Details Released In Lakeview High School Counselor On Unpaid Leave For Misconduct

Copied!
School Counselor Joseph Pitts, Jr (40) of Sturtevant
(LakeView Facebook Page)

Details were released in the investigation of LakeView High School Counselor Joseph Pitts, Jr (40) of Sturtevant, WI. According to a source, and later confirmed by KUSD spokesman Tanya Ruder, Joseph Pitts is on leave from his job as counselor at the high school.

Paid Advertisement

The Kenosha Unified School District was made aware of allegations of misconduct on February 21, 2023, and an in-depth investigation was immediately launched. Pitts was placed on paid leave until the investigation concluded on March 20, 2023. Pitts was then moved to unpaid leave on March 21, 2023.

Paid Advertisement

KCE learned that Pleasant Prairie Police was asked by the district to investigate if any criminal charges were warranted. According to the police report:

Paid Advertisement

On Tuesday, February 21, 2023, the mother and father of “Jane Doe” came into LakeView High School Principal Bethany Ormseth’s office. They were there to notify the district that Pitts, Jr was having a romantic relationship with their daughter Jane, who had just turned 18. She graduated from the high school in June of 2022. Jane’s parents had learned that Jane was spending time at Pitts’ home in Sturtevant.

Paid Advertisement

Jane’s mom started looking into the relationship between Pitts and Jane. She noticed on the phone bill that her daughter and Pitts would talk on the phone many times for hours when Jane was still 17 years old and a student at LakeView. The phone was Pitts’ personal cell phone. Jane’s mom confronted her about the relationship and she told her mom that she was in love with Pitts. Jane told her parents that the romantic relationship started when she turned 18, but her parents didn’t believe her. They think that Pitts “groomed” Jane. (Grooming is when someone builds a relationship, trust, and emotional connection with a child or young person so they can manipulate, exploit, and sexually abuse them.)

Paid Advertisement

Pleasant Prairie investigators spoke with Pitts at LakeView High School. Pitts admitted to a current romantic relationship with Jane, but later said they were just “friends.” While Jane was a student, he said the two had a “unique thing” and “special bond” but denied any physical contact. He told investigators he never gave out his personal phone numbers to students, but did with Jane because of the “special bond.” He said he never planned on a romantic relationship, but it “just sort of happened” after she turned 18. He said they slept in the same bed, kissed, and touched each other’s genitals under the clothes, but didn’t admit to oral sex or intercourse.

Paid Advertisement

Pitts and Jane exchanged letters at graduation that used the word “love” in them. Pitts told police their first time seeing each other outside of school was at a graduation party, and shortly thereafter, at Pitts’ home.

Paid Advertisement

Police asked Pitts for consent to look through his phone and he declined. Police seized the phone but couldn’t go through it without a search warrant. Pitts gave conflicting stories during the interview. For example, he initially denied that Jane spent the night at his house in February, then said he didn’t remember, then said “yes.” Pitts was worried that people would think the relationship started when Jane was still a student but he said it wasn’t like that. Detective Hoffman asked Pitts if he really thought it was a good idea for a 40-year-old man to have a romantic relationship with a former student that just turned 18. Pitts went silent and never answered the question. Pitts said, “This isn’t what it seems like. Looking [back] at this back, I get how it sounds. It’s not. I never did anything with her until she was eighteen.” Pitts then stated, “It does not look good because we did talk a lot on the phone.” He then referred to
his phone and said, “And now, it’s going to look weird that, like there is no, everything is off of it, because I just recently was clearing all the stuff off of it.” Pitts was then asked when and if he had deleted anything off of his phone and he said “like today, cus the storage was all used up.”

Paid Advertisement

Investigators consulted with DA Mike Graveley and ADA Drew Lehman and drafted a search warrant for the cell phone. Unfortunately, stopping the investigation in its tracks, and leading to the non-prosecution, Judge Jason Rossell refused to sign the search warrant, citing no probable cause.

Investigators spoke to Jane at the Pleasant Prairie Police Department. Jane was asked if she thought that Pitts was grooming her and she said, “During school? No. During the summer, like the month before I because an adult? I guess you could say that was special attention but at the same time, like…that’s a short period to groom someone.” Jane did admit to being at Pitt’s house while she was still a student. She saved his cell phone number into her phone as her cousin, so her parents wouldn’t know.

