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Gateway Technical College President Ritu Raju’s DEI Policy Shift: A Masked Attempt at Compliance or Genuine Change?
Kenosha, Wis. — In a move that has already sparked significant controversy, Ritu Raju, President of Gateway Technical College (GTC), announced the dissolution of the institution’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program today. The decision, conveyed through a mass email to faculty and staff, comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s sweeping new policies on DEI. According to Raju, the college is adjusting its approach to comply with new federal guidelines, which threaten institutions with the loss of funding
Gateway Technical College President Ritu Raju’s DEI Policy Shift: A Masked Attempt at Compliance or Genuine Change?
Kenosha, Wis. — In a move that has already sparked significant controversy, Ritu Raju, President of Gateway Technical College (GTC), announced the dissolution of the institution’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program today. The decision, conveyed through a mass email to faculty and staff, comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s sweeping new policies on DEI. According to Raju, the college is adjusting its approach to comply with new federal guidelines, which threaten institutions with the loss of funding should they continue race-based programming. In her message, Raju sought to ease concerns, stating, “Given the guidance and deadlines issued by the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights regarding potential investigation and loss of funding for institutions providing race-based programming, we have made the difficult decision to
Kenosha Voters Reject $115 Million KUSD Referendum in Strong Rebuke
Kenosha, Wis. – A controversial $115 million referendum for the Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) was handily defeated Tuesday night, with voters across the City of Kenosha, Pleasant Prairie, and Somers sending a clear message against what many see as years of financial mismanagement and administrative bloat. The referendum, which sought to address budget shortfalls and facility upgrades, was widely criticized as a band-aid solution for a district plagued by declining enrollment yet expanding high-paid administrative positions. Even in the typically left-leaning City of Kenosha, the measure failed. The unofficial vote count stood at 10,586 “NO” votes to 9,048 “YES” votes—an eight-point margin, notable for a low-turnout primary election. Community Outrage Over Spending Practices For many voters, the referendum’s failure represents a victory for accountability. Andrew Schmidt expressed his satisfaction,
KUSD’s Election Rigging, Censorship, and Corruption: Why Voters Must Reject the $115 Million Tax Hike
Nathan Hale – A Special to Kenosha County Eye – Opinion The Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) is once again under fire—this time for actively silencing dissenting voices on its official Facebook page and attempting to rig the upcoming referendum with taxpayer-funded propaganda and outside dark money. Numerous residents who voiced opposition to the district’s massive $115 million referendum reported that their comments were mysteriously deleted. Instead of fostering an open dialogue, KUSD appears to be manipulating public discourse to push its tax hike agenda. When confronted about this blatant censorship, KUSD issued a weak excuse, claiming that a “duplicate post” was deleted due to a “glitch,” which inadvertently removed all comments associated with it. While the district insists that this was unintentional, the fact remains: comments criticizing the referendum
Twin Lakes Man Charged With Seven Counts Of Possession Of Child Pornography
Twin Lakes, Wis. – A Twin Lakes man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he was found in possession of illicit material involving minors. Thomas J. Pattock, 46, was charged today with seven counts of Possession of Child Pornography following an investigation by local and state law enforcement agencies. Under Wisconsin law, each count carries a minimum sentence of three years and a maximum of 25 years in prison. However, a legal provision allows judges to order the minimum sentences to run concurrently, which could impact his overall prison time if convicted. Investigation and Arrest According to a criminal complaint filed in Kenosha County Circuit Court, the Twin Lakes Police Department began investigating Pattock after receiving a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Kenosha Voters Reject $115 Million KUSD Referendum in Strong Rebuke
Kenosha, Wis. – A controversial $115 million referendum for the Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) was handily defeated Tuesday night, with voters across the City of Kenosha, Pleasant Prairie, and Somers sending a clear message against what many see as years of financial mismanagement and administrative bloat. The referendum, which sought to address budget shortfalls and facility upgrades, was widely criticized as a band-aid solution for a district plagued by declining enrollment yet expanding high-paid administrative positions. Even in the typically left-leaning City of Kenosha, the measure failed. The unofficial vote count stood at 10,586 “NO” votes to 9,048 “YES” votes—an eight-point margin, notable for a low-turnout primary election. Community Outrage Over Spending Practices For many voters, the referendum’s failure represents a victory for accountability. Andrew Schmidt expressed his satisfaction,
