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Zoerner Wins Closely Watched Sheriff’s Primary With Less Than 50% Of Vote

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County Sheriff David Zoerner won a closely watched three-way Republican primary Tuesday night, defeating Captains Tony Gonzalez and James Beller and securing the Republican nomination for another term as sheriff. Zoerner won the race fair and square, receiving more votes than either of his challengers. But the results came with an interesting distinction: the incumbent sheriff failed to capture a majority of the Republican vote. Zoerner received 7,045 votes, or 49.77%, according to unofficial election results. Gonzalez finished second with 4,409 votes, or 31.15%, while Beller received 2,692 votes, or 19.02%. Eight write-in votes accounted for the remainder. Combined, Gonzalez and Beller received 7,101 votes — 56 more than Zoerner. In other words, slightly more than half of the Republican voters who cast a ballot in

New Prosecutor Falls To 0-2 In Jury Trials After Kenosha Man Acquitted Of Felony Battery

Kenosha County Eye previously reported on the initial allegations and charging in this case, which ultimately resulted in a full acquittal. As a reminder, Kenosha County Eye does not have the time or resources to independently monitor the final disposition of every criminal case we report on. However, KCE will always update a case when someone who was charged contacts us and brings the disposition to our attention. KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha County jury acquitted Raymond J. Reitnauer of felony substantial battery last week, rejecting a prosecution that began with allegations of a brutal beating but unraveled as the complaining witness gave widely differing accounts and significant credibility issues emerged at trial. The verdict was also another courtroom victory for defense attorney Michael Cicchini, a long-time Kenosha criminal defense attorney.

Kenosha Woman Acquitted of Felony Child Abuse After Nearly 2½-Year Case; Questions Raised Over Decision to Take Case to Trial

KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha County jury acquitted Kiana D. Booker, 33, of Kenosha, of felony child abuse last month, ending a prosecution that began in February 2024 and lasted nearly two and a half years. The case also marked what multiple sources told Kenosha County Eye was Assistant District Attorney Morgan Millar’s first jury trial. The jury found Booker not guilty on July 21, and a judgment of acquittal was entered the following day. Booker had been charged with intentionally causing bodily harm to a child, a Class H felony carrying a maximum possible penalty of six years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The criminal complaint accused Booker of repeatedly striking her daughter with a belt after an argument over the girl wearing mascara and lying about it.

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Steil Campaign Blasts ‘Radical Activist’ Mitchell Berman After Democrat Primary Victory

KENOSHA, Wis. — U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil’s campaign wasted little time going on the offensive Tuesday night after Mitchell Berman won the Democrat primary in Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District, setting up a November showdown with the Republican incumbent. Berman, a registered nurse and political newcomer, prevailed in the Democrat primary Tuesday. He will now face Steil, who has represented the southeastern Wisconsin district since 2019. The Associated Press called the primary for Berman at 9:02 p.m. Tuesday. “Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District primary election results make clear that radical activists have taken control of the Wisconsin Democrat Party,” a Steil campaign spokesman said. “While Berman spends his time focused on policies that drive up costs for working families and suing local school boards, Congressman Steil remains focused on the issues that

New Prosecutor Falls To 0-2 In Jury Trials After Kenosha Man Acquitted Of Felony Battery

Kenosha County Eye previously reported on the initial allegations and charging in this case, which ultimately resulted in a full acquittal. As a reminder, Kenosha County Eye does not have the time or resources to independently monitor the final disposition of every criminal case we report on. However, KCE will always update a case when someone who was charged contacts us and brings the disposition to our attention. KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha County jury acquitted Raymond J. Reitnauer of felony substantial battery last week, rejecting a prosecution that began with allegations of a brutal beating but unraveled as the complaining witness gave widely differing accounts and significant credibility issues emerged at trial. The verdict was also another courtroom victory for defense attorney Michael Cicchini, a long-time Kenosha criminal defense attorney.

Kenosha Woman Acquitted of Felony Child Abuse After Nearly 2½-Year Case; Questions Raised Over Decision to Take Case to Trial

KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha County jury acquitted Kiana D. Booker, 33, of Kenosha, of felony child abuse last month, ending a prosecution that began in February 2024 and lasted nearly two and a half years. The case also marked what multiple sources told Kenosha County Eye was Assistant District Attorney Morgan Millar’s first jury trial. The jury found Booker not guilty on July 21, and a judgment of acquittal was entered the following day. Booker had been charged with intentionally causing bodily harm to a child, a Class H felony carrying a maximum possible penalty of six years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The criminal complaint accused Booker of repeatedly striking her daughter with a belt after an argument over the girl wearing mascara and lying about it.