According to the report, KUSD is planning to “charge” Pitts with “texting students, grooming students of color, and switching absences for students.”

KCE doesn’t have any update on Pitts’ employment status.

Author

Copied!
LATEST NEWS

City to Offer Curbside Pickup for Storm Debris Following Severe Weather

KENOSHA, Wis. — Residents dealing with fallen branches and storm debris after Thursday night’s severe weather will be able to take advantage of curbside pickup services offered by the City of Kenosha. City crews from the Department of Public Works and Parks Department are expected to begin surveying impacted neighborhoods in the coming days following the April 2 storms. Residents are being asked

Plus +

Storm Damage—In Photos: Trees Down, Thousands Without Power After Violent Storms Sweep Through Kenosha County

Kenosha Storm of April 3, 2026(Submitted by Reader) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Strong storms tore through Kenosha County Thursday night, leaving behind downed trees, damaged homes, toppled power lines and thousands of residents without electricity. Many readers sent Kenosha County Eye photos overnight and early Friday morning showing the widespread destruction left behind by the storm. Images submitted to KCE showed large trees

MORE TOP STORIES
Plus +

Felony Strangulation Charge Filed Against Kenosha Man; Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II Sets $5,000 Cash Bail

Kevin T. Anderson, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of strangling his girlfriend’s daughter’s fiancé and battering another family member during a domestic disturbance was charged Wednesday and given a $5,000 cash bail by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II. Kevin

Plus +

Navy Sailor Accused of 130 MPH Police Chase Has Bail Cut From $40,000 to $20,000

Andrew Richardson Farah, 19, of Milwaukee(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 19-year-old Milwaukee man accused of leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase through Kenosha and Racine counties had his bail cut in half Thursday by Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II after originally being wanted on

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Leaving 10-Year-Old Home Alone, Fighting With Police Gets $1,000 Cash Bail

Jeffery J. Schrock, 47, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) Update 4/3/2026 @ 6:22 p.m.: Attorney Benjamin Schwarz successfully moved to dismiss the child-neglect charge during Schrock’s initial appearance Thursday. Schrock now faces only the remaining counts of disorderly conduct, obstructing an officer and resisting an officer. KENOSHA, Wis. — A

Categories
Archives
Authors

61 Responses

  1. What the hell is “grooming a person of color”? How is that different from grooming a white person? Why on earth would KUSD differentiate based on the student’s “color”? (Or could that be a police-report error?) Sidebar: Does the color of the alleged groomer matter in any way?

    As far as the criminal law aspect, kudos to the judge for not signing a warrant. There doesn’t seem to be even an accusation of criminal activity, and certainly nothing more than mere suspicion based on what I’m reading here.

    34
    11
    1. He’s known this student since they were a minor. That’s very weird considering he waited until the moment she turned 18.

      18
      1
      1. definitely woke–i guess grooming a person of color is worse than grooming a white person these days

        13
        6
    2. A girl gets groomed and you’re first thought is how white people were affected because they said “person of color”? Grow up.

      21
      9
      1. So by your stupid “liberal” logic, if the student wasn’t a “person of color”, it would have been OK then? Grow up.

        6
        4
      2. Why would you assume it was a first thought? And why would you be so shallow as to think that it’s not allowable to multitask and be a offended and appalled by many different things from the same pathetic story? Race was brought up by the school leadership that for some bizarre reason had to separate grooming into colors. Do not mention the absurdity of that would be as silly as you are with a comment alleging that it is wrong to mention it at all.

        7
        2
  2. I don’t know that I’m especially horrified considering she was close to being illegal adult, but refusing to sign the warrant was ridiculous. Do you honestly believe anyone who erases their phone information the minute the police want to look at it? Is it legal? I have no idea, but I know that it’s nothing you would believe if your child came home with a bike that you’d never seen before and a story like the one coming from this counselor. At this point I guess I leave it to the parents to decide what they feel is needed and if we have any legal basis to follow their train of thought. So far it looks like the law is able but not willing to investigate a possible crime

    8
    5
    1. I wonder if the student gave permissions to police to search her phone? It doesn’t seem like it, as those contents should have been enough probable cause to obtain a warrant to search his phone.

