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Kenosha Teen Charged with Possessing Child Pornography; Competency Exam Ordered

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Austin J. LeClaire, 17, of Kenosha in Court Today
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

KENOSHA, Wis. — A 17-year-old Kenosha boy is facing serious felony charges after investigators say he possessed dozens of graphic videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Austin J. LeClaire appeared in Kenosha County Intake Court on Friday, where Court Commissioner William Michel set a $75,000 cash bond in the child pornography case and ordered a court-ordered mental competency evaluation.

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Author

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Kevin Mathewson

Kevin Mathewson is a disciple of Christ, husband and a father to two wonderful children. Mathewson was born and raised in Lake County, IL and worked as a police & fire dispatcher from 2005 to 2010 in Round Lake Beach, IL. Mathewson moved to Kenosha County in 2006, later being elected to the position of Alderman of the 8th District in 2012 and 2016. Mathewson is a private investigator, security contractor, journalist, and photographer. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching movies, camping and boating. His favorite amendment is the second, followed closely by the first. He loves his country and community.
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Kenosha Man Charged with Substantial Battery After Alleged Bar Shift Assault

Lloyd J. Belongia, 44, of Kenosha in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 44-year-old Kenosha man is facing felony battery charges after prosecutors say he assaulted a coworker following a night of drinking last fall. You must be logged in to view the rest

June 13, 2025 2 Comments

Peanut Butter & Jam Concert Series Returns with Free Summer Lineup

KENOSHA, Wis. – The City of Kenosha and Happenings Magazine will once again host the popular Peanut Butter & Jam concert series starting July 10, marking the 23rd season of the beloved outdoor music event downtown. Opening the series is Pearlsnap, a group known for blending country, rock, and pop

June 13, 2025 No Comments
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Preliminary Hearing Delayed as Motion to Dismiss Takes Center Stage in Vanderzee Murder Case

Roxanna Vanderzee-Collins, 70, of McHenry (Center) and Defense Attorneys Jennifer Recktenwald (Left) and Joseph Bugni (Right) In Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — The long-awaited preliminary hearing in the cold case homicide of David Vanderzee was postponed Friday morning after defense attorneys filed a

June 13, 2025 1 Comment
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Defendants File Motion to Dismiss Vanderzee Murder Charges, Claim Complaint Lacks Probable Cause

Roxanna Vanderzee-Collins (70) and John Viskocil (70) – Homicide Defendants(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — The attorneys for Roxanna Vanderzee-Collins and John Viskocil filed a sweeping motion to dismiss the first-degree intentional homicide charges against them Thursday, arguing that the criminal complaint “fails to allege a crime” and doesn’t

June 12, 2025 1 Comment
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Kenosha Man Charged with Substantial Battery After Alleged Bar Shift Assault

Lloyd J. Belongia, 44, of Kenosha in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 44-year-old Kenosha man is facing felony battery charges after prosecutors say he assaulted a coworker following a night of drinking last fall. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

June 13, 2025 2 Comments

Peanut Butter & Jam Concert Series Returns with Free Summer Lineup

KENOSHA, Wis. – The City of Kenosha and Happenings Magazine will once again host the popular Peanut Butter & Jam concert series starting July 10, marking the 23rd season of the beloved outdoor music event downtown. Opening the series is Pearlsnap, a group known for blending country, rock, and pop hits spanning the ‘80s to today. The free concerts are held every Thursday,

June 13, 2025 No Comments

Suspected Distraction Burglary Targets Elderly Couple in Kenosha; Thieves Flee With Cash Stash

KENOSHA, Wis. – A Kenosha family is pleading for the public’s help after an elderly couple was targeted in what appears to be a distraction burglary that left them devastated—and thousands of dollars poorer. According to a public Facebook post that’s quickly gained traction in local circles, the incident occurred when three men approached the homeowners—an 88-year-old woman and her soon-to-be 90-year-old husband—as

June 13, 2025 2 Comments
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Preliminary Hearing Delayed as Motion to Dismiss Takes Center Stage in Vanderzee Murder Case

Roxanna Vanderzee-Collins, 70, of McHenry (Center) and Defense Attorneys Jennifer Recktenwald (Left) and Joseph Bugni (Right) In Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — The long-awaited preliminary hearing in the cold case homicide of David Vanderzee was postponed Friday morning after defense attorneys filed a sweeping motion to dismiss the charges, and both defendants agreed to waive their