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“I Truly Murdered That Man”: Bristol Woman Charged With Homicide After Allegedly Driving High, Causing Fatal Kenosha Crash

Natalie Faith Benante, 21, of Bristol(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 21-year-old Bristol woman accused of causing a deadly high-speed crash while under the influence of marijuana allegedly told police, “I truly murdered that man,” shortly after the collision, according to a criminal complaint filed Tuesday. Natalie Faith Benante, 21, of Bristol(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Kenosha Woman Facing 7 Years, 9 Months Behind Bars After Allegedly Choking Caregiver Gets No-Cash Bail

Rolexsea N. Curtis, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 25-year-old Kenosha woman accused of knocking her live-in caregiver to the floor, punching him in the chest and choking him until he had difficulty breathing was released Tuesday on no-cash bail by Court Commissioner Daniel E. Kellum. Rolexsea N. Curtis faces a felony and three misdemeanors carrying a combined maximum exposure of 7 years and 9 months behind bars. Rolexsea N. Curtis, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Kenosha Woman Facing Felony After Allegedly Pummeling Woman In Face, Ripping Out Hair And Taking Phone To Stop 911 Call

Angelena Marie Savaglio, 35, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 35-year-old Kenosha woman is facing a felony after police say she attacked another woman outside a Kenosha home, repeatedly punched her in the face, pulled out a large amount of her hair and took away her phone when she tried to call 911. Angelena Marie Savaglio, 35, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Two Racine Men Facing Felony Drug Charges After Somers Traffic Stop; One Was Already On Cash Bail In Three Felony Cases

Hubert Henry Johnson, 55, and Michael Jermaine Simpson, 53, Both of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — Two Racine men are facing felony drug charges after Kenosha County Sheriff’s deputies allegedly found marijuana, cocaine, oxycodone pills and crack cocaine during a traffic stop in Somers Friday night. One of the men was already out on cash bail in three separate felony cases when he was arrested. Hubert Henry Johnson Jermaine Simpson You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Kenosha Woman Accused Of Concealing Drug Pipe In Her Vagina After Probation Hold

Edna I. Rivera, 46, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 46-year-old Kenosha woman with a lengthy criminal history is facing a new criminal charge after authorities say a body scanner at the Kenosha County Jail revealed she had concealed a glass drug pipe and silicone container in her vagina. Edna I. Rivera, 46, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Sandy Wiedmeyer Is the Conservative Choice for the 11th Senate District: Opinion

Republican voters in Wisconsin’s 11th Senate District have three names on the ballot Tuesday. In reality, however, this race has long been viewed as a contest between two candidates: Sandy Wiedmeyer and former State Rep. Ellen Schutt. While Nick Polce has sought office multiple times, he has not built the organization or campaign necessary to be widely viewed as a serious contender in this race. For conservatives, the choice is clear: Sandy Wiedmeyer. This race represents more than a choice between two Republicans. It is a choice between the grassroots and the political establishment. Ellen Schutt’s path to politics is the traditional one. She studied political science at UW-Madison, worked as a legislative staffer, and then won election to the Wisconsin State Assembly. Politics has been her profession. Wiedmeyer’s path

Burglars Steal More Than $200,000 in Merchandise From Twin Lakes Collectibles Store; Police Seek Public’s Help

TWIN LAKES, Wis. — A bold overnight burglary at a popular Twin Lakes collectibles store resulted in more than $200,000 worth of merchandise being stolen early Monday morning, prompting an active investigation by the Twin Lakes Police Department as detectives search for those responsible. According to a media release issued Monday, officers were dispatched to Goldenrod City Collectibles, 120 S. Lake Ave., at approximately 2 a.m. after receiving a report of a burglary. When officers arrived, they discovered that a significant amount of merchandise had been stolen from the business. Police estimate the value of the stolen property exceeds $200,000. Investigators have not disclosed exactly how the suspects gained entry into the business or what specific items were taken, saying only that the investigation remains active and that additional investigative

Kenosha To Mark 25th Anniversary Of Sept. 11 Terrorist Attacks With Community Remembrance Ceremony

KENOSHA, Wis. — The City of Kenosha, Kenosha County and the Knights of Columbus Council 973 will host a community remembrance ceremony next month marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the Sesquicentennial Bandshell in Pennoyer Park, located at Seventh Avenue and 35th Street. This year marks a quarter century since the terrorist attacks that killed 2,977 people and forever changed the nation. The Kenosha ceremony will honor those who died, recognize the courage and sacrifice of first responders and military personnel, and remember those who later died or continue to suffer from illnesses linked to the aftermath of the attacks. “As we mark the 25th anniversary, we invite residents to come together in remembrance,

