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Kenosha County DA Xavier Solis Invited to Speak at Statewide Organized Retail Crime Conference

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis has been selected as a featured speaker at the Wisconsin Organized Retail Crime Association’s annual conference, where he will address prosecutors, law enforcement officials, retail investigators, and industry leaders from across Wisconsin and Illinois on Kenosha County’s efforts to combat organized retail theft. Solis is scheduled to present Tuesday at the WIORCA Annual Conference at Waukesha County Technical College. His presentation will focus on Kenosha County’s approach to prosecuting organized retail crime, recent case studies, and the impact of Wisconsin’s new retail theft laws. Since taking office in early 2025, Solis has earned a reputation for taking a hardline approach toward organized retail theft cases, frequently working with law enforcement agencies to pursue offenders accused of targeting businesses throughout southeastern Wisconsin.

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Illinois Man Accused of Fleeing Crash That Left Kenosha Driver With Broken Leg, Held on $4,000 Cash Bail

Andrei C. Bobadilla, 31, of Waukegan, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — An Illinois man is facing felony charges after prosecutors say he ran a red light in Kenosha, crashed into another vehicle, seriously injuring its driver, and then fled the scene for more than three hours before turning himself in. Court Commissioner Alexandra Smathers ordered a $4,000 cash bail Monday after hearing from both prosecutors and defense counsel. The State had requested $4,000 cash bail, while the defense sought a $1,000 cash bail. Andrei C. Bobadilla, 31, of Waukegan, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Pleasant Prairie Man Accused in 115 MPH Stolen-Car Chase Released on No-Cash Bail After Felony Charge Dismissed

Rey Gutierrez, 19, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry on Monday dismissed a felony vehicle-theft charge and a drug possession charge against a Kenosha man accused of riding in a stolen car during a 115-mph police chase before releasing him on a no-cash bail, despite prosecutors seeking cash bail. A courthouse insider told Kenosha County Eye that cases like this are exactly why attorneys who accept Wisconsin State Public Defender appointments and represent large numbers of criminal defendants should not also serve as court commissioners. The insider pointed to Henry’s dismissal of the felony vehicle-theft charge and the drug charge, followed by her decision to release Rey Gutierrez on a no-cash bail despite a prosecution request for cash bail,

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BLM Activist Charged With Two Criminal Misdemeanors Nearly Four Years After License Revocation

SOMERS, Wis. — A local Black Lives Matter activist who has faced criminal convictions, civil judgments, municipal citations, tax warrants, restraining-order litigation and a unanimous defamation verdict is now facing two new criminal misdemeanor charges after authorities say he was caught driving despite having a revoked license and no court-ordered ignition interlock device installed in the vehicle. Raymond Karim Roberts, 44, of Somers, was charged May 29 in Kenosha County Circuit Court, more than a month after a traffic stop in Somers. Roberts is scheduled to make his initial appearance June 10 before a court commissioner. According to the criminal complaint, a Kenosha County sheriff’s deputy stopped Roberts on April 29 after observing him driving a gray Hyundai Santa Fe on Sheridan Road with expired registration. A records check showed

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Illinois Man Accused of Fleeing Crash That Left Kenosha Driver With Broken Leg, Held on $4,000 Cash Bail

Andrei C. Bobadilla, 31, of Waukegan, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — An Illinois man is facing felony charges after prosecutors say he ran a red light in Kenosha, crashed into another vehicle, seriously injuring its driver, and then fled the scene for more than three hours before turning himself in. Court Commissioner Alexandra Smathers ordered a $4,000 cash bail Monday after hearing from both prosecutors and defense counsel. The State had requested $4,000 cash bail, while the defense sought a $1,000 cash bail. Andrei C. Bobadilla, 31, of Waukegan, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Pleasant Prairie Man Accused in 115 MPH Stolen-Car Chase Released on No-Cash Bail After Felony Charge Dismissed

