Breaking News
Kenosha Sheriff’s Office Announces Arrest Of Man Accused Of Many Violent Felonies
On Thursday, January 17th, 2025, around 7:50 A.M. the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office (KESO) responded to the 23200 block of 31st St. to take wanted felon, Ascension “Chon” Obregon, into custody. Kenosha Joint Services received a text to 911 stating “Chon” was at this residence and was wanted by law enforcement. Obregon was wanted on several violent felony warrants through the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office as well as Probation and Parole. Patrol Deputies, Detectives, Supervisors, and several members of the Kenosha
Kenosha Sheriff’s Office Announces Arrest Of Man Accused Of Many Violent Felonies
On Thursday, January 17th, 2025, around 7:50 A.M. the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office (KESO) responded to the 23200 block of 31st St. to take wanted felon, Ascension “Chon” Obregon, into custody. Kenosha Joint Services received a text to 911 stating “Chon” was at this residence and was wanted by law enforcement. Obregon was wanted on several violent felony warrants through the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office as well as Probation and Parole. Patrol Deputies, Detectives, Supervisors, and several members of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office’s Tactical Response Team responded to the residence to aid in the peaceful surrender and arrest of Ascension. With the cooperation and assistance of Ascension’s family, all family members were evacuated from the residence. Members of the KESO then set a perimeter around the residence and began using
Kenosha 14-Year-Old Accepts Plea Deal For School Shooting Threat
Vehicle Crash In The Town Of Paris Results In One Fatality
Controversial Sexual Assault Charge Dismissed Against 16-Year-Old By DA Solis
A 16-year-old Kenosha teen smiled today as Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Gerad Dougvillo ordered the dismissal of his second degree sexual assault charge, with prejudice. With prejudice means that the charge is permanently dismissed and cannot be re-filed. This came after a court case spanning almost one year, with many twists and turns. KCE was present in court today. “The state is moving to dismiss this case with prejudice. I have been looking over at this case,” said Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis in court today. “I have done my due diligence on this case. I have spoken to other witnesses in this case that were not called to trial, such as the ESL teacher for the alleged victim, and also I was able to receive more information
Court Clerk Advises Kenosha County Residents To Beware Of Jury Duty Scam
Kenosha County Clerk of Courts Rebecca Matoska-Mentink is warning of a telephone scam that is again making the rounds locally. Matoska-Mentink said her office has received several contacts recently from people reporting they were called and told they had failed to report for jury service, that there is a warrant out for them, and that they must immediately pay a fine. These calls are not legitimate and should be ignored, Matoska-Mentink said. “Absent a court hearing and a finding of contempt by a Judge, the Circuit Court could never demand immediate payment of a fine regarding jury duty,” Matoska-Mentink said. “In Wisconsin, official jury summonses, as well as failure-to-appear notices, are delivered to homes by first-class mail. Court officials and law enforcement officers do not make phone calls to threaten
Kenosha 14-Year-Old Accepts Plea Deal For School Shooting Threat
On Thursday, November 7, 2024, our community watched as a school shooter threat unfolded. The suspect, 13-year-old Kenosha resident and Mahone Middle School District student, Donavon J. Castillo, was arrested at his home after he surrendered. There were no reported injuries resulting from this incident. Today, Castillo, pursuant to a plea agreement, was adjudicated guilty for one felony charge of terroristic threats, and another charge of possession of a dangerous weapon on school premises was dismissed, but read in, according to Castillo’s attorney, Terry Rose. Castillo will be prohibited by law from owning a firearm for the remainder of his life. The judge overseeing this case is Judge Jodi Meier. She allowed only the Kenosha News in the courtroom today. Regional news were not permitted. Castillo could petition a court