June 13, 2025 1 Comment
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Defendants File Motion to Dismiss Vanderzee Murder Charges, Claim Complaint Lacks Probable Cause

Roxanna Vanderzee-Collins (70) and John Viskocil (70) – Homicide Defendants(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — The attorneys for Roxanna Vanderzee-Collins and John Viskocil filed a sweeping motion to dismiss the first-degree intentional homicide charges against them Thursday, arguing that the criminal complaint “fails to allege a crime” and doesn’t meet even the minimum standards of probable cause. You must be logged in

June 12, 2025 1 Comment

Lake Geneva Man Accused of Drugged Driving, Tossing Cocaine from Window During Traffic Stop

SALEM LAKES, Wis. – A 42-year-old Lake Geneva man is facing five criminal charges after a traffic stop earlier this month allegedly uncovered cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and a masking agent—all while he was reportedly under the influence. Michael D. Schmuck was formally charged Thursday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with second-offense operating while under the influence, possession of cocaine (second and subsequent offense),

June 12, 2025 6 Comments

Kenosha County Housing Task Force Highlights Ongoing Work, Summer Plans

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. – Members of the Kenosha County Housing Task Force gathered Tuesday at the Aurora Pleasant Prairie Ambulatory Surgery Center to share progress on their collaborative effort to address the county’s persistent housing shortage. The task force, launched in late 2024 by the Kenosha Area Business Alliance and Kenosha County government, brings together a broad coalition of stakeholders—developers, nonprofit leaders, real

June 12, 2025 6 Comments
Plus +

Armed Illinois Man Charged with Misdemeanors After Alleged Attempted Home Invasion in Kenosha

Julian Nava, 20. of Highwood, Ill. In Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 20-year-old Illinois man accused of pointing a loaded firearm at Kenosha residents while intoxicated and attempting to break into their home was charged Thursday with six misdemeanors—despite police recommending two felonies. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

June 12, 2025 7 Comments

Annual Success Fair Aims to Combat Rising Joblessness in Kenosha County

KENOSHA, Wis. — With Kenosha County’s unemployment rate climbing to 3.6% this spring—its highest level since mid-2022—local workforce agencies are stepping up efforts to connect residents with job opportunities and vital career resources. On Friday, June 13, Equus Workforce Solutions, the Southeastern Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, and United Way of Kenosha County will co-host the third annual Job & Resource Success Fair at

June 12, 2025 3 Comments
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Kenosha Contractor Accused of Taking Thousands, Fails to Appear in Court

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June 12, 2025 6 Comments

Lakefront Trolley Returns to Kenosha for Summer 2025

KENOSHA, Wis. – The iconic Lakefront Trolley will resume weekend operations in Kenosha beginning Saturday, June 14, 2025, offering residents and visitors an affordable and scenic way to explore the city through August 30. Kenosha Area Transit announced that the seasonal service will run Fridays through Sundays with expanded coverage of key cultural, educational, and recreational destinations. Friday hours will be 3:45 to

June 12, 2025 18 Comments

Kenosha Parade to Celebrate City’s 175th Anniversary with Marching Bands, Floats, and Hometown Heroes

KENOSHA, Wis. – The 2025 Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade, presented by Snap-on, will march through downtown streets on Sunday, June 29, honoring the city’s 175th anniversary with more than 120 units performing, dancing, and riding in a colorful community celebration. The parade steps off at 1 p.m. from Washington Road and Seventh Avenue, following the same route as in previous years. Spectators are

June 12, 2025 No Comments

Salem Lakes Board Expected to Approve $5,000 “Psychological Safety” Workshop Amid Employee Gag Order

SALEM LAKES, Wis. – A controversial agenda item is expected to pass at Monday night’s Village Board meeting in Salem Lakes, where a new liberal majority is poised to approve a $5,000 “leadership workshop” focused on “psychological safety” and “purpose-driven leadership.” The training will be conducted by Danny Langloss, a former Illinois police chief turned consultant, whose rate is over $600 per hour

