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Court Transcripts Show Makayla Rutka-Plaza Begged for Restraining Order Weeks Before Death; Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II Denied Request

KENOSHA, Wis. — Newly obtained court transcripts show Makayla Rutka-Plaza, 28, appeared before Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II less than two months before she was killed and begged for a restraining order against her estranged husband during what she described as a toxic and deteriorating divorce. Rutka-Plaza, who was later allegedly stabbed to death by Marckus Plaza inside the basement of their home while two of their young children watched, had asked Michel for a restraining order that would have lasted only through the remainder of the divorce proceedings. While harassment injunctions are often granted for as long as four years, Rutka-Plaza asked for only four months of protection so she could get through the divorce and figure out the next steps for her family. Instead, Michel

Conservatives Score Major Wins While Several Liberal Incumbents Survive in Kenosha County Spring Election

KENOSHA, Wis. — Conservatives scored several major victories in Kenosha County’s spring election Tuesday night, although a number of liberal incumbents were able to hold onto their seats in county board, city council and school board races. One of the closest county board races of the night came in District 3, where Riki Tagliapietra defeated Annette M. Flynn 616 votes to 584 in an open-seat contest. Tagliapietra, who previously used the name Richard W. Schneider Jr., has been associated with more progressive political views and is expected by critics to support left-leaning policies on the county board. In District 6, Dave Tarzon defeated Duane O’Keefe 576 votes to 391 in another open-seat race. O’Keefe, a Native American business owner, fell short despite mounting a competitive campaign. District 10 produced one

Gateway College Board President Defends Treasurer Despite State Findings of Falsified Records

KENOSHA, Wis. — Someone helping oversee a public college’s budget and making decisions involving millions of taxpayer dollars would presumably have a clean employment history. But what if one of those board members had previously been accused by the State of Wisconsin of falsifying travel reimbursement records for personal financial gain? What if that person was actually the treasurer of the board? That is the situation facing Gateway College, where Board Treasurer Nicole Oberlin, formerly known as Nicole Russo, continues to serve despite public records showing she resigned while facing termination from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services after an investigation into falsified travel reimbursement requests and other alleged misconduct. Records obtained by Kenosha County Eye from DHS show that Oberlin’s state employment ended in August 2019 after investigators concluded

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Somers Fire Referendum Crushed by Voters; Liberal Village President George Stoner (D) Erupts After 20-Point Loss

SOMERS, Wis. — Somers voters overwhelmingly rejected the village’s fire department referendum Tuesday night, dealing a major political loss to liberal Village President George Stoner (D), the Somers Fire Union and village officials who aggressively campaigned for the tax increase. Unofficial results show 1,417 voters opposed the referendum, while 920 supported it. The measure failed by roughly 20 percentage points. The referendum would have permanently increased the village’s property tax levy by $1.3 million to hire eight additional firefighter-paramedics. Village officials said the money was needed because the department responded to a record 1,778 calls in 2025 and experienced 728 overlapping calls for service. Officials also said current staffing only guarantees two ambulances can be staffed at one time. The proposal would have added about $115 annually in taxes for

Conservatives Score Major Wins While Several Liberal Incumbents Survive in Kenosha County Spring Election

KENOSHA, Wis. — Conservatives scored several major victories in Kenosha County’s spring election Tuesday night, although a number of liberal incumbents were able to hold onto their seats in county board, city council and school board races. One of the closest county board races of the night came in District 3, where Riki Tagliapietra defeated Annette M. Flynn 616 votes to 584 in an open-seat contest. Tagliapietra, who previously used the name Richard W. Schneider Jr., has been associated with more progressive political views and is expected by critics to support left-leaning policies on the county board. In District 6, Dave Tarzon defeated Duane O’Keefe 576 votes to 391 in another open-seat race. O’Keefe, a Native American business owner, fell short despite mounting a competitive campaign. District 10 produced one

Gateway College Board President Defends Treasurer Despite State Findings of Falsified Records

KENOSHA, Wis. — Someone helping oversee a public college’s budget and making decisions involving millions of taxpayer dollars would presumably have a clean employment history. But what if one of those board members had previously been accused by the State of Wisconsin of falsifying travel reimbursement records for personal financial gain? What if that person was actually the treasurer of the board? That is the situation facing Gateway College, where Board Treasurer Nicole Oberlin, formerly known as Nicole Russo, continues to serve despite public records showing she resigned while facing termination from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services after an investigation into falsified travel reimbursement requests and other alleged misconduct. Records obtained by Kenosha County Eye from DHS show that Oberlin’s state employment ended in August 2019 after investigators concluded