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Kenosha Man Who Fired Multiple Shots During Domestic Disturbance Held on Only $2,500 Cash Bail

Kenneth S. Ford, 21, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) UPDATE Aug. 11, 2026, 2:10 p.m.: Daquantae T. Sawyer, the other man involved in the Aug. 8 incident, has now also been charged. KENOSHA, Wis. — A 21-year-old Kenosha man accused of firing multiple rounds from a handgun during a domestic disturbance in a residential neighborhood was ordered held on only $2,500 cash bail Monday by Court Commissioner Daniel E. Kellum. Kenneth S. Ford, of Kenosha, is charged with second-degree recklessly endangering safety while using a dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct while using a dangerous weapon, both with domestic abuse enhancers. Kenneth S. Ford, 21, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) Daquantae T. Sawyer, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Man Responsible for Homecoming Horror Sentenced to Only Five Years in Prison, Will Likely Serve Three

Gil O. Melendez, 40, of Waukegan, Ill(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Gil O. Melendez, 40, was sentenced Tuesday by Liberal Activist Judge Jodi L. Meier (D) to a total of five years of initial confinement in state prison after leading Pleasant Prairie police on a high-speed chase that ended in a violent crash involving a vehicle carrying Tremper High School students on their way to homecoming photos. Although Meier imposed consecutive prison sentences totaling five years, she also made Melendez eligible for the Department of Corrections’ Substance Abuse Program, meaning he will likely serve about three years in prison if he is accepted into and successfully completes the program. Gil Melendez Gil Melendez Crash Caused by Melendez Liberal Activist Judge Jodi Meier (D)(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha

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Felony Fourth-Offense OWI Defendant Released on No-Cash Bail; Latest Decision Fuels Questions About New Court Commissioner’s Approach

Jason Lowell Reidel, 50, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 50-year-old Kenosha man charged Monday with felony fourth-offense operating while intoxicated was released on no-cash bail by Court Commissioner Daniel E. Kellum, a decision that is likely to intensify criticism over how repeat drunk-driving offenders are being treated in Kenosha County. It’s now becoming more apparent the Kellum is a liberal activist. Jason Lowell Reidel, 50, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) Daniel E. Kellum (D) – Kenosha County Circuit Court Commissioner You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Judge Gives Work Release, Two-Week Delay to Woman Convicted of Drunk Driving With Three-Yer-Old in Vehicle

Khadijah M. Barker, 28, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Racine woman convicted of operating while intoxicated with a child under the age of 16 in her vehicle was sentenced to just 20 days in jail, but will be allowed to serve the sentence on work release and was given more than two weeks before she had to report to jail. The sentence comes after Khadijah M. Barker, 28, pleaded guilty to the OWI charge, while a felony bail jumping charge was dismissed on the prosecutor’s motion. Khadijah M. Barker, 28, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Kenosha Man Accused of Strangling Pregnant Wife, Held on $2,500 Cash Bail

Jerome Jermaine Schultz, 29, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 29-year-old Kenosha man is facing felony and misdemeanor domestic abuse charges after prosecutors allege he strangled his pregnant wife into unconsciousness and repeatedly assaulted her during a violent incident at their home. Court Commissioner Daniel E. Kellum set $2,500 cash bail Monday during the defendant’s initial appearance and scheduled a preliminary hearing for Aug. 18. Jerome Jermaine Schultz, 29, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Kenosha Man Accused of Strangling Ex-Girlfriend, Smashing Nightstand Over Her Head; Commissioner Sets $5,000 Cash Bail

William C. Sanchez, 41, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing a felony strangulation charge after prosecutors allege he choked his former girlfriend until she could not breathe, lifted her off the ground by her neck, smashed a wooden nightstand over her head, and repeatedly punched and slapped her during a domestic violence incident. Supplemental Court Commissioner Daniel E. Kellum set $5,000 cash bail for William C. Sanchez, 41, of Kenosha, during his initial appearance Monday. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 18. William C. Sanchez, 41, of Kenosha(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 Fifth Felony Bail Jumping After Allegedly Driving While Revoked; Commissioner Sets $3,500 Cash Bail Amid Revolving Door of Low-Cash and No-Cash Releases

Kyle J. Perroni, 40, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man who prosecutors say has repeatedly violated court-ordered bond conditions is back in custody after allegedly driving while his license remained revoked for an OWI-related offense, resulting in five new felony bail jumping charges. Despite a lengthy history of bail jumping cases and prior releases on low-cash and no-cash bail, Supplemental Court Commissioner Daniel E. Kellum set $3,500 cash bail Monday. Kyle J. Perroni, 40, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Special Prosecutor Declines Charges After Domestic Incident Involving Kenosha DA Xavier Solis’ Former Partner

