This post sponsored by Westosha Floral.
The following deaths of local residents and those with local connections are being reported by funeral homes today. Click on name to see obituary/service information:
Continue reading →Units responding for crash along state line
At about 4:51 p.m., Bristol Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash in the 15000 block of Highway WG along the Wisconsin-Illinois border.
Per dispatch: A single vehicle has struck a tree.
Units responding for crash in Brighton
At about 4:15 p.m., Kansasville Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to the 2400 block of Highway BD in Brighton.
Per dispatch: Three vehicles involved. Injuries being reported.
UPDATE 4:21 p.m. — Paris Fire and Rescue responding as mutual aid with an ambulance.
UPDATE 4:34 p.m. — Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue requested to respond with an ambulance. Kansasville command requests response from Flight for Life medical transport helicopter.
UPDATE 4:42 p.m. — Salem Lakes requested to respond with another ambulance.
School closures for Jan. 23, 2026
Local school districts have announced closures for Friday in light of expected extremely cold weather.
Announcing a closure for Friday are:
Bristol School
Westosha Central High School
Lakewood School
Paris School
Riverview School
Salem School
Trevor-Wilmot School
Wheatland Center School
Wilmot Union High School
Randall School
The National Weather Service has an extreme cold warning in effect for Friday morning followed by a extreme cold watch Friday afternoon until Saturday afternoon.
Units responding for crash in Randall
At about 8:11 p.m., Town of Randall Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to the 11000 block of 336th Avenue in Randall for a crash.
Extreme cold warning issued
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold warning for an area of Wisconsin that includes Kenosha County.
The warning is set to be in effect from 12 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday.
The warning text says wind chill values could drop to -40 during the warning period.
A extreme cold watch will follow the warning, running from 1 p.m., Friday to noon, Saturday.
Deaths Jan. 21, 2026: James Bauman Wilke
This post sponsored by Westosha Floral.
The following deaths of local residents and those with local connections are being reported by funeral homes today. Click on name to see obituary/service information:
Continue reading →Winter weather advisory issued
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for an area of Wisconsin that includes Kenosha County.
The advisory is set to continue until 11 p.m., Thursday.
The main concern is more snow accumulation, up to 2 inches according to the NWS local hourly forecast. Winds may be gusting to 35 mph at times.
Extreme cold watch issued
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold watch for an area of Wisconsin that includes Kenosha County.
The watch is set to be in effect from 12 a.m., Friday to noon Saturday.
A combination of subzero temperatures and wind gusting up to 30 mph will combine to produce wind chill values as low as -40, the watch text says.
While subzero highs won’t continue, longer range forecasts don’t show a real warm-up — say mid to high 20s — on the way.
Meanwhile, enjoy a little bit of a reprieve on temperature today with a relatively warm high of 24 expected. At 6:10 a.m., it’s 21 at the Westosha Central High School weather station.
Units responding for fire in Silver Lake
At about 7:53 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue, Bristol Fire and Rescue, Town of Randall Fire Department and Wheatland Vol Fire Department units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a fire in the 800 block of Fox Lane in Silver Lake.
Per dispatch: Caller reporting a truck exploded in a garage.
UPDATE 7:58 p.m. — Another explosion reported.
UPDATE — MABAS box alarm activated. Other departments to repond include: Paris Fire and Rescue, Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue and Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue.
UPDATE 8:04 p.m. — SL chief confirms structure on fire with explosions.
UPDATE 8:06 p.m. — Deputies closing down traffic on Riverside Drive.
UPDATE about 8:15 p.m. — Kenosha County Fire Investigation Task Force response requested.
UPDATE 8:21 p.m. — SL chief reports to dispatch that fire is out.
Deaths Jan. 20, 2026: Andrew Boening
This post sponsored by Westosha Floral.
The following deaths of local residents and those with local connections are being reported by funeral homes today. Click on name to see obituary/service information:
Continue reading →Word from our sponsors: Reliable Heating & Air Conditioning in your neighborhood for 40 years
Note: This is a paid announcement from Reliable Heating and Air Conditioning — DH
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Call Reliable Heating & Air Conditioning today at 262-843-2865
Winter weather advisory issued; significant snow expected
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for an area of Wisconsin that includes Kenosha County.
