14700 104th St. (Highway Q) about 1.5 miles west of I-94 in Bristol.
Call 262-960-9188 for more information.
Units responding for fire in Paddock Lake
Photo by kconnors via morgueFile.com
At about 9:13 a.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue and Bristol Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a fire in the 6600 block of 236th Avenue in Paddock Lake.
Per dispatch: This is reportedly a fire in a kitchen of a house.
UPDATE 9:15 a.m. — Deputies on scene and investigating with fire extinguishers.
UPDATE 9:17 a.m. — Deputy on scene reports fire is inside a stove.
UPDATE 9:18 a.m. — Fire unit arriving on scene reports smoke showing from exterior.
UPDATE 9:22 a.m. — Fire command reports fire is contained to stove at this time, but coming out of the top.
UPDATE 9:31 a.m. — Fire out.
UPDATE 9:36 a.m. — Fire command requests response from gas utility crew.
A word from our sponsors: Wheatland J1 School District seeking part-time custodian
Note: This is a paid announcement from Wheatland J1 School District. — DH
Wheatland J1 School District is currently seeking a part-time custodian. The qualified candidate will be responsible for basic tasks of building and grounds care which include, but not limited to: Sweeping, mopping, waxing, dusting, trash removal, moving of furniture and supplies, set-up and take down of equipment.
Pay is $16.00/hour. 27.5 hours/week, PM shift, year-round position.
Please visit www.wheatland.k12.wi.us for how to apply and for more information on this and other positions available.
Units responding for second crash on I-94
Photo by kconnors via morgueFile.com
At about 7:53 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue, Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue and Newport Fire Department are responding to a report of a second crash on I-94, in the 12000 block of the southbound lanes.
UPDATE 8 p.m. — Possible injuries to five individuals being reported.
UPDATE 8:16 p.m. — Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue requested to respond to the scene with an ambulance.
UPDATE 8:21 p.m. — Paris Fire and Rescue requested to respond with an ambulance and Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue to respond with an engine to staff the Bristol station.
A word from our sponsors: 2018 Paddock Lake Lighted Holiday Parade is Dec. 8
From a past parade.
Note: Paddock Lake is advertising this event with westofthei. This is a paid announcement. — DH
Paddock Lake’s 6th annual Holiday Parade will be on Dec. 8., starting at 4 p.m.
This year’s theme is “A Christmas Story.”
Village Board and Staff invite all residents young and old to participate in the Village of Paddock
Lake 6th Annual Christmas Parade. The parade will start at McAlonan Park and arrive at the Village Hall. The parade will feature decorated floats, Christmas carolers and Santa.
The parade route will follow the same route as the bike parade. Residents will be treated to cookies and milk. For the children, Santa will pose for pictures at Village Hall.
Any resident interested in participating or volunteering their talents and time may contact the village administrator Tim Popanda at 262-843-
2713.
Questions can be directed to Popanda or Michelle Shramek at 262-843-2713.
Units responding for crash on I-94
Photo by kconnors via morgueFile.com
At about 7:04 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue, Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue and Newport Fire Department units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash in the southbound lanes of I-94 at Highway ML.
Per dispatch: Crash involves a semi-tractor and a pick-up truck. Unknown injuries.
