Kenosha Judge Rebuked by the Court of Appeals—Again

Copied!
Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Chad Kerkman
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

“A parent’s interest in the parent-child relationship and in the care, custody, and management of his or her child is recognized as a fundamental liberty interest protected by the Fourteenth Amendment.” – Appellate Court Judge Shelly Grogan

Paid Advertisement

Kenosha judge Chad Kerkman is at it again—this time, in a Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) case called Kenosha County v. A.C.S., in which the Government was trying to take “Anna’s” children away from her. Many argue that the highest authority a judge has in Wisconsin is taking a child away from their parents. It is a process that must follow the letter of the law.

Paid Advertisement

In this case, Kerkman set a hearing date to hear legal arguments for a motion brought by the Government. However, Anna’s lawyer, Atty. Brenda VanCuick, informed Kerkman the morning of that hearing that she was still tied up in a criminal trial in a different courtroom.  She therefore could not attend the hearing, and needed an adjournment.

Paid Advertisement

It is very common for attorneys to “double book,” as there are very few attorneys willing to take TPR cases. The court of appeals in this case even acknowledged that it is “common practice” to adjourn hearings when different courts schedule attorneys in more than one place at the same time.

Paid Advertisement

So what happened after Atty. VanCuick told Judge Kerkman that she was unavailable for the motion hearing in Anna’s case?  Information can travel quickly in the courthouse, and apparently Kerkman acted on it—in this case, illegally so.  The Court of Appeals explains:

Paid Advertisement

“Although Judge Kerkman apparently learned that Attorney VanCuick’s trial [in the other court] had resolved as of 9:15 . . . he did not learn that information from Attorney VanCuick.  Rather, he learned it from an unidentified secondhand source and relied upon that secondhand information in determining of his own accord that Attorney VanCuick should [no longer] have a conflict with Anna’s motion hearing . . .  In reaching this conclusion, Judge Kerkman seemingly assumed that Attorney VanCuick did not have any obligations related to her jury trial that required her attention, despite the trial having concluded earlier than anticipated, and he thereafter determined it was appropriate to proceed with the hearing . . .”

Paid Advertisement

That’s right.  Kerkman behaved like a judge in a third world country and held the hearing without Anna or Atty. VanCuick even being present in the courtroom.  Not surprisingly, without Anna or her lawyer there to argue their case, Kerkman ruled for the Government. Neither Anna, nor her attorney were able to plead their case for keeping her children.  Once again, the Court of Appeals explains Kerkman’s gross misdeeds:

“[B]y proceeding with the hearing in Attorney VanCuick’s (and Anna’s) absence under these circumstances, Judge Kerkman effectively barred Anna from challenging the [Government’s] evidence and presenting evidence and argument of her own . . . Accordingly, under these circumstances, the fairness and integrity of the judicial proceeding . . . has been placed in doubt, and the denial of the statutory right to counsel constitutes structural error.”

“Structural error” means the proceeding is so defective on its face that it can’t be tolerated—not even by the generally pro-government Court of Appeals.  Consequently:

“This matter is therefore reversed and remanded to the circuit court for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.”

Translation: Kerkman’s incompetence in basic legal principles has cost the taxpayers of this County and of the State a lot of money.

Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Gerad Dougvillo
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

Equally alarming, before the appeal, Kerkman’s rulings were first reviewed by Judge Gerad Dougvillo, also a Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge. Attorney VanCuick asked him to set aside Kerkman’s illegal ruling, and he refused to do so. Consequently, the appellate court’s reversal was actually of Judge Dougvillo’s decision that rubber-stamped Kerkman’s illegality. It seems unlikely that both judges could be so uninformed about the law, which leaves one to wonder if this was a case of extreme ignorance, or instead one judge covering for another, regardless of the actual law.

