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Drug-Using Therapist Slapped With Five-Count Criminal Case, Including Criminal Defamation; Sued Today For Defamation

KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman who works as a licensed therapist, and whose license is currently under investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, was hit with a five-count criminal complaint this week after a two-year campaign of social media defamation targeting Kenosha County Eye Editor Kevin Mathewson, court records show. Niccolai was also previously a foster mom. Jacqueline P. Niccolai, 38, of Kenosha, was charged April 7, 2026, with criminal defamation, computer message threaten/obscenity, disorderly conduct, and two counts of misdemeanor bail jumping. The complaint was charged by the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office. The case marks the fourth time Niccolai has faced legal action in Kenosha County. Her first case involved carrying a firearm while intoxicated. Her second involved two counts of violating a

Last Office Available in Newly Remodeled Downtown Legal Building Near Courthouse

KENOSHA, Wis. — One office will be available on May 9th in the newly remodeled downtown legal building just two blocks from the Kenosha County Courthouse, offering a professional setting geared toward attorneys and other professionals who want to be close to the center of local legal activity. The remaining private office measures approximately 120 square feet and is available for $475 per month. The building is currently home to five attorneys and Kenosha County Eye publisher Kevin Mathewson, creating an environment geared toward legal work and professional collaboration. The building has recently undergone remodeling and includes a shared lobby and waiting area for clients, a conference room, a break room, two bathrooms, and soundproof walls designed to provide privacy and confidentiality for sensitive conversations. Professionals working in the building

Man Dies After Apparently Being Struck by Train in Somers

SOMERS, Wis. — A 60-year-old man was found dead Thursday morning near the Canadian Pacific railroad tracks near Washington Road in Somers after what investigators believe was a tragic train-related incident. According to the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the area around 10:03 a.m. after a railroad worker discovered an unresponsive man near the tracks. Deputies and rescue personnel arrived and confirmed the man was deceased. The man was identified as Kirk R. Sax, a 60-year-old white man. Investigators believe Sax may have been struck by a moving train. Authorities said they are considering the possibility that he may have been attempting to board a moving train or fell between train cars. Detectives with the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office and personnel from the Kenosha County Medical Examiner’s

Firefighters Battle Blaze at Kenosha Home; Investigator Requested

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha firefighters were called to a residential fire Thursday evening at 2018 50th St., where crews entered the structure to battle the blaze for roughly 20 to 25 minutes before requesting a fire investigator and board-up assistance. Dispatch records show the call came in shortly before 6 p.m. Truck 1, Engine 3, Engine 5, Engine 4, Med 4 and Battalion 1 were all sent to the scene at about 5:55 p.m. Radio traffic indicated firefighters initially staged outside before later announcing they were “going interior,” meaning crews entered the building to attack the fire from inside. Police radio traffic later suggested the blaze lasted about 20 to 25 minutes. Officers monitoring the scene referred to it as “probably about a 20-minute battle,” while other radio traffic appeared

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Beller To Hold “Law & Order” Campaign Kickoff At Brat Stop Next Week

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha Police Captain James Beller will formally kick off his campaign for Kenosha County sheriff next week with a “Law & Order” themed event at the Brat Stop in Kenosha, where supporters will hear his plans for public safety, accountability, and the future of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office. The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 16 at 5:30 p.m. in the Bristol Room at the Brat Stop, located at 12304 75th St. Organizers are directing attendees to use Door “B.” Beller, a Republican, announced his candidacy in January and has positioned himself as an experienced law-enforcement leader with military service, command-level experience, and elite federal training. He currently serves as a captain with the Kenosha Police Department and has spent nearly three decades in law enforcement,

Man Dies After Apparently Being Struck by Train in Somers

SOMERS, Wis. — A 60-year-old man was found dead Thursday morning near the Canadian Pacific railroad tracks near Washington Road in Somers after what investigators believe was a tragic train-related incident. According to the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the area around 10:03 a.m. after a railroad worker discovered an unresponsive man near the tracks. Deputies and rescue personnel arrived and confirmed the man was deceased. The man was identified as Kirk R. Sax, a 60-year-old white man. Investigators believe Sax may have been struck by a moving train. Authorities said they are considering the possibility that he may have been attempting to board a moving train or fell between train cars. Detectives with the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office and personnel from the Kenosha County Medical Examiner’s

Firefighters Battle Blaze at Kenosha Home; Investigator Requested

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha firefighters were called to a residential fire Thursday evening at 2018 50th St., where crews entered the structure to battle the blaze for roughly 20 to 25 minutes before requesting a fire investigator and board-up assistance. Dispatch records show the call came in shortly before 6 p.m. Truck 1, Engine 3, Engine 5, Engine 4, Med 4 and Battalion 1 were all sent to the scene at about 5:55 p.m. Radio traffic indicated firefighters initially staged outside before later announcing they were “going interior,” meaning crews entered the building to attack the fire from inside. Police radio traffic later suggested the blaze lasted about 20 to 25 minutes. Officers monitoring the scene referred to it as “probably about a 20-minute battle,” while other radio traffic appeared

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Man Accused of Fleeing Kenosha Police at 63 MPH in 30 Zone Gets $5,000 Cash Bail

Anthony Rosales, 18, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of leading police on a short pursuit through a residential neighborhood early Thursday morning was given a $5,000 cash bail by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II during an initial appearance Thursday afternoon. Anthony Rosales, 18, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Mississippi Man Sentenced to 80 Days Work Release for Third-Offense OWI After Allegedly Trying to Switch Seats During Traffic Stop

