Milt Dean Surprised by Former Students as He’s Honored at Veterans Picnic

Copied!

Milt Dean speaks after receiving the inaugural Kenosha County Veteran of the Year Award on Friday at the Veterans Summer Appreciation Summer Picnic at the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park.
(Photo by Joe Potente, Kenosha County)

All veterans were celebrated — and one received a special honor — on Friday, at County Executive Samantha Kerkman’s annual Veterans Appreciation Memorial Picnic.

Paid Advertisement

The event, now in its third year, again featured a free lunch served courtesy of Mission BBQ, resource tables with information about county and VA services, and an opportunity for veterans and their families to enjoy the scenic grounds of the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park and its Veterans Honor Plaza.

Paid Advertisement

The crowd at Friday’s Veterans Appreciation Summer Picnic at the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park lines up for a free lunch served courtesy of MISSION BBQ.
(Photo by Joe Potente, Kenosha County)

New this year was the presentation of the inaugural Kenosha County Veteran of the Year Award, granted to Vietnam veteran Milt Dean.

Paid Advertisement

“I am both humbled and honored to be the recipient of this award,” Dean said, thanking his wife Jackie and the county executive for their support.

Paid Advertisement

From left, Sheriff David Zoerner and County Executive Samantha Kerkman talk with 2025 Kenosha County Veteran of the Year Milt Dean during the Veterans Appreciation Summer Picnic on Friday at the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park.
(Photo by Joe Potente, Kenosha County)

A Kenosha native, Dean has 52 years of service in education, including 34 years as a fifth- and sixth-grade teacher at Prairie Lane Elementary School, where he remains involved today — more than two decades after his retirement — as an intramural sports instructor.

Paid Advertisement

Some of Dean’s students from over the years came to the picnic to see Dean receive his honors. One of them, Michelle Holmes, traveled about two and a half hours from her home in Hancock, Wis., to surprise her former teacher.

Paid Advertisement

Dean is also active in many veterans’ organizations and has been a prolific blood donor and supporter of Special Olympics.

Paid Advertisement

The band Dixie Dudes performs for the crowd at Friday’s Veterans Appreciation Summer Picnic at the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park.
(Photo by Joe Potente, Kenosha County)

“The Veteran of the Year Award is intended to honor outstanding veterans for their service to the community after their time in military service,” Kerkman said. “And I can think of nobody better than Milt Dean to receive the honor.”

Paid Advertisement

Kenosha County Veterans Service Officer also addressed the audience, speaking of the unbreakable bonds that are formed among those who serve in the military.

“Despite all the differences we have — race, gender, religion, or political affiliation — military service is the tie that binds us,” Blasi said, “even well after we’ve taken off the uniform.”

Author

Kenosha County

View All Articles

Copied!

LATEST NEWS

Exclusive Interview: Kenosha’s Next City Administrator Patrick Patton Says Mayor Bogdala’s Vision Convinced Him To Take Job

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton, 43, who became the city’s youngest police chief in 2023, is now poised to become Kenosha’s youngest city administrator. In an exclusive interview with Kenosha County Eye Wednesday evening, Patton discussed his decision to accept Mayor David Bogdala’s appointment, his strong belief in the mayor’s vision for Kenosha, and his plans to bring the leadership

October 14, 2026 2 Comments

Plus +

Kenosha Man, 41, Charged With Sixth OWI After Crash, Allegedly Kicks Police Officer, Yells Racial Slurs: $15,000 Cash Bail Set

KENOSHA, Wis. — A 41-year-old Kenosha man with five previous drunk driving convictions is facing three new criminal charges after police say he crashed a vehicle, fled the scene, hid from officers, kicked a Kenosha police officer and repeatedly shouted racial and homophobic slurs at police and hospital staff. Steven J. Levendoski, 41, of Kenosha, was charged Monday, October 12, with felony sixth-offense

October 14, 2026 3 Comments

City Of Kenosha Agrees To $450,000 Settlement With Fired Cop’s Sexual Assault Accuser, 2025 Drunk Driving Suspect Who Threatened Police

KENOSHA, Wis. — The City of Kenosha and former Kenosha Police Officer Joshua T. Sylvester have agreed to a $450,000 settlement with Alessandra Dashawn Doby, a Kenosha woman who accused Sylvester of sexually assaulting her while she was intoxicated and in police custody in August 2022. The settlement ends a

October 14, 2026 2 Comments

Kenosha Father Found Guilty Of Two Felony Child Abuse Charges Following Three-Day Jury Trial

KENOSHA, Wis. — A 37-year-old Kenosha father was found guilty Wednesday, October 14, 2026, of two felony counts of recklessly causing bodily harm to a child following a three-day jury trial in Kenosha County Circuit Court. The unanimous verdict was returned at approximately 1:35 p.m. before Judge Jodi L. Meier.