But this isn’t the first time Kerkman’s incompetence as a judge has hit the taxpayers in the pocketbook.  Remember the Jensen case that was tried earlier this year?  On September 8, 2015, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, which is one of the courts right below the United States Supreme Court, ordered Jensen’s new trial.  But instead of doing that, Kerkman decided to reinstate Jensen’s conviction without a trial. With the bang of his gavel, he found Jensen guilty without hearing any evidence, violating Jensen’s fundamental constitutional rights.  As the On Point blog explained it, “[Kerman] said, in essence, ‘you’re wrong, Seventh Circuit, there was no [constitutional] violation.’”  I attended every day of Jensen’s trial – there was more than enough evidence to convict the man. There was no need to cheat, delay, and add expense to the taxpayers.

Once again, the state appellate court (and then the state supreme court) had to smack Kerkman around.  The appellate court rebuked Kerkman, saying:

“In this appeal, Jensen argues that [Kerkman] [made an error] either by unconstitutionally directing a new judgment against him without a trial or plea, or because the circuit court reentered an old, constitutionally infirm conviction that was invalidated by a higher court. We need not delve into the murky waters of deciding between these two because whichever action [Kerkman] in fact took under the law was in error . . .”

That’s why it took almost eight years to get the case back in front of a judge for trial: costly and time-consuming appellate litigation, thanks to Kerkman’s inability to understand or refusal to follow the law. 

Opinion

Many Kenosha County attorneys have told KCE, anonymously, that Judge Kerkman is, in general, a hot-headed, short-tempered judge that either frequently ignores the law or doesn’t know the law. Either is equally alarming. Kerkman is proving them right.  How much damage will Kerkman do, and how much money will he cost the county and state taxpayers, before he leaves the bench? Kerkman’s only contested election was his first in 2009. He has been elected twice since, with no opposition. He is next up for election in 2027. Don’t expect anyone to run against him though. In Kenosha County, there is an unwritten rule that lawyers should not run against a sitting judge. This rule should end, along with Kerkman’s reign.

Author

Copied!
LATEST NEWS

Kerkman Highlights Progress, Transparency in Annual County Address

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — In her third State of the County address, Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman offered a glowing assessment of local government’s direction, calling the county “strong” and its future “bright,” while using the occasion to celebrate major economic wins, budget discipline, and what she described as a renewed commitment to transparency. Kerkman, who was elected in 2022 as Kenosha County’s

Plus +

‘They Aren’t My Pants,’ Claims Drug Suspect Caught With Meth, Coke, and Pipe

Adam Rocha, 37, of Kenosha (Squad Car Photo by Kevin Mathewson Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man who allegedly had crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and a drug pipe stuffed in his pants pocket told officers during a traffic stop that the drugs weren’t his—because, he claimed, the pants he was wearing weren’t his. You must be logged in to view the

MORE TOP STORIES
Plus +

Kenosha Man Keeps Getting Released Despite Over a Dozen Bail Jumping Charges

Richard J. Borman, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man who has been charged with multiple counts of domestic violence, drug possession, and bail jumping continues to be released on bond—even as his number of pending cases climbs. Richard J. Borman, 34, is now facing criminal

Pedestrian Killed in Somers Crash Identified as 77-Year-Old Kenosha Man

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Authorities have identified the man killed in a predawn collision on Green Bay Road last week as 77-year-old Wayne N. Stade of Kenosha, according to an updated statement issued Tuesday by the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department. Stade was struck and killed just after 3 a.m. on

Bryce Launches Rematch Bid Against Rep. Bryan Steil in Wisconsin’s 1st District

CALEDONIA, Wis. — Randy Bryce, a union ironworker and Army veteran known by the nickname “Iron Stache,” announced Tuesday he will challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil in Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District, setting the stage for a rematch of their 2018 contest. Bryce, who lost to Steil by 12 percentage

Kenosha Unified Earns National Music Education Honor for Eighth Straight Year

KENOSHA, Wis. — For the eighth consecutive year, the Kenosha Unified School District has been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation, a prestigious national designation that honors school districts for their outstanding support of and commitment to music education. The annual recognition, now

Categories
Archives
Authors

39 Responses

  1. Wow! You don’t need to be a lawyer to know what Kirkman did was wrong. He had to know. If he didn’t know, he is both incredibly stupid and incompetent. There are other cases that he messed up that are in the appellant pipeline. As Kevin pointed out in his opinion, the citizens of Kenosha deserve some of the blame. They continue to elect these corrupt buffoons.

