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Drug-Using Therapist Niccolai Claims Wisconsin ‘Closed The Case’ On Complaints Against Her License To Practice Therapy; State Says Complaints Remain Open

KENOSHA, Wis. — Nearly two years after a community member filed a licensing complaint that advanced into a formal investigation, the State of Wisconsin says complaints against drug-using therapist Jacqueline P. Niccolai, 39, of Kenosha, remain open. That undercuts the impression she gave her cult followers Monday when she announced that the state had “CLOSED THE CASE.” I know some Kenosha County Eye readers are tired of the back-and-forth involving Niccolai. Frankly, so am I, but it is so incredibly difficult to watch false information about me circulate without putting the documents in front of readers. That’s why I sued her for defamation. Niccolai’s November 2 Facebook post claimed I encouraged people to file complaints against her license in an effort to destroy her career. That is false. I never

Mistrial Looms In Child Sexual Assault Case After Guardians Of The Children Escort Alleged Victim Into Courtroom; Judge Sends Jury Home

KENOSHA, Wis. — A dramatic development Tuesday afternoon threatened to derail the child sexual assault trial of Micah Jonathan Dillon, 19, of Salem, Wisconsin, after several members of the Guardians of the Children motorcycle organization entered a Kenosha County courtroom alongside the alleged victim, prompting defense counsel to demand a mistrial. Judge Jason Rossell (D) expressed concern about the circumstances, dismissed the jury for the remainder of the day, and announced that he would carefully consider whether the incident warranted terminating the trial. Dillon faces four felony charges, including repeated sexual assault of a child and incest, with the most serious charge carrying a maximum of 40 years of initial confinement. The controversy erupted at approximately 1:35 p.m., just as jurors and attorneys returned from their lunch break. Earlier that

Former Kenosha County Deputy Ryan Romano Dies At 45; Police Investigating Possible Overdose

KENOSHA, Wis. — Ryan Joseph Romano, 45, of Kenosha, a former Kenosha County sheriff’s deputy, died Friday morning, October 30. Kenosha Police say the death investigation has signs of a drug overdose, but the cause of death remains undetermined pending the medical examiner’s findings. Romano leaves behind an adult son and a daughter nearing adulthood, both living in Florida. He also leaves many other family members and friends mourning his loss. Before addiction took hold, Romano was well liked by fellow sheriff’s deputies and officers with the Kenosha Police Department. His battle with addiction began after he suffered a serious injury while using a machete to help the Kenosha Drug Operation Group cut down a marijuana field. Romano was prescribed painkillers following the injury. His addiction became progressively worse, and

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New Revelations Raise Questions About Transparency At All Saints Catholic School Amid Embezzlement Investigation; KCE Hears From Archdiocese

Rania Fleifel Khoury, 48, of Sturtevant(Facebook.com) KENOSHA, Wis. — New information obtained by Kenosha County Eye is raising serious questions about transparency and financial oversight at All Saints Catholic School amid an ongoing Kenosha Police Department investigation involving Rania Fleifel Khoury, 48, of Sturtevant. Khoury, who was employed by Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church and provided contracted business management services to All Saints, is being investigated over allegations that she embezzled a substantial amount of money, potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars. Newly obtained school communications reveal that Principal Kelly Neu informed parents Khoury had been on leave for three weeks before announcing her departure, without mentioning the financial misconduct allegations. Meanwhile, KCE has received an official response from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and discovered that some individuals

Mistrial Looms In Child Sexual Assault Case After Guardians Of The Children Escort Alleged Victim Into Courtroom; Judge Sends Jury Home

KENOSHA, Wis. — A dramatic development Tuesday afternoon threatened to derail the child sexual assault trial of Micah Jonathan Dillon, 19, of Salem, Wisconsin, after several members of the Guardians of the Children motorcycle organization entered a Kenosha County courtroom alongside the alleged victim, prompting defense counsel to demand a mistrial. Judge Jason Rossell (D) expressed concern about the circumstances, dismissed the jury for the remainder of the day, and announced that he would carefully consider whether the incident warranted terminating the trial. Dillon faces four felony charges, including repeated sexual assault of a child and incest, with the most serious charge carrying a maximum of 40 years of initial confinement. The controversy erupted at approximately 1:35 p.m., just as jurors and attorneys returned from their lunch break. Earlier that

