Village Weighs Privatizing Garbage Collection As Public Feedback Emerges, Officials Cite Potential Savings And Expanded Service

Copied!

Village of Pleasant Prairie
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Village officials are evaluating whether to privatize residential garbage and recycling collection, a proposal that could affect several village employees and change how services are delivered, but no final decision has been made.

You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Already have an account? Sign in

Become a Member To Read this Article:

KCE Plus

Monthly
$ 5 Monthly
  • Immediate Access to Exclusive Content
  • In-depth investigative journalism
  • Reduced Ads

KCE Plus

Yearly
$60
$ 55 Yearly
  • Get your 12th month FREE
  • Immediate Access to Exclusive Content
  • Reduced Ads
  • Support Local Journalism
sale

Author

Copied!
LATEST NEWS

City to Offer Curbside Pickup for Storm Debris Following Severe Weather

KENOSHA, Wis. — Residents dealing with fallen branches and storm debris after Thursday night’s severe weather will be able to take advantage of curbside pickup services offered by the City of Kenosha. City crews from the Department of Public Works and Parks Department are expected to begin surveying impacted neighborhoods in the coming days following the April 2 storms. Residents are being asked

Plus +

Storm Damage—In Photos: Trees Down, Thousands Without Power After Violent Storms Sweep Through Kenosha County

Kenosha Storm of April 3, 2026(Submitted by Reader) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Strong storms tore through Kenosha County Thursday night, leaving behind downed trees, damaged homes, toppled power lines and thousands of residents without electricity. Many readers sent Kenosha County Eye photos overnight and early Friday morning showing the widespread destruction left behind by the storm. Images submitted to KCE showed large trees

MORE TOP STORIES
Plus +

Felony Strangulation Charge Filed Against Kenosha Man; Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II Sets $5,000 Cash Bail

Kevin T. Anderson, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of strangling his girlfriend’s daughter’s fiancé and battering another family member during a domestic disturbance was charged Wednesday and given a $5,000 cash bail by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II. Kevin

Plus +

Navy Sailor Accused of 130 MPH Police Chase Has Bail Cut From $40,000 to $20,000

Andrew Richardson Farah, 19, of Milwaukee(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 19-year-old Milwaukee man accused of leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase through Kenosha and Racine counties had his bail cut in half Thursday by Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II after originally being wanted on

Categories
Archives
Authors

45 Responses

  1. Oh no. They used to have a privatized before. They would miss my block all the time. Our garbage pickup was on Fridays We can never get a hold of anybody till Monday. Then the village would send pickup trucks to pick up the garbage. Crazy
    I’m all for saving money but save me money does not mean cutting services and that means cutting the service.

    11
  2. Take a fully functional operation and fuk it up. Pleasant Prairie Public Works from my perspective over 26 years as a resident is a department that works great. Reliable, dependable you can count on them. From plowing, garbage, leaf pickup and much more. One of the Crown Jewels of Pleasant Prairie. Does everything always have to get ruined???

    14
    1
  3. Lowest cost is not the solution to every project. The present system works excellent and is reliable. When I first moved to Pleasant Prairie an independent contractor had the pick up business. I remember numerous missed pick ups. Stay with what works

    15
    1
  4. Pleasant Prairie Public Works has been one of the most reliable functions in my 26 years as a resident here. I’ll take this opportunity to say all the folks doing the actual work from the phone to the work have been outstanding. As a resident I’m proud of these folks.

    17
    1
    1. Agreed so much. We moved here 15 years ago, and all of our interactions with Public Works have been fantastic – all the employees are so helpful and friendly. I’m sincerely excited about our trash pickup system in particular. Which maybe sounds a bit silly but everything about it is just NICE. We have lovely big garbage cans with wheels. The garbage has always been picked up, every week, on time. Once, our garbage can got blown into the ditch overnight and I left it there in the morning because I was running late for work. I figured I’d just miss the week’s pickup, and try again next week. Instead, the garbage collector actually went down into the ditch and fished out the can to empty it. That’s still beyond my wildest expectations.
      I’ve lived in places with private trash pickup previously, and it seemed they were constantly looking for an excuse to not collect the garbage, and it was really getting a bit stressful wondering if THIS time the trash had been picked up, or if I’d hauled the trash can down the driveway for nothing, again. The Pleasant Prairie garbage collection has been a wonderful contrast.