Rey Gutierrez, 19, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry on Monday dismissed a felony vehicle-theft charge and a drug possession charge against a Kenosha man accused of riding in a stolen car during a 115-mph police chase before releasing him on a no-cash bail, despite prosecutors seeking cash bail. A courthouse insider told Kenosha County Eye that cases like this are exactly why attorneys who accept Wisconsin State Public Defender appointments and represent large numbers of criminal defendants should not also serve as court commissioners. The insider pointed to Henry’s dismissal of the felony vehicle-theft charge and the drug charge, followed by her decision to release Rey Gutierrez on a no-cash bail despite a prosecution request for cash bail,

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Felon Accused of Possessing Loaded Handgun Gets $1,500 Cash Bail After State Sought $20,000

Brandon R. Martin, 47, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of illegally possessing a loaded handgun despite being a convicted felon was given a $1,500 cash bail Monday by Court Commissioner Alexandra Smathers (D) after prosecutors sought $20,000 cash. The decision drew immediate criticism from a courthouse insider who described the bail as extraordinarily low for a firearm-related felony and questioned whether the outcome was consistent with Smathers’ public advocacy for stricter gun laws and firearm regulations. Brandon R. Martin, 47, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) Kenosha County Court Commissioner Alexandra Smathers (D) In Court(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Felony Domestic Violence Charges Filed Against Kenosha Woman Just Two Months After Prior Conviction

Vanessa Vallejo, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman is facing new felony domestic violence charges after prosecutors say she brutally attacked her live-in boyfriend during a drunken argument, less than two months after being convicted in another domestic abuse case. Vanessa Vallejo, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Registered Sex Offender Accused of Cutting Off GPS Monitor Gets $7,500 Cash Bail

Markece D. McCovery, 37, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man who authorities say cut off a court-ordered GPS monitoring device while under Department of Corrections supervision was ordered held on a $7,500 cash bail Monday after prosecutors argued he intentionally removed the tracking bracelet and disappeared for more than two weeks. Markece D. McCovery, 37, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Tremper Chemistry Teacher Suspended 3 Days Without Pay, Assigned ‘Thought Partner’ After Telling Students She Was ‘A Little Bit Racist’

Amanda Nickel – Science Teacher, Tremper High School KENOSHA, Wis. — A Tremper High School chemistry teacher who told students she was “a little bit racist,” said “everybody is a little bit racist,” and allegedly told students she would be more cautious if a Black person was behind her on a dark street was suspended without pay for three days and assigned a district “thought partner,” according to disciplinary records obtained by Kenosha County Eye. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Spring Curbside Compostables Collection Ending This Week in Kenosha

KENOSHA, Wis. — Residents who use the City of Kenosha’s spring curbside compostables collection service have only a few days left before the seasonal program concludes for the year. City officials announced Monday that the 2026 spring curbside compostables collection will end on June 5. The program provides residents with an opportunity to dispose of compostable yard waste and other eligible materials through curbside pickup during the spring season. While curbside collection is ending, residents will still have access to the city’s compostables drop-off site throughout much of the year. The self-service Compostable Waste Site, located at 4071 88th Ave., remains open from April through November. The facility operates Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Department of Public Works encourages residents to utilize the drop-off site

Americans for Prosperity Backs Ellen Schutt in State Senate Race

CLINTON, Wis. — Republican State Senate candidate Ellen Schutt has secured the endorsement of Americans for Prosperity-Wisconsin, adding another prominent conservative organization to her growing list of supporters as she campaigns for the State Senate.

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County Executive Kerkman Denies Favoritism Allegations In Three-Year Health Department Internship, Declines To Address Neighbor Claim

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — County Executive Samantha Kerkman is denying allegations that a paid Kenosha County Health Department internship was awarded through favoritism after the same individual was hired for three consecutive summers, referred by a department supervisor, and alleged to be the supervisor’s neighbor and a close friend of the supervisor’s children. Kerkman did not address the alleged neighbor or family-friend relationship, and her response did not state that the position was publicly posted before the intern was hired or rehired. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Woman Accused of Letting Dog Rot to Death Gets $1,000 Cash Bail After Prosecutors Sought $25,000 on Seven-Count Animal Neglect Case

