Judge Kerkman’s Attempt to Intimidate Local Press Backfires

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Kevin Mathewson – Editor, Kenosha County Eye and Chad Kerkman (D), Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge

KENOSHA, Wis. – Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Chad Kerkman is attempting to use his judicial authority to pressure Kenosha County Eye into altering a story critical of him.

On Friday, the very same day KCE published an article about Kerkman’s restrictions on the outlet’s access to intake court photography, the judge emailed the publisher a letter demanding that portions of the article be removed. That letter was notarized almost immediately by former Kenosha County Assistant District Attorney Tom Binger — the same liberal prosecutor who failed to convict Kyle Rittenhouse and who now works in Walworth County. Binger is alleged to be rooming with Judge Kerkman. Kerkman is demanding we take down, among other things, his work email address, marital status and campaign finance registration.

A Troubling Pattern

This is the second time a Kenosha judge has tried to stifle free speech on KCE. In September 2024, Judge Heather Iverson quickly reversed a temporary injunction and gag order that had forced KCE to take down an article — declaring that the public’s interest overwhelmingly outweighed any claimed reputational harm.

What the Law Means in Plain Terms

Despite the judge’s demand, the law is clearly on KCE’s side. Everything published was factually accurate and obtained directly from the State of Wisconsin’s official website — making it lawful and protected by the First Amendment.

Legal observers say Kerkman’s attempt to muzzle a news outlet is not only heavy-handed but also shows an alarming lack of familiarity with the very laws judges are sworn to uphold.

T. Clair Binger (D) and Judge Chad Kerkman (D)
Just a Couple of Bros Hanging Out (Both also LGBTQ Activists)

KCE’s publisher also expressed concern that Kerkman’s strangely close friend, T. Clair “Tom” Binger, may be skirting ethical boundaries by advising Kerkman on legal strategy and assisting behind the scenes with his threatened injunction.

Attempting to Silence the Press

Rather than acknowledging that reality, Kerkman is now preparing to ask another judge to issue an order forcing KCE to remove the article. If granted, that would raise serious constitutional concerns over government censorship of the press.

Refusing to Be Intimidated

KCE’s publisher, Kevin Mathewson, said the attempt to silence the outlet will not succeed.

“I will not be bullied into removing truthful information that was lawfully obtained. This is America. Judges don’t get to decide which articles about them are allowed to stay online.”

He continued:

“If I wrote something false, then sue me — like the former crooked cop and disgraced politician Michael Culat tried to do. I would welcome the chance to depose you under oath and expose the corruption you have inflicted not only on me, but on the thousands of litigants who have endured your black-robed reign of chaos. Put your money where your mouth is. Culat had to cut me a large check when his baseless suit collapsed. You bully people in court every day because they can’t fight back. You fine them, which you do regularly. But I’m not afraid to go toe-to-toe in court.”

Many local attorneys told Mathewson that Judge Kerkman — derisively nicknamed “Jerkman” by some in the legal community — is likely bluffing. One attorney put it bluntly:

“He can’t be that ignorant of the law that he would actually hire an attorney and lose in court. If he tried, he’d look like an even bigger fool. This is pure emotion. He’s just trying to use his authority to bully you.”

The Bigger Picture

This dispute goes beyond one article. It raises the question of whether powerful officials can use their positions to intimidate journalists and restrict coverage they dislike. Free speech advocates warn that if such tactics succeed, it sets a dangerous precedent for transparency and accountability in Kenosha County.

Kenosha County Eye has made clear the story will not be taken down.

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75 Responses

    1. Kevin should have our support. This jerk judge is violating the 1st Amendment. That is a serious problem. It is a threat to our democracy. Kevin has the courage to fight it.

      It is impossible to deny that Kerkman is doing the exact same thing as President Trump. You can not condemn Kerkman without condemning Trump.

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      1. It’s easy to deny it because you are an idiot. It was done to Trump not by Trump, and except for your idiotic comment, this story has nothing to do with Trump.

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        1. Kevin pissed off Kerkman by writing a story that Kerkman did not like. Kerkman, the petty lefty tyrant, illegally restricted Kevin’s access in retaliation.