      1
      1
  5. Lots of municipalities go through this. Ultimately they are not going to privatize. It’s mainly a grandstanding thing that they do to show that they are trying to save money.

    6
    1
  6. The charge per month for this private service would go up 4% every year for each resident. It will not remain at 21.50 for very long.

    9
    1
    1. I agree. I have been to many village board meetings in the last 3 years. One board member in particular, makes it seem very clear he doesn’t like the new public works director.

      10
  7. The current solid waste staff would not be hired on immediately to the private company. They would have to apply & they would be taking a pay cut and thats IF they get the job. The only way they would make the same wage as they do now is with a substantial amount of overtime during the year.

    3
    1
    1. Possible pay cut. I’m tired of paying too much for the service and think privatizing it is a great solution. We don’t have to pay for the trucks, repairs, parts, down time, pay, workers comp (and it’s fraud), and if the service sucks we can pick a different company.

      4
      8
      1. It’s a CONTRACT. Therefore you’d be stuck paying more until the contract is up. Residents wouldn’t be able to just “pick a different company”

      2. You cant just “pick a different company” that would be up to the village board AGAIN to choose that company for you. We pay 23.50 or 21.50 a month (a little over $5 a week). I think many of us can agree that that isnt a bad price especially for the service they provide. Once the village privatizes this there is no going back.

        10
        1
  8. By every resident.
    Not just who shows up at the polls !

    Every Resident should have to come in and say yeah or nay. All 100% of them.
    And it should be 70% to change not 51-49

    9
    2
        1. I remember when pleasant prairie went away from privatization garbage. Onyx at the time went on strike and didn’t pick up our garbage. The board voted to do it in house so we weren’t at the mercy of the garbage union. Which I thought was a great idea. Now we’re going back to this after pleasant prairie public works has all the staff, trucks, equipment…? Doesn’t make sense to go back now.

          9
          1
  9. Here are some truths that some people won’t like to hear.

    First, John Steinbrink, jr., did things he should not have done. He was fired, prosecuted and jailed as a result. However, he was far more competent and the work was done better when he was running the show. I lose more sleep over my street not being plowed or the garbage collection missed than some Menards rebates. I get that this won’t sit well with some people but the truth isn’t always what you want to hear.

    Second, there is still better service and more accountability than when it was privately done. These private contracts are smoke and mirrors and bait and switch. You get a lowball introductory price, abandon the infrastructure taxpayers invested in and then WHAM!!!!!!!! The private operator starts jacking up the rates and has you by the balls.

    Third, Pleasant Prairie touts lower taxes than the city but that’s not entirely accurate because city residents don’t pay extra for garbage collection. A tax is a tax is a tax no matter how it’s labeled.

    Fourth, the Good ole Boys had their issues. We all know that. But The Gang That Can’t Shoot Straight could be worse.

    2
    1
    1. I completely agree with the better service than when it is privatized. But what i do not agree with is that John Steinbrink was running the show better. The streets were plowed “more often” or “up to your standards” because the crew would be on the route 36+ hours with no sleep. And to me, id rather have a slower commute to where ever i have to be due to the roads not being plowed quick than have to worry about a delirious plow driver harming me or someone else on the roads.
      In my opinion, if someone isnt worried about taking something as small as rebates what else is he willing to take?

      3
      2
      1. Yeah people need to learn to drive safer. Put the cell phone down. Drive slower. I hate seeing all that salt being put down and thinking how bad this is for the environment and rusting our vehicles out. Plus it seems like we haven’t had as much snow as we did 5+ years ago. So we don’t see the plows out as much

        1
        1
        1. This is 100 percent factual about the cover up with the woman who was killed. Her name was Yvonne Wheeler. Say her name John Jr.

