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Dear Republican Party Of Kenosha County — You Can’t Claim To Back The Blue While Ignoring About 98% Of Them: Opinion

Rumors are circulating that the Republican Party of Kenosha County may issue a pre-primary endorsement in the upcoming sheriff’s race — potentially backing the incumbent. If that happens, it would come at a time when confidence in the current leadership appears deeply fractured within local law enforcement. The Kenosha County Deputy Sheriff’s Association delivered a decisive message, with about 95% backing Captain Tony Gonzalez. Perhaps more striking, about 98% chose someone other than Sheriff David Zoerner. Meanwhile, Captain James Beller secured unanimous support from the Kenosha Professional Police Association board, representing an even larger force of sworn officers. Taken together, those endorsements paint a clear picture: both challengers have strong backing from their respective agencies, and both have emerged as the frontrunners in the race. And yet, the Republican Party

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Illinois Man Allegedly Leads 80 MPH Police Chase While High, Claims He Was Being Followed

Luke X. Bambenek, 29, of Elgin, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — An Illinois man accused of driving under the influence and leading police on a dangerous early-morning chase appeared in court Thursday, where Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II set a $10,000 cash bail despite a lower request from prosecutors. Luke X. Bambenek, 29, of Elgin, Illinois(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 Threatening To “Blow Deputy’s Head Off” After Domestic Incident, Drugs Found In Home

Bonifacio Ventura, 70, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing felony charges after authorities say a domestic disturbance escalated into a threat against a sheriff’s deputy during an early-morning response, according to a newly filed criminal complaint. Bonifacio Ventura, 70, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Drunken Hit-And-Run Nearly Kills Bicyclist; Judge Jodi Meier Sets $25K Bail Despite $200K Request, Father—KUSD Coach—Accused Of Cover-Up

Joseph A. Trifone, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Joseph A. Trifone, 25, of Kenosha, and his father, Joseph M. Trifone, 56, also of Kenosha, were both arrested April 20 and released April 22 after a drunken, near-fatal hit-and-run left a bicyclist with catastrophic injuries, with Judge Jodi Meier setting the son’s bail at $25,000 cash despite prosecutors requesting $200,000. Joseph A. Trifone Joseph M. Trifone You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Illinois Man Allegedly Leads 80 MPH Police Chase While High, Claims He Was Being Followed

Luke X. Bambenek, 29, of Elgin, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — An Illinois man accused of driving under the influence and leading police on a dangerous early-morning chase appeared in court Thursday, where Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II set a $10,000 cash bail despite a lower request from prosecutors. Luke X. Bambenek, 29, of Elgin, Illinois(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 Threatening To “Blow Deputy’s Head Off” After Domestic Incident, Drugs Found In Home

Bonifacio Ventura, 70, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing felony charges after authorities say a domestic disturbance escalated into a threat against a sheriff’s deputy during an early-morning response, according to a newly filed criminal complaint. Bonifacio Ventura, 70, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Crocs, Cop Injury, And A Short Chase: Kenosha Woman Accused Of Resisting Arrest After Family Blocks Police Tow

Kaniah L. Gardner, 18, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman is facing a felony charge after police say she tripped while running in Crocs and then resisted officers, ultimately leaving one officer injured during a chaotic scene tied to a short vehicle pursuit Thursday afternoon. Kaniah L. Gardner, 18, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Twin Lakes Man On The Run After Alleged Drunken, Near-Deadly Crash Captured On $30K Warrant, Faces More Than 90 Years In Prison

RANDALL, Wis. — A 19-year-old Twin Lakes man accused of drunkenly swerving a vehicle before causing a near-deadly rollover crash that seriously injured multiple passengers—and then fleeing the scene—was taken into custody Thursday afternoon after Court Commissioner William Michel II had already ordered a $30,000 cash bail following felony charges.

Meet The New Boss, Same As The Old Boss: Opinion

KENOSHA, Wis. — One of the most powerful figures in Kenosha County government is stepping down, and the person stepping in looks less like change and more like continuity. County Executive Samantha Kerkman has announced that longtime Human Services Director John Jansen will retire after 37 years with the county, including 18 years leading the department. In his place, Kerkman has appointed Rebecca Dutter, a longtime insider within the same agency, to take over on an interim basis pending County Board confirmation. John Jansen has been one of the most powerful bureaucrats in Kenosha County government for decades, controlling massive portions of taxpayer-funded services through Human Services. His retirement should have been a clear opportunity for a reset. Instead, it looks like more of the same. Kerkman spent more than