October 14, 2026 No Comments

Plus +

Wisconsin Man With History Of Domestic Violence Accused Of Punching Fiancée In Mouth While Out On Bail For Allegedly Abusing Same Woman — Four Felony Charges Filed

Sean Patrick Lavenduskey, 38, of Kenosha(facebook.com) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 38-year-old Wilton, Wisconsin, man with a history of domestic violence convictions is facing four felony charges after prosecutors say he punched his fiancée in the mouth while driving through Kenosha, despite being out on bail in another felony domestic abuse

October 14, 2026 6 Comments

Kenosha Announces New $10,000 Grant Program For 52nd Street Businesses, Reminds Uptown Businesses Of Available Funding

KENOSHA, Wis. — Business and property owners along one of Kenosha’s busiest commercial corridors now have an opportunity to receive up to $10,000 in grant funding to improve their buildings. The City of Kenosha announced Wednesday, October 14, 2026, that applications are officially open for the new 52nd Street Corridor

October 14, 2026 1 Comment

Highway W To Close In Downtown Wilmot This Weekend For Major Construction Project

WILMOT, Wis. — Motorists traveling through downtown Wilmot this weekend will need to find alternate routes as Kenosha County prepares for a full closure of Highway W beginning Friday night, October 16, 2026, and continuing through early Monday morning, October 19. According to an October 13 construction update from Kenosha

October 14, 2026 No Comments

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused Of Body-Slamming Ex-Girlfriend To Ground In Front Of Her Child, Fighting Armed Neighbor Who Came To Her Rescue — $1,300 Cash Bail

Robert Norman, 47, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 47-year-old Kenosha man is facing four criminal charges after prosecutors say he violently attacked his ex-girlfriend, threw her to the ground in front of her child, and fought with an armed neighbor who intervened after hearing the woman

October 14, 2026 2 Comments

Authors

3 Responses

TooLiberal4me says:

May 31, 2025 at 12:56 PM

What a nice thing to do. God bless these brave men and women! Thank you for your service

6

Reply
Gof62 says:

June 1, 2025 at 4:47 AM

Well said! I agree. It’s nice to read something positive for a change

1

Reply
Anonymous says:

June 1, 2025 at 7:37 AM

Kerkman has to get her mug in every picture every day.

2
1

Reply

Add a Comment Cancel reply

LATEST NEWS

Exclusive Interview: Kenosha’s Next City Administrator Patrick Patton Says Mayor Bogdala’s Vision Convinced Him To Take Job

October 14, 2026 2 Comments

Plus +

Kenosha Man, 41, Charged With Sixth OWI After Crash, Allegedly Kicks Police Officer, Yells Racial Slurs: $15,000 Cash Bail Set

October 14, 2026 3 Comments

City Of Kenosha Agrees To $450,000 Settlement With Fired Cop’s Sexual Assault Accuser, 2025 Drunk Driving Suspect Who Threatened Police

October 14, 2026 2 Comments

Kenosha Father Found Guilty Of Two Felony Child Abuse Charges Following Three-Day Jury Trial

October 14, 2026 No Comments

Plus +

Wisconsin Man With History Of Domestic Violence Accused Of Punching Fiancée In Mouth While Out On Bail For Allegedly Abusing Same Woman — Four Felony Charges Filed

October 14, 2026 6 Comments

Kenosha Announces New $10,000 Grant Program For 52nd Street Businesses, Reminds Uptown Businesses Of Available Funding

October 14, 2026 1 Comment

Highway W To Close In Downtown Wilmot This Weekend For Major Construction Project

October 14, 2026 No Comments

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused Of Body-Slamming Ex-Girlfriend To Ground In Front Of Her Child, Fighting Armed Neighbor Who Came To Her Rescue — $1,300 Cash Bail

October 14, 2026 2 Comments

Plus +

Two Ex-Boyfriends Accused Of Showing Up At Kenosha Woman’s Home Together At 1:30 A.M., Threatening Her And Damaging Doors — Kellum Sets $350 Cash Bail Each

Quienton I. Koker, 27, of Kenosha and Zachary J. Larson, 34, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Two men who previously dated the same Kenosha woman are facing criminal charges after police say they showed up together at her home in the middle of the night, screamed insults and threats, and allegedly damaged her doors while two children slept inside.