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Young Child Airlifted to Milwaukee After Reported Shooting in Kenosha

Kenosha Police(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye KENOSHA, Wis. — A young child, believed to be about 4 years old, was airlifted to a Milwaukee hospital Tuesday afternoon after being shot in the 4000 block of 28th Avenue, according to preliminary information. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Accused in 1977 Ralph Gianoli Killing Appears Frail in Initial Court Appearance as DA Xavier Solis Details Cold Case Evidence

James Terry Fowler, 68, of Memphis(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — James Terry Fowler, the Tennessee man accused of killing Ralph Ambose Gianoli nearly 49 years ago, appeared frail and in poor health during his first appearance in Kenosha County court Monday afternoon. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

More Than 150 First Responders, Public Workers Honored at Stella Hotel Brunch

KENOSHA, Wis. — More than 150 local first responders and public service workers were honored Tuesday during the third annual Service Members Brunch hosted by The Stella Hotel & Ballroom in downtown Kenosha. The event, held at The 1844 Table & Mash, brought together members of the Kenosha Police Department, Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, Kenosha Fire Department, Kenosha Public Works and other local service agencies for a complimentary brunch and a morning of appreciation. Among those attending were Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton and Assistant Fire Chief Scott Krueger. Many police officers and firefighters attended, along with public works employees, highway workers and other public servants from across the community. The annual event has become a growing tradition in Kenosha, focused on honoring the men and women who serve the

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Kenosha Man Accused of Sexual Assaulting Family Member Held on $60,000 Cash Bail

Michael L. Grady, 41, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of sexually assaulting and physically abusing a family member was ordered held on a $60,000 cash bail Tuesday after prosecutors said he violently attacked the victim inside their apartment. Michael L. Grady, 41, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Son of Elderly Kenosha Woman Accused of Strangling Her Gets $5,000 Cash Bail

Ryan J. Fontaine, 49, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Ryan J. Fontaine, 49, of Kenosha, was charged Tuesday with felony domestic violence allegations after police say he strangled and shoved his 75-year-old mother during an argument inside their home. Court Commissioner William Michel II set Fontaine’s cash bail at $5,000 during his initial appearance Tuesday. Fontaine is due back in court on April 14 for a preliminary hearing. Ryan J. Fontaine, 49, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Armed Kenosha Man Accused of Domestic Violence, Victim Intimidation Released on $1,500 Cash Bail

Malik C. Banks, 22, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Malik C. Banks, 22, of Kenosha, was charged Tuesday with felony intimidation of a victim and two domestic violence-related misdemeanor charges after police say he physically fought with the mother of his children over a cellphone while carrying a loaded handgun in his pocket. Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II set Banks’ bail at $1,500 cash during his initial appearance Tuesday. Malik C. Banks, 22, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Felony Domestic Violence Repeater Accused of Punching Ex-Girlfriend in Face; Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II Sets $650 Cash Bail

Richard J. Steffenhagen, 38, of Trevor(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SALEM LAKES, Wis. — Richard J. Steffenhagen, 38, of Trevor, is charged with felony domestic violence after prosecutors say he shoved and punched the mother of his child during an argument outside a Salem Lakes home Sunday evening. Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II set a $650 cash bail Tuesday, which Steffenhagen already posted, allowing him to be released from custody. Richard J. Steffenhagen, 38, of Trevor(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 114 MPH Chase Across State Line Gets $20,000 Cash Bail

Aman Rasaan Wolfe, 21, of Schaumburg, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Aman Rasaan Wolfe, 21, of Schaumburg, Illinois, was charged Tuesday after authorities say he led Wisconsin State Patrol troopers on a dangerous chase through Kenosha County at speeds up to 114 mph before crossing into Illinois. Aman Rasaan Wolfe, 21, of Schaumburg, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Woman Accused of Repeated Harassment, Restraining Order Violations Continues To Receive Lenient Treatment Despite Growing Safety Concerns