    18
    1
  2. Didn’t this buffoon grow up in Twin Lakes? His mummy was a lawyer ( In a Judge Judy voice) I’m a lawyer! So….. Yeah… Twin Lakes Ha! His kids must be real proud of their daddy as he tramples on the rights of mothers and children. Way to do Chad!

    11
    1
  3. This is a classic example of two wrongs not making a right. The judge’s temper and the lawyer’s history of missing court appearances (not the first time).

    The judge, aided by his then-wife, ran a smear campaign when he was first elected. There are many lawyers who haven’t forgotten that.

    1. That lawyer is in demand because she knows the law better than all the judges in Kenosha and Racine.

      Focus on the judge – that’s the problem.

  4. I can only assume that anyone having a hearing for losing custody of their kids has a taxpayer funded attorney, and are likely a horrible parent (assume). When our tax dollars are being billed against to make dozens of appointments something has to expedite the process. There should be a log of some sort preventing double booking (and double charging) by attorneys; to suit the interests of the taxpayers. This mother is likely not a martyr, we’ve all seen the articles on the horrific living conditions that kids were allowed to stay in; so what was this mother doing to her kids?

    3
    2
    1. all citizens have the assumption of innocence before being judged in a court of law. I would imagine you would appreciate that if you were accused of something

      2
      2
    2. This was a terrible mother who deserved to have her kids taken away from her. That being said, it is not relevant to the fact that the judge took away her constitutional rights.

      7
      1
      1. Kevin PLEASE look into the Village of pleasant prairie land development that hit todays knews. Steinbrink owns the land and is quietly trying to jam down residents throats the 700+ lots to a developer. Historically the village would never allow a multi year 700+ development with such small lots- seems Sr wants to get this done quietly. This is also the land that he bought while president, after he had them rezone it for his benefit. He’s recused himself but we all know he has Pollocoff by the balls too….

        1. I’m not sure Steinbrink owns that land. Isn’t his off of H? But if he recuses himself that could be good news because the that would leave four board members, two of whom are new.

      2. You may not think so…..but I do as do a lot of others.

        Wondering what you would be saying if he let the kids go back with his mother and then one of them died in the interim.

        Sounds like VanCuick needs to schedule a little better.

    3. Yes, I agree with all these things.

      However constitutional rights are not privileges: they are a restraint in government power. An infringement on one crack-snorting gang banger’s rights is an infringement on mine and yours. This is what most folks don’t really understand.

      1. Too bad the courts allow those type to be continually around kids, though our laws state they should not. But the courts continue to allow it They babythose types. They allow children to live the life, grow up in it and continue the cycle.

  5. he needs to be disbarred and removed from the bench before he does more harm to our county! We can’t afford to have such an incompetent judge in Kenosha County

    4
    1
    1. Chad kerkman was involved in a case from somers. He was given a 68 page letter as to the events that led up to letting somers do what they did. Bottom line kerkman is a rotten judge and needs to be disbarred. Makes me wonder if him and somers’ attorney jacobsen work hand in hand.

  6. He took my friends (a man who has full custody) kids because the mother has been arrested for stalking him at his job and home. He could not drop off the kids because of the no contact and the police told him not to. Well went to this dummies court and he said he was going to put him in jail and remanded the kids over to the mother till next court date in July. Even the kids hate the mom and she has been accused of abusing them. I have seen the court he is a real bad hot head if you go over on time for the next case. Yells at people in the court and reprimands them for anything.

    3
    1
    1. It sounds exactly like my story.im living proof.i don’t sleep nor eat since he removed my children.all I do is cry.i been a single dad since my children where born.they been living with me their whole life.judge Kerkman destroyed my children life along with mines.

    2. eat a cucumber! you ? right. judge’s with that type of behavior. should never be allowed to work in the legal system. many judges don’t give a “f” about anyone’s children.repeatedly would put families. specially the children in danger. more so often if the children are biracial or black.