Shunlisa Carter, 39, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — A courtroom observer described the bail decision as “grotesquely low” after Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half Off” Henry ordered just $1,000 cash bail for a woman accused of leaving a dog to die in deplorable conditions, despite prosecutors requesting $25,000 cash bail. The observer further told Kenosha County Eye that decisions like Friday’s illustrate why attorneys who perform contract work for the State Public Defender’s Office as defense attorneys should not be presiding over criminal cases as neutral judicial officers. Shunlisa Carter, 39, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half Off” Henry In Court(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) You must be logged in to view the rest of this

Bill Hopkins Named 2026 Kenosha County Veteran of the Year at Annual Veterans Picnic

KENOSHA, Wis. — Veterans from across generations gathered Friday at the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park for the annual Veterans Appreciation Summer Picnic, an event that celebrated military service, community involvement, and this year’s Kenosha County Veteran of the Year honoree, Bill Hopkins. Hopkins, a U.S. Navy veteran and longtime community volunteer, received the 2026 Kenosha County Veteran of the Year award, which recognizes veterans who continue serving their communities long after leaving active duty. “Standing here as the Kenosha County Veteran of the Year for 2026 is an honor I will never forget,” Hopkins said. “Today reminds us that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. It continues in our communities in how we show up for one another, and in how we carry forward the lessons and

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Felony Battery Charge Filed After Kenosha Man Allegedly Strikes Officer During Arrest; $6,000 Cash Bail Set

Shawn P. Stachnik, 48, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of striking a police officer in the face while officers attempted to arrest him on an outstanding felony warrant was ordered held on a $6,000 cash bail Friday by Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen Henry after prosecutors sought $8,000 cash bail. Shawn P. Stachnik, 48, of Kenosha, appeared in custody with attorney Kristyne Watson. Court records indicate Stachnik may also be subject to a probation hold. Shawn P. Stachnik, 48, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Outta Sight Kite Flight Returns to Kenosha Lakefront for 23rd Year

KENOSHA, Wis. — Hundreds of colorful kites will once again fill the skies above Kenosha’s lakefront next weekend as the annual Outta Sight Kite Flight returns to Kennedy Park for its 23rd year in the city. The free family-friendly event will take place Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kennedy Park, 4051 Fifth Ave. Organizers expect thousands of visitors to attend the two-day festival, which has become one of Kenosha’s most recognizable summer traditions. One of the event’s signature attractions is the Zeigler Hyundai Grand Launch, scheduled for noon both days. During the launch, organizers expect 400 to 500 kites to take to the air simultaneously, creating a colorful display over Lake Michigan. Visitors will also be treated to performances by several

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No-Cash Bail Ordered for Kenosha Woman Charged With Felony False Imprisonment in Domestic Violence Case

Samantha Caprice Washington, 22, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 22-year-old Kenosha woman is facing a felony charge after prosecutors allege she physically prevented the father of her child from leaving a room at the Shalom Center, pulled his hair, punched him, and continued assaultive behavior as he attempted to leave. Court records show Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen Henry ordered no-cash bail during the defendant’s initial appearance Friday. Samantha Caprice Washington, 22, 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 Throwing 67-Year-Old Woman Onto Couch; Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen Henry Orders $5,000 Cash Bail

Damian J. Pavlovich, 38, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of picking up a 67-year-old woman and throwing her onto a couch during a domestic disturbance was ordered held on a $5,000 cash bail Friday after prosecutors argued the allegations warranted detention. Damian J. Pavlovich, 38, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Prince Hall Masons Donate $1,000 to Support Mental Health of Kenosha 911 Dispatchers

KENOSHA, Wis. — A local Masonic organization has donated $1,000 to Kenosha Joint Services to help support the mental health of the county’s 911 dispatchers, recognizing the emotional toll emergency communications personnel face on a daily basis. Members of Kenosha Prince Hall Masons Joppa Lodge No. 9 recently presented the donation to Joint Services officials. The funds will be used to enhance the agency’s “quiet room,” a space where dispatchers can decompress following traumatic or emotionally difficult calls. “This is more than a monetary donation,” Joppa Lodge No. 9 leader Duke B. Montgomery III said during the presentation. “This is a recognition — a recognition to say that the work that you do is meaningful, and we see you. Your mental well-being is important, and we see you.” Joint Services

