Mayor, Commission, Advance BEAR’s Massive Low-Income Apartment Complex Despite Strong Neighborhood Pushback

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110,000 Square Feet Low-Income Housing Project (4220 35th Ave)
(BEAR Development)

A four-acre L-Shaped piece of property near 39th Ave by the transit building, was supposed to be a park for neighboring families. However, if Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala (R) gets his way, it will be a four-story, 94-unit, low income apartment complex that will house about 250 people. The City plan Commission voted last Thursday to approve the changes need to make this massive building come to fruition. The records of this meeting seem to be scrubbed from the City’s website. Mayor Bogdala ended the City’s decades-long policy of having all past agendas and supporting documents available to the public on the City’s website. Citizens now have to make public records requests for the documents.

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Land For 110,000 Square Feet Low-Income Housing Project (4220 35th Ave)
(City of Kenosha)

Multi-millionaire Steve Mills of BEAR Development, approached Bogdala about changing the neighborhood plan for the piece of property from “Parks and Recreation” to “High-Density Residential.” Bogdala liked the idea. He liked it so much, that he sponsored three agenda items for a vote last week to change the zoning and neighborhood plan to accommodate BEAR’s request. The City Plan commission, nearly all liberal, voted in favor of the changes needed to green-light this project. Steve Mills was one of Bogdala’s highest campaign donors. Neither would speak with KCE about that fact.

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Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala (R)
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

Many local residents showed up to speak against the project, saying they don’t trust BEAR Development and worry about crime, blight, and lower home values.

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Janelle Anderson was upset that the neighborhood wasn’t given a lot of notice for last week’s meeting. “I know a lot of the neighbors that wanted to be here, couldn’t be here. They work and things like that,” she said sarcastically. “This area was originally supposed to be a neighborhood… [I] really feel like they’re just turning this into a giant rental income property…My primary concerns are safety, property values, and then also huge concerns for the way that BEAR currently treats the area…, there’s huge concerns about that street already not being able to accommodate the activity in the area. There’s not enough parking for the sports complex during that season… I [] can’t even imagine what 42nd [Ave] would be like. I think that would be really unsafe. Also, obviously, I mentioned I have two small children that are here with me today… I just really don’t feel like the area, for people who live there and understand it. I don’t think it was built for a complex of this size for what they’re proposing. Also, being a homeowner directly across from the [complex,] obviously, we are concerned about property values…we have invested a lot in our property over the last four years, and now it’s kind of like, ‘oh, too bad for you. Bear wants more rental income.’ My final concern, again, is just the way that BEAR currently treats the area. For these last two years since they’ve started building, those construction sites are covered in trash. The pond that they’re eventually going to try to charge HOA fees to care for is left a mess. I walk my dog every day. I bring extra bags with me just to pick up trash from around the construction sites, alcohol bottles, cigarette packs, just things that you don’t want. Your children have to play around. It blows all over.”

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Becky Cassidy, another neighbor, didn’t mince words. “I don’t trust BEAR. I think that they have this LLC because they know that the community is so frustrated with them… We have no say in what happens in our neighborhood. I’ve been there for almost 15 years now. I was probably one of the only people still on that block that bought the house that stayed. It’s just infuriating. I feel like the city and BEAR is just a dumping ground of a neighborhood right now. It’s not what it’s supposed to be. I just found out that the apartments that are going to fix this housing crisis are only two bedrooms. What families are looking for just a two-bedroom? I mean, if there were going to be three-bedroom apartments, condos, whatever, that’s great. But two-bedroom rentals? Come on. The whole area is just rentals. It’s a money grab…BEAR, can do better than just throwing a bunch of rentals to make themselves more money…And since BEAR has put the senior citizen complex and those Section 8 homes in, our vehicles have been continuously broken into. There’s garbage strewn all over our yard from the kids throwing their chip bags and stuff…So you’re looking at 200 to 300 more people moving in there and the congestion is just going to be astronomical… I left work early to make this meeting because that’s how important it is to me.”

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Nancy Vescar shared similar sentiments. “I had to talk to BEAR, or they had to come to me a lot of times because of a grading issue on the side of my house. It took about a year and a half for them to actually do [something], and then they messed it up. I can’t walk on the side of my house.”

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Chris Hughes said “I’ve lived here since 2010, and for the last 15 years it’s been good up until the last two. The last two years I’ve never seen more crime in the area than I’ve had in the last, 18 months to 24 months since they’ve moved in these Union Corps apartments or living condos that they have over in the corner. There’s been a heavy amount of police presence, and, like these people said, it’s trash. There’s people just leaving their stuff over. Nobody seems to really care anymore. And it’s kind of difficult to raise your kids in an area where it seems like crime is getting worse and worse. I don’t think inviting a 96-unit apartment complex is going to be doing any better than what already is this current situation. I’d like to see it not happen, so I hope it doesn’t. But, you know, the city has plans for everything, so we’ll just have to see where everything goes, I guess.”

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Steve Mills then spoke and said BEAR was “disappointed in ourselves” with all these issues being brought up. “We’re proud of the product. We’re not perfect, but we certainly are right down the road to try and deal with it if there’s any issues. We try our best to work through it.”