KUSD’s Election Rigging, Censorship, and Corruption: Why Voters Must Reject the $115 Million Tax Hike
Nathan Hale – A Special to Kenosha County Eye – Opinion The Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) is once again under fire—this time for actively silencing dissenting voices on its official Facebook page and attempting to rig the upcoming referendum with taxpayer-funded propaganda and outside dark money. Numerous residents who voiced opposition to the district’s massive $115 million referendum reported that their comments were mysteriously deleted. Instead of fostering an open dialogue, KUSD appears to be manipulating public discourse to push its tax hike agenda. When confronted about this blatant censorship, KUSD issued a weak excuse, claiming that a “duplicate post” was deleted due to a “glitch,” which inadvertently removed all comments associated with it. While the district insists that this was unintentional, the fact remains: comments criticizing the referendum
Twin Lakes Man Charged With Seven Counts Of Possession Of Child Pornography
Twin Lakes, Wis. – A Twin Lakes man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he was found in possession of illicit material involving minors. Thomas J. Pattock, 46, was charged today with seven counts of Possession of Child Pornography following an investigation by local and state law enforcement agencies. Under Wisconsin law, each count carries a minimum sentence of three years and a maximum of 25 years in prison. However, a legal provision allows judges to order the minimum sentences to run concurrently, which could impact his overall prison time if convicted. Investigation and Arrest According to a criminal complaint filed in Kenosha County Circuit Court, the Twin Lakes Police Department began investigating Pattock after receiving a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Kenosha County Caught in Open Meetings Violation: A Troubling Lack of Transparency
Kenosha, Wis. –In a disturbing example of government secrecy, Kenosha County officials attempted to hold an illegal, unannounced meeting of the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee last Thursday, February 13, 2025—only to be caught in the act and forced to shut it down. The clandestine gathering, which took place in a nondescript room inside the Kenosha County Job Center, was exposed by KCE (Kenosha County Eye) after receiving a tip about the committee’s planned meeting. When KCE arrived at approximately 3:02 p.m., at least seven of the nine committee members were already present and actively speaking, possibly discussing business—despite the public having received no official notice of the meeting, a blatant violation of Wisconsin’s Open Meetings Law. Upon entering, KCE was met with hostility from Kari Foss, Kenosha County’s Director of
Somers Resident Captures Garbage and Recycling Being Mixed in Disposal Truck: Video
Somers, Wis. – A Village of Somers resident noticed last week that his garbage and recycling were being collected together by John’s Disposal. This week, anticipating a repeat occurrence, he recorded a video capturing the incident. The footage shows a John’s Disposal driver picking up the garbage bin and emptying its contents into the truck. Moments later, the driver does the same with the recycling bin, disposing of both waste streams into the same compartment. The resident shared the video with Kenosha County Eye (KCE), prompting an inquiry into the matter. KCE contacted Village of Somers Administrator Jason Peters, who expressed concern over the incident. Peters stated he would reach out to the disposal company, which is funded by taxpayer dollars, to ensure such actions do not happen again. KCE
Three Injured in Kenosha Crash Involving Police Officer: Video
Kenosha, Wis. – Three people, including a Kenosha Police Officer, were injured in a crash Saturday evening. Both civilians involved in the collision were hospitalized, while the officer sustained injuries but is expected to recover promptly. The incident occurred just after 8:45 p.m. when a 20-year-old Kenosha woman was driving southbound on Sheridan Road. She was preparing to turn left onto 66th Street. Surveillance footage captured the moment a Kenosha Police Officer, responding to a traffic stop involving a physical altercation, collided with the woman’s vehicle. The impact caused the car to flip before striking a light pole. The driver was cited for Failure to Yield or Stop for an Emergency Vehicle. Wisconsin law allows emergency vehicles with lights and sirens activated to pass on the left. However, the circumstances
School Funding, the Budget Surplus, and Tax Cuts – Q&A With Rep. Nedweski
As we near the February 18th election, I reached out to State Representative Amanda Nedweski (R-Pleasant Prairie) to address some frequently asked questions about the KUSD operating referendum as it relates to state funding. Kenosha Unified is asking voters if they approve of a property tax that is higher than the state’s statutory levy limit by about $23 million per year through 2030 – or a cumulative amount of $115 million over that time period. The state puts levy limits in place so that people are not egregiously over-taxed by school districts, municipalities, and counties. By law, school districts must put proposals to levy a tax higher than the limit on the ballot for voter approval. Question #1K. Mathewson: KUSD claims that state funding for K-12 schools is not enough.