  7. Double booking by an attorney actually is a big deal. Termination of parental rights cases by law usually take precedence because they have very strict time limits. The problem here is how poorly the judge handled it.

  8. This judge took a child and forced hi to live with his father. Ignored the laws. Ignored the child’s wishes. Ignored the fact the man was never around the child. Ignored the man’s lifestyle. Decided he was “stable” in home life and he quickly married one of his many women. That made him “stable”. He divorced, grabbed another woman, and another moved, moved the child from every family member he knew. Dumped him with the woman while he left and was with other women. Continued this until the chikd turned 14 asked for a lawyer and won in court to go livewith his grandmother. The judge reamed this man for his lifestyle and non parenting and gave accolades to the young man. Kerkman should have been tossed as a judge LONG AGO. But this Kenosha Co. Good one boys club is corrupt as hell. The young man knows this judge is garbage. He should NEVERbe involved with kids. I pity his.

    2
    1
  9. I read the decision online and apparently Judge Kerkman was hearing the case for another judge.

    TPR (termination of parental rights) cases are a very big deal with very strict time deadlines and proof requirements. They are often more complicated than many criminal jury trials. The failure to honor the right to counsel, especially when the attorney was in contact with the court, is also a very big deal.

    The public has a very strong interest in a properly held TPR proceeding not just because of the rights of the parents but also the public and others who have an interest in the case. One time parental rights were terminated but the judge messed up and the case was reversed on appeal. The new judge also goofed and was appealed AFTER the child had been adopted by another family. The second judge was also reversed and the mess wound up on the doorstep of the United States Supreme Court.

    That said, attorneys are expected to have access to their calendars when cases are scheduled with the eye toward avoiding conflicts which, despite best efforts, can still occur. Because of the extreme seriousness and strict time limits in TPR cases they are high priorities and attorneys should avoid double booking and try to resolve any conflicts.

  10. I read a lot about Blues, Freemasons and Jews. There should be only one way to label them: Integrity (I) or lack of it (NI).
    A year ago, we were supporting Sam K., now it seems she is being demonized.
    A few months ago, we were supporting Zoerner. Actually I have no doubt he made it in big part thanks to the KCE and readers, seeking for a change.
    We can’t get offended because they don’t please us the way we want. Otherwise the message we are giving is that we should’ve vote DARE Rowley.
    Regarding Kirkmam, he is not the only one with temper tantrums.
    I guess you are right KM, when that’s the case, they should be challenged.

  11. This doesn’t surprise me AT ALL. Family court commissioners and judges DO NOT do what’s in the best interest of children or families. It’s all about what lawyer can filibuster lies the best. You can be a fit parent that works and is trying to co parent and they will still do whatever they want in the interest of the parent with the biggest lies. Then make you pay the highest amount they can. Racine County is big on this type of behavior also. Nobody that presides in/over family court cares about the truth, and don’t get me started on or family court social workers or lawyers. These people work together to take children from perfectly fit parents, with little to no proof. It truly is a joke of a system and is extremely BROKEN!!

    1. It’s a common perception is that the loudest lawyer is the most successful. More often, though, it’s the lawyer that comes to court prepared, knows the law and the facts of the case and argues succinctly, respectfully and fairly. The attorney who blows smoke and steam may make the client think that he or she is fighting for them but it usually exactly the opposite. judges and lawyers know this.

  12. On the flip side, the shitty parents who have already been dealing with CPS for years and have actually had their kids put into foster care for 6 months keep getting high and drunk. They should not have kids. Drugs and alcohol are the top priority over diapers, wipes, food etc. They have actually been in the cycle so long they have “favorite” case workers!! They live in Twin Lakes so enough said….

