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Kmiec Seeks Removal of Kenosha DA, Citing Bias; Motion Likely Faces Uphill Battle

Multiple Felon Trenton Kmiec and Public Defender Benjamin Schwarz in Court(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. – The attorney for convicted serial felon Trenton B. Kmiec is asking a judge to remove Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis from prosecuting his newest case and to appoint a special prosecutor from another county. The 21-page motion, filed August 13 by Assistant State Public Defender Benjamin Schwarz, claims Solis’s relationship with Kenosha County Eye publisher Kevin Mathewson creates “at least the appearance of bias” against Kmiec and his family. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Protest Targets Labor Practices at Downtown Kenosha’s Karrick Project

KENOSHA, Wis. – The $450 million Harbor District redevelopment project in downtown Kenosha is facing union criticism over labor practices tied to its first major development, The Karrick apartments. The North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters (NCSRCC) has staged protests at the site, accusing subcontractor Suburban Drywall of engaging in wage theft, misclassifying workers as independent contractors, and paying employees off the books to avoid payroll taxes, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation. According to the union, such practices hurt workers by denying them overtime pay, benefits, and legal protections, while also undercutting law-abiding contractors. NCSRCC says the cost is ultimately shifted to the public, estimating that Wisconsin taxpayers lose $165 million annually due to construction industry tax fraud. The five-story Karrick complex, developed by Milwaukee-based Cobalt Partners and built

Bar Fight Leads to Multiple Battery Charges Against Three Men

BRISTOL, Wis. – Three men are facing misdemeanor battery and disorderly conduct charges after a violent altercation outside the Thirsty Horse Pub & Grill in Bristol earlier this year. Arrest warrants were issued Thursday in court for Chase M. Conley, 24, of Mount Pleasant ($750); Juan O. Albarran, 25, of Zion, Ill. ($1,000); and Ruben E. Hernandez, 27, of Beach Park, Ill. ($1,000). All were charged Wednesday. The criminal complaints allege the fight began late on Jan. 4 after an argument over bathroom use escalated. Surveillance video and witness accounts indicate that Conley, Albarran, Hernandez and several other men followed a man and a woman into the parking lot, where the group surrounded them. Hernandez allegedly tackled the man and struck him repeatedly while another man joined in, according to

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Protest Targets Labor Practices at Downtown Kenosha’s Karrick Project

KENOSHA, Wis. – The $450 million Harbor District redevelopment project in downtown Kenosha is facing union criticism over labor practices tied to its first major development, The Karrick apartments. The North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters (NCSRCC) has staged protests at the site, accusing subcontractor Suburban Drywall of engaging in wage theft, misclassifying workers as independent contractors, and paying employees off the books to avoid payroll taxes, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation. According to the union, such practices hurt workers by denying them overtime pay, benefits, and legal protections, while also undercutting law-abiding contractors. NCSRCC says the cost is ultimately shifted to the public, estimating that Wisconsin taxpayers lose $165 million annually due to construction industry tax fraud. The five-story Karrick complex, developed by Milwaukee-based Cobalt Partners and built

Bar Fight Leads to Multiple Battery Charges Against Three Men

BRISTOL, Wis. – Three men are facing misdemeanor battery and disorderly conduct charges after a violent altercation outside the Thirsty Horse Pub & Grill in Bristol earlier this year. Arrest warrants were issued Thursday in court for Chase M. Conley, 24, of Mount Pleasant ($750); Juan O. Albarran, 25, of Zion, Ill. ($1,000); and Ruben E. Hernandez, 27, of Beach Park, Ill. ($1,000). All were charged Wednesday. The criminal complaints allege the fight began late on Jan. 4 after an argument over bathroom use escalated. Surveillance video and witness accounts indicate that Conley, Albarran, Hernandez and several other men followed a man and a woman into the parking lot, where the group surrounded them. Hernandez allegedly tackled the man and struck him repeatedly while another man joined in, according to

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Wheatland Woman Charged With Felony and Three Other Counts in Violent Attack on Mother

Autumn R. Hecketsweiler, 24, of Wheatland(Kenosha County Sheriff) WHEATLAND, Wis. — A 24-year-old Wheatland woman was arrested Wednesday after authorities say she choked, punched, and threatened her mother while intoxicated — all while locking herself in a room with her toddler. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Liberal Extremist “Pastor” Jonathan Barker Resigns From Grace Lutheran Amid Turmoil and Controversy

Mugshot of Former “Pastor” Jonathan Barker (D)(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department) KENOSHA, Wis. — “Pastor” Jonathan Barker (D) abruptly resigned Thursday from Grace Lutheran Church, ending a tenure marked by public protest arrests, leadership upheaval, and a widening rift with his congregation. His departure comes one day after the church council passed a resolution requesting temporary outside leadership and setting a deadline for new elections. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Wrong-Way Chase Through Pleasant Prairie Ends in Crash, Arrest of Armed-Driving Felon