October 14, 2026 13 Comments

Sources: Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton Appointed Next City Administrator, Pending Common Council Approval

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton has been selected by Mayor David Bogdala to become the next City Administrator for the City of Kenosha, according to a source within City Hall. The appointment is subject to approval by the Kenosha Common Council, which is expected to approve the selection. Patton would replace longtime City Administrator John Morrissey, who announced earlier this

October 14, 2026 17 Comments

16-Year-Old Identified In Jerry Smith Pumpkin Farm Gun Scare Had Prior Weapons-Related Police Contacts; Juvenile Court Hearing Expected This Week

KENOSHA, Wis. — A 16-year-old accused of bringing a handgun into the corn maze at Jerry Smith Pumpkin Farm, one of Kenosha County’s most beloved family destinations, has been identified by Kenosha County Eye as Jose Emanuel Cruz. The teenager was detained Friday evening, October 9, 2026, after security personnel reported a possible armed individual inside the popular attraction. Deputies ultimately recovered an

October 13, 2026 19 Comments

We Warned That Someone Could Die: Now A Man Released By “Catch & Release” Kellum Is Dead — Opinion

KENOSHA, Wis. — Setting bail for defendants accused of violent crimes or sexual assaults, especially those involving children, is among the most consequential decisions made in a courtroom. Get it wrong, and innocent people can be hurt or killed. Kenosha County Eye has repeatedly criticized Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum for releasing defendants accused of serious crimes on no-cash bail. This

October 13, 2026 13 Comments

Plus +

Kenosha Man, 28, Accused Of Sexually Assaulting 14-Year-Old Girl At Pleasant Prairie Beach, Telling Her He Had Been Watching Her Since She Was 10 – Only $10,000 Cash Bail Set

Lee A. Campbell III, 28, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 28-year-old Kenosha man accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl at a Pleasant Prairie beach after allegedly telling her he had been watching her since she was 10 years old was arrested Monday on a warrant issued three months ago. Lee A. Campbell III, 28, of Kenosha, appeared in

October 13, 2026 11 Comments

Meet K-9 Kai: Pleasant Prairie Police Department Welcomes New Electronic Detection Dog To Help Investigate Crimes Against Children

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — The Pleasant Prairie Police Department has a new four-legged crime fighter, and her specialty is finding electronic devices that criminals may try to hide. K-9 Kai, a two-year-old English Labrador retriever, was officially welcomed into the department during Monday night’s Village Board meeting on October 12, 2026. Kai will work alongside Detective Jim Hackney, helping investigators locate electronic evidence,

October 13, 2026 3 Comments

Plus +

Kenosha Man, 22, Charged With Admitted Sexual Assaults Of Two Relatives – $35,000 Cash Bail Set

Jacob James Sheedlo, 22, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 22-year-old Kenosha man is facing four serious felony charges after police say he admitted to sexually assaulting two relatives approximately nine years ago, when the alleged victims were as young as five years old. Jacob James Sheedlo, 22, of Kenosha, appeared in Kenosha County Circuit Court on Tuesday, October 13,

October 13, 2026 5 Comments

Plus +

Man High On Meth And Psychedelic Drugs Claims He Is ‘The Chosen One,’ Fights Deputies Over ‘Demons’ In Squad Car, Damages Fireworks Store: $1,500 Cash Bail

Jesse P. Miller, 37, of Oak Creek(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) WHEATLAND, Wis. — A 37-year-old Oak Creek man who allegedly admitted using methamphetamine and the powerful psychedelic drug DMT, claimed he was “the chosen one,” fought Kenosha County Sheriff’s deputies over imaginary demons inside a squad car, and damaged a fireworks store was charged Tuesday with four criminal offenses. Jesse P. Miller appeared