      5
      1
  3. Another sick, pedo groomer exposed. KUSD would have just swept this one under the rug if it wasn’t for you Kevin.

    18
    1
  4. Jimmy P got to skip town and now grooms in another state. This groomer will do the same. Illinois wants him.

    5
    2
  5. The guy looks gay, opposed to being straight. Perhaps he swings both ways!

    Anyways WTF is wrong with both of these people thinking it’s okay for a 40 year old and 18 year old to have a relationship! Perhaps she has Daddy issues and looking for a father figure to replace her own Dad. Why else would a student get involved with their teacher!! They are both sickos!!

    And that judge needs to go!!!

    0
    13
  6. Laura, Laura, Laura….you couldn’t even find enough PC for a search warrant? I never had ANY SW refused in my time! Are you getting soft? Dig…dig…it it seems wrong, it is!

    3
    2
  7. Deleting your physical phone texts and chats does not delete it from whatever server/app/cell provider records. The transmission data remains in tact if there were a search warrant granted.

    6
    1
  8. I’ve got big balls
    I’ve got big balls
    They’re such big balls
    And they’re dirty big balls
    And he’s got big balls
    And she’s got big balls
    (But we’ve got the biggest balls of them all)
    And my balls are always bouncing
    My ballroom always full
    And everybody comes and comes again
    If your name is on the guest list
    No one can take you higher
    Everybody says I’ve got
    Great balls of fire

    12
    2
  9. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢰⡿⠋⠁⠀⠀⠈⠉⠙⠻⣷⣄⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
    ⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⣿⠇⠀⢀⣴⣶⡾⠿⠿⠿⢿⣿⣦⡀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
    ⠀⠀⣀⣀⣸⡿⠀⠀⢸⣿⣇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠙⣷⡀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
    ⠀⣾⡟⠛⣿⡇⠀⠀⢸⣿⣿⣷⣤⣤⣤⣤⣶⣶⣿⠇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣀⠀⠀
    ⢀⣿⠀⢀⣿⡇⠀⠀⠀⠻⢿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠿⣿⡏⠀⠀⠀⠀⢴⣶⣶⣿⣿⣿⣆
    ⢸⣿⠀⢸⣿⡇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠈⠉⠁⠀⠀⠀⣿⡇⣀⣠⣴⣾⣮⣝⠿⠿⠿⣻⡟
    ⢸⣿⠀⠘⣿⡇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣠⣶⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⠁⠉⠀
    ⠸⣿⠀⠀⣿⡇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣠⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⠟⠉⠀⠀⠀⠀
    ⠀⠻⣷⣶⣿⣇⠀⠀⠀⢠⣼⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣛⣛⣻⠉⠁⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
    ⠀⠀⠀⠀⢸⣿⠀⠀⠀⢸⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
    ⠀⠀⠀⠀⢸⣿⣀⣀⣀⣼⡿⢿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⣿⣿⡿

    9
    2
  10. The dude is a good looking guy, no doubt he doesn’t have trouble attracting female attention. He succumbed to his physical desires, a very costly mistake in that he threw away his career, his reputation, and now the monetary and financial costs will begin. All men should take note of this and BEWARE, temptation is real and knowing this beforehand and evaluating what the potential costs of giving into temptation could be when you have a clear mind. I suspect he will be moving far, far away at the first opportunity.