Jason Gonzalez, 20, of Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. – A 20-year-old Illinois man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he fled from officers in a stolen vehicle Tuesday evening, reaching speeds of 70 mph in a 30 mph zone and endangering pedestrians and motorists before crashing near Interstate 94. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Both Defendants Bound Over in Vanderzee Cold Case Murder After Motion to Dismiss Denied

Roxanna Vanderzee-Collins (70) and John Viskocil (70) – Homicide Defendants(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — Both Roxanna Vanderzee-Collins and John Viskocil were bound over for trial Wednesday morning after Court Commissioner William Michel II denied their motions to dismiss the 2003 Vanderzee murder case. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

City Pools to Close Sunday After a Busy Season With More Than 15,000 Visitors

KENOSHA, Wis. — The City of Kenosha’s two public pools will wrap up the 2025 season on Sunday, Aug. 17, capping a summer that drew more than 15,000 visits to Washington Park Pool and Anderson Park Pool. The pools opened June 17 and ran a full slate of family-friendly amenities throughout the summer. Washington Park Pool, 1821 Washington Road, features zero-depth entry with interactive water features, a 200-foot water slide, a drop slide, a diving board, and plenty of deck seating with umbrellas. Anderson Park Pool, 8730 22nd Ave., offers a large main pool, a tot pool with a small children’s slide, two full-size water slides, a diving board, a splash pad, lockers, and deck seating. Parks Director Katie Elder thanked residents and visitors for a strong turnout, saying the

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Female Jail Staff Say Sheriff Allowed Male Employee in Women’s Locker Room Without Warning

Kenosha County Sheriff David W. Zoerner(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Female officers at the Kenosha County Jail say Sheriff David Zoerner’s administration permitted a male jail employee, who is transitioning to female, to use the women’s locker room without any prior notice or discussion with staff — a move that has sparked outrage among several female employees. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Bailiff For Judge Kerkman Charged With Felony Identity Theft

Judge Chad Kerkman (D) and Tammy Jo Rose, 44, of Somers(Photo by Kevin Mathewson) (Facebook.com) SOMERS, Wis. — Tammy Jo Rose, a courtroom bailiff for Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Chad Kerkman (D), has been charged with felony identity theft in connection with a May 24 incident at the Sherwin-Williams store in Pleasant Prairie. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Fire Damages Salem Lakes Home, Propane Tank Involved

SALEM LAKES, Wis. – A Salem Lakes residence was left uninhabitable early Tuesday morning after a fire heavily damaged the structure and involved a large propane tank. Salem Lakes Fire Rescue and automatic aid departments were dispatched around 1:15 a.m. to 520 N. Cogswell Drive for a report of a back porch fire. Upon arrival, crews found heavy flames on the north-side deck, where a 100-pound propane tank was intensifying the blaze. Due to the hazards posed by the tank and the fire’s rapid extension into the attic, a second alarm was requested through the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System, bringing assistance from multiple neighboring departments. The fire caused extensive damage, rendering the home uninhabitable. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. The cause remains under investigation. Departments assisting included

Kenosha County Fair Set to Open With New Attractions, Old Favorites

WILMOT, Wis. — The Kenosha County Fair kicks off Wednesday, Aug. 13, with five days of entertainment, competition, and community tradition at the fairgrounds, 30820 111th St. This year’s theme, “Let the Good Times Grow,” comes with a playful twist — a tallest weed contest, awarding $50 to the grand champion along with bragging rights. Visitors will find plenty of new attractions, including “Jurassic Kingdom Live,” a stage show featuring life-sized dinosaurs, and the debut of the “Pig Pals” program, which gives children with special challenges the chance to show pigs in a real exhibition setting. The Creekside Stage, now housed in a newly built structure, will host more than 15 musical acts ranging from bluegrass and country to rock and doo-wop. The fair also brings back crowd favorites like

Kentucky Man Sentenced to Prison in High-Speed Kenosha County OWI Case

KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kentucky man was sentenced Monday to more than three years in prison for a high-speed chase in Kenosha County that ended with his fourth drunk driving conviction and the discovery of THC vapes and marijuana in his vehicle. Trevor C. Runyon, 42, pleaded guilty to one felony count of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence, fourth offense, stemming from an April 14, 2024 traffic stop on Interstate 94 in the Village of Bristol. A second charge, possession of THC, was dismissed but read in for sentencing. According to the criminal complaint, Kenosha County Sheriff’s Deputy Brooks clocked Runyon’s red Toyota traveling over 120 mph in a 70 mph zone while weaving through traffic without signaling. After pulling him over, deputies observed erratic behavior, heavy

