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School Funding, the Budget Surplus, and Tax Cuts – Q&A With Rep. Nedweski

As we near the February 18th election, I reached out to State Representative Amanda Nedweski (R-Pleasant Prairie) to address some frequently asked questions about the KUSD operating referendum as it relates to state funding. Kenosha Unified is asking voters if they approve of a property tax that is higher than the state’s statutory levy limit by about $23 million per year through 2030 – or a cumulative amount of $115 million over that time period. The state puts levy limits

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School Funding, the Budget Surplus, and Tax Cuts – Q&A With Rep. Nedweski

As we near the February 18th election, I reached out to State Representative Amanda Nedweski (R-Pleasant Prairie) to address some frequently asked questions about the KUSD operating referendum as it relates to state funding. Kenosha Unified is asking voters if they approve of a property tax that is higher than the state’s statutory levy limit by about $23 million per year through 2030 – or a cumulative amount of $115 million over that time period. The state puts levy limits in place so that people are not egregiously over-taxed by school districts, municipalities, and counties. By law, school districts must put proposals to levy a tax higher than the limit on the ballot for voter approval. Question #1K. Mathewson:  KUSD claims that state funding for K-12 schools is not enough.

Civil Suit Against Fired Groomer KUSD Teacher Moved To Federal Court, More Defendants Added

Kenosha, Wis. – Former KTEC West science teacher Christian Enwright is facing a civil lawsuit and criminal charges after allegedly grooming a 13-year-old student, later 14, over an eight-month period from June 2023 to February 2024. The lawsuit, filed on May 20, 2024, in Kenosha County Circuit Court, accuses Enwright of manipulating and emotionally abusing the student to establish a future sexual relationship. The Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD), which originally faced the lawsuit in state court, has requested the case be moved to federal court. Additional defendants have since been named, including school administrators and board members. Allegations of Grooming and School Negligence According to the lawsuit, Enwright used Snapchat and TikTok to engage in secretive communication with the student, sending disappearing messages that were allegedly sexual in nature.

Here Are The Government Employees Who Work In Kenosha County And How Much They Make

In the spirit of transparency, Kenosha County Eye requested salary information from the following government agencies in late 2024: Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD)City of KenoshaCounty of Kenosha Kenosha County District Attorney’s OfficeWisconsin State Public Defender’s Office Village of Paddock LakeVillage of Pleasant PrairieVillage of Twin LakesVillage of Salem LakesVillage of Somers Town of RandallTown of Wheatland Westosha Central High SchoolTrevor-Wilmot School DistrictTwin Lakes School DistrictWilmot Union High SchoolRiverview Salem Silver Lakes Silver Lakes School DistrictUW ParksideGateway Techincal College Circuit Court Judges are not included in this list, but make $174,512. Below is a database I created for searching and sorting salaries. You can also click here for a full-page version.Jurisdictions that are missing from this tool will be added in the coming days and weeks.

KUSD’s Choral Fest Marred By Referendum Advocacy From Guest Conductor

Kenosha, Wis.– The 58th Annual Choral Festival, a cherished event that showcases the talent of Kenosha’s youth choirs, was overshadowed tonight by a controversial political speech that left many attendees feeling uncomfortable and disappointed. The evening, which was meant to celebrate the hard work and musical accomplishments of local students, took an unexpected turn when Ms. Lynn Swanson, the director of the New South Festival Singers and the Cobb Summer Singers from suburban Atlanta, Georgia, took the stage before the final performance. Swanson began with a lengthy address recounting her experience in Communist China, where she advocated for funding for the arts. While her speech was initially about her personal journey, it quickly took a sharp political turn. She began to promote the upcoming $115 million referendum for the Kenosha

Civil Suit Against Fired Groomer KUSD Teacher Moved To Federal Court, More Defendants Added

Kenosha, Wis. – Former KTEC West science teacher Christian Enwright is facing a civil lawsuit and criminal charges after allegedly grooming a 13-year-old student, later 14, over an eight-month period from June 2023 to February 2024. The lawsuit, filed on May 20, 2024, in Kenosha County Circuit Court, accuses Enwright of manipulating and emotionally abusing the student to establish a future sexual relationship. The Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD), which originally faced the lawsuit in state court, has requested the case be moved to federal court. Additional defendants have since been named, including school administrators and board members. Allegations of Grooming and School Negligence According to the lawsuit, Enwright used Snapchat and TikTok to engage in secretive communication with the student, sending disappearing messages that were allegedly sexual in nature.