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Alderman Anthony Kennedy spoke in favor of the project, saying he didn’t like it, but it was “needed.” “I found BEAR to be responsible in my neighborhood.” said Kennedy. “In reference to this development, density is what we should be concerned about. But density in itself is not a bad word,” he added. He didn’t schedule a neighborhood meeting before last week’s City Plan Commission meeting. Commissioner Vince Ruffolo asked why he didn’t. Ruffolo suggested delaying the vote so the residents could be heard. No one else seemed to agree with him.

Alderman Kennedy then spoke about another upcoming project that is also believed to be low-income. He received a rebuke from the mayor, who said “You were announcing a program we haven’t announced yet.”

At one point in the meeting, a frustrated neighbor tried to talk and Mayor Bogdala rebuked her saying “no” when she asked to speak again.

Commissioner Ruffolo then asked BEAR “Why didn’t you guys have a community and neighborhood meeting prior to coming here tonight?” Mills then said, it would be six months before such a meeting would occur, well after the project is scheduled to be approved.

“But there’s a number of people here that are obviously in the neighborhood, and I’m sure that they contacted Mr. Kennedy in regard to the situation, and the cat is out of the bag,” said Ruffolo. “And my concern is that the neighborhood is not, at least what I’ve seen here, is not in favor of it,” he added. “It’s vital that the neighborhood bites into a project… And same thing, the alderman, they vote for him. He represents them. Of course, it’s vital for him to just develop their rapport with them at the same time.”

With that, Commissioner Mark Bourque made a motion to approve and Lydia Spottswood made the second. The vote passed 8 – 2. Commissioner Ruffolo and Alderman Ruffalo were the only two to vote against it.

The proposal still needs full city council approval, which is widely expected to occur. Neither Bogdala, nor Mills responded to emails with questions.


Here are the commissioners:

  • Mayor David F. Bogdala – Chairman
  • Ald. Jan Michalski – CC President Designee – 4/26
  • Ald. Dominic Ruffalo – Public Works Representative – 4/26
  • Ald. Rocco LaMacchia – Park Representative – 4/26
  • Kris Binninger – 2025
  • Mark Bourque – 2027
  • Michael Foster – 2027
  • Stephen Retherford – 2025
  • Vincent Ruffolo – 2026
  • Lydia Spottswood – 2026  

Here is the video from last week’s meeting:

110,000 Square Feet Low-Income Housing Project (4220 35th Ave)
(BEAR Development)
110,000 Square Feet Low-Income Housing Project (4220 35th Ave)
(BEAR Development)
110,000 Square Feet Low-Income Housing Project (4220 35th Ave)
(BEAR Development)
110,000 Square Feet Low-Income Housing Project (4220 35th Ave)
(BEAR Development)
Mayor Bogdala’s Campaign Finance Statement

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116 Responses

  1. Seems like the more housing you build for low-income families, the more low-income families come to Kenosha from other areas. This type of housing should be used temporarily while you better yourself, not as a multi-generational staple. No doubt Bear is looking at the dollar aspect as well as the tax advantages.

    Not really sure what people can do since the Mayor of Kenosha and other officials continue to get kickbacks.

    Meanwhile, in Washington State: “According to a KCSO post on X Friday, the damage occurred after an unknown individual or individuals gained access to heavy equipment overnight and used it to cause extensive destruction.”

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  2. Please remember that many low incomes are our elders who want to remain in the hood, dont wanna leave their fav stores and churches and want transportation and Healthcare but don’t want or have the money for assisted living. Bear has a nice lo income in Twin Lakes. No complaints that I have heard. Bear has very nice lo income in Salem Lakes and has for years!. In this keno loc, I would hope for an open space for adults to congregate outside their own rooms inside and out. Bear builds are above basic/standard. Be happy they want to do business in Keno. Mayor however, needs to do a self, ethical review.

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    1. Those low income buildings you mentioned out in the county are frequently where the drug dealers live and “work”. They are not safe and monitored.

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    2. Be happy they have used taxpayers to enrich themselves? It is a business! They do not do it out of the kindness of their hearts!

  3. Does Mills ever build low income, state welfare to his wallet housing projects by his house?
    He already brought the ghetto to downtown.
    Maybe he can replace all Kenosha’s parks with ghetto housing projects?
    Keep voting Democrat Kenosha

  4. I recommend if you live near there get your house on the market fast. Some Illinois idiot will buy it up from you in a snap.

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    1. Sounds like there will be enough tenants to support some quality retail shops…

      pay-day-loans
      bail bond
      abortion clinic
      liquor store (probably more than one)
      vape shop
      nail salon combined with a massage parlor
      Short list—no doubt others can add to it.

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  5. Bear is something else. I used to live at their one of their rental property. It got worse every year. My building constantly smelt like a skunk. Cops constantly coming there. People sitting in the parking lot like it’s a hang out, smoking and playing loud music at about midnight. People parked in handicapp spaces that shouldn’t have been. Packages being stolen. The kids were always screaming and running up and down the halls. The trash everywhere. People were so lazy one dunpster would be completely full and they just threw their trash around it because they were too lazy to lift the lid for the other dumpster that was completely empty The list goes on. But you get the point at what it’s gonna be like having these types of places around.