Civil Suit Against Fired Groomer KUSD Teacher Moved To Federal Court, More Defendants Added
Kenosha, Wis. – Former KTEC West science teacher Christian Enwright is facing a civil lawsuit and criminal charges after allegedly grooming a 13-year-old student, later 14, over an eight-month period from June 2023 to February 2024. The lawsuit, filed on May 20, 2024, in Kenosha County Circuit Court, accuses Enwright of manipulating and emotionally abusing the student to establish a future sexual relationship. The Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD), which originally faced the lawsuit in state court, has requested the case be moved to federal court. Additional defendants have since been named, including school administrators and board members. Allegations of Grooming and School Negligence According to the lawsuit, Enwright used Snapchat and TikTok to engage in secretive communication with the student, sending disappearing messages that were allegedly sexual in nature.
Here Are The Government Employees Who Work In Kenosha County And How Much They Make
In the spirit of transparency, Kenosha County Eye requested salary information from the following government agencies in late 2024: Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD)City of KenoshaCounty of Kenosha Kenosha County District Attorney’s OfficeWisconsin State Public Defender’s Office Village of Paddock LakeVillage of Pleasant PrairieVillage of Twin LakesVillage of Salem LakesVillage of Somers Town of RandallTown of Wheatland Westosha Central High SchoolTrevor-Wilmot School DistrictTwin Lakes School DistrictWilmot Union High SchoolRiverview Salem Silver Lakes Silver Lakes School DistrictUW ParksideGateway Techincal College Circuit Court Judges are not included in this list, but make $174,512. Below is a database I created for searching and sorting salaries. You can also click here for a full-page version.Jurisdictions that are missing from this tool will be added in the coming days and weeks.
