KENOSHA, Wis. — Five years ago today, Kenosha County Eye (KCE) published its very first story. It was a small, scrappy local news experiment with a simple mission: to shine a light on government, courts, and community issues that others overlooked. Today, on our fifth birthday, KCE is stronger than ever, reaching more readers than we ever imagined possible.
What began as a one-man operation now attracts more than 750,000 monthly readers, making KCE one of the most widely read local news sources in the region. Our premium subscription service, KCE Plus+, has long surpassed 1,000 paying members and continues to climb steadily. That growth has given us the ability to expand coverage, break bigger stories, and hold more powerful people accountable.
Over the last half-decade, we’ve reported on everything from courthouse corruption and political scandals to school controversies and environmental battles. We’ve covered small-town board meetings when nobody else bothered to show up, and we’ve dug into public records to uncover stories the establishment hoped would never see the light of day. Our work has sparked investigations, forced resignations, and brought transparency to corners of government where secrecy once thrived.
It hasn’t been easy. Along the way, KCE has faced lawsuits and public criticism, but our commitment to fearless reporting has never wavered. Every setback has only reinforced why KCE exists: to give citizens the information they need to hold those in power accountable.
We wouldn’t be here today without the people who fuel this mission. Our advertisers have believed in us when others wouldn’t. Our guest contributors have added depth and perspective. Our tipsters — those brave enough to reach out with inside information — have given us the leads that spark some of our biggest investigations. But most importantly, we are here because of you, our readers.
From Kenosha County Courtrooms to city halls, village boards, and school districts, we’ve covered the stories that matter most to you and your families. We’ve reported on the decisions that affect your taxes, your children’s education, your public safety, and your community’s future. And through it all, your support, your clicks, your subscriptions, and your words of encouragement have carried us forward.
As we celebrate five years today, KCE remains committed to its original mission: fearless, independent local journalism. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished in half a decade, but we’re even more excited about what’s to come.
From all of us at KCE — thank you for reading, subscribing, sharing, and standing with us. Here’s to the next five years of shining the light where it belongs.
Happy 5th Birthday, KCE. Stronger than ever — thanks to you.
With gratitude,
Kevin E. Mathewson
16 Responses
Great job…. 👍
Great Job. Have followed you since the beginning. Without you people would have no idea what goes on in this city. Great job on replacing the Kenosha News as the source for local news!
Happy Birthday!! You have accomplished so much in a short time. Not enough time to name all the DEAD ASS elected douche bags that you have, and will continue to call out. Hope to see you at Italian fest. God bless!
you do act 5
we see you crazy caputo!
Kudos Kevin. KCE is an asset to digital media. There would never be change without your reporting. How else would the voters become informed? Keep up the great work!
I have only been a subscriber for a couple months but I enjoy reading what is going on around me. Thank you for your hard work!
I stopped subscribing to the Kenosha News 15 years ago! My local source of news would be local groups on Facebook commenting on what is going on in Kenosha. I have been reading KCE for over a year now, and have learned so much about our city leaders and law enforcement! Some good, but a lot of concerning actions by judges, DA’s and the sheriff. I’m also a paid subscriber. Happy 5th birthday KCE and many more. Thank you Kevin for working so hard to get the news out on what is happening in our city.
Congrats!!
Garbage
Lmao yet you’re here 🤣
Happy birthday KCE and best wishes.
Kevin ..Happy Bday … excellent work keep it up
Congrats Kevin. No local news in the local newspaper so we depend on you for the latest. Thank you for all you do👊🏻
Keep up the good work…I am one of your subscribers…
Kevin ..Happy Bday … excellent work keep it up