Add a Comment

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

LATEST NEWS

Kerkman Highlights Progress, Transparency in Annual County Address

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — In her third State of the County address, Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman offered a glowing assessment of local government’s direction, calling the county “strong” and its future “bright,” while using the occasion to celebrate major economic wins, budget discipline, and what she described as a renewed commitment to transparency. Kerkman, who was elected in 2022 as Kenosha County’s

Plus +

‘They Aren’t My Pants,’ Claims Drug Suspect Caught With Meth, Coke, and Pipe

Adam Rocha, 37, of Kenosha (Squad Car Photo by Kevin Mathewson Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man who allegedly had crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and a drug pipe stuffed in his pants pocket told officers during a traffic stop that the drugs weren’t his—because, he claimed, the pants he was wearing weren’t his. You must be logged in to view the

Plus +

Kenosha Man Keeps Getting Released Despite Over a Dozen Bail Jumping Charges

Richard J. Borman, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man who has been charged with multiple counts of domestic violence, drug possession, and bail jumping continues to be released on bond—even as his number of pending cases climbs. Richard J. Borman, 34, is now facing criminal charges in eight separate cases, including more than a dozen counts of bail

Pedestrian Killed in Somers Crash Identified as 77-Year-Old Kenosha Man

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Authorities have identified the man killed in a predawn collision on Green Bay Road last week as 77-year-old Wayne N. Stade of Kenosha, according to an updated statement issued Tuesday by the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department. Stade was struck and killed just after 3 a.m. on May 13 while attempting to cross the northbound lanes of Highway 31 near

Bryce Launches Rematch Bid Against Rep. Bryan Steil in Wisconsin’s 1st District

CALEDONIA, Wis. — Randy Bryce, a union ironworker and Army veteran known by the nickname “Iron Stache,” announced Tuesday he will challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil in Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District, setting the stage for a rematch of their 2018 contest. Bryce, who lost to Steil by 12 percentage points seven years ago, declared his candidacy with a new campaign video titled

Plus +

$25K Bail for Man Accused in High-Speed Chase; New Charges Filed Over Threatening Jailhouse Calls

Steven M. Pokorny, 30, of Kenosha(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of leading police on a reckless, high-speed pursuit nearly two years ago is now facing new criminal charges stemming from a series of threatening phone calls made while he was behind bars. Steven M. Pokorny, 30, remains in custody at the Kenosha County

Plus +

Trevor Man Accused of High-Speed Chase Through School Zone, Smoking Crack During Illinois Standoff

Patrick L. Rush, 46, of Trevor(Kenosha County Sheriff) SALEM LAKES, Wis. — A Kenosha County man is facing serious felony charges after authorities say he led a sheriff’s deputy on a high-speed chase through a school zone before locking himself in a vehicle in Illinois and smoking what appeared to be crack cocaine during a tense standoff with police. You must be logged

Kenosha Unified Earns National Music Education Honor for Eighth Straight Year

KENOSHA, Wis. — For the eighth consecutive year, the Kenosha Unified School District has been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation, a prestigious national designation that honors school districts for their outstanding support of and commitment to music education. The annual recognition, now in its 26th year, highlights districts across the United States that provide exceptional

Plus +

Pregnant Woman Says Boyfriend Trapped Her in Truck During Heated Argument, Drove Off as She Tried to Escape

Kevin R. Elkin, 27, of Bloomfield(Kenosha County Sheriff) PARIS, Wis. — A 27-year-old Bloomfield man is facing felony charges after allegedly trapping his pregnant girlfriend in his truck and driving recklessly through Kenosha County while screaming at her, ignoring her repeated pleas to be let out, and accelerating while she attempted to flee the moving vehicle. You must be logged in to view

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Choking Pregnant Partner Held on $2,500 Bail

Dawayne L. Balcon, 29, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 29-year-old Kenosha man was ordered held on $2,500 cash bail Monday after prosecutors charged him with choking and injuring his pregnant partner during a domestic incident last week. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Kenosha Man Accused of Stalking Pregnant Wife; Prelim Set for May 28

KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of stalking and threatening his pregnant wife appeared in court Monday, where Court Commissioner William Michel II scheduled a preliminary hearing for May 28. Michael J. Falcon Jr., 36, is charged with one felony count of stalking and one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct, both with domestic abuse enhancers. According to a criminal complaint filed Monday,