          Explain, logically please, how what Kerkman did is any different from what Trump did.

          You guys should be cheering Kerkman on.

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          1. You again? Is that you, Kamala voter? Trying to get likes from those misreading your comment while at the same time attacking our President, just so you can tell everyone how you fooled the Republicans on their own page?

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            1. Wow! Your babbling makes no sense. Who cares about “likes” except the dim-witted? I am just pointing out that you people have no critical thinking skills.

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          2. Trump’s denial of certain press credentials was because of LIES published by certain media outlets.

            The LEFT weaponized social and mainstream media against us:
            1. Lied about Hunter Biden’s laptop
            2. Manipulated online searches during COVID
            3. Supported the arrest of Catholics praying outside abortion clinics
            4. Lied saying “Mostly peaceful protests” in Kenosha during the Summer of 2020
            5. Ignored Ketanji Brown Jackson inability to define the word “woman” during her confirmation hearing
            6. Cheered on Alvin Bragg, Letitia James, Fani Willis & others who wrongfully charged & sued Trump

            Point to a single fact that is a lie that Kevin Mathewson published – have not seen it.

            Kevin starts to lie like the LEFT = strip his credentials.

            We need an honest & critical press – it is the bedrock of our Constitution.

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            1. It is clear that Kevin did not lie. However, neither did the Associated Press when they refused to call the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America. That pissed off Trump and that is why Trump restricted the AP’s access.

              Now Kerkman is pissed off, so he decided to restrict Kevin’s access.

              No matter how much kool-aid you drink, it is still the same. Both Kerkman and Trump are dangerous government officials doing a dangerous things. You cannot condemn one without condemning the other.

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              1. The Associated press did lie by refusing to follow first a Preidential Executive Order and then the name change codified by Congress. In effect, refusing to acknowledge a law and calling it something else is a lie. Brush up on your government.

          3. Trump’s denial of certain press credentials was because of LIES published by certain media outlets.

            The LEFT weaponized social and mainstream media against us:
            1. Lied about Hunter Biden’s laptop
            2. Manipulated online searches during COVID
            3. Supported the arrest of Catholics praying outside abortion clinics
            4. Lied saying “Mostly peaceful protests” in Kenosha during the Summer of 2020
            5. Ignored Ketanji Brown Jackson inability to define the word “woman” during her confirmation hearing
            6. Cheered on Alvin Bragg, Letitia James, Fani Willis & others who wrongfully charged & sued Trump

            Point to a single fact that is a lie that Kevin Mathewson published – have not seen it.

            Kevin starts to lie like the LEFT = strip his credentials.

            We need an honest & critical press – it is the bedrock of our Constitution.

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      2. You again? Is that you, Kamala voter? Trying to get likes from those misreading your comment while at the same time attacking our President, just so you can tell everyone how you fooled the Republicans on their own page?
        Send my best to your antifa buddies, would ya?

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        1. You are correct. It is not about Trump. However, it is impossible for intelligent people to not figure out that Kerkman did the same thing that Trump did.

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        2. To the mentally ill TDS afflicted, all local conflicts conflatable to Trump. It’s a waste of time and effort to attempt any civil rational engagement with a mental case that belongs in an asylum. Due to the breakdown of law and order with the low ilk of the Kerkman’s and Zoerner elected to officialdom due to complacent low voter turnout – that one is a Rainbow Kook with crazy eyes and the other, a fake Republican with public pics marching as a Democrat wearing a “vagina hat” are current officialdom is proof of Kenosha’s very poor national reputation. They make Kenosha residents look like a community of morons, imbeciles, and idiots.

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        1. Can back the badge without being a Dem.
          You people need some help.

          Trump is awesome. All presidents pull some bullshit.

          Our city officials, school board leaders, and religious leaders in this city are made up of Child Molesters, protectors of child molester and leaders that bend the law and policies in their favor.

          And you guys sit here crying who is left or right with such a fragile ego.

          Why not direct all that incompetent hostility towards someone in this city that deserves it.

          Kevin.
          Keep up the work.

  1. “I would welcome the chance to depose you under oath and expose the corruption you have inflicted not only on me, but on the thousands of litigants who have endured your black-robed reign of chaos. Put your money where your mouth is”.