Former Kenosha County Deputy Ryan Romano Dies At 45; Police Investigating Possible Overdose

KENOSHA, Wis. — Ryan Joseph Romano, 45, of Kenosha, a former Kenosha County sheriff’s deputy, died Friday morning, October 30. Kenosha Police say the death investigation has signs of a drug overdose, but the cause of death remains undetermined pending the medical examiner’s findings. Romano leaves behind an adult son and a daughter nearing adulthood, both living in Florida. He also leaves many other family members and friends mourning his loss. Before addiction took hold, Romano was well liked by fellow sheriff’s deputies and officers with the Kenosha Police Department. His battle with addiction began after he suffered a serious injury while using a machete to help the Kenosha Drug Operation Group cut down a marijuana field. Romano was prescribed painkillers following the injury. His addiction became progressively worse, and

Kenosha’s 34-Foot, 5,500-Pound Christmas Tree Arrives Downtown Ahead Of Annual Lightin’ Up Celebration

KENOSHA, Wis. — Christmas came a little early to downtown Kenosha Tuesday as the city’s official 2026 Christmas tree made its way to Veterans Memorial Park. The massive 34-foot Colorado blue spruce, weighing approximately 5,500 pounds, was donated by Kenosha Bible Church and transported across the city with a police escort before being carefully positioned in its new home along the downtown lakefront. The tree, donated by Kenosha Bible Church at 5405 67th St., will serve as the centerpiece of the city’s annual Lightin’ Up celebration on Friday, November 27. Thousands of Christmas lights will soon adorn the towering spruce as Kenosha prepares to officially welcome the holiday season. Getting the enormous tree from its original location to downtown Kenosha was no small undertaking. Crews from the City of Kenosha

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Kenosha Man, 18, Accused Of Stabbing Girlfriend In Head With Butcher Knife, Strangling Her Up To 10 Times During Hours-Long Domestic Abuse Attack: Five Felony Charges Filed

Anthony R. Garcia, 18, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — An 18-year-old Kenosha man is facing five felony charges after prosecutors say he subjected his girlfriend to a terrifying, hours-long attack inside her Kenosha apartment, repeatedly strangling her, slamming her head against walls and floors, threatening to kill her, and ultimately stabbing her in the head with a large kitchen knife. Anthony R. Garcia, 18, of Kenosha, was criminally charged Tuesday, November 3, with first-degree reckless injury with a dangerous weapon, felony intimidation of a victim, false imprisonment, strangulation and suffocation, and substantial battery, all with domestic abuse modifiers. He is also charged with two misdemeanors. Garcia is scheduled to make his initial appearance before Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum on Wednesday, November 4,

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Racine Man Already Out On Bail For Armed Robbery Charged With Three New Felonies After Deputies Find Stolen, Loaded Glock With Modified Trigger

Steven Devon Miller, 20, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — A 20-year-old Racine man already out on bail for an armed robbery charge is facing three new felonies after Kenosha County Sheriff’s deputies allegedly discovered a stolen, loaded handgun with a suspected forced reset trigger during a traffic stop Tuesday. Steven Devon Miller, 20, of Racine, appeared before Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, where Kellum set $3,500 cash bail. Miller is charged with concealing a stolen firearm, two counts of felony bail jumping, and carrying a concealed weapon, all with repeat offender enhancements. Steven Devon Miller, 20, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Kenosha Mother Accused Of Beating Minor Son With Metal Baking Pans, Denting One From Force Of Blows — Commissioner Kellum Releases Her On No-Cash Bail

Elba Milagros Madriz, 41, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 41-year-old Kenosha woman accused of repeatedly striking her minor son with metal baking pans, including blows powerful enough to dent one of the pans, was released Tuesday on no-cash bail by Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum. Elba Milagros Madriz, 41, of Kenosha, was charged Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with felony physical abuse of a child and misdemeanor disorderly conduct. Despite allegations that several frightened children witnessed the violent confrontation and that her son called 911 because he feared for his safety and the safety of his siblings, Kellum allowed Madriz to be released without posting a single dollar in cash. Elba Milagros Madriz, 41, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged

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Kenosha Man Accused Of Brutal Group Beating, Robbery Arrested More Than Two Years Later — Commissioner Sets Only $2,500 Cash Bail

Amare Lavant Burks, 21, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Amare Lavant Burks, 21, of Kenosha, appeared in court Tuesday, November 3, 2026, more than two years after being charged with two felonies stemming from a violent group beating and robbery in June 2024. Burks, who is charged with substantial battery and robbery with use of force, appeared before Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum, who set only $2,500 cash bail despite a $15,000 arrest warrant having been issued in July 2024. Burks faces up to 11 years of initial confinement if convicted of both felonies. Amare Lavant Burks, 21, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Prosecutors Refile Third OWI Charge Against Genoa City Man Who Threatened To Sue Kenosha County Eye Over Original Story — Blood Test Reveals .233 BAC

Michael Shawn Guilfoil, 64, of Genoa City(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) RANDALL, Wis. — Michael Shawn Guilfoil, 64, of Genoa City, is once again facing criminal drunk driving charges after Kenosha County prosecutors refiled a third-offense OWI charge against him Monday, November 2, 2026. The new charge comes less than two weeks after his previous criminal case was dismissed and just eight days after Guilfoil called Kenosha County Eye, demanding that an article about his original felony OWI charge be removed and threatening a defamation lawsuit. The newly filed criminal complaint reveals that Guilfoil’s blood-alcohol concentration was 0.233, nearly three times Wisconsin’s standard legal limit of 0.08. Michael Shawn Guilfoil, 64, of Genoa City(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Kenosha Man Charged With OWI 3rd After Police Find SUV Nearly Colliding With Parked Vehicle

Eric Colon, 50, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 50-year-old Kenosha man with two previous drunk driving convictions was criminally charged Tuesday with his third OWI after Kenosha Police allegedly found him behind the wheel of a disabled SUV, showing significant signs of intoxication and refusing multiple requests to perform field sobriety tests. Eric Colon, 50, of Kenosha, faces up to one year in the county jail if convicted. His initial appearance is scheduled for Thursday, November 5, before Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum. Eric Colon, 50, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Liberal Kenosha Alderman Anthony Kennedy Gets Restraining Order Against Sexual-Misconduct Accuser; Attorney Questions Filing

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha Alderman Anthony Kennedy (D), 59, of Kenosha, has obtained a temporary harassment restraining order against Whitney Cabal after she publicly accused him of seeking sexual favors in connection with financial assistance. Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum signed the order, which follows a petition alleging that Cabal accused Kennedy of soliciting prostitution, called him a sexual predator, and threatened his two adult daughters. The case is a significant development following KCE’s reporting on Cabal’s allegations and the text-message screenshots she published online. A civil attorney consulted by KCE questioned whether the limited allegations in the reviewed documents justified issuing the temporary order, while acknowledging that additional material could exist elsewhere in the record. Kennedy filed the case under the name “Anthony Kennedy vs.

Carthage Keeps Advisor Accused Of Touching 15-Year-Old’s Upper Chest, Abdomen And Lower Back — Permanently Barred From Applying For Another Wisconsin Educator License

KENOSHA, Wis. — According to DPI records just obtained by Kenosha County Eye, Carthage College advisor Conner David Olsen was accused of touching a 15-year-old female student’s upper chest, abdomen and lower back. The records reveal that Olsen agreed never to apply for or seek reinstatement of any DPI license or permit after the agency determined his conduct constituted “immoral conduct.” Carthage continues to list him in a position advising students. The revelations come as Carthage parents express anger that Olsen remains employed in a role working directly with students. Olsen, who resigned from Westosha Central High School in lieu of termination in April 2025, denies wrongdoing, and his surrender agreement expressly states that it does not constitute an admission. Kenosha County Eye reported Olsen’s license surrender on June 6,

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19-Year-Old Kenosha Man Charged With Attempted Murder Of His Own Brother Near 50th And Sheridan — $500,000 Cash Bail Set