KENOSHA, Wis. — A special prosecutor has declined to file criminal charges against a woman arrested following a domestic disturbance involving Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis, concluding there was insufficient evidence to prove a crime beyond a reasonable doubt. The incident occurred on July 19, 2026, after Kenosha County Sheriff’s deputies responded to Solis’ residence at approximately 6:57 p.m. Because the incident involved the elected district attorney, the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office take over the criminal investigation to avoid any conflict of interest. The woman was arrested on suspicion of domestic abuse disorderly conduct, transported to the Walworth County Jail, and later released after posting a $150 bond. Kenosha County Eye did not initially report on the arrest because there was no

Wisconsin Radio Group Magnum Media Expands With WCOW Acquisition as Founder Dave Magnum Marks Hall of Fame Career

KENOSHA, Wis. — A Wisconsin family-owned broadcasting company with roots stretching back more than three decades is expanding again, as Magnum Media moves to acquire several western Wisconsin radio stations while its founder, longtime broadcaster Dave Magnum, celebrates his recent induction into the Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Magnum Communications, Inc., part of the larger Magnum Media group, reached an agreement with Sparta-Tomah Broadcasting Co., Inc. to acquire WCOW-FM in Sparta, WKLJ-AM in Sparta, FM translator W271CM and WFBZ-FM in Trempealeau. An application for the sale is expected to be filed with the Federal Communications Commission. The acquisition will add to an already substantial regional radio operation. Magnum Media consists of Magnum Communications, Inc., Magnum Radio, Inc. and Magnum Broadcasting, Inc., which currently operate six full-power AM stations, 14 full-power

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$75,000 Warrant Finally Served: Kenosha Man Accused of Second-Degree Sexual Assault Held on Cash Bail

Jamonte D. Wright, 20, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of second-degree sexual assault was ordered held Friday on a $75,000 cash bail after being arrested Thursday on an arrest warrant that had been outstanding since last month. Supplemental Court Commissioner Daniel E. Kellum continued the $75,000 cash bail during Jamonte D. Wright’s initial appearance after the warrant, originally issued by Judge David O. Hughes on July 20, was executed on Aug. 6. Wright is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 14. Jamonte D. Wright, 20, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Kenosha County Summer Youth Employment Program Wraps 18th Season with Mural Unveiling

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County’s Summer Youth Employment Program is concluding its 18th year after providing paid jobs, job training, and life-skills development to more than 130 at-risk young people throughout the community. The program culminated Thursday with the unveiling of two murals created by participants in its arts component. A county spokesperson joined participants, their families, and community partners at the unveiling ceremony. One mural will be displayed in the county’s new Human Services Building on 52nd Street, while the second will be installed at Hillcrest School. In addition to the arts program, participants worked at 20 public- and private-sector sites across Kenosha County, including two county parks. The program serves youth ages 14 to 21 who are referred by social workers, counselors, parents, and other community organizations. This

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Milwaukee Man in Ski Mask Accused of Stealing Jeep During Kenosha Nissan Test Drive, Held on $15,000 Cash Bail

George Caledo Kennedy, 30, of Milwaukee(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 30-year-old Milwaukee man who prosecutors say wore a ski mask to a Kenosha County car dealership before stealing a Jeep during a test drive was ordered held Friday on a $15,000 cash bail after appearing in Kenosha County Circuit Court on a warrant. Court Commissioner Daniel E. Kellum set the cash bail for George Caledo Kennedy, who is charged with operating a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent, criminal damage to property and two counts of felony bail jumping. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 14 at 10 a.m. George Caledo Kennedy, 30, of Milwaukee(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Kenosha County Clerk Warns Against Using Stickers on Write-In Ballots Ahead of Election

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County Clerk Regi Waligora is warning voters and write-in candidates not to use stickers on election ballots, saying the practice is not authorized under Wisconsin law and could disrupt ballot-counting equipment on Election Day. In a news release issued Friday, Waligora said Wisconsin law does not explicitly allow voters to place stickers on ballots. While state statutes contain a narrow exception allowing election officials to place stickers on ballots if a candidate dies after ballots have already been printed, that exception does not apply to write-in campaigns or candidates encouraging supporters to use pre-printed labels. The county clerk cited guidance from the Wisconsin Elections Commission’s Election Law and Administration in Wisconsin Manual, published in June 2026, which states that state law neither expressly permits nor prohibits

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