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Kenosha Man Accused Of Child Neglect After Baby Exposed To Fentanyl, Court Commissioner Sets $8,000 Cash Bail

Anthony J. Martinez, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of exposing a baby to fentanyl was ordered held on $8,000 cash bail Thursday by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II following his initial appearance. Anthony J. Martinez, 34, 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 Accused Of Leaving Infant Alone, Swinging Bat At Family Member Gets Break As ‘Bargain Bail Billy’ Slashes $10K Warrant To $1,000

Jada S. Tyler, 19, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman accused of leaving an infant unattended and later attacking a family member with a bat is back in custody after Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II dramatically reduced a previously issued arrest warrant, though she remains behind bars after failing to post bail. Jada S. Tyler, 19, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Felony Charge Filed Against Kenosha Woman After Suspended-License Crash Injures Grandfather, Children Near Somers Elementary

Amanda L. Frump, 35, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — A 35-year-old Kenosha woman who was already out on bond in multiple pending cases is now facing a felony charge after prosecutors say she caused a serious crash near Somers Elementary School while driving on a suspended license. Amanda L. Frump, 35, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Mom Accused Of Leaving 4-Year-Old In Hot Car At Uline Vanishes For Nearly 3 Years, Then Released On No-Cash Bail

Shayla D. Henderson, 42, of Little Rock, Arkansas(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II on Wednesday lowered a previously issued $1,500 arrest warrant to a no-cash bail and released Shayla D. Henderson, 42, of Little Rock, Arkansas, just one day after she was taken into custody for a felony child neglect case she had avoided for nearly three years. Shayla D. Henderson, 42, of Little Rock, Arkansas(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 Kicking In Door, Strangling Girlfriend, Ripping Out Weave During Violent Domestic Attack

Arthur L. Custard, 39, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of kicking in a door, strangling his girlfriend, and ripping out her weave during a violent domestic attack is being held on $7,500 cash bail after appearing before Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II, according to newly filed charges. Arthur L. Custard, 39, 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 Firing Gun During Dog Dispute, Threatening Neighbor With Firearm

Michael F. Rivecco, 56, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing multiple criminal charges after police say he fired a handgun during a neighborhood dispute involving a loose dog and then allegedly threatened a neighbor while armed. He is scheduled to appear April 29 at 1 p.m. before Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II for his initial appearance. Michael F. Rivecco, 56, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Wisconsin Marathon Returns To Downtown Kenosha Saturday, Bringing Road Closures And Thousands Of Runners

KENOSHA, Wis. — Thousands of runners are expected to flood downtown Kenosha this weekend as the Wisconsin Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K return Saturday morning, bringing widespread road closures and heavy foot traffic along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The races will begin near the Civil War Museum at the corner of Ring Road and Fisherman Drive, with an early start at 6:35 a.m. for marathon runners expecting longer finish times. All other participants will begin at 7 a.m., according to city officials. The marathon and half marathon routes will mirror last year’s courses, while the 5K will follow a newly updated route. All races will wind through downtown and along the lakefront, showcasing parks and beaches as runners move through the city. Organizers say pacers will be available to help

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KUSD Hired Staffer With Felony Drug Conviction And Prison Time, Fired Him For Lying Instead Of His Alleged Grooming Behavior

Jesse I. Franklin, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) Updated 4-22-2026 at 5:09 p.m. with Dr. Weiss’s comments KENOSHA, Wis. — A former Tremper High School staff member accused of making inappropriate comments to a student was ultimately fired by the Kenosha Unified School District—not for that conduct, but for lying on his job application, according to district officials, a decision that is drawing scrutiny from parents and raising broader questions about hiring practices and transparency. Jesse I. Franklin, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) Text Message You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Kenosha Man Charged With Possession Of Child Pornography After Cyber Tip, Police Seize Phone

Ronny Bryan Sanchez Pingos, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing a serious felony charge after an investigation tied to an online tip, but as of publication time Wednesday afternoon, it was unclear whether he had appeared in court or what bail, if any, had been set. Ronny Bryan Sanchez Pingos, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Burlington Man Accused of Meth, Bail Jumping, and Multi-Vehicle OWI Crash That Injured Four

Austin Riley Prinn, 28, of Burlington(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — A Burlington man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after authorities say he caused a violent multi-vehicle rollover crash while allegedly under the influence and in possession of methamphetamine, all while out on bond in two separate cases. Austin Riley Prinn, 28, of Burlington(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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135 MPH I-94 Chase, Lights Off, Gun In Car: Waukesha Man Held on $25K Cash Bail