Kemarion Orthello Rucker, 19, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 19-year-old Kenosha man accused of shooting his own brother multiple times following an argument inside an SUV was formally charged Monday, November 2, 2026, with attempted first-degree intentional homicide and two additional crimes. Kemarion Orthello Rucker, 19, of Kenosha, appeared before Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum, who set $500,000 cash bail. Prosecutors allege Rucker shot his twin brother, Kevario Rucker, after threatening to shoot him in the head, leaving the victim with devastating injuries that required multiple surgeries, removal of a kidney and a colostomy bag. Kemarion Orthello Rucker, 19, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Kenosha Mother Accused Of Dragging, Beating 10-Year-Old Daughter, Forcing Her To Walk Up To 1,000 Flights Of Stairs As Punishment — “Catch & Release” Kellum Sets No-Cash Bail

Vanessa Marie Torres, 28, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 28-year-old Kenosha woman accused of beating her 10-year-old daughter, dragging her across the floor by her arms and legs, and subjecting her to extreme punishments was released on no-cash bail Monday, November 2, 2026, by Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum. Vanessa Marie Torres, 28, of Kenosha, faces a felony child abuse charge after police reviewed disturbing home surveillance footage that allegedly captured portions of the assault. The bail decision raises serious questions about how even grotesque allegations of physical abuse against children apparently do not warrant a cash bond in Kellum’s courtroom. Vanessa Marie Torres, 28, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Kenosha County Man Charged With 10 Felonies Involving Child Pornography, Bestiality Videos — $150,000 Cash Bail Set

Dustin Charles Benning, 31, of Sturtevant(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Dustin Charles Benning, 31, of Sturtevant, is facing 10 felony charges after investigators allegedly linked him to an online account used to distribute disturbing videos involving sexual contact between humans and animals, including videos depicting young girls. Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum set Benning’s cash bail at $150,000 Monday afternoon, November 2, 2026. Benning, a convicted felon, is charged with two counts of possession of child pornography and eight counts of distributing, selling, or publishing obscene material depicting sexual contact with animals. All 10 charges carry repeat-offender enhancers. Dustin Charles Benning, 31, of Sturtevant(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Convicted Child Sex Offender Faces Two Felonies After Loaded, Stolen Glock Found; Kellum Sets Only $3,000 Cash Bail

Dequan L. Hicks-Urquhart, 37, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Dequan L. Hicks-Urquhart, 37, of Kenosha, is accused of carrying a loaded, stolen Glock despite a prior felony conviction for sexually assaulting a child. Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum set his cash bail at only $3,000 Monday. Dequan L. Hicks-Urquhart, 37, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Man Already On Felony Bail Charged With Threatening To Shoot Two Officers; Kellum Sets Only $2,500 Cash Bail

Eric Freeman, 61, of Mount Pleasant(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Eric Freeman, 61, of Mount Pleasant, is accused of threatening to shoot two Pleasant Prairie police officers while already out on bail in a felony battery case. Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum set his cash bail at only $2,500 Monday. Eric Freeman, 61, of Mount Pleasant(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Kenosha Catholic Church And School Business Manager Fired Amid Police Embezzlement Investigation: Hundreds Of Thousands Potentially Missing, Criminal Charges Expected

Rania Fleifel Khoury, 48, of Sturtevant(Facebook.com) KENOSHA, Wis. — Rania Fleifel Khoury, 48, of Sturtevant, has been fired from her positions at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church and All Saints Catholic School in Kenosha amid an active police investigation into allegations that she embezzled a significant amount of money, potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars. Kenosha County Eye has confirmed the existence of the investigation, and sources familiar with the matter say criminal charges are expected. Khoury has reportedly retained an attorney and declined to speak with police investigators. No criminal charges have been confirmed as of publication. Rania Fleifel Khoury, 48, of Sturtevant(Facebook.com) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Mahone Foundation Listed As Delinquent By State, No Annual Reports On File; IRS Tax-Exempt Status Unclear As United Way Oversees Donations

KENOSHA, Wis. — The Mary Lou and Arthur F. Mahone Foundation, chaired by prominent Kenosha businessman Timothy Todd Mahone, 63, is listed as delinquent by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), with no annual reports on file, according to state records reviewed Monday by Kenosha County Eye. The foundation, which raises money through charitable donations, scholarships, fundraising galas and community events, also does not appear to have independently recognized federal tax-exempt status, although it operates under a fiscal sponsorship arrangement with United Way of Kenosha County. The findings come just days after Kenosha County Eye published an investigative report detailing Mahone’s second arrest on suspicion of operating while intoxicated, his repeated references to his charitable foundation and the mayor’s office during the police encounter, and Kenosha Alderman Anthony Kennedy’s