    18
    11
  11. ⣿⣯⣿⣟⣟⡼⣿⡼⡿⣷⣿⣿⣿⠽⡟⢋⣿⣿⠘⣼⣷⡟⠻⡿⣷⡼⣝⡿⡾⣿
    ⣿⣿⣿⣿⢁⣵⡇⡟⠀⣿⣿⣿⠇⠀⡇⣴⣿⣿⣧⣿⣿⡇⠀⢣⣿⣷⣀⡏⢻⣿
    ⣿⣿⠿⣿⣿⣿⠷⠁⠀⠛⠛⠋⠀⠂⠹⠿⠿⠿⠿⠿⠉⠁⠀⠘⠛⠛⠛⠃⢸⣯
    ⣿⡇⠀⣄⣀⣀⣈⣁⠈⠉⠃⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠠⠎⠈⠀⣀⣁⣀⣀⡠⠈⠉
    ⣿⣯⣽⡿⢟⡿⠿⠛⠛⠿⣶⣄⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠈⢠⣴⣾⠛⠛⠿⠻⠛⠿⣷⣶
    ⣿⣿⣿⠀⠀⠀⣿⡿⣶⣿⣫⠉⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠈⠰⣿⠿⠾⣿⡇⠀⠀⢺⣿
    ⣿⣿⠻⡀⠀⠀⠙⠏⠒⡻⠃⠀⠀⠀⠀⣀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠐⡓⢚⠟⠁⠀⠀⡾⢫
    ⣿⣿⠀⠀⡀⠀⠀⡈⣉⡀⡠⣐⣅⣽⣺⣿⣯⡡⣴⣴⣔⣠⣀⣀⡀⢀⡀⡀⠀⣸
    ⣿⣿⣷⣿⣟⣿⡿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⢻⢾⣷⣿
    ⣿⣿⣟⠫⡾⠟⠫⢾⠯⡻⢟⡽⢶⢿⣿⣿⡛⠕⠎⠻⠝⠪⢖⠝⠟⢫⠾⠜⢿⣿
    ⣿⣿⣿⠉⠀⠀⠀⠀⠈⠀⠀⠀⠀⣰⣋⣀⣈⣢⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣐⢸⣿
    ⣿⣿⣿⣆⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢰⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣧⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⣾⣿
    ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣦⡔⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢻⣿⡿⣿⣿⢽⣿⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣠⣾⣿⣿
    ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣶⣤⣀⠀⠀⠀⠘⠛⢅⣙⣙⠿⠉⠀⠀⠀⢀⣠⣴⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿
    ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣶⣤⣄⣅⠀⠓⠀⠀⣀⣠⣴⣺⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿

    4
    3
  12. I hope he knows hes betrayed the trust of so many girls that trusted him. hes ruined any kind of admiration hes built with the students at lakeview. disgusting.

    5
    2
    1. Absolutely! I can’t believe this. I’m in shock and disgusted. I can’t believe this man knew my deepest thoughts.

      2
      1
  13. i remember multiple students complained abt this guy and staff did nun ? karma for that lame ass school

    6
    1
  14. Guys, I need some money. I’m trying to ask out my friend EDP445 to a date. I was thinking about getting some cupcakes for him but I don’t know what flavor he likes. Any suggestions?

    8
    1
  15. I’m not justifying Pitts actions or saying he is in the right, I’ve known Pitts since freshman year. He is someone that most of us enjoyed at the school, now Jane was 17 at the time during school and him giving her his phone number is non excusable m now we certainly don’t know exactly why he gave her the phone number but if you think about it and why these other kids have his phone number aswell is because he’s a guidance counselor. again I am not excusing him, but maybe the children were going through things mentally or had things going on at home like being neglected or physically abused or maybe traumas??? Personally I don’t think that Pitts would have sexual relations before she was legal, yes I think her being over at his house before the legal age of consent is very odd I don’t think he would’ve done something so idiotic. I don’t know. this is just my view.

    1. I promise you the older you get the more you’re going to realize how actually fucked up this behavior is.

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

LATEST NEWS

City to Offer Curbside Pickup for Storm Debris Following Severe Weather

KENOSHA, Wis. — Residents dealing with fallen branches and storm debris after Thursday night’s severe weather will be able to take advantage of curbside pickup services offered by the City of Kenosha. City crews from the Department of Public Works and Parks Department are expected to begin surveying impacted neighborhoods in the coming days following the April 2 storms. Residents are being asked

Plus +

Storm Damage—In Photos: Trees Down, Thousands Without Power After Violent Storms Sweep Through Kenosha County

Kenosha Storm of April 3, 2026(Submitted by Reader) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Strong storms tore through Kenosha County Thursday night, leaving behind downed trees, damaged homes, toppled power lines and thousands of residents without electricity. Many readers sent Kenosha County Eye photos overnight and early Friday morning showing the widespread destruction left behind by the storm. Images submitted to KCE showed large trees