    Well Chad? Do you have the balls or have you been neutered. . .?

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    1. Neutered. In the cabin in Lake Geneva, or was it let’s say before 2012? By the way, someone was asking about our Sargent Hard’s whereabouts, you never know, but perhaps he’s in the cabin with the other two.
      What a Zoo

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      1. Putting a man’s penis in another man’s ass is straight up abomination. I don’t like people like you who are part of the destruction of the usa

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  2. Unlike judge Rossell, Jerkman is vicious and vindictive. He will retaliate against you and anyone associated with you, even if many of them are counselors. He is even capable of issuing rulings against their clients’ interests. You’d better keep an EYE on him.

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  3. Say what you want, stick to the facts. Ones private life is just that, private. It’s deplorable of you to attack someone because of who they choose to be with. Keep in mind, your kids or someone you know could be gay. Stop the hate.

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    1. Exactly. This story is newsworthy and deserves to be reported, but no need to go into Kerkman’s personal life. Doing so makes it look like a personal beef and discredits Kevin as a legitimate journalist. It also goes against some of the things Kevin talked about in his story regarding holding friends accountable and the importance of journalistic ethics. Kerkman is definitely in the wrong here, but the inclusion of his personal life details serves no purpose in this story aside from pleasing gossip mongers.

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      1. The fact that he allegedly lived with a prosecutor and the prosecutor allegedly is giving him legal advice is relevant here, becuase both would be unethical and against ethical guidelines.

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        1. Kevin, I appreciate your response. *******************************************************************************************************

        2. Only problem I could possibly think of is these weasels will use Judicial immunity to escape any or all wrongdoing. They are liberal pieces of corrupt trash. Then again, just look at the town we live in. Where in this local government isn’t there corruption?

  4. You never heard about judges and/or their personal lives before. Because they were well respected. Remember Judge Kluka, Fischer, and Americas judge. They knew their jobs, the law and how to be professional. Compare those judges with Kerkman, Gabrielle ect. There is no comparison.

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    1. Of course not. Those were real judges, unlike this improvised poor excuse of them. You’re talking major leagues versus Kerkman and the other one, Gabriele a traitor who left the DA’s team when things started going south back in 2020.

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    1. Patience. The social percolation in process indicates likely detonation ahead in 2026-27. The Normal Smartset, including those with LGBTQ offsping corrupted by NEA public education and college academia, are not yet sufficiently angry to activate physically directly to remove the aggressive, degenerate Abnormies plus their entire protectorate officialdom to (fill in the blank) so to restabilize society and community into moral, productive activity and spiritual peace in safety.

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  5. So let me understand. Someone stated the Gay Brigade is running our court in town? That’s a comedy in itself or a future story.

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  6. In all truth, I filed for a civil case spent over a $100 and was just trying to retrieve some funeral money for a past loved one. The death was committed by a convicted person who was awarded bail bond money in holding, and judge kerman would not even give me the time of day. I put before him all the evidences. He didn’t even wink an.l eye, and it was over in less than 5 minutes. He didn’t want to hear anything I said and just denied it all! I was in disbelief!

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  7. The Depraved Mind that Chad Kerkman is afflicted with clouds his judgement, serves no justice to our community, makes him the laughing stock of Kenosha County, and damns his soul.

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  8. If someone has to appear in front of him, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring a recording device along as long as it is in open court. If he starts screaming or deviating from the procedures a judge is required to follow, bring the recording to the local media first and then to major outlets like Fox News. You see, all this issue stems from him attacking Mr. Solis, which somehow should have been reported to nationwide news as soon as it happened. There has been a lot going on against the new DA since he took office. After 100 years, Democrats can’t still digest his victory. Basically a lot of plotting. Or do you think all these mass resignations are not instigated by people from within, with the approval of individuals such as Kerkman, Gabriele and her minions?

    If a recording is made in open court (where permitted), it should be used responsibly, such as to document misconduct (e.g., a judge deviating from procedure), and shared with media only after considering legal and ethical implications. Local media might be approached first for community impact, followed by larger outlets like Fox News for broader reach, but this should align with local laws and court rules.