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Attempted Break-In, Multiple Bail Jumping Charges Filed Against Kenosha Man

Jonah D. Ross, 28, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 28-year-old Kenosha man with a lengthy domestic abuse history was charged Tuesday with nine counts, including attempted burglary and multiple counts of felony and misdemeanor bail jumping, after police say he twice tried to force his way into an ex-girlfriend’s home in the early morning hours of Aug. 9. Jonah D. Ross, 28, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Armed Felon Accused of Beating Woman After Miscarriage, Blocking Her Escape, Stealing Gun and Drugs Found in Home

Cordell A. Ford, 32, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 32-year-old Kenosha man with a lengthy felony record was charged Monday with 10 criminal counts, including felon in possession of a firearm, false imprisonment, substantial battery, and multiple drug charges, after police say they found a stolen handgun, cocaine, marijuana, and evidence of a violent altercation inside his apartment. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Rosa Delgado Named Kenosha County Deputy District Attorney

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis has appointed veteran prosecutor Rosa I. Delgado as Deputy District Attorney, effective Monday, Aug. 11, 2025. Delgado brings 23 years of prosecutorial experience to the role, having joined the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office in 2002. She has spent much of her career handling sensitive crimes, including many years as the office’s sexual assault prosecutor, where she managed some of the county’s most complex and high-profile cases. “After six months in office, I was able to observe and witness how the office operates, as well as gain trial experience as a prosecutor,” Solis said. “I have observed how attorneys react and follow the policies and procedures I have implemented. My goal is to protect the community and hold individuals accountable, as

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Man Charged in February Shooting Outside Kenosha Bar

Waymond Moronte Parker, 48, of Kenosha in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 48-year-old Kenosha man was arrested immediately after a preliminary hearing for two other pending felony cases and is now facing new charges in connection with a February shooting outside Ron’s Place. Waymond Moronte Parker, 48, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Kenosha Man With Prior Domestic Violence Convictions Against Same Woman Gets Only Nine Months Work-Release for Felony Battery

KENOSHA, Wis. – A Kenosha man with a documented history of beating the same woman was sentenced to just nine months of work-release after pleading guilty to a felony domestic battery charge in connection with a 2023 attack. Jose E. Garcia Jr., 49, was arrested after police responded to his home on Nov. 4, 2023, for a report of “family trouble.” His girlfriend, who had previously been the victim in two other domestic abuse cases against him in 2020, told officers he had been drinking and became verbally abusive, calling her names and insulting her appearance. The woman said she tried to ignore him and went to the pantry, but Garcia followed her, grabbed her by the face, and lifted her off the ground. The force caused her glasses to

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Kenosha Man Accused of Brutal Assault Outside Apartment After Night of Drinking

Seth Quinn Hoeft, 24, of Racine in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 24-year-old Racine man is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after police say he repeatedly punched a friend in the face and body outside a Kenosha apartment early Sunday morning, leaving the man with severe facial injuries and possible fractures. Seth Quinn Hoeft, 24, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Kenosha Man Accused of Beating Woman, Breaking Her Nose, and Blocking 911 Call During Violent Domestic Assault

James Henry Russell Jr., 55, of Kenosha in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 55-year-old Kenosha man is facing multiple domestic abuse charges after prosecutors say he repeatedly punched a woman, fractured her nose, and stopped her from calling 911 during a violent confrontation earlier this month. James Henry Russell Jr., 55, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Racine Man Charged Again After New Disorderly Conduct Incident

Forrest Weldon Schasker, 26, of Racine In Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – Less than a week after being charged in connection with an alleged outburst at a Kenosha bar, a Racine man was back in court Monday to face new accusations of disorderly conduct — this time coupled with a misdemeanor bail jumping charge. Forrest Weldon Schasker, 26, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Man Accused of Strangulation After Fight at Library Park

Clifton D. Morgan, 47, in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 47-year-old homeless man is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after police say he attacked another man during a dispute Friday afternoon at Library Park. Clifton D. Morgan, 47(Kenosha County Sheriff) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Burlington Man Arrested After Failing to Appear in Fourth OWI Case

BRIGHTON, Wis. — A Burlington man who was wanted on a $5,000 warrant for failing to appear in court on a fourth-offense drunk driving case has now been arrested and is out on significantly reduced bail. Matthew J. Mortensen, 47, was taken into custody on July 23 after arranging a voluntary appearance in Kenosha County Circuit Court. Mortensen had been wanted since July 17, when he failed to appear for a scheduled hearing in his felony OWI case, prompting Court Commissioner William Michel to issue the arrest warrant. At his July 23 court appearance, Mortensen’s bail was lowered from $5,000 cash to $500 cash, which he posted later that day. He is next due in court on Aug. 14 for a preliminary hearing. The charges stem from a June 8

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