Plus +

Press Conference: Marckus Plaza In Custody After 30-Hour Manhunt; Who Put The Handcuffs On Him Will Surprise You

Kenosha Police Chief Pat Patton at Press Conference this Evening(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) Warning: The details in this case are disturbing and may be graphic for some readers. KENOSHA, Wis. — Police held a press conference at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Kenosha Public Museum, where they laid out new details about the murder of Makayla Plaza, the nearly 30-hour

Illinois Man Already Facing Attempted Homicide Charges Accused of Secret Jail Calls With Salem Woman

KENOSHA, Wis. — Jake C. Wenzel, 30, of Antioch, Illinois, was charged Tuesday with four new counts of felony bail jumping and four counts of violating jail rules after prosecutors say he repeatedly communicated with Salem woman Savannah Lee Burm while both were locked up in the Kenosha County Detention Center. Wenzel is already facing two counts of attempted first-degree intentional homicide and

Plus +

Felony Strangulation Charge Filed Against Kenosha Man; Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II Sets $5,000 Cash Bail

Kevin T. Anderson, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of strangling his girlfriend’s daughter’s fiancé and battering another family member during a domestic disturbance was charged Wednesday and given a $5,000 cash bail by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II. Kevin T. Anderson, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in

Plus +

Navy Sailor Accused of 130 MPH Police Chase Has Bail Cut From $40,000 to $20,000

Andrew Richardson Farah, 19, of Milwaukee(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 19-year-old Milwaukee man accused of leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase through Kenosha and Racine counties had his bail cut in half Thursday by Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II after originally being wanted on a $40,000 arrest warrant issued last month. Andrew Richardson Farah, 19, of Milwaukee(Kenosha

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Leaving 10-Year-Old Home Alone, Fighting With Police Gets $1,000 Cash Bail

Jeffery J. Schrock, 47, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) Update 4/3/2026 @ 6:22 p.m.: Attorney Benjamin Schwarz successfully moved to dismiss the child-neglect charge during Schrock’s initial appearance Thursday. Schrock now faces only the remaining counts of disorderly conduct, obstructing an officer and resisting an officer. KENOSHA, Wis. — A 47-year-old Kenosha man accused of leaving his 10-year-old son home alone while he

Plus +

Twin Lakes Man Accused of Stealing Cash, Jewelry and Forging Elderly Victim’s Checks Gets $7,500 Cash Bail

Robert J. Schmidt Sr., 53, of Twin Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — A Twin Lakes man accused of stealing thousands of dollars in cash, jewelry and mailed checks from an elderly man who allowed him to live in his home for years was given a $7,500 cash bail Thursday by Court Commissioner William Michel II. Robert J. Schmidt Sr., 53,

Plus +

Illinois Menards Felony Theft Suspect Gets Bail Cut After Arrest; Juan Zavala Gonzalez, 41, Still at Large

Ramon Morales, 46, of Waukegan(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 46-year-old Illinois man accused of repeatedly stealing roofing materials and shingles from Menards stores had his cash bail reduced Thursday after his arrest Wednesday, while his alleged co-defendant, Juan Zavala Gonzalez, 41, remains at large. Ramon Morales, 46, of Waukegan(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the

Two Dead After Overnight House Fire in Pleasant Prairie

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Two people are dead after a house fire early Thursday morning in the 2500 block of 116th Street in Pleasant Prairie. Police were reportedly the first to arrive at the home, where they found heavy flames coming from the rear of the house. Officers indicated the fire was too intense for them to safely enter the residence without proper

Plus +

Kenosha Woman Accused of Stealing More Than $2,100 in Merchandise From Target and Nike Given $2,500 Bail

Lorilei L. Barwick, 53, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A Kenosha woman accused of stealing more than $2,100 worth of merchandise from Target and Nike over two separate dates was charged Wednesday and given a $2,500 cash bail by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II. Michel also ordered 53-year-old Lorilei L. Barwick to have no contact with

Plus +

Chicago Man Wanted on $10,000 Warrant After Allegedly Using Fake Funeral Scam to Try to Steal Thousands From Kenosha Shoppers

Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 24-year-old Chicago man is wanted in Kenosha County after prosecutors charged him with allegedly using a fake funeral donation scam to try to steal thousands of dollars from shoppers outside two Kenosha stores. Court Commissioner William Michel II issued a $10,000 warrant for Kion E. Harris after charges were

Kenosha Hometown Heroes Commission Opens Second Quarter Nominations

KENOSHA, Wis. — The Kenosha Hometown Heroes Commission is once again seeking nominations for local veterans to be recognized during the second quarter of 2026. The program honors men and women who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces and who have a connection to the City of Kenosha. Eligible nominees must have been born in Kenosha, currently

City Compost Site To Open April 6; Free Drop-Off Available for Kenosha Residents

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha residents will once again be able to drop off brush, branches and compostable materials beginning Monday, April 6, when the city’s Compost/Brush Drop-Off Site reopens for the season. The site, located at 4071 88th Ave., will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. The service is available only to City of Kenosha residents and

Tiffany Pushes to End Emissions Testing, Eliminate Taxes on Tips and Overtime in New Campaign Proposals

GREENDALE, Wis. — Republican gubernatorial candidate and Congressman Tom Tiffany unveiled two major economic proposals Tuesday, calling for an end to Wisconsin’s vehicle emissions testing requirement and promising to eliminate state income taxes on tips and overtime pay. During an event in Greendale, Tiffany said Wisconsin’s emissions testing system is outdated and places unnecessary burdens on drivers in seven southeastern Wisconsin counties. He

City to Honor Four Kenosha Leaders With Memorial Tree Plantings on Arbor Day

KENOSHA, Wis. — Four longtime Kenosha community leaders who died in 2025 and 2026 will be honored later this month during the City of Kenosha’s annual Arbor Day observance, with memorial trees planted in their names at parks across the city. The Arbor Day commemorations will take place April 24 and will recognize John Hawley, Dr. Paul Capelli, William “Bill” Rice Jr. and

Plus +

Children Allegedly Watched as Kenosha Man Murdered Wife; DA Files Homicide Charge Within Hours

Marckus L.A. Plaza, 33, of Kenosha (Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office)Crime Scene (Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) Warning: The details in this case are disturbing and may be graphic for some readers. KENOSHA, Wis. — District Attorney Xavier Solis and his team worked quickly with Kenosha police Wednesday to file a homicide charge and secure an arrest warrant within hours of Makayla Marie Rutka

Plus +

Walworth Judge Assigned To Ortiz John Doe as Deputy, or County, Retains Two Lawyers

Racine County Deputy Emil Ortiz, 37, of Somers (Mugshot)FLOCK Image Illegally Obtained by Ortiz KENOSHA, Wis. — The John Doe petition filed by Kenosha County Eye publisher Kevin Mathewson against Racine County Sheriff’s Deputy Emil Ortiz continues to move forward, with Chief Judge Wynne P. Lautenberg now assigning a Walworth County judge to oversee the case and Ortiz formally hiring two attorneys. You

In Unusual Move, Sister, Mother and Attorney Reach Out to Kenosha County Eye About Salem Woman Who is in “Deep Shit”

KENOSHA, Wis. — In an unusual development following charges filed against Salem woman Savannah Lee Burm, both Burm’s sister and Burm’s attorney contacted Kenosha County Eye after the outlet published a story detailing allegations that Burm helped accused attempted homicide suspect Jake C. Wenzel avoid capture. Burm, 29, was charged on Nov. 26 with Straw Purchasing of a Firearm, Harboring or Aiding a

Manhunt Underway for Kenosha Man Accused of Murdering His Wife After Bargain Bail Billy Denied Her Restraining Order Weeks Earlier

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha police have not officially confirmed the identity of the victim in Tuesday morning’s apparent homicide near 75th Street and 22nd Avenue, but sources indicate the victim is seemingly Makayla Marie Rutka Plaza, 28. The suspect is her estranged husband, 33-year-old Marckus L.A. Plaza, who remained the subject of a massive manhunt as of publication. Police were initially called to

Kenosha County DA Xavier Solis Owes $8,000 in Back Taxes, Addresses Lien: ‘I’m Only Human’