Controversial Sexual Assault Charge Dismissed Against 16-Year-Old By DA Solis
A 16-year-old Kenosha teen smiled today as Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Gerad Dougvillo ordered the dismissal of his second degree sexual assault charge, with prejudice. With prejudice means that the charge is permanently dismissed and cannot be re-filed. This came after a court case spanning almost one year, with many twists and turns. KCE was present in court today. “The state is moving to dismiss this case with prejudice. I have been looking over at this case,” said Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis in court today. “I have done my due diligence on this case. I have spoken to other witnesses in this case that were not called to trial, such as the ESL teacher for the alleged victim, and also I was able to receive more information
Court Clerk Advises Kenosha County Residents To Beware Of Jury Duty Scam
Kenosha County Clerk of Courts Rebecca Matoska-Mentink is warning of a telephone scam that is again making the rounds locally. Matoska-Mentink said her office has received several contacts recently from people reporting they were called and told they had failed to report for jury service, that there is a warrant out for them, and that they must immediately pay a fine. These calls are not legitimate and should be ignored, Matoska-Mentink said. “Absent a court hearing and a finding of contempt by a Judge, the Circuit Court could never demand immediate payment of a fine regarding jury duty,” Matoska-Mentink said. “In Wisconsin, official jury summonses, as well as failure-to-appear notices, are delivered to homes by first-class mail. Court officials and law enforcement officers do not make phone calls to threaten
Kenosha 14-Year-Old Accepts Plea Deal For School Shooting Threat
On Thursday, November 7, 2024, our community watched as a school shooter threat unfolded. The suspect, 13-year-old Kenosha resident and Mahone Middle School District student, Donavon J. Castillo, was arrested at his home after he surrendered. There were no reported injuries resulting from this incident. Today, Castillo, pursuant to a plea agreement, was adjudicated guilty for one felony charge of terroristic threats, and another charge of possession of a dangerous weapon on school premises was dismissed, but read in, according to Castillo’s attorney, Terry Rose. Castillo will be prohibited by law from owning a firearm for the remainder of his life. The judge overseeing this case is Judge Jodi Meier. She allowed only the Kenosha News in the courtroom today. Regional news were not permitted. Castillo could petition a court
Westosha Central High School Male Student No Longer Permitted To Use The Girls’ Locker Room
A 16-year-old boy is no longer using the girls’ locker room at Westosha Central High School in Paddock Lake. “The student is not using the locker room and will not be in the future. This began on January 2 and is in place for the future,” said district administrator John Gendron. When asked if the student was permitted to use the girls’ locker rooms or restrooms, Gendren responded with a simple “No.” He added, “It was a district decision and will be our practice going forward with this student and any other students.” The district arranged for a different area for the boy to change. This will be the policy of the school from now on, but this is short of a formal school board policy. The board refuses to implement
Vehicle Crash In The Town Of Paris Results In One Fatality
On Thursday, January 16th, 2025, around 6:00 A.M. the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) responded to the intersection of CTH-N (38th St.) and CTH-MB (152nd Ave.) for a semi-truck vs. pickup truck crash. A semi-truck was traveling north on CTH-MB and failed to stop at a required stop sign at CTH-N. The semi-truck proceeded through the intersection as the victim was traveling west on CTH-N in a pick-up truck. The pickup truck crashed into the trailer of the semi where it became stuck under the trailer. The pickup truck operator was the only occupant of the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Kenosha County Medical Examiner’s Office. Due to the crash resulting in a fatality, the Kenosha County Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) responded to the scene to
KTEC School To Dissolve After Financial Misconduct Discovered
