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Respected by His Peers: Officer Justin Labatore Named Kenosha Police’s 2025 Officer of the Year

KENOSHA, Wis. — Officer Justin Labatore, a member of the Kenosha Police Department since Jan. 25, 2021, has been named the Kenosha Police Department’s 2025 Officer of the Year. The honor is particularly significant because it was determined by fellow officers. The award recognizes the officer whose peers believe best exemplifies professionalism, dedication, service, and commitment to both the department and the community. Labatore, who works second shift, was selected by the officers who serve alongside him each day. Those officers cited his work ethic, initiative, professionalism, and positive impact on the department in choosing him for the recognition. Second Shift Captain Leo Viola, Labatore’s shift commander, said he was not surprised by the selection. “I am not surprised Justin was chosen because he is the type of officer that

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Gun in Waistband, THC in Car: Kenosha Woman and Bristol Man Charged Following Traffic Stop

Dejah A. Scott, 19, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Dejah A. Scott, 19, of Kenosha, and Vontrell D. Cooks Jr., 17, of Bristol, appeared in Kenosha County Circuit Court this month after prosecutors charged the pair following a May traffic stop that allegedly led police to a THC vape, marijuana, and a concealed handgun carried by the passenger. Dejah A. Scott, 19, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Third-Time Drunk Driver Caught Doing 98 MPH Gets Work Release, Not Jail

Christopher J. Maldonado, 38, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County Circuit Judge David O. Hughes sentenced a Racine man to work release Tuesday after the man pleaded guilty to his third drunk-driving offense, continuing what many see as a longstanding Kenosha County court practice of sparing repeat OWI offenders from straight jail time. Christopher J. Maldonado, 38, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Only $250 Cash Bail From ‘No Money’ Masnica for Man Accused of Masturbating in Kenosha Public Library While Holding Kids Book

Antwan Mickle McKenzie, 27, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Michael “No Money” Masnica ordered a competency examination Wednesday for a 27-year-old Kenosha man accused of exposing himself and masturbating in front of a woman inside the Kenosha Public Library, while setting cash bail at just $250 despite prosecutors seeking $2,000. Antwan Mickle McKenzie, 27, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Gun in Waistband, THC in Car: Kenosha Woman and Bristol Man Charged Following Traffic Stop

Dejah A. Scott, 19, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Dejah A. Scott, 19, of Kenosha, and Vontrell D. Cooks Jr., 17, of Bristol, appeared in Kenosha County Circuit Court this month after prosecutors charged the pair following a May traffic stop that allegedly led police to a THC vape, marijuana, and a concealed handgun carried by the passenger. Dejah A. Scott, 19, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Third-Time Drunk Driver Caught Doing 98 MPH Gets Work Release, Not Jail

Christopher J. Maldonado, 38, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County Circuit Judge David O. Hughes sentenced a Racine man to work release Tuesday after the man pleaded guilty to his third drunk-driving offense, continuing what many see as a longstanding Kenosha County court practice of sparing repeat OWI offenders from straight jail time. Christopher J. Maldonado, 38, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

No Delay for Garbage and Recycling Collection During Juneteenth Holiday, City Says

KENOSHA, Wis. — Residents who normally set out their garbage and recycling on Fridays will not see any interruption in service during the Juneteenth holiday this week, according to the City of Kenosha Department of Public Works. The city announced Tuesday that waste and recycling collection will proceed as scheduled on Friday, June 19, 2026, and that there will be no collection delays during the week of June 15. The announcement comes as many government offices and services adjust schedules in observance of the federal holiday. While curbside collection will remain unchanged, several city-operated drop-off facilities will have modified schedules. The Bulk Drop-Off Site at 1001 50th St., which is normally closed on Fridays, will reopen Saturday, June 20, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The concrete and brick/block drop-off

Citizens Group Says Hard Rock Kenosha Economic Projections Are Outdated, Calls for New Review

KENOSHA, Wis. — A group opposed to expanded gambling is urging government officials to revisit the economic assumptions behind the proposed $400 million Hard Rock Hotel and Casino project in Kenosha County, arguing that major market changes since the original studies were completed have weakened the case for the development. In a press release issued Wednesday, Citizens Against Expanded Gambling said the project’s supporting economic analysis is now more than two years old and fails to account for significant developments in the regional gaming industry. Among the changes cited by the group are the expansion plans recently announced at Hard Rock Casino Rockford, the opening of Ho-Chunk Gaming Beloit, and Wisconsin’s legalization of tribal online sports betting. The organization argues that the Rockford expansion, which includes a new hotel and

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Walmart Theft Crew Faces Felony Charges; One Defendant Reportedly in ICE Custody

Top Row: Esteban N. Franco Vairoletti, 25, and Aidan M. McNab, 20Bottom Row: Natalia R. Borgens Abraham, 19, and Analiese Borgens Abraham, 19(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Four people accused of participating in a retail theft scheme targeting the Walmart in Somers are now facing felony charges in Kenosha County after authorities alleged they worked together to steal more than $1,100 worth of merchandise from the store. Esteban N. Franco Vairoletti Aidan M. McNab Natalia R. Borgens Abraham Analiese Borgens Abraham You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Only $10,000 Cash Bail Set by Supplemental Court Commissioner Michael “No Money” Masnica in Two-Count Child Sexual Assault Case Against Kenosha Man