KENOSHA, Wis. — Wisconsin Circuit Court records filed early Tuesday morning show the state Department of Revenue filed a delinquent income tax warrant against Solis in Kenosha County Circuit Court, case number 2026TW000318. The warrant, which carries the force of a civil judgment, reflects $8,024 in unpaid income taxes, $2,873.98 in penalties, and $2,710.60 in accrued interest, a total of $13,608.58. The underlying

Supreme Court Ruling Puts Kenosha Conversion Therapy Ban in Legal Jeopardy

KENOSHA, Wis. — A new U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down a Colorado conversion therapy ban is likely to place the City of Kenosha’s own ordinance banning the practice on shaky constitutional ground. On Tuesday, the nation’s highest court ruled 8-1 that Colorado’s law banning licensed therapists from providing conversion therapy to minors violated the First Amendment because it restricted speech based on

Nearly 49 Years After Ralph Gianoli Was Found Beaten and Strangled in His Home, Kenosha Police Say DNA Helped Identify Suspect

KENOSHA, Wis. — Nearly 49 years after Ralph Ambrose Gianoli was found beaten and strangled to death inside his home at 5310 25th Ave., Kenosha police on Tuesday publicly laid out how preserved evidence, modern DNA testing and years of renewed investigative work led to the arrest of a Tennessee man in one of the city’s oldest unsolved homicide cases. Police say James

LATEST NEWS

City to Offer Curbside Pickup for Storm Debris Following Severe Weather

KENOSHA, Wis. — Residents dealing with fallen branches and storm debris after Thursday night’s severe weather will be able to take advantage of curbside pickup services offered by the City of Kenosha. City crews from the Department of Public Works and Parks Department are expected to begin surveying impacted neighborhoods in the coming days following the April 2 storms. Residents are being asked

Plus +

Storm Damage—In Photos: Trees Down, Thousands Without Power After Violent Storms Sweep Through Kenosha County

Kenosha Storm of April 3, 2026(Submitted by Reader) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Strong storms tore through Kenosha County Thursday night, leaving behind downed trees, damaged homes, toppled power lines and thousands of residents without electricity. Many readers sent Kenosha County Eye photos overnight and early Friday morning showing the widespread destruction left behind by the storm. Images submitted to KCE showed large trees

Plus +

Press Conference: Marckus Plaza In Custody After 30-Hour Manhunt; Who Put The Handcuffs On Him Will Surprise You

Kenosha Police Chief Pat Patton at Press Conference this Evening(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) Warning: The details in this case are disturbing and may be graphic for some readers. KENOSHA, Wis. — Police held a press conference at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Kenosha Public Museum, where they laid out new details about the murder of Makayla Plaza, the nearly 30-hour

Illinois Man Already Facing Attempted Homicide Charges Accused of Secret Jail Calls With Salem Woman

KENOSHA, Wis. — Jake C. Wenzel, 30, of Antioch, Illinois, was charged Tuesday with four new counts of felony bail jumping and four counts of violating jail rules after prosecutors say he repeatedly communicated with Salem woman Savannah Lee Burm while both were locked up in the Kenosha County Detention Center. Wenzel is already facing two counts of attempted first-degree intentional homicide and

Plus +

Felony Strangulation Charge Filed Against Kenosha Man; Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II Sets $5,000 Cash Bail

Kevin T. Anderson, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of strangling his girlfriend’s daughter’s fiancé and battering another family member during a domestic disturbance was charged Wednesday and given a $5,000 cash bail by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II. Kevin T. Anderson, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in

Plus +

Navy Sailor Accused of 130 MPH Police Chase Has Bail Cut From $40,000 to $20,000

Andrew Richardson Farah, 19, of Milwaukee(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 19-year-old Milwaukee man accused of leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase through Kenosha and Racine counties had his bail cut in half Thursday by Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II after originally being wanted on a $40,000 arrest warrant issued last month. Andrew Richardson Farah, 19, of Milwaukee(Kenosha

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Leaving 10-Year-Old Home Alone, Fighting With Police Gets $1,000 Cash Bail