Kenosha Man Charged with Stalking After Allegedly Tracking Wife’s Movements, Making Threats

KENOSHA, Wis. – A 37-year-old Kenosha man appeared in court Monday on a felony stalking charge after allegedly threatening and harassing his wife, repeatedly contacting her, and secretly tracking her movements with a GPS device. Samuel B. Erickson was charged with one count of stalking, a Class I felony that carries a maximum penalty of three years and six months in prison and

Plus +

Two Dogs Killed, Elderly Man Bitten in Kenosha Mauling; Dogs Declared Vicious

Kenosha Police Squads(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Two large dogs that mauled and killed two pets and injured an elderly man on the city’s south side have been officially declared “vicious” by the Kenosha County Division of Health — a designation that means they are now banned from residing anywhere within the City of Kenosha. You must

Plus +

Village Administrator’s Job on the Line After DNR Cites Salem Lakes for Illegal Wetland Grading

Cassandra Hiller – Salem Lakes Village Administrator(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) SALEM LAKES, Wis. – Fallout intensified Monday for Village Administrator Cassandra Hiller after the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued a formal notice of noncompliance to the Village, citing unpermitted grading and fill work in a protected wetland near the Salem Lakes Village Hall. You must be logged in

Brewers Sued After Denying $12K Raffle Winnings — Kenosha Fans Say Timestamp Was Wrong, Staff Misled Them

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Matt and Annette Flynn, of Kenosha, have spent decades rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers. But now, the team they’ve supported for generations is at the center of a legal battle over a $12,849 raffle prize the couple says they rightfully won—and were wrongly denied. The saga began on July 7, 2023, when the Flynns were tailgating outside American Family Field,

Plus +

Criminal Trial Begins Monday in Parkside Manor Death Case After $4M Civil Verdict

Demontae M. Collins (36) of Racine, WI – Susan Valentin (42) of Kenosha, WI – Liliana B. Lozano (21) of Racine, WI(Photos Courtesy of Racine County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — Jury selection is set to begin Monday in the long-awaited criminal trial against three former caregivers at Parkside Manor, the assisted living facility found liable last year in a $4 million civil verdict

Hansen Park Beer Garden Opens in Bristol with Music, Comfort Food, Local Brews, and Family Fun

BRISTOL, Wis. — Hundreds of people gathered under sunny skies Saturday to celebrate the grand opening of the Hansen Park Beer Garden, a new family-friendly destination launched by the same team behind the popular Petrifying Springs Biergarten in Somers. From noon to 9 p.m., the sounds of live music, laughter and clinking aluminum cups echoed across the park as guests sampled local craft

Helmeted and Happy: Pleasant Prairie Kids Learn Bike Safety at Annual Rodeo

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Despite chilly temperatures and gusty winds, more than 100 children pedaled their way to fun and safety education during the third annual Pleasant Prairie Police Department Bike Rodeo on Saturday. Held in the south parking lot of the Pleasant Prairie Village Hall, the free community event welcomed kids ages 5 to 11 for a morning of obstacle courses, agility

OPINION: Burned-Out Home Finally Cleaned Up—But Only After KCE Shamed Officials Into Action

KENOSHA, Wis. – After four months of health hazards, foul smells, and neighborhood frustration, the burned-out property in the 9400 block of 69th Street is finally being cleaned up. But let’s not pretend this resolution came from a sudden sense of responsibility or civic urgency. This cleanup began only after Kenosha County Eye exposed the City’s failure in a May 7 article that

Plus +

Milwaukee Archdiocese Rebukes Kenosha Clergy for Supporting Convicted Groomer

Father Nathan ReesmanVicar for Clergy – Milwaukee Archdioceses KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. – The backlash against Kenosha’s progressive Catholic clergy intensified Friday after the Archdiocese of Milwaukee publicly criticized local priests and deacons for submitting letters in support of convicted child groomer Christian Enwright. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Man Accused of Forcing Woman Into Car, Crashing Into Gate, Punching Her in Face