Kenosha Unified School District today announced changes to the structure of KTEC effective at the start of the second semester. A review was initiated following concerns raised about the commingling of funds between KUSD’s KTEC 4K-8 program and KTEC High School—an independent charter entity unaffiliated with KUSD—that revealed prior KTEC 4K-8 leaders and Governance Board members engaged an external fiscal agent without the district’s knowledge or authorization. KUSD leadership shared these findings with KUSD’s KTEC 4K-8 Governance Board representatives in a meeting on December 5, 2024. On December 10, district leadership and the KTEC 4K-8 Governance Board mutually agreed to pursue ending the charter agreement. In November of 2020, then-KTEC principal Angie Andersson and then-assistant principal Scott Hodges pitched a “KTEC High School” to the Kenosha Unified School District review
KUSD To Host 58th Annual Choral Festival On February 15
The Kenosha Unified School District’s 58th Choral Festival will occur on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the Indian Trail High School field house. The event will showcase over 950 students from our elementary, middle, high and charter schools. Tickets are available at kusd.edu/tickets<http://kusd.edu/tickets>. Field house seating is $10 (a maximum of 3). Tickets will not be available at the door, and field house seating may sell out in advance. The event will also be streamed live on the district’s YouTube channel. Guests may also watch the live stream for free with no ticket required in the Indian Trail auditorium. This year’s guest conductor is Ms. Lynn Swanson, director of the New South Festival Singers and the Cobb Summer Singers in suburban Atlanta, Georgia. On Thursday, Feb. 13, and Friday,
Westosha Central School Board Gets Earful From Residents For Allowing Boys In Girl’s Locker Room – Other Updates
Many people took the podium at the public comments portion of tonight’s Westosha Central School Board meeting to express their frustration. Frustration that the school is allowing a 16-year-old boy to use the girls’ locker room and bathroom alongside 14-year-old girls. In a usually empty room, a packed group of concerned citizens spoke, one after the other. Jay Nutting was missing from tonight’s meeting. Out of the speakers, only one woman, an LGBT activist spoke in favor of allowing boys in the girls’ spaces. “I support all students, including LGBT. I had one 16 year old in absolute tears say, ‘I didn’t know that I would be an adult as a lesbian.’ Because I thought I would die by the time I was 16,” said the activist Tuesday night. However,
Twin Lakes Fire Department Announces 24/7, Full-Time Staffing
According to a Twin Lakes Fire Department and Rescue Squad Press release: Historic Milestone: Twin Lakes Fire Department and Rescue Squad Welcomes First Full-Time Staff The Twin Lakes Fire Department and Rescue Squad is proud to announce a historic moment in its almost 100-year legacy: the addition of our first-ever full-time staff. This significant step forward marks the culmination of nearly two years of planning and collaboration between the department, the communities we serve, and the dedicated individuals who make up our team. Since its founding in 1929, the Twin Lakes Fire Department has been a cornerstone of safety and service for the communities of Twin Lakes, Randall, and parts of Wheatland. Over the years, we have relied on the hard work and dedication of our volunteer and part-time members.
Inaugural St. Patrick’s Day Parade set for March 15, 2025
Kenosha is jumping into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday, March 15, with the Inaugural Eric Olson Memorial St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Look for Irish dancers, music and more. The parade steps off at 11 a.m. at 50th Street and Seventh Avenue, proceeding south on Sixth Avenue to Library Park. The parade is presented by the City of Kenosha, Downtown Kenosha and the Lakeshore Business Improvement District. Community members and groups are invited to show their spirit with floats, marching bands, dance groups and other entertainment. Parade applications are available at the Mayor’s office or online on the events page at www.kenosha.org. Sponsorship opportunities at a range of levels are available. The fun begins at 8:30 a.m. as the Kenosha harbor is dyed green. Mick Kelly, parade chairman
Lawyer’s Son, Career Criminal, Charged Today With 58 Felonies Including Child Sex Crimes – Quarter Million Dollar Bail Ordered