KENOSHA, Wis. — People closely involved in a long-running harassment case say they are increasingly frustrated with what they view as a lack of meaningful intervention from the court system, despite repeated allegations of restraining order violations, missed hearings, competency concerns, out-of-state criminal allegations and ongoing fears for public safety. Court records show Amy C. Poull, 37, has been involved in multiple criminal and civil cases in Kenosha County over the last two years, including harassment restraining orders, allegations of repeated unwanted contact and disputes involving her child and family members. In one Kenosha County criminal case filed in January 2025, Poull was charged with five misdemeanor counts of violating a temporary harassment restraining order. According to the criminal complaint, deputies were called to a Salem Lakes home after a

Cold Case Child Death Reclassified as Homicide After Mother Received Maximum Sentence in Separate Murder-for-Hire Case

Corrected on April 7 at 4:25 p.m. to reflect that Christina Torchia received the maximum sentence allowed by law for solicitation of murder. KENOSHA, Wis. — The 2022 death of 6-year-old Layla Stahl is now officially being treated as a homicide, nearly four years after the child was found dead inside her bedroom in the 600 block of 15th Place. The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday that investigators reopened the case earlier this year and developed new information that led authorities to seek a court order changing Layla’s manner of death from undetermined to homicide. Layla was found dead on April 20, 2022, after deputies and detectives responded to a report of an unresponsive child. At the time, authorities said there were no obvious signs of trauma or foul

Wiedmeyer to Host Fundraiser Featuring Axe Throwing, Barbecue in Bristol

BRISTOL, Wis. — State Senate District 11 candidate Sandy Wiedmeyer will host a fundraiser on April 20 at D’s Barn in Bristol. The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. and will include homemade barbecue, axe throwing, arcade games, pool tables, and a cash bar. Supporters, local leaders, and community members are expected to attend. Wiedmeyer said the campaign has focused on bringing people together and building momentum across the district. “This campaign has always been about people — bringing our community together, building relationships, and focusing on real results,” Wiedmeyer said. “This event is an opportunity to connect directly with supporters and continue building the momentum we’ve created across District 11.” The fundraiser will offer several ticket levels. General admission is $30 and includes a homemade barbecue meal, pool tables,

Young Child Believed to Be 3 Killed in Easter Tragedy on Russell Road in Pleasant Prairie

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A young child and his or her family need the community’s prayers after an apparent Easter tragedy in Pleasant Prairie left a child believed to be about 3 years old dead. The incident happened Sunday evening on Russell Road, also known as 128th Street, just west of Green Bay Road. Emergency crews were dispatched to the area for a vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash involving a child. Fire and rescue crews initially requested Flight for Life, but that request was later canceled after first responders arrived on scene. Police and rescue units remained in the area for an extended period. Authorities have not publicly released details about what happened, but the incident was investigated by the Kenosha County Major Crash Assistance Team, or MCAT. MCAT is a multi-agency team

Disgraced Former Deputy Sues Kenosha County Eye a Second Time, Claiming Accurate Reporting Is False

KENOSHA, Wis. — Former Kenosha County Sheriff’s Deputy and former Kenosha Police Officer Michael Angelo Rizzo has filed a second lawsuit against Kenosha County Eye and its publisher, Kevin Mathewson, asking a Kenosha County Circuit Court judge to declare that accurate reporting about Rizzo’s disciplinary history, criminal record, and law enforcement career is somehow false. The petition, which spans more than 300 pages and was drafted almost entirely by artificial intelligence, was filed March 30, 2026, in Case No. 2026CV000378, and has been assigned to Judge David Wilk. The same judge dismissed Rizzo’s first lawsuit against this publication last month. Rizzo disclosed his use of artificial intelligence in the pleadings themselves, filing what he called a Notice of AI Attestation with the court. Mathewson had a simple reaction to learning

Opinion: Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry Is Putting Kenosha County at Risk

KENOSHA, Wis. — Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry (D) was back on the bench Monday, and once again, serious criminal allegations were met with surprisingly low bail amounts and repeated no-cash release decisions that many residents believe put the public at risk. Even by Kenosha County standards, the pattern was striking. In one of the most serious cases of the day, a man accused of a drunken road-rage shooting — allegedly his third OWI offense — was given only a $2,500 cash bail after prosecutors asked for $20,000. According to the allegations, the man fired a handgun during the incident. Yet Henry apparently believed that $2,500 was enough to protect the public. In another case, a defendant accused in a serious drug case involving fentanyl was released on only