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  6. Some newer homes across the street that are about to see their property value plummet if this project comes to fruition.

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  7. I am one of the original home owners in this area where BEAR has completely taken over. The amount of vehicle break ins and attempts (caught on home cameras) is crazy! Police are constantly called over to the townhomes. We went from no crime in our neighborhood to daily crime. A majority of the vehicles we see in our neighborhood now are from Illinois. Our once quiet neighborhood has now turned into a race track with cars speeding through not caring for children in the front yards playing. We no longer feel safe in our neighborhood and that’s because of BEAR’s irresponsibility. We were blindsided by the new additions and the sudden HOA fees that we havent had since moving in the neighborhood in 2010. They have refused to meet with the original homeowners and ignore our phone calls/emails trying to communicate. BEAR is very messy. It has been a horrible experience having them take over our neighborhood and on top of everything, we were slammed with a $500 increase in property taxes.

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    1. And Anothony Kennedy is useless. He doesn’t care about the people of Kenosha. Never has, never will. He’s lazy and incompetent. But to have any great expectations from a criminal that also lives in low income housing would be ignorant.

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    2. and another increase should the KUSD ref passes – people better get out there and VOTE. its no accident KUSD posted this on a Primary – low turnout = easy passage.

  8. I thought all, not some but ALL Zoning changes Had to have a Public Hearing ?

    Additionally that before the public hearing that a single was required to be posted on the property at least 30 days before the hearing to give the passing by public notice that changes were being requested by the owners for said property.

    This is state law, isn’t it ?

    Sure I guess it doesn’t pay to go through or start with the process unless you are reasonably certain you are on good footing with the local government officials but a hearing needs to be held even if only to go through the motions. Lip service as they say

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  9. You would think after all these years and $$$,they would take more pride in what and where they build.But if they don’t some other hack will.

  10. Perhaps Mayor Bogdala or Mr. Lamacchia would like BEAR to build one of these in their neighborhoods too, since they are so great.

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    1. Bogdala and Lamacchia and the rest of city hall are worthless and hopefully won’t be reelected. Talking to Rocco he is two faced talking out of both sides of his mouth.

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  11. This kind of NIMBYism is not helpful to growing our community. We are 6.5m houses short of what we need in the United States, we need more places for people to live.

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    1. You said it.

      I’m just repeating it. We need Homes !!

      Single family homes that families can plant roots and memories and have pride in.

      Not apartments where you sit on your car out back drinking beer and hoping your kids don’t get run over by some rowdy teenager in a souped up car.

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      1. And these homes are supposed to be gifts? Paid for by taxpayers who may not be able to afford a home of their own, or maybe in danger of losing their current home because of the ever-increasing taxes collected for squandering and vote buying?

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  12. Years ago I thought the city was on a mission of buying the duplexes and 4plexes in the neighborhood to the north of this one, which has been declining since the 70s, to build single family homes.
    One would think good planning is keeping high density housing separated.

  13. 700-1,000 square feet is hardly enough room for a ‘family’. Turn them into 55+ housing if anything. This will get elders into housing that doesn’t need any maintenance and in return adding more single family HOMES to the inventory.

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    1. I can agree with this sentiment. Except that now we have to deal with a wave of Entrepreneural Boomers/Gen X crowd buying up houses in many Kenosha neighborhoods turning them into Air BnB’s. I’m sure that bubble will eventually burst, but its hard for young families to compete with the short term rentals. It’s frustrating. When seniors sell their homes, it tends not to be the young family that gets it.
      At first I didn’t care as the new owners of these homes usually clean them up and make them look nice, but many of the owners are out of state and don’t keep up with the basic maintenance. Almost none of the Airbnb owners in our neighborhood shovel their sidewalks/fire hydrants. It’s another house not handing out candy on Halloween.
      Your idea is intriguing, but with all of the landlords buying up these homes its hard for younger couples and families to afford housing.

  14. Hey Bear, Build affordable homes so folks can live the American dream of home ownership, show us you care about people and not about the $$$. I dare you, won’t hold my breath.

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    1. I would flipping move. This is a bad decision Steve. You will destroy this entire neighborhood and years later after your development is built and it starts declining it on you. But of course your wallet will be fat. F off Steve.

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    1. Don’t know about “deserve” but most certainly the opportunity to experience home ownership should be the objective.
      If Kenosha’s leadership was truly concerned about advancing low income families into the so-called middle class they would be looking at ways to tear down all the substandard structures in Kenosha and along with utilizing empty space build new innovative single family homes.

      Of course—that would be way too much work, taking critical thinking that Kenosha’s leaders have always lacked, and would inhibit influence peddling.

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      1. You are soooooo right. It really is that simple. Please apply to the government as an economic advisor.

        Kudos on your brilliance.

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    2. They absolutely do! And BEAR won’t give anyone that. Their work is shotty and all they care about is getting as many tax benefits as possible. Are people really raising families in a 1 and two bedroom apartment (that still costs thousands)?!
      The area has rentals all over-it’s time for some affordable homes or condos that a family can afford and stay in for their entire lives.

