(Photo from Linkedin)
A third high-ranking Village of Pleasant Prairie employee has resigned amid the village-wide corruption probe. Four felonies have been referred to the Racine County DA’s office by the Racine County Sheriff’s Department and more could be coming. The Racine Sheriff’s Office was asked by ousted Village Administrator Nathan Thiel to investigate allegations of public misconduct in public office and corruption. Thiel was fired shortly after he requested the probe into former Public Works Director John Steinbrink, Jr, son of John Steinbrink Sr, the Village’s President. KCE was told weeks ago from many current and past employees of the Village that Willke was preparing to resign from the Village after being questioned by law enforcement. We spoke to Willke on the phone, who denied that she was leaving. Steinbrink Jr resigned on June 28, 2022.
Village Communication Manager Lies to KCE
On Thursday, June 30, 2022, KCE asked if Carol Willke was resigning. He responded quickly that she wasn’t. He then ignored follow-up questions. KCE then obtained a leaked email that Willke had indeed resigned, effective July 11, 2022. Willke has been the Village’s Director of HR since 2005 and many current and past Village employees tell us they have reported corruption, theft and misconduct to Willke who would commonly tell employees “His [Jr.] Dad is the Village President. I can’t do anything.”
15 Responses
Seems funny how all these former Kenosha News employees end up in government jobs in Kenosha County. Looks like they may have been given a political payback? There needs to be a deep cleaning of these political connections and current politicians. That’s why the leftists went unhinged at the last County board meeting. Their b.s. will be exposed by the new people in office. Time to clean up all entities of the Kenosha County Governments.
You are absolutely correct. These corrupt local governments have established understandings with the Kenosha News. The governments provide a daily set of redacted police reports so the K-News can provide their content. The understanding is that this daily ration of records to “feed the beast” will be cut off if the News starts poking around and asking uncomfortable questions. The News has made this deal with the devil and in the process turn itself into a lap dog rather than a watchdog. The Kenosha News has become an enabler of all this corruption.
You have to be 55 to retire in the state of WI. Jr. is only just 53. How can he be classified as retired? It should be resigned.
So he can take advantage of VPPs post employment retirement benefits. Ya know, free health insurance after her “retires”. Not eligible if he were fired.
Now investigate Kathy Goessl finance director/interim VPP administrator. She’s just as guilty, charge her with misconduct in public office! And all other finance people. This has been happening under Mike Polllocoff’s watch for DECADES. HE KNEW TOO! Thiel had integrity, which is why Jr was reported. Throw felony charges at Pollocoff too! DRAIN THE SWAMP!
Pollocoff and Senior started this system 30 years ago. Recruited many others along the way including Serpe, W/Harris, and Goessel and many others.
It sounds like Wilke was also part of the extensive financial abuse of the tax payers and the workplace abuse of employees.
I am sure the whole crew is furious that Jr. has ruined the party.
It is impossible to find any truth from the village or Kenosha news.
Why would the village spokesperson lie about a preplanned retirement? Because this board, administrators and department heads can’t allow the truth to come out.
I agree! Also HR knew weeks ago felony charges were being recommended and they had enough evidence to fire Jr. village residents need to know WHY he was allowed to retire! He doesn’t deserve his pension benefits for ripping off taxpayers to pad his and his dads pockets!!! ABUSE OF POWER!!! Carole and her cronies all need to be FIRED – DEMAND a new Human Resources staff!!!
We need to demand action, the entire Village is corrupt! Kathy Goessl needs to go too. Our tax dollars go for all this BS.
Let’s be clear she RETIRED, not resigned, as was the plan for months, if not years. Get your facts right.
It should be fired given the gross negligence of doing her job. She had a responsibility to protect all employees, Village Residents and assets not just John Jr. She is a disgrace to the Human Resources field and those who have the integrity and grit to do their job. She should be ashamed of herself – a complete SELLOUT! At least she is now being exposed for all of the shit she allowed to happen to good employees and the blind eye she turned when it came to her buddy John Jr. I hope KARMA comes and bites that bitch right back.
Fuck you.
Clearly the truth hurts to spark that reaction. Perhaps if she has some integrity her name and reputation wouldn’t be worthless now. It’s her own fault and she knows it. People depended on her to do the right thing and she literally ignored their pleas and let the abuse of power reign. Again, a disgrace to the HR field.
if she is retiring and not resigning, and it’s been planned for months, why is the mouthpiece for the Village denying her leaving?
Or is he being kept out of the loop? And has anyone seen any ads posted for the vacant administrator’s job?
I only see the Kenosha County Eye growing in stature. Just don’t let in anyone who would compromise your operations. Your media company staff can be proud for your efforts and results.