The advisory is set to be in effect from 9 p.m., Tuesday to 6 a.m., Wednesday.
Snow is the main concern during the advisory period. We could see almost 6 inches according to the NWS hourly forecast.
The low temperature Tuesday will be 13 with a high of 25 Wednesday. Winds will be relatively calm compared to recent experience at 5 to 15 mph.
Wednesday’s over 20 temp is a very temporary reprieve from the deep freeze. The latest, local NWS forecast calls for a high of 17 Thursday and just -3 Friday.
2026 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fair Kaelie Billingsley welcomed home
2026 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fair Kaelie Billingsley was welcomed home Sunday with a surprise reception at the Kenosha County Center in Bristol.
Billingsley, 19, of Paris was named state Fairest of the Fair at the Wisconsin Association of Fairs convention last week.
Fair officials, supporters, friends and family gathered for the event. Here’s video of Billingsley’s arrival:
Billingsley competed in the 2026 state Fairest of the Fair competition as part of her duties as the 2025 Kenosha County Fairest of the Fair. A Kenosha County last won the state title in 1989.
“I really did not think I would get it,” Billingsley said of her new title. “Every single one of the 31 contestants was great to be around. They all deserved it just as much. It’s surreal that I was the one chosen.”
Kenosha County Fairest of the Fair committee member Betsy Ross talked about how the convention week went for Billingsley:
County Executive Samantha Kerkman presented a proclamation on behalf of the county and state Rep. Amanda Nedweski:
Next for Billingsley will be orientation in Feb. familiarizing her with her new duties, of which a major portion will be visiting other fairs this summer. She also will be giving interviews and other tasks.
“I’m most excited to go and visit all the fairs,” Billingsley said.
Billingsley said she is prepared to make the most of her new title.
“It’s such an amazing opportunity,” she said.
Units responding for crash in Randall
At about 9:31 a.m., Town of Randall Fire Department and Twin Lakes Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash in the 11000 block of Highway KD in Randall.
UPDATE 9:33 a.m. — Per dispatch, a semi truck and another vehicle involved. Injuries being reported.
Winter weather advisory, cold weather advisory issued
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory and a cold weather advisory for an area of Wisconsin that includes Kenosha County.
The winter weather advisory is set to be in effect from 6 p.m., Sunday to noon, Monday. This advisory relates to light, accumulating snow with gusty winds developing. Total snow accumulation is expected to be 1 to 1.5 inches.
The cold weather advisory is set to be in effect from 3 a.m., Monday to noon Monday. Windchills may be as low as 22 to 29 below zero. Wind chill in this range could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
A longer look at the forecast shows cold temps continuing. Monday’s high will be 5. Highs Tuesday, Thursday and Friday will be in the teens and in the high single digits on Saturday and Sunday.
Highway Z (Wilmot Ave) to close Jan. 19 for road work
Kenosha County Highway Z (Wilmot Avenue) in Twin Lakes is scheduled to be closed to through traffic between Highway C (110th Street) and Highway HM (Wilmot Road) for a week, beginning Monday, Jan. 19.
This is to accommodate the replacement of a culvert roughly 730 feet south of Highway C. Local access on HIghway Z will remain on either side of the hard closure.
Drivers are advised to detour around the closure via Highway HM, Highway KD (336th Avenue) and Highway C.
This work schedule is weather-dependent and subject to change.
Bonnie Felske resigns from Westosha Central HS District board; applicants sought to fill the term
The resignation of a member of the Westosha Central High School District board became effective this week and the board is looking for people interested in filling out the term.
“After careful consideration, I have determined that I am no longer able to continue serving due to my current professional responsibilities as a school principal and the time commitment required as a board member,” at-large board member Bonnie Felske said in her resignation letter. “Serving on the school board has been a truly rewarding experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the success of Westosha Central. It was amazing to be a part of the transformational change of Central brought on by the approved referendum! I am so impressed
with the beautiful facilities, curricular changes, new positions and programs that have evolved over the five years I have served.”