Jeffery J. Schrock, 47, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) Update 4/3/2026 @ 6:22 p.m.: Attorney Benjamin Schwarz successfully moved to dismiss the child-neglect charge during Schrock’s initial appearance Thursday. Schrock now faces only the remaining counts of disorderly conduct, obstructing an officer and resisting an officer. KENOSHA, Wis. — A 47-year-old Kenosha man accused of leaving his 10-year-old son home alone while he

Plus +

Twin Lakes Man Accused of Stealing Cash, Jewelry and Forging Elderly Victim’s Checks Gets $7,500 Cash Bail

Robert J. Schmidt Sr., 53, of Twin Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — A Twin Lakes man accused of stealing thousands of dollars in cash, jewelry and mailed checks from an elderly man who allowed him to live in his home for years was given a $7,500 cash bail Thursday by Court Commissioner William Michel II. Robert J. Schmidt Sr., 53,

Plus +

Illinois Menards Felony Theft Suspect Gets Bail Cut After Arrest; Juan Zavala Gonzalez, 41, Still at Large

Ramon Morales, 46, of Waukegan(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 46-year-old Illinois man accused of repeatedly stealing roofing materials and shingles from Menards stores had his cash bail reduced Thursday after his arrest Wednesday, while his alleged co-defendant, Juan Zavala Gonzalez, 41, remains at large. Ramon Morales, 46, of Waukegan(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the

Two Dead After Overnight House Fire in Pleasant Prairie

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Two people are dead after a house fire early Thursday morning in the 2500 block of 116th Street in Pleasant Prairie. Police were reportedly the first to arrive at the home, where they found heavy flames coming from the rear of the house. Officers indicated the fire was too intense for them to safely enter the residence without proper

Plus +

Kenosha Woman Accused of Stealing More Than $2,100 in Merchandise From Target and Nike Given $2,500 Bail

Lorilei L. Barwick, 53, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A Kenosha woman accused of stealing more than $2,100 worth of merchandise from Target and Nike over two separate dates was charged Wednesday and given a $2,500 cash bail by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II. Michel also ordered 53-year-old Lorilei L. Barwick to have no contact with

Plus +

Chicago Man Wanted on $10,000 Warrant After Allegedly Using Fake Funeral Scam to Try to Steal Thousands From Kenosha Shoppers

Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 24-year-old Chicago man is wanted in Kenosha County after prosecutors charged him with allegedly using a fake funeral donation scam to try to steal thousands of dollars from shoppers outside two Kenosha stores. Court Commissioner William Michel II issued a $10,000 warrant for Kion E. Harris after charges were

Kenosha Hometown Heroes Commission Opens Second Quarter Nominations

KENOSHA, Wis. — The Kenosha Hometown Heroes Commission is once again seeking nominations for local veterans to be recognized during the second quarter of 2026. The program honors men and women who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces and who have a connection to the City of Kenosha. Eligible nominees must have been born in Kenosha, currently

City Compost Site To Open April 6; Free Drop-Off Available for Kenosha Residents

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha residents will once again be able to drop off brush, branches and compostable materials beginning Monday, April 6, when the city’s Compost/Brush Drop-Off Site reopens for the season. The site, located at 4071 88th Ave., will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. The service is available only to City of Kenosha residents and

Tiffany Pushes to End Emissions Testing, Eliminate Taxes on Tips and Overtime in New Campaign Proposals

GREENDALE, Wis. — Republican gubernatorial candidate and Congressman Tom Tiffany unveiled two major economic proposals Tuesday, calling for an end to Wisconsin’s vehicle emissions testing requirement and promising to eliminate state income taxes on tips and overtime pay. During an event in Greendale, Tiffany said Wisconsin’s emissions testing system is outdated and places unnecessary burdens on drivers in seven southeastern Wisconsin counties. He

City to Honor Four Kenosha Leaders With Memorial Tree Plantings on Arbor Day

KENOSHA, Wis. — Four longtime Kenosha community leaders who died in 2025 and 2026 will be honored later this month during the City of Kenosha’s annual Arbor Day observance, with memorial trees planted in their names at parks across the city. The Arbor Day commemorations will take place April 24 and will recognize John Hawley, Dr. Paul Capelli, William “Bill” Rice Jr. and

Categories
Archives
Authors

Wake Up to What You Missed

Get notified of new articles. We'll never share your email address.