          1. That was a horrible incident. The snow plow literally struck her. That was bad enough. And apparently the ER people missed some things.

            1. They took her to Aurora and the ER staff let her internally bleed to death. They didn’t just “miss some things”. She only had a heart monitor on her finger. No IV. NOTHING. Then she went into cardiac arrest and they gave her something that opened all of her blood vessels and she immediately died.
              You want to talk about truths in regard to that incompetent, crooked, criminal Steinbrink? Here’s some truths:
              The truck hit her, knocked her to the ground, ran over her, put the truck into drive and ran over her AGAIN, CRUSHING her pelvis, hips, and thighs.
              Had that piece of garbage Steinbrink done his job -ensured employees weren’t over worked, and vehicles/equipment were in proper working order – my mother might still be alive. Instead, she died at 51 leaving behind 2 daughters and 2 granddaughters. She will never meet her other granddaughter, grandson, great granddaughter, or my wonderful husband. She wasn’t there to see those grand children graduate high school and attend college, or me graduate with a B.A. and then an M.A.. She wasn’t there when I met and married husband. There’s so many other things in our lives that she missed – all because one individual cut corners to try and save a buck.

          2. Evonne. Evonne Wheeler. My mother hated when people would spell her name with a “Y” 😂 So seeing this made me giggle a bit.

        1. Yeah he was one of the members who started up the garbage program 20 years ago when a lot of people were against it. Now he wants to shut it down after pleasant prairie made this huge investment to get involved in the garbage program. Truly shows this guy doesn’t have the best interest of the taxpayers in mind.

          1. Nobody said he’s a saint or that he should get his job back. But if he was bad then his replacement should be better.

  10. Could this possibly be a union issue? I know its Illinoying but when I was in Gurnee to work, there were two choices. Waste mngmnt or Waste mngmnt and you paid them what they required. When my work contacted the city to discuss, they were told that is the choice they get unfortunately. Union contracts and padded pockets seemed to be the reasoning.

    Dont know if that’s the case in PP but seems odd.

  11. It’s a joke. Somers. Has to be on your driveway and you have to have a permit. DUMB!!!! then they prefer you use johns disposal. Wonder why?

  12. Someone’s going to kick back to privatize… People pay attention where the money goes. Follow the money as they say.

    5
    1
  13. The next board meeting this coming Monday the 9th, 6PM, a request for proposals will be put forth for this privatization. I encourage anyone interested to attend.

    I think it should be shelved until the people of PP can be properly notified.

    Transparency has always been a huge problem in PP

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

LATEST NEWS

City to Offer Curbside Pickup for Storm Debris Following Severe Weather

KENOSHA, Wis. — Residents dealing with fallen branches and storm debris after Thursday night’s severe weather will be able to take advantage of curbside pickup services offered by the City of Kenosha. City crews from the Department of Public Works and Parks Department are expected to begin surveying impacted neighborhoods in the coming days following the April 2 storms. Residents are being asked

Plus +

Storm Damage—In Photos: Trees Down, Thousands Without Power After Violent Storms Sweep Through Kenosha County

Kenosha Storm of April 3, 2026(Submitted by Reader) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Strong storms tore through Kenosha County Thursday night, leaving behind downed trees, damaged homes, toppled power lines and thousands of residents without electricity. Many readers sent Kenosha County Eye photos overnight and early Friday morning showing the widespread destruction left behind by the storm. Images submitted to KCE showed large trees

Plus +

Press Conference: Marckus Plaza In Custody After 30-Hour Manhunt; Who Put The Handcuffs On Him Will Surprise You

Kenosha Police Chief Pat Patton at Press Conference this Evening(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) Warning: The details in this case are disturbing and may be graphic for some readers. KENOSHA, Wis. — Police held a press conference at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Kenosha Public Museum, where they laid out new details about the murder of Makayla Plaza, the nearly 30-hour