The board is seeking candidates to fill the remainder of Felske’s term, which continues until April 2027. Here is information for interested applicants distributed by the district Thursday:
The Westosha Central High School District is currently seeking applicants to fill a vacant Board position. The position is the At Large representative; qualified applicants must reside within the Westosha Central district boundaries and be at least 18 years old. The board will select a candidate following the interview process. The selected candidate will fill the position immediately and complete the current term. The three-year term will be on the 2027 spring election ballot.
Applicants should send an email communication of intent to John Gendron, District Administrator, no later than Friday, January 30, 2026, at 3 p.m. Board interviews will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 6 p.m. The district will send
information to applicants with more details on February 3 regarding the interviews.
To submit your candidacy for the vacant position include:
● Name
● Address
● Phone
● Email
● Letter of Interest, including reasons for wanting to serve and any other information you find relevant to serving on the board.
Please email your information to:
Mr. John Gendron at gendronj@westosha.k12.wi.us
Deaths Jan. 16, 2026: Laurie J Flood, Joseph E. Daniels
This post sponsored by Westosha Floral.
The following deaths of local residents and those with local connections are being reported by funeral homes today. Click on name to see obituary/service information:
Continue reading →Diva Quest 2026 includes local students
The Diva Quest 2026 vocal music scholarship finals show will take place on Saturday, Jan. 31, at 3 pm, at Journey Church in Kenosha.
All 10 Diva Quest finalists will perform live (collectively and as soloists), evaluated by a panel of judges in front of a live voting audience. The program will also feature The Naturals of Marquette University, Riverport Chorus, and 2025 Diva Quest Winner Yocelin Valdez.
Diva Quest finalists for 2026 are:
- · Amareli Arias – Westosha Central High School
- · Daniella Berti – Wilmot Union High School
- · Elle Kinney – Wilmot Union High School
- · Avery Meachum – Wilmot Union High School
- · Kendra Meyer – Waukesha South High School
- · Emma Robers – Elkhorn Area High School
- · Adele Thornton – Wilmot Union High School
- · Scarlett Towry – Wilmot Union High School
- · AlyVega – Antioch Community High School
- · Ariana Wine – Wilmot Union High School
“Diva Quest is a non-profit vocal scholarship competition in Southeast Wisconsin,” explained Susan Nelson, Diva Quest co-founder. “Diva Quest provides young women in high school with the opportunity to showcase their vocal singing talents and earn scholarship money towards their post high school education.”
Since 2007, Diva Quest has drawn aspiring high school girl singers (grades 9-12) from area high schools in Southeast Wisconsin and Northeast Illinois. The program is presented by Riverport Chorus with supporters including Home Helpers Home Care, Thrivent, Diane Pawasarat, and Kate Shortall.
“Last year, the Diva Quest winner received $1,750 in scholarship monies,” explained Lisa Mushel, Diva Quest co-founder. “Descending amounts were awarded to runners-up in the final competition.”
In preparation for the big event, those top 10 finalists have received coaching and mentoring by a team of experienced musicians, music educators, and performers) in song selection, vocal presentation, performance, and more.
Tickets for the Diva Quest finals show are available from any finalist or Riverport Chorus member or online at riverportchorus.org/divaquest. General admission is $20 in advance (or $25 at the door). Admission is free for children ages 10 and under. Doors open at 2:30 pm.
Riverport Chorus, having celebrated 60 years in 2024, is a chapter of Sweet Adelines International. Directed by Laurel Peterson, the group rehearses Monday evenings at 7 pm at Wilmot Union High School in Wilmot, Wisconsin. Singing women are welcome to visit any rehearsal, and auditions are ongoing.
Deaths Jan. 15, 2026: Bert Welker Metz, Helen C. Debruin
This post sponsored by Westosha Floral.
The following deaths of local residents and those with local connections are being reported by funeral homes today. Click on name to see obituary/service information:
Continue reading →2026 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fair is Kenosha County’s Kaelie Billingsley
The 2026 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fair is a familiar face to Kenosha County Fair attendees.
Kaelie Billingsley, 19, Kenosha County’s 2025 Fairest of the Fair was selected for the honor Wednesday.
Billingsley was one of 32 people vying for the honor. She will serve a one-year term as the official ambassador for the 2026 Wisconsin State Fair, also attending multiple fairs and events through the years.