KUSD’s Choral Fest Marred By Referendum Advocacy From Guest Conductor
Kenosha, Wis.– The 58th Annual Choral Festival, a cherished event that showcases the talent of Kenosha’s youth choirs, was overshadowed tonight by a controversial political speech that left many attendees feeling uncomfortable and disappointed. The evening, which was meant to celebrate the hard work and musical accomplishments of local students, took an unexpected turn when Ms. Lynn Swanson, the director of the New South Festival Singers and the Cobb Summer Singers from suburban Atlanta, Georgia, took the stage before the final performance. Swanson began with a lengthy address recounting her experience in Communist China, where she advocated for funding for the arts. While her speech was initially about her personal journey, it quickly took a sharp political turn. She began to promote the upcoming $115 million referendum for the Kenosha
75-Year-Old Bar Owner Sentenced to Four Years for Fatal Hit-and-Run in Kenosha
Kenosha, Wis. – A 75-year-old man was sentenced on Thursday to four years in prison for a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of a pedestrian in Kenosha in 2023. William E. Koprovic pleaded guilty to Hit and Run Involving Death, a charge stemming from the June 25, 2023, incident in which he struck and killed 42-year-old Scott Mingilino. He owns Rendezvous Tiki Bar in Kenosha. Kenosha County Judge Anthony Milisauskas handed down the sentence after reviewing the details of the case, which were outlined in a criminal complaint filed by the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department. Mingilinl’s father previously told the court: “..On the early morning of June 25, 2023, Mr. Koprovic mowed down my son with his vehicle, decided to leave the scene, only stopping a little ways ahead to
Runnin’ With the Devil: KCE Q&A With Attorney and Author Michael Cicchini
What’s the definition of an IMPARTIAL JUROR in a criminal case? You might think it’s a juror who has no financial ties or loyalties to either the defendant or to the prosecutor’s office. But you’d be wrong! So says local defense attorney and author Michael Cicchini in his newest law review article, The Devil’s Dictionary of Criminal Procedure. KCE asked him about the article, how he came up with that title, and what his definition is of impartial juror and other legal terms. KCE: Where did you get the title, The Devil’s Dictionary of Criminal Procedure? Cicchini: The title was inspired by the great American author and journalist, Ambrose Bierce. In the late 1800s, Bierce wrote a series of very cynical dictionary entries known as The Devil’s Dictionary. It included
Kenosha County Caught in Open Meetings Violation: A Troubling Lack of Transparency
Kenosha, Wis. –In a disturbing example of government secrecy, Kenosha County officials attempted to hold an illegal, unannounced meeting of the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee
Somers Resident Captures Garbage and Recycling Being Mixed in Disposal Truck: Video
Somers, Wis. – A Village of Somers resident noticed last week that his garbage and recycling were being collected together by John’s Disposal. This week,
Three Injured in Kenosha Crash Involving Police Officer: Video
Kenosha, Wis. – Three people, including a Kenosha Police Officer, were injured in a crash Saturday evening. Both civilians involved in the collision were hospitalized,
School Funding, the Budget Surplus, and Tax Cuts – Q&A With Rep. Nedweski
As we near the February 18th election, I reached out to State Representative Amanda Nedweski (R-Pleasant Prairie) to address some frequently asked questions about the
Civil Suit Against Fired Groomer KUSD Teacher Moved To Federal Court, More Defendants Added
Kenosha, Wis. – Former KTEC West science teacher Christian Enwright is facing a civil lawsuit and criminal charges after allegedly grooming a 13-year-old student, later
Here Are The Government Employees Who Work In Kenosha County And How Much They Make
In the spirit of transparency, Kenosha County Eye requested salary information from the following government agencies in late 2024: Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD)City of
KUSD’s Choral Fest Marred By Referendum Advocacy From Guest Conductor
Kenosha, Wis.– The 58th Annual Choral Festival, a cherished event that showcases the talent of Kenosha’s youth choirs, was overshadowed tonight by a controversial political
75-Year-Old Bar Owner Sentenced to Four Years for Fatal Hit-and-Run in Kenosha
Kenosha, Wis. – A 75-year-old man was sentenced on Thursday to four years in prison for a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of a pedestrian
Runnin’ With the Devil: KCE Q&A With Attorney and Author Michael Cicchini
What’s the definition of an IMPARTIAL JUROR in a criminal case? You might think it’s a juror who has no financial ties or loyalties to
Menominee Tribe Responds to KCE’s Report On Casino Concerns Amid Community Skepticism
Kenosha residents and local officials are raising serious concerns over the proposed Menominee Hard Rock Hotel & Casino project, as promises made by the tribe
KUSD Cuts Law Enforcement Access to Student Database, Citing Privacy Law
Kenosha, Wis. – The Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) has reportedly restricted law enforcement access to a critical student database, raising concerns about school safety
Kenosha County Eye to Intensify Focus on Judiciary
Kenosha, Wis. – Kenosha County Eye (KCE) is sharpening its investigative focus on the Kenosha judiciary, a move prompted by growing concerns over judicial accountability and