  15. Kudos to both commissioner and alderman Ruffolo for their heroic attempts to protect the people.
    They are both very wise, intelligent men that truly care about the people.
    They understand all of the problems these 700 units will create for home owners in the area.
    This has nothing to do with helping low income elderly and families.
    How tragic for the people and the city to allow this cancerous Bear to destroy Kenosha in my opinion.
    Hopefully at some point they will face a major lawsuit. I believe this eight headed monster is completely out of control.

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    1. Where was the notice before hand many many months ago that community didn’t receive so that they could add their 2 cents worth of advice and consideration to the aldermen ??

      How did this get this far without a Zoning Hearing ?

      Is this a violation of state law ?

      Just another reason the community needs to recruit regular citizens to run for the board.

      1. Start getting all the paperwork together by submitting a Public Records request. Whole ypu are there, find out the steps for a Recall

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        1. .. to know there was never a sign put up on the property announcing a Zoning Change Request !!

          Basic under the table dealings that if nobody files a lawsuit challenging the process nothing will change.

          But I think we all know, most hearings are nothing more than going through the motions because they are required by law.
          The people in charge just do what they want anyway.

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  16. Ah yes, Kenosha. Midwest’s home of low income housing, an extension of Milwaukee and Chicago ghetto living. But as long as millionaire Mills
    from Bear Realty gets his cut and shares it with the board, all is good in da hood, right? When the Indian tribe came in and paid off the local politicians to
    get their casino approval, Mills knew he was next to get what he wanted. Cha-ching to the board.

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  17. A few years back Bear got into Pleasant Prairie and overtook a great neighborhood. At the time, Bear could build a number of $400+ homes but to get government assistance needed to add some “low income rentals.” They had a name for them but it was really low income rentals. Many of us who lived in the area pleaded with the Pleasant Prairie board not to let rentals in. We were ok with condos, just not rentals, let alone “low income” ones. People don’t understand that crime increases around rentals. Some of the renters don’t care about the place and the entire neighborhood pays. Anytime you bring more people into a smaller area there will be issues. Bear greased the palm of PP and got their rentals in. Sure they added nice houses, but who wants to buy a $500k home with low income rentals next door?
    Think about this…over the years Bear makes more profits on rentals than on single family homes. And since there is government backing Bear will always get a rent check. All for the sake of Bear and not the community. Steve Mills is all about himself only. Ever see him volunteering at any local pantry? Giving blood? Donating to local schools? Nope. He doesn’t care because he doesn’t live here and it’s all about money to him.

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      1. Oh my Goodness! You know how many YEARS ago that was? MANY! Mills is buddy buddy with PP officials and gets what he wants! Wake up. He’s not on the outs with them at all!
        Mills offered a local farmer pennies on the dollar for some of the farmer’s property and was denied by the farmer. This farmland has agricultural and residential zoning on it. The farmer wanted to build a house for the parents on it, but PP said it wouldn’t be allowed unless ALL of the property was rezoned to residential! Yeah, don’t tell ME Mills has nothing to do with THAT after he was denied the sale of some of that property not long before the farmer asked about building a house.
        There have been nothing but problems for this farmer since he asked about buying that portion of property and Mill started his “project”.

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        1. Mills also has so many attorneys in his pocket! This farmer went to at lest 9 different attorneys, but once they found out they were going to be dealing with Steve Mills, they didn’t take the case!

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    1. You pleaded not to let low-income PEOPLE into your neighborhood. You can call it housing to make yourself feel better but you are just lying to yourself.

      I bet you donate at church while you “pray” for them but God forbid they move next door.

      But wait…there’s more… what about the crime?!!!??

      Criminals target low-income areas because the police do nothing to prevent it. The police do nothing to solve crimes when the victims are “low income.” Just think of alllllllllll the resources the police suddenly have when a rich, white CEO is shot versus anyone else.

      YOU are not a victim. Go boo hoo on your Facebook page.

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      1. The watcher is complaining because someone who lives in a $500,000 home has to live close to someone who rents.

        Oh. My. God.

        I hope you join me in offering prayers that their family will survive the horror of being exposed to people from a different economic status.

        What. A. Dofus.

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        1. I understand this point of view but you’re missing a HUGE part of the story. These people who purchased **$400,000 (not 500) homes are not rich. BEAR threatened to sue one family that just purchased if they backed out of their offer. These residents are working families putting all their life savings into the “dream” of having a NEIGHBORHOOD. This is about BEARs greed not about low income or whatever else.

      2. This argument is just the big guy winning at pinning the little guys against each other. Don’t miss the big picture. BEAR has the money to put in affordable condos or homes that people could invest in. Instead, they are taking the route that gets them the most tax benefits.

        While people like you get mad at everyday low/middle class families for wanting to invest in their neighborhood, BEAR sneaks away with the $$$$

  18. This is a horrible idea, and it will just end up in a slum area like so many in the city already. We don’t need more drugs, crime, stores with barred windows, payday lenders and home and auto break-ins.

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  19. Key words missing from the story. Projects; crack; crime. Also , it’s sad to see that Lydia Spottswood is still involved in our citie’s politics. This won’t affect her mansion on 2nd Avenue. Mills gets richer while that neighhood gets poorer. Anthony Kennedy, the angry cab driver , likes to see the virus spread.