Illinois Man Already Facing Attempted Homicide Charges Accused of Secret Jail Calls With Salem Woman

KENOSHA, Wis. — Jake C. Wenzel, 30, of Antioch, Illinois, was charged Tuesday with four new counts of felony bail jumping and four counts of violating jail rules after prosecutors say he repeatedly communicated with Salem woman Savannah Lee Burm while both were locked up in the Kenosha County Detention Center. Wenzel is already facing two counts of attempted first-degree intentional homicide and

Plus +

Felony Strangulation Charge Filed Against Kenosha Man; Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II Sets $5,000 Cash Bail

Kevin T. Anderson, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of strangling his girlfriend’s daughter’s fiancé and battering another family member during a domestic disturbance was charged Wednesday and given a $5,000 cash bail by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II. Kevin T. Anderson, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in

Plus +

Navy Sailor Accused of 130 MPH Police Chase Has Bail Cut From $40,000 to $20,000

Andrew Richardson Farah, 19, of Milwaukee(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 19-year-old Milwaukee man accused of leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase through Kenosha and Racine counties had his bail cut in half Thursday by Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II after originally being wanted on a $40,000 arrest warrant issued last month. Andrew Richardson Farah, 19, of Milwaukee(Kenosha

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Leaving 10-Year-Old Home Alone, Fighting With Police Gets $1,000 Cash Bail

Jeffery J. Schrock, 47, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 47-year-old Kenosha man accused of leaving his 10-year-old son home alone while he wandered through the city and allegedly fought with police was charged Thursday and given a $1,000 cash bail by Court Commissioner William Michel II. Jeffery J. Schrock Jeffery J. Schrock You must be logged in to view

Plus +

Twin Lakes Man Accused of Stealing Cash, Jewelry and Forging Elderly Victim’s Checks Gets $7,500 Cash Bail

Robert J. Schmidt Sr., 53, of Twin Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — A Twin Lakes man accused of stealing thousands of dollars in cash, jewelry and mailed checks from an elderly man who allowed him to live in his home for years was given a $7,500 cash bail Thursday by Court Commissioner William Michel II. Robert J. Schmidt Sr., 53,

Plus +

Illinois Menards Felony Theft Suspect Gets Bail Cut After Arrest; Juan Zavala Gonzalez, 41, Still at Large

Ramon Morales, 46, of Waukegan(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 46-year-old Illinois man accused of repeatedly stealing roofing materials and shingles from Menards stores had his cash bail reduced Thursday after his arrest Wednesday, while his alleged co-defendant, Juan Zavala Gonzalez, 41, remains at large. Ramon Morales, 46, of Waukegan(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the

Two Dead After Overnight House Fire in Pleasant Prairie

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Two people are dead after a house fire early Thursday morning in the 2500 block of 116th Street in Pleasant Prairie. Police were reportedly the first to arrive at the home, where they found heavy flames coming from the rear of the house. Officers indicated the fire was too intense for them to safely enter the residence without proper

Plus +

Kenosha Woman Accused of Stealing More Than $2,100 in Merchandise From Target and Nike Given $2,500 Bail

Lorilei L. Barwick, 53, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A Kenosha woman accused of stealing more than $2,100 worth of merchandise from Target and Nike over two separate dates was charged Wednesday and given a $2,500 cash bail by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II. Michel also ordered 53-year-old Lorilei L. Barwick to have no contact with

Plus +

Chicago Man Wanted on $10,000 Warrant After Allegedly Using Fake Funeral Scam to Try to Steal Thousands From Kenosha Shoppers

Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 24-year-old Chicago man is wanted in Kenosha County after prosecutors charged him with allegedly using a fake funeral donation scam to try to steal thousands of dollars from shoppers outside two Kenosha stores. Court Commissioner William Michel II issued a $10,000 warrant for Kion E. Harris after charges were

Kenosha Hometown Heroes Commission Opens Second Quarter Nominations

KENOSHA, Wis. — The Kenosha Hometown Heroes Commission is once again seeking nominations for local veterans to be recognized during the second quarter of 2026. The program honors men and women who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces and who have a connection to the City of Kenosha. Eligible nominees must have been born in Kenosha, currently