October 13, 2026 5 Comments

Plus +

Illinois Man Charged With Second-Offense OWI After Nearly Striking Kenosha County Deputy Head-On At 80 MPH: Loaded Handgun And 12 Vodka Bottles Found In SUV

Suril B. Patel, 55, of Richmond, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 55-year-old Richmond, Illinois, man is facing two criminal misdemeanor charges after authorities say he nearly struck a Kenosha County Sheriff’s deputy head-on while driving approximately 80 mph, then was discovered with a loaded handgun and 12 miniature vodka bottles inside his SUV. Suril B. Patel was charged Tuesday, October

October 13, 2026 4 Comments

A Dying Kenosha News: Faded Newspaper Boxes, A Chipped Window And Dwindling Square Feet Tell The Story Of A Once-Mighty Local Newspaper

KENOSHA, Wis. — A chipped window, a police investigation involving questions about Mexican landscapers, an increasingly empty newsroom, and yet another move into a smaller office space. For the once-mighty Kenosha News, the signs of decline are becoming difficult to ignore. In May, Kenosha police responded to a complaint involving a damaged window at the newspaper’s Green Bay Road location. An officer approached

October 12, 2026 29 Comments

Plus +

Former Kenosha County Sheriff’s Deputy Arrested For OWI, Booked In “Turtle Suit”

Kenosha Sheriff David W. Zoerner (D) and Former Deputy Austin J. Nehls KENOSHA, Wis. – A 32-year-old former Kenosha County Sheriff’s deputy who was sworn into office just last year was arrested Friday, October 9, 2026, for operating while intoxicated (OWI), according to Kenosha County Jail records. Austin James Nehls, of Kenosha, was booked into the jail wearing what is commonly called a

October 12, 2026 8 Comments

Plus +

Newly Obtained Records Confirm Kenosha Prison Sergeant Fired For Sexually Harassing Coworker, Kissing Her Neck, Offering Money For Sex And Using State Cellphone For Sexual Messages

Former Sgt. Melvin Bean Jr.Kenosha Correctional Center 6353 14th Ave(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Newly obtained Wisconsin Department of Corrections investigative records confirm that former Kenosha Correctional Center Sgt. Melvin Bean Jr. was fired on March 2, 2026, after investigators determined he sexually harassed a female coworker, including unwanted physical contact, and misused his taxpayer-funded cellphone for personal

October 12, 2026 3 Comments

Plus +

Kenosha Police Raid Home, Seize Nearly 5.3 Pounds Of Marijuana, 19 Plants And Two Shotguns: Convicted Felon Held On $25,000 Cash Bail

Timothy Robert Barden, 54, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Residents of the Allendale neighborhood may have been surprised Friday when officers with the Kenosha Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit executed a search warrant at a home on Third Avenue. What began as a complaint about marijuana plants growing in a backyard turned into a major drug investigation involving nearly 5.3

October 12, 2026 5 Comments

Kenosha County Honors Unsung Heroes Who Care For Older Adults And People With Disabilities

KENOSHA, Wis. — They are the unsung heroes of our community. They care for our parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and people living with disabilities. They often work long hours, providing essential care, companionship, and comfort to some of Kenosha County’s most vulnerable residents. Recently, those caregivers were the guests of honor at a special luncheon recognizing their contributions to the community. The Kenosha

October 12, 2026 No Comments

Riverport Chorus Holiday Craft Fair Coming To Wilmot November 7: More Than 50 Vendors Expected, Santa To Make Special Appearance

WILMOT, Wis. — Holiday shoppers looking for unique gifts, handmade crafts, delicious treats and a chance to visit Santa Claus will have an opportunity to enjoy all of that and more when the Riverport Chorus hosts its annual Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Wilmot Union High School. The family-friendly event will feature more than 50 vendors, a popular bake

October 12, 2026 No Comments

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused Of High-Speed Police Chase, Drunken Crash That Injured Passenger – $10,000 Cash Bail Set

Eric James Rogers, 37, of Kenosha (Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office)Residence at 60th Avenue and 85th St in Pleasant Prairie (Photo by Incident Response) KENOSHA, Wis. – Eric James Rogers, 37, of Kenosha, was charged Monday with two felonies and three misdemeanors stemming from two separate incidents in Pleasant Prairie. Court Commissioner Daniel E. Kellum set a $10,000 cash bail Monday afternoon in the

October 12, 2026 2 Comments