The daughter of Eric and Shelly Billingsley of Bristol, Billingsley is currently earning a degree in Animal Science with an emphasis on Pre-Veterinary Medicine from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. She also works on the campus farm in the beef cattle and equipment management division. After graduating with a doctorate in veterinary medicine, she hopes to open her own veterinary clinic, the official announcement said.
Units responding for fire in Rock Lake
At about 4:02 p.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue, Bristol Fire and Rescue, Town of Randall Fire Department and Wheatland Vol Fire Department units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a possible fire at a home in the 12200 block of Rock Lake Road in Rock Lake.
Per dispatch: Delivery driver reported hearing a fire alarm and smelling something burning. No one appeared to be home.
UPDATE 4:08 p.m. — Salem Lakes chief reports from scene that some kind of fire appears to be underway.
UPDATE about 4:09 p.m. — SL command reports smoke showing from right side of building. Firefighters preparing to enter building. Deputies blocking traffic on Rock Lake Road.
UPDATE 4:15 p.m. — Box alarm activated. Multiple area departments responding.
UPDATE 4:43 p.m. — Box alarm upgraded to second level. Additional departments responding.
UPDATE 5:28 p.m. — Kenosha County Fire Investigation Task Force requested to respond to the scene.
UPDATE 6:03 p.m. — SL chiefs strikes box alarm.
Deaths Jan. 14, 2026: Glenda Susanna Dupons, Margaret L. Filus
This post sponsored by Westosha Floral.
The following deaths of local residents and those with local connections are being reported by funeral homes today. Click on name to see obituary/service information:
Continue reading →Bullet found in Westosha Central bathroom; no threat to students identified
From the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office (via Facebook issued about 4:30 p.m.):
This afternoon, a single bullet was located in a boys’ bathroom stall at Westosha Central High School.
The school’s administrative team and the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer immediately began an investigation. At this time, no other items have been found and no threat to students or staff has been identified.
Out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of transparency, we want the community to be aware of the situation.
The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office is working closely with Westosha Central High School administration as the investigation continues. Based on all information available at this time, there is no credible threat to the school, students, or staff.
The safety of our students, staff, and community is — and always will be — our top priority. We will continue to investigate thoroughly and take any action necessary to ensure a safe learning environment.
We appreciate the cooperation and support of the school, parents, and community as we work through this matter”
Units responding for crash in Salem Lakes
At about 8 a.m., Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash in the 29800 block of Highway 50 in Salem Lakes.
Per dispatch: Single vehicle rolled over.
Units responding for crash in Twin Lakes
At about 7:01 a.m., Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue units are responding to a crash at Richmond Road and Highway P in Twin Lakes.
Per dispatch: Twin Lakes Police officers on the scene.
Snow this morning
Snow is coming down pretty good in Paddock Lake at about 6:15 a.m., Wednesday.
The latest, local National Weather Service forecast calls for the snow to stop by 8 a.m. and result in less than a half inch of accumulation, but it seems to be going strong outside my window anyway. Wind of 20 mph with gusts as high as 35 mph is also present.
There also are significant chances of snow Thursday night, Friday, Friday night and Saturday (50 percent or greater).
Agenda: Paddock Lake Village Board committee of the whole Jan. 14, 2026
The Paddock Lake Village Board is scheduled to hold a committee of the whole meeting Wednesday, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall (municipal building).
Formal action is not taken at committee of the whole meetings, which are for discussion of issues.
Agenda items include:
- Voluntary attachment of land from Salem Lakes to Paddock Lake review
- Special Event Permit application for Rhythm on the Lake concert series
- Special Event Permit application for Movie in the Park series
- Property appraisal engagement agreement
- Purchase of park equipment for the Village and Whitetail Ridge park
Agenda: Twin Lakes #4 School District (Lakewood School) board meeting Jan. 14, 2026
The Twin Lakes #4 School District (Lakewood School) board is scheduled to meet Wednesday starting at 4:15 p.m. in the school library.
Agneda items include:
- Referendum to authorize exceeding the revenue limit by $800,000 per year for four years starting with the 2026-27 school year for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses.
- Referendum Meetings and Messaging
- Open Enrollment Seats for 2026-2027
- 2026-2027 Calendar Approval