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    1. The vast majority of people who earn lower incomes do not use drugs or commit crimes.

      Your assumptions are based in fiction, not fact.

      Your hate on others is really just a projection of your internal demons.

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  20. Mayor Bogdala just like Mayor Bosman. Anything for a few thousand above the table. Who knows what’s under the table. Wow

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  21. Rocco LaMacchia He’s always drinking in a bars. He also carries a gun in there. I know people have reported him and the police do nothing. Last I looked my conceal and carry says I cannot be drinking in a bar with my gun. Somebody also told me carries it all over City Hall. Another one taking money under the table.

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  22. I vote, to put these low income apartments right next to BEAR/HOTVEDT homes.. All there thievery throughout the years with their unethical/shady dealings. You reap what you sow.

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    1. Look up hotvedt, he is a disbarred lawyer who lost his attorey license for stealing hundreds of thousand from his own clients.

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  23. As us gold bug’s say. From silverware to plasticware to nowhere. The non united states of Israel usi is become a third world totalitarian country.

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    1. Bear and mills sued the city of Kenosha after he said he wasn’t going to at a public meeting. I was there.
      They’re nothing but about greed.
      I’m very disappointed in the Mayor. Obviously these people run and they tell you one thing and do another. Elections have consequences

  24. These low income housing units start out nice. Eventually the place gets run down with windows broke and bed sheets as curtains

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    1. Kenosha’s Cabrini Green how original.

      You’ll need to add a dozen more officers to patrol it 3 shifts until crime is so bad police won’t enter it.

      Chicago back in the day established CHA (Chicago Housing Authority) which consisted of the gang member’s to patrol it and provide protection to the gangs dope trade. Got so bad Chicago tore it down years later.

  25. property rights are what make america great. if you own land, the government or your neighbors shouldnt be able to tell you what you can and cant do

  26. Bear and mills sued the city of Kenosha after he said he wasn’t going to at a public meeting. I was there.
    They’re nothing but about greed.
    I’m very disappointed in the Mayor. Obviously these people run and they tell you one thing and do another. Elections have consequences

  27. Bear is and has always been a slumlord operation. Whenever I see a Bear Realty sign, I cringe just thinking about what they’re building.

  28. Did they create this apartment model with Windows ‘98? I guess they did have the computing power to illustrate all the dirty diapers, cigarette butts, oil stains, broken down cars, and liquor bottles all over the parking lot. 😂

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  29. On seeing this, my first thought was, Tenutas is going to have a tough time hiring Bullet Sponges to guard their liquor department.
    Then it occurred to me, the elevation drawing showing the guard towers, searchlights and concertina wire is missing.
    Perhaps, in his honor, the city could name it “Mayor John Antaramian Housing Komplex One”

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  30. $500K homes are literally starter homes nowadays. also – Section 8, low-income, Workforce – whatever you wanna call it, are usually trashed in 8 months of move-in..

  31. Steve Mills has no reason to be proud of the product. It’s ugly. Bear Realty is not Kenosha Friendly. Why does anyone think low-income people want to be stacked on top of each other? It’s a recipe for disaster, It’s another Cabrini Green. Someone recently shared with me low-income folks should be happy to live in any building. Why does anyone think low-income folk have no taste and underserving of beauty? What is needed is three-bedroom units. People who live at the poverty level have several children. Three-bedroom apartments rarely become available on the housing list. Drugs and crime will be rampant. We also need to be watching the transfer of vacant schools to the City of Kenosha. What is the plan for them and who is going to get the contract to build more grey housing on those sites?

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KENOSHA, Wis. — In February 2021, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed the SAFE-T Act into law, a sweeping criminal justice reform bill that eventually led to Illinois becoming the first state in the nation to eliminate cash bail as a condition of release in criminal cases. Supporters argued it would create a fairer system by focusing on whether someone poses a danger rather

Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low Bail” Braun Lets Father Charged in Deaths of Three Children Walk Out of Court Without Paying a Penny

KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha father charged in connection with the Thanksgiving-night fire that killed his three children walked out of court Wednesday without paying a penny after Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low Bail” Braun ordered no-cash bail, allowing him to leave the courthouse despite District Attorney Xavier Solis requesting $500,000 cash bail and despite Braun later stating on the record

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Man Charged Today With Fleeing Police and Recklessly Endangering Safety, But Judge Refuses to Sign Warrant Under New Courthouse Policy

Thomas P. Leber, 40, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man was charged today with felony fleeing and first-degree recklessly endangering safety, but despite the serious allegations, Judge Jason Rossell declined to sign an arrest warrant, leaving the defendant not currently wanted by police. The decision comes amid what courthouse sources have described as new policies enacted by Deputy

Emergency Repairs Shut Down Busy Stretch of 24th Street Through May 23

KENOSHA, Wis. — Drivers traveling through a busy stretch of Kenosha’s east side will see changing traffic patterns after city officials announced an update to an emergency road closure that had disrupted travel near Sheridan Road. The City of Kenosha previously closed 24th Street between 14th Avenue and Sheridan Road for emergency infrastructure repairs. However, officials now say the roadway has reopened to

Plus +

Man Accused of Pulling Knife After Violent Crash Found Competent to Stand Trial After Months-Long Suspension