Cristihan Alvarez Negron, 43, of Kenosha(Photo of Police Cars, Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 43-year-old Kenosha man is facing five criminal charges—including felony reckless endangerment and false imprisonment—after allegedly assaulting a woman, forcing her into a car, and crashing into a metal gate while threatening to kill her. You must be logged in to view the rest of this

KUSD Students Take Center Stage with Statewide Musical Theater Honors

KENOSHA, Wis. — Students from Kenosha Unified School District are receiving statewide recognition for their achievements in musical theater, earning a wave of honors in the 2025 Jerry Awards, one of Wisconsin’s most prestigious programs celebrating excellence in high school performance arts. Three KUSD productions—Six, Side by Side by Sondheim, and The Prince of Egypt—were among the most decorated this year, with accolades

Plus +

Garage Blaze in Pleasant Prairie Prompts Multi-Agency Response, One Injured: Video

Fire Thursday Night on 67th St in Pleasant Prairie(Wizard Media) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A late-night garage fire in the 9100 block of 67th Street prompted a significant emergency response Thursday, injuring one resident and drawing aid from nearly a dozen departments across southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Home on 67th St Friday Afternoon(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) The fire was

Bradford Planetarium to Be Dedicated in Honor of Trailblazing Educator Millie Carlson

KENOSHA, Wis. — The Kenosha Unified School District will honor the life and legacy of a beloved science educator next week by dedicating the Bradford High School planetarium in the name of Mildred “Millie” Carlson, the district’s first planetarium director. The dedication ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Bradford High School, 3700 Washington Road. The event

LATEST NEWS

Kerkman Highlights Progress, Transparency in Annual County Address

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — In her third State of the County address, Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman offered a glowing assessment of local government’s direction, calling the county “strong” and its future “bright,” while using the occasion to celebrate major economic wins, budget discipline, and what she described as a renewed commitment to transparency. Kerkman, who was elected in 2022 as Kenosha County’s

Plus +

‘They Aren’t My Pants,’ Claims Drug Suspect Caught With Meth, Coke, and Pipe

Adam Rocha, 37, of Kenosha (Squad Car Photo by Kevin Mathewson Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man who allegedly had crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and a drug pipe stuffed in his pants pocket told officers during a traffic stop that the drugs weren’t his—because, he claimed, the pants he was wearing weren’t his. You must be logged in to view the

Plus +

Kenosha Man Keeps Getting Released Despite Over a Dozen Bail Jumping Charges

Richard J. Borman, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man who has been charged with multiple counts of domestic violence, drug possession, and bail jumping continues to be released on bond—even as his number of pending cases climbs. Richard J. Borman, 34, is now facing criminal charges in eight separate cases, including more than a dozen counts of bail

Pedestrian Killed in Somers Crash Identified as 77-Year-Old Kenosha Man

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Authorities have identified the man killed in a predawn collision on Green Bay Road last week as 77-year-old Wayne N. Stade of Kenosha, according to an updated statement issued Tuesday by the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department. Stade was struck and killed just after 3 a.m. on May 13 while attempting to cross the northbound lanes of Highway 31 near

Bryce Launches Rematch Bid Against Rep. Bryan Steil in Wisconsin’s 1st District

CALEDONIA, Wis. — Randy Bryce, a union ironworker and Army veteran known by the nickname “Iron Stache,” announced Tuesday he will challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil in Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District, setting the stage for a rematch of their 2018 contest. Bryce, who lost to Steil by 12 percentage points seven years ago, declared his candidacy with a new campaign video titled

Plus +

$25K Bail for Man Accused in High-Speed Chase; New Charges Filed Over Threatening Jailhouse Calls

Steven M. Pokorny, 30, of Kenosha(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of leading police on a reckless, high-speed pursuit nearly two years ago is now facing new criminal charges stemming from a series of threatening phone calls made while he was behind bars. Steven M. Pokorny, 30, remains in custody at the Kenosha County

Plus +

Trevor Man Accused of High-Speed Chase Through School Zone, Smoking Crack During Illinois Standoff