Here Are The Government Employees Who Work In Kenosha County And How Much They Make

In the spirit of transparency, Kenosha County Eye requested salary information from the following government agencies in late 2024: Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD)City of KenoshaCounty of Kenosha Kenosha County District Attorney’s OfficeWisconsin State Public Defender’s Office Village of Paddock LakeVillage of Pleasant PrairieVillage of Twin LakesVillage of Salem LakesVillage of Somers Town of RandallTown of Wheatland Westosha Central High SchoolTrevor-Wilmot School DistrictTwin Lakes School DistrictWilmot Union High SchoolRiverview Salem Silver Lakes Silver Lakes School DistrictUW ParksideGateway Techincal College Circuit Court Judges are not included in this list, but make $174,512. Below is a database I created for searching and sorting salaries. You can also click here for a full-page version.Jurisdictions that are missing from this tool will be added in the coming days and weeks.

KUSD’s Choral Fest Marred By Referendum Advocacy From Guest Conductor

Kenosha, Wis.– The 58th Annual Choral Festival, a cherished event that showcases the talent of Kenosha’s youth choirs, was overshadowed tonight by a controversial political speech that left many attendees feeling uncomfortable and disappointed. The evening, which was meant to celebrate the hard work and musical accomplishments of local students, took an unexpected turn when Ms. Lynn Swanson, the director of the New South Festival Singers and the Cobb Summer Singers from suburban Atlanta, Georgia, took the stage before the final performance. Swanson began with a lengthy address recounting her experience in Communist China, where she advocated for funding for the arts. While her speech was initially about her personal journey, it quickly took a sharp political turn. She began to promote the upcoming $115 million referendum for the Kenosha

75-Year-Old Bar Owner Sentenced to Four Years for Fatal Hit-and-Run in Kenosha

Kenosha, Wis. – A 75-year-old man was sentenced on Thursday to four years in prison for a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of a pedestrian in Kenosha in 2023. William E. Koprovic pleaded guilty to Hit and Run Involving Death, a charge stemming from the June 25, 2023, incident in which he struck and killed 42-year-old Scott Mingilino. He owns Rendezvous Tiki Bar in Kenosha. Kenosha County Judge Anthony Milisauskas handed down the sentence after reviewing the details of the case, which were outlined in a criminal complaint filed by the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department. Mingilinl’s father previously told the court: “..On the early morning of June 25, 2023, Mr. Koprovic mowed down my son with his vehicle, decided to leave the scene, only stopping a little ways ahead to

Runnin’ With the Devil: KCE Q&A With Attorney and Author Michael Cicchini

What’s the definition of an IMPARTIAL JUROR in a criminal case?  You might think it’s a juror who has no financial ties or loyalties to either the defendant or to the prosecutor’s office.  But you’d be wrong!  So says local defense attorney and author Michael Cicchini in his newest law review article, The Devil’s Dictionary of Criminal Procedure.   KCE asked him about the article, how he came up with that title, and what his definition is of impartial juror and other legal terms.  KCE:  Where did you get the title, The Devil’s Dictionary of Criminal Procedure? Cicchini:  The title was inspired by the great American author and journalist, Ambrose Bierce.  In the late 1800s, Bierce wrote a series of very cynical dictionary entries known as The Devil’s Dictionary.  It included

Menominee Tribe Responds to KCE’s Report On Casino Concerns Amid Community Skepticism

Kenosha residents and local officials are raising serious concerns over the proposed Menominee Hard Rock Hotel & Casino project, as promises made by the tribe remain unfulfilled and new doubts emerge about the viability of the venture. After years of assurances that federal approval was imminent, the Menominee Tribe has yet to deliver, leaving many in the community questioning whether this casino will ever materialize—or if it should at all. A History of Missed Deadlines and Unmet Expectations When the Menominee Tribe initially sought support from Kenosha’s Common Council and County Board, they painted an optimistic picture, claiming federal approval could be expected by early 2025. Yet, as deadlines continue to pass with little to no progress, Kenosha remains in the dark. The tribe, which once sought frequent engagement with