Keithrick Lebranton-Apree Thompson, 32, of McComb, Mississippi(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Mississippi man was sentenced Wednesday to 80 days of work release after pleading guilty to third-offense drunken driving in Kenosha County, more than six months after authorities say he tried to avoid arrest by switching seats with another person during a traffic stop on Interstate 94. Keithrick Lebranton-Apree Thompson, 32, of McComb, Mississippi(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Genoa City Landlord Accused of Letting Twin Lakes Drug House Operate Near Park Arrested After Missing Multiple Court Dates

Shawn D. Carroll, 50, of Genoa City(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) GENOA CITY, Wis. — Shawn D. Carroll, a 50-year-old Genoa City man accused of allowing a Twin Lakes home to be used as a drug house near a public park, was arrested Wednesday after previously failing to appear in court multiple times in the case. Shawn D. Carroll, 50, of Genoa City(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 Third-Offense OWI After Crashing Into Pole, Knocking Out Power; “Bargain Bail Billy” Gives No-Cash Bail

Cristian T. Gomez, 30, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of drunkenly crashing into a utility pole, knocking out power to nearby homes and then fleeing the scene was allowed to remain free Thursday after Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II gave him no-cash bail. Cristian T. Gomez, 30, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Drug-Using Therapist Slapped With Five-Count Criminal Case, Including Criminal Defamation; Sued Today For Defamation

KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman who works as a licensed therapist, and whose license is currently under investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, was hit with a five-count criminal complaint this week after a two-year campaign of social media defamation targeting Kenosha County Eye Editor Kevin Mathewson, court records show. Niccolai was also previously a foster mom. Jacqueline P. Niccolai, 38, of Kenosha, was charged April 7, 2026, with criminal defamation, computer message threaten/obscenity, disorderly conduct, and two counts of misdemeanor bail jumping. The complaint was charged by the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office. The case marks the fourth time Niccolai has faced legal action in Kenosha County. Her first case involved carrying a firearm while intoxicated. Her second involved two counts of violating a

Combat Veteran Dies After Apparent Fall From Dayton Residential Care Building

KENOSHA, Wis. — A 35-year-old combat veteran died Tuesday morning after an apparent fall from the upper floors of the nine-story Dayton Residential Care building, located at 521 59th St. in downtown Kenosha. Police and fire personnel were dispatched to the area around 9:42 a.m. for a report of a man found behind the building. Initial dispatch traffic indicated the man was unconscious and not breathing. Emergency responders also noted he had suffered severe facial injuries consistent with a significant fall. Authorities have not publicly released the man’s identity. It appears the man fell from near the top of the building. Kenosha Police Captain James Beller confirmed that detectives are investigating the death, though he said the circumstances remain under investigation. Beller, who is also a military veteran, said veteran

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Kenosha Man Accused of Accidentally Shooting 4-Year-Old Son While Cleaning Gun; Held on $50,000 Cash Bail

Travon A. Prater, 22, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man is accused of accidentally shooting his 4-year-old son while cleaning a handgun inside his apartment Tuesday afternoon, leaving the child with serious injuries that required emergency surgery and a helicopter flight to Children’s Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Travon A. Prater, 22, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Minnocqua Man Accused of Stalking Ex-Girlfriend at Kenosha Yoga Studio Held on $15,000 Cash Bail

Blake Arena, 39, of Minocqua(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 39-year-old Minocqua man accused of obsessively stalking his ex-girlfriend, showing up repeatedly at her Kenosha yoga studio, and flooding her with calls and emails was ordered held on a $15,000 cash bail Wednesday by Court Commissioner William Michel II. Blake Arena, 39, of Minocqua(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Illinois Man Wanted After Allegedly Fleeing Scene of Motorcycle Crash That Left Rider Injured

Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) TOWN OF WHEATLAND, Wis. — An Illinois man is wanted after prosecutors say he rear-ended a motorcycle with a car, left the injured rider bleeding in the roadway, and then fled the scene before deputies arrived. Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II issued a $2,500 arrest warrant Wednesday for Eugenio Perez Martinez, 28, of East Beloit, Illinois, after charges were filed and he failed to appear. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Kenosha Police Department at 262-656-1234. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Kenosha Man Charged After Allegedly Pushing Bar Patron, Causing Skull Fracture and Brain Bleed

Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Michael Andrew Mayer, 41, of Kenosha, was charged Wednesday with felony substantial battery after prosecutors say he shoved another man outside of FECs tavern last year, causing him to strike his head on the ground and suffer a fractured skull and brain bleed. Mayer was not taken into custody and instead was issued a summons to appear in court on April 15 for his initial appearance. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Illinois Man Accused of Drunken Driving With 8-Year-Old Son in Vehicle Fails to Appear in Court, Warrant Issued

Richard P. Elliston Jr., 45, of Waukegan(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Richard P. Elliston Jr., a 45-year-old Waukegan, Illinois man, is now wanted after failing to appear in Kenosha County court Wednesday on allegations that he drove drunk with his 8-year-old son in the vehicle. Court Commissioner William Michel II authorized a $1,000 cash warrant for Elliston after he did not appear for his initial appearance. Richard P. Elliston Jr., 45, of Waukegan(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Wanted Kenosha Man Accused of Forged Check Scheme; Co-Defendant Summonsed to Court

Matthew Sawyer, 66, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Matthew Sawyer, 66, of Kenosha, and Jayla M. Isenberg, 20, of Kenosha, were both charged Tuesday in connection with an alleged forged-check scheme involving Red River Energy, but only Sawyer is currently wanted by authorities. Isenberg was issued a summons and is due in court April 30, while Sawyer failed to appear and Court Commissioner William Michel II issued a $5,000 arrest warrant for him on Wednesday. If you know Sawyer’s whereabouts, you are asked to call the Kenosha Police Department at 262-605-5200. Matthew Sawyer, 66, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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

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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