Patrick L. Rush, 46, of Trevor(Kenosha County Sheriff) SALEM LAKES, Wis. — A Kenosha County man is facing serious felony charges after authorities say he led a sheriff’s deputy on a high-speed chase through a school zone before locking himself in a vehicle in Illinois and smoking what appeared to be crack cocaine during a tense standoff with police. You must be logged

Kenosha Unified Earns National Music Education Honor for Eighth Straight Year

KENOSHA, Wis. — For the eighth consecutive year, the Kenosha Unified School District has been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation, a prestigious national designation that honors school districts for their outstanding support of and commitment to music education. The annual recognition, now in its 26th year, highlights districts across the United States that provide exceptional

Plus +

Pregnant Woman Says Boyfriend Trapped Her in Truck During Heated Argument, Drove Off as She Tried to Escape

Kevin R. Elkin, 27, of Bloomfield(Kenosha County Sheriff) PARIS, Wis. — A 27-year-old Bloomfield man is facing felony charges after allegedly trapping his pregnant girlfriend in his truck and driving recklessly through Kenosha County while screaming at her, ignoring her repeated pleas to be let out, and accelerating while she attempted to flee the moving vehicle. You must be logged in to view

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Choking Pregnant Partner Held on $2,500 Bail

Dawayne L. Balcon, 29, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 29-year-old Kenosha man was ordered held on $2,500 cash bail Monday after prosecutors charged him with choking and injuring his pregnant partner during a domestic incident last week. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Kenosha Man Accused of Stalking Pregnant Wife; Prelim Set for May 28

KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of stalking and threatening his pregnant wife appeared in court Monday, where Court Commissioner William Michel II scheduled a preliminary hearing for May 28. Michael J. Falcon Jr., 36, is charged with one felony count of stalking and one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct, both with domestic abuse enhancers. According to a criminal complaint filed Monday,

Kenosha Man Charged with Stalking After Allegedly Tracking Wife’s Movements, Making Threats

KENOSHA, Wis. – A 37-year-old Kenosha man appeared in court Monday on a felony stalking charge after allegedly threatening and harassing his wife, repeatedly contacting her, and secretly tracking her movements with a GPS device. Samuel B. Erickson was charged with one count of stalking, a Class I felony that carries a maximum penalty of three years and six months in prison and

Plus +

Two Dogs Killed, Elderly Man Bitten in Kenosha Mauling; Dogs Declared Vicious

Kenosha Police Squads(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Two large dogs that mauled and killed two pets and injured an elderly man on the city’s south side have been officially declared “vicious” by the Kenosha County Division of Health — a designation that means they are now banned from residing anywhere within the City of Kenosha. You must

Plus +

Village Administrator’s Job on the Line After DNR Cites Salem Lakes for Illegal Wetland Grading

Cassandra Hiller – Salem Lakes Village Administrator(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) SALEM LAKES, Wis. – Fallout intensified Monday for Village Administrator Cassandra Hiller after the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued a formal notice of noncompliance to the Village, citing unpermitted grading and fill work in a protected wetland near the Salem Lakes Village Hall. You must be logged in

Brewers Sued After Denying $12K Raffle Winnings — Kenosha Fans Say Timestamp Was Wrong, Staff Misled Them

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Matt and Annette Flynn, of Kenosha, have spent decades rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers. But now, the team they’ve supported for generations is at the center of a legal battle over a $12,849 raffle prize the couple says they rightfully won—and were wrongly denied. The saga began on July 7, 2023, when the Flynns were tailgating outside American Family Field,

Plus +

Criminal Trial Begins Monday in Parkside Manor Death Case After $4M Civil Verdict

Demontae M. Collins (36) of Racine, WI – Susan Valentin (42) of Kenosha, WI – Liliana B. Lozano (21) of Racine, WI(Photos Courtesy of Racine County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — Jury selection is set to begin Monday in the long-awaited criminal trial against three former caregivers at Parkside Manor, the assisted living facility found liable last year in a $4 million civil verdict

Categories
Archives
Authors

Wake Up to What You Missed

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