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      1. When you go to a concert, recording isn’t allowed either. Yet somehow, there’s this little thing called YouTube which is absolutely full of recordings.

      2. So, what do you think the penalties are? A fine, incarceration or being sent to the ‘Cabin of the Rising Sun’ in Lake Geneva with Sargent Hard kindly waiting inside?

  9. You are fighting against two of the three branches. Perhaps you should consider calling the cavalry:

    Contact Fox News Channel
    Phone: (888) 369-4762

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  10. …. have to place in a courtroom.

    Kevin will win and once again be allowed to photograph as he sees fit.

    The fact that both Sam and the ex are coming after him is because he is right. No pun intended.

    They say when they are all shooting at you then you know you are over the target.
    Why Sam got involved is beyond me. It’s a loosing battle. She has nothing in this as her children are most definitely aware of all the nuances of their parents lives. She’s not protecting anyone.
    And if she thinks she is then that’s just another reason to look for her replacement.

    Nice try Sam. We all had high hopes for you in your transition in your job choice from state to county.
    The pay increase as Substantial as it is just didn’t seem to be enough for you to realize you were going to be watched and scrutinized so much more.
    The media both social and news are so much different than they were when you were in Madison.

    You’ve lost your compass. And as I see it you are too far lost to get it back.
    Once again, Anyone that feels they are ready for these jobs and understands that it’s the Citizens that they work for not others politicians in the neighboring offices, step up now.
    The iron is hot !!
    We need you !

  11. Start a new page here – Kenosha Judicial Watch. Start logging all these decisions. Get the tip line going so you can report on all these stupid decisions and have enough ammunition to start taking these judges down come election time. Kerkman and Wilk would be a good place to start.

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Michele T. Garreau, 45, of Lake Geneva(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SALEM LAKES, Wis. — A 45-year-old Lake Geneva woman is accused of stealing more than $132,000 from a Salem Lakes-based ATM and gaming business over a period of several years, allegedly using much of the money to fuel what she described to investigators as a near-daily gambling addiction. Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail

KUSD Closes Recognition Week by Honoring Spark Award Winners and Friends in Education

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha Unified School District wrapped up its weeklong Recognition Week on Friday by celebrating employees and community members who district leaders say go above and beyond for students every day. The district honored its 2026 Spark Award winners — staff members recognized for exceptional dedication, leadership and service — along with this year’s “Friends in Education,” individuals and organizations praised

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Woman Accused of Drunken Head-On Crash That Critically Injured Two Sisters Held on $50,000 Cash Bail After Prosecutors Sought $250,000

Tegan S. Cox, 19, of Burlington (facebook.com)Scene Photo by Gale Nevala WHEATLAND, Wis. — A 19-year-old Genoa City woman accused of causing a fiery head-on crash while intoxicated that critically injured two sisters was ordered held Friday on $50,000 cash bail by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II after prosecutors initially sought $250,000 cash bail earlier in the case. The violent

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Kenosha Man Accused of Chasing Neighbor With Knife During Porch Dispute, Held on $2,500 Cash Bail

Joseph D. Plewka, 29, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 29-year-old Kenosha man is accused of pulling a large knife on a neighbor during an argument over belongings left on a shared porch, leading to a physical fight that spilled into an apartment, according to newly filed felony charges. Joseph D. Plewka, 29, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must

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Kenosha Man Accused of Choking Brother During Drunken Family Disturbance Held on $3,500 Cash Bail

Nicholas S. Ocana, 38, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 38-year-old Kenosha man accused of choking his brother during a violent drunken disturbance inside a family home was ordered held Friday on a $3,500 cash bail by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II. Nicholas S. Ocana, 38, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to

Riverport Chorus Wins Audience Choice Award for Second Straight Year

WILMOT, Wis. — The Riverport Chorus of Sweet Adelines International has once again earned top audience recognition at a regional a cappella competition, taking home the 2026 Audience Choice Bravo Award during the Region 3 Midwest Harmony Competition & Convention held earlier this month in Milwaukee. The Wilmot-based chorus received the award for the second consecutive year following its Open Division performance at

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Salem Man Accused of Holding Girlfriend Captive at Knifepoint, Threatening to Kill Her During Two-Day Domestic Violence Ordeal