Najee Deon Baham, 28, of Waukesha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) BRISTOL, Wis. — A Waukesha man is being held on a $25,000 cash bond after authorities say he led Wisconsin State Patrol on a high-speed chase reaching 135 mph on Interstate 94, drove with his headlights off at times, and had a passenger armed with a handgun inside the vehicle. Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II set the bail during an initial appearance Tuesday after prosecutors sought $50,000. Najee Deon Baham, 28, of Waukesha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Drunken Punch Leaves Man With Facial Fractures; Kenosha Man Charged With Felony Battery

Robert J. White, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of violently punching a friend during a late-night visit is now facing a felony charge after appearing before Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II, who set bail following arguments from both prosecutors and defense. Robert J. White, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Illinois Woman Accused of High-Speed Police Chase, Drug Possession After Twin Lakes Stop

Kenzey L. Cooke, 21, of Antioch, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) TWIN LAKES, Wis. — A 21-year-old Illinois woman is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after authorities say she fled from a traffic stop, sparked a late-night police search, and was later found hiding inside her apartment with drugs and paraphernalia. Kenzey L. Cooke, 21, of Antioch, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Illinois Man Accused Of $42,000 Rampage Through Kenosha Apartment Complex, Smashing Gates And Dog Park Fencing

Dustin Tyler Lewis, 32, of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 32-year-old Illinois man is facing a felony charge after prosecutors say he tore through a Kenosha apartment complex with his pickup truck, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance May 21 before Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II. Dustin Tyler Lewis, 32, of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Thanksgiving Fire Horror: Father Charged After Three Children Died in Kenosha Blaze, Complaint Alleges He Left Them in Burning Apartment, Faces 75 Years in Prison

Rylee Levi Kannin, 10, Joshua P. Kannin, 39, Connor Liam Kannin, 9 and Alena Ellen Kannin, 7 Graphic details below. KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha father whose three young children died in a horrific Thanksgiving night apartment fire last November has now been charged with three felony counts of neglecting a child causing death after investigators concluded he failed to protect the children and left them trapped inside the burning home. Joshua P. Kannin, 39, was charged Tuesday in Kenosha County Circuit Court in the deaths of Alena Ellen Kannin, 7, Connor Liam Kannin, 9, and Rylee Levi Kannin, 10. Each count carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, meaning Kannin faces up to 75 years in prison and $300,000 in fines if convicted

Nordigian Wins County Board Chairmanship After Tie Vote, Political Horse Trading Alleged

KENOSHA, Wis. — Supervisor Mark Nordigian was elected chairman of the Kenosha County Board Tuesday night after a dramatic and unusual vote that many insiders say was decided by behind-the-scenes political dealmaking. The night began with outgoing Chair Monica Yuhas officially leaving the board after eight years of service. Supervisors gave Yuhas a standing ovation as she concluded her tenure. Vice Chairman Daniel Gaschke initially presided over the meeting because Yuhas was no longer on the board, but Gaschke quickly recused himself from chairing the proceedings after telling supervisors, “I’m running for county board chair.” Gaschke’s candidacy ultimately fell short in one of the closest chairman races the County Board has seen in years. Supervisor John Morrissey, a liberal Democrat and current Kenosha city administrator, nominated Nordigian for chairman. Morrissey

Kenosha Aldermen Sworn In as New Common Council Begins Two-Year Term

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha’s aldermen officially took office Tuesday night during the Common Council’s organizational meeting, beginning a new two-year term for the city’s legislative body. The meeting featured the swearing-in of representatives from all 17 districts across the city following the recent spring election. Julia Metallo was the only truly new member of the council. Daniel Prozanski also joined the council this term, though he previously served as an alderman. The new council includes Eric Haugaard in District 1, Bill Siel in District 2, Jan Michalski in District 3, Rex Davenport in District 4, Rocco LaMacchia Sr. in District 5, Brandi Rose Ferree in District 6, Kelly MacKay in District 7, Peni Keeling in District 8, Keith Rosenberg in District 9, Anthony Kennedy in District 10, Rollin Pizzala in

Monica Yuhas Leaves County Board After Eight Years of Service

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Monica Yuhas will chair her final Kenosha County Board meeting Tuesday night, bringing an end to eight years on the board and the last two as its chairwoman. Before joining the County Board, Yuhas served as a trustee in the Village of Pleasant Prairie. Over the years, she became known as a steady and generally low-key presence in county government. To be honest, many readers have asked in the last couple of years why Kenosha County Eye has not covered the County Board as heavily as it once did. The answer is simple: there has not been much controversy. The board has been relatively uneventful in recent years, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. Yuhas helped lead the board through that quieter period, often

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