Alexander R. Bohm, 40, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PARIS, Wis. — A Racine man accused of pulling a knife after a violent crash scene and triggering a chaotic confrontation with firefighters and deputies was found competent to stand trial Wednesday, allowing the criminal case against him to move forward again after being suspended for months. Alexander R. Bohm, 40, of Racine(Kenosha County

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Felony Bail Jumping Charge Added After Kenosha Man Accused of Dragging Woman by Hair

Marquel Reed, 30, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man remained in custody Wednesday after being accused of dragging a woman by her hair during a domestic violence incident and then violating conditions of an existing court case. During his initial appearance Wednesday before Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low Bail” Braun, prosecutors requested a $3,500 cash bond

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Domestic Disturbance, Alleged Death Threats Lead to No-Cash Bail Set by Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low Bail” Braun

Shaun D.A. Jackson, 30, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of threatening multiple people and allegedly telling one person he was “coming back to kill everybody” was released Wednesday after Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low Bail” Braun set a no-cash bail during his initial appearance. Prosecutors had requested a $500 cash bail, while the defense

Drug Operation in Trevor Leads to Four Arrests; Detectives Say Investigation Tied to Stolen Mail, Fraud and Narcotics

Updated on May 20, 2026 at 3:06 p.m. TREVOR, Wis. — A large law-enforcement presence in Trevor on Tuesday, including Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office detectives and members of the Kenosha Drug Operations Group (K-DOG), drew attention from area residents and prompted numerous questions about the activity in the area. Authorities have now confirmed the operation was tied to a lengthy investigation involving allegations

Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Chad Kerkman Seems To Be Revamping Effort To Jail Kenosha County Eye Editor Kevin Mathewson

KENOSHA, Wis. — If someone told you that a journalist was writing stories critical of a judge, exposing embarrassing information about that judge, and then found himself the subject of multiple law-enforcement complaints apparently aimed at having him criminally prosecuted and jailed, you might assume the story was unfolding in a third-world country under a dictatorship — not in the United States. But

Salem Lakes Democrats Begin Push For Airbnb Restrictions, Unanimously Approve Ordinance Effort

SALEM LAKES, Wis. — Salem Lakes officials unanimously voted Tuesday night to begin pursuing what could become broad new restrictions on Airbnb and other short-term rental properties, directing Village Attorney Remzy Bitar — whose legal services bill the village at hundreds of dollars per hour — to begin developing options and possible ordinance language that could ultimately impose additional fees, permitting requirements and

Meet The Lifetime Registered Sex Offender Released On Only $5,000 Bail After Italian American Club Allegations — And The Club President Who Won’t Explain Why He Was Hired

KENOSHA, Wis. — A lifetime registered sex offender with multiple felony convictions was released from the Kenosha County Jail after posting only $5,000 cash bail following allegations that he masturbated in front of two young girls while working at the Italian American Club — and the club’s president, Martin “Marty” Pitts, has yet to address the public or explain why a man with

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Fire Chief Says Trust “All But Diminished” Before Assistant Chief Resigns Instead of Facing Termination

Assistant Fire Chief Mike Keske(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) SALEM LAKES, Wis. — Former Salem Lakes Assistant Fire Chief Michael Keske resigned from the Salem Lakes Fire Rescue Department after Fire Chief Al Carr concluded that his trust in Keske had “all but diminished” and indicated he was considering formal charges that could have led to his removal from the

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Felony Battery Case Revives Questions After Former Dispatcher Brittney Smith Returns to Court System

Brittney M. Smith, 32, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Former Kenosha-area dispatcher Brittney M. Smith, whose prior domestic violence case and internal workplace controversy generated significant attention years ago, was back in the criminal justice system Tuesday after being charged in a new felony case alleging she shoved a 69-year-old woman to the ground inside a Walgreens. Court records

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Felony Hit-And-Run Defendant Released on No-Cash Bail as Aileen Henry Continues Day of Low-Bail Decisions

Kyla J. McCoy, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman accused of striking a scooter rider, leaving the scene and driving on a suspended license was released Tuesday on no-cash bail by Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen Henry after prosecutors sought cash bail. Henry’s decision came during a day in which numerous defendants were released on no-cash bail, continuing

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Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry Orders No-Cash Bail, Refund For Kenosha Man Charged In Bloody Domestic Abuse Case

KENOSHA, Wis. — Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry on Tuesday ordered no-cash bail for Isaac Ruiz-Hernandez, a 28-year-old Kenosha man charged in a domestic abuse case, and ordered the $650 he had already posted refunded to him after prosecutors asked that the cash bail remain in place. The decision came in another case raising concern among courtroom observers and the

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Henry Slashes $7,500 Warrant to No-Cash Bail for Illinois Man Charged in Felony Domestic Abuse Strangulation Case

Timothy D. Taylor, 24, of North Chicago, Ill(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry on Tuesday slashed a previously issued $7,500 warrant down to no-cash bail for Timothy D. Taylor, 24, of North Chicago, Ill., allowing him to walk free after he had been arrested Monday on the warrant in a felony domestic abuse

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KUSD Says Mercilie Toney Returned to Work After Allegations Involving Her Own Child Were Found Unsubstantiated