City Compost Site To Open April 6; Free Drop-Off Available for Kenosha Residents

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha residents will once again be able to drop off brush, branches and compostable materials beginning Monday, April 6, when the city’s Compost/Brush Drop-Off Site reopens for the season. The site, located at 4071 88th Ave., will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. The service is available only to City of Kenosha residents and

Tiffany Pushes to End Emissions Testing, Eliminate Taxes on Tips and Overtime in New Campaign Proposals

GREENDALE, Wis. — Republican gubernatorial candidate and Congressman Tom Tiffany unveiled two major economic proposals Tuesday, calling for an end to Wisconsin’s vehicle emissions testing requirement and promising to eliminate state income taxes on tips and overtime pay. During an event in Greendale, Tiffany said Wisconsin’s emissions testing system is outdated and places unnecessary burdens on drivers in seven southeastern Wisconsin counties. He

City to Honor Four Kenosha Leaders With Memorial Tree Plantings on Arbor Day

KENOSHA, Wis. — Four longtime Kenosha community leaders who died in 2025 and 2026 will be honored later this month during the City of Kenosha’s annual Arbor Day observance, with memorial trees planted in their names at parks across the city. The Arbor Day commemorations will take place April 24 and will recognize John Hawley, Dr. Paul Capelli, William “Bill” Rice Jr. and

Plus +

Children Allegedly Watched as Kenosha Man Murdered Wife; DA Files Homicide Charge Within Hours

Marckus L.A. Plaza, 33, of Kenosha (Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office)Crime Scene (Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) Warning: The details in this case are disturbing and may be graphic for some readers. KENOSHA, Wis. — District Attorney Xavier Solis and his team worked quickly with Kenosha police Wednesday to file a homicide charge and secure an arrest warrant within hours of Makayla Marie Rutka

Plus +

Walworth Judge Assigned To Ortiz John Doe as Deputy, or County, Retains Two Lawyers

Racine County Deputy Emil Ortiz, 37, of Somers (Mugshot)FLOCK Image Illegally Obtained by Ortiz KENOSHA, Wis. — The John Doe petition filed by Kenosha County Eye publisher Kevin Mathewson against Racine County Sheriff’s Deputy Emil Ortiz continues to move forward, with Chief Judge Wynne P. Lautenberg now assigning a Walworth County judge to oversee the case and Ortiz formally hiring two attorneys. You

In Unusual Move, Sister, Mother and Attorney Reach Out to Kenosha County Eye About Salem Woman Who is in “Deep Shit”

KENOSHA, Wis. — In an unusual development following charges filed against Salem woman Savannah Lee Burm, both Burm’s sister and Burm’s attorney contacted Kenosha County Eye after the outlet published a story detailing allegations that Burm helped accused attempted homicide suspect Jake C. Wenzel avoid capture. Burm, 29, was charged on Nov. 26 with Straw Purchasing of a Firearm, Harboring or Aiding a

Manhunt Underway for Kenosha Man Accused of Murdering His Wife After Bargain Bail Billy Denied Her Restraining Order Weeks Earlier

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha police have not officially confirmed the identity of the victim in Tuesday morning’s apparent homicide near 75th Street and 22nd Avenue, but sources indicate the victim is seemingly Makayla Marie Rutka Plaza, 28. The suspect is her estranged husband, 33-year-old Marckus L.A. Plaza, who remained the subject of a massive manhunt as of publication. Police were initially called to

Kenosha County DA Xavier Solis Owes $8,000 in Back Taxes, Addresses Lien: ‘I’m Only Human’

KENOSHA, Wis. — Wisconsin Circuit Court records filed early Tuesday morning show the state Department of Revenue filed a delinquent income tax warrant against Solis in Kenosha County Circuit Court, case number 2026TW000318. The warrant, which carries the force of a civil judgment, reflects $8,024 in unpaid income taxes, $2,873.98 in penalties, and $2,710.60 in accrued interest, a total of $13,608.58. The underlying