Drunk Racine Man Accused of Firing Handgun During Road Rage Incident Charged With Third-Offense OWI, Gets Only $2,500 Bail From “Half-Off” Henry

Allevon R. White, 39, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Racine man Allevon R. White, 39, was charged Monday after prosecutors say he drunkenly pointed a handgun at another driver during a road rage incident and fired a shot as the man sped away. White, who is also charged with third-offense OWI, was released on only a $2,500 cash bail by Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry despite prosecutors asking for $20,000 cash bail. He is due back in court on April 14 for a preliminary hearing. Allevon R. White, 39, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Driver Found Unresponsive in Chase Bank Drive-Thru With Up to $4,600 in Fentanyl and Drugs Gets $500 Bail

Brent A. Morrow, 40, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Brent A. Morrow, 40, of Kenosha, was charged Monday after Pleasant Prairie police allegedly found him unconscious behind the wheel of a running SUV blocking a Chase Bank drive-thru lane for about 30 minutes, with up to $4,600 worth of fentanyl, cocaine, pills and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. Despite prosecutors asking Court Commissioner Aileen Henry for a $5,000 cash bail, she instead ordered Morrow released on a $500 cash bail. Defense attorney concerns over Morrow’s competency also delayed the case, with a competency hearing now set for May 1. Brent A. Morrow, 40, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Woman Found Asleep in McDonald’s Drive-Thru Gets Work Release for Third OWI Conviction

Dawn L. Binninger, 61, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County Judge Jason A. Rossell sentenced Dawn L. Binninger, 61, of Kenosha, to 45 days of work release Thursday after she pleaded guilty to her third OWI offense stemming from an incident in which police found her asleep in a McDonald’s drive-thru lane. Dawn L. Binninger, 61, 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 Felony Child Abuse After Allegedly Throwing 15-Year-Old Boy by Neck Released on No-Cash Bail

Ryan Anton Bergles, 41, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Ryan Anton Bergles, 41, of Kenosha, was charged Monday with felony physical abuse of a child after authorities say he grabbed a 15-year-old boy by the neck and threw him onto a bed during a drunken argument inside a Kenosha home. Despite prosecutors asking for cash bail, Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry released Bergles on a no-cash bail and still allowed him to have contact with the alleged victim. Bergles is due back in court April 14 for a preliminary hearing. Ryan Anton Bergles, 41, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Racine County Eye Seeks Emergency Donations as Financial Questions Swirl

RACINE, Wis. — Racine County Eye, which has no affiliation whatsoever with Kenosha County Eye, is a Racine-based news blog founded in 2013 by Denise Lockwood (D) and appears to be facing significant financial pressure after sending an email to supporters warning that it needed to raise $5,000 within 72 hours and $20,000 by April 30. The email, sent March 29 by Lockwood, described the situation as an “emergency funding situation” and urged readers to donate immediately to keep the publication operating. “Urgent: we need to raise $5,000 in the next 72 hours,” the subject line read. The message did not explain what caused the financial emergency, whether the blog is facing declining traffic, subscriber losses, advertising problems, staffing costs, or another issue. Lockwood, who previously worked for the Kenosha

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Kenosha Woman Accused of Beating 9-Year-Old Daughter With Belt and Hanger

Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Destiny J. Smith, 32, of Kenosha, was charged Thursday with physically abusing her 9-year-old daughter by allegedly striking the girl with a belt until it broke and then continuing to hit her with a hanger, according to a newly filed felony criminal complaint. Smith was not arrested and instead was summonsed to appear in court on April 28 for her initial appearance. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Dream Playground Expected to Reopen Friday After Surface Repairs

KENOSHA, Wis. — The Kenosha Dream Playground is temporarily closed while city crews complete repairs to the playground’s surface. The City of Kenosha announced Monday that the playground, located at 2820 14th Ave., is expected to remain closed through the week. Work is anticipated to be completed Wednesday, April 8, with the playground scheduled to reopen Friday, April 10. According to the city, the repaired surface cannot be walked on until it has fully dried. Officials said repairs completed last week had been successful, but the work was damaged after individuals entered the fenced area before it was ready for use. The city is asking residents to stay out of the fenced-off area and allow the repairs to fully cure so the playground can safely reopen. City officials thanked the

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