To My Loyal Readers,

When I started Kenosha County Eye nearly five years ago, it was little more than a passion project—a way to share local stories that weren’t getting the attention they deserved. Back then, I was publishing articles here and there, with a strong focus on investigative journalism and transparency. I never could have imagined how far this journey would take me.

Today, Kenosha County Eye has grown into one of the most-read news sources in our area. Every month, more and more people are turning to KCE for the stories that matter most. We’ve recently surpassed half a million page views each month, and the number continues to climb. We’ve broken important stories, held public officials accountable, and given readers like you an unfiltered look at what’s really happening in Kenosha County. I’m proud of what we’ve built together.

As we look to the future, I want to share with you an exciting and necessary change that will help Kenosha County Eye continue to grow and thrive.

In the coming days, I’ll be launching Kenosha County Eye Plus, a new $5/month subscription tier that will give readers access to our most in-depth investigative journalism. The regular site—featuring police blotter updates, community news, and local government coverage—will remain free for everyone. But the kind of deeply researched, long-form stories that define what makes Kenosha County Eye unique will be available only to subscribers.

I understand that some readers value their privacy—and for that reason, we are also developing a system that will allow people to subscribe to Kenosha County Eye Plus anonymously, while still getting full access to premium content. Whether you’re a public official, a government employee, or simply someone who prefers discretion, your privacy will be respected.

This decision wasn’t made lightly. I know I’ve said in the past that the site would always be free. But like many things in life, circumstances have changed. Investigative journalism takes time, resources, and commitment. To continue doing this work full-time—and to grow this platform in ways that will serve the community even better—I need your support.

Right now, Kenosha County Eye stands as the only serious competitor to the Kenosha News, which appears to be slowly fading. Their coverage of local issues has dwindled, and many believe it’s only a matter of time before they pack their bags for good. I don’t say this to gloat—I say it to underscore why this platform matters more now than ever before. Local journalism is essential, and without it, accountability disappears.

For the price of one cup of coffee per month—just $5, or $60 a year—you can help keep Kenosha County Eye strong and independent. If you’re unable to subscribe, I understand. There will still be plenty of free content, including breaking news and public safety updates. But if you believe in what this platform stands for, I ask you to consider joining KCE Plus.

This move also opens the door to hiring additional contributors, including journalists from a range of political perspectives, to give our readers even more diverse and comprehensive coverage.

I believe in Christian-based values like honesty, fairness, and service to the truth—and those values will continue to guide the work I do here. With your help, we’ll take Kenosha County Eye to the next level.

Thank you for standing with me. I’m excited for what’s ahead.

Sincerely,
Kevin Mathewson
Founder, Kenosha County Eye