Supreme Court Ruling Puts Kenosha Conversion Therapy Ban in Legal Jeopardy

KENOSHA, Wis. — A new U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down a Colorado conversion therapy ban is likely to place the City of Kenosha’s own ordinance banning the practice on shaky constitutional ground. On Tuesday, the nation’s highest court ruled 8-1 that Colorado’s law banning licensed therapists from providing conversion therapy to minors violated the First Amendment because it restricted speech based on

Nearly 49 Years After Ralph Gianoli Was Found Beaten and Strangled in His Home, Kenosha Police Say DNA Helped Identify Suspect

KENOSHA, Wis. — Nearly 49 years after Ralph Ambrose Gianoli was found beaten and strangled to death inside his home at 5310 25th Ave., Kenosha police on Tuesday publicly laid out how preserved evidence, modern DNA testing and years of renewed investigative work led to the arrest of a Tennessee man in one of the city’s oldest unsolved homicide cases. Police say James

LATEST NEWS

City to Offer Curbside Pickup for Storm Debris Following Severe Weather

KENOSHA, Wis. — Residents dealing with fallen branches and storm debris after Thursday night’s severe weather will be able to take advantage of curbside pickup services offered by the City of Kenosha. City crews from the Department of Public Works and Parks Department are expected to begin surveying impacted neighborhoods in the coming days following the April 2 storms. Residents are being asked

Plus +

Storm Damage—In Photos: Trees Down, Thousands Without Power After Violent Storms Sweep Through Kenosha County

Kenosha Storm of April 3, 2026(Submitted by Reader) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Strong storms tore through Kenosha County Thursday night, leaving behind downed trees, damaged homes, toppled power lines and thousands of residents without electricity. Many readers sent Kenosha County Eye photos overnight and early Friday morning showing the widespread destruction left behind by the storm. Images submitted to KCE showed large trees

Plus +

Press Conference: Marckus Plaza In Custody After 30-Hour Manhunt; Who Put The Handcuffs On Him Will Surprise You

Kenosha Police Chief Pat Patton at Press Conference this Evening(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) Warning: The details in this case are disturbing and may be graphic for some readers. KENOSHA, Wis. — Police held a press conference at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Kenosha Public Museum, where they laid out new details about the murder of Makayla Plaza, the nearly 30-hour

Illinois Man Already Facing Attempted Homicide Charges Accused of Secret Jail Calls With Salem Woman

KENOSHA, Wis. — Jake C. Wenzel, 30, of Antioch, Illinois, was charged Tuesday with four new counts of felony bail jumping and four counts of violating jail rules after prosecutors say he repeatedly communicated with Salem woman Savannah Lee Burm while both were locked up in the Kenosha County Detention Center. Wenzel is already facing two counts of attempted first-degree intentional homicide and

Plus +

Felony Strangulation Charge Filed Against Kenosha Man; Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II Sets $5,000 Cash Bail

Kevin T. Anderson, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of strangling his girlfriend’s daughter’s fiancé and battering another family member during a domestic disturbance was charged Wednesday and given a $5,000 cash bail by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II. Kevin T. Anderson, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in

Plus +

Navy Sailor Accused of 130 MPH Police Chase Has Bail Cut From $40,000 to $20,000

Andrew Richardson Farah, 19, of Milwaukee(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 19-year-old Milwaukee man accused of leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase through Kenosha and Racine counties had his bail cut in half Thursday by Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II after originally being wanted on a $40,000 arrest warrant issued last month. Andrew Richardson Farah, 19, of Milwaukee(Kenosha

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Leaving 10-Year-Old Home Alone, Fighting With Police Gets $1,000 Cash Bail

Jeffery J. Schrock, 47, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 47-year-old Kenosha man accused of leaving his 10-year-old son home alone while he wandered through the city and allegedly fought with police was charged Thursday and given a $1,000 cash bail by Court Commissioner William Michel II. Jeffery J. Schrock Jeffery J. Schrock You must be logged in to view