KUSD Cuts Law Enforcement Access to Student Database, Citing Privacy Law

Kenosha, Wis. – The Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) has reportedly restricted law enforcement access to a critical student database, raising concerns about school safety and investigative efforts. The database, known as Infinite Campus, is widely used by KUSD parents and staff to manage student records. Local law enforcement has historically relied on the system for various investigations, from issuing truancy citations to gathering intelligence on school threats, including potential shootings and other emergencies. A reliable source familiar with KUSD and law enforcement operations informed Kenosha County Eye (KCE) that the decision to block access was made abruptly by Kris Keckler, KUSD’s Chief Communications Officer. Keckler reportedly cited the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) as the reason for the shutdown. However, FERPA does provide provisions allowing law enforcement

Kenosha County Eye to Intensify Focus on Judiciary

Kenosha, Wis. – Kenosha County Eye (KCE) is sharpening its investigative focus on the Kenosha judiciary, a move prompted by growing concerns over judicial accountability and transparency. KCE has, at times, been critical of the Kenosha County Circuit Court judges, who, in a unique rotation system, oversee all areas of law. Currently, Judges Anthony Milisauskas, Angelina Gabriele, Jason Rossell, and Gerad Dougvillo handle criminal cases, while Judges Jodi Meier, Chad Kerkman, David Wilk, and Heather Iverson preside over family law, civil disputes, juvenile cases, Termination of Parental Rights (TPR), and Children in Need of Protection and/or Services (CHIPS) matters. Despite the significant authority these judges wield, few mechanisms exist to hold them accountable for errors or misconduct that negatively impact lives. The Wisconsin Court of Appeals, the Wisconsin Judicial Commission, and

Governor Tony Evers Denies Pardon For Kenosha County Serial Arsonist

Silver Lake, Wis. – Governor Tony Evers (D) has denied the pardon application of 48-year-old Allen M. Dunski, Jr., a former firefighter and convicted serial arsonist from Kenosha County’s west side. The rejection, issued on November 15, 2024, came despite Dunski’s claims of rehabilitation and community service. A letter sent to Dunski by the Governor’s Pardon Advisory Board stated: “While the Governor’s Pardon Advisory Board commends you for the positive strides you have taken since completing your sentence for Kenosha County case number 1999CF351, it has voted against forwarding a recommendation for pardon to Governor Tony Evers.” The letter further noted that the decision is final and not subject to appeal. A Troubled History Dunski also has a conviction for auto theft. In 1998, he was charged with Taking and

Kenosha Man Charged with Repeated Sexual Assault of a Child, Held on $1M Bail

Kenosha, Wis. – A 43-year-old Kenosha man was formally charged today with Repeated Sexual Assault of a Child in Kenosha County Circuit Court. If convicted, Jesus Alcocer-Bautista faces a maximum sentence of 60 years in prison. During his court appearance, Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis requested a $1,000,000 cash bail, citing the severity of the allegations and the need to protect the community. Kenosha County Circuit Court Commissioner William Michel II granted the request and set bail at $1,000,000. Criminal Complaint Details Seven Years of Abuse According to the criminal complaint, Kenosha Police Officer Araiza was dispatched on January 28, 2025, to a reported sexual assault case at a residence on 70th Street in Kenosha. The report originated from the mother of a 12-year-old girl, identified as “Samantha,” who

10-Year-Old Girl Still Too Terrified To Return To School After Sexual Assault on Bus

**Explicit Content** Kenosha, Wis. — A 10-year-old girl from Nash Elementary School remains too afraid to return to school months after she was allegedly sexually assaulted by two male students on her bus ride home. Despite criminal charges, Title IX investigations, and pleas from the child’s mother, the Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) has yet to remove one of the accused students from the school, leaving the victim in limbo. KCE first reported on this matter two months ago. Incident and Investigation According to police reports, on October 17, 2024, at approximately 1:38 p.m., a Kenosha Police Department Officer responded to a report of a sexual assault involving a Nash Elementary School fifth grader, identified as “Mikayla.” Mikayla told her mother via text message that two boys, identified as “Damion”

Two Twin Lakes Men Arrested On Child Pornography Charges

Twin Lakes, Wis. – Two Twin Lakes men have been arrested and charged with multiple counts of possession of child pornography following separate investigations by the Twin Lakes Police Department (TLPD) and the Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Arrests and Charges Nathan H. Bollow, 20, and Micah D. Griffiths, 20, were taken into custody in January 2025 after search warrants were executed at their respective residences. Bollow was arrested on January 9, 2025, at his home in the 800 block of Ridge Circle and charged with eight counts of possession of child pornography. Each charge carries a possible sentence of up to 25 years in prison if convicted. Griffiths was arrested on January 24, 2025, at his residence in the 300 block

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