Mercilie Toney – Assistant Principal, Indian Trail High School and Academy KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha Unified School District Superintendent Jeffrey Weiss says Assistant Principal Mercilie Toney previously returned to work after allegations involving student-record matters — including allegations involving her own child — were investigated and determined to be unsubstantiated. Mercilie Toney – Assistant Principal, Indian Trail High School and Academy You must

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Aileen Henry Cuts Felony Retail Theft Defendant Loose on No-Cash Bail, Undercutting Even Defense Request

Juan Zavala-Gonzalez, 41, of Waukegan(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry on Tuesday took the unusual step of setting bail below both the prosecution and defense positions in a felony retail theft case — something courtroom observers rarely see. Juan Zavala-Gonzalez, a 41-year-old Waukegan, Illinois man arrested Monday on a previously issued $5,000 cash warrant,

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Multiple Felon and Lifetime Registered Sex Offender Accused of Masturbating in Front of Young Girls at Italian American Club Held on $5,000 Cash Bail

Robert W. Moses, 55, of 5619 16th Ave Upper in Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Robert W. Moses, 55, of Kenosha, was charged by prosecutors today with masturbating in front of two young girls at the Italian American Club after prior convictions involving children and sexual offenses. Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun granted the request and set bail

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Kenosha Man Charged After Bullet Fired Into Home Nearly Hit Mother and Child, Complaint Says

Crime Scene Tape(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Sean A. Braun, 17, of Kenosha, is facing multiple felony charges after prosecutors say he participated in a retaliatory shooting that sent a bullet through the back door of a Kenosha home while a mother and her 12-year-old daughter were inside. Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County

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Career Violent Criminal Who Escaped Kenosha Correctional Center Hit With $150,000 Cash Bail After Eight Days On The Run

Jonathan M. Taylor, 31(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man described by prosecutors as a repeat violent offender was ordered held on a $150,000 cash bond Monday after authorities say he escaped from the Kenosha Correctional Center and remained on the run for more than a week before federal agents and local law enforcement tracked him down in Racine. Jonathan

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Felony Child Abuse Charge Filed Against Kenosha Woman After Violent Family Brawl; Co-Defendant Adrian Gonzalez Also Charged

Hadeiya J. Williams, 22, and Adrian M. Gonzalez, 23, Both of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun set a $500 cash bail Monday for 22-year-old Hadeiya J. Williams after prosecutors accused her of kicking a child during a chaotic overnight family fight inside a Kenosha home that allegedly involved multiple assaults, hair-pulling, punches, and

Fired Racine Officer Avoids Felony Convictions in $16,000 Theft Case After Deal With DA Solis

Updated May 18, 2026 at 9:37 p.m. RACINE, Wis. – Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis has agreed to a deferred prosecution agreement for former Racine Police Officer LaVontay Fenderson, allowing the fired officer to likely avoid a felony conviction and permanent criminal record despite allegations that he fraudulently collected more than $16,000 in taxpayer money. Fenderson, a former school resource officer at

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Somers Man Accused of Threatening Suicide With Gun Despite Felony Conviction Gets $1,000 Cash Bail

Ervin T. Hoffman, 45, of Somers(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — A Somers man accused of illegally possessing a loaded handgun as a convicted felon after allegedly threatening to kill himself during a drunken domestic disturbance was given a $1,000 cash bond Monday by Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun, despite prosecutors seeking $10,000 cash bail. Ervin T. Hoffman, 45,

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Is Kenosha Being Quietly Pushed Toward An Illinois-Style No-Cash Bail System? : Opinion

KENOSHA, Wis. — In February 2021, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed the SAFE-T Act into law, a sweeping criminal justice reform bill that eventually led to Illinois becoming the first state in the nation to eliminate cash bail as a condition of release in criminal cases. Supporters argued it would create a fairer system by focusing on whether someone poses a danger rather

Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low Bail” Braun Lets Father Charged in Deaths of Three Children Walk Out of Court Without Paying a Penny

KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha father charged in connection with the Thanksgiving-night fire that killed his three children walked out of court Wednesday without paying a penny after Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low Bail” Braun ordered no-cash bail, allowing him to leave the courthouse despite District Attorney Xavier Solis requesting $500,000 cash bail and despite Braun later stating on the record

Plus +

Man Charged Today With Fleeing Police and Recklessly Endangering Safety, But Judge Refuses to Sign Warrant Under New Courthouse Policy

Thomas P. Leber, 40, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man was charged today with felony fleeing and first-degree recklessly endangering safety, but despite the serious allegations, Judge Jason Rossell declined to sign an arrest warrant, leaving the defendant not currently wanted by police. The decision comes amid what courthouse sources have described as new policies enacted by Deputy

Emergency Repairs Shut Down Busy Stretch of 24th Street Through May 23

KENOSHA, Wis. — Drivers traveling through a busy stretch of Kenosha’s east side will see changing traffic patterns after city officials announced an update to an emergency road closure that had disrupted travel near Sheridan Road. The City of Kenosha previously closed 24th Street between 14th Avenue and Sheridan Road for emergency infrastructure repairs. However, officials now say the roadway has reopened to