Kyreasion Glendale Connor, 37, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 37-year-old Kenosha man accused of two child sexual assault-related crimes was ordered held on just a $10,000 cash bond Tuesday after appearing before Supplemental Court Commissioner Michael “No Money” Masnica in Kenosha County Intake Court. The bond amount was set despite the fact that the charges carry a combined maximum penalty of up to 100 years in prison and a $100,000 fine if convicted. The $10,000 cash bond was requested by the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office; however, while prosecutors may recommend a bond amount, the court commissioner has the ultimate authority to set bail and is not required to follow either side’s recommendation. In this case, Masnica adopted the State’s request and set bond at $10,000

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Judge to Dominick Black: “I Need to Protect This Community” Before Imposing Prison Sentence for Rittenhouse’s Former Friend

Dominick D. Black, 24, of Kenosha In Court Today With Defense Attorney Benjamin Van Severen(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Dominick Black, the Kenosha man who gained national attention after purchasing the rifle later used by Kyle Rittenhouse during the 2020 Kenosha riots, was sentenced Tuesday to prison after Judge Gabriele concluded that repeated opportunities for rehabilitation had failed and that the public needed protection from his continued criminal behavior. Dominick D. Black, 24, of Kenosha You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Passenger in Car, 97 MPH Pursuit Ends with Spike Strip: Kenosha Man Held on $10,000 Cash Bail

Adrian M. Gonzalez, 23, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 23-year-old Kenosha man is facing two felony charges and two misdemeanor bail jumping counts after Pleasant Prairie police say he sped away from a traffic stop while an officer was patting down one of his passengers, leading police on a high-speed pursuit that reached nearly 100 mph. Adrian M. Gonzalez, 23, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Porch Pirate of 60th Street: Kenosha Man Charged After Google Pixel Vanishes From Apartment Mail Area

Jerry J. Darracott, 59, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 59-year-old Kenosha man is facing a criminal charge after police say surveillance video captured him taking a newly delivered Google Pixel smartphone package from a common mail area inside an apartment building and walking away with it hidden inside his jacket. Jerry J. Darracott, 59, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Moon Over My Hammy, Then Mayhem: Kenosha Man Charged After Alleged IHOP Kitchen Assault Between Co-Workers

James I. Spencer, 27, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing three criminal charges after prosecutors say a late-night argument with his girlfriend inside an IHOP restaurant escalated into violence and was captured on surveillance video. James I. Spencer, 27, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

20-Year-Old Kenosha Man Killed in Minibike Crash With Box Truck

KENOSHA, Wis. — A 20-year-old Kenosha man died Tuesday afternoon following a crash involving a box truck and a minibike near the intersection of 60th Street and 13th Avenue, according to the Kenosha Police Department. Initial dispatch traffic indicated that a child had been struck by a vehicle, with radio transmissions reporting a “vehicle versus child” crash and stating that the victim was lying face down in the roadway. Based on the information broadcast over emergency radio channels at the time, Kenosha County Eye and Scanner Watch of Kenosha County reported that a child was involved. Police later determined that the victim was not a child, but a 20-year-old Kenosha man operating a small, non-street-legal minibike. The crash was reported at approximately 12:16 p.m. Officers arrived and found the injured

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DA Solis Drops Domestic Violence Case Against Wealthy Businessman Michael Zacker; Body Camera Footage Released

Mike Zacker, 56, of Pleasant Prairie(Pleasant Prairie Police Department) KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis on Tuesday dismissed a domestic violence case against prominent local businessman Michael Zacker, despite body camera footage showing the alleged victim repeatedly telling police that Zacker slapped her twice across the face, causing her ears to ring and knocking her to the floor. The dismissal, coming less than three months after charges were filed, is likely to be viewed as unusual by many courthouse insiders and criminal defense attorneys, who routinely see domestic violence cases take a year or longer to resolve and frequently proceed to jury trial on comparable evidence. Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis (R)(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) Mike Zacker, 56, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County

Courthouse Insiders: Judge Chad Kerkman Wanted Former Clerk Gone; Fired Employee Wins Unemployment Appeal

KENOSHA, Wis. — A former Kenosha County judicial assistant who courthouse insiders describe as one of the most respected and well-liked employees in the courthouse has prevailed in her appeal of a decision denying her unemployment benefits after she was fired over an Amazon Echo Show device that sat openly on her desk for years. The former judicial assistant worked for Kenosha County for more than 15 years and spent time assigned to both a branch courtroom and later Intake Court before her termination. According to multiple courthouse employees, attorneys, and others familiar with the situation, the employee was widely respected by judges, court commissioners, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and courthouse staff. Several courthouse insiders who spoke to Kenosha County Eye on the condition of anonymity out of fear of retaliation

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Man Arrested on Warrant Faces Felony Strangulation Charge in Kenosha Domestic Abuse Case