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Liberal Judge Approves Generous Plea Deal For Kenosha Man Accused Of Holding Gun Five Inches From Ex-Girlfriend’s Head, Threatening To Kill Her — Felonies Dismissed

Joseph T. Leese-Schulte, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Joseph T. Leese-Schulte, 24, of Kenosha, received two years of probation and six months of work release from Liberal Judge Jason Rossell (D) on October 27, 2026, after pleading guilty to two domestic abuse misdemeanors. Leese-Schulte was originally charged with two felonies after prosecutors alleged he held a handgun approximately five inches from his ex-girlfriend’s forehead and threatened her life near the Kenosha Yacht Club in July 2025. The generous plea deal, which resulted in both felony charges being dismissed, was approved by Rossell following a prosecution handled by Assistant District Attorney Thomas Benno. Joseph T. Leese-Schulte, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Racine Woman With Multiple Prior Theft Convictions Sentenced To 90 Days Of Work Release For Felony Theft Of Nearly $1,000 In Cameras From Pleasant Prairie Target

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A 37-year-old Racine woman with multiple prior theft convictions was sentenced to 90 days in jail with work release privileges after stealing nearly $1,000 worth of cameras and camera equipment from the Pleasant Prairie Target store. Breanne M. Hart, 37, of Racine, was sentenced October 21, 2026, by Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Jodi Meier (D) after pleading guilty to felony retail theft. The judge also imposed a $2,000 fine plus court costs and specifically prohibited electronic monitoring, meaning Hart could not serve her sentence on house arrest. Breanne M. Hart Breanne M. Hart You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Mayor Bogdala Appointed A Used Car Salesman To Kenosha’s Most Powerful Commission. What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

Giacomino Ruffolo, 48, of Kenosha(LinkedIn) KENOSHA, Wis. — Used car salesmen have long battled an unfavorable reputation in America. While plenty of honest, hardworking people make their living selling automobiles, the stereotype of the dishonest used car salesman has endured for generations. That makes Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala’s decision to appoint is close friend Giacomino Ruffolo, a used car salesman, to the city’s powerful Police and Fire Commission particularly noteworthy. The commission is arguably the most important appointed body in city government, wielding extraordinary authority over who gets hired, promoted, disciplined, and fired within the Kenosha Police and Fire Departments. With the city preparing to select its next police chief, Ruffolo will help make a decision that could shape the department for decades. You must be logged in to view

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Bradford Teacher Admits KUSD Administrators Directed Teachers To Publicly Support Failed $115 Million Referendum — District Now Pursuing Another Tax Hike

Bradford High School teacher Jennifer Sepanski (D), 52, of Kenosha KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County Eye has learned that Bradford High School teacher Jennifer Sepanski (D) admitted that KUSD administrators directed teachers to publicly support the district’s failed $115 million referendum. In private Facebook messages to a local hate blogger, Sepanski also revealed that administrators authorized the use of a school building for referendum campaign photographs. The disclosure comes as KUSD explores another referendum for April 2027, despite voters rejecting its previous request. Sepanski was previously the subject of Kenosha County Eye reporting concerning her apparent support of now-fired basketball coach Montenia “Monte” Nelson, who was investigated for alleged grooming-like behavior involving female students. Sepanski Advocating In School For $115,000,000 Referendum As Requested by KUSD Administration You must be logged

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Serious Early-Morning Kenosha Crash Damages Home, Destroys Sections Of Fence And Knocks Down Streetlight; Major Crash Accident Team Called To Investigate

Home at Corner of 22nd Ave and 22nd St(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A serious motor vehicle crash early Saturday morning, October 31, 2026, near the intersection of 22nd Avenue and 22nd Street in Kenosha caused significant property damage and prompted a response from the Kenosha Police Department’s Major Crash Accident Team (MCAT). Emergency radio traffic indicated that at least one person was injured, while a visit to the scene later Saturday revealed extensive damage to a nearby residence and surrounding property. Home at Corner of 22nd Ave and 22nd St(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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