Plus +

Man Accused of Pulling Knife After Violent Crash Found Competent to Stand Trial After Months-Long Suspension

Alexander R. Bohm, 40, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PARIS, Wis. — A Racine man accused of pulling a knife after a violent crash scene and triggering a chaotic confrontation with firefighters and deputies was found competent to stand trial Wednesday, allowing the criminal case against him to move forward again after being suspended for months. Alexander R. Bohm, 40, of Racine(Kenosha County

Plus +

Felony Bail Jumping Charge Added After Kenosha Man Accused of Dragging Woman by Hair

Marquel Reed, 30, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man remained in custody Wednesday after being accused of dragging a woman by her hair during a domestic violence incident and then violating conditions of an existing court case. During his initial appearance Wednesday before Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low Bail” Braun, prosecutors requested a $3,500 cash bond

Plus +

Domestic Disturbance, Alleged Death Threats Lead to No-Cash Bail Set by Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low Bail” Braun

Shaun D.A. Jackson, 30, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of threatening multiple people and allegedly telling one person he was “coming back to kill everybody” was released Wednesday after Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low Bail” Braun set a no-cash bail during his initial appearance. Prosecutors had requested a $500 cash bail, while the defense

Drug Operation in Trevor Leads to Four Arrests; Detectives Say Investigation Tied to Stolen Mail, Fraud and Narcotics

Updated on May 20, 2026 at 3:06 p.m. TREVOR, Wis. — A large law-enforcement presence in Trevor on Tuesday, including Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office detectives and members of the Kenosha Drug Operations Group (K-DOG), drew attention from area residents and prompted numerous questions about the activity in the area. Authorities have now confirmed the operation was tied to a lengthy investigation involving allegations

Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Chad Kerkman Seems To Be Revamping Effort To Jail Kenosha County Eye Editor Kevin Mathewson

KENOSHA, Wis. — If someone told you that a journalist was writing stories critical of a judge, exposing embarrassing information about that judge, and then found himself the subject of multiple law-enforcement complaints apparently aimed at having him criminally prosecuted and jailed, you might assume the story was unfolding in a third-world country under a dictatorship — not in the United States. But

Salem Lakes Democrats Begin Push For Airbnb Restrictions, Unanimously Approve Ordinance Effort

SALEM LAKES, Wis. — Salem Lakes officials unanimously voted Tuesday night to begin pursuing what could become broad new restrictions on Airbnb and other short-term rental properties, directing Village Attorney Remzy Bitar — whose legal services bill the village at hundreds of dollars per hour — to begin developing options and possible ordinance language that could ultimately impose additional fees, permitting requirements and

Meet The Lifetime Registered Sex Offender Released On Only $5,000 Bail After Italian American Club Allegations — And The Club President Who Won’t Explain Why He Was Hired

KENOSHA, Wis. — A lifetime registered sex offender with multiple felony convictions was released from the Kenosha County Jail after posting only $5,000 cash bail following allegations that he masturbated in front of two young girls while working at the Italian American Club — and the club’s president, Martin “Marty” Pitts, has yet to address the public or explain why a man with

Plus +

Fire Chief Says Trust “All But Diminished” Before Assistant Chief Resigns Instead of Facing Termination

Assistant Fire Chief Mike Keske(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) SALEM LAKES, Wis. — Former Salem Lakes Assistant Fire Chief Michael Keske resigned from the Salem Lakes Fire Rescue Department after Fire Chief Al Carr concluded that his trust in Keske had “all but diminished” and indicated he was considering formal charges that could have led to his removal from the

Plus +

Felony Battery Case Revives Questions After Former Dispatcher Brittney Smith Returns to Court System

Brittney M. Smith, 32, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Former Kenosha-area dispatcher Brittney M. Smith, whose prior domestic violence case and internal workplace controversy generated significant attention years ago, was back in the criminal justice system Tuesday after being charged in a new felony case alleging she shoved a 69-year-old woman to the ground inside a Walgreens. Court records

Plus +

Felony Hit-And-Run Defendant Released on No-Cash Bail as Aileen Henry Continues Day of Low-Bail Decisions

Kyla J. McCoy, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman accused of striking a scooter rider, leaving the scene and driving on a suspended license was released Tuesday on no-cash bail by Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen Henry after prosecutors sought cash bail. Henry’s decision came during a day in which numerous defendants were released on no-cash bail, continuing

Plus +

Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry Orders No-Cash Bail, Refund For Kenosha Man Charged In Bloody Domestic Abuse Case

KENOSHA, Wis. — Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry on Tuesday ordered no-cash bail for Isaac Ruiz-Hernandez, a 28-year-old Kenosha man charged in a domestic abuse case, and ordered the $650 he had already posted refunded to him after prosecutors asked that the cash bail remain in place. The decision came in another case raising concern among courtroom observers and the

Plus +

Henry Slashes $7,500 Warrant to No-Cash Bail for Illinois Man Charged in Felony Domestic Abuse Strangulation Case

Timothy D. Taylor, 24, of North Chicago, Ill(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry on Tuesday slashed a previously issued $7,500 warrant down to no-cash bail for Timothy D. Taylor, 24, of North Chicago, Ill., allowing him to walk free after he had been arrested Monday on the warrant in a felony domestic abuse

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