Ascencion D. Obregon, 44, of Salem(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) BRISTOL, Wis. — Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II set a $2,000 cash bond Friday for Ascencion D. Obregon, a 44-year-old Salem man accused of terrorizing his longtime girlfriend during what prosecutors describe as a two-day domestic violence incident involving threats to kill her, false imprisonment, and a knife. Prosecutors had asked

New Born Learning Trail Opens at Fox River Park to Promote Early Childhood Education

SALEM LAKES, Wis. — Kenosha County officials and leaders from the United Way of Kenosha County recently celebrated the opening of a new early childhood education feature at Fox River Park aimed at helping young children learn through play. The new “Born Learning Trail” was unveiled during a May 2 ribbon-cutting ceremony at Area 1 on the south end of the park, alongside

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Milwaukee Man Accused of Stealing Nearly $5,000 From Kenosha Financial Business, THC Found During Arrest

Amir Lasean Bell, 28, of Milwaukee(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Milwaukee man accused of stealing nearly $5,000 from a Kenosha financial services business was ordered held Friday on a $1,000 cash bond by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II after prosecutors alleged he loaded company money onto his own card while working as an employee. Amir Lasean Bell,

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Pleasant Prairie Woman Charged With OWI 4th After Allegedly Driving Stolen Vehicle Without IID, Screaming Profanities at Scene

Kelsey E. Nottingham, 33, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 33-year-old Pleasant Prairie woman accused of driving drunk in a vehicle reported stolen by her ex-boyfriend was ordered held Friday on $5,000 cash bail by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II after prosecutors charged her with OWI 4th offense and other crimes stemming from a late-night disturbance

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Judge Rossell Gives Kenosha Man Work Release in OWI 4th Case, Underscoring County’s Soft Treatment of Repeat Drunk Drivers

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Judge Jason A. Rossell on Wednesday sentenced 44-year-old Kenosha man Jeremy D. Kipp to just 180 days of work release for felony OWI 4th offense, a sentence critics would say underscores how lightly the Kenosha County judiciary continues to treat repeat drunk-driving offenders — even those facing felony-level charges that many states punish far more severely. Kenosha County Circuit

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Zion Woman Arrested Nearly Two Years After Missing Court in Kenosha OWI 3rd Case, Given $5,000 Cash Bail by “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel

Teniesha L. Patton, of Zion, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 34-year-old Illinois woman accused in a long-running Kenosha County OWI 3rd case was finally brought back before the court Friday after authorities arrested her on an outstanding warrant that had been hanging over her head for nearly two years. Teniesha L. Patton, of Zion, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must

Racine Judge Dismisses Harassment Injunction Violation Charges Against Kenosha Drug-Using Therapist on Technicality; Kenosha County DA Vows to Refile

KENOSHA, Wis. — Criminal charges against a Kenosha therapist accused of repeatedly violating a harassment injunction were dismissed Friday by a Racine County judge on a technicality — but the Kenosha County District Attorney says he intends to refile the case. Niccolai’s OWI case, 5-count Misdemeanor case involving criminal Defamation, Computer Message-Threaten/Obscenity, Disorderly Conduct, two counts of Bail Jumping, and civil defamation suit

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Burlington Woman Facing Felony Charges After Fiery Wheatland Crash That Critically Injured Two Sisters; Heroic Bystander Pulled Young Woman From Burning Car

Tegan S. Cox, 19, of Burlington (facebook.com)Scene Photo by Gale Nevala WHEATLAND, Wis. — A 19-year-old Burlington woman is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after authorities say she crossed the center line on Highway 83 Saturday morning, causing a devastating head-on crash that critically injured two sisters and led to a dramatic rescue from a burning vehicle. The suspect, Tegan S. Cox, 19,

Salem Lakes to Host Public Presentation on Tax Incremental Districts

SALEM LAKES, Wis. — Residents in Salem Lakes will have an opportunity later this month to learn more about Tax Incremental Districts, commonly known as TIDs, during a public presentation hosted by village officials. The Village of Salem Lakes announced that it will hold a TID presentation on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 5 p.m. at Village Hall, located at 9814 Antioch Road.

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