KENOSHA, Wis. — ’Tis the season — and that means Santa isn’t the only one keeping track of behavior. Kenosha County Eye continues its twice-weekly tradition of recognizing the people in our community who made an impact — for better or worse. Whether they earned a shiny gold star or a figurative lump of coal, one thing is certain: readers are paying attention.

Naughty List

• Alderman Anthony Kennedy
  Residents near 52nd Street and 34th Avenue say they’ve been staring at an overflowing dumpster for weeks. According to multiple constituents, Alderman Kennedy repeatedly promised action — yet nothing has changed. After years in office, he should know exactly how to resolve simple city blight. His district deserves responsiveness, not recycled excuses.
• Kenosha County’s Drunk & Impaired Drivers
  Every week, repeat drunk drivers — second, third, fourth, and sometimes fifth offenses — appear on the blotter. The CDC estimates the average drunk driver drives 88 times before getting caught once, meaning habitual offenders are not “unlucky” — they’re reckless. With little accountability from the courts, these individuals continue endangering innocent people. They belong on the Naughty List until they decide the lives of others matter more than a buzz.
• Sheriff David W. Zoerner (Again)
  Sheriff Zoerner campaigned promising independence, even changing the agency’s name from Sheriff’s Department to Sheriff’s Office to symbolize autonomy. Yet behind the scenes, County Executive Samantha Kerkman appears to be influencing internal decision-making — particularly relating to the Sheriff’s Office response to public records requests involving her ex-husband, Chad. Sheriff Zoerner denied a records request connected to Chad Kerkman’s attempt to have the Kenosha County Eye editor arrested. A sheriff should defend the law, not political friendships. If Zoerner continues down this path, his third courtroom loss to the Eye may be inevitable.
• County Executive Samantha Kerkman
  After 22 years as a Republican legislator with no significant leadership roles, taxpayers expected her to finally take bold action as County Executive. Instead, every department head remains in place and her inner circle is stacked with far-left bureaucrats. Rather than reforms, residents get photo ops. Kerkman must stop interfering with the Sheriff’s Office — and stop shielding her ex-husband from scrutiny. He claims he is a “big boy,” so let him fight his own battles.
• Mark Ruffalo
  The far-left Hollywood activist frequently criticizes Kenosha, Republicans, and national policies from the safety of social media — yet there is no visible record of him contributing anything meaningful to improve the community he claims to care about. With his platform and wealth, he could make a difference. Instead, he offers commentary from a distance. Kenosha’s message to Mark: put your money where your mouth is.

Nice List

• Tristan Jass
  The globally known basketball creator continues bringing joy, positivity, and entertainment to millions — all while proudly representing Kenosha. As he prepares for brain surgery, the community stands behind him with prayers, support, and admiration. He’s earned a top spot on the Nice List.
• Alderman Curt Wilson
  Nominated by a conservative constituent, Wilson proves that constituent service transcends political labels. As a Democrat representing the south side, he is known for responding promptly to calls and emails and for actively helping the people he serves. In an era of ghost-representation, Wilson demonstrates what public service is supposed to look like.
• Attorney and Author Michael D. Cicchini
  For nearly 25 years, Cicchini has defended constitutional rights and maintained one of the strongest trial records against the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office. His nearly 50 published law review articles are used across the country by attorneys challenging flawed legal reasoning and protecting due process. He may dislike public attention — but tough luck, Mike. You earned it.
• T. Clair Binger
  Believe it — T. Clair Binger is on the Nice List. Even after leaving the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office because he did not wish to work under a Republican administration, he returned as a special prosecutor to take on serious cases — including a homicide trial beginning Monday. He didn’t have to come back. But he did. And the community is better for it.
• Kenosha County Deputy District Attorney Rosa Delgado
  After decades prosecuting violent and sexual offenders, Delgado stepped into the Deputy DA role and has been praised for both leadership and mentorship. Nominated by District Attorney Xavier Solis, she has helped stabilize and elevate the office. Her work ensures justice continues to function in this county.
• Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Anthony Milisauskas
  After more than two decades on the bench, Judge Milisauskas retires with overwhelming respect from colleagues, attorneys, and the community. Below are all of the statements submitted, reflecting how deeply he will be missed:
  
  Judge Gerad Dougvillo:
  “Judge Milisauskas has served our community with integrity, fairness and a keen eye for justice for the over two decades. Beyond his adept mastery of the law, Judge Milisauskas has been a trusted mentor and colleague. His steadfast dedication to improving our community will have a lasting impact for years to come. I wish Judge Milisauskas a long and happy retirement.”
  
  Deputy District Attorney Rosa Delgado:
  “I have had the privilege of appearing in Judge Milisauskas’ courtroom for quite some time now. Judge Milisauskas can walk away from his judgeship with his head held high, knowing that he has ensured that justice has been done for all who have appeared in front of him in his courtroom.
  I have observed him to be tough, fair, tolerant, judicious, and empathetic. I have observed him treat all people with dignity and respect. I have observed him make victims whole when handing down sentences that justice requires and likewise, being compassionate and fatherly toward them as well.
  Judge Milisauskas takes with him years of legal experience that will not be easily replaced in Kenosha County. I am going to miss appearing in front of him in his courtroom. His retirement is well deserved and I congratulate him on a well done career.”
  
  Judge Jason Rossell:
  “Judge Milisauskas has honorably served this county for many many years and is an example of a patient and compassionate jurist. It has been my pleasure and my honor to have served along with him. While I was a prosecutor assigned to his branch, I observed so many times his patience for those seeking to be heard, his compassion for victims and the hurting, and his fitting words spoken at the right time to bring justice. Before he was a judge, his service to our county with those who were mentally ill as the Chapter 51 attorney and the many kids who played baseball for him while growing up is a testament to a career of service both on and off the bench.”
  
  Attorney Frank Parise:
  “Great guy/Outstanding Judge. Tough but fair. He has earned the respect of the entire Bar. And a long-time personal friend. Happy for him.”
  
  County Supervisor Keith Gray:
  “I had the pleasure of being called to jury duty for a case in front of Judge Milisauskas and was able to see first-hand the professionalism, fairness, and human courtesy extended to absolutely everyone in the courtroom. He has set a high bar and been a wonderful ambassador for our County.”
  
  Chairman Monica M. Yuhas:
  “I would like to personally congratulate Judge Milisauskas on his upcoming retirement and thank him for his many years of service to our community.
  He has been a steady and respected presence in our courts for two decades. Whether presiding over high-profile cases or working to build programs like Drug Court that change lives, he has always led with fairness, compassion, and integrity. Those who appeared before him—attorneys, litigants, and community members alike—knew they would be treated with respect and dignity. That’s a legacy any judge would be proud to leave.
  As a Kenosha native, Judge Milisauskas has given back to the very community that raised him, and I am grateful for the commitment and heart he has shown.
  I wish him and his family the very best as he steps into this new chapter. May it be filled with the same purpose, joy, and fulfillment that he has brought to Kenosha County throughout his career.
  Congratulations, Judge—you’ve earned it.”
  
  County Executive Samantha Kerkman:
  “Judge Milisauskas has been a steady presence in the Courthouse in a variety of capacities over the years, most notably during his 20 years on the bench. He has always been well-respected by his colleagues. While he will be missed, I wish him well in his retirement.”
  
  

Judge Milisauskas leaves behind a legacy of fairness, professionalism, and humanity. His shoes will not be easy to fill.

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