June 12, 2025 26 Comments
Plus +

Registered Sex Offender Held on $75K Bail in New Sexual Assault Case

Jason A. Williams, 54, of Kenosha in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 54-year-old homeless man and registered sex offender with convictions spanning multiple states was charged in Kenosha County Circuit Court on Tuesday with third-degree sexual assault and exposing his genitals to a child—both as a repeat offender. You must be logged in to view the

June 11, 2025 10 Comments

Illinois Man Accused of High-Speed Chase, Drug Possession in Kenosha; DA Slams Fleeing Trend

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. – A 35-year-old Illinois man with a lengthy criminal history is being held on $75,000 cash bail after allegedly leading Kenosha County deputies on a high-speed pursuit last week with cocaine and marijuana scattered throughout his vehicle. Terrance M. Kampas of Lake in the Hills, Illinois, was charged Tuesday with six felony counts, including three counts of first-degree recklessly endangering

June 11, 2025 7 Comments
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Kenosha Man Accused of Drug House, Threatening Officer, and Harboring Felon

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June 11, 2025 6 Comments

Kenosha County Honors Deputy Jacob Keul, Fallen in Line of Duty 102 Years Ago

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June 11, 2025 4 Comments
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Teen Accused of Incest Held on $100K Bail After Allegations of Repeated Abuse

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June 11, 2025 14 Comments
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Two in Custody Following Early Morning SWAT Raid in Twin Lakes; Charges Expected Tomorrow

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June 11, 2025 5 Comments
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Racine Man Accused of Stealing from Donation Boxes at Somers Nature Sanctuary

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June 10, 2025 9 Comments

Scammers Imitate Salem Lakes Officials in Phishing Email Targeting Local Businesses

SALEM LAKES, Wis. – Village officials are warning residents and business owners to be on alert after a scammer posing as a municipal employee sent out a fake invoice totaling nearly $5,000 in a phishing attempt this week. The fraudulent email, which appeared to originate from “Village of Salem Lakes Board of Trustees” using the address villageofsalemlakes.org@usa.com, requested immediate payment via wire transfer

June 10, 2025 2 Comments

Twin Lakes Home Raided in Joint Drug Investigation

TWIN LAKES, Wis. – A pre-dawn raid involving multiple law enforcement agencies unfolded Tuesday morning in the Village of Twin Lakes as officers executed a search warrant tied to an ongoing investigation. At around 7:30 a.m., the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team and the Kenosha Drug Operations Group (KDOG) joined Twin Lakes Police in serving the warrant. Authorities confirmed the operation ended

June 10, 2025 7 Comments
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Kenosha Man Charged with Substantial Battery After Alleged Bar Shift Assault

Lloyd J. Belongia, 44, of Kenosha in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 44-year-old Kenosha man is facing felony battery charges after prosecutors say he assaulted a coworker following a night of drinking last fall. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

June 13, 2025 2 Comments

Peanut Butter & Jam Concert Series Returns with Free Summer Lineup

KENOSHA, Wis. – The City of Kenosha and Happenings Magazine will once again host the popular Peanut Butter & Jam concert series starting July 10, marking the 23rd season of the beloved outdoor music event downtown. Opening the series is Pearlsnap, a group known for blending country, rock, and pop hits spanning the ‘80s to today. The free concerts are held every Thursday,

June 13, 2025 No Comments

Suspected Distraction Burglary Targets Elderly Couple in Kenosha; Thieves Flee With Cash Stash

KENOSHA, Wis. – A Kenosha family is pleading for the public’s help after an elderly couple was targeted in what appears to be a distraction burglary that left them devastated—and thousands of dollars poorer. According to a public Facebook post that’s quickly gained traction in local circles, the incident occurred when three men approached the homeowners—an 88-year-old woman and her soon-to-be 90-year-old husband—as

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Plus +

Preliminary Hearing Delayed as Motion to Dismiss Takes Center Stage in Vanderzee Murder Case

Roxanna Vanderzee-Collins, 70, of McHenry (Center) and Defense Attorneys Jennifer Recktenwald (Left) and Joseph Bugni (Right) In Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — The long-awaited preliminary hearing in the cold case homicide of David Vanderzee was postponed Friday morning after defense attorneys filed a sweeping motion to dismiss the charges, and both defendants agreed to waive their

June 13, 2025 1 Comment
Plus +

Defendants File Motion to Dismiss Vanderzee Murder Charges, Claim Complaint Lacks Probable Cause