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Kenosha Man Accused of Dragging Mother of His Child by Hair, Beating Her During Domestic Dispute; No-Cash Bail Ordered

Jaylen R. McGovern, 21, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing a domestic violence battery charge after the mother of his child told police he grabbed her by the hair, dragged her to the ground, kicked her and punched her during an argument earlier this month. A court commissioner ordered no-cash bail Friday despite prosecutors seeking cash bail. Jaylen R. McGovern, 21, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Kenosha’s Outdoor Pools Set to Open June 16 for Summer Season

KENOSHA, Wis. — Residents looking to beat the summer heat will soon have two options as the City of Kenosha prepares to open its outdoor public swimming pools for the 2026 season. According to a city announcement, both Washington Park Pool and Anderson Park Pool are scheduled to open on June 16, providing residents and visitors with a place to cool off during the summer months. Washington Park Pool, located at 1821 Washington Road, features a zero-depth entry pool, interactive water features, a 200-foot waterslide, a drop slide and a diving board. Anderson Park Pool, located at 8730 22nd Ave., includes a large main pool, a separate tot pool with a children’s slide, two full-size waterslides, a diving board, splash pad area, lockers and shaded seating. The pools are expected

Drug-Using Therapist and Former Foster Parent Re-Charged With Two Counts of Violating Harassment Injunction After Technical Dismissal

KENOSHA, Wis. — Just 52 days after Judge David Wilk issued a four-year harassment injunction prohibiting Kenosha therapist and former foster parent Jacqueline P. Niccolai from contacting Kenosha County Eye publisher Kevin Mathewson, prosecutors allege she violated the order by directly communicating with him on social media, calling him a “fucking idiot,” a “pussy ass bitch,” and claiming his page was created by someone “clearly retarded.” Niccolai has since characterized the charges online as “prosecution for calling somebody bad words.” However, the criminal complaint alleges something different: that after twice losing in court and being ordered to have no contact with Mathewson, Niccolai knowingly violated a harassment injunction by contacting him through social media. The two misdemeanor charges, which were refiled Thursday after a technical dismissal, stem from alleged violations

Kenosha Police Gives KCE Inside Look at AI-Assisted Report Drafting, State-of-the-Art Automated Drone Response Technology, Real-Time Body Camera Monitoring and Officer Threat Detection Systems

KENOSHA, Wis. — Patrol officers today spend a surprisingly large amount of their shifts not chasing suspects, responding to emergencies or walking neighborhoods — but writing reports. According to Kenosha Police Department command staff, patrol officers currently spend between 40 and 60 percent of their shifts documenting incidents. KPD believes that over the next year, that number could potentially be reduced to around 20 percent through new technology being implemented throughout the department. Today, Kenosha County Eye met with Lt. Adam Jurgens and Sgt. Brian Miller of the Office of Professional Standards, Sgt. Cory Brennan of the Training Division, and briefly with Inspector Aaron Dillhoff, the department’s third in command directly below the deputy chief, for a detailed walkthrough and live demonstration of several systems being implemented by the department,

Indian Trail Senior Killed in Pleasant Prairie Crash Remembered by School, Co-Workers; Fundraiser Planned for Family

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Friends, classmates, teachers and co-workers are mourning the loss of Indian Trail High School and Academy senior Abraham “Javy” Gloria, who was killed Wednesday morning in a devastating crash in Pleasant Prairie just days before he was scheduled to graduate. As the community grieves, Waterfront Warehouse has announced a fundraiser to help Gloria’s family. The restaurant will donate 10 percent of all sales on Wednesday, June 3, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Patrons are encouraged to dine in or carry out and wear a bandana in Gloria’s honor. The fatal crash occurred near 91st Avenue and 22nd Avenue in Pleasant Prairie. Scanner traffic indicates authorities received reports of a serious two-vehicle crash, prompting an immediate response from police, firefighters and paramedics. Emergency dispatchers relayed reports

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