Kilber Rafael Garcia-Hidalgo, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha, Wisconsin man who was arrested last week on an outstanding warrant is facing felony and misdemeanor domestic violence charges after a former girlfriend accused him of months of physical abuse. Kilber Rafael Garcia-Hidalgo, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Work to Begin This Week on 216th Avenue Culvert Replacement in Salem Lakes

SALEM LAKES, Wis. — Work is expected to begin later this week on replacing the flood-damaged culvert on 216th Avenue, according to Village of Salem Lakes officials. The culvert was deemed a total loss following significant flooding in April, forcing the closure of the roadway for several weeks. The Villages of Salem Lakes and Bristol are now moving forward with a replacement project aimed at restoring the route. Village Administrator Michael Kostiuk said KR Contractors will begin mobilizing equipment to the site over the next few days in preparation for construction. Work is tentatively scheduled to begin Thursday or Friday, depending on weather conditions. If the site is too wet for construction activities, the contractor will postpone the start of work until Monday. Once construction begins, the project is expected

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Bluebird Motel Shooting: Witness Says Gunman Asked, “You Got That Shit Huh?” Before Firing Six Shots

(Mughots From Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) This story has been modified on June 16, 2026 at 5:48 P.M. SOMERS, Wis. — Five people have now been identified by investigators in connection with the June 5 Bluebird Motel shooting that left a 39-year-old man wounded during what authorities allege was an attempted armed robbery connected to a drug transaction. On Monday, prosecutors charged Curtis A. Robison, 35, of Racine; Kendrick D. Role, 43, of Kenosha; Kerry G. Turnipseed, 39; and Samantha D. Cavins, 34. Cavins had not been taken into custody on the newly filed felony charges as of Monday’s court proceedings. Investigators have also identified Joseph Rannow, 32, as an alleged participant in the scheme. Rannow was formally charged Tuesday and made his initial appearance in Kenosha County Court. Curtis

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Felony Strangulation, False Imprisonment Charges Filed After Kenosha Woman Allegedly Choked Girlfriend Multiple Times

Regina L. Ross, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 34-year-old Kenosha woman is facing two felony charges and three misdemeanor charges after prosecutors allege she repeatedly choked, struck, and prevented her girlfriend from leaving a residence during a domestic violence incident earlier this month. Regina L. Ross, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

City Receives Nearly 400 Storm Debris Pickup Requests Following Severe Thunderstorms

KENOSHA, Wis. — The City of Kenosha has received nearly 400 requests from residents seeking pickup of tree limbs, brush and other storm-related debris following last week’s severe thunderstorms, according to a news release issued Monday by the Department of Public Works. City officials said the large volume of calls and the significant amount of debris requiring collection have created a substantial workload for crews. Collection efforts are already underway, but officials warned that pickups may continue into next week in some areas as crews work through the growing list of requests. Residents who still need storm debris removed are encouraged to contact the Public Works Department at 262-653-4050 to be added to the collection list. When calling, residents should be prepared to provide information about the size and quantity

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Felony Reckless Endangerment Charge Filed After Chicago Man Allegedly Drove 13 Miles on Wrong Side of Highway 50

Ganesh M. Sunder, 40, of Chicago(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — A 40-year-old Chicago man is facing a felony charge after authorities say he drove on the wrong side of State Highway 50 for miles, forcing at least one motorist to take evasive action to avoid a head-on collision. Ganesh M. Sunder, 40, of Chicago(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Felony Bail Jumping Defendant Accused of Threatening to Kill Everyone Inside Kenosha Bar Held on $7,500 Cash Bail

Jonathan W. Markwick, 28, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 28-year-old Kenosha man accused of threatening patrons and staff at a local bar while armed with a knife was ordered held on a $7,500 cash bail Monday after prosecutors said he violated the conditions of a felony case pending in another county. Jonathan W. Markwick, 28, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Felony Elder Abuse Charge Filed After Kenosha Woman Allegedly Ripped Off Mother’s Fingernail, Stole $800 Michael Kors Purse

Kaitlynn E. Hurst, 31, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 31-year-old Kenosha woman is facing a felony charge after prosecutors allege she injured her 65-year-old mother during a confrontation at the mother’s home and stole an $800 Michael Kors purse. Kaitlynn E. Hurst, 31, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Felony Repeater Accused of Stealing Doordash Taco Bell Order and Nearly Striking Manager With Car Held on $5,000 Cash Bail

Charles F. Cooper Jr., 35, of Zion, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 35-year-old Illinois man is facing a felony charge after prosecutors allege he stole food from a Kenosha Taco Bell meant for a Doordash delivery and then drove his vehicle toward a store manager, causing her to fear she would be struck. Charles F. Cooper Jr., 35, of Zion, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Felony Bail Jumping Defendant Accused of Brandishing Knife, Asking “Should I Do It?” and Striking Ex-Girlfriend Held on $3,000 Cash Bail

Henry J. Rice III, 49, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 49-year-old Kenosha man accused of violating the terms of a felony bond by assaulting his former girlfriend while brandishing knives during a volatile domestic incident remains jailed on a $3,000 cash bail ordered by Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half Off” Henry after prosecutors said the alleged victim wanted a high cash bond. Henry J. Rice III, 49, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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