Plus +

Twin Lakes Man Accused of Stealing Cash, Jewelry and Forging Elderly Victim’s Checks Gets $7,500 Cash Bail

Robert J. Schmidt Sr., 53, of Twin Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — A Twin Lakes man accused of stealing thousands of dollars in cash, jewelry and mailed checks from an elderly man who allowed him to live in his home for years was given a $7,500 cash bail Thursday by Court Commissioner William Michel II. Robert J. Schmidt Sr., 53,

Plus +

Illinois Menards Felony Theft Suspect Gets Bail Cut After Arrest; Juan Zavala Gonzalez, 41, Still at Large

Ramon Morales, 46, of Waukegan(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 46-year-old Illinois man accused of repeatedly stealing roofing materials and shingles from Menards stores had his cash bail reduced Thursday after his arrest Wednesday, while his alleged co-defendant, Juan Zavala Gonzalez, 41, remains at large. Ramon Morales, 46, of Waukegan(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the

Two Dead After Overnight House Fire in Pleasant Prairie

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Two people are dead after a house fire early Thursday morning in the 2500 block of 116th Street in Pleasant Prairie. Police were reportedly the first to arrive at the home, where they found heavy flames coming from the rear of the house. Officers indicated the fire was too intense for them to safely enter the residence without proper

Plus +

Kenosha Woman Accused of Stealing More Than $2,100 in Merchandise From Target and Nike Given $2,500 Bail

Lorilei L. Barwick, 53, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A Kenosha woman accused of stealing more than $2,100 worth of merchandise from Target and Nike over two separate dates was charged Wednesday and given a $2,500 cash bail by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II. Michel also ordered 53-year-old Lorilei L. Barwick to have no contact with

Plus +

Chicago Man Wanted on $10,000 Warrant After Allegedly Using Fake Funeral Scam to Try to Steal Thousands From Kenosha Shoppers

Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 24-year-old Chicago man is wanted in Kenosha County after prosecutors charged him with allegedly using a fake funeral donation scam to try to steal thousands of dollars from shoppers outside two Kenosha stores. Court Commissioner William Michel II issued a $10,000 warrant for Kion E. Harris after charges were

Kenosha Hometown Heroes Commission Opens Second Quarter Nominations

KENOSHA, Wis. — The Kenosha Hometown Heroes Commission is once again seeking nominations for local veterans to be recognized during the second quarter of 2026. The program honors men and women who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces and who have a connection to the City of Kenosha. Eligible nominees must have been born in Kenosha, currently

City Compost Site To Open April 6; Free Drop-Off Available for Kenosha Residents

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha residents will once again be able to drop off brush, branches and compostable materials beginning Monday, April 6, when the city’s Compost/Brush Drop-Off Site reopens for the season. The site, located at 4071 88th Ave., will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. The service is available only to City of Kenosha residents and

Tiffany Pushes to End Emissions Testing, Eliminate Taxes on Tips and Overtime in New Campaign Proposals

GREENDALE, Wis. — Republican gubernatorial candidate and Congressman Tom Tiffany unveiled two major economic proposals Tuesday, calling for an end to Wisconsin’s vehicle emissions testing requirement and promising to eliminate state income taxes on tips and overtime pay. During an event in Greendale, Tiffany said Wisconsin’s emissions testing system is outdated and places unnecessary burdens on drivers in seven southeastern Wisconsin counties. He

City to Honor Four Kenosha Leaders With Memorial Tree Plantings on Arbor Day

KENOSHA, Wis. — Four longtime Kenosha community leaders who died in 2025 and 2026 will be honored later this month during the City of Kenosha’s annual Arbor Day observance, with memorial trees planted in their names at parks across the city. The Arbor Day commemorations will take place April 24 and will recognize John Hawley, Dr. Paul Capelli, William “Bill” Rice Jr. and

Categories
Archives
Authors

Wake Up to What You Missed

Get notified of new articles. We'll never share your email address.