KENOSHA, Wis. — On Sunday afternoon, about a hundred gathered downtown to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Kenosha County Courthouse, a building once hailed as the “finest courthouse in the West” and still standing as the county’s seat of justice and government.

The festivities began at noon with free Culver’s frozen custard, provided courtesy of Jockey International, and music from members of the University of Wisconsin Marching Band, who set the tone before officials and dignitaries took to the steps of the limestone landmark.

“This courthouse, a building that has stood the test of time, will continue to do so as it enters its second century of service to the community,” said County Executive Samantha Kerkman in her opening remarks. “Generations have passed through this building to seek justice, fill civic duties, and witness democracy in action.”

A roster of leaders and dignitaries

The program included a long list of introductions, with Kerkman recognizing Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Frank Dallet, Court of Appeals Judge Mark Gundrum, District 2 Chief Judge Wynn Laufenberg, and Kenosha County’s circuit judges. Absent was Judge Angelina Gabriele, though nearly every other member of the bench was in attendance, along with retired judges Mary Kay Wagner, Barbara Kluka, and others.

Also present were state legislators Senators Bob Wirch and Steve Nass and Representatives Tip McGuire, Amanda Nedweski, and Ben DeSmidt, along with local officials including Sheriff David Zoerner, District Attorney Xavier Solis, Clerk of Courts Rebecca Matoska-Mentink, and many members of the County Board. Former County Executives John Collins and Jim Kreuser also received a round of applause for their decades of service.

The Lindl family, descendants of architect Joseph Lindl who designed the courthouse in 1925, were also acknowledged for traveling from across the country to attend the milestone event.

Themes of justice, independence, and legacy

Justice Dallet delivered the keynote address, praising the courthouse as a lasting symbol of justice, fairness, and civic responsibility. “This building represents more than just brick and stone. It is a place where neighbors serve on juries, where disputes are resolved peacefully, and where citizens can see their government in action,” she said, stressing the importance of judicial independence and the public’s trust in the courts.

County Board Chair Monica Yuhas echoed that message, saying the courthouse “is more than just a place where cases are heard. For a century, it has been part of the rhythm of daily life, through weddings, citizenship ceremonies, trials, and losses.”

Retired Judge Mary Kay Wagner, a former Democratic legislator, reflected on the generations of staff and officials who worked within the building. “Those good people of this county made the wheels of justice move every day and in every way,” she said.

Judge Chad Kerkman, who was mistakenly introduced as the county’s chief judge (he currently serves as deputy chief judge for District 2), spoke personally about his decades inside the courthouse. He recalled his young sons practicing their ABCs into courtroom microphones, a memory he contrasted with dropping them off at college this weekend. “This building and its design provide an excellent atmosphere for resolution and justice,” he said, thanking courthouse staff and first responders who helped protect the building during the riots.

A day of music, ice cream, and history

The Kenosha Pops Concert Band added to the festivities with music, including a rousing rendition of the “Thunder March.” Current and former courthouse staff members posed for a group photo on the steps, recreating an image taken at the 1925 dedication.

Inside the courthouse, visitors browsed commemorative ornaments and reprints of the original 1925 dedication book, available for purchase thanks to a partnership with Snap-on Incorporated. The open house continued through the afternoon, with the Pops Band closing out the celebration at 4 p.m.

For many in attendance, the day was about more than just honoring a building. It was about reaffirming the ideals carved into its stone a century ago: “Erected by the people of Kenosha County to the cause of just and capable government.”