A 24-year-old Salem man was charged today with 58 felonies and 4 misdemeanors and faces nearly 1,000 years in the Wisconsin Prison System if convicted of all charges. He faces a mandatory minimum of 41 years if convicted of all charges. Today, Trenton B. Kmiec, 24, of Salem was charged with the following: Felony Child Exploitation, Lifetime Sex Offender, Repeater (4 Counts)Felony Child Enticement – Expose Genitals (3 Counts)Felony Possession of Child Pornography (4 Counts)Felony Bail Jumping, Repeater (31 Counts)Felony Child Abuse – Cause Harm, Repeater (2 CountsFelony Strangulation and Suffocation, Repeater (2 Counts)Felony Manufacture/Deliver Cocaine, Repeater, Second and SubsequentFelony Exposing Genitals to a Child (6 Counts)Felony Possession of Cocaine, Repeater, Second and SubsequentFelony Possession of THC, Repeater, Second and SubsequentFelony False Imprisonment, RepeaterMisdemeanor Sexual Intercourse with Child (3 Counts)Misdemeanor
Riverport Chorus Diva Quest 2025 Finals Show Set For January 25
The Diva Quest 2025 vocal music scholarship finals show will take place on Saturday, January 25, 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 2024 Diva Quest Winner Ana Pucetti. Diva Quest finalists for 2025 are: Avery Meachaum, Tremper High School, Kenosha, Wisconsin Brieana Kazort, Wilmot Union High School, Wilmot, Wisconsin Elle Kinney, Wilmot Union High School, Wilmot, Wisconsin Emily Self, Antioch Community High School, Antioch, Illinois Emma Robers, Elkhorn Area High School, Elkhorn, Illinois Isabelle Nicholson, Round Lake High School, Round Lake Beach, Illinois
Westosha Central High School Male Student No Longer Permitted To Use The Girls’ Locker Room
A 16-year-old boy is no longer using the girls’ locker room at Westosha Central High School in Paddock Lake. “The student is not using the
Vehicle Crash In The Town Of Paris Results In One Fatality
On Thursday, January 16th, 2025, around 6:00 A.M. the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) responded to the intersection of CTH-N (38th St.) and CTH-MB (152nd Ave.) for
KTEC School To Dissolve After Financial Misconduct Discovered
Kenosha Unified School District today announced changes to the structure of KTEC effective at the start of the second semester. A review was initiated following
KUSD To Host 58th Annual Choral Festival On February 15
The Kenosha Unified School District’s 58th Choral Festival will occur on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the Indian Trail High School field house.
Westosha Central School Board Gets Earful From Residents For Allowing Boys In Girl’s Locker Room – Other Updates
Many people took the podium at the public comments portion of tonight’s Westosha Central School Board meeting to express their frustration. Frustration that the school
Twin Lakes Fire Department Announces 24/7, Full-Time Staffing
According to a Twin Lakes Fire Department and Rescue Squad Press release: Historic Milestone: Twin Lakes Fire Department and Rescue Squad Welcomes First Full-Time Staff
Inaugural St. Patrick’s Day Parade set for March 15, 2025
Kenosha is jumping into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday, March 15, with the Inaugural Eric Olson Memorial St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Look
Lawyer’s Son, Career Criminal, Charged Today With 58 Felonies Including Child Sex Crimes – Quarter Million Dollar Bail Ordered
A 24-year-old Salem man was charged today with 58 felonies and 4 misdemeanors and faces nearly 1,000 years in the Wisconsin Prison System if convicted
Riverport Chorus Diva Quest 2025 Finals Show Set For January 25
The Diva Quest 2025 vocal music scholarship finals show will take place on Saturday, January 25, at 3 pm, at Journey Church in Kenosha. All
Former Rogue Prosecutor Appointed Family Court Commissioner – She Has No Experience
Alexandra Smathers (D) recently quit the Kenosha County DA’s Office as a prosecutor becuase she didn’t want to work for a Republican. She has a
Congressman Steil Announces Listening Sessions
Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) announced he will be holding four listening sessions in Wisconsin on Friday, January 10, 2025. The listening sessions are free
Drug-Using Former Foster Mom, Counselor To Plead Guilty To Weapons Crime
A Kenosha-area professional counselor and former foster mom was in court today, charged with operating a firearm while intoxicated. Jacqueline P. Niccolai, 37, of Kenosha,