Roxanna Vanderzee-Collins (70) and John Viskocil (70) – Homicide Defendants(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — The attorneys for Roxanna Vanderzee-Collins and John Viskocil filed a sweeping motion to dismiss the first-degree intentional homicide charges against them Thursday, arguing that the criminal complaint “fails to allege a crime” and doesn’t meet even the minimum standards of probable cause. You must be logged in

June 12, 2025 1 Comment

Lake Geneva Man Accused of Drugged Driving, Tossing Cocaine from Window During Traffic Stop

SALEM LAKES, Wis. – A 42-year-old Lake Geneva man is facing five criminal charges after a traffic stop earlier this month allegedly uncovered cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and a masking agent—all while he was reportedly under the influence. Michael D. Schmuck was formally charged Thursday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with second-offense operating while under the influence, possession of cocaine (second and subsequent offense),

June 12, 2025 6 Comments

Kenosha County Housing Task Force Highlights Ongoing Work, Summer Plans

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. – Members of the Kenosha County Housing Task Force gathered Tuesday at the Aurora Pleasant Prairie Ambulatory Surgery Center to share progress on their collaborative effort to address the county’s persistent housing shortage. The task force, launched in late 2024 by the Kenosha Area Business Alliance and Kenosha County government, brings together a broad coalition of stakeholders—developers, nonprofit leaders, real

June 12, 2025 6 Comments
Plus +

Armed Illinois Man Charged with Misdemeanors After Alleged Attempted Home Invasion in Kenosha

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June 12, 2025 7 Comments

Annual Success Fair Aims to Combat Rising Joblessness in Kenosha County

KENOSHA, Wis. — With Kenosha County’s unemployment rate climbing to 3.6% this spring—its highest level since mid-2022—local workforce agencies are stepping up efforts to connect residents with job opportunities and vital career resources. On Friday, June 13, Equus Workforce Solutions, the Southeastern Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, and United Way of Kenosha County will co-host the third annual Job & Resource Success Fair at

June 12, 2025 3 Comments
Plus +

Kenosha Contractor Accused of Taking Thousands, Fails to Appear in Court

Jerry G. Hamalainen, 31, of Kenosha In Court Yesterday(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A Kenosha man accused of defrauding clients through his now-defunct home contracting business made a court appearance Wednesday after a warrant was issued for his arrest earlier this month. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

June 12, 2025 6 Comments

Lakefront Trolley Returns to Kenosha for Summer 2025

KENOSHA, Wis. – The iconic Lakefront Trolley will resume weekend operations in Kenosha beginning Saturday, June 14, 2025, offering residents and visitors an affordable and scenic way to explore the city through August 30. Kenosha Area Transit announced that the seasonal service will run Fridays through Sundays with expanded coverage of key cultural, educational, and recreational destinations. Friday hours will be 3:45 to

June 12, 2025 18 Comments

Kenosha Parade to Celebrate City’s 175th Anniversary with Marching Bands, Floats, and Hometown Heroes

KENOSHA, Wis. – The 2025 Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade, presented by Snap-on, will march through downtown streets on Sunday, June 29, honoring the city’s 175th anniversary with more than 120 units performing, dancing, and riding in a colorful community celebration. The parade steps off at 1 p.m. from Washington Road and Seventh Avenue, following the same route as in previous years. Spectators are

June 12, 2025 No Comments

Salem Lakes Board Expected to Approve $5,000 “Psychological Safety” Workshop Amid Employee Gag Order

SALEM LAKES, Wis. – A controversial agenda item is expected to pass at Monday night’s Village Board meeting in Salem Lakes, where a new liberal majority is poised to approve a $5,000 “leadership workshop” focused on “psychological safety” and “purpose-driven leadership.” The training will be conducted by Danny Langloss, a former Illinois police chief turned consultant, whose rate is over $600 per hour

June 12, 2025 26 Comments
Plus +

Registered Sex Offender Held on $75K Bail in New Sexual Assault Case

Jason A. Williams, 54, of Kenosha in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 54-year-old homeless man and registered sex offender with convictions spanning multiple states was charged in Kenosha County Circuit Court on Tuesday with third-degree sexual assault and exposing his genitals to a child—both as a repeat offender. You must be logged in to view the

June 11, 2025 10 Comments
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